2008 Chinese MotoGP Preview
MotoGP Visits Shanghai
As the MotoGP season reaches Shanghai Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa are tied at the top of the points table. The Spanish rivals will both be favourites to win but there are several other riders who cannot be discounted. So far this season Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Casey Stoner have all won races.
The 2008 Chinese Grand Prix will be MotoGP’s fourth visit to the Shanghai circuit. No rider has won the race twice so far. The first event in 2005 was won by Valentino Rossi in the wet, but the performance of the day came from Olivier Jacques. The stand-in rider at Kawasaki went from 15th on the grid to second at the finish, less than two seconds behind Rossi.
The 2006 race in China saw Dani Pedrosa take his first MotoGP win at his fourth attempt. Last year’s race was won by Casey Stoner. John Hopkins also recorded his first MotoGP podium finish, coming home in third.
This season has also still to see a double winner. Casey Stoner has struggled to regain the form he showed in the season opening Qatar Grand Prix and languishes 21 points behind the leaders in the championship. Pedrosa took victory in Spain but last time out it was the mercurial Jorge Lorenzo who scored his maiden win in the category. Lorenzo has previously gone well in Shanghai. He won last year’s 250cc race from pole, taking the fastest lap in the process.
Rossi will be hoping that the Yamaha/Bridgestone package can finally start delivering. Speaking to the official MotoGP website the Italian was optimistic about his chances.
“Last year in China we weren’t quite able to win, but this year our bike is working very well and, together with our tyre package, I think we should be fighting for the victory.”
Meanwhile, Marco Melandri will be desperate to get to grips with his Ducati, a bike he has struggled to adapt to so far. The Tech 3 Yamaha riders James Toseland and Colin Edwards will be looking to consolidate their fine start to the season.
The ultra-modern 3.387 mile (5.451 km) circuit offers excellent spectating and facilities. The track itself features a wide variety of corners and overtaking opportunities. The 2008 Chinese Grand prix could well be the race when the Rossi/Yamaha/Bridgestone combination finally begins to produce results. The five-times World Champion will be getting increasingly frustrated about being put in the shade by his young team-mate. All the ingredients are present for a great race on May 4th.
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