With all do respect TP, I think you're being a bit harsh on Lorenzo. Sure he didn't go from last to first, but "carving" up the field is just as good a description to characterize him passing the top 4 bikes, which, as the natural order of things would have it, they are generally the toughest to pass in a race. I'm not sure the Ducs were just trying to get home, in fact, after watching the race several times now (yeah, dude, its a disease, hahaha) I noticed that it took him a bit of calculation to pass Nicky as he followed him for a bit, then as you say, passed him on the straight. But even this was not handed to him, as you recall Nicky actually outbroke him; but then going in too hot ran wide. Lorenzo then proceeded to do the same with Rossi, who on a great day is never easy to pass. Then there was the task of reaching Pedros, which was a feat in of itself, as you may remember the gap looked sizable in the waning laps no less. When he arrived to Pedros, I suppose we've been conditioned into thinking he'd just move out of the way, as he has done in the past when pressured, poor midget has the reputation of barley fighting out of a wet paper bag. But to our surprise, Dani actually fought back, funny but I wonder if that even took Lorenzo by surprise too, (maybe that explains the flustered pass you describe, hahaha.) I wouldn't say his Honda was that "wayward" as in fact, it lead most of the race, even until the beginning of the final lap actually. Lorenzo is credited for leading only one lap, in reality it was half a lap, this is not testament that his pass attempts were poor, but in my opinion, that it was the culmination of several factors mainly, lack of time, that made his passes seem hasty. You may feel they were poorly executed, perhaps, but considering the circumstances, they were effective nonetheless. If I had to give you an example of a bonsai pass: do you remember Rossi's pass at the corkscrew? Hahahaha
I think you make a great point about the current & former (Hiroshi/Marco Sim) 250 champs "languishing" on a sat bike, not to mention a multiple 250 champ (Loris) who is languishing on a sub par 'factory' bike. I've said many times, the nature of prototype racing has much to do with the machine. I agree, Lorenzo is on a great bike, but I'm not so sure I'd say he "lucked" into it, as he did win against a decent crop of rivals, twice. And hes made the best of that opportunity, taking it to Rossi, to the point of the guy complaining to his employer, eh. You ask if Lorenzo was subject to the sat bike rule, would we be having this conversation? Well I concede, maybe not exactly, but consider that Spies is on a sat bike, most consider him a shining example of how a very good rider can impress on nonfactory gear.
Yes, you are correct, no points awarded for riding hurt. And Lorenzo has certainly not been the only rider to do so. But in regard to admiration, it goes a long way in my book. This is why I think so highly of Stoner and am repelled by those who disparage him because he didn't have a x-ray to prove something inside him was broken. I admire Lorenzo for riding with freshly broken bones, certainly it was a result of his mistakes as you say, but only he can chose to get back on and ride. Just like Stoner, who after being sick for several rounds, finally had to stop and heal facing perhaps unforeseen career ending consequences. I'll confess, I'd be the lessor man in such circumstances, and for this I marvel at their spirit.
