Final 500cc record set to fall.
This weekend, the MotoGP circus commences its final four-stop round-the-world tour in Rio, where the last remaining lap record of the 500cc GP era is expected to fall.
The Jacarepagua record has stood unbroken since the late nineties because of poor circuit conditions and race-day rain at the last two Rio GPs. However, the new breed of MotoGP four-strokes return for their second Brazilian outing this Saturday and - should the weather remain favourable - all the signs are that they'll be faster than ever.
This weekend, the MotoGP circus commences its final four-stop round-the-world tour in Rio, where the last remaining lap record of the 500cc GP era is expected to fall.
The Jacarepagua record has stood unbroken since the late nineties because of poor circuit conditions and race-day rain at the last two Rio GPs. However, the new breed of MotoGP four-strokes return for their second Brazilian outing this Saturday and - should the weather remain favourable - all the signs are that they'll be faster than ever.
The performance of the pace-setting four-strokes has already obliterated race and lap records at every other MotoGP circuit, often by vast margins.
Two weeks ago in Portugal, reigning world champion Valentino Rossi broke the Estoril race record by a staggering 37secs on his Repsol Honda. Last year, Rossi came to Rio to wrap up the first-ever four-stroke MotoGP title and the Italian did it in style, winning his tenth victory from the first twelve races of the season.
This weekend, Rossi arrives in South America leading the title chase once again, but he's far away from retaining his crown, having won half as many races so far this season. Rossi has had to fight every inch of the way this season as MotoGP gets more competitive.
After Saturday's race, Rossi and his rivals head to Japan, Malaysia and Australia for three GPs on consecutive weekends in October. The season concludes at Valencia in Spain, on 2 November.
