MotoGP: An enthralling Spanish GP

Casey Stoner had a plan for his second win in as many races. He outclassed the pack in qualifying and claimed the top spot. His dominance in qualifying must have murdered a few ambition-filled hearts. The weather gods heard desperate prayers and decided to intervene. It rained at the GP of Jerez but just enough to introduce an unforeseen element of intrigue. Rain creates parity among machines, but it also gives rise to heroic feats.

Stoner got an excellent start while the other riders pushed and shoved for their bit of asphalt. The drama came quickly and in a brief twist of the throttle the GP was transformed into a contest dubbed – let’s see who can stay on the bike!

Simoncelli, riding as if he was possessed by speed, parted the MotoGP sea and went to the front, but crashed out from the lead. Like pins in a bowling alley, riders were falling everywhere. Seven time world champion Rossi seized the rain and made a move for the front. Should you tell a nine times world champion to be patient? Rossi was on fire, but his move on Stoner to take 2^nd position cooled him down as he connected with the surface, taking Stoner out in the process.

Lorenzo

The error/crash fest continued without pause – Ben Spies, Colin Edwards and Dovizioso – all bitten by rain! Defending world champion Lorenzo, despite being aware of the carnage, kept his machine as surefooted as a figure skater. Lorenzo didn’t falter and as he pulled a wheelie to seal his victory, the overt expression of appreciation from his fans triggered shockwaves throughout Spain! Rossi for his part rose from the ashes of his burnt effort and rode to finish 6^th. It isn’t over until it is over.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer