MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalunya 2017: Key Battles, Track Breakdown, Predictions

The MotoGP championship heads to Barcelona for the Grand Prix of Catalunya in Spain on June 11, the seventh race of an increasingly absorbing 2017 season.

Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso comes into the race fresh from victory in Mugello, Italy, last Sunday, which moved him into second in the championship on 79 points, although Maverick Vinales still leads with 105.

Valentino Rossi, who finished fourth in his home race last weekend, is just four points further behind. However, Sunday will mark a year since the veteran's last win, per Oriol Puigdemont at Autosport, and he has played down his hopes.

"I am a bit worried, because the asphalt in Barcelona is very bad and the grip level is very low," he said. "In Jerez with these conditions, we suffered with our bike. But it's very early to say."

Key Battles

Andrea Dovizioso vs. Maverick Vinales

The two racers finished first and second in Italy last weekend and now top the championship standings as the table starts to take shape with one-third of the races completed.

Vinales has dominated the season so far with three poles and three race wins, but Dovizioso was superb last weekend, fending off the challenge of Vinales and Danilo Petrucci to claim victory.

Opta illustrated just how impressive his win had been:

Vinales is 26 points clear in the championship but is yet to win a MotoGP at Catalunya, which may prove the motivation he needs to further tighten his grip at the top of the leaderboard.

Valentino Rossi vs. Marc Marquez

Rossi won this race last year but has not been on the top of the podium since, although, as illustrated by Simon Patterson of Motorcycle News, pace is not a problem:

The Italian's victory last year was the 10th time he has won the Catalunya MotoGP, as he beat Marc Marquez in a thrilling race that ended with the fierce rivals shaking hands, as captured by MotoGP on Instagram.

The reigning world champion goes into the race in fourth in the championship and searching for an improvement after managing only sixth place last time out.

The Spaniard can take inspiration from being back on home soil, and he has won this race before in 2014, while last season's battle with Rossi could provide him with the edge needed.

Track Breakdown

The track has been modified after Moto2 rider Luis Salom was tragically killed in a crash last year at Turn 12 during free practice, per MotoGP.

The changes means the race will now use the Formula 1 layout at Turn 10 and a new chicane after Turn 13, with the track having a slightly shorter length now of 4,652 metres.

Catalunya is still characterised by long, sweeping bends, and despite the amendments, some twists and turns remain, and Marquez has given his blessing to the new layout, per Honda.

"As for the changes made to the track, I think they're interesting and quite challenging to interpret well," he said. "The speed and the corners on the rest of the circuit are all similar, while in that sector they're now quite different. But honestly, the layout is so particular that I like it."

Prediction

After a thrilling race last time out, there could be more excitement in Barcelona, and championship leader Vinales, will be pushing for a win on home soil.

Fellow Spaniard Marquez will also be seeking to impress the home crowd, while Rossi's incredible record at this track suggests he will also be in contention.

Last weekend's winner Dovizioso will also be full of confidence, but Vinales is the dominant force on current form and looks to have the pace and drive to take his fourth victory of the season.

Pick: Vinales to extend lead with a win