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MotoGP, Four aces at Jerez: the target is Marquez

Dovizioso, Rossi and Lorenzo arrive in Spain with the aim of stopping Marc, but he remains the favourite

MotoGP: Four aces at Jerez: the target is Marquez

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The time has come to head back to dear old Europe and Jerez, the track at which we used to say the 'real' championship would get underway.  Those days have gone though and no one should underestimate the significance of the three opening rounds.

The riders nevertheless look forward to the Spanish race as, on the one hand, it means less travel time (and therefore less jet lag), while on the other, it provides an opportunity to battle at an 'old school' circuit, just like those that will come after it.

Not everyone is in the same mood as they pack their bags for Jerez of course. There is the man who arrives as championship leader (thanks also to a little good luck which never hurts), namely Dovizioso, those looking to quickly make up for recent mistakes, namely Marquez, those who seek confirmation following an encouraging start, not least Rossi, and those looking for a comeback, starting with Lorenzo.

Four aces right there, with Jerez set to be a key round for each of them. Let's see why.

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO GOES FOR NINE AT JEREZ

Everything went to plan in Qatar, then Valentino snatched important points in Argentina, while Texas brought Dovi luck. The new Ducati, by his own admission, is one step ahead of the GP18, but is this enough for Dovi to be able to fight as an equal against Marquez and the Honda at every track?

Jerez was one of the trickier tracks for red bike, but that changes last season. Dovizioso must take no prisoners in Spain and do his best to thwart Marc. Easy to say, but tough to do, particularly when you're playing on your rival's home turf.

The Spanish circuit will serve as a test bench, the rider testing both his own strength and that of the Ducati, because a 9-point advantage over Marc is a very narrow margin, every opportunity thus needing to be exploited.

VALENTINO ROSSI AND HIS HUNGER TO WIN

He lies second in the standings, he's reached the podium in the last two races and is the strongest Yamaha rider. It appears things are going smoothly for Valentino, but it's not enough. He needs a win, something he's been missing for a long time now.

Fighting for the title with the kind of results he's achieving, as prestigious as they might be, is impossible and the Doctor knows this. He hasn't won a race for almost two years, missing out by so little in some cases, like Austin for example.

Now that the sharp edges of the M1 have been smoothed, one final push is needed. And let's not forget that Jerez is a friendly track for the Yamaha. Confirming the recent trend in Spain is important. Very important.

MARC MARQUEZ, STILL THE FAVOURITE

It goes without saying that Marquez remains the title favourite. A slip up in Austin is not enough to alter that fact. Many (starting with Roberts and Schwantz) have stated that it is the Spaniard who has everything to lose, rather than his rivals having everything to win.

A risky statement but one that has essentially proved true in recent years. If someone is able to truly breathe down the Spaniard's neck then things might change, but first they need to be close enough to do so.

The only doubt for Marc right now is his Honda. Not in terms of its competitiveness, but rather the small technical issues (remember the chain?) it is suffering. These haven't conditioned Marquez's races as yet, but it would be wise to get them sorted.

JORGE LORENZO SEEKS A COMEBACK

What with injury and technical setbacks, Lorenzo could not have got off to a worse start. We might say that his Honda debut is a little like his Ducati debut, not exactly a good sign. But there are extenuating circumstances this time around, so it would be foolish to count the Majorcan out so soon.

In Texas, he admitted he needed more track time with the RC213V and a favourable circuit at which to demonstrate his potential. Jerez meets this description (and the post-race test will be extremely useful to him).

His first Ducati podium came at the Spanish GP. With the forecast promising good weather, Jorge has a very good opportunity to show his stuff.

Translated by Heather Watson
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