2022 MotoGP season

[René]

Qatar Grand Prix - Losail International Circuit

The first race of the season and therefore the first proper opportunity to see how the teams compare.

FP1 and FP2 saw two very different sessions where FP1 was held in the afternoon in hot and sunny conditions and FP2 in more representative conditions of what will be seen in qualifying and the race, under floodlights and relatively cooler.

FP1 saw Brad Binder on the KTM with the best time, Nakagami on the Honda second and Alex Rins on Suzuki third. In FP2 Binder was only 15th. Fastest time by Rins and then Marc Marquez on Honda and Joan Mir on Suzuki.

[charleselan]

The thing here is, where are the Ducati's? Are they "sand bagging" or not suited to this particular track. Pre-season the Ducati's were favourites to dominate the MotoGP championship this year. Qualifying tomorrow may paint a different picture however and will be a more accurate barometer of what is going on. 

[chrisb]

In qualifying it looks like Ducati were 'sandbagging' as were Honda, although Marquez was up to his usual tricks - it is not good for racing when the first inline 4 is 8th this does not bode well for the season, Suzuki are looking good and my bet for taking the challenge to the V4's in the race, but Yamaha look forlorn and I wonder if Fab will be there in 2023- they are estimated to be 13kph slower down the straights, the one team that is starting to look good is Aprilla, Aleix is well placed and is looking good, maverick hasn't quite got it together but from what Simon Crafar is saying it is a matter of time and then Maverick will be awesome [again] - apparantly Simon was saying tha Maverick was looking so so fast on quick turns in fact the class of the field but hasn't got that yet for the slower ones,

Moto2 was spectacular - this is starting to look like this is going to be the series to watch,

Moto3 was good, with some new teams and my focus is on the new British one, with two Brits racing and one Scott Ogden finishing around 21st in qualifying which was and the other lad who is currently the youngest rider in the field whose name is currently escaping me, who did well

[René]

The Ducatis are back! Pole position for Jorge Martin. Another Ducati on P2 with Enea Bastianini, 3rd for Marc Márquez (is he also back?) and 4th for Jack Miller, again Ducati! Reigning champion Fabio Quartararo only 11th.

[charleselan]

Yes looks like Ducati were hiding their performance and are now where they should be. I felt very sorry for Johan Zarco in Q2 getting his excellent lap deleted due to a yellow flag, sometimes these rules really suck.

Marquez up to his usual unsporting tricks, he claims that he uses another rider as a marker, I have one word to answer that Marc; b*ll*cks. Why is it that he appears to be the only guy who really does that, and yet the commentary team on BT Sport think it is great fun and Oh! So funny.

In Moto2 Jake Dixon was flying but like Zarco lost his time thanks to a yellow flag penalty, but he will be strong in the race, his new team looks to suit him.

Early days for the new British Moto3 squad but for a first effort that was impressive.

[chrisb]

I had watched qualifying with a sinking heart, obviously the race may well be very different but given the top speed differences I suspect the inline 4's are in for a struggle, maybe Maverick's departure from the frustrations of Yamaha to the V4 of Aprilla wasn't such a bad idea. I am betting that he will win at least one GP this year - once he has that bike to his taste - as he is so good when all things point in the right direction.

As for Marquez, was disgusted by his antics and the example it sets, what gets me is as you say John the commentators reactions, whilst praising Marquez and in the same breath criticising Moto3 riders for doing exactly the same, personally methinks the paddock needs to unite in blocking Marquez from using these tactics. The other rider who used to be notorious for that was Bautista - especially when it came to contract time. If Marquez is as good as the commentators rave about why does he need to do this? I don't remember any other 'great' having to resort to this. I see he is favourite for the win, I just think his body is so fragile and his intimidation of other riders won't work anymore, especially amongst the young Italian riders who won't give him that space he thinks he deserves.

My money is on a Ducati win - I hope Zarco does really well but suspect Martin is the more likely - I shall watch it later on and fingers crossed for a good race 

Taylor Mac was interviewed by the returning Amy which was great as she is a welcome return, I am a bit confused who is commentating on what but thoroughly enjoyed Matt Burke and Simon Crafar's stint - ok Marquez adulation still there but at least 75% less than in previous years and that is so welcome.

[René]

Final result of the Qatar GP.

1. Enea Bastianini - Ducati
2. Brad Binder - KTM
3. Pol Espargaro - Honda
4. Aleix Espargaro - Aprilia
5. Marc Marquez - Honda
6. Joan Mir - Suzuki
7. Alex Rins - Suzuki
8. Johann Zarco - Ducati
9. Fabio Quartararo - Yamaha
10. Takaaki Nakagami - Honda

[René]

Indonesian Grand Prix - Mandalika Street Circuit

The MotoGP boys are back in action this weekend at the new street circuit of Mandalika. Extremely hot conditions on the island of Lombok will make this a big challenge for all the teams.

Pol Espargaro was fastest in FP1 ahead of Oliveira and Márquez. In FP2 however it was the Yamaha boys Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli who set the fastest times ahead of Johann Zarco on Ducati. Marc Márquez had another high speed crash which left him down in 22nd.

[chrisb]

Thanks Rene, well if anyone wants a lesson how to build a brilliant circuit in a beautiful spot Indonesia is it, a wonderful place,

A horrendous accident in this morning warm-up I think his 4th such accident, but this was very different and one of those that makes one hold one's breath, it was dreadful so very grateful he was not more seriously injured - Marquez really is a fortunate chap to still be in one piece after one of the biggest high-sides I have seen. However, it did mean he didn't start and I for one was relieved. 

