Cycle News

Cycle News 2016 Issue 36 September 13

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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MOTOGP FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 13 / SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 MISANO WORLD CIRCUIT MARCO SIMONCELLI / RIMINI, SAN MARINO P72 rider with that [soft] front tire, and I had never used it in hot conditions." His fears soon dis- appeared, as it became clear he could at least hope for a podium finish. "I knew I could do a good pace, and I knew the key was not to make any mistakes, and not fight too much. Then I saw I was catching, and I decided to take the chance to win." His own move on Rossi, push- ing inside at the slow turn four, was also aggressive, a mood he seldom displays. And success- ful. He started the last lap 1.6 first time (he would lower it again on lap 13 and finally lap 15). With better braking and corner speed, and the Honda's acceler- ation problem at last submitting to constant electronic and set- ting development work, he was picking up places all the time. By lap six he was up to fourth, past Silverstone winner Maverick Vinales (Ecstar Suzuki) and then Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati). Now he gradually closed a gap of almost 1.5 seconds to his team- mate Marc Marquez. By lap 13 he was on him, and one lap later ahead, and starting to attack Lorenzo. He was un- stoppable, and on lap 17 he was in second, 1.2 seconds behind Rossi, but on the charge. "I was worried on the grid because I was almost the only (Above) Pedrosa (left) and third- place finisher Jorge Lorenzo shake hands on the podium. (Right) Valentino Rossi chases Pedrosa. He couldn't catch him and had to settle for second.

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