Let's talk MotoGP: We could expect anything from Tech3, except maybe this

These first two Grands Prix have not been kind to the only French team in the MotoGP field: Tech3 is third from last in the teams' standings, while employing two iconic riders of recent years. On paper, this is one of the best lineups in the team's history, and yet, things aren't working out. There's no need to worry, as only two races have been contested, but we must keep an eye on the performances of Vinales and Bastianini.

 

“Top Gun” very discreet

 

In fact, of the two, the situation of Maverick Vinales is the least surprising. After all, the Spaniard has always been as inconsistent as possible, but has never missed the opportunity to adapt to a new bike. He succeeded with Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia: why couldn't he do the same at KTM, under the awning of one of the most prestigious teams of the 21st century?

 

 

In Thailand, he qualified 18th, but still ahead of his teammate, whom we'll talk about again. In fact, he was never in a position to fight for points in either race. This is all the more strange given that Buriram is a good track for him. He was the best rider there for Aprilia, ahead of Ai Ogura and Marco Bezzecchi. It doesn't matter: he had done worse for his first Grand Prix with Aprilia, and that didn't stop him from mastering the RS-GP a little later.

In Argentina, he started 20th, almost a second and a half behind poleman Marc Marquez. A dismal 18th place at the finish of the Sprint left little hope for the main race, yet finished 12th.

What do you think of Maverick Vinales's mentality? I think it's good. Before the start of the season, I saw him as a possible outsider, but certainly not right away.His interactions with the press are always convincing, as is his body language. Vinales, experienced and determined, does not give up, remaining fully invested in his mission. I find this quite honorable and keep an eye on him. In my opinion, there is no need to worry about him further.

 

For "Bestia" it's more difficult.

 

It's his teammate's turn, and you'll have understood, I am less optimistic. While he was particularly impressive in his first Grand Prix in orange – ninth behind Brad Binder – what he shares about his experience on the RC16 leaves one wondering. We have already heard him say that he could not find any solution, "devastated", and, worse, we felt impatience in his words in Argentina. On the one hand, it's understandable when you go from the official Ducati to a satellite KTM, and you thought you had found a solution during the first race.

 

 

On the other hand, it's also the beginning of a new adventure, and it's normal that it takes time. It's impossible to say how things are going in the pits, and Bastianini remains a professional, who has won races and even a world title in Moto2. However, I wanted to draw your attention to a statement from an anonymous Ducati mechanic, who made an edifying comparison between "Bestia" and Marc Marquez, all reported on crash.net : “In a few races, Marc has already thanked us more times than his predecessor in a full season ». To be continued. His statements remind me of what he said during the 2023 season, when he couldn't do it with the factory Ducati.

In terms of results, it is difficult to base one's decision on his Argentine Grand Prix, as he was hit during Sunday's race by Raul Fernandez. With one less fin, he couldn't perform miracles..

 

 

The common denominator between the two Tech3 riders is none other than this obvious lack of speed in qualifying. It was even surprising: they started in 18th and 20th position in Thailand, then in 20th and 21st position in Argentina. I think this is one of the keys to success, especially for Bastianini: at Ducati, The Italian sometimes struggled to perform when he didn't get forward quicklyHe tended to conserve his rubber well, yes, but starting from so far back exposes him to risks that are almost inevitable in today's era – collisions, difficulties in overtaking, etc. -. The Argentine GP proves this analysis right.

 

Conclusion

 

What do you think? Surprisingly, and after studying their comments at the end of the tests, I am more worried about Bastianini, who has struggled in the past when he didn't have all the cards in his hand. He's still a great driver, but I'm afraid his single-lap speed – definitely one of his career weaknesses – could cost him a lot of points. Vinales, in a way, is more unpredictable and has already proven to me that he can beat the odds in one or two races.

I'm curious to know if you share my analysis, then, tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Tech3