Remember the last race? Quartararararo became the 2021 world champion taking the title from some other rider I can’t remember. Here’s a recap:
So we’re off to Portugal again. If getting chased down the Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo by a pet jellyfish wasn’t bad enough the first time we’re back again
Top of our list to win is of course the rider in-form Marc Marquez. We see absolutely no permutations where the factory Honda rider won’t turn up and win. We believe that as long as he turns up he’ll of course win and we see no reasons why he wouldn’t turn up.
So who’ll come second to Marc – who will no doubt win?
Maybe the world champion Fabio Quartararararo? Fab Fab admitted after the last race that before the race (still with us here?) he was so nervous that he had stomach cramps and couldn’t eat. It was either that or the Roquefort wheel he had for breakfast. Luckily he held his nerve far better than the rest of his nation who would have no doubt hidden in their loft waiting to be bailed out.
With no such pressure this time Quartarararararo should be able to empty his bowels on his terms and put in another blistering performance not hindered by the jitters or being an unwanted porcelain artist.
Maybe Francesco Bagnaia? Like Quartarararo the Italian has been riding under extreme pressure to keep his title hopes alive. But those hopes are now as dead as a little child’s discouraged dreams. To be fair there was no way he was ever going to catch Fabio – but the fact he mathematically had a chance was enough for Davide Tardozzi to keep reminding him when he least wanted to be reminded.
With the title lost but second place sealed Bagnaia can relax and ride the way he wants.
Maybe Miguel Oliveira? Miguel’s had an odd season. He started it well then fell off in Austria and broke his hand to bits. Not wanting to hinder his proposed shadow puppet business concept the Portuguese rider claimed his hand was absolutely fine whilst riding around at the back and wincing every time he took his glove off.
But recently the broken hand has started working again which is great news for him and his sister.
Last time out Oliveira was back near the front but fell off. Not that anyone noticed as we were all too busy watching Bagnaia fall off instead. In fact it wasn’t until he returned to the garage on the back of a scooter that KTM realised he’d crashed.
But the good news is that this race is a home race for Oliveira – and he’s somewhat of a track specialist around Portimao so could be in with a chance of a podium behind the race winner Marc Marquez.
How did you do last time?
Your selected winner: Valentino Rossi (16%)
So close…
Actually winner: Marc Marquez (9%)
Second win in a row! Not many of you thought he could win a clockwise track. Surely nothing can stop him now?
Special mention: KTM have been a disappointment (26%)
Is Brad Binder actually any good?