2024 Round 13: Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini San Marino - Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

MotoE races - Garzo did the sensible thing, bar that last overtake attempt. But, he had a margin in the points. The races themselves were exciting, particularly the second one. Looking forward to seeing how a more experience Guitierrez (spelling?) will do next year with experience under his belt. Casidei after race 1 looked perhaps the most disappointed looking race winner I've ever seen in an interview.

Moto2 Qualifying. In previous years (and the start of this one) I had only been picking up the Moto2 and Moto3 qualifying results on Crash. I probably at some point had read the rules, but had forgotten them. So, Dixon wasn't going through Q1 as the top 14 go straight to Q2. I'll try to remember that (and will probably fail ). In the end, Garcia looks just as defeated as last year, and doesn't really seem to be trying. Called in to change tyres and then doesn't. Chantra also a bit disappointing, not progressing to Q2. In Q2, Dixon was straight through to Q2 despite what I posted before, but in the end disappoints. Ogura is presumably still carrying injury, and the result looks good enough for the title chase. 3rd place on the grid, and top Boscoscuro by some margin. This is Arbolino's first ever pole? Surprised at that...

MotoGP qualifying and the race. For qualifying, FQ was the rider notably doing better than expected, and Marc Marquez definitely disappointed. Though, he set up a recovery ride in the race which was entertaining to see. Acosta also good in both qualifying and the race. OK, his 6th place didn't match up to previous results, but he didn't gain any places due to people fallling off in front of him.

Is this the first time that the Ducati GP24s have finished 1-2-3-4 in a race? I've not remembered it happening before. Morbidelli doing much better than previously, and perhaps addressing some of the criticism.

Previously, also, there have been claims that Ducati won't let Martin win the championship. So far I'm not seeing it at all. Martin had a great start (I don't think that others had a bad start), and once Martin had the lead he protected it with a very Bagnaia style race. Perhaps beating Bagnaia at his own game? In any case, Martin appears to still have the tools to do the job.

Off to watch the Moto3 qualifying.

Fell asleep right after the sprint race ended (thank you insomnia!) so I did not see anything after Jorge crossed the line.

I was harsh and unfair on Jorge Martin earlier in the season because he was rubbing me the wrong way, I admit. I am now openly hoping he wins the title this year. It would be an incredible story in my opinion. I want him to beat Pecco. I think he is so unbelievably fast when he needs to be. .... not getting updates. He has the speed to take the title home. He also has changed his mentality which is what changed my mind about him. I wasn't convinced of him being able to do it, but so far he has not put a foot forward that has been wrong.

Tomorrow's main event is going to be thrilling, I can feel it.

I think Aleix and Maverick leaving Aprilia is going to be a boon to the team, not a hinderance. I don't think either rider is suited to ride the RS-GP any longer. I question Maverick's commitment at this point because let's face it, it's ..... He quit at Aragon. I know track conditions were ......, but ...., if everyone else could finish the race, there's zero reason he couldn't have even if it was as far back as it would have been.

The VR46 boys are not suited for the GP23. I don't care what hybrid aero they use, it won't make a difference. The bike is simply too mercurial relative to the GP22 that they did so well on last season.

Pedro and Marc at the end was thrilling. I am really, really enjoying watching Pedro. He's so much fun to watch ride and it's only going to get better with all of the experience he is gaining. Just wish he had a better bike, but going back to the early season setup proved to be perfect for him, so much kudos on making that decision.

Good stuff as always.