~MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE HEATS UP~

Since 2008 we have witnessed the relationship between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo escalate to all out war which paused when Rossi made an ill fated switch to the Ducati Team at the end of the 2010 season. Both riders have since sorted their differences and are currently leading the constructor's championship for Movistar Yamaha. Since Rossi's return to the Movistar Yamaha team in 2013 their relationship has improved immensely, both riders now respect each other much more and show great sportsmanship towards one another. It's great to see they get on now but let's hope it continues as this season is heating up!
 

After a pulsating round at Misano the MotoGP World Championship now heads to sunny Spain for round 14 held at Aragon. Valentino Rossi now leads the World Championship by 23 points from Jorge Lorenzo. During last weekends race in Misano, Lorenzo crashed his M1 Yamaha in the closing stages of the Grand Prix, he was  attempting to close the gap to race leader Rossi who had just entered the pits to change bikes (for the second time!) when he binned his Yamaha on cold tyres.





This has dealt a serious blow to Lorenzo's championship ambitions. Although Lorenzo has clawed his way back in to title contention once this season I cannot see him succeeding to do that again. With 5 rounds remaining in the championship and 125 points up for grabs you may be thinking it's a wide open battle for the championship but just look at Valentino's record this year....his consistency is unbelievable. Apart from the fifth position he salvaged at Misano he had a consecutive run of 16 podium finishes...just think about that...that run goes back to nearly one year ago! It is possible of course that Valentino's luck may run out and he may run into some of the misfortune that we have seen bestowed upon Jorge Lorenzo, but if that does not happen then I think its "The Doctor's" championship to lose.

Over the last decade we have seen Rossi entangled in heated battles with his rivals. This has given him such a strong mentality which can be seen every time a race goes to a last lap battle. He has consistency in these battles and seems to always come out on top, even Lorenzo has admitted his record against Valentino in battles is poor.

"I lose almost every one or every one I think - this is true - but we will see what happens in the future"

By no means is this an admission of defeat, since 2008 we have witnessed Jorge Lorenzo grow into a fantastic rider winning two World Championships (2010,2012) and breaking numerous records along the way. For me it is his record in one on one battles with Valentino that will ultimately cost him this year's championship. Both Jorge and Valentino also have to contend with the magnificent Marc Marquez who was the race winner for the last round in Misano due to some smart decision's and very skilled riding abilities. Although he hasn't enjoyed as much success this season as he did in 2014 Marquez is still capable of winning numerous races and upsetting the title race. The title is now realistically out of his reach but that will not deter him for the final 5 rounds of the championship.

Of course by the time we reach the final round in Valencia in November I could be proved completely wrong, anything is possible in this sport and in the end there are no losers...but only one can be crowned champion. Will it be Rossi's 10th Championship win or will Jorge Lorenzo turn the odds in his favour once again and stage another amazing comeback to claim his 3rd MotoGP championship. Let the battle commence!!

Below is a quick video of past battles between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo..enjoy :-)

Feel free to post a comment with your own opinions I would like to hear them.