Alex Marquez (LCR Honda) – two starts and two falls in Losail. The latter is what the Catalan’s older brother will try to avoid, at least initially. The question is how long can he control himself and try to drive reasonably “safely”.

An interesting look back at MotoGP predictions before the start of the season

One of the most popular favorites was definitely Jack Miller before and after the tests at Losail. In the interview before the first double race of the season, he counted himself in for fun, because he said he had no trouble with this role with a wink. As the second Ducati rider, most had Pecco Bagnaia on their radar. Among the riders before the first press conference, the case was of course clear and Joan Mir was the favorite among them. The Suzuki driver is also automatically the defending champion, so the logical justification. Similarly, understandable Franco Morbidelli, as 3-time winner of the 2020 season and reigning runner-up world champion. With the Yamaha factory riders, most observers and so-called experts were cautious after the problems in the previous year. But even Miguel Oliveira appeared as a favorite on some lists. Except for us (see December 19, 2020), Johann Zarco hardly mentioned anyone. The following is the current World Cup ranking after 2 rounds.

After only two of the planned 19 laps have been driven and everything can still change completely. Nevertheless, it is almost unbelievable how many frequently mentioned favorites have to hurry to keep up with the leaders.

Quote “Johann Zarco is the loose wrench in a tool box”

One of our readers recently drew our attention to the quote from Mat Oxley. The author of various motorsport books made this slogan via Red Bull Media, which we quoted one to one in the surtitle. The good man must have felt like the idiot from work after the season opener in Losail. His man, known as a “loose wrench”, who was only called useful for “maybe good days”, traveled to Portugal as World Cup leader. We don’t burn Oxley’s books because of this, but as a person he’s written off for us with such a defamation. Anyone who disqualifies himself with such a disrespectful statement has probably lost all ground under his feet.

The similarity is hard to deny – Stefan Bradl’s father Helmut, the 1991 vice world champion for the HB Honda team on a Honda in the 250 cc class. As the signs are currently, his son Stefan is again an HRC test driver from Portimão and will therefore possibly only contest a few wildcard appearances. Unless Marc Marquez is relegated after a few laps in Portugal and hands over to the German due to the strain.

What happens in Portimão on April 18th at 1 p.m. local time?

To be honest, we cannot with the best of intentions predict it. Even the weather forecast is often more like a lottery than a credible forecast, if you later compare it with reality. Originally, light rain was predicted for Friday from midday, which would have completely changed the starting position for many. In the meantime, it has improved significantly and, when the weather is nice, it should be well over 20 degrees Celsius. This makes it a little easier for the rookies and returnees Marc Marquez than if it had gotten wet in between. Provided there are no delays, we will see the start of one of the most memorable races in recent years at 1 p.m. local time in Portimão. The most frequently heard question is whether and where the six-time world champion will be on the grid.

Johann Zarco (Pramac Ducati Racing) – the world championship leader of MotoGP. When we warned on December 19, 2020, in our article not to underestimate the French. What he showed in the first double race at Losail exceeded even the wildest expectations.

The recipe for an exciting weekend
All the ingredients are definitely there, also because some of the best drivers from last year in Portugal fell far short of expectations. So much has already been written about Marc Marquez and his comeback that we save ourselves further comments. We summarized what to expect in an article on April 12th. There is hardly much more to report before 9 a.m. local time next Friday. From statistics to forces that affect the arms in MotoGP and similar excursions, we distance ourselves in this context. You can place a truck on 4 beer glasses, and they won’t break, this to illustrate how little the excursion into physics brings in certain cases. Alex Lowes finished on a Moto2 podium last year despite broken bones, and we hope there aren’t too many falls.

Alex Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Moto2 Team) before the start in autumn 2020 – the Englishman is the favorite for many this season, but he has to stay seated for that, which also applies to the Marquez brothers.

The schedule for the Portugal weekend

Unless otherwise stated, this applies to all images (© MotoGP).