In Sweden, Good Friday or the first of May are the traditional days for inaguration rides and events marking the beginning of the sesason. Fortunately for me, I live a better biker-life at the moment and can enjoy riding my Ducati almost the whole year.
This Easter and 1st of May, though, my Ducati was stored away since I was travelling by other means. On the 1st of May I was at the circuit of Estoril enjoying the MotoGP. The weather forecast told us to gear up for rain. I was looking forward to seeing a wet race live since I find these races more exciting, especially if the conditons change and they have to pit for other tyres. But quite the opposite, it turned out to be a very sunny and warm day wich indeed is better for both audience and riders.
I was seated in corner 9, the chicane. I was able to get a good view of the bikes passing since this is a low speed corner and I could enjoy many overtakes and a few (injury-free) crashes. Awesome spot – but no TV monitors. This left me a bit puzzled since wI never knew when or how something had happened that changed the order in the group. But if you want to get the best view of a race you should at tay home watching TV, this is the truth. At sight, on the other hand, you get a full experience, the feel, smell and sound of the bikes.
In Moto 2, the italian rider Ianonne who started 14th on the grid managed to fight his way up to the leading group. Then pushing to hard he visited the sand pit and finally passing the finish line in 13th place.
Another highlight was the Spanish rider Bautista. It was absolutely fantastic to hear the crowds roar when he passes – lap after lap, even though he was many seconds behind the rest he still fought on, and could finish the race despite his injury (broken leg!). At the end of the race one of the marshals bows to the ground to show how impressed he is. I would have done the same. What an amazing effort!
After getting home, I watched all the races again over the internet, to fill in the gaps and to smile in memory of all the things happening in “my corner” of the track.
