The GoPro British Grand Prix became the seventh time in 2019 that we’ve witnessed three different manufacturers sharing the podium: Termas, Austin, Jerez, Barcelona, Brno, Spielberg and now Silverstone. Therefore, it’s fair to say we’ve become quite accustomed to seeing it.
However, something we’re not too accustomed to seeing is six different manufacturers inside the top ten. Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and KTM were all present inside the top ten at Silverstone for just the second time this season as the factory fight continues to intensify week by week.
In the Constructors Championship, Honda leads the way but only by 45 points from Ducati - 33 points less than the advantage Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) has over Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in the MotoGP™ World Championship. Yamaha are currently third, 29 points clear of Suzuki.
But possibly the most impressive and encouraging thing for the future of premier class racing is that both KTM and Aprilia have already closed right in on their 2018 total. With just twelve of nineteen rounds completed, KTM currently sit fifth with 76 points, already four more than last year, and Aprilia are sixth with 53 points, six adrift of their 2018 tally.
MotoGP™ is arguably as competitive as we have ever seen it, with the gap between all six brands shortening. From the fourth closest finish in premier class history at Silverstone to the closest premier class top ten in Qatar, MotoGP™ started well and has got better in 2019. What a relief there’s still seven rounds of the season left.