MotoGP – Estoril Preview

With Casey Stoner back in the paddock, Ben Spies confirmed for MotoGP in 2010, James Toseland and Chris Vermuelen returning to World Superbike the MotoGP championship battle was on the back page of the sports section leading up to this weekend’s round at Estoril. Jorge Lorenzo quickly dispelled any notion that he had given up on his effort to dethrone teammate Valentino Rossi by being quickest in practice and qualifying. The high flying Mallorcan trails Rossi by thirty points with four races and 100 points remaining.

Lorenzo’s run to the pole was his fifth of the season and .260 of a second quicker than Rossi who will start the race in second. Any doubts about Casey Stoner’s health and resolve were forgotten as the Australian quickly resumed his role as one of the fastest riders in the field qualifying third ahead of Dani Pedrosa. Both riders were less than half a second off Lorenzo’s time so it looks like a return to normalcy with the Big Four fighting for the podium, and the rest of the field contesting the remaining spots. The only question that remains is whether or not Stoner has the stamina to finish an entire race.

The rest of the field was led by Colin Edwards in fifth, just under a second off Lorenzo’s time. The 35 year old Texan has shown that he still has what it takes by consistently beating teammate Toseland who is heading back to World Superbike to make way for Spies on the Tech 3 Yamaha team. Randy DePuniet returned to comeback-rider-of-the-year form with his run to sixth place on the grid. The French rider recently re-signed with his LCR Honda team, and is back on form after breaking his ankle in a training accident. Nicky Hayden qualified ninth, just over a second behind Stoner and ahead of Mika Kallio who just re-signed with Pramac Ducati.

The lastest news on the Ben Spies front is that he’ll be getting a wildcard ride in the season ending MotoGP race at Valencia. The race takes place two weeks after the last WSBK race at Portimao. The wildcard ride should benefit Spies who is entering a series that has cut back on preseason testing and race weekend practice. David Emmett over at motomatters.com is reporting a rumor that Michael Jordan will be sponsoring that ride.

In other MotoGP news the FIM has published the entry list for the new Moto2 series that replaces the 250cc class in 2010. The original announcement of the new class was met with skepticism, but that negative reception has been replaced by overwhelming support. The new class will feature the return of Team Roberts to World Championship racing.

Estoril Qualifying Results – Lorenzo quickest

SPEED Television Coverage – Sunday (10/04):

250cc Race – 5:00pm (EST)

MotoGP Race – 6:00pm (EST)