Last year, thanks to the outbreak of COVID-19, MotoGP didn’t start its season in Qatar (yes, I know Moto2 and 3 still raced there, but the premier class was absent due to travel restrictions). Indeed, we missed out on the entire first leg of the standard MotoGP season thanks to the cancellations of races in Argentina and the US, and for a while it was unclear if we would have a season at all. So it was with great relief when we finally did go racing once again, and Jerez was lucky enough to play host to both the first and second races of the season.
It was the first time the Spanish circuit had hosted two races in a single season, as this is not a common occurrence in Grand Prix racing, and it led to some very interesting scenarios. Because the race took place months after it usually would on a standard season’s calendar the track temperatures were much hotter than they would usually be. In addition, the fact that teams could enter the second weekend with an entire week’s worth of data as a base was completely foreign territory and led to much closer racing the second time around.
The double header produced some fascinating story lines, too. Marc Marquez headed into the season having won the previous four championships, but crashed heavily in Jerez 1 and ruled himself out for the entire season that followed. Fabio Quartararo went from having no premier class wins to his name to having two, taking control of both races at the Jerez circuit. Yamaha suffered mechanical issues in both races, yet managed to take 5 out of 6 podium places. Several riders crashed in the first weekend but returned to grit it out in Jerez 2. Given the circumstances with the global pandemic, it was about as entertaining an opening as one could ask for.
Fast forward to 2021. We find ourselves in Jerez in April, a return to more familiar temperatures for the riders, and with 3 races already under our belts. Marquez returned to racing last time out, but now he faces the mental challenge of racing at the very circuit that nearly ended his career last season. Quartararo returns to the site of his maiden MotoGP win as the championship leader, having already won two of the first three battles this season. In some respects, things have changed, but for many riders it will feel much the same.
Yamaha certainly have reason to be cautiously optimistic heading into Jerez. Their bike is strong this year, appearing more consistent than last year’s model, and Quartararo and Vinales both took double podiums here in 2020, but we still don’t know for sure if they’ve ironed out the bugs regarding their engine woes. If the bike can remain in one piece then this could be the stage in the championship where they start to pull away from the other manufacturers. If it doesn’t, they will certainly face an uphill battle in the Spanish heat.
Ducati will also be feeling confident here. Jerez has not been a circuit the Italian manufacturer has favoured historically, but last year they showed some fantastic form in both races. Dovizioso was able to take a podium in Jerez 1, and both Bagnaia and Miller fought hard for the podium in Jerez 2. This year they roll in on the back of three very successful races and with Zarco and Bagnaia both looking like early championship contenders. The package they’ve brought to the table this year is something of a rocket ship, and while Jerez might not be the best place to take advantage of that it can’t possibly hurt their chances.
Their issue will be with Miller, and the absent Martin. Miller has struggled with his form so far in 2021, seeming unable to connect with his new factory bike when it comes to race day, and the Australian has so far been completely shown up by satellite rider Zarco. Ducati have shown commitment to Miller so far, but he’s on a one-year contract, and if Zarco continues to crush him then he faces the very real danger of losing his factory seat. Martin will also have his championship hopes grounded for now as he recovers from his fracture sustained in Portimao, and will be replaced for now by Tito Rabat.
Honda’s hopes for a strong season may have to be put on hold for a bit longer. Marc Marquez is still recovering from his injury and is not yet ready to push the bike to the absolute limit, and younger brother Alex is struggling for form in the early stages. Japanese rider Nakagami had a brilliant race last year and could be on for some good form, but had a bruising crash in Portimao that will surely still be weighing on him this weekend. If Honda show patience with their riders then it should be only a matter of time before they return to their winning ways, but so far this year they’ve been thoroughly outgunned by the other manufacturers.
Suzuki will be hoping for a cleaner race this year. Both of their riders came off during the Jerez 1 weekend last time out, and the injury Rins sustained ended up plaguing him for the entire first part of the season. Mir took the first podium of his title defense last time out and will want to double down on that result if possible. This is not a circuit that Suzuki have been particularly successful at in the past, though Rins has a podium to his name here, and simply keeping in touch with their rivals should be the primary goal here.
Whatever happens, the Spanish Grand Prix is always an entertaining affair, and this year’s race should be no different. This is a circuit beloved by both fans and riders, home turf for many of the Spaniards that make up all three classes, and with such an exciting championship battle already taking place this year it should have tensions high and the pace even higher. If Quartararo can disappear at the front then we may be in for another masterclass. If he can’t? There’s a whole lot of hungry riders waiting for him.
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