Jorge Martin became the sixth different winner in MotoGP in 2021 at last week’s Styrian Grand Prix.
The rookie rider made it four different winners in the last four races, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he doubles up when the premier-class bikes return to the Red Bull Ring this weekend.
Ducati power is a big asset in the Spielberg hills – the Italian manufacturer has won six of the seven races held at the circuit since it returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2016 – and Martin doesn’t look a bad bet at 13/2.
All Is Not Well at Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo stretched his championship lead to 40 points by finishing third in Styria last week, but the Frenchman will be the sole representative of the factory Yamaha team this weekend following the suspension of Maverick Vinales.
Chasing a first pole in four years!
Can @RomanoFenati do it?
#Moto3 | #AustrianGP
pic.twitter.com/eIkxEd2ACk
— MotoGP
(@MotoGP) August 14, 2021
Vinales won the opening round of the 2021 season in Qatar but his relationship with Yamaha has become increasingly sour. On Thursday the team made a public statement effectively accusing Vinales of deliberately over-revving his engine prior to his retirement from the Styrian Grand Prix and withdrawing his entry from this week’s event.
The Yamaha is probably not powerful enough to win around the Red Bull Ring, but Quartararo is guaranteed to leave Austria still leading the world championship and a decent haul of points will be his target.
Riders Hoping for Less Eventful Race
Last week’s race was the third in a row at the Red Bull Ring to be stopped following an incident. This time the red flags came out after a collision between Dani Pedrosa and Lorenzo Savadori saw both bikes burst into flames.
Miller and Mir Capable of Challenging
Defending champion Joan Mir earned his best result of the season with second place last week. Recent technical innovations from Suzuki have led to improved form, and the Spaniard was the only rider to pose a meaningful challenge to Martin after the restart in Styria.
Ducati factory team rider Jack Miller won in Spain and France earlier this season, but has failed to finish either of the last two races.
The stage is set for Qualifying!
#AustrianGP
— MotoGP
The Aussie was challenging Quartararo for third place last week when he crashed out as the front tyre lost grip.
Miller was on the podium in both races at the circuit last year, and he could benefit from the more durable tyres that will be used this weekend following issues for a number of riders last week.
Miller’s teammate Pecco Bagnaia will also enjoy the different tyres having slipped back to 11th last week as he lost rear grip later in the race.
Binder’s Late Pace Catching the Eye
Brad Binder was a fast-finishing fourth in the Styrian event and the South African could be a bit of each-way value this week at 22/1.
Binder, who has made a habit of making up places late in races, won at the Red Bull Ring in Moto2 in 2019. He rides for KTM – the only team to have broken Ducati’s domination at Spielberg when Miguel Oliveira snuck past Miller in the final corner of last year’s Styrian GP.
*All odds correct at time of writing