The races, mmm,

Moto3 was given a lesson in how to win in one easy session, Dennis the menace Foggia was just head and shoulders ahead of everyone else, but a special mention to Britain's Scott Ogden, whose riding was just excellent all weekend and finished a fine 13th gaining his first points for his team and himself, long may it continue.

Moto2, was just disappointing - after Jake Dixon took a brilliant pole and Sam Lowes lined up 2nd - the race turned out very different. a Brilliant race by Chantra saw him dominate the event and win with aplomb and style, Jake crashed out and Sam finished 4th, but Chantra was just class

MotoGP was dominated by a brilliant Miguel Oliveira on his KTM- the commentators were suggesting his team-mate would dominate but no, it was Oliveira back at his best, rode a fabulous race, as did Fabio, who dropped back - got a second wind and finished a fine 2nd, and just in front of his compatriot Johann, who again showed the Ducati's the way home, with Jack an interesting 4th and arguing with Fabio over an overtake, which was sharp but nothing like other world champions do every week, the two Suzuki's followed Jack and a welcome Frankie finished 7th, but...one of the drive's of the day was none other than the dive-bomb Darren - younger brother of Brad who shut up an awful lot of people with a well calculated 10th place, oh did I mention just how hard it rained and how the start was delayed, wow when it rains in Indonesia you are not kidding!

[charleselan]

I did not intend watching the race this weekend due to the timing of the race in Europe, however due to the delay thanks to the heavy downpour I tuned in just before the start and thoroughly enjoyed the race.

What a great podium and such a fine win by Miguel Oliveira who seems to have now fully recovered from his lingering injuries of last season and has his confidence back. He really is such a fine rider and it was painful watching him struggle when someone of his undoubted talent should not.

Also seeing Fabio ride so well in conditions that have in the past been his undoing. I was hoping that Johann Zarco would come through and he had the speed as the race unfolded but yet again he came upon Jack Miller and just could not get passed him until far too late in the race. this happened a number of times last year when Jack faded in pace but was resolute in his defence and Johann too cautious with a fellow Ducati rider, you need to knock him out the way Monsieur Zarco.

[René]

Argentinian Grand Prix - Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo

After several delays (freight issues) the circus finally got underway on the saturday. A spectacular qualifying saw the first pole position for Aprilia and Aleix Espargaro as Luca Marini starred for Valentino Rossi’s team in third.

1 Aleix Espargaro - Aprilia 1'37.68
2 Jorge Martin - Ducati 1'37.839
3 Luca Marini - Ducati 1'38.119
4 Pol Espargaro - Honda 1'38.165
5 Maverick Viñales - Aprilia 1'38.196
6 Fabio Quartararo - Yamaha 1'38.281
7 Alex Rins - Suzuki 1'38.455
8 Joan Mir - Suzuki 1'38.516
9 Johann Zarco - Ducati 1'38.537
10 Takaaki Nakagami - Honda 1'38.576

[chrisb]

two great tracks out of 3 isn't a bad start, after the logistical nightmare that was flying from Thailand to Argentina and at least 4 flights the race didn't disappoint in the slightest , perhaps one of the most emotional victories I have ever witnessed, well done to Aleix - who rode a brilliant race and Aprilla's first victory, in the modern era anyway, some great rides, Jorge was mighty, the Suzuki's did very well and I was pleased for Alex that he kept it sunny side up, disappointed for Maverick who lost 5th place at the last but at least he scored some points and was way ahead of his former team.

Honda had a nightmare, Takie made a very good start but caused mayhem behind him - basically screwing up Fabio's and Mavericks races, and then faded, Pol was doing well to begin with but ended up in the kitty litter as did Johan, who I was gutted for - this guy desperately needs a victory, well it took Aleix 200 races so don't give up Johan, Yamaha was a disaster, with only Fabio showing anything good, Frankie and Dovi retired and Darryn finished 18th - sorry Dovi went back out and finished 3 laps behind, 

Moto2 was good, there are two who are leaving the others behind - good ride from Jake but seemingly lacklustre from Sam, good to see Chantra doing so well, Team Asia was a very happy place - but the star was a 16 year old, who set an incredible pole position time and was fighting Vietti when a 'racing incident' occurred - a name to be remember is young Fermin Aldeguer who crashed out and was fortunate not to get too injured.

Moto3, was a better race than usual - although as usual there was crashes and scrapes galore. Scott Ogden is continue to impress and sad his race ended with a retirement not of his making, but Denis the menace is looking good for the championship 

off to Texas now and it is unlikely to see Marquez there

[René]

Thanks Chris. Your MotoGP race reports are always a treat!

[chrisb]

well thank you Rene, it certainly was an emotional victory and a very popular one,

seems I was premature about Marc - he is due to race at Texas this weekend, and having won so many previous races there - he will be incredibly motivated, just hope he stays safe

[chrisb]

Texas here we are yeehaa!

on a bumper weekend of motor sport we also have a wonderful meeting at the great Austin circuit - a haven to Marc in the past but it appears others are now disputing this - some great practice performances with Alex and the Maverick dominating the 1st practice and the Ducati's taking the mantle in Practice 2, with a newly shaven Johan quickest, obviously the removal of his beard had a great impact on his performance, disaster for the Thailand winner Miguel Olivera who was last, this is shaping up to a grand race, with practice ending at 21:00 hours local time - this is going to be a motorbike racing heaven! Mainly because at Aragon we have the first WSB race - see separate story