'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Moving to Round 9 of the MotoGP Calendar, we are still in the European leg of the season. The action resumes in Sachsenring in Germany where last year it was the scene to possibly one of the most chaotic MotoGP race starts in motorcycle grand Prix history. The majority of the field dived into the pitlane at the end of the warm up lap to switch to a dry setup.
That left only 6-7 bikes lining up on the grid and everyone else was crammed inside the pitlane waiting for the riders on the grid to start the race, as the rules stated. The result was a chaotic skirmish especially for the top riders who made the wrong strategy call. The circuit is predominantly a left-handed circuit with 10 left hand and 3 right hand corners, so we can expect a lot of tire wear on the left side of the bike
Moto3:
This weekend, the youngsters head to Germany after an intense round in Assen, Netherlands. Heading into qualifying, Miguel Oliveira will be unable to extend his winning form after a massive crash in practice ruled him out of the race. This unfortunate development for the Portuguese rider will benefit title rival Danny Kent who will without a doubt, try and capitalize on the absence of Oliveira. He did just that by grabbing a fine pole position.
But there are plenty of other fish in the sea that are ready to challenge him, for example Enea Bastianini who qualified 2nd and Karel Hanika in 3rd. With clear skies and a beautiful sunny day, just perfect conditions for racing, Moto3 will guarantee closely fought battles come Raceday.
Moto2:
After a fairly sluggish start to the proceedings, Moto2 is starting to heat up intensely. Johann Zarco stormed to pole position for tomorrow’s race with Xavier Simeon and Franco Morbidelli in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Zarco’s title contenders Tom Luthi and Tito Rabat start in 4th and 6th respectively and Simone Corsi splitting the two of them. The BIG question is “Will Rabat Successfully defend his crown or will we witness another trademark somersault from Zarco? (Crocs are optional)”. I guess we will have to stay tuned to find out.
MotoGP
But the main event will be what everyone is waiting for. Who will triumph over the rest? Will Rossi extend his winning streak? Will Marquez stop making silly errors and ride sensibly to a race victory? Will Lorenzo gain his first win in Sachsenring and overtake Rossi in the championship? Can Dani Pedrosa spring a surprise? And will Ducati mix and match up with everyone?
Marc Marquez looked quite serious for this race by notching up another pole position but he has Pedrosa and Lorenzo for company and Rossi on the second row. All in all, we are set for another classic Yamaha versus Honda and Ducati in the background waiting to pick up the pieces. Iannone is in a prime position to attack in 4th place, but Dovizioso is a little further behind. But whatever you do, don't rule out Suzuki from pulling off a masterstroke with Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales.
The Track:
The front straight and the back straight will witness innumerable slipstream attacks and no one, not even the leader is safe from getting swallowed up by the chasing pack. Turns 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are a tricky set of corners with the riders going around a series of fast left hand corners and suddenly flick it right at turn 11. This complex part of the circuit has caught out many a rider. But that doesn’t mean that the rest of the track is any easier. Turn 12, also called the Sachsenkurve,is a favored overtaking place along with Turn 13 where many a race has been won or lost.
Whatever unfolds on Sunday, I can assure you that you will be on the edge of your seat until the chequered flag drops. So st back and enjoy the race.
