MOTOGP
FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 14 / OCTOBER 5-7, 2018
CHANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT / BURIRAM, THAILAND
P78
all-around improvement of the Ducati, not only in
long corners, offering hope of more consistency at
bogey tracks like Phillip Island, reflected in better
control of tire consumption.
"It is something you do by studying and also
electronically," he said later. "We made a big step.
Before we would not be able to finish a race like this
so strongly."
He only questioned his tactics. "Because I'd been
in front all the time I didn't understand Marc's weak
points, and I was too far behind to try to out-brake
him in the last corner."
The other surprise of the afternoon, of the week-
end really, was an unexpectedly resurgent Yamaha.
Movistar factory team rider Valentino Rossi almost
qualified on pole, and led a six-lap spell before half
distance. He had faded a little by the end, but team-
mate Maverick Vinales took over for an ultra-close
third place, almost alongside Dovizioso over the line.
CONTRACT NEWS
Czech Republic and Thai GP winner Fabio Di
Giannantonio has solved his difficulties with the
Gresini team, with whom he was signed up for
another year in Moto3. The Italian wanted to move
to Moto2, and though team owner Fausto Gresini
said he had offered him such a berth, they could
not reach agreement, and lawyers had been
called in. Now the situation has been amicably
resolved, and Di Giannantonio is off to join the
Speed Up team for 2019. The same team has
dispensed with the services of 2015 Moto3 Cham-
pion Danny Kent, after a dismal season with eight
race crashes and just two points-scoring finishes
for the Briton, while teammate Fabio Quartararo
counted one win and one second place among 11
finishes in the points. He has been replaced for
the rest of the season at Speed Up by Spaniard
Edgar Pons.
Briefly...
Valentino Rossi was back to his old
self, leading the early stages but
fading with tire consumption.
