MotoGP 2022

Enea Bastianini powers to maiden MotoGP race win at Losail, on his independent Team Gresini 2021 Ducati. An incredible ride from the Beast.
Brad Binder took second place for the factory KTM team and Pol Espargaro took third for the Repsol Honda team.
Horror show for defending champion Fabio Quartararo, as he limped home in 9th place on a massively underpowered 2022 Yamaha.
Even worse for pre season favourite Pecco Bagnaia as he crashed out and took out Ducati stablemate Jorge Martin. Jack Miller also DNF.

Top 10:
1 Enea Bastianini
2 Brad Binder
3 Pol Espargaro
4 Aleix Espargaro
5 Marc Marquez
6 Joan Mir
7 Alex Rins
8 Johann Zarco
9 Fabio Quartararo
10 Takaaki Nakagami

Yes the Ducati team who looked so good in qualifying failed to deliver when it counts. Also the Suzukis after a promising start faded towards the end, unlike last season when the seemed to finish strong. It's early in the season and I expect the improved Hondas to be the ones to give Ducati a bit of trouble but KTM show they have been busy during the off season. Looking forward to the rest of the season.

Miguel Oliveira won the rain soaked Indonesian MotoGP at the beautiful Mandalika. Defending champion Fabio Quartararo second, he was dominant in the dry and took pole as well. Johann Zarco took third for Pramac.

Marc Marquez was ruled out of the race with concussion after a monumental crash at 200kph.

Pecco Bagnaia limped home 15th and Jorge Martin crashed out at T1.
Two guys considered title contenders have 1pts between them after 2 races!

Top 15:
1 Miguel Oliveira
2 Fabio Quartararo
3 Johann Zarco
4 Jack Miller
5 Alex Rins
6 Joan Mir
7 Franco Morbidelli
8 Brad Binder
9 Aleix Espargaro
10 Daryl Binder
11 Enea Bastianini
12 Pol Espargaro
13 Alex Marquez
14 Luca Marini
15 Pecco Bagnaia

The win must feel sweet for Oliveira as Quartararo has been linked with that seat.
Ducati needs to buck up their ideas fast.

Marc Marquez is suffering with double vision again after his horrific accident in Indonesia.

There seems to be no doubt that Marc Marquez sits among the very best of motorbike racers that have ever lived - but is it fair to say that it seems his time is over?  He seems to be pushing beyond the limits of his equipment and maybe beyond his own current physical limits and now seems to be regularly involved in accidents. If he keeps going I fear he might end up killing himself in an accident.

No name Bertie wrote:There seems to be no doubt that Marc Marquez sits among the very best of motorbike racers that have ever lived - but is it fair to say that it seems his time is over?  He seems to be pushing beyond the limits of his equipment and maybe beyond his own current physical limits and now seems to be regularly involved in accidents.  If he keeps going I fear he might end up killing himself in an accident.

Marc Marquez, undoubtedly an freak of nature, but it’s become apparent he’s unwilling to age gracefully. Marquez needs to realise what he did at 22 isn’t sustainable at 29.
The beginning of the end, as a serial contender, was the arm injury. On that day a more mature individual would’ve accepted he had no hope of beating Fabio. But Marquez once again went over the limit and subsequently destroyed his body.
Marquez, prior to the injury was miles clear, had he reigned it in slightly he would’ve still won - he’s truly that good.
Now he suffering life altering injuries. Someone needs to get through to him before he does something that can’t be reversed.

Aleix Espargaro wins the Grand Prix of Argentina on a historic day for Aprilia as the Italian manufacture landing maiden premier class win. Espargaro on his 200th MotoGP race, 285th Grand Prix in all categories, his first ever win. Well deserved for the Spaniard as he’s put so much in his career without getting the reward.
Jorge Martin took second and Alex Rins took third. More woes for Yamaha as world champion Quartararo limps home 8th.

Top 10:
A Espargaro
J Martin
A Rins
J Mir
F Bagnaia
B Binder
M Viñales
F Quartararo
M Bezzecchi
E Bastianini

Standings:
A Espargaro 45pts - 1 win
B Binder 38pts
E Bastianini 36pts - 1 win
A Rins 36pts
F Quartararo 35pts

I know it's early in the season but the riders who are winning aren't the ones you would have expected to before the racing began. At the end of last season Ducati looked to be the team that was improving most and with the likes of Bagnaia Miller and Zarco riding for them I expected better results from them, but as I said, it is early days and it is nice to see KTM and Aprilia doing well.

