Category: Moto GP

At MotoGP de Catalunya – our local race

Exhausted and burned, I’m now trying to get a bit of rest before a very busy work week. Tomorrow I’ll begin my third job, something which will minimize the economical damage of taking two weeks off before the national holiday period to go to the Estonian rally.

A small part of the motorbike parking, two wheels is the popular way to get around in Barcelona
A small part of the motorbike parking, two wheels is the popular way to get around in Barcelona

But that is tomorrow, today was awesome: Christopher and I spent the day at the Montmelo race track, not for running this time, but for what is now our local MotoGP race. It was hot, sweaty and filled with exciting action. We’ve been to this race before, but this was the first time we could arrive on the bike, buy our ticket at the door and bring our picnic on to the grass – just like the locals do.

Surveying the race
Surveying the race

Now, apart from some Japanese chill cream on my sunburnt shoulders, I just need a dinner and a good night’s sleep to get ready for the juggle of three different teaching schedules.

 

He’s back!

The rumour has been confirmed. Casey Stoner returns to Ducati, as a test rider but with possible wildcard appearance.

Casey Stoner's victory lap 2008
Casey Stoner’s victory lap 2008

I saw him win the MotoGP in Valencia 2008, the year after I saw him crash in front of the Ducati stand, on the warm up lap. I nearly cried. Apparently, there was a mechanical failure. For us, on the grandstand at the first corner, it just looked utterly strange. I was so sure that he would win and the sight of this ridiculous crash shocked me. However, the championship was already out of reach so it made no difference in the big scheme of things, I just lost out on some good racing.

Now that he is back, I will keep my fingers crossed for some wild card appearances. Ideally, I would have wanted to see Stoner race Marquez on equal material, i.e. the factory Honda. Apparently, Honda wasn’t interested in that when Pedrosa was injured and there could have been an opportunity. Perhaps they were worried that Stoner would threaten their golden boy. However, to see Stoner back on a Ducati would be almost as good, I believe his strength is that he can adapt his riding to different bikes successfully. The Ducatis are competitive again, Dovizioso has proved that. Welcome back Stoner, I have missed you!

“In appreciation of your contribution”

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I’m amazed to find this “thank you” letter from the Australian GP corporation in my letter box, it has authentic signatures, not photocopied. We were 500 marshals. I’m impressed! It also shares some statistic from the race, such as the number of overtakings between the top 4 riders in the GP category, 52 (!) and the number of lead changes, 12 (!). Apart from this they prais our work as marshals and wants us back for next year, if only I could, I had the time of my life!