Sensational race, easily race of the year to date, but we still have three more so it's uncertain as to what will come out of those. Phillip Island is probably going to be epic. Hats off to Dovi for finally taking the risks that I felt he was not willing to take years ago, that will make the difference in the end when you tally up the points. I think regardless of the outcome, Marc is learning something here about what it takes to manage under enormous pressure.
I'm actually going to tip Dovi to win the title because I feel at this point the pressure is all on Marc rather than Dovi. Another wet race at Sepang in two weeks will surely favor the Ducati. Question is more generally speaking, if we get another titanic battle between these two, can Dovi hold off Marc at the final corner for a third time?
Either way this is the best title battle we've had since Nicky/Rossi in 2006. 2015 doesn't even come close to this, and it's nice that it is between two genuinely likeable guys.
Hats off to both of them for the performance they put on at Motegi. I couldn't help but think during the race that on some level the whole thing was insane from the point of view that they are out there risking their very lives for our enjoyment, and I do admit I was starting to feel rather uncomfortable with the entire thing because of the stakes involved. Yes, I know this is what they do for a living and I am sure they wouldn't have it any other way. But I just hope for our sake both walk away from this season unscathed regardless of who wins the title. I love wet weather racing, but there were far too many crashes in the race, and Marc had that massive moment on the last lap. Kind of reminds me that this is all entertainment at the end of the day and I don't want to see any of them getting hurt over this stuff.
Edit: One thing I do think that is coming is the Ducati fairing is probably going to get banned. I don't see HRC letting that fairing make it to Losail 2018. It does provide a major advantage in the wet and is covering up chassis deficiencies with the Ducati. I am on the fence about these aero fairings. I like the ingenuity involved with them, but I despise the Formula Aero aspect of them. Double-edged sword.
