Aragon, Spain: MotoGp Pre-Race Report
The riders have arrived at the brickyard and the feelings in the air are excitement, eagerness and confidence. We are at the pointy end of the Championship with Lorenzo and Rossi going head to head for the 2015 trophy. The Aragon Grand Prix is a favourite event for both fans and riders! The track has 10 left and 7 right hand corners with the longest straight reaching 968m. In 2010, the circuit was awarded with the IRTA Best Grand Prix of the Year and last year had Lorenzo crowned the king followed by Aleix Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow. This year will be a complete whirlwind of change with riders from all factories aiming high. Aragon is a place where Lorenzo has had plenty of success whilst for The Doctor a place where he has yet to win! Vale has told the media that it is a difficult track but exciting so if he can find the right speed and set up it should be a good battle between him and the rest of the field.
On the other hand, Lorenzo has been on the podium at Aragon in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. His track record is strong! Last year Lorenzo won in strange conditions and feels as though his Yamaha package in 2015 is stronger than previously. His determination is clear and the goals very much in focus. In terms of Repsol Honda, Marc Marquez will be aiming for the podium and putting last years race in the back of his mind. Marc is aware that Jorge will be fast and very quick to get into his rhythm so the target is to stay with the Yamaha riders. What we do know is that a Moto2 World Champion could be crowned this weekend at Aragon if all goes to plan for French rider Johann Zarco. The Ajo Motorsport rider is remaining calm and not thinking about his chances of the title because the way he rides and operates as a human being is to stay cool, calm and collected at all times regardless of the pressure that exists.
The same philosophy applies to Jack Miller who keeps charging down the grid no matter what challenges are thrown his way. Miller has demonstrated his maturity in the MotoGP class and is looking to finish the season on a high. The next few races are very important for Jack as he continues to develop and learn not only about his race bike but himself as an individual rider. The Aragon track is particularly favourable for the Honda machinery and this is something that excites Jack as he gets underway preparing for the event. As Phillip Island comes closer, Miller will be aiming to secure some good track time and be ready to showcase to the Aussie fans his growth on board such a powerful machine.
Winning a race like Aragon is a huge honour and those who earn those bragging rights will also be able to hold up high a new trophy designed by Jorge Lorenzo, Movistar and the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team. Lorenzo stated that the iconic stonewall had to be integrated into the trophy. The trophy represents a fragment of the wall of the circuit and is a very cool connecting icon for the sport and those who are racing at home like Maverick Vinales and Efren Vazquez whilst Alvaro Bautista celebrates his 100th Premier Class start.
