MotoGP Malaysia 2022 | Page 69

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There
are few certainties in racing . But a year of close , unpredictable contests in Moto3™ is one of them . Recent seasons have shown Grand Prix ’ s junior category to consistently provide the most exciting contests of the day . And if the first half of the season is anything to go by , 2022 will be no different . Following on from a pulsating championship fight in 2021 , this year sees a similarly tight grid with a host of challengers capable of race wins aboard evenly matched machinery . A total of ten Hondas will go up against KTMs in various guises . 14 KTMs will compete alongside GASGAS , Husqvarna and CFMoto ( all rebranded KTMs ), which field two riders apiece . In terms of challengers , the Aspar GASGAS team has two of the year ’ s big stars in its ranks . Izan Guevara ’ s pole position in Qatar showed he has the speed . And his brilliant wins at Jerez , Barcelona and Germany hinted at a strong year ahead for the teenager . Dominant victories in Aragon and Japan gave him a fantastic chance to win this year ’ s title . Team-mate Sergio Garcia has been a consistent challenger , as seen in race one , when he finished second despite serving a Long Lap Penalty . And there can be no doubting his win in Argentina was his best performance to date , which was backed up by further victories in Portugal and Italy . But a downturn in form came at just the wrong time , with a 13th in Aragon and DNFs in Misano and Thailand . Leopard Racing Honda ’ s Dennis Foggia started the season as favourite . The Italian showed speed in abundance in Qatar , finishing seventh despite starting from the back of the grid and taking two Long Lap Penalties . He then dominated race two , scoring a first win of the year and claimed a pair of seconds in Argentina and Austin before concerning showings in Portgual and Jerez , as well as crashing out of the leading fight at Mugello and Assen . Comeback victories in England , San Marino and Thailand mean he is on for at least second in the championship .
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