MotoGP is back after a one-week break. A much-needed break for most of the paddock after the chaotic race in Catalonia. This weekend, it’s the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello.
Looking back at last year, the race was spread, with Marc Márquez leading the field and winning both the main race and the sprint. His brother Álex Márquez came home 1.9 seconds behind him, and Fabio Di Giannantonio in third.
In Moto2, Manuel González won by 1.4 seconds over Albert Arenas and Arón Canet, taking the last place on the podium. The eventual Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira finished fourth, just 0.1 seconds away from Canet.
In Moto3, the top 9 battle for the win, with Máximo Quiles winning a tight race. He was closely followed home by Álvaro Carpe and Dennis Foggia, who were all separated by 0.066 seconds.
Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello
The Mugello circuit has been on the calendar since 1991, following a major reconstruction. The circuit is 30km north-east of Florence, in a picturesque setting that all the fans enjoy.
The track is 5.25km (3.26 miles), with the race being held over 23 laps. With nine right corners and six left corners. The track also has over a kilometre straight leading to some quick speeds through the speed trap.
The rider with the most wins and poles is Valentino Rossi, with 7 of each. He truly takes the crown of the king of Mugello. However, the all-time lap record belongs to one of his biggest rivals, Marc Marquez (1:44.169).
What to Expect
With so many people out injured after last weekend, the field is wide open. The Ducatis and Aprilias should be strong with straight-line speed and turning. The KTM holds the top speed record at the track, with Pol Espargaró setting 366.1 km/h (227.5mph).
Marc Márquez is set to return while his younger brother is out with injuries; it was Di Giannantonio who finished the race in the top spot last year. With his recent form, he goes into the round as one of the favourites. However, we will have to see how his hand is after the crash in Catalonia.
Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín will also be hoping for good weekends to help their championships. Bezzecchi still has a 15-point lead in the championship over Martín.
In Moto2, the favourite going into the round is González. With such a strong result last year and his current championship lead, you would expect him to go well. However, riders such as, Izan Guevara, Senna Agius, and the CFMoto Aspar Team of Daniel Holgado and David Alonso, will also be seeking a result.
In Moto3, it is hard to look away from Quiles as the favourite. After the first six races, he has won four and was second for the other two; he also won last year’s race. However, people such as Carpe and Adrián Fernández need a good result if they want to keep their championship hopes alive. Don’t discount people such as Marco Morelli, Veda Pratama, and Valentín Perrone from getting involved in the battle as well.