MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix 2016: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders
The twisting, technical test posed at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina should make for fascinating viewing this weekend, as the MotoGP season rolls into its second week.
In the 2016 opener, it was Jorge Lorenzo who took the chequered flag, as the Yamaha man’s defence of the title got off to the perfect start. Still, there was little in the contest, with Andrea Dovizioso, Marc Marquez and team-mate Valentino Rossi all in touch with the Spaniard.
Here is a reminder of how that one finished, per BT Sport MotoGP:
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The Argentina Grand Prix will pose a completely different kind of challenge to Qatar, with 14 corners set to offer a raw insight into the effect this season’s tyre changes will have on the riders.
Here’s the schedule for the full race weekend, where to catch the action and a look at some of the competitors set to thrive when the lights go out on Sunday.
| Friday, April 1 | 1:55 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. | Free Practice 1 |
| Friday, April 1 | 6:05 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. | Free Practice 2 |
| Friday, April 1 | 1:55 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. | Free Practice 3 |
| Saturday, April 2 | 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Free Practice 4 |
| Saturday, April 2 | 6:10 p.m. - 6:25 p.m. | Qualifying 1 |
| Saturday, April 2 | 6:35 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. | Qualifying 2 |
| Sunday, April 3 | 7:45 p.m. | Race |
All the action can be streamed via BT Sport’s website.
Lorenzo, Marquez Set for Battle
Although the MotoGP has only been stopping off at this circuit for two years, Lorenzo has never enjoyed the best of times here.
The reigning world champion got on the podium in 2014 behind Honda riders Marquez and Dani Pedrosa, while he was a disappointing fifth in 2015, as Rossi stormed to victory. With the title secured and two wins in succession under his belt, perhaps this time Lorenzo can finally showcase his best on this circuit.
“After the victory in Qatar and the good feelings on track, I now want to race at a circuit where in the past we struggled a bit,” said the Yamaha man, per Mitchell Adam of Autosport. “We started the championship in a perfect manner but we still need to understand what the behaviour of the bike is like for different track layouts.”
As he posted on his official Twitter feed in the build-up to the race, preparations have already begun in earnest for this one:
The man most likely to capitalise should Lorenzo falter again here is Marquez, who was solid enough in his performance in Qatar.
The two-time world champion eventually came home in third after a tussle with Dovizioso and Rossi. This is a track he enjoys, too, showcasing searing pace to win in 2014 and qualifying on pole position last season, although he was knocked out of the contest after a tangle with Rossi.
Here’s a reminder of that dramatic moment, per GPxtra:
The Honda did a lot better than many anticipated in the season opener, and while Lorenzo is in wonderful form, it may mean Marquez will cope with the contortions of Argentina a little better than the Yamaha men.
Factor in Marquez’s better form at this event overall and the youngster looks well placed to chalk up his first win this season.
Rossi Seeking First Podium in 2016
After losing the title on the last day of last season, the season opener was always going to be difficult for Rossi. But after beginning the race in fifth position, he battled gamely throughout and eventually came home in fourth spot.
Afterwards, the man known as the Doctor felt as though he was just a smidgen short of mixing it at the very front, per BT Sport MotoGP:
""I needed the last 5%" #VR46 admits he was just off the pace in the hunt for a podium spot at the #QatarGP https://t.co/nFrJb3NeJT
— BT Sport MotoGP (@btsportmotogp) March 20, 2016"
The Termas de Rio Hondo will trigger happy memories for the veteran after he roared to victory here last season, scything through the field from eighth position to take the chequered flag by a comfortable margin. Despite its difficulties, this is clearly a venue that suits Rossi’s riding style.
As is evident from this post by FEBBRE46, the Argentinian fans are ready to welcome the nine-time world champion, too:
“I am very happy to go to Argentina,” said Rossi ahead of this one, per Crash.net. “In this place I have many fans and it's always nice to feel the affection and passion of these people. I have great memories here. Last year it was a great race. It will be difficult to repeat the same result but we will try.”
A win might be beyond Rossi here, but his previous form at this track should see him to a better result than the fourth place he achieved at Losail.
In 2015, Rossi won in Qatar and in Argentina in the first three races and was on a run of successive podium finishes that eventually lasted 16 rounds. He’ll be keen to keep in touch with the top riders, especially given the way he faded away last term, but he will have to make do with a minor step on the podium on Sunday.
Prediction: 1. Marquez, 2. Lorenzo, 3. Rossi
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