2021 MotoGP Championship Standings After Round 14, Misano, Italy

Thanks so much for running with the tipping scores, mate. Perhaps next year we can add some extra spice because tipping/fantasy always brings a little something extra to race weekends!

Exciting race, less knife fighting of course than last one w Marc. But the stalking from Fabio was intense. He was overriding a wobbly bike all weekend. Did you all see how much of a limp Fabio has still from his foot/ankle bike collision a few races ago? He's hurt! Plenty was going on elsewhere too. Glad it was dry.

Pecco Bagnaia is in form. On the Ducati, which has taken a step of evolution putting it at the top as most complete bike. It's weak point has been developed. Fabio was so curious about Pecco's soft R after the race that he snuck in there and pulled the cover off of it...twice for lengthy genuine analytical stares. Pecco's riding style and this bike are gelled.

Martin fell off whilst ripping good pace. In Q Marc had "that crash" the Honda does, but his race was measured. Decent result! Right handed track, his adversaries have extensive time on it. Rins did his unfortunate 2021 toss. Mir hung in there, but Suzuki have not brought more bike. 

BASTIANNINI! On the 2019?! Hoeleee shite! Giving Luca the top bike is a bullshit move Vale. Somewhat understandable, but given your unresolved iffy decision making around this step, you are not being given the benefit of doubt. How is that for you? Uncomfortable? That is something to listen to. Bastiannini was brilliant, a joyful surprise. Wow! Ducati has a great stable.

Has anyone seen Maverick's moment off track or missing a corner or whatever it was? Not a bad start, but at some point he suddenly was 18th. Then clawed forward a bit again. Not bad. Mav 98 pts, Aleix 104? We have a top Black 2021 race!

Dovi back on A Spec, Morbidelli back on Factory kit for the first time, neither got TV time. But very  happy to have them with us. 

Binder did his usual Sunday business. KTM are working hard, multiple chassis experiments etc. Oliveira was no where. Iker had a swing and a miss. Brad is earning his keep. 

I don't see Pecco title challenging now. But yet this is still a big deal to be excited about just that he is here in this fine form on that Red bike. Miller? Good race, but that's it. He and Zarco are not doing what Pecco is and even Martin looks to be arriving at. Watching the riders, Miller and Zarco are at zenith. Great rides. But, Ducati finally have a couple riders doing that next step with a bike that is doing the same. Incredible and wonderful. Great season even w the gap to the front. A gap not too that one guy on that one team, but a fantastic French kid making more than mortal of a underpowered and less rideable/easy to set up than it appears under him. We have an Alien again, but he is joined by a handful of great astronauts swapping turns taking points. Some close hard fought racing, and friendly thoughtful slow burn Pecco is ablaze yet steady. It is REALLY hard to pass a Duc rocket when it also tips in and carves well after giving up nothing on the brakes. Pecco!!!

^ Grazi Ivanhoe, you are very appreciated. If it is ok with you and participants we will do another evolution of it with input considered from everyone, and a sorta democratic decision with me making the final call (in the interest of it working smoothly/easily). Then perhaps it can just be everyone's thing, facilitated by Ivanhoe for the time being but not stuck with it forever. I like my 2nd place! Not catching our Quartararo of Cloverleaf, good picks mate.

Cheers!