PREVIEW
The 2022 MotoGP™ season has been one of the most dramatic and competitive in memory with as many as twelve potential winners lining up on the grid . And after a run of unpredictable races , there is a fascinating title fight that is now in its crucial phase . The first 19 races of the year offered up plenty of surprises . Ducati ’ s 2022 machine started slowly , as did fancied runner Francesco Bagnaia . The Italian endured disastrous races in Qatar and Indonesia . His season has been marked by serious highs and protracted lows . He was peerless at Jerez , Mugello , where he notched up stellar victories . Careless crashes at Le Mans and the Sachsenring then set him back . But victory at Assen , Silverstone , the Red Bull Ring and Misano brought him back into the title fight , which he took control of in Australia .
The struggles of World Champions Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha were another surprise . Upon returning to Europe , the Frenchman began replicating the form that carried him to the 2021 title , with brilliant wins in Portugal , Barcelona and Germany . But a tough run of races , including no-scores in Aragon , Thaliand and Phillip Island , saw his one-time commanding lead slip .
Aleix Espargaro , meanwhile , 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 , Italy and Aragon to head into the flyaway races with strong chances of fighting for the title . Although he fell short this year , the majority of the season has showed both he and Aprilia are operating on a different plane this year . Enea Bastianini has had a mercurial year . The Italian took brilliant victories in Qatar , Texas , France and Aragon aboard his year-old GP21 but had a lull mid-season which really cost him in the title fight . ‘ The Beast ’ has been a regular podium contender and will keen to finish the season on a high this weekend . A number of other riders have the capacity to win races , Lenovo Ducati ’ s Jack Miller has enjoyed a brilliant recent run , scoring 45 points from a possible 50 in Japan and Thailand .
18 | MotoGP™