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Commentary on the circuit of Motegi

The main stright is a a little short. The first two curves are one after the other and are taken as if they were one. Then there is another short straight with strong braking before the third curve, taken in 1st or 2nd, depends on the rider.
>> Audio >> Map We stay on the same line again as if it were just one curve. We get back on a small straight and arrive to curve 5, where it is very important to have braked right but without losing speed, because on the following curves, six, seven and eight you climb and it is important not to let the revs drop. Curve 6 is where you have the throttle totally open, although you have to find the right line because if you don`t you have to shut the throttle down. Moreover, the tyres and the set up have a big influence. If you are in the right place you can go flat out, but the MotoGP bikes are certain to drop the revs a little. Curve 7 is a little difficult, because you arrive at a slope and there is a change of direction from 7 to 8 and you have to  take care so that you do not drop the revs, since the slope goes on, and after coming out you can lose a lot of time.  Then comes the slowest curve on the circuit, number 9, and for this you need a good set up. Sometimes you can try to overtake.  As you come out you start a downwards slope, then curve 10, also very important, since you arrive going very fast and then you have a slow curve. You have to go carefully, because it is downwards, the back wheel tends to lift. Moreover, as you go in braking you have to make sure the steering does not lock because it can do so quite easily. Another difficulty is you cannot lean over much since the slope is quite steep.    Then you have two fast curves to the left, one after the other before you arrive at the last right-hander. This is a place where you have to go carefully because the tyres lose their grip. Two years ago, I braked too late and on that curve 12 I went straight on and when I opened the throttle the back wheel skidded I was thrown off. This is a zone where the set up is also very important since unlike the rest of the circuit it is where you open and close the throttle for each straight and curve, this final zone is more difficult, because there are several curves linked together and a change of direction.

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