Portugal Rollercoaster Ready To Shake Things Up With Challenging Conditions!
Author: Myanna Wedes
It is time for the European leg of the competition to begin! This weekend we are at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. The weather patterns have been all over the place with the rain hitting hard and wind gusts problematic for those who rely on a reduced airflow to race at 110%. At present, it appears it could be a wet race, although conditions can change rapidly here at this circuit and no doubt as they come over the crest of the hill in the wet, the hairs on our arms will stand up watching the riders push to the limit even in those types of weather conditions. Having the bike setup for wet and dry conditions will be vital as certain riders will feel comfortable and know that they have to be ready for mixed conditions and even a potential flag to flag situation, should it arise. The fans are in for a real treat because this circuit is electric both in energy with the crowd and the bikes themselves roaring around on the absolute limit.
On one side of the Honda garage, you have Marc Marquez who likes the Portugal circuit layout and is healing week by week. The confidence is growing for the Spanish multi-world Champion and this will be an essential ingredient to him staying upright and on target to regain vital points from his rivals. The smiles and energy from Marquez displayed this weekend already is nice to see as it puts us at ease that he is feeling up the challenges that will arise, sometimes without warning. There is no doubt in his mind. If anything, the Spanish Ant is ready for battle. Whilst Marquez focus on his race, his teammate Pol Espargaro is hoping to reset, flip the page and increase his mental focus in order to banish the negative energy that is constantly finding its way into his mindset. Finding the right balance and set up for Espargaro is sure to be on his mind from Friday lights out. We know between the two riders; they have to find the optimum level as Honda is relying on their results to continue developing and have a shot at the individual and team Championship.
Marc Marquez #93:
“I am looking forward to riding in Portugal, it’s a demanding circuit that’s very physical but a lot of fun to ride. In America we showed our speed and what we are capable of, even if everything did not go perfectly. I want to again be fighting at the front and getting good points after not the best start to the year. We have to keep working on ourselves and the bike to be able to achieve our maximum, but I know myself and Honda are working hard.”
Pol Espargaro #44:
“With the come back to Europe I’m hoping to reset a bit and find what we had at the start of the year. After Qatar it seems things have been against us a little bit, but there are still plenty of races left and a lot of work to be done. Portimao is a circuit I have always enjoyed so with the new Honda I have some good hopes for the weekend.”
If you were Fabio Quartararo right now, would you be ramping up contract negotiations with other teams? We would be curious to hear your thoughts… In our eyes, it feels like we are watching a Valentino Rossi scenario take place with performance there, then gone and then switching teams imminent. If Yamaha can get things back on track, Quartararo will stay. With that said, how long can the French rider sustain and enjoy finishing in the middle of the pack! We are talking about a young, hungry, World Champion, icon and of course passionate Frenchman who wants the glory. Do you consider Honda, Ducati or a Suzuki switch…? The talent is there as is the dedication and speed. The reigning World Champion has every reason to feel let down by his team as the performance level is not up to scratch and hurting his chances of winning races plus also a strong qualifying presence allowing him to make a charge for the top step. Right now, he is the only Yamaha bike performing if you compare his results to Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Dovizioso. Both have decent experience in the premiere class, whilst Darryn Binder is doing a wonderful job as a rookie who jumped from Moto3 to MotoGP. It is not an easy situation to be in if you are working the hardest physically, emotionally and mentally possible and you cannot go any faster than what you are able to do on the main straights, in and out of the corners, during qualifying and feeling like a sitting duck during the race. The time is ticking!
Fabio Quartararo #20:
“I enjoyed the race in Austin because I did my best. There were some nice battles on track, and I learned a lot. I was satisfied with my performance, but in Portimão I want to fight for the podium. When we came here in April last year, I won. That race was really amazing, and I want to ride like that again. The goal is always to be first and do our best, so that’s what we will continue to do.”
