MotoGP News - Motegi Results

This is what MotoGP racing is all about! What a fantastic showing by the Kings... hard-core, exciting racing. I decided not to run a spoiler on this race - only because it deserved to be watched first hand. If you watched it, I'm sure you'd agree - and, you're welcome :)

Yuki Takahashi bulldozed Nicky Hayden on the first lap... tragic!!! It was a rookie mistake by Takahashi, and Nicky took a righteous hit. He suffered a concusion and both were (obviously) out for the rest of the race. Colin Edwards' crew spent the race in "Time Out" after incorrectly mapping the bike.... oops. He ended up claiming the 12th spot at race end.

Honda!! There you are! After some initially dismal performances, the Honda paddocks have returned to the boards - two in the top 5, led by Dani Pedrosa who turned in a brilliant performance earning himself a well-deserved podium spot. Andrea Dovizioso pulled off a 5th place finish - solid display of skills.

Casey Stoner - out of the top three!?!? It boiled down to a problem with the front brakes - a setback that may have seen a lesser rider out of the top ten or retiring from the race all together, but Stoner soldiered on and pulled off an impressive 4th place finish.

Jorge Lorenzo.... WOW! He was on fire! He turned in an absolutely flawless performance and helped to make this one of the most exciting races we've seen in a long time. He and teammate Valentino Rossi held on to the top two spots for Fiat Yamaha. Good luck pulling this guy into the Repsol camp, Honda. There's no doubt that if he keeps on turning out races "Motegi Style", Fiat is not going to be willing to part with him.

Of course, I have to mention Marco Melandri and Hayate Racing. He finished a strong 6th with glimpses of the podium along the way. Good things will come to him - and so it is written :) I also have to throw in Mika - he finished a very respectable 8th this weekend - seriously, keep your eye on this kid.

One more thing.... John Hopkins, former Rizla Suzuki rider, turned World Superbike Stiggy Racing jockey, suffered a wicked high side in his Assen practice session this past weekend. He sustained a dislocated hip as a result (ouch!!). Here's wishing you a quick and flawless recovery Hopper!!

Okay, that'll do it for this round of crap-spewing by Kristen.... here are the results of Motegi. The Gathering of the Bullets will continue this weekend in Jerez

1	J. Lorenzo	Yamaha
2	V. Rossi	Yamaha
3	D. Pedrosa	Honda
4	C. Stoner	Ducati
5	A. Dovizioso	Honda
6	M. Melandri	Kawasaki
7	L. Capirossi	Suzuki
8	M. Kallio	Ducati
9	J. Toseland	Yamaha
10	C. Vermeulen	Suzuki
11	R. De Puniet	Honda
12	C. Edwards	Yamaha
13	A. de Angelis	Honda
14	N. Canepa	Ducati
15	T. Elias	Honda

Until next time....

Rubb'er Down

Kristen