W
AFTER
LAST SEASON ’ S TWO- HORSE RACE , 2022 LOOKS SET TO BE A MORE OPEN CONTEST .
The 2022 edition of the Moto2™ World Championship promises to be a wide-open affair with a host of experienced names facing a batch of exciting rookies . The top three in last year ’ s championship – Remy Gardner , Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi – all graduated to the premier class , leaving the way open for a host of hopefuls to fight at the front . Last year was a two-horse affair , with Gardner and Fernandez sharing 13 of the 18 race wins . In their absence , Marc VDS ’ Sam Lowes stands his best chance yet of claiming an elusive Grand Prix world title . The Englishman won three races last year and finished fourth overall , a placing that could have been higher had he not crashed out of crucial races in Portugal , France , Italy and Aragon . He has an exciting new team-mate for 2022 , as well in the shape of Tony Arbolino , who should be a podium challenger . Another favourite must be Augusto Fernandez , who has switched Marc VDS for Ajo Motorsport for 2022 . The Spaniard finds himself in the team that dominated last year ’ s proceedings , and after a tricky start to his own 2021 , Augusto notched up six podium finishes to claim fifth place in the championship . His offseason has been complicated by a fracture to his left thumb , sustained during training . But the Spaniard will be expected to win races and mount a title challenge this year . There will be great interest on the other side of the Ajo garage as 2021 Moto3™ World Champion Pedro Acosta steps up to make his Moto2™ debut . The Spaniard from Murcia was nothing short of sensational last year as he won the Moto3™ title at his first attempt , becoming the second youngest Grand Prix World Champion in the process . His ability to adapt is without question and after a growth spurt , this is the perfect time to step up . One of the most talented riders around , he ’ ll be expected to fight for podiums in the second half of the year .
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