British MotoGP Preview: Can Crutchlow topple Marquez at Silverstone?

Odds, preview and tips for British Grand Prix

The MotoGP season rolls on to round 12 this weekend with a trip to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. 

Championship leader Marc Marquez is the narrow favourite to land the spoils ahead of long-term rival Jorge Lorenzo. Can the 25-year-old get the better of his countryman? Or can Valentino Rossi and home favourite Cal Crutchlow spoil the party?

The Coral News Team has looked ahead to the race, which you can watch live on BT Sport 2 from 12:30pm on Sunday afternoon.

Can Marquez extend his lead?

It’s been plain sailing for reigning two-time world champion Marquez at the top of the standings so far. The Spaniard holds a 59 point lead over nearest rival Valentino Rossi after picking up five race wins from the first 11 rounds.

He’s 6/4 favourite to continue that good form at Silverstone. But he’ll need to improve on a torrid record around the Northamptonshire circuit. Marquez has retired on two of his last three visits to the track and is winless here in MotoGP since 2014.

With the Honda’s tendency to overwork the front tyre, could Marquez be set for his third winless race in a row for the first time in over a year? If he fails to fire, then three-time world champion and three-time race winner this season Jorge Lorenzo is the second-favourite to clean up at 9/4.

Will Crutchlow end Britain’s jinx?

Britain may dominate in Formula One but it’s a different story when it comes to MotoGP. No British rider has won the world championship since 1977. Indeed, Cal Crutchlow’s victory in Brno in 2016 was the first by a Briton in the sport since 1981.