A ride like no other: MotoGP™ ready for the rollercoaster

Strap in as the world’s most exciting sport returns to one of its most exciting racetracks

Entering the Fray: MotoGP™ Kicks Off Record-Breaking 2024 Campaign

The inaugural nights of what promises to be an unparalleled 2024 MotoGP™ season have left enthusiasts buzzing with excitement as the action now shifts gears towards the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal at the breathtaking Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. With podiums decided by mere tenths, unforgettable performances etched into memory, and a flawless opening display from riders vying to set the pace throughout the season, the appetite for more, more, more has been thoroughly whetted. So, let’s delve into the action.

Opening Statements

Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing made an emphatic statement with a Tissot Sprint victory, immediately raising the stakes as the competition kicked off in earnest. Following suit was reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team, bouncing back from a podium-less Sprint to deliver a near-flawless performance in the GP race. As we move forward, he leads the standings, but not ahead of Martin.

The anticipated rivalry from the 2023 season, likely to extend into 2024, finds a familiar disruptor in Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, thanks to his stellar performances in Qatar. The South African sits second in the standings after securing second place in both outings, having already outpaced both Bagnaia and Martin on the track. Can he replicate that feat in Portugal? With Bagnaia possibly setting the benchmark given his track records, both Binder and Martin will be itching to launch their assaults from the get-go, with the reigning Champion fully cognizant of the challenge ahead.

More, More, More

Enea Bastianini of Ducati Lenovo Team enjoyed a solid start in Qatar, yet he yearns for more, much like Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™ and Fabio Di Giannantonio of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. On the flip side, Marco Bezzecchi of VR46 aims for a significant improvement after a tough outing in Qatar. Meanwhile, Franco Morbidelli of Prima Pramac Racing continues his catch-up game after a missed pre-season. And then there’s the enigmatic Marc Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™.

Despite a promising opener under the floodlights, the eight-time World Champion missed out on a podium… for now. Could Portimao alter his fortunes? Although victory has eluded him at this venue so far – one of the four tracks on the 2024 calendar where he hasn’t reigned – each stint on the Ducati brings him closer to mastery…

In a similar vein of gaining expertise with every lap, we turn to Pedro Acosta of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3. The rookie sensation’s dazzling debut, slicing through the order, setting fastest laps, and even challenging Marc Marquez successfully, sets a high bar. Now, all eyes are on whether he can replicate that performance. Despite his familiarity with the track from various classes, there’s no MotoGP™ test this time around – can he sustain his momentum? Meanwhile, sophomore teammate Augusto Fernandez hopes his experience will pay dividends, and Jack Miller of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing aims to reclaim the spotlight as he did here last season.

Track Records

At Aprilia, there’s already a wealth of success to build upon. Home hero Miguel Oliveira of Trackhouse Racing is now free of Long Lap penalties as he gears up for his assault on his home track, a venue where he’s previously triumphed in style. Last year, alongside Aprilia, he showcased his prowess before misfortune struck. Conversely, Maverick Viñales of Aprilia Racing enjoyed a podium finish here. Can lightning strike twice?

Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse Racing seeks to translate his practice pace into race success, while Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia Racing aims for a Sunday free of obstacles. Although he appeared capable of sustaining his charge for another hundred laps by the end of the Sprint in Qatar, he ran out of time before Sunday posed a greater challenge. Can he rewrite that narrative in Portimao?

The Fight Back to the Front

Former Portugal victor Fabio Quartararo of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ departed Qatar with a mere five points following a hard-fought P11 finish on Sunday. With Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia making significant strides over the winter, progress remains an uphill battle. However, it’s all hands on deck for the Iwata marque. Quartararo, alongside new teammate Alex Rins, eyes Portimao – a track where he’s triumphed twice before – as an opportunity to narrow the gap as the relentless pursuit of advancement continues.

Johann Zarco of Castrol Honda LCR spearheaded the HRC charge in Qatar, claiming P12 ahead of Joan Mir of Repsol Honda Team in the GP race. The newcomer also outpaced the other Hondas in qualifying by a significant margin, marking an impressive start. With two points finishes, the marque is off to a fair start as they strive to reclaim their former glory. However, they’ll be aiming for much more from Portimao, especially after a challenging weekend for Takaaki Nakagami of Idemitsu Honda LCR and Luca Marini of Repsol Honda Team.

As we embark on Round 2, how will the cards shuffle? Does anyone possess an ace up their sleeve to challenge the likes of Bagnaia, Binder, and Martin? The rollercoaster journey will unveil all, so be sure to tune in this weekend for the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal!

TISSOT SPRINT: 15:00 (UTC) on Saturday
GRAND PRIX RACE: 14:00 on Sunday

Moto2™: will the playbook flip again in Portugal?

Alonso Lopez of Beta Tools SpeedUp, who remained winless throughout 2023, commenced his 2024 campaign with a flawless victory, fending off Barry Baltus from RW – Idrofoglia Racing GP in a thrilling duel in Qatar. Baltus, in his debut Moto2™ podium appearance, narrowly missed out on his maiden GP win by a mere 0.055s, as the duo delivered a spectacular performance to kickstart the season in the desert. Similarly, Sergio Garcia from MT Helmets – MSI clinched his inaugural Moto2™ podium finish, securing P3 just ahead of teammate Ai Ogura.

However, some prominent contenders expected to challenge for supremacy this season faced a tougher initiation. Fermin Aldeguer of Beta Tools SpeedUp and Tony Arbolino from Elf Marc VDS Racing Team failed to secure points, finishing in P16 and P20 respectively. Both will be eager to amass significant points in Portimao on Sunday to reignite their title aspirations. Additionally, Jake Dixon from CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team was sidelined following a crash earlier in the Qatar weekend, leaving uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming round.

Will the tide turn once more? Tune in to the Moto2™ Portuguese GP at 12:15 local time (UTC) to witness the unfolding drama.

Moto3™: Alonso vs Holgado round 2?

David Alonso of CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team delivered a nail-biting finale in the Moto3™ Qatar GP, showcasing a masterful display in the closing laps. The Colombian rider found himself in P6 as he commenced the final lap but executed a flawless ascent to the front, clinching a well-deserved 25 points. Daniel Holgado from Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 secured second place, while Taiyo Furusato of Honda Team Asia produced a remarkable charge from 18th on the grid to secure his second GP podium.

However, riders like Jose Antonio Rueda of Red Bull KTM Ajo and Ivan Ortola from MT Helmets – MSI encountered misfortune in Qatar, with both suffering crashes. Rueda retired from the race, but Ortola staged an impressive recovery, finishing in P9. Anticipation mounts as they seek better fortunes in Portimao. Will the Portuguese circuit mark the beginning of their resurgence? The lightweight class showdown unfolds on Sunday at 11:00 (UTC), promising another thrilling spectacle on the rollercoaster track!

Pictures Official MotoGP Press Release

Video Copyright MotoGP