3 weeks today til the opening round! Any early predictions? The suzukis (and to an extent aprilla) look like theyve had some decent test results. Remy and young Binder unsurprisingly at the bottom on the time sheets from this morning's test in ID.
I don't think testing really shows form, especially given the 2 year freeze on engines etc. Plus have you seen the track conditions in Indonesia at this test, the track is filthy, literally covered in sand/mud and having a downpour has brought it all to the surface, some of the photos I'm surprised they can even see with the amount of crap on the bikes and visors. It's a long season and anything can happen but you wouldn't bet against Fabio and Pecco being at the front, Marquez will no doubt win a few but I think his dominance has ended now, the Aprilia's always look fast in testing but come race day it's a different story. I think Jorge Martin and Enea Bastiani could be the ones to watch this year, they're both in the running for Millers seat (assuming Miller doesn't perform). I think we'll see some progress from Suzuki, but with no front launch device it'll be interesting to see if they just get swallowed up off the line. I hope Morbidelli has a good year after his injury last year, he had great form at the end of 2020, so it would be nice to see him at the sharp end with Fabio on the factory M1. It has to be Taka's last season with so much talent waiting in Moto2, I'd even say Alex Marquez could be out of LCR if he doesn't get his act together, being the 2nd Marquez may help and personal sponsors keep him in the team though. KTM look lost as sea, but I'm sure they can turn things around, they have a great R&D department and have multiple frames/chassis on hand.
Hard to see past Marquez tbh once he’s got his head around the bike, which by the sounds of it is literally about resisting his urge to smash the front end into the floor all the time, because that’s how he HAD to ride previously. I think he’ll dominate, I don’t think Yamaha have made enough of a step to help Fabio. my prediction is Marquez, the two factory Ducati’s then Fabio, then Joan Mir top 4 for the championship over a season
It bothers me to agree with your summation but if Marquez can stay healthy, he will be IMO, the man the others will be chasing. Make what you will of the also rans but yes, likely to be a Ducati rather than a Yamaha. Andy
Yeah. I’m not really a massive Marquez fan, love watching him ride but that’s about it, oh and I did enjoy the fact he totally broke Rossi and seems to be the only rider ever to just not fall for the mind games.
Can’t find any bookies willing to take our money yet which is odd. Personally going Pecco for the title. Also looking forward to seeing wee Pedro in moto 2 and mcflea flapping his “chance of a world title” in the first three rounds.
Some interesting times from the moto 3 and 2 test at portimao this weekend. Acosta "on the pace" already and Jake Dixon showing some good/consistent signs too. Lowes missing the final day of the test (today) with tendonitis. 2022 Portimao Moto2 Test Results - Sunday, Day 2 (Session 3) | MotoGP (crash.net)
I saw, Acosta breaking the Moto2 lap record after only a few days on the bike, I might actually watch Moto2 this year.
You would hope, with so many bikes on the grid this year, Ducati might have a world champion, finally. I would love it to be Bagnaia.
It will be a Ducati for sure that wins at Qatar, no question, the exception might be Marquez, notice I say Marquez and not a Honda rider because I really think he is still the only one that can win on the Honda, we will see.. Pol fast in the test but one swallow doesn't make a summer
I am hoping Suzuki will produce the nicest merch - as I fancy a nice team Suzuki shirt. Dovi 04 were nice Ducati shirts and the Yamaha ones all had some kind of VR 46 all over them, so interesting to see what they come out with this time. As for the racing - surely Ducati have got to get someone over the line for the Riders Championship. They really mean business and their bikes and riders keep getting better. I would like to see Alex Rins stay on his bike for the season and win the title - I like watching him ride (and its a Suzuki). Looking forward to the shop opening to get a shirt...
For sure if they give Marquez a good bike he can ride and he is race fit again becomes the target. Think and hope Pecco will do better this year, and hopefully Miller will raise his game a bit and bring it home for Ducati in the end. Was/am also a big Rossi fan so be good to see his team do well in the first season Not sure on Fabio, did well last year but not sure he is in the league for multiple championship runs with the yamaha at the moment. Fernandez could be rookie of the season and bring a few good results home, not sure on the KTM but possibly some podiums Other than that, not much else floating my boat this year
