Moto2, Vietti Ramus and Fernandez prepare for battle at Silverstone

Silverstone, home turf for Sam Lowes and Jake Dixon. The two Englishman are aware they only have one chance to put on a show in front of their home crowd and both expected to play a starring role in the weekend’s Moto2 action. So will the Marc VDS and GASGAS Aspar riders live up to expectations?

We’ll see, also because, realistically speaking, those battling for the title hail from elsewhere. Celestino Vietti Ramus, the current championship leader, lives in Tavullia and races for the Mooney VR46 team. Like Augusto Fernandez, he too holds 146 points, but he places ahead of the Spaniard in the standings due to stronger results overall. And now the fight really begins; may the best man win. 

Tony Arbolino wants a birthday present

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The Italian turned 22 on 3 August, and he’d really like to bring home a birthday gift from Silverstone. Perhaps a podium, or even a win, as he did in Texas. Sam Lowes’ team-mate in the Marc VDS garage, "Arbo" is a youngster who may well pick up the pace in the second half of the season.

Knowing that he has a seat in MotoGP, Ai Ogura will be riding above the clouds, but will these be rain clouds? The weather forecast predicts "sun", but it’s always best to take two things with you on track – an umbrella and rain tyres. The Japanese is hot on the heels of leaders Vietti and Fernandez, just one point behind in fact.

 Canet, is this his chance? Roberts seeks a repeat

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Aron has come close on several occasions but never quite made it. We’re talking about the top step of the rostrum, something Canet has not yet experienced in Moto2. The longest track on the calendar could work in his favour, considering his ability to ride consistently fast in all situations.

That’s if he doesn’t come across American rider Joe Roberts, competing for team Italtrans. Hearing the English language might make him feel at home. We say ‘might’ because the Californian is returning directly from a vacation spent in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, where they lap up surfing like they do water. More similar to Portimao, a place that already brought him success, but a stark contrast to the green countryside of Silverstone.

Traslated by Heather Watson

2023 MotoGP official: the first round will be staged Europe