Ducati seems to have really screwed up the engine. The factory team is using a hybrid of the 2021 and 2022 engine. Seems to have totally ruined the bike entirely.
Whereas Pramac opted for the 2021 engine.
I definitely feel KTM and Suzuki maybe the bikes you want as the season hots up when we reach Europe.

Crazy qualifying session at CoTA as Ducati took the top 5 slots. Jorge Martin sensational lap to pip Jack Miller. Pecco Bagnaia completes the front row. Johann Zarco and Enea Bastianini rounded out the top 5.
8 time CoTA winner Marc Marquez down in 9th, his lowest ever starting position in Texas.

‘The Beast’ masters CoTA as Enea Bastianini wins in Texas. A brilliant performance by Bastianini on the 2021 Ducati. Alex Rins took second with an equally brilliant ride. Long time leader Jack Miller took third as his tyres went off in the latter stages.
Joan Mir was P4, Pecco Bagnaia P5, Marc Marquez P6, Fabio Quartararo P7, Jorge Martin P8, Johann Zarco P9 and Maverick Vinales P10

Marc Marquez may well have won from P9 on the grid, but his bike glitched at the start dropping him to last place. He only finished around 5 seconds from P1.

Standings:
Bastianini 61pts - 2 wins
Rins 56pts
A Espargaro 50pts - 1 win
Mir 46pts
Quartararo 44pts

Yes the Ducatis didn't have it go all their way despite having filled the first five spots on the starting grid. Both the Suzuki riders were pushing hard at the end and either could have finished on the top spot. As you say Jeff, Marquez was only 5 seconds behind the winner. Who knows where he would have finished if he hadn't started from the back.

Johann Zarco took brilliant pole position at Portimao in changing conditions. Zarco edged out 2020 world champion Joan Mir by just under 0.2.
Another day to forget for Pecco Bagnaia as the Italian crashed heavily and set no time. If cleared by the medics, Pecco will start 25th and last.

‘El Diablo’ dominated the Portuguese GP to register his first win since Silverstone last season. Incredible performance by the world champion.
Johann Zarco took a well deserved second but that long overdue win keeps alluding the Frenchman.
Aleix Espargaro took third place and it was throughly well deserved also.

Jack Miller, whom has reportedly been dropped by Ducati, crashed late on and also took out Joan Mir.
A rare mistake by Enea Bastianini as he crashed out losing his championship lead.

Top 10:
1. Quartararo
2. Zarco
3. A Espargaro
4. Rins
5. Oliveira
6. M Marquez
7. A Marquez
8. P Espargaro
9. Bagnaia
10. Vinales

Standings:
Quartararo 69pts - 1 win
Rins 69pts
A Espargaro 66pts
Bastianini 61pts - 1 wins

Pecco Bagnaia wins the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. Bagnaia lead from Fabio Quartararo from start to finish. Quartararo stalked Bagnaia all race but Pecco kept his cool to finally ignite his 2022 campaign.
Aleix Esparago came home third and as such Aprilia’s concessions have ended.

1. Bagnaia
2. Quartararo
3. A Esparago
4. M Marquez
5. Miller
6. Mir
7. Nakagami
8. Bastianini
9. Bezzecchi
10. B Binder

Standings:
1. Quartararo 89pts - 1 win
2. A Esparago 82pts - 1 win
3. Bastianini 69pts - 2 wins
4. Rins 69pts
5. Bagnaia 56pts - 1 win
6. Mir 56pts

Rather staggeringly Suzuki has announced they are leaving MotoGP at the end of the current season. Got to admit I never saw this coming.

2020 world champion Joan Mir set to join Repsol Honda for 2023.

As of now Alex Rins has no ride for 2023.

Valentino Rossi’s #46 will officially be retired at a ceremony at the upcoming Italian GP at Mugello in 2 weeks time.

Enea Bastianini storms to victory at Le Mans to win for the third time in 2022.
The Beast stalked and harried Pecco Bagnaia as Bagnaia crumbled under pressure and crashed out.
Jack Miller took a morale boosting second place.
Aleix Esparago took another podium for Aprilia.
Fabio Quartararo fourth at this home race after a terrible start left him to too much to do.

Terrible day for Suzuki as both Alex Rins and Joan Mir crash out.

