Rennie Scaysbrook | November 7, 2021
Sunday
MotoGP
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was unstoppable at the 2021 Algarve MotoGP and picked up his third victory of the season, with his latest 25-point haul handing Ducati the 2021 Constructors title. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the podium in Portimao as the race ended prematurely, with an Iker Lecuona (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crash at Turn 13 bringing out the red flags—riders conscious—although Oliveira headed to the medical center for a check-up.
Alex Marquez’ fantastic weekend ended with the Spaniard unluckily, missing out on a chance to attack Miller for the final podium spot, but it was nonetheless a brilliant rider from the LCR Honda Castrol man – a best result of the season for the number 73. Johann Zarco claimed a lonely fifth in the end, a result that confirms the Frenchman as the top Independent Team rider in 2021. Pol Espargaro’s sixth was a job well done for the Spaniard, and talking of jobs well done, Martin’s seventh was fantastic.
Only a few months on from his Turn 7 horror crash, Martin returned to Portimao to pick up an impressive result to help Pramac Racing become Independent Team Champions – with Martin now just three points down on Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) in the Rookie of the Year fight. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) finished 8th ahead of Bastianini in ninth, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) rounded out the top 10.
New world champion, Fabio Quartararo, crashed out with five laps remaining for his first non-score of the season.
2021 Algarve MotoGP Results
1 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Duc) |
|
2 |
Joan Mir |
(Suz) |
+ 2.478 |
3 |
Jack Miller |
(Duc) |
+ 6.402 |
4 |
Alex Marquez |
(Hon) |
+ 6.453 |
5 |
Johann Zarco |
(Duc) |
+ 7.882 |
6 |
Pol Espargaro |
(Hon) |
+ 9.573 |
7 |
Jorge Martin |
(Duc) |
+ 10.144 |
8 |
Alex Rins |
(Suz) |
+ 10.742 |
9 |
Enea Bastianini |
(Duc) |
+ 13.840 |
10 |
Brad Binder |
(KTM) |
+ 14.487 |
Moto2
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) secured the most important victory of his career at the Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve and will take a 23-point title lead into the final round in Valencia. The Australian got the better of rival and teammate Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo), as the Spaniard has to settle for P2. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completed the podium less than a second away from Fernandez.
Aron Canet (QuieroCorredor Aspar Team) pipped Cameron Beaubier to fourth as the duo crossed the line 0.005s apart, the American equaling his best Moto2 result in fifth. Celestino Vietti (SKY Racing Team VR46) claimed sixth as the Italian once again impressed, the rookie beating Jorge Navarro (Termozeta Speed Up) by eight tenths, with Bezzecchi slipping from second to eighth at the flag. Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) rounded out the top 10.
2021 Algarve Moto2 Results
1 |
Remy Gardner |
(Kal) |
|
2 |
Raul Fernandez |
(Kal) |
+ 3.014 |
3 |
Sam Lowes |
(Kal) |
+ 3.899 |
4 |
Aron Canet |
(Bos) |
+ 7.616 |
5 |
Cameron Beaubier |
(Kal) |
+ 7.621 |
6 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Kal) |
+ 10.021 |
7 |
Jorge Navarro |
(Bos) |
+ 10.908 |
8 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Kal) |
+ 11.586 |
9 |
Augusto Fernandez |
(Kal) |
+ 13.121 |
10 |
Marcel Schrötter |
(Kal) |
+ 13.286 |
24 |
Joe Roberts |
(Kal) |
+54.350 |
Moto3
In an unbelievable race, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was crowned 2021 Moto3 World Champion after winning in Portimao for a second time this season. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) was taken out at turn three by Darryn Binder on the final lap after leading for the majority of the race in Portimao, as the Italian experiences late heartbreak after a sensational run of form. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) picked up podiums, but the day – and season – belongs to Acosta.
2021 Algarve Moto3 Results
1 |
Pedro Acosta |
(KTM) |
|
2 |
Andrea Migno |
(Hon) |
+ 0.354 |
3 |
Niccolo Antonelli |
(KTM) |
+ 0.880 |
4 |
Jeremy Alcoba |
(KTM) |
+ 1.768 |
5 |
Izan Guevara |
(GasGas) |
+ 1.839 |
6 |
Ayumu Sasaki |
(KTM) |
+ 1.874 |
7 |
Romano Fenati |
(Hus) |
+ 1.972 |
8 |
Xavier Artigas |
(Hon) |
+ 2.333 |
9 |
Tatsuki Suzuki |
(Hon) |
+ 3.423 |
10 |
Filip Salač |
(KTM) |
+ 6.591 |
2021 Algarve MotoGP News—Saturday
Ducati’s exceptional rider coach
In Portugal Casey Stoner made his first return to the MotoGP paddock in years to catch up with old friends and engage in media duties (yes, you read that right). The two-time MotoGP World Champ was also on hand to offer Ducati teammates Pecco Bagnaia and Jack Miller some advice, after spotting for them around the track.
