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The 2023 MotoGP™ season is the biggest in history , fought across 20 rounds in 17 different countries . What ’ s more , the introduction of Tissot Sprint for this year has added a greater intensity to affairs . On track , there has been the competition to match with as many as twelve potential race winners on the grid . The challenge is currently being led by Francesco Bagnaia , the man who ended Ducati ’ s 15-year wait for the MotoGP™ title so dramatically in 2022 . After a perfect preseason , the Italian has had a strong start , winning brilliantly in Portugal , Spain , Italy , the Netherlands , and Austria . Despite a terrifying crash in Barcelona , the Italian is miraculously fit to race this weekend . Bagnaia knows he faces tougher competition from within Ducati this year . Prima Pramac Ducati ' s Jorge Martin has shown he is not to be discounted after he started a brilliant run of form in France , before he finished second at Mugello and won brilliantly in Germany . Marco Bezzecchi has been the revelation of 2023 so far , after scoring wins in Argentina and France . But a crash out of the British GP cost him dearly . Another surprise package this year has been KTM . The Austrian factory had an indifferent preseason , but in the opening rounds have showcased a much-improved RC16 , which boasts awesome braking potential . Brad Binder won the Argentinean and Spanish Sprints , and sits fourth overall . The South African is now a regular podium contender . After a tricky opening to the season , Aprilia is showing signs its riders are recovering their best form . Despite a foot injury sustained when cycling in early June , Aleix Espargaro posted heroic performances in Italy and the Netherlands . His wins at Silverstone and Barcelona rank as the best ride of his career . And Maverick Viñales has also shown great potential , backing his team-mate up with a great podium in Barcelona . And what of Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo , two of the class ’ leading names ? Honda ’ s fortunes reached a nadir in Germany and the Netherlands . But Marquez has shown flashes of brilliance this year , which he could possibly repeat soon . He was in the podium hunt at Le Mans before crashing out . Meanwhile Quartararo has been fighting an uphill battle with this year ’ s M1 , but could be in line for another tough weekend here .
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