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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 Ayumu Sasaki , riding for the newly named Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP team . The Japanese rider came of age last year , claiming impressive victories at Assen and the Red Bull Ring before finishing fourth overall . But strong competition is likely to come from Red Bull KTM Ajo ’ s Deniz Öncü , who finished fifth in 2022 courtesy of finishing every race in the points bar one . Still to score a maiden GP triumph , Öncü will likely be kept on his toes by new rookie team-mate Jose Antonio Rueda , who claimed both Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship last year . As always , Leopard Racing boasts two potential candidates for the crown . Jaume Masia returns to the team after two decent seasons with Red Bull KTM Ajo , where he must improve consistency to fight for the title . And this is a make-or-break year for Japanese team-mate Tatsuki Suzuki , who scored three podiums last year . The GASGAS Aspar Team enjoyed a dominant 2022 , finishing first and second in the World Championship . But it has a new rider line up this time around , with talented rookie and 2021 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup champ David Alonso joining Ryusei Yamanaka . Arguably 2022 ’ s most eye-catching rookie David Muñoz will be one to watch , as will Diogo Moreira and Daniel Holgado , who both enjoyed impressive first seasons in the class last year . And what of Romano Fenati ? The Italian returns to Moto3™ with Rivacold Snipers Honda after a failed stint in Moto2™ last year . Could he finally make good on his undeniable promise this time around ? 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 .
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