It’s still tight at the top despite a dramatic Motegi, but tension is ramping up on the road to Buriram
The dust has no time to settle in the wake of a dramatic Motegi, with the paddock having already touched down in Thailand and the title contenders all reset and reloaded. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) is looking for a lot more than eighth, and at a track where the second half of the lap should certainly suit a little more, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) will be looking for a drama-free weekend after losing the chance to capitalise in Japan, and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) will have one thing on his mind: redemption.
The gaps remain fairly tight despite the drama in Japan, but with the rounds counting down fast the pressure is on. 18 points is more significant now there are only 100 left in play, and Quartararo will hope good memories of Buriram can replay this weekend as he aims to get back on the podium and start from the front row – with the Frenchman finding overtaking close to the limit.
Buriram 2019: Marquez and Quartararo’s fight for the ages
For Aleix Espargaro the frustration was also palpable, but for different reasons. The Aprilia rider had a solid race and his pace was good, too – he just had to start from pitlane after his first bike was left in fuel saving mode. What can he do this weekend? Teammate Maverick Viñales likewise left Japan with less than he’d hoped for, and he said it was the tyre choice that hampered a podium charge. Therein lie a couple of lessons to be learned for the Noale factory – but given the incredible progress already made, a specific focus is a positive when looking for that next step.
And so, Bagnaia. As teammate Jack Miller sprinted clear at the front, putting in one of the serious statement rides of the last few years of MotoGP™, Pecco faltered. “The only sweet taste today is for Jack,” the Italian said after his late crash out, but the saving grace for Ducati…