The Dutch TT brought some typically Dutch weather but one of MotoGP’s classic venues also produced some classic Grand Prix action. Assen isn’t called the Cathedral for nothing and on Saturday, it was graced with a number of performances that will be talked about for some time. The TCF Power Five picks out the best.
5. Marc Marquez (MotoGP)
The 2014 Marc Marquez routine continues – arrive, win another Grand Prix, and leave. The weather did its best to make life difficult for him but the world champion hasn’t become the dominant force he is without being able to ride in the wet.
Marc’s qualifying lap was quite extraordinary as he scythed through rider after rider at the high-speed Ruskenhoek bend as if they were standing still. His heroics didn’t quite earn him pole position though as Aleix Espargaro eclipsed his time with a clearer track but Marquez was still well placed, especially with the Movistar Yamahas on the third and fourth rows.
The pre-race shower didn’t faze Marc either and he galloped away at the front, Andrea Dovizioso the only rider remotely capable of keeping up. In fact, it wasn’t until he had switched to slicks that an error came with the Repsol Honda rider sliding wide at De Bult and with four seconds to make up, Marc suddenly had a challenge on his hands.
The riders now effectively had a dry race on their hands now though and factory Honda vs factory Ducati was something of a no-contest as Marquez reeled Dovizioso in, regained the lead, and still had time to open up a 6.7s winning margin. Never in doubt.
(Photo Credit: MotoGP.com)