MotoGP 2024

[E.B]

More rain overnight but blue skies for qualifying, albeit a few moist bits at the start. It was however a bit gusty windwise. The wind caused riders problems but it helped to clear the remaining moisture.

Q1 saw a few odd names like Acosta Bastianini Miller Marini Quartararo in the mix. With just two to go forward into Q2 the last minutes of Q1 were frantic as the track evolved and improved at an alarming rate. Right place at the right time was the key. As the flag dropped Acosta was top and Miller was up there..... quickly Bastianini took over at the top, Acosta had mistimed his last lap and he crossed the line to go top as the flag flew. Those still on laps had the advantage with the track evolution.

A minute later Acosta had dropped to 5th and out in Q1. Miller hit a rabbit and that messed his time up so in the end through to Q2 went Raul Fernandez and Bastianini.

Acosta will be starting the races from his lowest grid position of the year, 15th.... with local hero Miller 16th.

Q2 saw Jorge Martin run a hard front tyre and absolutely demolish the opposition and take pole by a massive 6 tenths! A 1:27.2 right at the end of a qualy that had seen Vinales lead most of. The on form in practice MM93 was the nearest challenger, as mentioned 6/10ths shy.He also did his best right at the end. Martin had almost lost the front end through the Hayshed corner though on an early lap, but his final lap was very special.. Anyway it was his 3rd consecutive PI pole so he likes the place! Vinales got 3rd after MMs late improvement, with Bezzechi 4th and Bagnaia down in 5th.

The hard tyre choice of Jorge was a masterstroke of genius. No one else matched his choice and it was spot on.

Anyway the weather looks like we should have a dry Sprint race. No rain in the forecast but hey, its PI and it can all change in a heartbeat.