MOTOGP
2016 MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 1 / MARCH 20, 2016
LOSAIL INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT / DOHA, QATAR
P44
Vinales, who used the "upshift-
only" Type 1 seamless-shift gear-
box after testing the newer both-
ways Type 2 version in practice,
was frustrated that he didn't have
the straight-line speed to pass
Pedrosa. He would catch him
around the back, "but finally my
tires were destroyed. We need to
find more grip and more power,"
he said.
Four seconds behind came a
lively quartet.
Pol Espargaro narrowly fended
off Monster Yamaha teammate
Bradley Smith's last-lap attack,
balance for the bike, but you can
see I am pushing a lot, sliding
a lot, braking later than with the
Bridgestones," the former double
World Champion said.
And Rossi? It was a strong
fourth, but still fourth. Had he
made a mistake by choosing the
hard rear? "I have no idea," he
said. "I pushed as hard as I could,
and the lap times were good at
the end. I couldn't have done
better."
Pedrosa admitted his pace was
just not good enough at a track
that he doesn't favor.
(Right) The
Battle of Hate
went to Marquez
this time as
Rossi (46)
simply couldn't
hold the pace
towards the end.
(Below) Lorenzo
didn't have
it all his own
way as known
Qatar specialist
Dovizioso held
with him for most
of the race.
