MotoGP report card: grades for the riders and teams after Portimao

Now that the 2023 MotoGP is underway, it’s time to make some judgments about the riders, their steeds and their teams. The Portimao sun shone on Ducati, the Desmosedici unreachable in the hands of Pecco Bagnaia. But for Honda, the RC213 V and Marc Marquez, there was nothing but criticism and insults.

Report cards for the Portuguese GP

Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati 10 – INTELLIGENT and CONSERVATIVE

Drive and common sense make for balance, an important quality in a championship that brings so many unknowns. We’re sure that the rider-bike pairing had even more, but why risk it when you’re already out front? The factory Desmosedici is a well-rounded weapon that can win without being squeezed to the max.

Maverick Vinales and Aprilia 9.5 – VERY NEARLY...

Top Gun came very close to winning with the Aprilia. He’s already done so with the Suzuki and Yamaha and the RS-GP is next on his list. Who else could win with three different bikes? Only someone with the courage to change, and Maverick has that in spades. He’ll be even more determined in Argentina.

Marco Bezzecchi 9 - DISTINGUISHED

One thing’s for sure – if he looked to be taking 2022 seriously, then he’s even more committed this season. The independent rider realises he’s a pawn on the market and so has immediately increased his value with a podium. While his team-mate crashed twice and tasted nothing but dust, the Italian lifted his first trophy of the season.

Miguel Oliveira 7 – GENTLEMAN

Another rider, in his place and during a home round, would have been cursing Marc Marquez. And yet the Portuguese rider, as ever, proved to be a gentleman, even in terms of his riding . He’d undoubtely have reached the podium with the Aprilia, given half the chance. But he’ll be there soon. You’ll see.

Enea Bastianini NO GRADE - UNLUCKY

Those who claim Enea was too wide when Marini entered the corner forgets that it was Luca Marini who made the mistake, also causing Enea to crash. Fingers’ crossed he can be back for Texas, round three of a championship that starts with an uphill climb for this title contender.

Fabio Quartararo 5.5 ANYONE SEE HIM?

The 2021 world champion was barely to be seen during Sunday’s race. The 2022 Portimao race remains a distant memory and the Frenchman is now tasked with taking an immediate step up in quality. If Yamaha agrees, that is.

Luca Marini 4 – ONE TO FORGET

The strong test results at Portimao promised a top ten finish for the Italian. And yet a double error in the race left him with zero points and a desire to fight back in Argentina, where number 10s have written the history of football. His brother has done so too, wearing Diego Maradona’s shirt on the podium in 2015.

Marc Marquez and Honda 3 - ANTAGONISTS

A terrible grade, owing to his catastrophic move in Sunday’s race. There’s always more talk about Marc than the rest of the paddock combined, good and bad. It’s not nice to say, but it’s true – without his mistake, what kind of boring race would we have seen? The show was fueled by his crazy move, this is true, just as it’s true that the Honda RC213 V still lags far behind.

Pol Espargaró NO GRADE – COME BACK SOON

We can’t grade a rider who suffered such a bad accident and couldn’t compete in the two races. We hope he recovers fast as we’re sure he still has a lot to say in the saddle. And let’s look on the bright side, because if the bike had hit him, his injuries would undoubtedly have been worse.