As the Argentine Grand Prix approaches, let's focus on a few major issues, namely situations or contexts that will need to be monitored in order to draw the best conclusions.
As a reminder, the first race of the season, at Qatar, was won by Enea Bastianini (Ducati Gresini Racing MotoGP). The latter currently leads the championship, two points ahead of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM) won the second round in Indonesia, held in the rain.
He was followed by fabio quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha), 2021 champion, who had experienced a difficult preseason and first Grand Prix due to the lack of performance of his Yamaha. The biggest surprise of the start of the year is undoubtedly the poor form of Francis Bagnaia
(Ducati Lenovo Team), yet favorite for the title. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), six-time world champion in the category, will be absent following a new episode of diplopia, which occurred after his huge fall during the warm-up on the track of
Mandalika.
Fabio Quartararo left us with a very good impression. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
In Argentina, all the cards could well be reshuffled. Introduced in 2014, the circuit
Termas de rio hondo was slipped from the calendar in 2020 due to the global pandemic, as well as in 2021 when a huge fire ravaged the facilities. If the weather has sometimes played its part, specialists predict clear weather for Sunday.
I) KTM, a growing threat.
KTM is the most consistent manufacturer in these first two races. Since its arrival full-time in 2017, the Austrian firm has imposed itself on several occasions but is struggling to establish itself at the forefront in the long term. Following a mixed 2021 season where seven different chassis were tested, the Orange Army may have put their finger on the problem. The two official drivers, Miguel Oliveira et Brad Binder, are extremely talented and can play for victory without problem.
Historically, Termas de Rio Hondo has never benefited the RC16. This is an additional indicator: if one of the two manages to finish on the box, it will be high time to seriously consider them as title contenders.
Hint : Miguel Oliveira's performance in qualifying is often problematic. If the latter manages to slip into the top 5 on Saturday, you can be sure that he will be favored by the bookmakers.
II) The Bagnaia enigma
Bagnaia is not in his right mind. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Ducati, in 2021, had offered one of the best MotoGP of all time. Fast in a straight line, agile and suitable for all drivers with it. Logically, the manufacturer champions started as favorites for this new exercise, but that is not the case. If bastianini won in Qatar, the latter had the package... from last year.
“Pecco” Bagnaia, reigning vice-world champion, is in great trouble at the moment. Under the Losail spotlight, he made a mistake not without taking Jorge Martin (Ducati / Pramac Racing), while he was unable to perform on the wet track in Indonesia (15th).
No driver with such a low total after two races has finished as world champion in the 21st century. Of course, he can reverse the trend, but time is running out. A third result like this would put a serious blow to the Italian's ambitions. He is one of the drivers who are playing big this weekend. To monitor.
III) Quartararo, the awakening of the champion?
A few months ago, the situation seemed complicated for our French champion. Few improvements on the Yamaha between 2021 and 2022 even though it was already not the best machine. The affair did not smell good. Victim of a technical problem in Qatar but off the pace, the Frenchman bounced back in Mandalika in the rain, conditions which had never benefited him!
“El Diablo” impressed, playing with Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) and
Johann zarco (Ducati / Pramac Racing), two wet track specialists. If Quartararo drives the point home in Argentina, he will then appear as the main favorite for the crown. Indeed, his poor performance during the opening round did not cost him that much; never, in the 30st century, has the leader of the provisional championship had so few points after two races (XNUMX). So the place is available.
Don't give up on him, because now is the time to hit the nail on the head.
They can create a surprise:
Before each Grand Prix, we will present one or two outsiders,
capable of breaking the screen. First of all Johann Zarco, another Frenchie in the premier category. The latter has always offered great piloting in Argentina. He has already won twice in Moto2, during his two coronations in 2015 and 2016, and narrowly missed victory in 2018 after a crazy race. If Ducati has never won in the country, Johann could well use his experience to achieve a first victory in MotoGP.
Further down the rankings, pay attention to Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF), best rookie for the moment and author of a very good performance two weeks ago. In the event of a last minute downpour, the South African could surprise more than one person.
Darryn Binder, 10th in Indonesia, comes straight from Moto3, as does Jack Miller. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
What do you think ? Don't hesitate to comment in the comments, all will be read and discussed!
