Le Mans has seen many heroes made and the 2014 French Grand Prix weekend produced more performances that will be talked about for some time. The Bugatti circuit played host to a tactical masterclass, a sensational comeback and another glimpse into MotoGP’s bright future. The TCF Power Five looks at those who particularly impressed.
5. Alvaro Bautista (MotoGP)
Without a podium finish since October 2012, this result hadn’t come a moment too soon for Alvaro Bautista. Pressure was mounting on the GO&FUN Gresini rider after crashes in each of the first three races but his performance on Sunday at Le Mans was the perfect answer to any critics.
(Photo Credit: MotoGP.com)
Alvaro’s qualifying performance would have served as further ammunition to those questioning his position with the satellite Honda team, the Spaniard qualifying seventh, but an excellent ride on the Sunday saw him climb to third. The performance was particularly impressive considering he had such work to do after qualifying and Alvaro even left the likes of Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in his wake as he rose up the order.
With ten laps to go, Bautista dived past Pol Espargaro at Garage Vert to secure the final podium place and after a nightmare start to 2014, his season looks to have finally sparked into life.
(Photo Credit: MotoGP.com)
