Five of the best

Five of the best in MotoGP who will be in the spotlight this weekend

Marc Márquez

(Repsol Honda)

Before the Japanese GP, 23-year-old Márquez had more victories than anyone – four – and more points. This was mainly because he’d added something new to his already formidable armoury: consistency. He won when he could, but accepted second or less when he couldn’t. The only rider in the class to score points at every round. And he won here last year.

Valentino Rossi

(Movistar Yamaha)

Aged 37, Rossi continues to amaze. With two wins so far to Lorenzo’s three, he is still ahead on points. He’d be challenging for the title for a second year in a row if it weren’t for a few mis-hits: crashing in Texas and from the lead at Assen, and an engine blow-up at Mugello. Six times a premier-class winner at Phillip Island, he is never to be ruled out.

Jorge Lorenzo

(Movistar Yamaha)

Who could have thought that last year’s Mr Perfect would be this year’s Mr Inconsistent? The three-time world champion has been undone by bad weather and changing conditions, and has missed the boat several times with the new Michelins. Still, the 29-year-old won three races, and is tussling with Rossi for second overall.

Dani Pedrosa

(Repsol Honda)

Vastly experienced but minimally sized, Dani (30) has struggled with the Michelins, especially since early failures persuaded them to switch to a harder construction. He’s too light to get heat into them, and suffers in the early laps. In danger of his first year since 2002 without a win, electronic and setting improvements at last changed that at Round 13.

Maverick Viñales

(Ecstar Suzuki)

Signed for Yamaha next year, everyone expected to wait until then for the Spaniard to start challenging Márquez and co. But the 21-year-old wasn’t for waiting, and Suzuki’s bike has made strides with the unified software. Viñales ran away with it at Silverstone, in spite of lacking top speed. A big new talent.