PREVIEW
As for those still with work to do , reigning champions Yamaha appeared to have stood still in the winter months . Reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo “ expected much more ” from preseason testing with the ’ 22 M1 similar to what he raced last year . The Frenchman still has fantastic feel with the front end of his machine , and braking potential remains high . But top speed is a real concern , as is the speed of team-mate Franco Morbidelli , who was 24th fastest in Malaysia but found speed at the Indonesia test and posted the fourth fastest time .
In contrast , Suzuki appears to be in much better shape than a year ago . Keen to keep hold of prized asset Joan Mir for 2023 , the factory brought an all-new bike featuring an improved engine to preseason testing . Times were promising for Alex Rins , fourth fastest at Sepang , while Mir was “ satisfied ” with the bike ’ s higher top speed and improved ride-height device . While advancing its top speed , Suzuki engineers have managed to retain the excellent handling capabilities of the GSX-RR . If the bike is ready , both Mir and Rins could be runners in the title race .
KTM faces a race against time to be competitive . Opting for a new testing strategy that placed priority on reassessing parts used last year and making moderate changes to its bike rather than test a slew of new components , factory riders Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira had a modest preseason . But both riders showed last year they are capable of fighting for race wins on occasion .
And the continued growth of Aprilia was one of preseason ’ s big takeaways . Not only was Aleix Espargaro fast aboard the thinner RS-GP . Maverick Viñales was able back-up . Espargaro noted the bike ’ s improved handling and agility .
The first race of the year threw up a load of surprises . Bastianini ’ s win showed he will be a force to behold in 2022 , while the podiums for Brad Binder and Pol Espargaro underlined the respective strengths of KTM and Honda for the year ahead .
Alternately , there is clear reason to worry for Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha . The Frenchman managed just ninth place in a tough weekend , while Suzuki riders Joan Mir and Alex Rins need to work on tyre conservation .
16 | MotoGP™ | Mandalika Preview