MotoGP™ is back in action after a short break, and there is no better way to resume the incredible 2023 rollercoaster, than at the iconic Mugello circuit for the Gran Premio d'Italia Oakley. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) went into the pause with bragging rights as the Italian returns to home soil fresh from his French Grand Prix victory and just one point adrift of his compatriot Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who leads the championship. As one of MotoGP™'s most iconic circuits, every rider dreams of Grand Prix glory at Mugello, and with the strongest grid that the premier class has ever seen, there's plenty to consider ahead of MotoGP™ Fantasy at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix!
The French Fantasy Dream Team
Last time out at the SHARK Grand Prix de France it was the Grand Prix victor Bezzecchi who bagged the most Fantasy points, despite only finishing 7th in Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint. Bezzecchi's victory was enough to put him at the top of the Fantasy Dream Team at Le Mans, coming away from the weekend with 50.5 points.
Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) was also on-form in Le Mans, as the Spaniard joined Bezzecchi as the 2nd Gold rider in the ideal point-scoring combination at the French Grand Prix. Le Mans not only saw the Prima Pramac man return to the podium with a solid 2nd place finish, but it also marked an important milestone in the Spaniard's career as he took his first-ever Tissot Sprint victory. These results coupled with a 5th place finish in qualifying meant Martin was the 2nd highest scorer with 44.5 points.
Both Prima Pramac Racing riders joined the Dream Team in Le Mans, as a podium on home soil for Johann Zarco saw the Frenchman line up as the top Silver rider, coming away from the weekend with 33 points. The rookie Augusto Fernandez was another who got the French fans cheering as he took his French-based GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 team to a brilliant 4th place. This was enough to secure the Spaniard the final spot in the Dream Team after leaving Le Mans with 33 points.
The ideal constructor for the Dream Team at the French Grand Prix was Ducati as they bagged 47.5 points, with the highest scoring squad being the Prima Pramac Racing team with 39.75 points.
Who will master the mighty Mugello?
As attentions turn to the Italian Grand Prix, there's plenty to consider in the search for the perfect MotoGP™ Fantasy Team. Gamers have the opportunity to make two changes to their team in hopes of picking up as many points as possible for the Gran Premio d'Italia Oakley.
The obvious pick would be the man at the top of the standings Francesco Bagnaia at 3.5M. Following his impeccable start to the season and with the extra motivation on home soil, 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 the man just one point adrift, Marco Bezzecchi. The Italian has kept his compatriot honest so far during the 2023 season. Priced at 2.6M, the VR46 man has his sights firmly set on picking up his third victory of the season and could be a strong pick for your Fantasy Team.
Equally the Prima Pramac Racing man Jorge Martin will be one to watch. After stepping onto the podium in Le Mans and taking his first Tissot Sprint victory, the Spaniard goes into Mugello in high spirits and will be eager to continue his strong form. Just like Bezzecchi, Martin could be a solid pick for your team for just 2.6M.
Moving from one Italian manufacturer to another, the Aprilia camp will be hoping for a strong result on home soil. The Aprilia Racing riders of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales will be eager to impress at Aprilia's home round and for just 2.6M and 1.9M respectively, they could come good on Sunday.
The two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders of Brad Binder and Jack Miller cannot be discounted either and priced at 3M and 2.4M could be strong choices for your MotoGP™ Fantasy team. Both riders have shown strong form in 2023 and with Binder very much in title contention, it's all to play for in Italy.
Where to look for manufacturer glory?
All the signs point to Ducati as the manufacturer to beat ahead of Mugello. With more bikes on the grid than anyone else and a plethora of fast riders onboard them, at 3.1M the Bologna bullets guarantee success for your MotoGP™ Fantasy Team. However, at just 2.3M Aprilia are a strong option too with KTM also never to be discounted at 3.1M
With everything to play for, history beckons for MotoGP™ at what promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Italy. 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, 9th June on motogp.com