Although it is necessary to recognize that the last inaugural GP of Qatar has left a good taste in the mouth of all fans of motorcycle racing. Especially in Moto2, with an impressive race of ours as a highlight of a national triplet weekend. Particularly I think, and this is mere personal opinion, that Qatar is more a show and glamor GP. Something like the All Star of the NBA, (I can not think of another comparison), but at the beginning of the season. When the Motorcycling World Cup comes to Europe and it does in Jerez it is something else. No lampposts and nocturnal wanderings. No deserts and sand on the track. All the circuits have their technique and their complications but the Circuito de Jerez takes these words to a higher level.
By technical layout, by their hobby, by the environment. The GP of Spain in Jerez is motorcycling in its purest state as it shows year after year and this 2012 season will not be less. We are going to leave the lamb with spices and the tea infusions of Qatar, which have theirs, I do not doubt it, and we will go in with a little ham, fried fish and some beers. Needless to say that these beers will be alcohol-free if you plan to move on your bike to land Jerezanas. On the contrary, if this year you do not have the luck and the privilege of being able to go to the circuit to watch the races live, we will tell you everything that happens in Motorpasión Moto. And as is usual in these pages, among all of us who gather here, we give our opinion of what happens. Attentive to the schedule of TV broadcasts to which you can access at the end of the article.
Moto3: Maverick Viñales, the man to beat and the reference
The Moto3 for being their first year have a lot of room for improvement and that is well known by the teams. The tests that have been done in this circuit of Jerez have provided much information but are not the same conditions that can be given in the race. More or less you know what these 250cc and four-stroke motorcycles can give of themselves but, as we say, there is still a way to go and I’m sure that the chronometer will sing lower times as the season progresses. Between the IRTA and the last GP of Qatar, the man to beat is called Maverick Viñales.
It is unstoppable as it has shown last season and at the beginning of this. The fast riders will be there for sure and Jerez, under normal conditions should be the territory of Sandro Cortese, Luis Salom or Miguel Oliveira among others. Eye to the Italian promise and surprise in Qatar, Romano Fenati. Although its year of contact and learning is supposed, you can come up with “little to lose”. Do not lose sight of Danny Kent who did well last year in the defunct 125cc with a fourth place. My prediction for Moto3 is as follows:
1. Maverick Viñales
2. Luis Salom
3. Alex Rins
Moto2: THE CATEGORY, and point
So, with capital letters and without any doubt. They have already manifested it since its creation with the most exciting races that have been seen for many years. Unlike in MotoGP where the CRT issue has yet to put things in place, with the Moto2 category, Dorna has found the Holy Grail of motorcycle racing. I sincerely believe that neither they knew how well it would develop everything for those engines of origin CBR600, between chassis and suspensions of various manufacturers. As a negative part, the rugby scrum that forms in the first corner can be dangerous but the grid was limited at the time and also in this the pilots have much to do. Excitement for everything high in Moto2.
And here we must recognize Marc Márquez his place in the Olympus of pilots who are overcome again and again. You do not have to climb to MotoGP, which will surely climb in your day, to prove anything. The race of Qatar makes it clear that even after being in a very serious injury, is giving war. Personally I interpret his first position in Losail as the mentally stronger driver and he is my clear favorite for Jerez. Andrea Iannone aside, I only see Spaniards in the first positions. Tito Rabat, Pol Espargaró, Toni Elías, Julito Simón. But we must not forget that last year’s podium was, Andrea Iannone, Thomas Luthi, Simone Corsi. My predictions below:
1. Marc Márquez
2. Tito Rabat
3. Simone Corsi
MotoGP: many suitors for a single girlfriend
And it is that in the Jerez Circuit anything can happen. The usual strong men are candidates precisely because of that, because they are the best. But Jerez is a circuit that has gone well to riders who are not giving their best results at the moment or who are having a bad time. While it is true that last year he rode with the 800cc, Valentino Rossi got in fifth position and his teammate, Nicky Hayden took the podium to the third step. As much as this is talking about the Ducati-Rossi issue I do not rule out a red Bologna bike on the podium. Valentino is a crack on the track but it is more handled with media themes. He knew well what would trigger his most controversial statements in his public quarrel with Ducati. Are we all a bit deceived?
Jorge Lorenzo won last year and after his victory in Qatar he is emerging as the strongest and favorite man. Jerez is a circuit that is well suited to Mallorquin and it seems that the Yamaha is very close to the Honda. The advantage that Honda had at the end of last season has disappeared and although Casey Stoner must always be counted on for the win, his problems in the forearms can reduce the Australian’s physique. And Dani Pedrosa may be the unknown that solves the equation in this Andalusian track. The CRT battle between Colin Edwars, Randy de Puniet and a Spaniard who knows the track like Aleix Espargaró, will surely be served. My podium prediction.
1. Dani Pedrosa
2. Andrea Dovizioso
3. Valentino Rossi
Motorpasionmoto
