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MotoGP, Sachsenring GP: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Everything went to plan for the Spanish champ at the MarquezRing, the Yamahas step up while the (factory) Ducatis sink

MotoGP: Sachsenring GP: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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At the Sachsenring, Marquez took the biggest risk after the race was finished, heading to a grandstand to celebrate only to find himself surrounded by people dressed only in yellow. Aside from this, his German weekend went without a hitch, allowing the Spaniard to head into the holidays with an even more reassuring lead in the championship standings.

Only the Yamahas were able to stand up to hurricane Marc, performing at a track that has been less than favourable to them in the past. Valentino took a note out of Folger's 2017 book, while Vinales finally made peace with the M1.

Many colours then, though the Grand Prix was not painted red. Petrucci just missed out on the podium, Bautista placing right behind him but things were worse for Lorenzo and Dovizioso, who will spend their (limited) holiday time digesting this latest disappointment.

THE GOOD – Celebrating as a family is always great, and Valentino (Rossi) and Luca (Marini) were able to do just that for the first time. While Marini took the first important step along a career path still to be written, Rossi wrote the umpteenth chapter in his neverending story. There might be 18 years between them, but you don't realise this when they're on the podium. The Doctor didn't know whether to be more proud of his own race, or that of his brother.

THE UGLY –  A farewell note, a box of chocolate, even just a handshake. It wouldn't have been difficult to send Pedrosa off in style, but first Honda remained silent and then Puig and Kuwata expressed differing opinions as to the reasons behind Dani's departure. Nineteen years together, three titles and 54 wins cancelled out in the space of one weekend.

THE BAD – The Dunlop debacle continues. In Moto2 it withdrew one of the two tyres available (for safety reasons). In Moto3, it gave Bastianini a duff tyre. Michelin had offered to supply the two 'minor' classes, the answer was no but we fail to understand why.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT – You can't always win, but when you don't you need to be first among the losers. This was not the case for Dovizioso and Lorenzo, beaten by both Petrucci and Bautista. A blow to morale, but particularly to the standings.

THE CONFIRMATION  – This really might be the last year they race at the Sachsenring, as they're thinking about renaming it the MarquezRing.  Marc's win in Germany was as good as a foregone conclusion, and he appears to be enjoying one of the best moments of his career. Don't believe us? Mistakes aside, his worst result this season has been a second-place finish. Enough said.

THE MISTAKE – Pol Espargarò's strike ruled out Rins and forced Iannone to face an impossible recovery. The Spaniard deserved a special 'prize' for his efforts, instead he receive abuse from the Suzuki pairing.

THE SURPRISE  – Some say that Bautista's change of pace comes down to the fact he risks being without a ride next season. Perhaps they have a short memory, as Alvaro has shown he is more than capable of running in the top ten, no easy feat in the current MotoGP. He outdid himself at the Sachsenring, closing ahead of the two factory Ducatis. It would be a shame to lose him.

THE PASS – Not one but 13, the passes Pecco Bagnaia was forced to make after running off into the gravel to avoid Pasini, who crashed in front of him. The 4 points scored means he goes into the holidays still at the top of the Moto2 standings.

THE INTERESTING FACT – Marquez is just a rookie, with his elbow in constant contact with the asphalt. Scott Redding thought he's show him how it's really done, raising the bar so to speak. Here he is with his helmet dragging along the tarmac. The photo says it all.

I TOLD YOU SO – Crutchlow certain on Saturday: “the Ducatis will be quick right to the end, they won't suffer the tyre drop as much as others". The bike is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Translated by Heather Watson
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