The MotoGP Portuguese GP 2023 may seem to look like a dull one when studying the time sheets, with Pecco Bagnaia winning comfortably and doing a historic first-ever Sprint-Main Race double, but there was so much more underneath the surface. Here’s my thoughts on the main race at Portimao.
1. Ah Marc Marquez, he just lives by the sword and unfortunately today, stumbles by it. He’d much rather crash than change who he is and that makes you feel like a concerned parent. Thank goodness Miguel Olivera is okay, but that was so disappointing. Sadly though, Marc is hurt.
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2. There were so many terrible injuries this weekend – a constant reminder that racing truly is dangerous and these riders are heroes for doing what they do. To watch Zarco and Binder get such amazing results in such pain left me in awe, too. Hopefully they all recover very soon.
3. We all knew it, but that Ducati with Pecco is scary. The way he maintained the gaps for fun was incredible to watch. Vinales’ post race comment in the cool-down room that he just eventually wore his tyres out but Pecco didn’t, just nails it. What a combo, but the year is long!
4. That top 5 speaks volumes – 4 Ducatis out of 5: over the long run, the KTMs, Hondas and Yamahas struggled to keep up. Binder and Miller gave it more than their all, but Marquez and Zarco just had the better bike and it shows. Lets hope we see a more equal fight because that was amazing to watch!
5. I wonder what caused Jorge Martin’s crash at the end, but had it not been for the second lap incident, he really looked on course for decent points. That’s racing, but he looks like someone who can truly take the fight to Pecco this year. Imagine Zarco in full fitness too!
6. I just hope that the disappointment from the main race for Miguel Olivera gets channeled into even greater hunger. Even on a year-old Aprilia, he’s giving everyone a run for their money. Thank goodness it is only a bruise physically and let’s hope it is not a mental dent.
7. The way Fabio Quatararo is able to put up such competitive pace with that Yamaha leaves me amazed. Two issues with the starts in two consecutive races is such a downer though – he should be higher up than P8, but the starts just make life so much harder.
8. It seems like Alex Marquez has woken up from his nightmare! Yes, that last lap just put a slice of pineapple on the pizza, but what a pizza he made otherwise. He has more than earned his traditional Sunday pizza! The intra-Ducati fights will be thrilling to watch this year.
9. Take a bow, Marco Bezzecchi. It took a lot of top riders to tumble, yes, but after a torrid Saturday, his race today was so impressive. I love how this new format offers you a chance at redemption by keeping your grid slot the same. Rewards you for a good quali very well too!
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