The Ducati machines are red hot favourites and they have a pool of talent to rely on in order to seal the results. The fight is on for the ride in 2023 with Jack Miller’s contract up in the air, Enea Bastianini performing beautifully, Jorge Martin hungry and putting in the results, although Ducati want to win a title and Pecco Bagnaia has been on the delayed train. We are still waiting for him to find his feet and this year there is every chance it may just not work. The time is now to go hard looking for the points and go forward with momentum. This weekend will be an indicator as to how the Italian rider shapes up in comparison to his Australian teammate and fellow Ducati members. Miller is starting to really gel with his bike which is a positive signal for progress. Miller is building the blocks, learning along the way and responding to the changes needed in order to keep going up the ladder. This is certainly signs of maturity and understanding his role as a Ducati leader. The circuit itself is refreshing because you have the hill to navigate, corners off camber, on camber, fast speeds and absolute confidence required to be the one across the line first. The Championship is beginning to shape up and this weekend we will see the rivalries ignite.
Jack Miller #43:
"I'm really excited to be back racing in Europe, where I think the world championship will come into its own. Being on the podium at the last American GP gives me the confidence to take on this crucial part of the championship. I can't wait to get on track at Portimão, a track I like a lot! Last year I finished third in the last race here, and I think there are all the conditions to do well again this year".
Pecco Bagnaia #63:
"After the break of the past few days, I'm now charged up and ready to face the first European round of the season! In Argentina and America, we went back to work like we did last year, finally making progress and finding the sensations I was used to riding my Desmosedici GP. Unfortunately, in Austin, we couldn't get beyond a fifth position because we lacked some speed in the race. This weekend we'll be racing at Portimão, a circuit where we could do well in both races last year. That's very positive because it will allow us to evaluate our work so far and understand where we still need to improve. I can't wait to get on track!"
Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Alex Rins has woken up from the depths of negativity and poor results to some superb race finishes that have the team feeling energetic. There is no news as of yet on the renewing of his contract. However, the pressure appears to be off and this is allowing Rins to ride with comfort, confidence, a clear mindset and he feels the contract extension will be discussed by his manager over the next few races. Regardless, Rins has to be prepared for good and bad news because there are plenty of names wanting his seat and as we know, sometimes keeping your rider happy for results whilst you negotiate with others is certainly a reality! The feelings and smiles are slowly returning for teammate Joan Mir, though we think it may be a few more races before the feelings are right where he wants it to be. Qualifying is an area both riders need to work hard on improving. If they can do this, their workload will decrease on race day.
Alex Rins #42:
“After my podium in Texas, and my strong start to the season, I’m feeling really ready for Portugal this weekend. Our bike is solid and this track has a bit of everything, especially some fast corners and plenty of thrills. I want to come back from some bad results here in the past and continue on a good path for this first race in Europe.”
Joan Mir #36:
“I have some really happy memories from here last year, I was on the podium on both visits. In 2020 I didn’t finish the race, but overall I like riding here because the circuit is so exciting and it’s a real challenge for all of us. This season everybody is very competitive so I’m expecting a tough race and a lot of excitement for the passionate fans. Let’s hope for a good ride on the rollercoaster!”
The dark horse of the pack and smiling Italian star Enea Bastianini is ready to conquer Portugal. He is feeling confident, happy and wanting to continue the wonderful momentum with Gresini Racing MotoGP Team. There is every chance he could win this weekend purely by focusing on his race, himself, the team and no one else. He is not succumbing to the pressure and is actually just enjoying the journey. This is such innocence at its best which is nice to see because expectation is not for discussion. Rather than anticipating his results, Bastianini can do what he does best and race well, fast and smooth. We expect a stellar weekend from him and if it does not go to plan, he will give it his all no matter what takes place on circuit.
Enea Bastianini #23:
"The conditions will be strange this weekend. There will be a lot of wind and the possibility of rain. In Indonesia we made a good step in the race in the wet conditions. Also, Pecco was really fast here and I can check his data to see something but I want to start this weekend from zero and after we will see what happens. Now we have to reset, the European races are different. The levels of the bikes and riders are very close, and it will be really difficult to stay out front, but we are really motivated and can’t wait to start the weekend."
We look forward to sharing more insight from the weekend and race as it arrives. If you are tuning in, enjoy the fireworks and battles as they unfold!
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