This time, in the historic route of Le Mans, Telefonica was still one of the great patrons of motorcycling. And three of their own fireworks ignited a landmark on a track to surrender to the charms of an upcoming generation of drivers that would change the future of a sport. That happened in 2003. It had been 40 years of motorcycle racing honors to frolic in the hitherto untouchable with Italian, British or Americans.
Yesterday at the Losail circuit, which opens the 2012 season, it won the treble 12 +1, I'd say Angel Nieto. Nine years later, Dani Pedrosa again took part in a new triplet, but this time did not win. He and Jorge Lorenzo have taken part in seven of the 13 triplets, each of them six times in MotoGP.
One country did a triple in the first race of the World Cup that Italy got in 1996. Then the winners were Stefano Perugini, at 125, Max Biaggi, Luca Cadalora in 250 and 500cc. It happened in the Shan Alam circuit, where he then held the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The Italians are already looking askance at the Spanish as the national pilots have a shot to beat the Azzurri. If Spain reaches 12 +1, Italy has only one more. Soon after that 2012 looks like 2010 to be a new king in the world in terms of triplets.
Encouraging data
precisely this season is the mirror to look in the Spanish pilots expect in 2012. That year was the most successful with six full and with the Spanish national anthem as the only soundtrack to the podium. Interestingly, the three time champions, Jorge Lorenzo, Toni Elias and Marc Marquez never agreed in the six triplets.
Another fact hopeful national motorcycling: in 2011 the three race winners, Casey Stoner, Stefan Bradl and Nico Terol were ultimately the victors in their respective categories. Sure Lorenzo Marquez and Viñales expect a repeat in 2012.
source: Marca.com