Top 10:
1. Bastianini
2. Miller
3. A Espargaro
4. Quartararo
5. Zarco
6. M Marquez
7. Nakagami
8. B Binder
9. Marini
10. Vinales

Standings:
1. Quartararo 102pts - 1 win
2. A Espargaro 98pts - 1 win
3. Bastianini 94pts - 3 wins
4. Rins 69pts
5. Miller 62pts
6. Zarco 62pts
7. Bagnaia 56pts - 1 win

Shots fired by Enea Bastianini as ‘The Beast’ claims Pecco Bagnaia doesn’t want the smoke! Bastianini says Bagnaia is attempting to block Ducati’s attempts to get Bastianini on the factory Ducati for 2023.
Bastianini says ‘it’s bad news for Bagnaia if they are teammates’.
There’s no real love loss between the two Italians, but at this moment in time Bastianini has Bagnaia on the run.

The Grand Prix of Finland has been postponed until
2023 due to issue with the track not being ready.

Aprilia has announced Aleix Espargaro(Espargaro two year deal until 2024) and Maverick Vinales will stay with the team for 2023. Vinales is mighty lucky to keep his seat, he’s getting his ass kicked by Aleix.

RNF has parted ways with Yamaha and will become Aprilia’s satellite team from 2023. The deal will last at least 3 years.

Seems bizarre that Yamaha will now only have two bikes, unless they pick up the slack left by Suzuki. It’s leaves Toprak Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP move in doubt.

Marc Marquez will undergo further surgery on his right arm. Further complications from that accident back in 2020.
No return date given.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Aprilia has announced Aleix Espargaro(Espargaro two year deal until 2024) and Maverick Vinales will stay with the team for 2023. Vinales is mighty lucky to keep his seat, he’s getting his ass kicked by Aleix.

It's hard to believe they're on the same bike most of the time. Do they have a logical alternative, or is that likely to come through the new satellite team?

Marc Marquez will undergo further surgery on his right arm. Further complications from that accident back in 2020.
No return date given.

Feels weird to look back on his career already given his age, but it just doesn't feel like he's ever going to be the force he was again. Which in turn makes his career seem slightly underwhelming despite all his success, and I'm interested to see how time ends up treating him there.

Lowlandbrit wrote:

Jeff Navarro wrote:Aprilia has announced Aleix Espargaro(Espargaro two year deal until 2024) and Maverick Vinales will stay with the team for 2023. Vinales is mighty lucky to keep his seat, he’s getting his ass kicked by Aleix.

It's hard to believe they're on the same bike most of the time. Do they have a logical alternative, or is that likely to come through the new satellite team?

Marc Marquez will undergo further surgery on his right arm. Further complications from that accident back in 2020.
No return date given.

Feels weird to look back on his career already given his age, but it just doesn't feel like he's ever going to be the force he was again. Which in turn makes his career seem slightly underwhelming despite all his success, and I'm interested to see how time ends up treating him there.

In recent years certain satellite teams have essentially become sister teams for the factory teams.
Ducati + Pramac
KTM + Tech 3 KTM
Repsol Honda + LRC Honda

All these teams use the masters versions of each respective manufacturers bike.

Aprilia states this will also be their method, which is really good as their bike is really fantastic now.

Yamaha on the other hand have been slightly underhand. They gave SIC Yamaha a works deal for Quartararo. When he left, Rossi kept the works deal. Morbidelli never had a latest spec bike at the satellite Yamaha team, despite having a factory Yamaha deal.

I think Yamaha are trying to save money so they can paid Quartararo more to stay with them.

As for Marquez, yes it’s looking like his championship winning days are over. It’s a similar situation to when Rossi broke his leg at Mugello. After that he also never won another championship.

Pecco Bagnaia makes up from the heartbreak off Le Mans, by winning the Italian GP at Mugello.
Reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo with a sensational second on the massively underpowered Yamaha.
Aleix Espargaro with his 4th consecutive 3rd place. Enea Bastianini crashed out when hunting down third place on the podium. Both Suzuki’s crash our. VR46 team with 5+6.

1. Bagnaia
2. Quartararo
3. A Espargaro
4. Zarco
5. Bezzecchi
6. Marini
7. B Binder
8. Nakagami
9. Oliveira
10. M Marquez

Standings:
1. Quartararo 122pts - 1 win
2. A Espargaro 114pts - 1 win
3. Bastianini 94pts - 3 wins
4. Bagnaia 81pts - 2 wins
5. Zarco 75pts

Factory Yamaha team says WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has no chance to join MotoGP in 2023.
The Turk is in direct competition with Franky Morbidelli for a seat in 2024.

Reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo commits his future to the factory Yamaha team until the end of 2024.
Yamaha, unsurprisingly, was almost desperate to retain the jewel in their crown.

‘El Diablo’ Fabio Quartararo romps to victory at the Catalan GP at Barcelona. This was the race of a champion, absolutely peerless. No wonder Yamaha was desperate to retain the Frenchman at any cost. Pramac duo Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco complete the podium after Aleix Espargaro bizarrely thought the race ended a lap early and eased off losing a certain P2. Those 9pts thrown away might comeback to haunt Aleix.

1. Quartararo
2. Martin
3. Zarco
4. Mir
5. A Espargaro
6. Marini
7. Vinales
8. B Binder
9. Oliviera
10. A Marquez

Pecco Bagnaia and Alex Rins’ title aspirations take a massive hit after Takaaki Nakagami wiped both out. Enea Bastianini once again crashes out. ‘The Beast’ is either win it or bin it.

Standings:
1. Quartararo 147pts - 2 wins
2. A Espargaro 125pts - 1 win
3. Bastianini 94pts - 3 wins
4. Zarco 91pts
5. Bagnaia 81pts - 2 wins

Preseason favourite Bagnaia is now 66pts behind Quartararo. Still 11 races to go but that’s a big margin.

We head to Germany next, the Sachsenring, Repsol
Honda won the last 11 races there - Pedrosa 2010-12 M Marquez 2013-21.
Think it’s fairly safe to assume that streak will end in 2022.

Further update on the terrible crash between Nakagami, Rins and Bagnaia.
Nakagami, whom was lucky not to get killed, will stay in hospital. His head literally hit Bagnaia’s rear wheel.
Rins has a broken wrist.
Both riders unsurprisingly have been declared ‘unfit’.

What was Espargaro thinking of ? He and his Pit Crew must have been devastated.

Aleix Espargaro aged 32 has never been on podium at his home Grand Prix in MotoGP and has had a lot of bad luck with retirements with his best finish being 6th back in 2014 followed by Ret (2015 to 2019), 12 (2020), Ret (2021). Here, in 2022 he somehow had a brain freeze, and thought he had second place and a podium and taking his foot off the gas started celebrating with his home crowd, only to later realise that something was up.

KTM confirms Jack Miller will replace Miguel Oliveira at their factory team for 2023.
Oliveira was offered a seat at the satellite Tech 3 KTM team, a demotion, which was declined.

Alex Rins misses the German GP as his surgically replaced wrist is causing too many issues.

The other big story is Ducati has confirmed it’s plans for 2023. Jorge Martin or Enea Bastianini will get the bike vacated by KTM bound Jack Miller. There was strong rumours that Joan Mir was under consideration, but Ducati rejected this notion. Ducati will only keep within the current stable.
Johann Zarco will re-up at Pramac and still with full factory support.

Fabio Quartararo romps to victory at the Sachsenring as ‘El Diablo’ once again shows he’s the benchmark in MotoGP. Quartararo becomes the first man to win back to back races in 2022.

Johann Zarco took a comfortable second place, didn’t have any answer for Quartararo but Zarco was a comfortable P2.

Jack Miller took a throughly well deserved P3, showed great pace. Overcame a long lap penalty as well.

Aleix Espargaro came home in fourth as the Aprilia faded late on.

Horrific day Pecco Bagnaia as he crashes out again after crumbling under Quartararo’s pressure. His title hopes are finished.

Joan Mir binned it again as well. Terrible weekend for Suzuki.

Honda failed to score a single point at their favourite track....

Poor old Maverick Vinales looked set for a podium until god rear ride height device failured.

1. Quartararo
2. Zarco
3. Miller
4. A Espargaro
5. Marini
6. Martin
7. B Binder
8. Di Giannantonio
9. Oliveira
10. Bastianini

Standings:
1. Quartararo 172pts - 3 wins
2. A Espargaro 138pts - 1 win
3. Zarco 111pts
4. Bastianini 100pts - 3 wins
5. B Binder - 82pts

Yes Bagnaia's chances of winning the title are all but gone, unless Quartararo has a meltdown and I don't see that happening. He seems to improve with every race and I don't think he is on the best bike.

