MotoGP: San Marino Grand Prix Preview - Championship not yet in the bag for Marc Marquez

After an incredible run of 4 wins on the trot came to a halt at the British Grand Prix, thanks to Lorenzo’s exciting final lap victory, Marc Marquez will be looking to get back to winning ways in this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix.

Holding a lead of 30 points over Dani Pedrosa and a 39 point lead over Lorenzo certainly gives the advantage to Marquez in this season’s title race, with only 6 races remaining including this weekend. However, he would do well to not get complacent as both his competitors have more than enough time to reel in the points and spoil what has been the most fantastic rookie season in the history of Moto GP.

Pedrosa is not new to chasing the leader and cutting the lead at the top, having done the same last season when he chased down Lorenzo’s lead at the top, though unsuccessful in the end. He will be looking to do the same this time round too, and Lorenzo will be right on his tail, trying to take advantage of any mistakes either driver might make.

Behind the top 3 and looking for any opportunities to win the race, and with a long shot at the title, are Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow. Both riders have not had good seasons, languishing at 4^th and 5^th places respectively.

Rossi, especially, will be looking to notch his 2^nd victory of the season in front a vociferous home crowd. Even Crutchlow would be looking to make a good impression in front of the Italian fans, as he is set to join Ducati next season.

However, all eyes will be on Marc Marquez, who has already re-written many of the records for a rookie season. His dislocated shoulder at the British Grand Prix cost him his 5^th consecutive win of the season, and could still be a factor in this weekend’s race. Lorenzo proved in his last race that he could use Marquez’s discomfort to his advantage, when he made his move at exactly the same corner in which Marquez had his fall during warm-up.

Another rider having injury problems is Pedrosa, who has had to fight shoulder problems for a few races now. But seeing the form he’s been in, consistently finishing on the podium, it looks like he has the mental strength to overcome it. Marquez would do well to learn from his team mate.

The San Marino Grand Prix will test the commitment of the drivers as the layout of the circuit consists of short straights and tight corners. It will be especially hard on the tyres as the circuit demands maximum grip.

It will be certainly be an interesting race to watch, and if things go according to plan, we might even be in for a surprise as far as the podium is concerned!