Straight after a dramatic weekend in Barcelona MotoGP™ Fantasy is back for the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. There's plenty to consider ahead of the action at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) faces one of the biggest hurdles he's had to deal with on his quest for a 2nd MotoGP™ title, and at a circuit where every one of his compatriots will be eager for glory. We're here to take you through everything you need to keep in mind ahead of MotoGP™ Fantasy in San Marino!
Who were the Fantasy Dream Team last time out?
Having dominated proceedings last time out in Barcelona, Aleix Espargaro's (Aprilia Racing) Sprint victory coupled with his Grand Prix win bagged him the most Fantasy points, making him the best possible pick for a Gold Rider at 48.5 points.
Joining the Spaniard in the Catalan Fantasy Dream Team was his compatriot and teammate Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). The Spaniard pushed Espargaro all the way to finish a close 2nd in the Grand Prix, as well as bagging a top 3 during Saturday's Sprint. The Catalan snapped up 44 Fantasy points at his home round.
The best pick for a silver rider in Barcelona was Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). The Spaniard took the final rostrum spot on the Catalan GP podium, with a 5th place in the Sprint and Qualifying tallying up 31.5 points for anyone who had the Pramac man in their Fantasy team.
Making out the Dream Team was Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™). The Portuguese rider took full advantage of the Aprilia's strengths at the Catalan circuit as he bagged a front-row start that saw him go on to take a top 5 in the Grand Prix and a P6 in Saturday's Sprint, as well as 29 Fantasy points.
Can Bagnaia fight at his brilliant best?
As attention turns to the Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino, there's plenty to consider in the search for the MotoGP™ Fantasy Dream Team. Gamers have the opportunity to make two changes to their team in hopes of forming the dream lineup at the iconic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
Francesco Bagnaia is usually a safe bet at any circuit on the MotoGP™ calendar, especially on home soil! There are some big questions to be asked of the Italian this weekend, however, as he looks to overcome his injuries following last weekend's huge highside. The #1 has been declared fit to ride, and you wouldn't put it past the reigning champ to pull out a Champion's ride on Sunday. Priced at 4.9M however, it will be important to see how the Ducati top dog copes with Friday's practice sessions before committing him to a Fantasy gold spot.
Bagnaia's close friend and Championship rival will be eager to get the better of him this time out. Priced at 3.3M Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) has points to make up in the title race, and will be eager for a solid performance after a tough Catalan GP. As a member of the VR46 academy, Bezzecchi will have done plenty of laps around the Misano circuit, and will be one of many who will be eager to be top Italian this weekend.
Jorge Martin cannot be discounted by any means. The Spaniard showed strong form in Barcelona and we know the Pramac man is capable of taking victory. Martin could very well be the underdog this weekend for 3.7M. Whilst the Barcelona podium finisher won't be as well acquainted with Misano as the Italians, Martin remains Bagnaia's closest title competitor and will be eager to capitalise on Bagnaia's situation.
Equally, the Aprilia's can never be discounted, and especially on home soil! Aprilia Racing's Maverick Viñales (2.1M) and Aleix Espargaro (3.5M) arrive at Misano brimming with confidence after leaving their home round with plenty of silverware. Both riders will be eager to do the same, but this time for Aprilia's home round.
The two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders of Brad Binder and Jack Miller cannot be discounted either, and priced at 3.4M and 2.4M could be strong choices for your MotoGP™ Fantasy team. Both riders have shown strong form this year and will be keen to make amends following a tough weekend in Barcelona.
The stage is set for what has the potential to be another incredible weekend in San Marino. Make sure to join in on all the MotoGP™ Fantasy action throughout the weekend, and ensure you don't miss a thing with the action underway from Friday 7th September on motogp.com!