Qatar: MotoGP Round 1 Post-Race Report
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Qatar: MotoGP Round 1 Post-Race Report

By FORMULAMotoGPMag - 31 March 2015
Credit: Movistar Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team

The Doctor is back! Valentino Rossi has taken the reigns ahead of Ducati and won the first round of the MotoGP. The race had everything the fans could have asked for from crashes to battles and Rossi celebrating in style by licking the television camera lens. The race was exciting from start to finish. One of the highlights was when Jorge Lorenzo charged out in front leaving behind the two Ducati GP15’s. The Yamaha and Ducati bikes were in fine form whilst current World Champion, Marc Marquez made a big error and ended up in last place going into the first lap of the race. There will definitely be some words exchanged between Marquez and Álvaro Bautista after his Repsol Honda side swiped the Aprilia machine and broke one of his brake callipers. This was the end of the day for the Spanish rider. All credit to Marquez for chasing down to finish fifth.

Credit: Repsol Honda MotoGP Team

The race quickly turned into a disaster for Lorenzo who was the pack leader. The inside top section of his helmet where foam is located came loose and his vision became impaired. He was not able to see the corners particularly well and was unable to concentrate on improving his lap times. Lorenzo lost half a second or more per lap due to the unfortunate circumstances that struck him late in the race. It was Valentino Rossi who took it to the two Ducati riders as they changed positions from lap to lap. The harder front tyre option for Vale was a smart and strategic move that paid off. Dovi finished 0.174s behind Rossi and Iannone picked up his first ever MotoGP podium. The fans are very happy! Unfortunately, Australian rider Jack Miller crashed on the last lap. He went too deep into the corner and lost the front end taking out fellow Honda rider Karel Abraham.

Credit: Saxoprint Racing Team Germany

The Moto2 and Moto3 races were both full of adrenaline and disaster. Tito Rabat, the reigning Moto2 World Champion hit false neutral and in several laps found himself crashing out after colliding with Simone Corsi. The same incident occurred for Sam Lowes who hit false neutral and crashed. The two top riders all weekend managed to make two big mistakes. It was the perfect weekend for German rider Jonas Folger who managed to build a 5 second lead after Johann Zarco’s gear shifter broke. This was the first victory for Jonas in the Moto2 category.

Credit: Movistar Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team

On the other hand, Alexis Masbou proved to everyone out there his passion for a Moto3 World Championship. The Saxoprint Racing Team Germany rider took the win ahead of Enea Bastianini who started 21st and Danny Kent who was happy to be in the points. Enea takes ride of the day! Unfortunately, Australian rider Remy Gardner crashed and was unable to re-join the race. We are glad to know that Remy is doing fine and will be preparing to return for the next round in Austin, Texas.

Credit: Ducati Corse Press
Credit: Argiñano & Ginés Racing