Portimao MotoGP

[GRAgusta]

Jenny and I have been fortunate to be able to support Gresini at seven MotoGP now over the last few years in our quest to visit as many circuits as we can. This year we made it to Portimao in the Algarve.

Over the years the Gresini line up has evolved to be so much more competitive, with Aprilia (Aleix, Sam Lowes, Scott Reading, Ianone) and Ducati (Bastianini, Digia, Alex M) and now Marc Marquez. I was concerned that running the 8 times world champion in the Gresini team may impact their profile to the detriment of our access and experience, fortunately that wasn’t the case. Hospitality was even busier than before, but it was perfect.

Marc didn’t eat with the team, like Alex and their Dad does, but he did make appearances.

Portimao is a super venue, a long circuit looping on itself over four terraces of up and down.
Lots of blind approach corners with challenging rise and fall.

Here are some photos.

IMG_3728[/World Champion at full chaturl] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/156783250@N07/]gawaine appleby, on Flickr

IMG_3768 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

World Champion at full chat.

DSC_3175 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

View down the hill from turn 13

IMG_3854 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

IMG_3775 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

IMG_3753 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr
IMG_3779 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr
IMG_3849 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr
DSC_3608 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr
DSC_3602 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr
IMG_3842 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

Pedro Costa is the real deal already in his Rookie MotoGP year.

IMG_3824 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

Marc is quite chilled.

IMG_3848 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

The Beast less chilled.

DSC_3402 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr


In practice at turn 5 Marc dropped it. He engaged the rear ride height device too early, because the Honda device he's used to is slower than Ducati's.

IMG_3748 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

IMG_3761 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

Sprint Race was a great result for Gresini.

IMG_3794 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr


Sadly the main race didn't end so well but was very tight.

DSC_3587 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

And as for this ......

It is less powerful than my MV Agusta, as heavy as my R1250RS, and only covers 9 laps on a single charge .... the future. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

DSC_3380 by gawaine appleby, on Flickr

[boxerscott]

Marquez looks like he has got to grips with the Gresini Ducati. Would not rule him out as a title contender this year. Moto GP needs stars to re awaken itself.

May have to invest in a fire stick and Dodgy thingy!

Chris