PREVIEW
The 2022 edition of the Moto2™ World Championship promises to be a wide-open affair with a host of experienced names facing a batch of exciting rookies . The top three in last year ’ s championship – Remy Gardner , Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi – all graduated to the premier class , leaving the way open for a host of hopefuls to fight at the front . The opening races of 2022 threw up a few surprises and displayed who should be in overall contention in the months ahead . Celestino Vietti put in a dominant performance to win his first race in the class in Qatar and his second in Argentina . But a crash in Texas plus subdued results at Jerez and Le Mans gave his rivals hope . Sito Pons ’ Moto2™ squad come into the year with high expectations . The former 250cc World Champion has recruited Aron Canet and Jorge Navarro to his ranks for 2022 . Canet , in particular , has adapted to the Kalex chassis quickly after two years on a Boscoscuro frame , scoring second and third place finishes in the first two races before crashes in Austin and Portugal cost him his first Moto2™ win . A heroic comeback at Jerez , where he scored second , showed his strength . The Honda Team Asia squad boast two much improved riders for 2022 with Ai Ogura firmly in the title fight after winning his first grand prix at Jerez . Teammate Somkiat Chantra has also displayed newfound race winning potential , after he emerged victorious from the Indonesian Grand Prix . Marc VDS ’ Sam Lowes and Tony Arbolino must be counted in the mix . Lowes battled a tendonitis issue in his left wrist during the offseason . Yet the Englishman still fought through the pain for a brilliant third place in the season opener in Qatar . Arbolino meanwhile , has stepped up , scoring a first Moto2™ race win in Austin . Another favourite for the title this year must be Augusto Fernandez , who has switched Marc VDS for Ajo Motorsport for 2022 . He has scored a fourth and a fifth in the season ’ s first two races and after sub-par showings in Argentina and Austin , he scored a brilliant victory in France .
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