Was the MotoGP French GP the disaster it seemed for the home hero?

By:

Lewis Duncan

Oct 12, 2020, 3:48 PM

Fabio Quartararo was poised for victory at Le Mans after starting on pole - until a sudden downpour forced him into damage limitation mode. But with his main rivals also struggling, Lady Luck was merciful on the MotoGP championship leader

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The 2020 MotoGP French Grand Prix was already a finely poised affair ahead of lights out. Eventual race winner Danilo Petrucci said after qualifying third that he expected a 10-rider podium battle as dry pace in FP4 on Saturday was incredibly close through the field.

But the general consensus was that if poleman Fabio Quartararo could get the holeshot and deploy the blistering race pace he displayed in practice on Saturday, it would be game over. However, if the Ducatis of Petrucci and Pramac's Jack Miller starting alongside could get the jump, then it was anyone's game.

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Lewis Duncan

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Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.