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The Austin Grand Prix was quite clearly all about Marc Marquez, a race that the Spaniard dominated and with which he's silenced his detractors. The Texas weekend also threw up a few other topics of interest too.
As ever, Carlo Pernat is on hand to analyse a weekend that brought one big winner, a few surprises and, inevitably, some disappointments.
“There's an old saying that goes something like 'don't scratch the bear when's he agitated' and that's pretty much what we saw with Marc With three quarters of the paddock against him, he's become a grizzly. He was 100% motivated and showed everyone how it's done, proving that he's the strongest. Hats off to him”.
Austin was also a chance to see Iannone on the podium for the first time with the GSX-RR.
“Iannone was very motivated, he hasn't exactly been in the best situation, and he completed great race in the hope of being reconfirmed by Suzuki or finding another competitive bike. This was why he was able to complete a surprising race”.
Pernat was less impressed with Rossi's GP.
“Valentino was less than motivated, I think he'd run out of steam after the stress and battles. I'm not saying it was one of his worst races but he was made to pay by both Marquez and Vinales. He went the opposite way compared to Marc and this might be a cause for concern”.
The red bike also failed to shine in Texas.
“Bad news for Ducati. I think they've made a mistake following two different development paths, one for Dovizioso and another for Lorenzo. In the end's it's left Andrea in crisis and they need to retrace their steps. They should have built the bike as Dovi wanted and not wasted energy, because at this point Lorenzo can't reach the top of the standings. They should take a step backwards”.
A final comment regarding Cal, KTM and Aprilia.
“A pity for Crutchlow, he could have reached the podium. No good news for KTM or Aprilia either, they're struggling. The fact that Marquez turned KTM down proves that it will take time. I don't know if building four bikes is an advantage or not. Aprilia should ask themselves whether it's time to make an investment, rather than continuing to perform at levels that don't reflect well on the company”.
