Late-Braking MotoGP

This from FB friend Earl Roloff.

Well if you haven’t heard, the MotoGP 1st day fight to determine who’s in Q1 and Q2 tomorrow was a “Thriller”. Jack Miller took fast time in FP2 on his KTM, which frankly is shocking. “The Thriller” has been known to do some amazing things in qualifying and today was no exception. Whether this is a “one lap wonder” or the real deal won’t be determined until the Checkered flag falls tomorrow on the first ever MotoGP Sprint race and the regular race on Sunday. My guess is Jack won’t be in the top 5 in either, but hopefully I’m wrong, because it will add enormous interest to the series.

Second, another surprise, “Top Gun” Maverick Vinales served notice that the Aprilia’s are alive and well to start the 2023 season. He’s always had the speed, we’ll have to see where his head is when the green flag drops. The Aprilia’s proved last year they have the speed to be quick in qualifying AND race distance environments.

Third, defending champ and looking good early to possibly defend, Franco Bagnaia on the first Ducati.

Next, the first of the “Rossi Boys” Luca Marini, I mentioned him multiple times last year and think he’s a title contender in 2023.

Fifth, the always fast Jorge Martin, another Ducati and always a threat to win any MotoGP race. If he keeps the rubber side down an outside chance for a title run.

Sixth, the super talented Fabio Quartuaro on a Yamaha, the lone Japanese bike in the top ten. This weekend should give some serious insight into Yamaha’s “One Man Army’s” chance to possible challenge in 2023. I for one, hope the bike is capable because the rider surely is.

Seventh, Johann Zarco, always good in qualifying should be good in the sprints and hoping he wins his first GP this season.

Eighth, the other “Rossi Boy” Marco Bezzecchi, one pole position a year ago and ready to make some waves in 2023.

Ninth, Aleix Espargaro, putting the second factory Aprilia into Q2. A year ago, a serious title contender until late in the season. If he can have that consistency again, the oldest rider in the field could make a title run, but I think he will need some luck to achieve it.

Tenth, one of my favorites to steal this years title, “The Beast” Enea Bastiannini. With four wins a year ago and constantly hounding Franco Bagnaia late in the season, he certainly has the talent to win the title. However, he will need to be far better in qualifying with the new format because the short sprint races I believe will a have huge impact on the final title standings. Enea is know for his late race charges, but in the Saturday sprint race the charge will have to be immediate and you’ll need a good grid position to collect points.

The whole qualifying scenario takes on a much bigger burden this year because your final qualifying position will determine your grid for the Saturday sprint and full distance Sunday races.

Some other notes Alex Marquez 11th on his first Ducati run. Rough day for the Honda’s 12th, 13th and 14th, Mir, Rins and Marquez in that order with both Mir and Marquez taking soil samples not a good sign. Somebody has to step up in Q1 and try to get a Honda into Q2. Keep an eye on Alex Rins. Sadly, he’s on last years Honda, which we know wasn’t very competitive, but maybe his smooth as glass riding style will help tame that beast as the season unfolds. Sadly, “The Grinder”, Brad Binder way down the time sheets riding with some sort of injury. At any rate, it’s far to early for too much speculation. What we do know is the surprise’s have already started and I think they’ll be more story lines and incredible races this year than any other. Can’t wait until the green flag drops, as you all know that is when the BS stops.

Tags: Aprilia, Ducati, Jack Miller, Marc Marquez, motogp, portimao

This entry was posted on March 25, 2023 at 6:30 am and is filed under Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, Moto, MotoGP, MotoGP Portimao, MotoGP Results, Motorcycle Racing, Racing News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.