Outlook Portugal GP of Moto2

Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex) ahead of Remy Gardner (Red Bull Ajo Kalex) – the Englishman traveled to Portugal as World Cup leader and clear favorite. But in Remy Gardner, an increasingly strong opponent for the beginning of the European season will grow, also because from now on he can drive freely and carefree.

After Gardner’s MotoGP deal – does he become a threat?

As we reported exactly 10 days ago, it became clear after Remy Gardner’s second podium that he had the KTM MotoGP contract under his belt. See also the article “Gardner 2021 at Tech 3” from April 5, 2021, on our website. As already made clear at the time, Remy had already met his “acceptance criteria” for the premier class in Losail. This is a so-called win-win situation for him and the Red Bull Ajo Moto2 Team, as the young Australian can now climb into the European opener without any pressure. Many are now wondering whether he will be even more dangerous for Sam Lowes together with teammate Raul Fernandez.

Sam in the gravel bed – Alex Lowes’ twin brother knows many of these places on the world’s racetracks because he is one of the drivers with the most falls, which applies to both of them at the same time. Many think that the Englishman could only beat himself in 2021, but this is really true?

Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner – the dream combination for MotoGP?
After the Australian has his MotoGP ticket in his pocket, many are already wondering whether his Ajo teammate Raul Fernandez will be promoted to the KTM Tech 3 Team on the same train. In fact, there are many aspects that absolutely speak for it. The examples of Maverick Viñales and Joan Mir impressively prove that a short Moto2 detour does not have to be a handicap for MotoGP success. After Lecuona is already weak in the second year and Petrux clearly shows trouble on the KTM, there are some indications that the oranges will promote their current “dream team” to the premier class at the same time. In the case of the Italian, however, it would be tantamount to admitting that he made a major mistake in his obligation on the part of the Austrians. Because this was already clear with Iker Lecuona, Petrucci could now be the next “pawn sacrifice”.

Danilo Petrucci (Tech 3 KTM) here after his fall in the first race of the season – the likeable Italian had definitely imagined his debut at KTM to be different from ending up in the gravel trap after not even one lap. It may already be too late for him to defend his place. In the meantime, the contracts in MotoGP are wrapped up earlier and earlier.

What will happen to Jake Dixon in Portugal?

The Englishman wants to prove that his fall in the 2nd race at Losail was nothing but an unfortunate slip. This will be easy to hear for the German Marcel Schrötter, whom he brought down in his crash. But Jake has a major disadvantage compared to many of his competitors this weekend. While most of them drove a Grand Prix in Moto3 or Moto2 at the Autodromo do Algarve last year, the Petronas Sprinta driver is a rookie here. The course is considered to be very demanding, and therefore it will be a very big challenge for Dixon to get a good result at the Portugal Grand Prix.