The next time, they’ll need to have him start from the circuit entrance. Indeed, because stopping someone like Marc Marquez at the COTA is an impossible undertaking. Austin proves once again to be number 93’s stronghold, bringing home his sixth consecutive win on the American track. It was a race dominated from start to finish by the Honda rider, so much that only crumbs were left for his rivals.
This is his 62nd career win and his 36th in the premier category. It is an impressive streak that has him on the podium for the 102nd time, including 64 in MotoGP: “It was a question of strategy – revealed number 93 – I wanted to push from the start and get away at the front since I didn’t really feel like battling. I am happy because we will arrive in Spain with a good result.”
Behind the winner was Maverick Viñales on his Yamaha. The M1 rider was powerless against his compatriot’s superpowers: “I had a lot of fun, despite some struggles with the front – the Spaniard began – I want to dedicate the win to Hayden, who is always in our hearts.” In the all-Spanish festivities, there was still a touch of the Belpaese. In fact, holding the Italian flag high was Andrea Iannone, with his first podium astride the Suzuki: “I am very happy with this feeling – The Maniac stated – It is the result of hard work and at the same time the will to never give up.”
In Austin, the Italian finished ahead of Valentino Rossi. In the first half of the race, the Doctor had tried to stay on his compatriot’s pipes, but unlike his teammate, number 46 lacked the pace, allowing the number 29 rider to make the difference. It was fifth place, on the other hand, for Andrea Dovizioso who now finds himself back on top of the championship standings by just one point over Marquez, capitalising on Cal Crutchlow’s crash. The Italian bested Zarco, followed by a stoic Dani Pedrosa, called on to reckon with a painful wrist after suffering a fracture in Argentina.
There was also room in the top ten for Miller, Rabat and A. Espargaró, whereas Lorenzo and Petrucci did not quite make the cut after a less than stellar performance.
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