Let's talk MotoGP: This round can change the course of the season

In MotoGP, one round is sometimes enough to change a season. And as is often the case, the British Grand Prix, which follows the summer break, will have a decisive role in the allocation of the best places. Due to its position on the calendar, its weather and also its unpredictability, it is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated. So, today, why not take a look at what you shouldn't miss at Silverstone?

 

Bezzecchi must go on a mission

 

If there is one driver who must begin his redemption at Silverstone, it is Marco Bezzecchi. Precisely, it was here that he started to drop very big points against Pecco Bagnaia in 2023. Apart from his incredible victory in India, undoubtedly specific to the circuit, he had no longer competed with his colleague from the VR46 Academy, any more than with Jorge Martin on the other events. This fall in England, while trying to catch up with Bagnaia, changed his season.

A year later, he is in a much more delicate situation. His name is no longer in the juicy discussions, he is now struggling to achieve top 8 finishes. His start to the year is limited, but Silverstone could smile at him. This is the type of circuit he likes, with these long turns and flat braking. Mind you, Assen suited him even more – he was excellent there last year – and he had a hole in 2024. But after a one-month break, he can come back even stronger and must take advantage of his strengths to regain command from his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio first, but also on the Binder and other Vinales which are definitely within the reach of his talent.

 

 

Coming out of the shadow… of his brother

 

I returned to the extension of Alex Marquez at Ducati Gresini in a previous article, but to summarize, let's say that I'm not particularly impressed with his start to the year. As expected, his brother largely dominates him but he must see in Silevrstone the opportunity to return to the forefront. In 2023 he first shone in Argentina, but he did not have the opportunity to repeat due to the cancellation of said Grand Prix. Then, at Silverstone, with this first Sprint victory in the wet. There was nothing to complain about, he had executed his plan perfectly. While waiting for Malaysia, his third highlight last year, he must be watched with the greatest attention, especially since the weight of the unknown regarding his future no longer weighs on him.

 

À confirm

 

Of all the pilots, Miguel Oliveira is the one I'm looking forward to the most. His future handlebars are assured and he is on good momentum after a very good weekend in Germany. But beyond that, there is this wonderful 2023 British Grand Prix and this crazy comeback in the wet, which unfortunately did not result in a podium. He had made a demonstration of which he alone has the secret; ones that he can perfectly repeat if the weather turns bad during this tenth round.

Oliveira, our rainmaster preferred, is capable of winning if everything goes his way, especially if he starts from a correct position on the grid. If qualifying has always been one of his weak points, he still climbed into second place after Q2 at the Sachsenring. Keep an eye on him.

 

 

Aleix Espargaro, the last of the last?

 

Injured since Assen, Aleix Espargaro has already missed two Grands Prix in his last year as a starter. Whoever built Aprilia, if he is in great shape, can achieve yet another feat. Honestly, I think this is his last chance to win in MotoGP, and I'll explain why.

First, he delivered a score worthy of the greatest in 2023, which earned him victory. His extraordinary racing IQ propelled him into first place following a very daring overtake on Pecco Bagnaia, but in complete control. It was a show of wisdom.

Secondly, the Aprilia is still very fast at Silverstone, because the track responds to the qualities of the machine. I would like to take this opportunity to advise you to follow Maverick Vinales, very comfortable in England and already a winner this year. We know that the Aprilia can beat the Ducati in 2024, and that it is impregnable if the track suits it perfectly (remember Argentina in 2022 or Catalonia last year). So, be careful.

Third, because Espargaro is used to beating the odds. His age is now quite advanced, of course, and we must recognize that he is no longer in the game if we except his surprise victory in the Sprint at home, in his Catalan garden. But it's in these moments that he is the best, the most spicy. I believe in him, and sincerely think that he can come back even if the Bagnaia/Martin duo won't let him.

Who do you see making a name for themselves in Great Britain? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport