Japanese Grand Prix talking points: Verstappen returns to winning ways as Perez solidifies grip on Red Bull seat
Red Bull and Max Verstappen vaulted right back to the top of the charts with a win in Suzuka, after his DNF in Melbourne.
Jorge Lorenzo took his third win of the season and his second consecutive at the Circuit de Catalunya in Sunday’s round of the MotoGP, ahead of fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.
Pedrosa had, on Saturday during second qualifying, smashed the circuit record set by Australian former MotoGP rider Casey Stoner, which he set on board his Ducati in 2008.
There were three Spaniards on the podium once again this season, as Marc Marquez claimed third position after a fight for second place in the closing stages of the race, with Marquez going wide after an attempted pass on Pedrosa.
Valentino Rossi finished fourth after a disappointing home Grand Prix two weeks ago in Mugello, when he was taken out by Honda Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista but it was almost a case of Deja Vu for the Italian when, on the opening lap, Bautista again made an error in judgement before coming close to the back wheel of the factory Yamaha rider and this time only taking himself out of the race.
Yamaha’s Tech 3 rider, Briton Cal Crutchlow, crashed out of the proceedings after a strong weekend when in qualifying he was able to equal his career-best qualifying position by taking second behind pole sitter Pedrosa.
The only Aussie in the top class, Bryan Staring, finished 14th postion, his career best and only point scoring round of the year. He did later admit he was helped by a greasy track due to the changing weather conditions, which saw his CRT competitors go down around him.
The Spaniards take up the top three positions in the World Championship standings, with Dani Pedrosa still leading after his second place finish at his home Grand Prix.
The Championship now moves onto The Dutch TT of Assen in two weeks’ time, where the battle for the title will continue.
Looking for great odds on racing and sport? Get into the action with PlayUp today. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Red Bull and Max Verstappen vaulted right back to the top of the charts with a win in Suzuka, after his DNF in Melbourne.
Japan Grand Prix has been the most entertaining of the season to date, but Max Verstappen was back to his winning ways.
This season is only four races old, but Fernando Alonso needs to decide on his future beyond this year sooner rather than later. Formula…
It’s a pretty good time to be a Tasmanian sports fan right now. After years in the sporting wilderness with not much to celebrate,…
The question remains where the Australian Grand Prix winner will be in 2025 and whether it’ll be somewhere his value can truly be appreciated.
The author of a new book on Aussie F1 prodigy Oscar Piastri believes the Melbourne driver has what it takes to become Australia’s first…