VALENCIA, NOV 19,
If persistent rains gave way just ahead of qualifying on Saturday, on Sunday it was the other way around as the skies opened up just when the Moto GP riders lined up on the grid for the final race of the season.
What was to be a homecoming party for Marq Marquez ended in tears as the recently crowned five-time champion crashed out on lap seven running in the third position and hunting down rival Andrea Dovizioso.
In the end, Dovizioso showed why he is one of the best in wet conditions. He he won a popular victory after the race was stopped on lap 15 due to treacherous conditions and restarted 40 minutes later.
Alex Rins finished second while Pol Espargaró took his maiden podium on a day when some of the top riders crashed out. Repsol Honda won the team championship to help Honda seal a triple crown after having won the rider’s and manufacturer’s championship as well.
Pole-sitter Maverick Vinales of Yamaha lost his lead on the opening lap to Suzuki’s Rins staring second. Ducati’s Dovizioso too passed him on the second lap.
Marquez traded positions with Spain’s Espargaró for fourth and fifth as they got past Vinales before the world champion passed his compatriot on lap four to move into third.
