MB: “That’s a tough one because there’s probably three outstanding candidates. The most obvious is Maverick Viñales, because he won the race, but that wasn’t a shock. The two things he could have caved into were overconfidence and pressure, but he’s a very level headed guy, cool and calm. And he dealt with the pressure impeccably. It shows how mentally clinical he can be. Johann Zarco as well was phenomenal, to lead on his MotoGP debut. Very rarely do we see rookies ride away from the best in the world! But I think for me, the man of the night was Aleix Espargaro. Most would agree the Aprilia isn’t on the level of the Honda, Ducati, Yamaha and Suzuki – but there he was, right on the exhaust pipes of the factory Hondas. It gives him loads of confidence, and it’s great for Aprilia. To be that close to Marc and Dani – and only 7 seconds off the winner…”