W
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 18 races of 2022 have thrown up a few surprises and displayed a host of new names who should be in overall contention in the months ahead . There have been seven first time winners in the class already , with a good chance of more to come ! It ’ s also thrown up an epic title fight . Augusto Fernandez , who has switched Marc VDS for Ajo Motorsport for 2022 , enjoyed an excellent comeback in recent months . After admitting to placing too much pressure on himself early on , which led to subpar showings in Argentina and Austin , he bounced back to score brilliant victories in France , Germany , the Netherlands and Great Britain as well as a podium in Barcelona . The Honda Team Asia squad boast two much improved riders for 2022 with Ai Ogura firmly in the mix after winning his first grand prix at Jerez and scoring further podiums in Argentina , America , Italy and the Netherlands . His excellent wins in Austria and Japan has put him in a tremendous position . Sito Pons ’ Moto2™ squad come into the year with high expectations . The former 250cc World Champion has recruited Aron Canet for 2022 and the Spaniard has adapted rapidly to the Kalex chassis . Crashes in Austin and Portugal cost him his first Moto2™ win but heroic podiums at Jerez , Le Mans and Barcelona with a fractured wrist showed his strength . Yet injuries sustained in a car crash prevented him from scoring big points in Germany and the Netherlands and a costly crash in Japan put paid to his hopes of the title this year . Celestino Vietti put in a dominant performance to win his first race in the class in Qatar and his second in Argentina . After a crash in Texas plus subdued results at Jerez and Le Mans , as well as a DNF in Italy , he bounced back with a crucial win in Barcelona . But his stop-start season continued when he crashed out in Germany , Austria , San Marino and Japan , meaning he is now out of the fight for the championship .
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