top class weekend from Lorenzo, he's Mr Consistency so far this season. i still don't think Dani is being given the credit for being a genuine title challenger this season - he's been on the podium at every race, bar Le Mans (and that was a 4th place), it's only the stellar form of no. 99 that's keeping him off the top of the standings. a poor weekend all around for Stoner by his standards, not helped by his antics on Friday - and i don't understand the 'roll the dice' approach to rear tyre selection for the race, which smacks of desperation, not a scientific analysis based on two whole days of data gathering. at least he's had the good grace to apologise to Bautista for that move, although i doubt he's enamoured himself to many more people this weekend. not that such things bother him too much now in the MotoGP paddock.
as for the rest, Ducati must take some heart from the results over the weekend, although going quick in a straight line does help. i can't see there being a big jump forward with the bike anytime soon, but if they can keep chipping away, then i can see more results like today's. Cal still needs to practice his starts - it's clearly making the race more difficult for him slipping back into the pack and then having to fight to get the places back. and Dovi is making himself difficult to ignore by the factory Yamaha team, despite what the media might be saying about Spies. i wonder what Yamaha are waiting for regarding the second factory seat?
apart from Lorenzo, my ride of the day goes to Bradl - he's making good progress in an unspectacular way, but is clearly getting to grips with the RCV. i thought he might struggle after Moto2, but i'm delighted to see him doing well in a team where it sounds like both sides are getting on. and the circus goes on for no. 11 - to the list of problems of frame, visor, tyres and bogey tracks, we can add mystery air suit inflation and food poisoning. i suppose out of about 90 GP riders, we could guess who would be the one that would get food poisoning - who also happens to live in Italy! i have to question the wisdom of going out feeling like he wanted to barf every three laps and feeling dizzy - and dicing with the humiliating propsect of being beaten by a CRT bike for much of the race. i doubt those five points will make the difference to his MotoGP future. whether it's assured at Yamaha or otherwise.
