As the Moto2 grid head to Brno, Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) is edging ever closer to his first world title. He sits thirty seven points clear of his closest rival Thomas Luthi (CarXpert Interwetten) and will be heading to Brno this weekend to extend his lead further.
Luthi is somewhat of a veteran to the class, and has achieved numerous wins and podiums over his career but never a title. He stepped up to the world stage in 2003 and in 2005, he won the 125cc title. A man who is ‘always the bridesmaid and never the bride’, has a reason to fight harder than ever this year, and he’ll be hoping for a strong start to part two of the season in Brno.
Morbidelli’s team mate Alex Marquez has had a bittersweet season. He’s taken two wins, one third place and two pole positions but sits fourth in the championship just a mere four points behind Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo). He is yet to be passed as fit to ride in Brno, after a crash in Germany saw him break vertebrae in his back. Marquez is a fan of the Czech track, and will be hoping for a solid points finish to put him in front of Oliveira in the standings.
Miguel Oliveira seems to be edging closer and closer to a win with each race. He’s been on the podium four times this year, with two second places and two thirds. He raced the Moto2 World Championship last year with Leopard Racing, but took no rostrum finishes and twenty first overall. Whatever happens, Oliveira will improve on last year and a win in Brno wouldn’t be the most shocking thing to happen this year.
Francesco Bagnaia (Sky Racing Team VR46 has had a phenomenal first half to the season. On one of the best bikes on the Moto2 grid, Bagnaia has achieved two second places and one third. But there’s plenty more to come from the young Italian as we head to Brno. Last year, he didn’t finish the Moto3 race so some could say there’s some ‘unfinished business’ between him and the Czech track.
An unfamiliar face will be on the grid this weekend in the form of American Joe Roberts, who is replacing Yonny Hernandez at the AGR Team after they announced their split earlier in the week.
Things are really hotting up between the front runners as we come out of the summer break. Action from Brno begins on Friday, and the race is one not to be missed.