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If ever there was an opportunity for promising Moto3™ riders to rise up , 2023 is it . The top three in last year ’ s championship have stepped up to Moto2™ , meaning any one of eight riders could step up to claim the crown . As witnessed in previous years , this is poised to be a classic KTM versus Honda battle with both manufacturers boasting several names in their ranks that have what it takes to end the year as World Champion . The rider best placed to build on a fantastic 2022 is Dani Holgado . The Spanish teenager enjoyed a quietly impressive rookie campaign last year , but has stepped up his game considerably after switching to Tech3 KTM from Ajo KTM . He won races in Portugal and France brilliantly and has still scored top six finishes on his off days . The surprise package of the year so far has been Spain ’ s Ivan Ortola . The teenager failed to score points in the first two races , but showed his potential with excellent wins in Austin and Spain , before a fourth place in France promoted him to second in the World Championship . As always , Leopard Honda boasts two potential candidates for the crown . Jaume Masia returns to the team after two decent seasons with Red Bull Ajo KTM , where he must improve consistency to fight for the title . He ’ s in good form , scoring a trio of podiums in Austin , Spain and France to sit third overall . 2022 Rookie of the Year Diogo Moreira has started the season well , backing up a podium in Portugal with second place in Argentina . But the Brazilian was off colour at Jerez and crashed out in France . He must bounce back this month . Xavi Artigas has been Mr . Consistent in 2023 , finishing each race inside the top 8 and sits fifth overall . Ayumu Sasaki , riding for the newly named Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP team , will also be a contender in the weeks to come . The Japanese rider came of age last year , but has had an up and down start to the season , finishing sixth in Portugal before crashing out of promising positions in Argentina and Austin . Fourth in Spain and second in France has given him some momentum once more . Twelve KTMs and ten Hondas will occupy the 28-rider grid in 2023 , with two Husqvarnas , two GASGAS machines and two CFMOTO bikes also present .
Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland | 101