The MotoGP World Championship is back after the last encounter in Britain three weeks ago. The occasion is the 2019 San Marino MotoGP and thirteenth race of the season’s calendar, which is taking place this weekend (13th to 15th of September) at the Marco Simoncelli Circuit in Misano. 

Despite this being Valentino Rossi’s home race, as his own town is just 10 kilometres from the circuit, the forecasts for the race are very open. The configuration of the layout could favour many pilots including Márquez, Rossi, Dovizioso, Rins, Viñales or even Quartararo.

Marquez wants to make up for Austria and England

The Championship’s leader Marc Marquez arrives at the Italian appointment with a healthy 78-point lead in the standings over Andrea Dovizioso. Despite his comfortable position, however, his pride has been wounded. 

He will perhaps deny it, but everyone knows that his two defeats on the last corner in Austria (Dovi) and England (Alex Rins) have made their mark on the Spaniard. A third MotoGP triumph on the Italian track after those of 2015 and 2017 would be incredibly satisfying for Marquez. 

The other half of the Honda box, Jorge Lorenzo, is feeling a lot better from his back injury at Dutch GP and he knows that in his current state of form he must make his performance count. If anything, the design of the circuit is well suited to his driving style.

Lorenzo leads the rank of victories, three in total (2011,2012 and 2013) in Rimini, matching those of local idol Valentino Rossi. In the real world, however, he cannot aspire to a memorable performance as he is still catching up with the pace of the competition after his long convalescence. Moreover, his injured back isn´t perfect.

Dovizioso to defend his 2018 title

Andrea Dovizioso is very eager to defend the title he won at the very same San Marino MotoGP in 2018. His victory against Marquez, from whom he snatched the first place in the last corner of the Red Bull Ring, has helped to restore his confidence, which is precisely his weakest point. As for his physical condition, he seems to have made a full recovery after the very heavy fall he suffered in Silverstone.

Danilo Petrucci’s performance, on the other hand, has visibly declined since he was renewed. Misano will be a great opportunity for him to, at least, make it to the podium. He has already demonstrated what he can do this season with his third place in France and Catalonia, and his Italian victory.

Rossi, the host of the yellow party

For one more year, Valentino Rossi will try to give some joy to his unconditional followers which are sure to cram the circuit this weekend. Pushed by the yellow tide, the local hero dreams of fighting for a podium position, a very plausible goal.

Looking back at his performance in Misano, anything could happen. Rossi has taken the gold there on three occasions but the last one was five years ago in 2014. Previously he did so in 2008 and 2009.

The other member of the Yamaha team, Maverick Viñales, will be aiming to maintain the good sensations and state of form that he displayed in England, where he took his third podium of the last five races.

Suzuki: Rins on fire

The cheering echoes still resonate that followed the sensational manoeuvre – and final triumph – of Alex Rins over Marquez on the finish line in Britain. Undoubtedly, Rins arrives at the San Marino MotoGP in great spirits after having sealed his second victory of the year in such an epic way.

On top of that, the Suzuki GSX RR, which seems to be growing in performance at the same pace as the pilot, is very well suited for Rimini layout.

His teammate Joan Mir will also return to the battlefield this weekend. He seems to have now completely recovered from the very serious fall he suffered at the Brno tests session. During his training for Misano, the Spaniard seemed to be back in top form.

Images of  ‘2019 San Marino MotoGP’: