Picking a winner for this weekend is next to impossible with it being so close at the front.
Pol on Pole
There has been a lot of pressure on Pol Espargaró of late, and rightly so. He has made a mess of his very strong pace in the last two Grand Prix. On top of that, some of his reactions and excuses haven’t exactly painted him the best light.
Still, with all that pressure on his shoulders, last night he delivered his first ever MotoGP pole position. Is this the turning point for Pol? Or will the race distance once again prove too much pressure for him to handle?
The way I see it, if he can get away at the start and build a rhythm, we could possibly see him finally win tonight. After all, he has won a world championship and 15 Grand Prix in his career, so he obviously knows how to win a race. If it’s a race long battle in a pack, I’m not so sure he will keep his head.
Takaaki NAKAGAMI
Taka has come on very strong in the 2nd week at the Red Bull Ring. He has had very strong one lap and long run pace. Taka has also delivered strong and consistent results in every single race this year. Best a 4th, worst 10th. Interesting, both at Jerez with the 4th place coming in the 2nd week. Again he seems to have found a lot of pace in week 2 at the same track.
We say he will be adding to his career podium tally of 14 tonight but not sure he has enough to win.
Joan MIR
Joan rode to a killer 2nd place last weekend. He is another one that has had strong one lap and long run pace all weekend. For us, Mir is our favourite to take the win in tonight’s Grand Prix. He seems so hungry but composed at the same time. Joan is really coming on strong of late.
Fabio QUARTARARO
The championship leader has had a really up and down weekend so far. A 4th row start is going to make getting a decent result very hard for Fabio. Especially with the Yamaha’s lack of power. We give him an outside chance of a podium this weekend.
Jack MILLER
Jack is another who has had great pace all weekend and was on the podium last weekend. Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder in FP3 and seems to be in a bit of pain. Before the injury, we had him as a contender but now worry the race distance might be a little too much for him.
If it rains though, we still have him for the race win.
Johann ZARCO
Hats off to Zarco! Qualifying 3rd with a broken scaphoid and all the controversy he has faced this week. Well done, mega performance.
Starting from pit lane will be too much for him even with great pace. Plus the injury will take it’s toll over race distance. If it rains though, keep your eyes on Zarco!
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Last weekend’s race winner will be in the mix for sure. Interesting, after winning last weekend on the soft rear, Dovi spent a lot of time testing the medium rear over long runs. His pace was decent on it too! He’ll be there but we think Mir might have his measure this weekend.
It will be interesting to see what tyre he chooses. Dovi is also no slouch in the wet if it happens to rain.
Alex RINS
You cannot rule out Rins either. Starting on the 3rd row makes it a little harder, but Alex has gotten it out of there before. Can he make amends for last weekend?
Maverick VIÑALES
Maverick has been fast this weekend. However, he has been far too inconsistent for us to give any real chance, especially as he normally drops like an anchor in the first few laps.
One thing is for sure, it will be a stonker!!!
How do you think will win??