The final round of the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship is upon us, and there's a title to be decided! There's also plenty to play for in MotoGP™ Fantasy as the runners and riders look to end their season on a high at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. Let's take a look at everything you should consider ahead of the Gran Premi Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana.
Who were the Fantasy Dream Team last time out?
Following his best weekend in the premier class to date, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was the top scorer in MotoGP™ Fantasy last weekend in Qatar. The Italian not only bagged 2nd place in the Tissot Sprint victory but took an incredibly emotional debut victory from the front row of the grid. This was enough for the Gresini rider to bag the top spot in the MotoGP™ Fantasy Dream Team as he was the highest scoring gold rider with 46 points.
Joining 'Diggia' in the Qatar Fantasy Dream Team was the rider who almost denied him that victory Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). The World Champ only managed P5 in the Sprint but led the way for the majority of the Grand Prix to bring home an important P2 finish. This put the Italian as he was the second highest-scoring gold rider with 36.5 MotoGP™ Fantasy points.
The best pick for a silver rider in Qatar was Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). The Italian converted an impressive pole position to take two 3rd places as he secured 34 MotoGP™ Fantasy points.
Aprilia Racing's Maverick Viñales completed the Qatar Dream Team. The Spaniard fought hard to take 4th place, which combined with a 6th place finish in the Sprint and 8th in qualifying, bagged 29 Fantasy points towards the Dream Team lineup.
#TeamPecco or #TeamMartin?
As attention turns to the decider, there's plenty to consider in the search for the MotoGP™ Fantasy Dream Team. Gamers can make two changes to their team in hopes of forming the dream lineup in Valencia.
The obvious picks ahead of the racing action would be the title-fighting duo of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). One option would be to have both as gold riders in your Fantasy team, but both come with hefty price tags. The World Champion will cost you 5.4M to have in your Fantasy team with his title rival Martin at 4.8M. Both riders will undoubtedly have their say in the weekend's action. With the 21-point lead Pecco will come into the weekend brimming with confidence, but you can be sure Martin will be fighting tooth and nail for his chance at the title – and on home soil!
Like every year, the final round promises to be as unpredictable as ever. It's not uncommon to see the title contenders to minimise risk-taking in Valencia, which could very well see an outsider capitalise on the opportunity to finish their season on a high. Without a ride for 2024, Fabio Di Giannantonio has proven his worth in the second half of the season and could very well repeat his stellar Qatar performance. For this final throw of the dice, the Italian is priced at 2.9M. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) cannot be discounted either. Whilst the Italian is out of the title fight, his fighting spirit always remains ever-present as the VR46 rider almost always finds himself pushing towards the sharp end. For 3.6M, the number 72 could be a good addition to your Fantasy Team as a silver rider.
The two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders of Brad Binder and Jack Miller cannot be discounted either, and priced at 3.3M and 2.2M could be strong choices for your MotoGP™ Fantasy team. Both riders have shown strong form this year, with Binder having proven to be a real thorn in the side of the Ducati bridage.
Equally, the Aprilia's can never be discounted either! Aprilia Racing's Maverick Viñales (2.2M) and Aleix Espargaro (2.3M) arrive at the Circuit Riccardo Tormo eager to return to podium glory. It's been a while since the Noale factory tasted the champagne, and with Viñales showing strong pace in Qatar they'll be wanted a strong to their 2023 campaign!
The stage is set for what has the potential to be another incredible weekend of racing for the final round of 2023. 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 24th November on motogp.com!