We made it this time. The batteries have been recharged, the situation points assumed and it is time to leave your vacation spot to reach Brno and take up the challenge for the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic. The second part of the season opens this weekend, an expected return for a campaign sequel which is no less so, it is so undecided. The top four in the standings are united in just ten points. Everything has to be done.
The one who perhaps has the highest morale is a Marc Márquez who, despite thirteen falls, despite a liability which rose to 37 points behind, launches the second part of the year in the position of leader of the championship. Two victories and good management of bad times, both his own and those of others, allowed him to survive and then bounce back. No, the reigning World Champion is not ready to give up his scepter.
Maverick Vinales is in a different frame of mind. Everything seemed to him to be acquired very early on before experiencing a setback and two falls which hurt him. Not physically, but morally. The Yamaha rider especially regrets his abandonment at Assen and an osmosis with his degraded M1 that he wants to find again. Second overall, five points behind the HRC driver, he is still in the running but disappointed, because he clearly saw himself above the poster at this stage of hostilities.
Andrea Dovizioso on the other hand, you still can't get over finding yourself at such a party with a Ducati GP17 which showed unsuspected qualities late in life. But the fact is there: here is an experienced, intelligent, strong and fast rider who knows his bike like the back of his hand, in the running for the coronation. A customer to be taken seriously who will always be able to do well as long as the reds continue to decode the versatile character of Michelin tires.
Valentino Rossi is ten lengths from the leader which is both a little and a lot. Only one victory but the Doctor never gives up. His start to the season was complicated with the new Yamaha, but he knew how to hunker down before raising his head magnificently. If there is one who will know how to pull the chestnuts out of the fire and deliver the final blow as soon as the opportunity arises, it's him.
Here’s to getting us back in the mood. And again, we didn't talk about a Dani Pedrosa fifth and in ambush, from a Iannone in search of redemption while two pilots at Tech3 will be keen to continue their subscription to the outposts.
