Written by Finn Glover, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
After two weeks away, MotoGP returns to the beloved Misano, this time, for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. After the cancellation of India and later Kazakhstan, Misano welcomes the bikes for one last time, before the Asian adventure to come.
Throwback: Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna 2021
Although MotoGP has held three races at Misano since the last Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2021, the race marks a different challenge and has played host to two very exciting races in its two prior happenings.
Last time out in 2021, it proved to be a title decider, with Fabio Quartararo winning his first and only championship to date on that day. That was after rival Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia crashed out at the penultimate corner with a few laps to go.
Ultimately, Marc Marquez won the race, claiming a Honda 1-2, with Pol Espargaro following behind. Enea Bastianini claimed his 2nd ever podium on the Avintia Esponsorama, after a dramatic last lap battle with the champion Quartararo.
It was a race of attrition; with nine riders retiring, including one-time race leader Jack Miller, and this year's championship protagonist Jorge Martin. It may be the same racetrack, but Misano still provides a new challenge for the riders.
Round 13: Grand Prix of San Marino
Last time out, it was Marc Marquez who claimed a second win in succession after a 2.5-year drought. In gloomy conditions, he overtook the reigning champion Bagnaia, who finished second.
However, that second meant he claimed a massive points swing in terms of the championship. Rival and championship leader Jorge Martin made the incorrect decision to box for the wet setup after rain began to fall in the early stages.
Yet, the rain diminished, and Martin was left stranded in the lowly P15, a lap down from the leaders. Yet, a dominant sprint victory certainly helped his championship prospects, in what proved to be a disastrous weekend for the #89.
It was an extremely clumsy race, after Martin nearly hit Bagnaia whilst trying to get the lead on the second lap at turn 2. Only three corners later, Pedro Acosta ploughed into the rear wheel of Franco Morbidelli, leaving both with damage, and both falling in the latter parts of the race.
Once again it remained an all Ducati podium. Although, they were challenged all the way by the dramatically improving KTM's, as well as a ressurging Bezzecchi and Morbidelli.
After the race, the championship top 5 is as follows:
1- Jorge Martin (Pramac) - 312 Points
2- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) - 305 Points
3- Marc Marquez (Gresini) - 259 Points
4- Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo) - 250 Points
5- Brad Binder (KTM) - 161 Points
The Track
Ctrl C, Ctrl V. It's the exact same track for MotoGP as last time out. They head to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, or simply known, Misano. This beloved track situated on Italy's Adriatic coast has held motorcycle racing since 1980.
At 2.626 miles, it is one of the shorter, and narrower layouts of the season. It begins with a very twisty first sector, before the track opens out with numerous fast straights and corners slowly declining in radius. Then the track turns on itself, with a tight hairpin at turn 14, before two challenging crash-prone corners to finish the lap.
The track is very well used, holding both formula and motorbike championships regularly. This means that the track is extremely fertile in its grip, and even in mixed conditions, offers plenty of stability for the bikes. Yet the challenging narrow racing line means overtaking is difficult, and qualifying here is extremely pivotal.
So, what will happen as MotoGP returns for one last blast around Ducati dreamland? With Marc Marquez rediscovering his old self, Bagnaia at his favourite track, and Martin seeking retribution, it could be an absolute barnstorming weekend.
And now, the manufacturer gap is beginning to close, with KTM steadily improving, while Yamaha and Honda are closing the gap. At one of the more well-known tracks, the gaps could be minimal, and the racing, close. Misano produces absolute classics and often has a big say in the championship.
What will happen in 2024? Who knows? Tune in to find out this weekend, with a 1 pm BST race start, an hour earlier than most European races, due to Formula One’s Singapore Grand Prix event.
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