Argentina Grand Prix rider ratings as two Honda stars score 8/10 but three-time race winner has a disaster

Add as preferred source on Google

The second race of the MotoGP season was action-packed within the first few laps before settling down for the rest of the race.

It was the Marquez brothers who kept the audience on the edge of their seats beyond lap five of the Argentina Grand Prix.

A first mistake of the year for Marc Marquez allowed Alex through and forced the factory Ducati rider to really push.

Elsewhere, Franco Morbidelli was super impressive and ended a four-year absence from the podium by securing a first with VR46.

KTM continue to suffer from a worrying lack of pace though, and will be hoping that the next few events play to their strengths a bit more.

Without waiting any longer, here is a look at the rider ratings for the first Argentina Grand Prix since 2023…

Ai Ogura – 7

After being eliminated in Q1, Ogura started the race from 15th. He recovered to eighth on a track that he had never been to before, and then was disqualified. Tough luck for the rookie who was impressive again.

Marco Bezzecchi – 3

On a weekend when Aprilia desperately needed him to step up, Bezzecchi fell short of expectations and crashed out after one corner. This might have added some pressure on Jorge Martin.

Somkiat Chantra – 3

He’s a rookie, but he has been way off the pace so far. The other three Honda riders were in the top 10 and there’s little excuse for Somkiat Chantra this time. Needs to improve.

Enea Bastianini – 3

The lack of pace is worrying now. Tech3 have to find a solution soon or else they end up wasting some of Enea Bastianini’s best years.

Fermin Aldeguer – 4

Teammate contending for a victory while he couldn’t get near the top 10. Still work to do for the talented youngster, and he’ll be hoping things change fast.

Raul Fernandez – 5

A better weekend by the Spaniard’s standards, but completely outshone by his teammate again. Pressure definitely building on Raul Fernandez now.

Fabio Quartararo – 4

The pre-season promise has disappeared and even his teammate was faster this weekend. After qualifying 7th, he will have hoped for more than 14th.

Jack Miller – 6

Sailed Pramac’s one-man operation well and used his experience to deliver an acceptable finish. Nothing special, but he’s still learning a new bike.

Maverick Vinales – 6

Another disappointing qualifying with 20th, but a very impressive recovery to 12th during the race. A little more one lap pace and the top 10 could be within reach at most events.

Alex Rins – 7

A significant improvement on Thailand and kept his cool on Sunday. A slight sign that Rins may be edging back to full fitness.

Luca Marini – 8

Far better than he was in the season-opener and right on his teammate’s trail. May be a generous score, but it’s a reflection of how pleasing it is to see his first top-10 finish since 2023.

Joan Mir – 7

Did what he should have done in Buriram and successfully guided his bike to the top 10. Contributed to a terrific weekend for Honda.

Pedro Acosta – 6

A little underwhelming so far but not much he can do about it. His teammate was more impressive during the race and the team needs to find some answers.

Brad Binder – 6

Let himself down with a second consecutive poor qualifying effort. Performed better than Acosta during the race but could have been near the top five with a better Saturday.

Johann Zarco – 8

Another fantastic weekend for LCR Honda and Zarco is proving why he might be the Japanese manufacturer’s best rider currently. Deserved sixth.

Fabio Di Giannantonio – 7

Let down slightly by his teammate’s lap two overtake which put him behind Binder. Still managed a solid result at a circuit where VR46 looked very handy.

Francesco Bagnaia – 5

You can run, but you can’t hide. Time to find more pace, or the championship charge may be over before the season even hits April. Fourth is not enough for Baganaia and he knows it.

Franco Morbidelli – 9

A standout performance and seized the opportunity to claim his first podium since 2021 when it came his way. Expect more trophies from the Italian this season.

Alex Marquez – 8

His brother was always slightly comfortable, but he pressured him into a mistake and delivered exactly what his team ordered again. Super impressive.

Marc Marquez – 9

Made his first mistake of the year and had to push a little to get back past his brother, but he has taken four wins from four so far. Can anyone stop him?