Laguna Awaits MotoGP Battle On Sunday
MotoGP is going to reach its half way mark this Sunday, as the ninth race of the season is being held at Mazda Raceway in Laguna Seca. All the riders await the Red Bull US Grand Prix, as the practice sessions kick off on Friday. The riders would be trying to focus hard on the race, as the hectic session would be over with this fifth race in only six weekends.
Jorge Lorenzo, the current championship leader, would be the favorite coming into the weekend. He would be coming to the US with a 47 point lead over the second place, Dani Pedrosa. Lorenzo has been on the dream run of his life, as he has finished all races this year with either a first or second place. However, the memories at Laguna are not good for Lorenzo, who has never won a race here. In 2008, he crashed in Laguna on cold tyres, injuring himself in the process.
Last year, during the sessions before the race, he crashed twice in Laguna. However, he did comeback from the horrifying crashes to win a pole in the qualifying session. But, the Spaniard was not able to convert his pole position into a victory; however, he did finish on the podium. This time, however, FIAT Yamaha has proved to be the strongest bike, and with Rossi still hampered by injury, Lorenzo can get his first win in USA.
Dani Pedrosa, on his Rapsol Honda bike, would also be keen to finish first in the ninth Grand Prix of the season. Dani has good memories of this circuit, as he has won here twice. He was also the winner here last year, while this time he would be hoping to repeat his performance. This would be his first back to back Grand Prix victories, as he beat Lorenzo in a fierce battle in Sachsenring, last weekend. While talking to the press, Pedrosa said that his team would be focusing on one race at the time. He also declared that the victory in Laguna would be interesting for the championship challenge.
Many big names and champions would be present at Laguna Seca, but the cheers would be for the home-boy, Nicky Hayden. Currently, Hayden is in fifth place in the championships, but he is not doing well with his Ducati. He finished the last race in seventh place, making a lot of unforced errors during the process. However, he has good memories of the circuit, as he won two races here, in 2005 and 2006. Joining Hayden this time would be Roger Lee, his young sibling, who would be replacing the injured Randy de Puniet. These two riders would be trying to finish on the podium, in front of their home crowd. However, since the victory in 2006, no American has been able to finish in the top three places, at Laguna.
Valentino Rossi made an incredible come back from injury, during last week’s race in Sachsenring. Although, he was supposed to drive safely, he found himself in a battle for the third place, with Casey Stoner. This time team Rossi know that the podium finish would be within their reach. Rossi has also won here in Laguna in 2008, while he finished second place last year.
During a press conference later, he explained how he was feeling a little tense about the corners at the track, which could cause pains. But, nevertheless, he felt energetic and hopeful about the race, in which he could once again see himself battling with Casey Stoner. However, this time around, Rossi is certain about beating the Australian for a podium finish.
Casey Stoner is in fourth place right now and is showing a lot of consistency. He finished the last three races on the podium, but has been unable to improve his position. The major concern is that his bike is unable to match the pace of Yamaha or Honda. However, this weekend would be very important for Casey, as this would set the tone for his future challenge in the drivers’ championships.
There is no doubt that the race in Laguna Seca is going to be intense and crucial for most of the riders, while the fans would also be hoping for a memorable race on this weekend. This race is very important, as it would set the tone of the rest of the championship battle.
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