MotoGP, even in this seemingly perfect world mistakes can occur

The Motegi weekend was a pretty turbulent one for the world championship circus. The forecast looked far from ideal and no one knew what to expect as clouds loomed over the track.

In the end, the round ran according to schedule, with only the third free practice cancelled after rain delays affected the minor categories. The race was won by Ducati man Jack Miller who was followed across the line by Brad Binder with KTM and Pramac rider Jorge Martin. But where were the championship leaders in all this? 

Not everyone’s perfect

It was almost as if Quartararo, Bagnaia and Espargaró didn’t race at all, in championship terms that is. Although Quartararo was able to capitalise somewhat on the difficulties – and mistakes – of others. The Frenchman finished sixth. Pecco made an error in judgement as he tried to pass “El Diablo” and the Aprilia rider had to start from pitlane after an incorrect ECO mode remained active on his RS-GP.

The world of racing has always been a celebration of perfection. Of the “nothing is left to chance”. Well, almost the opposite was true at Motegi. In making mistakes, however banal, all three title contenders missed out on an excellent opportunity. This is probably how you lose, or win, a world title, throwing away a race win or a podium when your direct rivals are behind and in trouble. In the past, there have been those who have profited from these situations and benefitted come the end of the year, lifting the championship trophy.

 The riders’ standings

At this point, everything remains more or less the same in terms of the title fight. Fabio climbs to 219 points, thanks to his sixth-place finish. Pecco remains where he was, on 201 points, unlucky but also lucky that the Yamaha rider didn’t further profit from the situation. But the man most affected is Aleix Espargaró who finished the race in sixteenth place, through no fault of his own, and increases his deficit to +24 points.

The riders are already set for the next round which will see them compete at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand over the weekend of 1-2 October.

Traslated by Heather Watson

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