Moto GP betting
The chronology of Moto GP reads like a history of the modern-day development of the internal combustion engine, yet ever since grand prix motor cycle racing commenced in 1949, MotoGP betting has been as popular a part to the sport as long-legged models in skimpy outfits. Okay, the latter have been much more popular.
Blondes aside, the sport continues to attract a plethora of punters, many of whom study F1 form but who also love being involved in Moto GP betting.
“In many respects, Moto GP odds reflect those found in F1,” explains one punter who claims to ‘dabble’ in MotoGP betting. “You’re always looking to back someone who is ultra-cool under pressure because history tells us the coolest guy invariably wins. I think that unlike F1 though, there is more individual skill in motor cycle racing; it’s certainly a feature which influences my MotoGP betting.”
More skill than in F1? Some punters and F1 enthusiasts would beg to differ.
Supporters of Valentino Rossi would, however, concur, claiming that their man was one of sport’s greats.
Moto GP betting has been dominated by Rossi for years and with good reason. His results speak for themselves. “There’s little doubt that Valentino has been good for the sport,” suggests one online bookmaker. “Before he arrived on the scene, setting Moto GP odds was, frankly, a chore. Nowadays, he’s at the centre of our live Moto GP betting as well as most of our online Moto GP betting.
“Whenever he races, crowds flock to see him and predictions that he’ll never win another 500cc world championship seem wide of the mark. To an extent, this attitude dominates MotoGP betting. Granted, there are other riders, such as Dani Pedrosa, who boasts an enormous army of fans, but when it comes to betting on the Moto GP, if Valentino is racing, you can bet his odds will be one of the first things anyone staking a Moto GP bet will look for – even if he’s not the favourite.”
Moto GP fixtures encompass a variety of fabulous locations and the next race, in San Marino, proves the point made by a variety of online bookmakers. Valentino is joint second favourite – even though he’s now 80/1 to retain his world crown.
The current standings suggest that Jorge Lorenzo will be crowned world champion this year following a succession of outstanding results; winning at San Marino would, however, represent one of the highlights of Lorenzo’s season.
If he does become world champion, could we be seeing the start of a period of dominance by another rider?
Traditional Moto GP betting enthusiasts would probably expect Rossi to challenge next year, but already a great wedge of Moto GP bets have been staked on Lorenzo; this widely-anticipated duel could be one of the highlights of 2011.
Before then, punters can still take advantage of the season’s remaining fixtures and of the raft of free bets to be found with internet-based bookies. The free bet has proved a godsend for many punters making their first tentative bet on Moto GP. The punter / predictor who may be venturing into the sport for the first time intent on making some money would be well advised to consider taking advantage of a free bet, especially as Moto GP odds can be fluctuate wildly on occasion, depending upon course conditions.
At present, the odds against either Rossi or Lorenzo failing to dominate the Moto GP standings next season appear remote. Nevertheless, UK-based punters continue to yearn for the ‘new Barry Sheene’, the Brit who last won the 500cc title in 1977.
There have been no British winners since, although that has not prevented Brits from staking their Moto GP bets with great enthusiasm. “I trust Barry was not the final British winner,” says one Union Jack-wearing soul, “it would be good if we could get one of our men on the honours board again.”
Such a scenario appears unlikely and only patriotic punters will base their Moto GP bet solely upon the rider’s nationality. In the final analysis, if it’s not Lorenzo, it should be Rossi.