Are the Aprilias the way forward as Barcelona beckons?

The first of a doubleheader, check out who we think can make an impression in MotoGP™ Fantasy at the Catalan GP

MotoGP™ is Barcelona bound for Round 6, with the Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalunya the first part of a doubleheader as the paddock jets off to Mugello the following week. As the track action returns, so does MotoGP™ Fantasy as players compete to win some amazing prizes.

Who were the top riders in Le Mans?

Unsurprisingly, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) was near the top of the standings thanks to an impressive 47-point tally as he completed the pole, Tissot Sprint and race hat-trick. However, the Championship leader wasn’t the top rider, with Marc Marquez’ 54 points being the top haul. The Gresini rider claimed a double podium from 13th on the grid, which saw him pick up 22 extra points for advancing his grid position in the race.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up 42 points across the weekend, while Brad Binder’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) fightback from last on the grid helped him earn a healthy 36 points over the weekend.

Gresini Racing MotoGP™ with 37 points were the top team from Le Mans thanks to the efforts of both Marc and Alex Marquez, while a podium lockout ensured Ducati were the top constructor with 50.5 points.

What riders should you consider for your team?

Straight off the bat, it is hard to ignore the form of Jorge Martin, but at $4.10M, he will take a significant chunk out of your budget. The #89 has been on the podium in both of his previous visits to Barcelona though, and is chasing a third Sprint win in a row.

From the top four in the Championship, only Marc Marquez has tasted victory as Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, with wins in 2014 and 2019. He is yet to stand on the top step with Gresini, but after back-to-back P2s, he is another rider in red hot form, and he can be yours for $3.20M.

Neither Bagnaia ($4.00M) nor Bastianini ($3.50) have recorded a MotoGP™ top three finish in Barcelona, with both crashing out of the 2023 race. Reigning World Champion Bagnaia is in form though, with a win and podium in his last two Sunday outings.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then last year’s Sprint and race winner Aleix Espargaro may be the perfect choice. Generously priced at $2.10M, the Aprilia rider dominated alongside teammate Maverick Viñales ($3.0M) in 2023, and a return to home soil may just inspire the best form from both Noale factory riders as they look to break up Ducati's dominance. 

In terms of a differential in your team, then perhaps Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) at $2.20M might be worth a bet. Despite ongoing struggles aboard the M1, Catalunya usually brings the best out of the 2021 World Champion. A two-time winner at the circuit, he put in a strong ride in 2023 to take P7 after a P17 start.

What prizes can you win?

Just two rounds remain in the special MotoGP™ Fantasy LCR Honda league, where you can win a pair of signed boots, a used carbon brake disc clock and signed sliders and LCR Honda books.

As usual, there are weekly prizes up for grabs too, which you can read about on the MotoGP™ Fantasy Prizes page.

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