MOTOGP
FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 18 / NOVEMBER 1-3, 2019
SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT / KUAL A LUMPUR, MAL AYSIA
P70
been scored by Marquez, while Dovizioso and
Petrucci, both race-winners, both contribute
their scores to Ducati at each race. Meanwhile,
the new Petronas Yamaha SRT clinched the
independent-teams prize ahead of LCR Honda.
DOVI NOT HAPPY
Second overall in the championship for
the third time in succession, secured
last weekend in Australia, was some-
thing of a disappointment for Andrea
Dovizioso—with a gap in points that has
grown exponentially. In 2017, the fight
went to the last round, with Marquez
ending up 37 points clear. Last year,
the gap had grown to 76, and the title
was settled at the Japanese GP at the
start of the flyaway rounds. This year,
Marquez secured the crown one race
earlier in Thailand, and they arrived
in Malaysia for the penultimate round
with the gap standing at 135 points.
"We don't have the speed we had last
year, and it is difficult to have a strategy
for the races," Dovi explained on the
eve of practice in Malaysia, describing
the size of Marquez's advantage as
"ridiculous."
Briefly...
Johann Zarco (5) continued his impressive
run until he was punted by Joan Mir.
With one round
to go, Marquez
(left) has the title
secured, Dovi (right)
is safe in second,
with Vinales moved
up to third.