We take a look at 10 races that helped shape how the 2022 MotoGP™ title race was decided
Ducati’s historic Triple Crown will forever mark an unforgettable season of racing that was the 2022 MotoGP™ World Championship. A rollercoaster year in more ways than one, we’ve picked out 10 of the best and most defining moments of the campaign for you to look back on.
A beauty from The Beast lights up Qatar
The season opener at the Lusail International Circuit was an emotional affair as Enea Bastianini handed Gresini Racing MotoGP™ a dream victory, not long after we tragically lost the late, great Fausto Gresini. The Italian gave us a preview in what we would come to expect across the season from the 2020 Moto2™ World Champion, as fellow Ducati stars Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) suffer a Round 1 DNF following a Turn 1 error from Pecco.
Aleix and Aprilia tango to debut victories in Argentina
It was worth the wait. As MotoGP™ returned to Termas de Rio Hondo for the first time since since 2019, a new contender was emerging on a new, improved and rapid Aprilia Racing RS-GP. Having never won a Grand Prix before, Aleix Espargaro finally stood on the top step of the podium after a fascinating battle with compatriot Martin. It was here everyone realised Espargaro and Aprilia were going to be genuine title contenders in 2022.
Contrasting fortunes in Catalonia
With a commanding victory, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) extended his lead at the top of the overall standings to 22 points, as podium-bound Aleix Espargaro made a costly error of miscounting the laps to see a home GP rostrum go painfully astray. Meanwhile, a Lap 1, Turn 1 mistake from Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) saw the Japanese star take out both Alex Rins and Pecco, leaving the latter 66 points adrift of Quartararo in the title chase.
Pecco’s much-needed pendulum swing at The Cathedral of Speed
After a DNF in Germany – and a Quartararo victory – Bagnaia and Ducati stared down the barrel of a 91-point gap to the Frenchman heading to Assen. The fast, flowing nature of Assen’s special ribbon of asphalt lends itself brilliantly to Yamaha’s…