Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya of MotoGP is expected to be great due to the main concerns of the riders: pump track and Asymmetric tyres. Also, the fans make this venue one of the prettiest to win.
Today’s main concern in MotoGP paddock before go out on track tomorrow was the new track layout and Michelin asymmetric tyres. How to deal with both factors will be key to be success at Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.
Who was successful last weekend at Mugello is Andrea Dovizioso, who took his third victory in premier-class, his first on dry conditions. The Italian prior to the race was ill, but he managed to win with a dominant gap and in front of his fans as well. Ducati rider recently reported that wining in Mugello is an inflexion point in his career, and he want to repeat that in Barcelona despite all concerns.
But after Italian domination, now is time for Catalan to be up in front. Six Catalan’s (Maverick Viñales, Dani Pedrosa, Aleix Espargaró, Pol Espargaró, “Tito” Rabat and Marc Márquez) will try to win his home grand prix, in front of a 100.000 of spectators.
For Pedrosa, this is not only special because he is racing only 15 km away from his town, it is even more special because he will become the Spanish rider who most grand prix starts did, moving ahead of Angel Nieto with 65 career starts. Honda rider needs a victory if he wants to continue in the championship run, but like his team Márquez -whom is equal in points at rider’s standings, knows that Honda only won four times here since the premiere-class is call MotoGP.
Who is always a one to watch here and one of the favorites is Valentino Rossi. The Italian have 10 career wins in Catalunya, but this time will be harder to fight for the win because he is not at his 100% already.
But in fact, the weekend approach is uncertain, qualifying here is not that much important. The last driver who won from pole position was Rossi back in 2006. This fact is not cool for the best qualifier this season so far, Maverick Viñales. Yamaha rider wants to join the podium here after his 4th position riding a Suzuki last year. For sure the he is one of the favorites for this weekend.