In the final six rounds of 2021, Bagnaia was able to claw back 44 points on Quartararo with two of his four victories coming at Aragon, the next destination in the 2022 title chase, and Valencia, the venue of the season finale. But Quartararo can take comfort from upcoming visits to Japan, Thailand and Australia for the first time since 2019. The Frenchman finished second to the all-conquering Marc Marquez three years ago, whilst the fast, flowing nature of Phillip Island could hide the Yamaha M1’s frailties.