Izan Guevara out of Moto2 opener in Portimao, Pedro Acosta the favourite?

Guevara, who is expected to be a contender when it comes to fighting for podiums and even the odd Moto2 win in his rookie campaign, will miss both the season-opener in Portimao and the Argentine Grand Prix which takes place a week later. 

The young Spaniard struggled throughout the pre-season test at Portimao, often langusuing in the final places when setting a lap time. 

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A clear sign that all was not right physically, Guevara has since been ruled out after it was confirmed by the Aspar Team that chronic arm pump and a triangular ligament injury were detected.

Guevara will instead be raplced by former WorldSBK rider Jordi Torres, who will compete alongside Jake Dixon in both rounds.

"I hope Izan can make a speedy recovery. It's a pity that after the great season he had last year he starts this season like this, but the most important thing is that he can come back stronger than before," said Torres. 

"In my case, I am happy for the opportunity that the Inde GASGAS Aspar Team gives me, to return to a category that I left in 2014 with this team. 

"Everything is different to what I left ten years ago, I take it as a learning experience and as more practice for the MotoE World Championship. I want to keep learning from my rivals, who will be at a different level, because a rider never stops learning. 

"It's a big challenge for me, it will be strange to be back at the intermediate category, but it will help me to keep working on my goal for MotoE. I won't have an adaptation period, because my rivals have been testing at Portimao for three days, but I will give my best."

In terms of riders expected to fight for victory at the season-opener, Pedro Acosta is the first name on everyone's list.

Acosta began to show himself as a consistent threat for race wins during the latter part of 2022 - the 2021 Moto3 champion won two out of the final six races - and with a year’s experience under his belt, the expectation for the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider is to become a title contender.

Acosta ended the Portimao test fastest, whilst also being the most consistent rider throughout.

But although the early indication is that he will fight for wins, Acosta is remaining calm: "The test last weekend went very well and it helps give us more confidence for the race. 

"I think it will be important to stay calm and continue working with the same strategy as in the test, to try to improve the points in which we were most lacking last year. I think we can get a good result this weekend and I'm looking forward to starting the season."