Take the rains

AS WELL AS a healthy dose of natural talent, competing at this level requires near sociopathic levels of self-belief. In an era of unparalleled competition, confidence in one’s ability is more critical than ever. In this weirdest of seasons, a bad day can result in ninth, 10th or even 11th place, as it did here, at a cold, wet Le Mans, for three of the championship’s top four.

Anyone doubting this need only look at the podium finishers at the French Grand Prix. Both Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda) and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM) have had to grow thick skin in recent months after numerous setbacks in the first two thirds of their campaigns.

Petrucci led every lap, to break clear of a six-way fight for victory

But no rider has endured the tribulations that come with elite-level