The six-week summer break is over and things got off to a flying start at Silverstone. If we think back to the past races at Silverstone, one thing was always predominant, the typical English weather. Cold temperatures and rain. Often more rain than one would wish for. The question about the weather was quickly answered this year – the sun was shining. Curious. As curious as the winning series at Silverstone. Since 2013, a different driver has always triumphed. This time, too, a new name should enter the list of MotoGP winners at Silverstone.
On Saturday, Johann Zarco not only set the time for pole position with his 1:57.767 min, but also a new all-time lap record. It was the eighth pole position for the Pramac Ducati rider and another chance to finally turn it into a win. The dream was ended on Sunday on lap five. At turn eight, Zarco crashed while leading the race. Johann Zarco righted his Ducati and continued his race at the back of the field. Only a short time later, the Frenchman turned into the pits. His race was over.
Also on the fifth lap, Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo completed his long-lap penalty. A penalty that had already been handed out before the summer break at the Assen GP. This penalty caused Quartararo to lose not only a second, but also positions. In the end, it cost the world championship leader, even a possible podium finish. This make three other riders among themselves.
Beneficiaries were initially the Suzuki rider Alex Rins and the two Ducati factory riders Jack Miller and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Initially, Rins was able to set the pace, but had to admit defeat. In the course of the last half of the race, the Suzuki rider fell further behind. He gave up the lead to Bagnaia. For Bagnaia, however, the pressure did not lessen. The Aprilia rider Maverick Viñales fought his way up to second place and made proper pressure. On the last lap Viñales made a mistake. He went too far right at the beginning of the lap, so that the victory for Pecco Bagnaia was certain. It was the fourth win of the season for the Ducati rider, thus reducing the gap to Fabio Quartararo from 66 to 49 points and he is now the new World Championship third. Completing the podium at Silverstone were Maverick Viñales (second place) and Jack Miller (third).
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