MotoGP, Argentina: Márquez and Honda favorites, yes but…

The defeat was consummated on the track on the side of QatarMore Marc Márquez like Honda are looking forward to tackling the next two events on the American continent. Both Argentina and Austin are in fact terrains traditionally favorable to the duo formed by the Cervera driver and the Tokyo machine. However, be careful. Nothing is certain at Termas de Rio Hondo where the same Marc Márquez has experienced some disappointments in the past. Starting with last year…

With or without deflector, Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati should catch a wind this weekend in Argentina. Because to Honda's proven domination on this track is added the fact that the Desmosedici and its Dovi have only been on the podium once at Termas de Rio Hondo. It was in 2015, with a second place. In 2016, there could have been two behind Marc Márquez but Andrea Iannone had decided otherwise by cutting his teammate in two in preparation for the finish...

Otherwise, it is true that the Argentinian layout emphasizes the fault of the Italian machine at the apex of the curves. We will see the extent of the progress of the men of Borgo Panigale from this point of view. Because at the same time, the agility of the Honda works wonders. From 2014 to 2017, Marc Márquez has always started from pole position and twice, in 2014 and 2016, he triumphed undisturbed. However, the seven-time winner also experienced disappointments in the race. In 2015, he fell after contact with Valentino Rossi. In 2017, he fell while leading. Last year he touched Red and was penalized three times, including a 30-second penalty, given after the finish.

Honda can nevertheless count on its second knives in the event of a breakdown of the spearhead. The excellent results of Dani Pedrosa and Cal Crutchlow, who won two podiums and even victory during the last edition, are there to reassure the winged coat of arms. Recent history tells us that all Honda drivers are comfortable on this circuit, which could offer Jorge Lorenzo an opportunity to get a good place, if his physical condition does not handicap him too much.

On the outsider side, we cannot forget Valentino Rossi whose Yamaha also displays an honorable Argentinian score with the two victories won in 2015 by the Doctor and in 2017 thanks to Maverick Vinales. However, it remains to be seen whether the friendly circuit will allow the in-tune firm to hide the now chronic criticism of the bike in the use of the rear tire, which, three weeks ago at Losail, seriously compromised the final result.

We will end with the unknown Suzuki whose clearly well-born GSX-RR could delight in the Argentinian turnstile and make the competition go crazy. Alex Rins seems to be able to assert itself as the surprise of this weekend…