Valentino Rossi once again proved he is the master of riding in the rain as the Italian multiple world champion picked up his fourth win of the
ADVERTISEMENTValentino Rossi once again proved he is the master of riding in the rain as the Italian multiple world champion picked up his fourth win of the season at a soaking British Grand Prix.
The veteran Yamaha man produced a fearless ride to claim his first ever victory at Silverstone – he won the British GP a decade ago but at a rainy Donington.
Rossi enjoyed a solid start moving his way up from 4th on the grid and into a thrilling contest of nerves for the lead with two-time defending champion Marc Marquez.
In the end 36-year-old Rossi’s pace proved too much for even Marquez who eventually crashed out on lap 13.
The ‘Doctor’ then had to contend with the chasing Ducati’s of Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso, but he managed to hold both off with ease to take the win.
With the result Rossi opened up a 12 point lead in the championship standings over his teammate and former leader Jorge Lorenzo, who had a frustrating race and finished fourth.
Zarco edges closer to Moto2 glory
It has become a one horse race to the Moto2 title.
Johann Zarco’s first world crown is getting closer after the Frenchman won his fifth race of the season at Silverstone.
Like Rossi, Zarco also showed off his wet driving skills as the he extended his championship lead with a commanding victory.
Zarco started from 3rd but emerged victorious from an early three-way battle for the lead with Spanish duo Alex Rins and Tito Raba.
The 25-year-old eventually crossed over with a comfortable margin to celebrate his fifth win this season, second in a row and 11th podium from 12 races.
Rins and Rabat took second and third respectively.
With six races left Zarco holds an 85 point lead over Rins.
In the rear-view mirror
The British Grand Prix took place for the first time at Silverstone in 1977.
The race turned out to be the season-ender and it was to be the final Grand Prix of the biggest champion of all time, Giacomo Agostini.
The race was born to replace one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, the Isle of Mann TT.
ADVERTISEMENTAlthough the TT track remains a landmark in motorcyling, it was considered just too dangerous for the World Championship.
Agostini led a boycott of the Isle of Mann race with many other top riders but in order to keep the country represented on the calendar, the idea of a British Grand Prix was put forward.
The first race took place on 14 August, 1977 and was won by American Pat Hennen.
Ironically, having been instrumental in championing a British GP, it turned out to be the last race for Agostini.
The Italian finished ninth and then retired following a glittering career.
ADVERTISEMENTFebvre crowned in Assen
To wrap up this week’s Speed we’ll leave you with the best images of the Netherlands motocross GP where Rookie MXGP rider Romain Febvre claimed his first world championship title.
He finished second at the Assen GP behind Briton Shaun Simpson.
Febvre’s runner-up finish left him with an unassailable lead in the overall standings with just GPs in Mexico and USA left. (see clip above)