PREVIEW
The 2022 MotoGP™ season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic and competitive in memory with as many as twelve potential winners lining up on the grid . And if the first quarter of the season is anything to go by , it will be difficult to predict as well . The first nine races of the year offered up plenty of surprises . The early struggles of World Champions Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha were one . The Frenchman appeared lost in Qatar , Argentina and Austin . But he now must hope he can replicate his 2021 performances at the upcoming circuits , especially after a win in Portugal , a strong second at Jerez and a wonderful second at Mugello to lead the standings . Aleix Espargaro has proved Aprilia ’ s RS-GP is now among the grid ’ s strongest bikes . The Catalan has been riding as well as ever , winning a brilliant race in Argentina before scoring third places in Portugal , Jerez , France and Italy to sit firmly in the title race . And Enea Bastianini must be considered a serious contender once more . The Italian took brilliant victories in Qatar and Texas before lacklustre results in Portugal and Jerez aboard his year-old GP21 . But a dominant victory at Le Mans has him back in the race .
Ducati ’ s 2022 machine started slowly , as did fancied runner Francesco Bagnaia . The Italian endured disastrous races in Qatar and Indonesia . But recent races in Portugal and Jerez prove he has found an ideal setting for the bike . Expect him to start climbing the order in the championship to fight Quartararo for the crown after a win at Mugello . After a solid start in Qatar , there have been signs that Suzuki has built a very strong foundation for a possible title challenge . Both Alex Rins and Joan Mir and Suzuki have enjoyed a solid start , with Rins scoring two podiums in Argentina and Austin , while Mir finished each of the first four races inside the top six . But a double DNF in France and Italy have seen them lose important ground .
22 | MotoGP™