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 nine 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 five first time winners in the class already , with a good chance of more to come ! 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 , as well as a DNF in Italy , have given his rivals hope . 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 and Le Mans with a fractured wrist 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 . 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 . After sub-par showings in Argentina and Austin , he scored a brilliant victory in France . And 18-year old Pedro Acosta became the youngest winner in intermediate class history at Mugello , and now must be considered a contender .
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