Betfair Official Blog

MotoGP betting and odds preview

Motorcycling fans and betting punters will have their sights on San Marino early in September, which is the latest stop on the MotoGP calendar. After a break, the Misano circuit returns to the MotoGP list and the majority of the 60,000 fans, with some tempted into a bet, are likely to be cheering on Italy's Valentino Rossi.

Those having a bet should take into account recent comments from some of the drivers, who have criticised the track for being 'too bumpy'.

The MotoGP faithful head to Portugal on September 16 and betting customer should take note of the odds on offer for the Spanish contingent. Toni Elias was the 2006 winner at Estoril, but the other Honda riders struggled in Portugal and that may be worth considering which checking out the race odds. Rossi will again be a popular bet with three previous victories in this race in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

September 23 sees Japan host the latest MotoGP race and betting customers should be aware of last year's Italian domination. It was an Italy one-two-three in 2006, with Loris Capirossi seeing off the challenge of Rossi and Marco Melandri, long-odds are likely on a repeat this time especially with the form of championship leader Casey Stoner.

Stoner will be the popular betting choice for October's trip to Phillip Island, the self-styled home of Australian motorsport. Melandri won this race on his Honda last year and punters could be tempted on a Honda bet this time after several previous Australia wins for the Japanese-based constructors. Rossi again has an excellent record on this track, with four consecutive wins, while Dani Pedrosa may provide a good bet at decent odds having won a 250cc race at Phillip Island two years ago.

Malaysia is the destination on October 21 and again betting punters are likely to see Rossi as the man to beat after victories in three of the last four races. But Stoner has already won in China this season and will be good odds to claim another Far East success.

Valencia is the host track for the penultimate race of the 2007 campaign on November 4 and the betting is likely to be as frenetic as the action on the track. The circuit has held MotoGP races since 1999 and is sure to offer a cracking finale to the current campaign.

Up to 150,000 fans will be watching at the track and an there will be plenty of betting interest in the three Spanish riders - Elias, Pedrosa and Carlos Checa. Australian Troy Bayliss was the winner last year and betting experts may remember that Rossi struggled with the handling of his Yamaha.