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MotoGP
An emotional weekend for MotoGP in Barcelona
Rossi and Márquez put on a show in the main event, after a tough weekend for the MotoGP paddock.
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Valentino Rossi and Marc Márquez gave the crowd at the Circuit de Catalunya another MotoGP race to remember, in the wake of a difficult and emotional weekend for the entire paddock.
There was a deep sadness that enveloped the sport following the tragic death of Moto2 rider Luis Salom on Friday, and the Spanish rider’s memory was paid a great tribute by a hard and fair race between Rossi and Márquez, as well as the special gestures made by all riders throughout the weekend.
Jorge Lorenzo had led early on, but his apparent struggles with his tyres saw him drop down the order. The World Champion was running in fifth place when he was then torpedoed from behind by an out-of-control AndreaIannone, as the Yamaha man suffered his second DNF of the season.
Meanwhile at the front, Rossi was leading the way, with Márquez closing in for an inevitable challenge on the final laps. With five to go, Márquez made a move that stuck, but Rossi soon got him back to set up a pulsating finish.
As Márquez looked for an opening on the penultimate lap, he ran slightly wide at turn seven, ending his hopes of catching Rossi who took the win.
Dani Pedrosa followed the pair onto the podium, and it was a long way back to Maverick Viñales in fourth.
Championship standings after seven rounds:
1. Marc Márquez (Honda), 125 points
2. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha), 115pts
3. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), 103pts
4. Dani Pedrosa (Honda), 83pts
5. Maverick Viñales (Suzuki), 72pts
Marc Márquez pushed Rossi all the way
© Repsol Honda
Dani Pedrosa finished on the podium
© Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool
Valentino Rossi took his second win of 2016
© Yamaha
Jorge Lorenzo's race was ended early
© Dorna Sports
The podium pays tribute to Luis Salom
Race winner Valentino Rossi:
It was a great, great victory, one of the best of my career. It’s for Luis Salom and his family.
Second-placed Marc Márquez:
I was at the limit in the end. I had a great battle with Valentino, the crowd enjoyed it. Of course, this is for Luis Salom.
Dani Pedrosa:
I’m happy to see all these people supporting Luis. I want to dedicate this podium to him and his family.
Luis Salom
© Dorna Sports
Luis Salom: 1991-2016
The tributes to Luis, who was involved in one of the closest, most exciting title battles in recent years in Moto3 in 2013, came in from motorcycle icons past and present:
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