PREVIEW
Big things are also expected of Sito Pons ’ Moto2™ squad . The team helped the likes of Pol Espargaro , Maverick Viñales , Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo in the past but 2021 was nothing short of disastrous as their riders finished 19th and 23rd in the championship . But Pons has recruited Aron Canet and Jorge Navarro to his ranks for 2022 , two names that are capable of winning races . Canet , in particular , has great potential after scoring five podiums last year , when he finished sixth overall . Both Spaniards have ridden Boscoscuro frames for two years so this switch to Kalex hardware should bear fruit straight away . The Honda Team Asia line up of Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra could be the dark horses of the season after Ogura ’ s deeply impressive rookie campaign in 2021 . Preseason testing has shown both men have the speed to fight at the front with Ogura in particular already attracting the attention of MotoGP™ team bosses for a possible move in 2023 . And what of the Americans ? Three riders will cross the Atlantic for this year ’ s Moto2™ series with Cameron Beaubier expected to build on his solid debut campaign in 2021 . The five-time MotoAmerica Superbike champion scored five top ten finishes , but will be expected to fight for podiums this time around for the American Racing Team . Likewise , Italtrans ’ Joe Roberts needs to re-find his form after a troubled 2021 when he finished 13th in the championship . Young rookie Sean Dylan Kelly is one of the more talented names that has heralded from America in recent years , but faces a year of learning ahead for the American Racing Team . Four manufacturers will be part of the 2022 Moto2™ grid , with reigning champions Kalex the most in demand . There will be 24 Kalexes on this year ’ s grid , with Boscoscuro , GASGAS and MV Agusta fielding two bikes apiece . Of those , the Boscoscuro machines are the most likely to score success . The most successful Moto3™ rider in history Romano Fenati steps up for his second crack at the Moto2™ class for the Speed Up team . His team-mate Fermin Aldeguer could also be a podium contender on occasion despite being just 16 years old .
PEDRO ACOSTA 2021 Moto3™ CHAMPION
Season Preview | Moto2™ | 55