Image copyright: Getty Images
2023 MotoGP World Championship
2023 Portuguese Grand Prix
Algarve International Circuit
Portimao, Portugal
Sunday, 26 March 2023
Monster Energy Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo will look to put early pressure on his
MotoGP rivals at the season-opening Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday, March 26.
The Frenchman was a strong contender to retain his title in 2022 after winning three races before the summer break and securing another P2 finishes.
Image copyright: Getty Images
But retirements in the Dutch TT, Aragon Grand Prix and Australian Grand Prix hurt Quartararo's chances and he eventually finished 17 points behind Ducati Lenovo Team's Francesco Bagnaia in second place.
The 23-year-old would go on to claim another two podiums in the final 10 races and just missed out on a third at the season-ending Valencian Community Grand Prix, with a P4 not enough to deny Bagnaia being crowned World Champion.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Quartararo is seeking his third consecutive victory on the Algarve International Circuit after taking P1 in 2021 and 2022, and his mood has been lifted after getting positive results from the second day of testing in Portimao.
"A massive step today," he declared. "Basically, we have been a little bit with last year's aero package, some old set-ups on the bike and it was working. We could see where the problem was.
"No, it was really good. I feel at one with the bike. Still missing a few things on the feeling but I never made 1m38.3s in this track. So I think it's pretty good.
"We are in a better position. I think it's pretty good to see we have made an improvement, still not where I wanted to be but I think it's a great step. Also, in the test the grip is a little bit different to the races so hopefully it's going to help us."
2022 Portuguese Grand Prix results
Winner: Fabio Quartararo - Monster Energy Yamaha
Second Place: Johann Zarco - Pramac Racing
Third Place: Aleix Espargaro - Aprilia Racing
Bet on Motorsports with Betway
Get your engines revinng with
Betway Ghana and a selection of top motorsports betting. Click
HERE to register a new account, and take advantage of our 50% first deposit offer up to GHS 200 in Free Bets which you can use to
bet on Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, or any other sport of your choice.
Looking for an exciting casino game that combines the thrill of soccer with the rush of gambling? Look no further than Soccer Striker! Step onto the virtual pitch and experience the excitement of a high-stakes soccer match, all while enjoying the classic casino gaming action you know and love.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App