Qatar in March is an oddity. A race in the cooler evening air, floodlit. If that?s not different enough for you, throw in a covering of sand which makes any excursion from the thin, black racing line an adventure in optimism or blind faith depending on the rider.
So Qatar is not a good race to extrapolate a season from. I won?t let that stop me trying.
Honda are back on form. 2011 is the first time they have won the opening race of the season for 8 years. The race was not just won, however, it was dominated by Honda and in particular Stoner through every session. The dominanace was further emphasised by Lorenzo?s delight at an unexpected second place. The cause? A mysterious loss of grip in the Pedrosa clutch hand causing him to ride out the last couple of laps in one gear.
In truth, in the end it was a brave performance from the diminutive Spaniard, who cannot seem to catch a break. At least this year he starts without injury. His Spanish nemesis, Lorenzo, took great delight in snatching Dani?s second place, all the more for the unexpected nature of it. Stoner looked every inch the Qatar specialist he is; unbeatable on this track.
Other highlights from the race: Simoncelli on the Honda looks to be a force to be reckoned with and will probably challenge for the podium on more occasions than not. Dovizioso looks like he should be demoted next year ? this being his final chance to prove Honda did not make a mistake when guaranteeing him a works ride in his contract. The dream pairing of Ducati and Rossi has some way to go: on the one hand Rossi is still claiming injury to his shoulder, on the other his crew chief is making noises that the bike is still some way away from where they want it to be. This could be a very tough year for the GOAT.
So what can we expect this year? It looks like Honda riders will have something of an advantage with the next closest being Lorenzo working his genius hard to stay with them and challenge for the lead. Rossi?s season will be a re-building and formative one, before perhaps one last assault on the championship in 2012. And if you?re not on a Honda, Yamaha or Ducati works bike, you better hope for some divine intervention because it is going to be tough to get an inch on these guys.
At least, that?s what it looks like for now?
