MotoGP™ is back! A long five-week wait finally comes to an end with the Styrian GP at the weekend, and with riders rested up and relaxed, they can now focus on getting the best out of the remaining dates left on the 2021 calendar.
The first of the Austrian double will be critical too for MotoGP™ Fantasy, with it being a chance for gamers to build on their performances in the opening nine rounds, while for others, it can prove a chance to reignite their challenges in the popular game.
Who were the crème de la crème in the first part of the season?
There’s little in the way of shocks on the MotoGP™ Fantasy riders’ leaderboard, as Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) collected an impressive tally of 264 points, averaging a brilliant return of 29.3 points per Grand Prix. At $4.4 million, the Frenchman costs a pretty penny, but he is simply a must-have.
In a tie for second place are Ducati duo Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), each with 220 points. They also average a tidy sum 24.4 points, though it was the Frenchman Zarco who went into the summer break in the better form of the two, collecting 32 points more in the final five Grand Prix than his factory counterpart.
Completing the Dream Team of the season so far is reigning MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir, with the Suzuki man just four points off of the Ducatis. At $4 million, he would take a large chunk out of your budget, but again his remarkable consistency, and ability to pick up a plethora of bonus points for advancing his grid positions, ensure that he is full value for it.
Where’s the smart money ahead of the Austrian double?
In recent years the Red Bull Ring has proved a fruitful track for the Ducatis, with the King of the Ring title under Andrea Dovizioso’s dominion for several years as he took three victories and two podiums in six visits. In the Italian’s absence, any of Zarco, Bagnaia or Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) have the capabilities to take up the mantle, with the Aussie, in particular, looking like a tempting option.
Having broken his victory drought with back to back wins in Jerez and Le Mans, Miller will be looking to build on his double podium success in Austria in 2020. Given he is priced at $3.3 million and has form at the track, he could be a smart addition to MotoGP™ Fantasy teams.
Speaking of smart additions, it would be remiss not to mention last year’s Styrian GP winner and one of the form riders of the Championship Miguel Oliveira. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider sits eighth in the MotoGP™ Fantasy standings, but has put a rough opening few rounds to the Championship to take three podiums, including one win, in the final four races prior to the summer break. With a tally of 94 points in his previous three outings, the most of any rider, and a price of just $2.9 million, the Portuguese rider represents excellent value for gamers.
Some familiar faces return.
The weekend also sees the return of two of the fans favourite's in recent years, with Dani Pedrosa riding as a wildcard entry for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and Cal Crutchlow returns to the grid for the first time since retiring. The Brit will ride with Petronas Yamaha SRT in place of the injured Franco Morbidelli. Each rider is priced at a low $1.2 million, and they may offer up some strong differential value.
Who is the best constructor’s choice?
The wait is nearly over, as fans and pundits alike will get their first taste of MotoGP™ action in over a month on Friday, with wheels on the ground at 9.55 am (CET).
The wait is nearly over, as fans and pundits alike will get their first taste of MotoGP™ action in over a month on Friday, with wheels on the ground at 9.55 am (CET).