Some of the Moto2 riders have already made a sturdy impression during the first part of the season. However, other riders are counting on the second half to fight back for their place in the Moto GP with flying colors. Taking that into consideration, here is the list of intermediate class riders of Motogp.com's 'One To Watch' second half-season of 2021.
Aron Canet (Aspar Team) 7th, 55 points
In 2020, Aron Canet secured 14th position in the Rookie of the Year even after losing three races because of the broken left hand and arm pump issues. During his debut campaign, he had been impressively good in several Grands Prix, thereby leading in the seventh position in the Top 10. The balance is a little bumpy so far in 2021. Moreover, he had captured two podiums, Portimao and Sachsenring. However, he was able to secure the position only thrice in the Top 10. The Spanish rider is in 7th place overall without his DNFs. His inconsistency might be linked with the Boscoscuro machine he rides. But, with the 2022 deal in his hand, Canet is capable enough to make a debut win in the second half of the event.
Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team)- 8th, 50 points
After a step forward in 2019, Fernandez is all set to secure his place in the MotoGP event. Though things didn't really go well even after getting the position in World's Champion at Marc VDS, Mallorcan rediscovered his 2019 talent with the impressive performance in Durch TT. If he wants to win the title of the intermediate class again, he has to be consistent in his game. He needs a pair of solid Red Bull Rings before Moto2 moves to Silverstone for the first time in two years. Furthermore, Augusto Fernandez has also been the winner of the last British Grand Prix.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team)- 10th, 50 points
Joe Roberts made a big decision of either moving to Moto2 with Aprilia or staying there with the reigning World Champions. And he chose to fill Enea Bastianini's place in the Italtrans with the hope of winning a bigger and better premier class title. However, it did not go well so far. While Aprilia is aiming to sign Maverick Viñales with improved RS-GP, Roberts' campaign is yet to be set in motion appropriately. Although he was willing to present himself at Podium, he finished the event in the fourth position in Portimao and Mugello. He was also titled Mr.Saturday, 2020 in intermediate class with three poles. So, if he finds even one lap pace again, he will put in the mix from the off. He should work harder since American Garett Gerloff suddenly appears to be the most likable man waving at the stars as strips at the premier class next year. Roberts definitely needs a podium to keep his 2022 MotoGP dream alive and guess what? He already has some of it.
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia)- 11th, 49 points
Ai Ogura is a Japanese rider, who was ranked 3rd in the Moto3 World Championship, 2020. He is one of the most impressive rookies of the intermediate class. However, he became unnoticed because of the mind-blowing performance of Raul Fernandez in Red Bull KTM Ajo. Ogura was in the top seventh position on five occasions during the nine opening rounds of the year, including Top 5 in Doha GP. He secured his position in the Moto3 rounds of the Red Bull rings, Misano, and Valencia, last year. He is another candidate to be competing at the sharp end of the latter stages of the year.
Albert Arenas (Aspar Team)-17th, 22 points
It is not easy for Albert Arenas to get a position in the new class. Despite scoring three in the first six Grand Prix, he was not allowed to immediately get his position in the Moto3 World Championship, last year. However, his performance significantly improved in Catalunya. Later, in Sachsenring, he secured 8th position in the Top 10. If he maintains the same rate of improvements in the coming weeks or months, the Aspar rider will be able to get in the Top 5 and can lay his foundation in an exciting 2022 event.