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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 . And there is a thrilling title fight in progress which is poised to go all the way to the final round ! The chief protagonist is reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia , the man who ended Ducati ’ s 15-year wait for the MotoGP™ title so dramatically in 2022 . After a strong start to the year , the Italian has responded brilliantly to crashes in Barcelona and India with a sensational win in Indonesia and a crucial second in Australia . But Bagnaia knows he faces tougher competition from within Ducati this year . For Prima Pramac Ducati ' s Jorge Martin has shown he is a major played after he started a brilliant run of form in France , before his mesmeric hot streak from Misano to India . He appears the fastest rider of the field , which he proved with a gutsy victory in Thailand . Yet it ’ s not just about the leading pair : Marco Bezzecchi has been the revelation of 2023 so far , after scoring wins in Argentina , France and India . He scored three top 6 finishes on the bounce despite breaking his right collarbone in early October . And he will be a factor here . 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 showed his resilience with excellent podiums in India and Indonesia .
Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar | 17