Who are the top threats in MotoGP? Who will fall, who will rise, and who will disappoint us all? These are the questions we’re all asking ourselves ahead of the race, this Sunday. Welcome back to Overtake Motorsports- MotoGP style!
My top three contenders for the MotoGP 2022 season are Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.
Jorge Martin might seem like stretch, but the skill and ambition he showed in 2021 really made me root for him. Watching him make it up the classes was amazing and I have very little doubt in my mind that he is going to make a serious impact this season. If Jack Miller goes, which I’ll get to later, Martin is the person they will call. He also adapts so well on the Ducati, much better then previous riders have. I actually think he’s going to take the first race and if he can keep that pace up, nothing will be able to stop him.
Bagnaia might seem like an obvious choice. But I think he’s going to push even harder than he did last season. Quartararo is already showing doubt of the competition- whether it be Marquez-or the speed of the Ducati’s- and coming into any season scared is a one way ticket to losing your nerve. Bagnaia lost the Championship by such a small margin that they might as well have been tied. That, along with the time Ducati will probably give him to mature, there isn’t anything that is going to stop him.
As for Marquez, I think he’s a threat based on two things: one, he has absolutely nothing to lose, and two, he has everything to prove. I’ll admit, I choked up when he won in Germany because it was a historical, but also personal win for him. There really wasn’t anyone else who could have done it, but that was expected.
Now if he comes into 2022, tires on fire? That will prove that he is one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. And if he pushes and crashes out? He still pushed. But Marquez always learns from his mistakes. Either way, Marquez isn’t going to keep on the sideline. 2021 is the last time he will be put aside.
The riders we don’t need to worry about? Here they are:
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Jack Miller
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Aleix Espargaro
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Miguel Oliveira
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Franco Morbidelli
Jack Miller has proven, time and time again, that he is not a world champion. Not only is he inconsistent, but it’s so bad he would make the perfect test rider. There were a couple of times in the 2021 season where he really showed off his skills on the Ducati. But overall was one of the biggest disappointments of the year. Does anyone else hear WSBK calling his name? I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t get another contract before Assen, this year.
Aleix Espargaro. For the most part, I wouldn’t even mention the Aprillia’s. While they always do well in testing, there isn’t enough there for them to win… anything. If they podium, I would consider it their World Championship, but for those of you who actually think they’re a threat, I’d like to inform you that Miguel Oliveira’s fans felt the same way.
Speaking of him- let’s move on to Miguel Oliveira. My Portuguese fans created quite the stir when I brought him up before, but here are the facts: He won the races he did because there was no one else. Just like Mir won the World Championship because no one else could keep their cool long enough.
While I have high hopes for Tech 3 KTM ( Remy Gardner / Raul Fernandez ) I am not expecting Factory KTM to come out on top of anything but the list of riders who crashed out the most times. I’ve said it since the beginning, and I stand by what I said.
I wouldn’t bring up Franco Morbidelli if I didn’t have to retract a statement I made ahead of the 2021 season. Towards the end of 2020, he did amazing. Came out 2nd, I would take him over Valentino Rossi on the Yamaha any day. But when I said he was going tog impact the sport in 2021, I didn’t mean he was going to replace Maverick Vinales. That’s all he is right now- the replacement of a much better rider- but he isn’t going to make a big impact this season.
Overall, I’m excited to see how the new guys do this season. The VR46 Team, Gresini Racing Team and Tech 3 KTM. I would like to note that Darryn Binder is not on that list because of the stunts and dangerous riding he was involved in last season. I can confidently say, though, that the WithU Yamaha team is my least favorite team of all time.
There is a lot to learn from the first race before we really place our bets down. Either way, it’s going to be a great show with the drama and speed of 2016.
Let me know your thoughts and who you think will be the 2022 World Champion.
See you in Qatar.
