Algarve GP 2021 Preview: Quartararo’s first race as World Champion
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The Premier Class will pay its second visit of the season to the Portuguese Circuit of Portimao next weekend (5-7 November) with the occasion of the MotoGP Algarve GP 2021, the penultimate round of the World Championship, which already has a newly-crowned champion. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) will debut his title at the Iberian Peninsula, after his recent coronation at the Emilia-RomagnaGP in Misano.  

The ‘rollercoaster’ of Portimao is indeed a very fitting circuit for the occasion. ‘El Diablo’ took the second of his five victories (Qatar 2, Portugal, Italy, Holland & Great Britain) so far at the Portuguese track at the beginning of the season. His triumphs have now made him the first-ever Frenchman to win a MotoGP crown. 

His title contender, Pecco Bagnaia will fight for his third win of the season after falling at home´s race. Marc Marquez will miss the event after suffering a Motocross fall that caused a slight head concussion. 

The Constructors and Teams’ Titles  

The Drivers’ Championship might have already been decided, but the Constructors and Teams’ ones are still very much in the air. Regarding the latter, the official Yamaha team commands the standings with 13 points over Ducati. 

By contrast, the team from Borgo Panigale dominates the Constructors’ standings with 12 more points than its Japanese rivals. Pecco Bagnaia is set to have a big role to play in both those classifications.

The pilot from Turin would want to make up for losing his title chances in the previous round at Misano following a fall. His main consolation will be to secure the runner-up position. He is currently second in the standings with 202 units, 26 more than Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). 

The Italian has taken the last four poles, demonstrating his great competitiveness at one lap.  The versatility of his Desmosedici also allowed him to finish second at the previous round in Portugal. All in all, a very dangerous rival. 

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Mir: Dethroned and in the hunt for second place  

Mir could be one of his main adversaries at the MotoGP Algarve GP 2021. The Spaniard will attempt to emulate his previous performance in Portugal, where he claimed the first of five podiums this season, incidentally finishing behind Bagnaia. 

The Mallorcan pilot, however, must take a leap forward on Saturday, something he has been unable to do throughout the year. He has, in fact, never started from the front row, with a fifth being his best result on the starting grid. 

The battle to be Rookie of the Year  

Enea Bastianini (Esponsorama Racing) is leading Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) by five points in the exciting fight to become Rookie of the Year. The Spaniard has scored three zeros over the last five races while Bastianini has climbed up the podium on two occasions, both at Misano. Undoubtedly “La Bestia“ remains the strongest candidate for the honour. 

Local hero Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) could also emerge as one of the protagonists at home´s MotoGP Algarve GP 2021. Having experienced a resurgence in Misano following a disappointing campaign, he will be eager to impress his compatriots. 

Marquez: Off with a slight concussion  

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) will not attend the 2021 Algarve MotoGP this weekend after suffering a mild concussion as a result of a fall in a motocross training session. 

This is a hard setback for the winner of the last two rounds, who will see his progression interrupted. The Spaniard will be replaced by the German reserve Estefan Bradl., who will team-up with the Catalan Pol Espargaró at the MotoGP Algarve GP 2021.

Images of MotoGP Algarve GP 2021: MotoGP.

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