Sepang qualifying view from Gavin Emmett

Sepang qualifying view from Gavin Emmett

Saturday, 09 October 2010

The motogp.com commentator gives his opinion on Saturday’s qualifying session, in which Jorge Lorenzo secured a pole that could deliver him the 2010 title in Sunday’s race.

The Speakers' Corner: Gavin Emmett on Sepang QP

Jorge Lorenzo’s sixth pole of the season has placed the Spaniard in the perfect position to gain at least the ninth placed finish he needs to seal the 2010 MotoGP title in Sunday’s race at Sepang, and motogp.com’s Gavin Emmett reviewed the qualifying session.

“I think he’s in the safest place by being in pole position. If he gets a good start he’s not going to get involved in any bunching. From there it’s just a case of riding his own race and if that means winning then he will do that,” said Gavin. “If he uses the engine he did today then he has a very good chance. He was playing down his chances but we know a top-nine finish secures him the Championship so if he finishes in the top four, which should be comfortable enough for him, then he should be okay.”

Completing the front row were Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso, with Ben Spies, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi on the second row. “I’m really pleased for Nicky Hayden that he’s there. I think he was so shocked to be there, he didn’t expect it. He pulled out a brilliant lap that only just made it all up in the final sector,” continued Gavin.

“You expect Dovizioso will also be strong, as of course will Stoner and Rossi from the second row. I think they were just struggling for grip with the softer rear tyres and that prevented them from getting on the front row. When they’re in race trim I wouldn’t expect Nicky Hayden to be there so much. Ben Spies might be just off there. You would expect the top four from Motegi to be up at the front once more and it just depends on how the race settles down.”

Venturing a prediction at how the race may go, Gavin concluded: “There is every chance it could be a very tight race between the top riders when you look at race pace, and hopefully it will be. For the win… Lorenzo, maybe Stoner, but I think it will be Lorenzo!”

You can test your own expertise against that of Gavin’s by playing the Official Fantasy MotoGP 2010 game. Submit your predictions for Sunday’s Sepang race now and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes!

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