by H. Mayor – photo: motogp.com | The current MotoGP World Championship has  been so far one of the most exciting of  recent years. Each race seems to increase the suspense and expectation and to offer a  greater show than the previous one. Last Sunday’s race in Austria will remain in peoples’ minds as one of the best of the year with its red hot battle between Dovizioso and Marquez right up till the very last lap. The already tight fight for the title has now become  even closer.

Marquez nearly conquered  the Red Bull Ring for the first time (the only circuit he hasn’t been able to win during his brilliant career). His final fight with Dovizioso was full of unpredictable taints and was won in the details. The pilot from Cervera seemed to have  the win in his pocket after an inside pass at the beginning of the last lap but the braking mistake that came right after turned things around once more ultimately giving the Italian the top place on the podium.

Pedrosa came in third and Rossi and Viñales lost some ground in the classification after a somehow lacking performance in Austria.

Lorenzo

As we have got used to lately, Jorge Lorenzo focused all his efforts at the beginning of the race. Good starts and episodes of driving to full performance which then start to falter and  never come to any good results for the Spaniard. He started setting the rhythm together with Dovizioso, both on board their soft back tyres. Marquez was kept at bay having lost the pole advantage. On the 17th lap, the Italian pilot took the lead, taking advantage of the others’ mistakes. With the current leader close behind, a thrilling battle began, full of spectacular moments, take overs, sudden braking and spectacular driving.

The final thrust came in the last lap with the latest mistake from Marquez, which despite being minor was decisive for such a close fight within such narrow margins. All eyes in the stadium were set on them both oblivious of what was going on with the rest of the race. Pedrosa completed the podium after narrowly stealing it from Lorenzo.  With Zarco in between, Viñales and Rossi trickled down to sixth and seventh place after a mediocre performance.

There are now just 16 points between Marquez and Dovizioso, with Viñales 24 points away form the leader and Rossi back 33. Now we have to wait a whole two weeks for the next chapter of this exciting competition. Silverstone awaits.

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