The European
MotoGP dynasty arrives in California this weekend determined to shake the home rider domination at the
Red Bull US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca on Sunday.
Only one European rider, Italian Luca Cadalora in 1994, has prevented a home rider tasting success in the seven GPs held at the circuit situated on the Pacific coast near Monterey. This year the European challenge is spearheaded by the World Champion, Italian
Valentino Rossi in a 32 lap battle round the demanding 2.243 mile circuit that will have a massive ultimate bearing on the outcome of the MotoGP World Championship.
Former American Superbike Champion
Nicky Hayden arrives home after ten hectic rounds of this superb title chase determined to repeat his maiden grand prix victory of last year riding the Repsol Honda. Not only does he want to send that loud and passionate crowd wild but also defend a 26 point lead in the Championship as he races in America for the only time this year.
So what ever happens when the riders take a well deserved summer break after the race, Hayden will still lead the Championship but by how many points? Rossi fresh from his amazing victory in Germany on Sunday is equally determined to break that American domination and close the points gap on Hayden before disappearing to Ibiza for a couple of weeks.
Last year Rossi arrived for his first race at Laguna with a massive Championship lead and was happy to finish third behind Hayden and his own team-mate
Colin Edwards around a difficult track but this time it’s very different. Victory for the Italian riding the Camel Yamaha in Hayden’s back yard would not only close the points gap, but give the World Champion a massive psychological boost going into the final six rounds.
