Repsol YPF

The legendary circuit of Le Mans will see another exciting race this weekend. The start to the season has been one of the most spectacular ever and the championship is now entering a decisive phase, with six races in nine weeks. The three riders at the top of the classification, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, are separated by just nine points. The Repsol rider, who has finished on the podium in all the races so far this season, leads the rider classification.

What is more this is a circuit that has been kind to Pedrosa, he won the 125cc race in 2003 and the 250cc races in 2004 and 2005. Moreover, in his first year in MotoGP he was third and last season put in his best perforamce ever in the wet - he finished fourth. This year the weather will play a big role again – it can change from one day to another and rain is a constant threat.

On the other hand, Nicky Hayden goes to the circuit with the aim of getting back to tip-top form and so finish among the first three and get his first podium finish of the season. The American`s first few races were not at the level that was expected but the 2006 World Champion hopes to start the European leg of the championship with a victory at Le Mans.

The Repsol riders will not have things handed to them on a plate. Jorge Lorenzo, second in the rider classfication, has recovered from his injuries and will try to reduce the gap between himself and Pedrosa, whilst the Italian Valentino Rossi will be aiming to climb in the same classification, something that the reigning champion, the Australian Casey Stoner, will also be going all out for.

Timetable French GP

Saturday, 17th May.
• 13:10. Classification 125cc
• 13:55. Classification MotoGP
• 15:10. Classification 250cc

Sunday, 18th May.
• 11:00. Carrera 125cc
• 12:15. Carrera 250cc
• 14:00. Carrera MotoGP

5/14/2008

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