MotoGP : Pedrosa steals spotlight in Italy

Valentino ‘the Doctor’ Rossi is the defending World Champion and he has won 9 of the last 14 races at Mugello. So it wasn’t surprising, that the most important news item heading into Sunday’s Grand Prix of Italy, was Rossi’s absence from the grid. Rossi fell victim to a violent high-side on Saturday and the broken leg which resulted, will sideline him for at least 4 races! The window of opportunity for the chasing pack is now wide open!

Despite their rivalry, Jorge Lorenzo showed support for his team mate with a sign which read – Everyone can feel pain but not everyone can be a legend. Well done Jorge!

Casey Stoner (Marlboro Ducati), last year’s winner qualified third, but Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) was the class act, grabbing pole ahead of championship leader Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha).

Dani Pedrosa

In front of a massive crowd, in Ducati country, with stands drowned in a sea of red, Round 4 revved to a start. Pedrosa got the ideal line into turn 1, rode to the front and stayed there. His team-mate, Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), booted Stoner from 3rd  , challenged Lorenzo, passed him, but the favor was returned quickly. The order of the top three was etched in the asphalt (Pedrosa, Lorenzo and Dovizioso), while the rest of the pack played catch up.

Nicky Hayden left his burden in Turn 12, as his front end tucked and made him a spectator. The most intriguing battle at Mugello was wrapped within positions 4th to 6th  – involving Marco Melandri, Randy de Puniet and Casey Stoner. The jostling knew no pause, but it struck fever pitch on the final lap. Casey Stoner possibly inspired by the ‘Red Sea’ (Ducati fans), found an Italian buried within and gave the fans a talking moment. Riding with a champion’s fire, he grabbed 4th and held it to the finish line.

Dani Pedrosa has not won from pole since Valencia, 2007, but the 24 year old displayed nerves of steel and skills rivaling any circus act. At a circuit known for its fast flowing chicanes, with speeds bouncing off the 210 mph mark, Dani Pedrosa tutored the world’s best riders, rode to a convincing victory and strengthened his championship bid. Pedrosa finished ahead of Lorenzo and Dovizioso and flung himself in the hunt for a championship.

With Rossi out (for at least 4 races), the obvious question is – Who will win the championship this year?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On – Line Writer