PREVIEW
in the autumn of last year , Bagnaia must start as one of the favourites for this year . Pramac Ducati ’ s Jorge Martin , meanwhile , could be the season ’ s dark horse . As for those still with work to do , reigning champions Yamaha appeared to have stood still in the winter months . Reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo “ expected much more ” from preseason testing with the ’ 22 M1 similar to what he raced last year . The Frenchman still has fantastic feel with the front end of his machine , and braking potential remains high . But top speed is a real concern , as is the speed of team-mate Franco Morbidelli , who was 24th fastest in Malaysia . Quartararo could well be flying Yamaha ’ s flag single-handedly once again . In contrast , Suzuki appears to be in much better shape than a year ago . Keen to keep hold of prized asset Joan Mir for 2023 , the factory brought an allnew bike featuring an improved engine to preseason testing . Times were promising for Alex Rins , fourth fastest at Sepang , while Mir was “ satisfied ” with the bike ’ s higher top speed and improved ride-height device . While advancing its top speed , Suzuki engineers have managed to retain the excellent handling capabilities of the GSX-RR . If the bike is ready , both Mir and Rins could be runners in the title race . KTM faces a race against time to be competitive . Opting for a new testing strategy that placed priority on reassessing parts used last year and making moderate changes to its bike rather than test a slew of new components , factory riders Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira had a modest preseason . But both
riders showed last year they are capable of fighting for race wins on occasion . And the continued growth of Aprilia was one of preseason ’ s big takeaways . Not only was Aleix Espargaro fast aboard the thinner RS-GP . Maverick Viñales was able back-up . Espargaro noted the bike ’ s improved handling and agility . Top speed wasn ’ t far off the Ducatis , either and he now finally has a team-mate capable of pushing him all the way , all season long . With all six manufacturers having the potential to win races , 2022 could well be even more varied than before . And with Marquez , Bagnaia , Quartararo , Mir and Martin all in strong shape , the title fight could be one to remember .
14 | MotoGP™ | Season Preview