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MotoGP, Jerez GP: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Spaniard do the triple at home

MotoGP: Jerez GP: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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Old Europe has brought new things and not all of them are to everyone's liking. While Honda has found the way once more, with Pedrosa-Marquez on the attack, Yamaha has been sucked into a world of doubt and frustration so black as to block out the Andalusian sun. A ray of light has hit Ducati though, particularly Lorenzo, never so pleased about a third place finish.

Overall the Jerez GP proved to be a Spanish symphony, perfectly executed, with Pedrosa, Marquez (Alex) and Canet the winning trio. Italy's smiles comes in the shape of Fenati and Bagnaia, some small satisfaction.

Three days of passion, ahead of Le Mans where riders will be looking for answers to the many questions.

THE GOOD – Pedrosa's tears on the podium, an intimate gesture shared with thousands of people. Everything's been said about Dani, to the extent that he almost needs to apologise for anything he does. On Sunday he had fun and he was moved, but he also moved the many fas, regardless of the colour of their flag. Perhaps this is the biggest win.

THE UGLY – The only thing worse than losing is not taking part and that's how it went for the factory Yamahas at Jerez. You can't talk about defeat unless you've been part of the battle.. Rossi and Vinales battled but not against their rivals. The adversaries were the tyres, incorrect set-ups and various problems and there's little to add. Perhaps hypnosis would help them forget, but they could also do with a good race at Le Mans.

THE BAD – Like the teachers of days gone by, who'd rap your knuckles if you got the answer wrong. Viñales knows something about this, having admitted that he won't speak ill of Michelin again after the telling off he received by email after Austin. In this age of child riders, it can happen that some will end up behind the blackboard, electronic of course.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT – Suzuki where are you? From young promise to established unknown, the transformation of the GSX-RR in the post-Viñales era. Iannone is trying, sometimes exaggerating, but not engaging. The impression is that it's going to take longer than expected to get back where it was.

THE CONFIRMATION  – The Spanish school is not in crisis, in fact it continues to be the Harvard of motorcycling. Starting with the three wins at Jerez, plus the triple in MotoGP and two out of three in Moto3. At least Italy was able to reach the podium with Fenati and Bagnaia, better than nothing for Italian pride.

THE MISTAKE – After three wins in a row, we can't shout at Morbidelli for the crash in Spain. It's a pity he lost out on points, but Franco can quickly get back on his feet.

THE SURPRISE  – Seeing a Ducati on the podium at Jerez happens about as often as Halley's Comet. So stepping up there was a small step for man, but a giant step for Lorenzo. The red bike is finally on Jorge's side and seems to have made peace with the Spanish circuit, also seen in Dovizioso and Petrucci's performances. Is the best still to come?

THE PASS – That cursed – or blessed matter of point of view – the last turn at Jerez still keeps some riders up at night. Aron Canet will be dreaming about it for other reasons, as this is where he passed to secure the Moto3 victory. The sleep of the righteous.

THE INTERESTING FACT – On Saturday, as is tradition, those in pole received the watch and plate. This time, rather than a local dignitary handing it over, it was Giacomo Agostini. So the riders became fans, asked the legend to sign their prizes. Class has no age.

I TOLD YOU SO – This time it is collective: “the Yamahas are favourites at Jerez”. Perhaps in another dimension...

Translated by Heather Watson
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