Argentina a Gamble, Mixed Weather Conditions & Multiple Strategies
The Grand Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina MotoGP race is one where weather and track conditions are forever changing. The riders have to adapt quickly in order to be competitive from day one.
It was clear that Mission Winnow Ducati were in the clear after the court of appeal decided to allow their aero specification as approved. Various teams will definitely feel threatened and no doubt will look for ways to try and create their own take on the design to enhance performance. Clever Italian design has paid off with a race win in Qatar and Andrea Dovizioso feeling positive in Argentina. The spectacular win in Qatar set the momentum rolling for the Italian stallion. The main area of concern for the Ducati outfit is mid-corner speed where they know they are lacking effectiveness. This race will present a good benchmark and will provide a good base as to how they are progressing as a team. For fellow teammate Danilo Petrucci, it will be a challenge as he is still working around the clock to fit his body structure and confidence with the Mission Winnow Ducati. Petrucci: “its layout is quite peculiar and in the past it's been generally dirty in the early sessions, which increases tyre wear and doesn't help finding the right feeling. Things can change real quick also in terms of weather, it'll be crucial to start off on the right foot to maximize the track time during practice. I'm confident: last year we found a good setup for the race and we'll try to restart from there, our goal is once again to finish within the top five." The pressure is mountain for Petrucci who is trying to keep up with the results of past riders who joined Ducati. We know he is capable; the mental barrier is close to being unlocked!
Repsol Honda rider Jorge Lorenzo is back and feeling strong which is positive news for the Honda factory. Lorenzo: “Despite not finishing where we wanted, Qatar showed that we have a lot of potential with the Honda. Argentina will give us a chance to continue to improve on the bike. I have been focusing fully on my recovery between races, the wrist is feeling better and the pain in my ribs has also improved a lot since the race. In the past Argentina has not been one of my strongest circuits, but the Honda presents a new opportunity.” It is important for Lorenzo to get as much track time as possible to feel his way around the new technology, chassis and set up.
In contrast, Marc Marquez has been training with his motocross bike and is feeling confident for Argentina even after the chaos that played out in 2018. The demanding left-hand corners and weather will play into hands of some however not others.
If there is anyone, we are excited to see take it to the top guys, it is Cal Crutchlow. Riding after such a nasty injury is incredible, truly superhuman. The ordinary individual would struggle. Do not doubt the Crutchlow! He is fast, feeling good, working with his team day in and day out and wanting to exceed expectation even sometimes on the quiet. The British rider wants to be on the bike as much as possible because it is a happy place and where he can regain strength. Argentina will be a test for the LCR Castrol Honda Rider because it is physically demanding. It is not one of his favourite circuits, with that said, he can take advantage of the long braking zone into Turn 6 and the last sector which is positive news.
Both Crutchlow and Rossi have the hunger in their eyes to go hard! Rossi is watching the weather closely and is adamant the race will be difficult though he is a master of throwing doubt in to the air and others inhaling that oxygen. The Doctor of riding motorcycles and psychology. As the paddock gears up and the riders get ready for track action, we look forward to analysing how the rookies determine their lines, strengths, weaknesses and where teamwork is evident to ensure top results. Who do you think will be victorious this weekend?
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