Following a breathtaking round in Assen two weeks ago won by Valentino Rossi, MotoGP descends on Germany’s Sachsenring for round eight of the world championship this Sunday.
Despite finishing an uncharacteristically low fourth at the Assen round in the Netherlands two weeks ago, Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa heads in as the hot favourite after winning in Germany the last three years, and six times overall.
His main challenger, Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo, should be a little stronger following two weeks of rest. The Spaniard had a heroic ride to fifth place in Assen just two days after breaking his collarbone in practice. His doctors have told him that no further damage occurred in the race and that he is fit to contest at the Sachsenring. Yet how much pain he will be in at the small but fast track remains to be seen.
One thing he can probably count on is his resurgent teammate Rossi to help him challenge the Hondas, after the Italian won in the Netherlands – the former multiple champion’s first victory since coming back to Yamaha. An improvement in front-end feel has seemingly helped Rossi rediscover some old form, which no doubt he will aim to show once more at the Sachsenring.
The podium challenge is made even more exciting with Repsol’s Marc Marquez and Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Cal Crutchlow in superb form, with both making it onto the podium two weeks ago. Crutchlow is still looking to overcome a lack of pace in the early laps, which the Brit believes is the last hurdle to his first ever GP race win. Also seeking a marked improvement will be Ducati Team riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso after a disastrous weekend in the Netherlands, whilst Energy T.I. Pramac Racing’s Andrea Iannone will aim for the same. His teammate Ben Spies is unfortunately still absent due to his on-going shoulder injury problems, and will once again be replaced by Ducati test rider Michele Pirro.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Dani Pedrosa, Honda - 136 points
2. Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha - 127
3. Marc Marquez, Honda - 113
4. Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha - 87
5. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha - 85