Yamaha Maverick Vinales wont the
season opening Qatar Grand Prix, the first round of the 2017 MotoGP Championship,
after winning an intense duel for victory with Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso. Vinales
started from pole position and dropped to fifth early, but stormed back into
contention in the second half of the race and then kept the Ducati at bay to
start life with his new team in style.
The French rookie lined up fourth,
but forced his way past Vinales into second at the first corner and then into
the lead with a move on Andrea Iannone later on the first lap. Zarco, who
changed to a soft rear tyre on the grid, strolled away at the front of the
field, and led by 1.640 seconds after six laps. However, that was the end of
his charge, crashing at Turn 2 the next time around. That handed the advantage
to Dovizioso, who built a lead as Marc Marquez, Iannone, Vinales and Valentino
Rossi – both Yamahas emerging after a quiet start – fought behind him.
The riders remained cautious around
the corners of the drying track, but there were no accidents in the opening
moments. Zarco was quicker than anyone in the race in his debut, and his sheer
pace left the current champion in his wake. The leader's splits were hugely
impressive as Marquez chased, but the champion simply could not close the
gap between himself and the former Moto2 kingpin. Cal Crutchlow crashed
out as he lost control on the tricky Qatar track, ending his hopes, but the
most dramatic moment of the day came as Zarco hit the floor and slid out of
contention through the gravel.
However, Dovizioso continued to
show heart in an exciting race, pushing for the lead with Rossi in his
slipstream. The Ducati rider simply would not give up as he
pursued Vinales, but the threat of Rossi was beginning to shape the race. The
38-year-old legend was producing a performance level many believed he would not
in this event, and his experience saw him ride a great strategy. Honda's
Marquez was out of contention in the final three laps, and he simply did not
have the pace to threaten the very front.
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