Rossi will win it this year. He's already released his minions into the paddock, and the fruits are blossoming. Dorna was easy... all it took was a promise to hang around the paddock post 2021.
I'm a Rossi fan...but Dude.....come down from the thinner atmosphere in Montana....you're O2 deprived. IF he hadn't DNF'd the first race, maybe...but this year a DNF in any race is going to be nearly fatal to anyone's championship chances. I thought this was Q's year the way he started, but not so sure now. I think Dovi has a better chance than anyone now, he's SUPER motivated to take his #1 that Ducati wants so bad with him to his next ride and proudly display it on his bike as a big "FU" to Ducati. I don't see Maverick ever winning a title. WAY too inconsistent. My money says Rossi finishes ahead of Mav-Vin.
Even though Motion is obviously being sarcastic in his defense Rossi is only 29 points back and there are 10 more rounds. With what we've already seen this season... all things considered way crazier shit could happen. My point is he is right there if he can find some speed.
Austria 2 will either be a Dovi repeat or Rins maintains it upright. Misano 1 & 2 will likely be split between Q20 and MM93. Catalunya will likely go to MM93 LeMans is likely a MM93 repeat Aragon 1 & 2 are definitely MM93's to lose. Valencia 1 & 2 are a crap shoot Portimao? Shit if anyone knows (Is it a LH track?)
Nope, it is right turns: https://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/portugal/algarve-portimao.html Other notes: The sweeper leading onto the straight rewards traction leaned over and corner speed so brute HP isn't a huge advantage. Braking is big so the Hondas might be overheating that front tire. The direction changes over crests could cause hurt the Honda (and their riders) due to the instability of the bike. If they dial that out, will MM even be able to turn it? Dovi takes the Championship due to the Yamaha riders all having to start from pit lane at least once.
Assuming MM comes back healthy, loose is fast at Portimao and the field will be lucky to be within a 1/4 track of him with those roller coaster turns.
Ducati need to figure out this new rear tire before we can say that AD04 will be able to take the championship. All of the GP20 riders have been complaining that the new rear tire makes the bike even harder to turn in the previous year. Michelin decided to run last years tire construction at Austria so their handling issues aren't exacerbated at that track.
It's awesome how MM being gone has really shaken up the whole paddock and made this season entertaining. Last year was totally BLAH when you pretty much know who's going to win every race. This year was shaping up to be the same. Regardless I hope MM heals up but him winning 95% of the races is boring and not good for the sport. Same thing with Cam B winning every MotoAm race. It is not good for the sport in my opinion.