Contrary to previous editions, the championship arrives in Spain with the MotoGP title already decided. Marc Márquez sealed the title victory in Japan. The seven-time-champion, however, will want to break Dani Pedrosa’s and Jorge Lorenzo’s stubborn hegemony over this track, where they have taken virtually all the victories of the last decade. In fact, Marquez has only climbed to the top of the MotoGP podium in Cheste once, in 2014.

Despite this and the encouragement from the great atmosphere that is customary at the Valencian circuit, the man of the day will be Dani Pedrosa. The three-time world champion, who features in the official poster of the event, will be saying goodbye to the competition and he will want to go in style in front of the Spanish fans. He couldn’t have chosen a better scenario for his ‘retirement’ as he has had more victories at this track than any other pilot; six in total.

In addition to the great Little Samurai’s farewell, Jorge Lorenzo returns for his last race with Ducati and, on top of that, the third place in the World Championship is yet to be decided, all making up to a very exciting finale at Valencia MotoGP.

The bronze and the best independent rider title still in the air

Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales; teammates and rivals at the same time, will compete for the bronze behind Márquez and Dovizioso, who already has secured the second place. The legendary Italian pilot has 195 points, three more than the Spaniard. It is bound to be ruthless ‘civil war’ at the Valencia MotoGP.

The title of Best Independent Rider is also at stake. Leading the classification is Johann Zarco with 149 points, one more than Cal Crutchlow. The Briton, who thoroughly deserves this award, remains in the dry dock from Australia, where he fractured an ankle. The only contestant that could steal Zarco’s glory is Danilo Petrucci, currently with 144 points.

The substitute for Crutchlow will again be Honda tester, Stefan Bradl. The German pilot already replaced Cal in Malaysia, where he finished in the thirteenth position.

Another great attraction at the Valencia MotoGP will be the reappearance of Jorge Lorenzo, who injured in his left hand at the Thai Grand Prix. After five races away from the asphalt, the Spaniard is eager to give a good performance for his last race with Ducati.

The Spaniard admitted that he is only at an 80 to 85% fitness level but despite this, he will be giving it all once he puts on his red suit. The configuration of the track at the Ricardo Tormo also suits his driving style perfectly. Not in vain he has climbed to the top of the MotoGP podium in Valencia in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Pedrosa’s farewell

The main man of this weekend’s Valencia MotoGP Grand Prix, however, will be no other than Dani Pedrosa, who retires from the competition. 

After 18 seasons in the Motorcycling World Championship, the pilot from Castellar del Valles hangs the gloves on the same track where he has triumphed in more occasions than anyone else: 7. Four in MotoGP (2007, 2009, 2012 and 2017) , two in 250cc (2004 and 2005) and one in 125cc (2002). 

Dorna and the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) organized an emotional tribute on Thursday where they honoured Pedrosa with the title of Legend of MotoGP. A well-deserved recognition for his extraordinary motorcycling career.

The other master of the two wheels leaving the World Championship in Valencia is Alvaro Bautista. The brave Spaniard moves onto the Superbike Championship in 2019. Good luck to him!

Main imagen: @box_repsol.