The opening act of the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship came to a close in thrilling fashion at the Doha GP, where Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) returned to the top step of the podium. The Frenchman’s victory meant that he made it two for two for the factory Yamaha side in Qatar as they managed to outride the Ducatis at Losail International Circuit.
It means it is all change in MotoGP™ Fantasy too and we’re here to reflect on another breathtaking weekend of action. El Diablo’s victory will come as a delight to over 17,000 managers who had him selected in their team, as his victory saw him bring in a 39-point haul. His tally is 10 more than that of Johann Zarco, his closest rival, with the Pramac Racing rider securing another podium finish to become the World Championship leader as the grid return to Europe.
There was also delight for his rookie teammate Jorge Martin, who earned a 26-point haul thanks to securing a maiden pole position and rostrum finish in the premier class. Despite the impressive performance, Martin’s tally was only good enough for fourth on the top performing riders, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) being somewhat of a surprise name in the weekend’s Dream Team. It is no secret the KTMs didn’t enjoy their time in the desert, but the South African’s ascension from P18 to P8 meant he picked up 20 points for overtakes alone at the Doha GP.
Like their star rider, Ducati were the most picked constructor but for the second week running they were ousted from top spot thanks to Yamaha’s haul of 60, but only three points are in it. As those two dominate, Suzuki is best of the rest with a tally of 46, but with Portimao up next, KTM, Honda and Aprilia will all surely fancy their chances of making up the difference.
Between the last two GPs, many were convinced that Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) would experience double delight at Doha, and he was the most traded in rider, with Bagnaia and Zarco doing enough to impress in Round 1 to complete the top three brought in. As for the traded out, disappointing returns at the Qatar GP meant Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli and Valentino Rossi (both Petronas Yamaha SRT) topped the unwanted lists.
With a view to the next GP, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) again looks great value at 1.6m, as he will take great confidence from consecutive top 10 finishes at Losail. However, if you’re seeking value, then look no further than KTM. The Austrians will certainly fancy themselves given that they have Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) within their ranks.
The Portuguese rider took victory there in 2020’s season finale and at just 2.5m, represents good value. Indeed, the last time we visited the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, there were two KTMs inside the Top 5, and despite their early struggles this season, it would be a smart bet to have them covered somewhere in your team.
The Portuguese GP was also the scene of an epic last lap battle between Miller and Morbidelli for the podium positions, and despite below-par returns in Qatar, it may be worth just hanging onto them if you still have them in your team, saving that all-important single transfer on somewhere else.
Taking a look at the Official MotoGP™ Fantasy League, it is TeamJD who are setting the pace with 297.5 points. They hold an 11 point advantage over MotoBee Racing and LorenzoRacingSinger, both on 287 points. The top three have all decided to use their 300v Motul boosts early, so they can be caught if you too adopt the right strategy!