MotoGP™ is finally back at Phillip Island, one of the jewels of the calendar, and there is lots to think about as you put in your MotoGP™ Fantasy picks. It has been three years since the Championship graced the seaside circuit and, as was the case last time out at Buriram, the weather looks like being a wildcard in proceedings. With all that in mind, let’s consider the form guide ahead of this weekend’s Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Who made the Dream Team at Buriram?
Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) showed plenty of bravery as the rain tipped down in Thailand, and those who had him in their Fantasy team were also rewarded handsomely. The Portuguese rider not only returned the 25 points for winning the Grand Prix, but another four for being second-fastest in Q2, and a whopping 20 for the 10 positions he gained from 11th on the starting grid – a handy 49-point haul indeed. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) continued to score solid Fantasy points too, with the Australian yielding a total of 34 points after finishing second at Buriram.
Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) finished eighth on Thailand but produced the third-highest Fantasy points total off the back of a massive 12 positions gained in ultra-tricky conditions. He was worth 32 points for those with the Spaniard in their Gold team and 16 if selected in one’s Silver team. Similarly, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was also rewarded for his daring riding with 29 Fantasy points for a Gold team after climbing from 17th on the grid to seventh at the chequered flag.
Who won the constructors’ battle?
The top three in the constructors’ battle was ultra-tight with just 1.5 points covering Ducati, KTM, and Honda. However, whereas Austria’s finest beat one of the Bologna bullets to victory on the race track, Ducati turned the tables in the Fantasy battle with 30 points to KTM’s 29.5.
The factors to consider at Phillip Island
If Thailand proved anything, it’s that there is value to be found in MotoGP™ Fantasy if you know where to look. With the threat of yet more rain this weekend, the new rain master, Oliveira, is surely worth a look at only 3M. The same goes for Miller – on home soil, in changeable conditions, he is sure to be a threat, and his value may have risen to 3.9M after yet another podium last time out, but there is still a three at the front of that figure.
What about the MotoGP™ World Champions, past, present, and – maybe – future? Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is still just 3.1M and the eight-time title winner is starting to get back to his very best form, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) arrives at the Island off the back of a precious podium in Thailand, and his price has in fact dropped to 4.8M. Then there is Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), who will surely be determined to put some points on the board this weekend after the dreaded 'zero' at Buriram – his price is now 3.8M.
But, don’t just take our word for it. Find out what Tony Arbolino thinks, then get your picks in for the next round of MotoGP™ Fantasy!