Marc Marquez kept his perfect record on America soil in tact after winning this year’s Grand Prix of Americas for a fourth consecutive success in
ADVERTISEMENTMarc Marquez kept his perfect record on America soil in tact after winning this year’s Grand Prix of Americas for a fourth consecutive success in Austin.
The Spanish Honda rider – on pole – was overtaken by reigning world champ Jorge Lorenzo from the off but the Yamaha man ran wide on the first corner as Marquez quickly restored order.
Lap three saw Valentino Rossi crash out as Marquez and Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso run away at the front.
Marquez continued to put the hammer down and extended his lead lap after lap.
His early dominance made a win in Texas look certain.
Behind the battle for second and third raged on.
For the second race in a row Dovizioso was taken out by another rider – this time it was Dani Pedrosa who ploughed into the Italian on lap seven.
As Marquez took the chequered flag Lorenzo managed to avoid the chaos to eventually take second while Ducati’s Andrea Iannone rode safely to the bottom step of the podium.
As the championship now returns to Europe, Marquez leads the overall standings – 21 points clear of Lorenzo in second.
Winning at home
The Grand Prix of Americas may be a recent event in the calendar but motorcycling in the US is certainly not. After a couple of races at Daytona in the sixties, both won by Mike Hailwood, the race returned to the world championship circuit 28 years ago to the day.
It was the 10th of April 1988, the Laguna Seca Raceway played host to the second race of the season.
By then, the USA had become a dominant force in the sport, with 7 of the last 10 world titles claimed by American riders.
It was only natural that the first American Grand Prix in 23 years was taken by one of its own.
That man was Eddie Lawson.
Sixth in qualifying, the Californian-native weaved his way through the field to claim the first of seven victories that campaign.
In the end, it was more than enough for him to assure his third world title.
Desert Challenge
ADVERTISEMENTLast week, we wrapped up the program with images of the first stage of the Desert Challenge.
This week we return to Abu Dhabi to show you the best images of Nasser Al-Attyiah’s victory as Toby Price was strongest on two wheels.
Speed will be back next week with Formula One’s Chinese Grand Prix. See you then.