Looks like Honda is grooming Jack Miller for Pedrosa's spot in near future. I don't think losing the 2 liters of fuel will hurt the Ducati. Losing the softer option tire will make front row more difficult, but it looks like they can challenge with the harder option anyway. I believe Lorenzo is on a mission, like Rossi. Both are more determined than ever.
Yeah, but the reason Dovi lost Qatar was he was on softer tires and no side grip left last few laps. I think it will affect how the bike will handle early in the race with a full fuel load and not have the extra margin of grip that soft tires give at the start.
I don't think Lorenzo is in the same league as Marquez and Rossi for mental toughness. I really think they will mess with his head to the point he will never recover. He will win races, but I don't think he will be able to put together another championship.