MotoGP™ sprung back into life last weekend with an action-packed season opener in Portimao. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) put together a perfect display, beginning his title defence with a history-making double victory. While the first battle has been won, the war is far from being decided as the teams and riders prepare for their 2nd challenge of 2023. With their sights set on the reigning Champion, we take a look at who could be putting a hold on Pecco's perfect run, and whom you should consider for your MotoGP™ Fantasy ahead of the Gran Premio Michelin® de la República Argentina.
Who made the first dream team of 2023?
Following his formidable form in the first round, Francesco Bagnaia not only sits pretty at the top of the MotoGP™ standings but also sits on top of the points in MotoGP™ Fantasy. After outclassing the field in Portugal, Pecco claimed a very tidy total of 48.5 points, having taken both the inaugural Tissot Sprint and the opening Grand Prix.
The closest man to the Italian is the very rider that pushed him to the bitter end during Sunday's Grand Prix in Portugal, Aprilia Racing's Maverick Viñales. With a top 5 finish in the inaugural Tissot Sprint, and a hard-fought 2nd place in the Grand Prix, the Spaniard bagged himself 37.5 precious points.
Despite missing out on a spot in Q2, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) also started the season off in strong form. The Spaniard was loving life onboard his new Desmosedici, topping the first Practice of the year. The Gresini man continued to put in an impressive display to charge through the field to take 9th place in the Tissot Sprint, and finished the weekend with a strong top-5 finish. His Portimao display secured him 31.5 points, making him the hottest pick as a MotoGP™ Fantasy Dream Team Silver Rider.
Taking the final spot in the MotoGP™ Fantasy Dream Team is Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Despite remaining very much under the radar in Portugal, the South African bagged enough points to secure the final Silver Rider spot, taking 12th in the Tissot Sprint and 6th in the Grand Prix to bag himself 29 Fantasy points.
The dream bike for the Dream Team…
Ducati demolition meant there was only one choice in the search for the perfect constructor. Having put two bikes in the top 3 of Q2, the Tissot Sprint, and Sunday's race, Ducati secured 40 points and was the most selected manufacturer during Round 1.
Who could turn the tables in Termas?
As attentions turn to Argentina, there's plenty to consider in the search for the MotoGP™ Fantasy Dream Team at Round 2. With the teams decided at Round 1, gamers have the opportunity to make two changes to their team in hopes of picking up as many points as possible for the second round of 2023.
The obvious pick would be the man-on-form Francesco Bagnaia at 3.5M. Following his impeccable start to the season and strong preseason form, you wouldn't put it past the reigning Champion to take the number one plate back to the top once again.
One rider who will be eager to dethrone the Champion will be Prima Pramac Racing's, Jorge Martin. The Spaniard kept Bagnaia honest throughout the Tissot Sprint in Portimao, and will be eager to taste victory after crashing out during Sunday's Grand Prix. Priced at 2.6M, 'The Martinator' has proven he has pace at Termas de Rio Hondo, with an impressive display in 2022 battling it out with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) for the victory, and taking a hard-fought 2nd place.
Moving from one Italian manufacturer to another, the Aprilia camp will be hoping for déjà vu, as they return to the site of their first victory in the modern MotoGP™ era. Aleix Espargaro took victory for the Noale factory in Argentina in 2022, priced at 3.2M the Spaniard will be looking to set the record straight after taking the fastest lap of the race in Portimao but only managing 9th place. Equally, his teammate Maverick Viñales will be one to watch as he looks to take his first win for Aprilia. Priced at only 2.2M, Viñales looks to become the 2nd rider in history to win a race for 3 different manufacturers in the premier class and could be a good pick for your fantasy team after coming so close to the top spot at Round 1.
With the most competitive grid MotoGP™ has ever seen, the likes of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Alex Marquez, and the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders of Brad Binder and Jack Miller cannot be discounted either, and could all be strong choices or your MotoGP™ Fantasy team.
Where to look for manufacturer glory?
All the signs point to Ducati as the manufacturer to beat ahead of Round 2. With more bikes on the grid than anyone else and a plethora of fast riders onboard them, at 3.3M the Bologna bullets guarantee success for your MotoGP™ Fantasy Team. However, at just 2.7M Aprilia and KTM are both strong options with a good chance of success, which save you 0.5M to spend on your rider lineup.
With everything to play for, history beckons for MotoGP™ at what promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Argentina. Make sure to join in on all the MotoGP™ Fantasy action throughout the weekend, and ensure you don't miss a thing with the action underway from Friday, 31st March on motogp.com