Phillip Island oversaw perhaps one of the greatest grand prix motorcycle races of the past decade over the weekend – round sixteen of the 2015 MotoGP world championship.
The stunning views of the Bass Strait accompanied what is agreed upon by the riders as being ‘the best’ circuit in the world, along with unrivalled racing at its purest form.
Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez, who started from pole position was the one to clinch the victory. But for the Spaniard, who until now hadn’t scored points in Australia in his two seasons in the premier class – it wasn’t a simple affair.
All eyes were focussed on the two, fierce championship rivals in Yamaha teammates Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, but it was Ducati’s Andrea Iannone who captures the attention from second on the grid, heading into Doohan corner.
From there, it was a constant melee between Marquez, Rossi, Lorenzo and Iannone for the win. Initially the likes of Dani Pedrosa on the sister Repsol Honda and LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow were involved, however subsequently fell away.
There was everything from spectacular overtakes, wheel-to-wheel racing for the lead and local wildlife making its contribution to proceedings – everything (maybe not the seagull’s demise) grand prix racing is defined by.
For those who regularly tune into Dorna Sport’s coverage of the two-wheeled championship and have a close ear in for the commentary, would know that senior pundit Nick Harris hasn’t at all been subtle in sending a jibe or two to the grand prix equivalent on four-wheels.
And who can blame him? His comment during Sunday’s race came along the lines of “other world motorsport championships looking tame,” in the presence of MotoGP at present.
Back in August at the Czech Grand Prix, Harris’ jewel in the crown of Formula One slurs was “he’s come here to see some overtaking because it doesn’t happen where he comes from.” Made in reference to Mercedes AMG chairman Niki Lauda’s presence at the Brno circuit.
Whilst it is expected in the aftermath of the MotoGP event for the fair-weather viewers to hurriedly pledge their support in favour of the bikes, this frenzy of support to Formula One alternatives only further highlights the torrid state of competition within it.
At The Island, there were three different manufacturers between the top four riders all vying for the ultimate glory. Whilst Ducati by virtue of the ‘Open Class’ benefits it enjoys had certain advantages, there was still a variety of competition.
Formula One this season has been the polar opposite. At the forefront of the hybrid-turbo era which debuted in 2014, has stood a sole manufacturer. Despite Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel’s glimpses of equalling the mighty Silver Arrows, a triumvirate of titles looks set to be claimed by Lewis Hamilton.
One might argue that Yamaha, much like Mercedes AMG, have been dominant this season. However despite the bike’s proficiencies over Honda and Ducati, viewers have relished the intense championship season between two ambassadors of the sport.
It’s quite sombre in that regard, where the majority of Formula One’s wheel-to-wheel racing occurs for minor points paying places this year – in MotoGP the win is contested until the chequered flag.
Many will concede that there is no satisfaction in seeing leading names such as Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button fight over tenth place, as they have so frequently this season in the beleaguered McLaren-Honda.
In terms of the competitors, it is an encouraging sight to see the comradery in MotoGP on and off the track. Something seldom seen in Formula One, where even the podium celebrations appear to be scripted processions.
Even between bitter rivals Lorenzo and Rossi, there is more respect than say a
Hamilton shares with any of his fellow competitors. Very hard to believe considering the wall that was erected between the Yamaha pair during 2009’s cutthroat title fight.
The ostentatious and pantomime characters of the riders too prove a superior seller, over the convoluted droid-like drivers being programmed into Formula One.
As pretentious Lorenzo’s post-race celebrations are, they are a significant draw-card for the droves of fans you see trackside – almost akin to football fans with their distinct colours of support.
Many have canvassed a variety of things that need changing in Formula One, whether it’s the engine regulations or the very fabric of the sport in reference to the ownership.
In the end, the outcome must deliver closer competition, without a compromise to the hybrid direction in which the sport is headed. As well allowing the drivers to develop auras, so that instead of constantly having fans look through rose-tinted goggles at bygone eras – we can remember the heroes of the current generation, much like Rossi, Lorenzo and Marquez.
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