After qualifying second, behind team-mate Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller said his countryman had advised him how to attack the final sector in a more refined manner, telling him to use some different lines. Miller was suitably impressed. “He gave me some tips of what he saw on the track as to what he spotted. We’ll have to talk to Ducati next year and see if we can get him in the budget to come to a few more races. I think you pay extra attention when someone like that is telling you what he’s seeing on track, that’s for sure.”
Safety lights to be a permanent feature?
On Friday morning there was the strange sights of MotoGP machines running with their safety lights on in blinding early morning sun. The lights, situated under the seat unit and used only in wet or low visibility conditions, were being trialed to test whether they are visible even when bright.
This is one safety measure with which Dorna and the FIM, who can send signals to turn the lights on when bikes are on track, are experimenting to potentially warn riders of an incident ahead as it bids to tackle the recent spate of lethal on-track collisions.
“You see a red light, it’s a bit strange,” commented Pol Espargaro. “You cannot see as clear as when it’s raining because of the sun. But it’s nice. You see the light, you see the bike in front more. For sure it’s helpful. It’s not producing any problems.”
Martin scared
MotoGP rookie sensation Jorge Martin admitted to being “a bit scared” when returning to the scene of one of his darkest hours. The Spaniard suffered eight fractures in a horror practice crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix back in August, including breaks to his scaphoid, right hand and foot, injuries which caused him to fret his career was over.
Returning here for the Algarve GP required the 23-year old to prepare himself physically. “Now I feel ready to ride here, but I think all the year when I knew we were coming back Portimao I was a bit scared because at the end of day it changed my life. After this crash I didn’t know if I could be back on the bike again, so it will be strange when I pass corner 7 I will be a bit more relaxed than last time. But I am ready. There’s no fear, just a bit of respect. At the end of the day I need to face my fears and face the problem I have here.”
Saturday
MotoGP
For a fifth time in succession, Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia is on pole position after beating teammate Jack Miller in MotoGP™ Q2 at the 2021 Algarve MotoGP. A new Portimao all-time lap record was set by the Italian, his 1:38.725 was 0.104s quicker than the Australian, as 2020 World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) claims his first premier class front row since Styria 2020.
Rookie of the Year contender Jorge Martin (Pramac Ducati) returns to the circuit where he suffered his horrendous crash earlier in the season, making his fourth place all the more noteworthy. Teammate Johann Zarco comes through Q1 to grab a second row start in fifth, Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) earned P6 – 0.333s down on pole.
Fabio Quartararo is in unfamiliar territory on row three, the 2021 Champion cut a gloomy figure back in the box after finishing 0.4s away from Pecco in Q2. Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) bagged his best MotoGP Q2 result in P8, the double World Champion has enjoyed a good weekend on the rollercoaster so far, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) lines up alongside Quartararo and Marquez in P9.
Iker Lecuona (Tech3 KTM) is another rider who has impressed this weekend and the Spaniard’s efforts in Q1 and Q2 sees the WorldSBK-bound rider start P10, the Tech3 star is ahead of Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Ducati).
2021 Algarve MotoGP Results—Saturday Q2
1 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Duc) |
1:38.725 |
2 |
Jack Miller |
(Duc) |
+ 0.104 |
3 |
Joan Mir |
(Suz) |
+ 0.168 |
4 |
Jorge Martin |
(Duc) |
+ 0.191 |
5 |
Johann Zarco |
(Duc) |
+ 0.193 |
6 |
Pol Espargaro |
(Hon) |
+ 0.333 |
7 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Yam) |
+ 0.406 |
8 |
Alex Marquez |
(Hon) |
+ 0.466 |
9 |
Franco Morbidelli |
(Yam) |
+ 0.596 |
10 |
Iker Lecuona |
(KTM) |
+ 0.662 |
11 |
Alex Rins |
(Suz) |
+ 0.924 |
12 |
Luca Marini |
(Duc) |
+ 1.103 |
Moto2
Pole position for Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). We’re getting used to saying that this year and at the 2021 Algarve Moto2 Grand Prix, the rookie bagged his seventh Saturday P1 of the season to beat title rival Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.269s with a new lap record. Fernandez’ 1:42.101 was untouchable in Q2, as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) earned P3.
