As the Moto2 grid head to Brno, Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) is edging ever closer to his first world title. He sits thirty seven points clear of his closest rival Thomas Luthi (CarXpert Interwetten) and will be heading to Brno this weekend to extend his lead further.

Luthi is somewhat of a veteran to the class, and has achieved numerous wins and podiums over his career but never a title. He stepped up to the world stage in 2003 and in 2005, he won the 125cc title. A man who is 'always the bridesmaid and never the bride', has a reason to fight harder than ever this year, and he'll be hoping for a strong start to part two of the season in Brno.

Morbidelli's team mate Alex Marquez has had a bittersweet season. He's taken two wins, one third place and two pole positions but sits fourth in the championship just a mere four points behind Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo). He is yet to be passed as fit to ride in Brno, after a crash in Germany saw him break vertebrae in his back. Marquez is a fan of the Czech track, and will be hoping for a solid points finish to put him in front of Oliveira in the standings.

Miguel Oliveira seems to be edging closer and closer to a win with each race. He's been on the podium four times this year, with two second places and two thirds. He raced the Moto2 World Championship last year with Leopard Racing, but took no rostrum finishes and twenty first overall. Whatever happens, Oliveira will improve on last year and a win in Brno wouldn't be the most shocking thing to happen this year.

Francesco Bagnaia (Sky Racing Team VR46 has had a phenomenal first half to the season. On one of the best bikes on the Moto2 grid, Bagnaia has achieved two second places and one third. But there's plenty more to come from the young Italian as we head to Brno. Last year, he didn't finish the Moto3 race so some could say there's some 'unfinished business' between him and the Czech track.

An unfamiliar face will be on the grid this weekend in the form of American Joe Roberts, who is replacing Yonny Hernandez at the AGR Team after they announced their split earlier in the week.

Things are really hotting up between the front runners as we come out of the summer break. Action from Brno begins on Friday, and the race is one not to be missed.

Dani Pedrosa begins the second half of the season only 26 points off the Championship lead held by teammate Marc Marquez, and the first venue for the grid to attack makes positive reading for Pedrosa.

One of his favourite circuits, the Automotodrom Brno has seen him take two wins in the premier class, as well as a 125cc win, a victory in the 250 World Championship and a number of further rostrum finishes.

2012 saw the ‘Baby Samurai’ battle Jorge Lorenzo in a duel to the finish, taking an impressive win on the last lap, and 2014 saw Pedrosa become the man to end Marquez’ winning streak with victory in the Czech GP.

Having already taken a win, several podiums and a good haul of points in 2017, those good memories are a good omen as Pedrosa chases another top result to kickstart the second half of the season – as is a positive test at Brno during the summer break.

"We’ve had four weeks without racing but not entirely without action as we had a positive test in Brno in mid-July which was very useful for working on the setup of our bike." He said

"The weather was good and we could fully exploit both days. I’ve been training in anticipation for second half of the season but I also had time for some holidays, which was good to disconnect a bit and recharge the batteries."

"Now I’m looking forward to jumping on my bike again at Brno, which is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar." Added Pedrosa "I have some very good memories there and together with my team I’ll do my utmost to get another good result next Sunday."

source: motogp.com

Valentino Rossi won his first GP at Brno in 1996 – in the 125 World Championship – and won his first title at the venue the following year.

20 years on, the nine-time World Champion is back at Brno once again, with good memories and his impressive record at the track spurring him on: five victories at the venue in the premier class make it a good place to gear up for the second half of the season.