MotoGP Blog

A damp warm-up threw the cat amongst the pigeons on Sunday morning. Heavy showers are forecast for the day - whether these will influence the race remains to be seen.

The Ducati factory riders looked strong - Hayden managing 6th and Stoner taking the top, perhaps a softer fuel map helping Nicky find his rhythm. Interestingly, both Stoner and Canepa had massive rear-end slides at the same corner when on the power. It looked to my eye as though the anti-wheelspin technology on the Ducati was not working as expected. When the Ducati throttle was opened, full power was provided, resulting in the rear wet tyre spinning up and trying to overtake the front. Neither rider fell, but both had heart-in-mouth moments. The identical nature of the incidents would seem to suggest Ducati have some software updates to apply before this afternoon.

Both the Suzukis looked good - Vermeulen liking the damp stuff and Capirossi maintaining his strong form from qualifying. Melandri also looked at home - another podium in the pipeline for Marco?

Rossi was there or there abouts - perhaps not wanting to compromise his dry set-up and banking on a dry race this afternoon. Lorenzo had a miserable time - but again perhaps gambling in the race being dry. Was this the case for Dovizioso and the injured Pedrosa? de Puniet showed no fear as usual, the top Honda for much of the race.

If it rains, it’s likely to be the usual lottery. Rossi chose a losing ticket in Le Mans - will this be a winner for him?