Cameron Beaubier was an excellent sixth for the American Racing Team while Joe Roberts (Italtrans Kalex) was down in 22nd.
2021 Algarve Moto2 Results—Saturday Q2
1 |
Raul Fernandez |
(Kal) |
1:42.101 |
2 |
Remy Gardner |
(Kal) |
+ 0.269 |
3 |
F. Di Giannantonio |
(Kal) |
+ 0.405 |
4 |
Aron Canet |
(Bos) |
+ 0.410 |
5 |
Augusto Fernandez |
(Kal) |
+ 0.515 |
6 |
Cameron Beaubier |
(Kal) |
+ 0.519 |
7 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Kal) |
+ 0.596 |
8 |
Sam Lowes |
(Kal) |
+ 0.600 |
9 |
Ai Ogura |
(Kal) |
+ 0.682 |
10 |
Jorge Navarro |
(Bos) |
+ 0.721 |
22 |
Joe Roberts |
(Kal) |
+0.826 |
Moto3
The returning Sergio Garcia (MuchoNeumatico GASGAS Aspar Team) set a new Autodromo Internacional do Algarve Moto3 lap record to claim a brilliant pole position. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was only 0.017s away from Garcia’s 1:47.274 as Adrian Fernandez (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) picked up a maiden Grand Prix front row start, with title-chasing Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) grabbing fourth. However, World Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will start from P14 on his second 2021 match point weekend.
2021 Algarve Moto3 Results—Saturday Q2
1 |
Sergio Garcia |
(GasGas) |
1:47.271 |
2 |
John McPhee |
(Hon) |
+ 0.017 |
3 |
Adrian Fernandez |
(Hus) |
+ 0.130 |
4 |
Dennis Foggia |
(Hon) |
+ 0.243 |
5 |
Jaume Masia |
(KTM) |
+ 0.296 |
6 |
Xavier Artigas |
(Hon) |
+ 0.312 |
7 |
Darryn Binder |
(Hon) |
+ 0.438 |
8 |
Niccolo Antonelli |
(KTM) |
+ 0.500 |
9 |
Filip Salač |
(KTM) |
+ 0.537 |
10 |
Ayumu Sasaki |
(KTM) |
+ 0.543 |
2021 Algarve MotoGP News—Friday
Marquez KO’d
Just when he was approaching something nearing his best, injury once again befell Marc Marquez. The 28-year old decided to sit out the Algarve GP after crashing an enduro bike and suffering a concussion the Saturday prior to the 17th round of the season when riding with Enduro World Champion Josep Garcia at a track near his home in Catalunya.
Details on the spill were sparse. But Honda’s sparsely worded statement indicated he had received a hefty bang to the head. “Marquez suffered a fall that caused a slight head concussion,” read the press release. “After a few days of rest at home and seeing that he was still unwell, today Marquez has been assessed by doctors in a medical check-up to evaluate his current status. As a precautionary measure, this coming weekend Marquez will not contest the Algarve Grand Prix.”
Petrucci’s Dakar practice
Danilo Petrucci has already started his practice for the Dakar Rally in 2022 after he attended a training event in Dubai prior to the Algarve GP. Petrucci rode in the sand dunes on an off-road KTM with Dakar specialists Sam Sunderland and Toby Price in order to get up to speed ahead of the event, which kicks off on January 2.
“It was completely different to MotoGP because we used our bike from morning to evening,” said the Italian. “Also we always left the hotel at 5-6 am on the morning, no later than 7 am. Then it was too hot. For sure it’s very different and I have to learn a lot. The navigation is very difficult to understand. I need training. But it has been really nice. It was 7 in the morning, I was in the middle of the desert. I saw just dunes and I was thinking ‘where has my life brought me?’ It was an amazing feeling.”
Mir takes a break
The pain of failing to retain his crown was keenly felt. So much so, Joan Mir had to take a total break from training after his disastrous performance in the recent Emilia Romagna GP. The Spaniard suffered poor showings in Texas and Italy as his title challenge faded away, leading him to take a step back from his usually intense preparation. “I was mentally a bit collapsed after two difficult GPs in a row,” he admitted in Portugal.
He went on to explain, “When I won the title last year we finished the season in Portimao. On Tuesday after I was already training motocross. Mentally, the title gave me an extra motivation to try to repeat again to be more hungry. This is the pressure that I put on myself. That’s why I normally don’t feel a lot the pressure from the outside because the pressure I put on myself is much higher than the pressure from the outside. I stayed one week off in December but I always trained and mentally I only was focused to be better and try to improve. The end of the season is coming. I needed it that week off to try and disconnect a bit more and to make the last two races at the best of my performance.”
Friday
MotoGP
It was a very impressive opening day of action at the 2021 Algarve MotoGP for new World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). After claiming P1 in FP1, the flying Frenchman topped FP2 with a 1:39.390 to beat Francesco Bagnaia by 0.132s, with Jack Miller making it two Ducati Lenovo Team machines in the top three.
Joan Mir (Ecstar Suzuki) eventually slipped to P4 on the combined times as Quartararo, Bagnaia and Miller went quicker in the closing stages, but it was a positive day at the office for the Spaniard. The number 36 heads into Saturday just a couple of tenths down on Quartararo, as fifth place Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda) leads the Honda charge. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) was P13 in FP1 but the Frenchman climbs his way into the top 10 in FP2 – P6 for Johann Zarco (Pramac Ducati).
2021 Algarve MotoGP Results—Friday
1 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Yam) |
1:39.390 |
2 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Duc) |
+ 0.132 |
3 |
Jack Miller |
(Duc) |
+ 0.221 |
4 |
Joan Mir |
(Suz) |
+ 0.290 |
5 |
Pol Espargaro |
(Hon) |
+ 0.402 |
6 |
Johann Zarco |
(Duc) |
+ 0.499 |
7 |
Alex Marquez |
(Hon) |
+ 0.652 |
8 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Apr) |
+ 0.679 |
9 |
Takaaki Nakagami |
(Hon) |
+ 0.732 |
10 |
Alex Rins |
(Hon) |
+ 0.786 |
Moto2
Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) finished top of the pile on day of Moto2 at the 2021 Algarve MotoGP, but only just. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was 0.002s away from the Spaniard’s 1:43.246. World Championship leader Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is third quickest, but the Australian suffered some late drama at the final corner when he crashed with Marcos Ramirez (American Racing), with both riders walking away.
2021 Algarve Moto2 Results—Friday
1 |
Raul Fernandez |
(Kal) |
1:43.246 |
2 |
Sam Lowes |
(Kal) |
+ 0.002 |
3 |
Remy Gardner |
(Kal) |
+ 0.122 |
4 |
Jorge Navarro |
(Bos) |
+ 0.126 |
5 |
Ai Ogura |
(Kal) |
+ 0.199 |
6 |
Aron Canet |
(Bos) |
+ 0.200 |
7 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Kal) |
+ 0.317 |
8 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Kal) |
+ 0.335 |
9 |
Augusto Fernandez |
(Kal) |
+ 0.446 |
10 |
Xavi Vierge |
(Kal) |
+ 0.456 |
13 |
Cameron Beaubier |
(Kal) |
+0.507s |
24 |
Joe Roberts |
(Kal) |
+1.252s |
Moto3
Day 1 for Moto3 at Portimao belonged to Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) as the Italian ousted compatriot and title contender Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) from top spot in FP2. Fenati’s 1:48.026 saw him beat Foggia by just 0.015s, as Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claimed P3 at the end of play on Friday.
2021 Algarve Moto3 Results—Friday
1 |
Romano Fenati |
(Hus) |
1:48.026 |
2 |
Dennis Foggia |
(Hon) |
+ 0.015 |
3 |
Jaume Masia |
(KTM) |
+ 0.232 |
4 |
Pedro Acosta |
(KTM) |
+ 0.241 |
5 |
Adrian Fernandez |
(Hus) |
+ 0.349 |
6 |
Niccolo Antonelli |
(KTM) |
+ 0.495 |
7 |
Filip Salač |
(KTM) |
+ 0.514 |
8 |
Ayumu Sasaki |
(KTM) |
+ 0.671 |
9 |
Riccardo Rossi |
(KTM) |
+ 0.682 |
10 |
Ryusei Yamanaka |
(KTM) |
+ 0.778 |
For more MotoGP news and results, click here