2017 MotoGP Title down to the flag at Valencia

Last time out, 2017 World Champion Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) pushed to the limit in the Malaysian GP to hunt down early leader Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3). In doing so and taking his tenth win of the year, he became the first rider since Marc Marquez to take ten victories in one season in the lightweight class – one more and the Majorcan equals Rossi in 1997. Mir already has 11 wins overall, too, with one added from last season – making him the rider with the most victories in Moto3™ since its introduction in 2012. Fenati is on 10, so there is some history at stake for the two before they graduate to Moto2™.

Martin, meanwhile, remains on the hunt for his maiden win. After getting closer than ever at Sepang, he will want to round out the year not just with another pole position, but also with a number one spot on Sunday. Home turf would be a good place to do it. Fabio Di Giannantonio, his teammate, is more in enemy territory – but is similarly searching for his maiden victory. Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) is the man just ahead of both in the standings and is back on home turf, and he’ll also want to go out with a bang to gear up for a push at the title next season. And on the other side of his garage is Enea Bastianini, who completed the podium last time out and is on form as we get to Cheste.

Close behind in the final rush for points is British Talent Team rider John McPhee, who took a front row start and top five at Sepang. He’ll be pushing to both catch the ‘Beast’ and put some distance in the points between himself and Mugello winner Andrea Migno, who is only five points behind.

John McPhee, 23 years old Scottish rider from the British Talent, will be assigned with the mission to represent CIP Team in the fight for the title in 2018. Riding since 2012 and the beginning of the Moto3 class, he will not lack experience to take up his first season on a KTM bike.

John Mcphee

“I’m really excited to be joining with CIP and KTM next year. It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to something new and our first test as soon as possible. I’m sure together we can get up to speed quickly and be up there challenging early next season.”

Team CIP owner Alain Bronec had this to say about his new signing John Mcphee:

 “John is a very good asset for the CIP. With his talent and experience, he will demonstrate his worth by achieving good results. With the full support of our technical team and riding on a competitive KTM bike, he will be able to fight at the front for the title.”

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