Moto GP standings before German Grand Prix
The MotoGP Season is around its half way mark, as the riders wait for the German Grand Prix in Sachsenring. It is the 8th race of the season and the riders would be making final adjustments for the rest of the season. While the defending champion, and the last year’s winner, Valentino Rossi, is still unsure about his return in the German Grand Prix, it would be a good time for the other riders to improve upon their lead. Valentino Rossi, however, had a taste of the bike, last week, at Brno, but his comeback decision has been delayed.
In the absence of Rossi, it would be a great chance for his FIAT Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, to increase his lead at the top. Currently Lorenzo is 52 points clear at the top, and looks good to increase his lead. He would come into this race with three back to back wins. Also, throughout the season he has not dropped below second place, thus has seven podium finishes in seven GPs. He has now equalled the record set by Rossi in 2005, while this race would provide him an opportunity to go beyond the legendary rider. However, Lorenzo has never won in this circuit, while last year he finished in second place behind Rossi.
The closest challenge might come from Casey Stoner, riding a Ducati. Stoner is however, in 6th place with 67 points, which shows the problems he is having this season. But, he has shown considerable progress as the bike seems to be in better condition, and he finished the last three races on podium. The Ducati team seems optimistic, this time, as they are well aware of the improvements in the condition of the rider and the bike. Stoner had the taste of victory in Sachsenring in 2008, and this would be a great chance for him to win his first Grand Prix of the season.
Dani Pedrosa would be riding his Rapsol Honda bike in Sachsenring, while trying to challenge the superiority of Lorenzo at the top. He is currently holding second position in the championships. This race would be a great opportunity for him to close the gap between him and Lorenzo. Pedrosa also had a victory in this circuit in 2007. However, in 2008 he had a complete reverse of fortune. He crashed out and suffered injuries that ended his challenge for the title. In 2009, Pedrosa again finished on the podium, which was encouraging as he overcame the nightmares of the horrible crash last year. Surely, a victory for Pedrosa in this year’s race would make the season more interesting.
Nicky Hayden, the Ducati rider, is currently the most experienced person as far as this track is concerned. The American has had more podium finishes in Sachsenring than on any other circuit. Currently, the former champion Nicky Hayden is in fourth place, while he would be looking to improve his position in the standings.
Other drivers in the top five are Andrea Dovizioso, in third place, and Randy De Puniet, in fifth place. Dovizioso is having a good season, with Rapsol Honda. However, he still needs to win a grand prix. Previously, his best result on this circuit has been fifth place. But there is a good chance that he can improve his record. On the other hand, De Puniet, riding the LCR Honda, has shown a great improvement in this season as well. Although, his best result has been an eighth place finish, he would be hoping to improve his position.
The situation would become clearer after the practice sessions start in Germany. This circuit promises a lot of action for the fans, as in the previous seasons a lot of breathtaking races have been organized here. There are actually two possible outcomes of this race, i.e. either Lorenzo would be nearer to being a champion, or some other rider would win and make things interesting. The fans would be hoping for the second outcome, while they would also be hoping for the return of Valentino Rossi.
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