07-02-2018, 12:46 AM
The announcers talked about the Ducati speed and about Marquez's skill in just about equal measure. Keep in mind that the question on everyone's mind, including the announcers, was "Can they catch him?" The most likely place for the Ducati riders to catch him were on the straights and that's what they did. I was pretty amazed at how quickly the Ducatis were able to close gaps.
Marquez ran a great race, but he was unable to pull away until near the end. I don't know enough about motorcycle racing to say for certain, but I suspect that tires played a part in his ability to leave the pack behind. I know that in auto racing, the chasing vehicles tend to burn up their tires and brakes much faster because they are carrying more speed into the turns. If this is true, it does not denigrate his skills--it has to take tremendous skill to get in front and then stay there.
Marquez ran a great race, but he was unable to pull away until near the end. I don't know enough about motorcycle racing to say for certain, but I suspect that tires played a part in his ability to leave the pack behind. I know that in auto racing, the chasing vehicles tend to burn up their tires and brakes much faster because they are carrying more speed into the turns. If this is true, it does not denigrate his skills--it has to take tremendous skill to get in front and then stay there.