Vinales is the man on the move
MOTOGP moves to Termas de Rio Hondo this weekend for Round 2 of 2017. It’s the modern series’ fourth visit to Argentina, with Honda’s Marc Marquez taking the first win, Valentino Rossi the second and Marquez hitting back in 2016.
But despite the weather problems in Qatar, the man on the move in 2017 is still new Yamaha signing Maverick Vinales - and he was in podium contention last season in Argentina, making him even more of a threat this weekend.
Team-mate Rossi also created some Sunday magic in Qatar; despite poor pre-season form, the nine-times world champion was back with a bang when the lights went off. This will be his 350th Grand Prix, and he’ll want to make it a showstopper.
But you can never write off Marquez; he chose the wrong tyre in Losail but kept it on the road and rode for points in an impressive show of commitment. He has won twice at Rio Hondo and this could be a good place for a fighting comeback. Oddly enough, he probably considers his own teammate Dani Pedrosa his biggest threat. The quiet man has been consistently quick in pre-season testing and has also done well at this circuit in previous years.
The venue has also been good to the Ducati Team, with a double podium on the cards last year until disaster struck at the final corner. The Borgo Panigale factory has also shown form this year with Andrea Dovizioso’s stunning ride to second in Qatar. Jorge Lorenzo had a difficult first race, but he’ll have more track time under his belt after a private test in Jerez.
After a stunning maiden victory first time out in 2017, Franco Morbidelli is now the man to catch. Miguel Oliveira took the new KTM chassis into the podium fight first time out, but his South African team-mate, Moto3 title-holder Brad Binder, is still at the wrong end of a very steep learning curve.
2017 started in the best possible way for Honda’s Joan Mir; now it’s time for Argentina - and a chance for the top riders to strike back. Junior Binder brother Darryn delivered an impressive debut ride on the Platinum Bay KTM, finishing 13th in Qatar; look to him for a top 10 finish in Argentina.