Betfair Official Blog

MotoGP Portugal betting and odds preview

The MotoGP teams and drivers head to Estoril for the 14th race of the season, which takes place on Sunday September 16, with more lively betting activity anticipated.

The title looks as though it will be heading to Australia, with Casey Stoner holding a healthy advantage following seven race victories this season.

The 21-year-old was forced to retire from last year's race in Portugal, but punters eyeing a MotoGP bet should take into account that Stoner won the 250cc race on the same track in 2005, which is likely to have an impact in the race betting.

Betting customers should take note, Estoril is one of the toughest tracks on the MotoGP calendar but one man has tamed the track over recent years.

Valentino Rossi has won the MotoGP Portugal race on four occasions, back-to-back from 2001 to 2004, and is likely to be heavily supported in the betting market for the 2007 contest.

Punters looking for attractive odds may consider a bet on Brazilian Alex Barros. The 36-year-old is currently tenth in the standings but was victorious in this race back in 2005.

Plenty of fans will be making the short journey from Spain to follow Dani Pedrosa, who is seeking his second race victory of the season and may attract customers at decent odds after big improvements in his second season.

Honda were the victorious team in Lisbon last year, with victory for Toni Elias, which may also be considered by those checking the odds for the MotoGP Portugal race.

Estoril was used as a MotoGP venue for the first time in 2000 and provides a stern challenge for riders and punters alike, with long corners, bumpy straights and a difficult chicane.