{"id":705,"date":"2021-01-07T14:19:13","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T14:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motorsporttickets.com\/blog\/?p=705"},"modified":"2023-07-13T14:48:21","modified_gmt":"2023-07-13T13:48:21","slug":"5-drivers-and-riders-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/motorsporttickets.com\/blog\/5-drivers-and-riders-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"5 drivers and riders to keep an eye on in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While 2020 was a tumultuous year for motorsport, 2021 looks set to be bigger than ever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a host of new drivers, initiatives and circuits, plus fuller regular calendars on the cards across the series, there’s a lot to get excited about this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve gone ahead and picked five drivers and riders from the world of motorsport we’re excited to get stuck into the new season. Each one comes with a race that could be a major turning point or milestone in their upcoming year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us know if you agree by sharing this post on Twitter<\/a> or Facebook<\/a>, and add who you can’t wait to see on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five drivers and riders to watch in 2021<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"F1
Sergio Perez unexpectedly remains on the F1 grid in 2021.
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sergio Perez<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A man who most didn\u2019t expect to see on the grid in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergio Perez looked like he\u2019s lost his spot in Formula 1, when it was announced Sebastian Vettel would replace him as Racing Point became Aston Martin. But if anything, it seemed the pressure lifted and his performances elevated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perez finished the season in 4th<\/sup> and best of the rest, despite COVID-19 ruling him out of both British rounds. After the first 7 rounds, Perez sat 11th<\/sup> in the drivers\u2019 standings. But after the announcement he\u2019d be leaving to the end of the season, he scored just 13 points less than Max Verstappen. This included a podium in Turkey \u2013 his first in three years \u2013 and a dramatic win in Sakhir. Despite this, he still finished the season without a confirmed seat for 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, his in-form performances gave Red Bull a decision to make. After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Perez was announced to be replacing out-of-favour Alex Albon in the Red Bull seat for 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big race in 2021:<\/strong> Mexican Grand Prix<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This won\u2019t be Perez\u2019s first home Grand Prix in front of his adoring fans. However, it will be his best shot at a podium \u2013 better yet a victory \u2013 in Mexico City. Red Bull machinery has traditionally been strong around the Aut\u00f3dromo Hermanos Rodr\u00edguez. Verstappen took wins in \u201917 and \u201918, plus provisional pole in 2019. If Perez was to take victory in front of the Foro Sol stadium, it would surely go down in F1 folklore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book Mexican Grand Prix tickets<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Marc
Marc Marquez was ruled out of the 2020 MotoGP season with a broken arm
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Okay, this might seem like an obvious choice. The Spaniard was a six-time world champion before his 26th<\/sup> birthday. But going in 2021, there are a lot of unknowns for Marquez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An injury sustained during a crash in 2020\u2019s opener, exacerbated by a plate in his arm breaking while opening a window ruined his season. However, he will have spent the season recuperating, resetting and refocussing to a fuller 2021 MotoGP season. The question is whether Marc Marquez will hit the ground running when he returns to the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s question marks around his team, too. Having won the teams\u2019 championship six of the last year years, in 2020, they came a lowly 9th<\/sup>. This, of course, could be down to the Marc\u2019s brother Alex Marquez and replacement Stefan Bradl unable to get the most out of the bike. But Marquez and Pol Espargar\u00f3 will be eager to understand how the bike fares up for the \u201921 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big race in 2021<\/strong>: British MotoGP<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silverstone dropped off the 2020 MotoGP calendar, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means the last race at the track was the thrilling 2019 race, in which Alex Rins snatched the win from Marquez in the final corner of the race. The Honda rider will be looking to make amends as the sport returns to Britain in \u201921.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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