Marc Marquez Leads List Of Longer Shots To Surprise At Portugal

Chris Wassel
By , Updated on: Mar 22, 2023 08:00 PM
Marc Marquez Leads List Of Longer Shots To Surprise At Portugal

We finally made it to the opening weekend of the 2023 season, MotoGP fans. This week we gaze at some actual race numbers for the opener in Portugal. OnlineSportsBetting's 2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks for the upcoming weekend feature some longer shots and a little more.

  • WHAT: 2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks
  • WHEN: Sunday, March 26th, 2023, at 9:00 am EDT on CNBC and streamed on Peacock
  • WHERE: Portimão, Portugal - Algarve International Circuit
  • WHY: Previewing event number one of the 2023 season

2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks - Some Updated Numbers

The MotoGP Grand Prix takes place in Portugal on Sunday. Naturally, the books updated with some new numbers to chew on. Let's crank those engines into MotoGP online betting mode right this minute. Changes have been plenty over the past month.

MotoGP bikes attain some unbelievable speeds as we get ready for 2023. All those shakedowns, tests, and practice sessions get things cranked up for fans and bettors alike. It shows us which riders and teams may be on our radar. Can some teams surprise us enough to change our Portugal picks? Now, here are the latest 2023 MotoGP numbers for some of the longer shots headed into race number one this weekend.

MotoGP Portugal NumbersBovadaBetOnlineMyBookie
Marc Marquez+1200+1400+1250
Luca Marini+1300+1400+1400
Maverick Vinales+1800+2000+1800
Johann Zarco+1800+2000+2000
Marco Bezzecchi+2500+2500+2500
Aleix Espargaro+2800+3000+3000
Brad Binder+4000+4000+4000

Online betting sites like Bovada helped here once again throughout the month of March. The MotoGP season is so close. One can hear the engines going full throttle like a rush of adrenaline. There is nothing like that sound. This is why it remains vital to watch when betting on MotoGP from race to race. Trends change and twist things around in no time.

Also, there are sprint races which can impact things. They will be held the Saturday afternoon before the Grand Prix race.  Keep in mind, sprint penalties carry over to the Grand Prix. Teams will see others and how they race too. It is why longer shots could be helpful to look at early in the season. Please look at reviews of the best online sportsbooks. They list MotoGP betting sites as the season opens and beyond too.

2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks - What About Marc Marquez?

Idle time creates dangerous decisions. Now, the 2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks attempt to figure out which teams improved and those that became worse. What about Marc Marquez? This may be the healthiest the Spanish rider has been since the start of 2020. That was after he won his 6th MotoGP World Championship. Marquez carried a ton of speed in testing and was able to negotiate corners like the rider we got used to in his prime.

The hedging for longer shots comes as follows. Again, these are opening  numbers before qualifying and practice starts on Friday in Portugal. Furthermore, there lies potential to see a few more shifts over the weekend in numbers as the sprint along with qualifying determining grid places, etc. One thing noticed about Marquez this week has been his bravado. Now, he has to avoid injury and get around faster than the two Italians.

Marquez came close at times to the Ducati Lenovo bikes with his Honda in testing, but could not quite catch up. He was surprisingly close. Over the course of 25 laps, there was a slight downward trend in the Ducati and a small uptick in the Honda. Will they eventually meet or will Marquez be able to use his years of racing as an asset?

So, the full 2023 season figures to help Marquez, but the chances he pulls off a surprise on Sunday may be higher than at any other time. Taking a shot on the champion may be wise.

Marc Marquez To win the 2023 Portugal Grand Prix
+1400
BetOnline

Luca Marini - 2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks Possibility?

Luca Marini could be another 2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks possibility on Sunday. The Mooney VR46 Racing Team (Ducati) showed some flashes of speed in testing. Him along with Maverick Vinales carry some intrigue from the younger riders. This Algarve International Circuit has 15 turns and that long straightaway. It was on that straightaway where a rider like Marini shined.

Now, the Italian must learn control and pace in traffic. That was one of the main concerns about Marini from last season. He graduated up from Moto2 to the top level. One of the big question is that speed he carried in 2020 and part of 2022. Does that translate to the big show? Marco Bezzecchi and Marini could form the next 1-2 Italian duo in time. Season openers again can produce some odd results.

By early testing, the 25-year-old showed signs that he was not intimidated by the best riders in the Moto world. As a matter of fact, Marini took it to them in testing. How does he do over 25 laps? That remains unknown. However, with friends like Bezzecchi and even Maverick Vinales, Marini figures to adapt quickly. Watch how the Italian moves in and out of turns. It can be downright masterful. Hence, wager a few dollars on Marini here on Sunday.

Francesco Bagnaia To win the 2023 MotoGP Championship
+1400
BetUS

Speaking Of Maverick Vinales?

2023 MotoGP Portugal Picks speaks of Maverick Vinales and a rise again? He was a Spanish racer who came close to winning world titles in 2017 and 2019 (finished third). Toward the second half of last season, with Aprila, the Spaniard felt comfortable and achieved three podiums in the final ten races. Could he move up a little more in 2023?

From early statistics, Vinales was not quite Marquez or the Italians quick, but he had something not seen in a few years. There was this mental edge. It will be intriguing to see how he carries that in qualifying and on race day.

Other racers like Brad Binder and Johann Zarco are on the radar, but Vinales has that something the other two do not right now. Bravado. We say that often but it means a lot.

Maverick Vinales To win in Portugal on Sunday
+2000
BetUS

Our Best Long Shot

Our best long shot for MotoGP in Portugal remains Marc Marquez. Thanks for reading!

Meet the author

Chris Wassel

Chris Wassel is a veteran sports writer with over 20 years of experience publishing thoughtful analysis and insightful perspectives on everything from hockey to basketball, football, and more. As a seasoned journalist, Chris has established himself as a leading voice o...

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