Another day for the youngsters!
The fact that the season opener was in Qatar, seemed to be the only normal thing about this weekend, as we had plenty of unexpected results, which sets up a fascinating season of racing. There are also some big winners and losers, as well as some who fit into both categories!
Ducati will leave this weekend not knowing what to think, they ended up taking the pole and the win, however, the factory team had a diabolical weekend, leaving with no points, and little pace. In fact, if it wasn’t for Bastiannini, this would have been the worst weekend for the team in a few years. Enea was one of the hidden stars of last year, who produced some stunning late race charges, all on a very old bike. Despite still not getting the brand new bike this year, the relative upgrade meant there was a feeling he could be right in the fight now, which turned out to be correct. He qualified second, and fought back after a poor start, to gradually make his way to the front, as other riders lost grip. This was an emotional win for the Gresini team, after Fausto’s death, and could be the first of many this year, maybe even a title challenge for Bastiannini?
Pramac and the factory team really need to do some soul searching, it seems clear to me that the new bike is no improvement, unless it is taking them time to get on top of it. It may well be the latter, but they can’t waste time getting use to the bike, as points are crucial in a championship this tight. Miller was unfortunate to retire with an unknown issue, he was actually running fairly well before then, so could have made their day better. Bagnaia was fighting back from his qualifying spot, when he misjudged the corner as he passed Martin, taking them both out. Martin seemingly wasn’t happy with the bike as he was dropping back, and Pecco was likely to only get 7th at best.
From a team on the fall, to one definitely on the rise, with Honda. The fact that Pol very nearly won that race, as well as clearly beating Marquez, shows the huge steps he and the team has taken in the off season. His pace was excellent, he just couldn’t hang on to the soft rear tyres, but second is a brilliant way to start the year. Marquez will not be pleased to be beaten by a teammate for the first time in years, it just seems that he is taking more time to get used to a bike which is very different to what he is used to. It will come to him though, and we better watch out then.
KTM are another team who had a mixed day, as if it wasn’t for Binder, they would have been nowhere. His qualifying on Saturday made me think he had a great shot at the win, and when he was second on the first lap, he looked like the favourite, yet the race pace of last year seems to have slipped away slightly, and he couldn’t challenge for the top spot. That being said, I am sure he will take the qualifying pace over the lack of late race pace, as he is now up front properly. Olivera needs to step up soon, he was blighted by injury last year, but that excuse only works for so long in this industry.
Despite the huge gain in straight line speed, they have found for this year, Suzuki are still stuck in that position where they aren’t quite on race winning pace. On Friday, they looked like favourites, and the speed on the straights stayed with them, however, my guess is that it came at a cost in the corners. 6th and 7th is solid, but they did better last year, so there is no reason to be that happy. Rins has got his season started smoothly, and has to keep it up, if he wants to stay in the sport.
It was a successful weekend for Aprilia, who seem as though they have made another, further step towards the front of the grid. Aleix barely missed out on a podium, and was right at the front all race long. Vinales on the other hand, is still not comfortable with the new bike, and needs to get there soon, before a young hotshot comes along and takes it off him.
The worst weekend of the lot, however, goes to Yamaha, who couldn’t get a bike in the top 8. With Suzuki’s gain in speed, Yamaha are on their own now, as the slowest bike on the straights by far. It wasn’t like they could make it up in the corners either though, which left Quartararo down on the grid in qualifying, from where he struggled to make any progress. I do hope that this isn’t all that they have, as otherwise it could be a long hard season for them. Morbidelli was close to Fabio, which is all he needs to do really, at least at the start of the year.
The form guide for the season has been totally ripped up over the course of the last 3 days. Ducati have a fast bike, but not in the hands of the ones you would expect. Honda might now be one of the favourites, Binder has some serious pace to offer, Aleix could well get his first win soon, and Suzuki aren’t far away either. Will it all change again at the brand new track in Indonesia?
-M
Meaning of Motorsport 