Seems like big moves in rider market are close to be finalised.
Joan Mir set to join Repsol Honda taking Pol Espargaro’s seat.
Alex Rins in talks to join LRC Honda taking Alex Marquez’s seat.
Pol Espargaro set to rejoin Tech 3 KTM satellite team.
Miguel Oliveira in talks with Gresini and Aprilia satellite team.
Alex Marquez will drop back down to Moto2.

Gresini announces Fabio Di Giannantonio will remain with them in 2023. Not real surprise as he’s been getting better with every race.

Somewhat surprisingly Gresini has signed Alex Marquez to replace the promoted Enea Bastianini.

Alex Marquez’s sponsors put down a significant contribution to save his MotoGP career.

Pecco Bagnaia wins the Dutch GP at Assen to reignite his championship aspirations. Terrible day at the office for Fabio Quartararo crashed twice as the world champion registered a rare DNF. Quartararo cost Aleix Espargaro a potential win after pushing Espargaro into the gravel during his first incident.

Aleix Espargaro eventually recovered to P4. Make no bones about it, this was a world champion’s ride. He was insanely great on this day.

Maverick Vinales registers his first podium for Aprilia.

Marco Bezzecchi registers maiden podium in premier class on the 2021 Ducati.

1. Bagnaia
2. Bezzecchi
3. Viñales
4. A Espargaro
5. B Binder
6. Miller
7. Martin
8. Mir
9. Oliveira
10. Rins

Standings:
Quartararo 172pts - 3 wins
A Espargaro 151pts - 1 win
Zarco 114pts
Bagnaia 106pts - 3 wins
Bastianini 105pts - 3 wins

Fabio Quartararo has been given a long lap penalty to be served at the British GP for crashing into Aleix Espargaro.

A bit harsh on Quartararo, it wasn't a deliberate attempt to push Espargaro off the track. What a brilliant comeback from Aleix though to finish fourth behind his team mate. A long five weeks before we get to see how the fight for the title goes.

Quartararo and Yamaha absolutely raging at the decision. I do find it a bit strange. Nakagami avoided punishment for two wild accidents, the latter where Rins has his wrist broken and Nakagami himself whom was nearly killed.
I do feel Dorna are trying to manufacture the title battle.

Pecco Bagnaia was out partying in Ibiza following his victory at Assen.
Seems like Bagnaia lost the function of his brain as he was caught drink driving.
Bagnaia was three times over the limit.
This is really stupid behaviour

Andrea Dovizioso announces he will not race in MotoGP in 2023 and most likely retire from MotoGP.

Andrea Dovizioso announces he will retire after the San Marino GP at Misano next month. Brings to an end a great career for the 15x race winner in the premier class. Where it not for a certain Spaniard #93, Dovizioso would’ve been a triple champion in MotoGP.

Britain’s Cal Crutchlow will replace Dovizioso for the last 6 races off the season.

Pecco Bagnaia wins the British GP at Silvetstone as Maverick Vinales let a late opportunity pass him by.
Fabio Quartararo finished a lowly eight and a heavily bruised Aleix Espargaro was ninth.
Special mention to Bastianini, lost most of his aero package at the start. Living up to his ‘Beast’ moniker. Incredible ride.

1. Bagnaia
2. Vinales
3. Miller
4. Bastianini
5. Martin
6. Oliveira
7. Rins
8. Quartararo
9. A Espargaro
10. Bezzecchi

Dorna announced that MotoGP will feature ‘sprint races’ from 2023 at every race weekend.
I’m not exactly why this decision has been taken.
‘El Diablo’ in particular wasn’t very amused.
The riders were not consulted before the decision by Dorna…

Pol Espargaro has signed a two year deal with ‘GasGas’ Tech 3 KTM

Pecco Bagnaia wins the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring to win three consecutive races in MotoGP for the first time.
Fabio Quartararo with a sensational second place with a champions ride.
Jack Miller holds off Jorge Martin to complete the podium. Martin then crashed.
Quartararo really is levels above everyone else. This is Ducati’s playground and the Frenchman was mere 0.4 off the win.

1. Bagnaia
2. Quartararo
3. Miller
4. Marini
5. Zarco
6. A Espargaro
7. B Binder
8. Rins
9. Bezzecchi
10. Martin

Standings:
Quartararo 200pts - 3 wins
A Espargaro 168pts - 1 win
Bagnaia 156pts - 5 wins