MotoGP: The Grand Prix of Japan

Repsol Honda and Dani Pedrosa had big plans heading into the Grand Prix of Japan for several reasons. Pedrosa has shown remarkable form in this the latter part of the season and he has emerged as the ground commander, leading the charge to topple the dominant Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha), who was invincible. Pedrosa found his weakness and successfully slowed Lorenzo’s runaway train.

Pedrosa’s P2 finish in Aragon and the efforts of the Ducati Team pair of Stoner and Hayden have reduced Lorenzo’s points lead to 56, with 5 rounds of outright war remaining. So Pedrosa had every reason to be feeling like Spartacus and couldn’t be blamed for thinking that he could slay them all and become the MotoGP champion – reason number 1.

Reason number 2 – Repsol Honda would be putting their machine and their ability as a team on display at home, in Japan, in front of their fans and well-wishers, so a strong showing wouldn’t hurt.

Pedrosa

But even the best laid plans are foiled. Pedrosa said that he was looking forward to the GP in Motegi and added that he wanted to maintain his momentum, but his road map slipped through the shredder. Five minutes and 2 laps into Friday practice, Pedrosa was separated from his machine and the subsequent coming together with the surface, fractured his left collarbone. Pedrosa will take no further part in the GP of Japan.

Motorsports at this level is inhumane. The show continues with or without you. In Pedrosa’s absence, Rossi set about climbing the time sheets. He was quickest.

Lorenzo may breathe a bit easier now, but not for long. The howling wolves await him and each time he blinks he is attacked. Casey Stoner will be aiming for successive wins. Hayden, I am certain, enjoyed his podium finish at Aragon and wouldn’t object to a repeat. Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) has Honda’s pride on his shoulders. Spies, despite being stunning thus far, is still proving that he is the real deal and not a fluke. What about the other riders on the grid who are fighting to keep their rides or to ink their names to new contracts. Take my word for it – the GP of Japan on Sunday (3rd) will be like all the others before it – exhilarating!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer