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

Sepang GP: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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Dovizioso the cat transformed into a tiger in Malaysia, like a Gremlin that multiplies its powers when it comes into contact with water. A win was just what the doctor ordered to repay him for his efforts and suffering in recent years. He is the ninth different winner this year in MotoGP and he has also defeated Rossi, for whom the number 2 has by now become a bit hard to swallow.

Iannone entertained us before falling, Marquez and Crutchlow imitated his dive. In Moto2, Zarco put on the crown again and in Moto3, Bagnaia wins a ride on a MotoGP bike, like at the amusement park.

THE GOOD – Brad Pitt spent 7 years in Tibet and Andrea Dovizioso spent the same amount of time in the purgatory of winless riders. All it took was a bit of water, a perfect Ducati and a right wrist perfectly synchronized with his brain to put out the flames of hell with liberating weeping. Dovi passed through the gates of paradise and there is no reason to think he won’t stay there for a while.

THE BAD – How can you not love the Sepang circuit, with its eye-bulging braking sections and those corners that invite you to see life sideways? Just resurface it with asphalt that dries slowly and poorly. The weather did not help, but someone made a mistake and it would be best if these problems were to become a distant memory by the February tests.

THE UGLY – You need oil for proper engine performance, not for race performance. However, if it is Moto3, Race Direction is more than willing to turn a blind eye and use less than common sense. When several riders go down in the race, it should raise doubts that perhaps something is not working right. On the other hand, we could be wrong and the strip of oil on the trajectory was a way to make the race more spectacular. At Valencia, maybe they could have a crocodile-filled moat outside the kerb that, after all, is not too different from that bike left on the ground by the track for a lap, with no one seemingly concerned about removing it.

Appendix: Brad Binder honoured his title of world champion returning to the garage with his KTM in sport naked version, waiting for the mechanics to get it sorted and then rejoining the race, albeit two laps behind. Good job.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT – We remember how Danilo Petrucci transformed into a shark at the first drops of rain, but lately he seems more like an easy-going sardine. Even on a dry track, things are not going much better, as if the derby with Redding for that GP17 is hurting him more than helping. We want the old Petrux back.

THE ERROR – In the last three races, Marc Marquez and Cal Crutchlow have brought home one win each and an almost simultaneous crash. They were both happier with the former.

THE CONFIRMATION – At birth, the fates were not too generous with Johann Zarco in terms of charisma, but in compensation, he was given other qualities. Like a right wrist worth its weight in gold and the ability to do backflips while wearing leathers. Two essential skills for becoming the Moto2 world champion for the second consecutive year. Bravò, naturally with the accent.

THE SURPRISE – This is what Francesco Bagnaia gave Borsoi by winning his second race of the season at Sepang. A promise is a promise and he will now have his chance to ride a MotoGP bike before a Moto2. And Gino is not all that angry about having lost.

Valentino Rossi, Andrea Iannone e Andrea DoviziosoTHE PASS –Valentino’s triple in the first lap deserves an honourable mention. Then we particularly liked the whole series with Iannone. The Maniac is back.

THE INTERESTING FACT – Heaven help anyone who skips or comes late to autograph sessions. Team Honda got an earful about it and the Suzuki and Ducati teams were fined 500 and 250 Euros respectively; the 2017 budgets are at risk.

I TOLD YOU SO – Marquez after his crash in Australia: “I learned another lesson.” He was back in school in Malaysia.

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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