Francesco Bagnaia sits third overall , 26 points back of Quartararo after a costly DNF at Mugello , where he crashed out of the lead . And Jack Miller is just five back of his team-mate and will be keen to make the most of the Ducati ’ s awesome top speed on the Montmeló layout ’ s lengthy front straight .
Challenges should also come from Joan Mir , fresh from a podium finish at Mugello . The reigning world champion remains in the title fight , 40 points back of the summit . And he scored a brilliant second place at the Catalan venue last year . Maverick Viñales sits sixth overall and must start producing results soon before his season sizzles out . The enigmatic Catalan once again saw great potential go to waste with a frustrating eighth place at Mugello . But the chance to race at home could offer him a shot at redemption .
16 | MotoGP TM | Catalunya Preview