Sprinting into 2023: MotoGP™ is BACK!

The MotoGP™ 2023 season kicked off this weekend at the Sepang test, with all 22 riders taking to the track for the first time in their new liveries. After our first glimpse of action for the 2023 season, what do we need to know and what should we watch out for this year?

Ducati continues to be in a league of their own, topping the timesheets at Sepang all weekend. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was fastest on Day 3 at 1’57.889, leading the way for the seven Ducati’s landing within the top ten. Reigning world champion Pecco Bagnaia is back to defend his title in the Ducati Factory Team, with fellow Italian Enea Bastianini stepping up to replace Jack Miller. Will the determination of Bastianini be a threat to Bagnaia’s championship hopes for 2023?

Jack Miller meanwhile has changed from red to orange for this season, joining the KTM Factory Team next to Brad Binder, after five years at Ducati. Miller remained in 18th after experiencing his new machinery for the first time, whilst Binder set +0.923s taking him to 14th position.

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez returns as a strong contender for the Repsol Honda Team, finishing in 10th on Day 3. Will the RCV213V be up to the challenge this year? Alex Marquez performed quicker than his brother during the Sepang test on his Gresini, going 0.281 seconds faster than the Honda, and setting his fastest ever lap at the circuit. With Marquez on his path of recovery, only time will tell if the Honda Team shine once again against the rest of the grid.

Quartararo started the test in good form on the Yamaha, finishing on Day 1 in 11th, but by Sunday ended in 19th after changing to a new tyre. Can the Yamaha attack against Ducati during qualifying, and during the sprint races?

The introduction of Sprint Races to the class in 2023 promises to shake up the grid, taking place every Saturday of a Grand Prix for the first time. Qualifying will therefore count for both the Sprint race and the main race on the Sunday, which could prove a problem for those who typically struggle during qualifying.

One thing is for sure, the MotoGP line up has never seen so many promising title contenders – the 2022 season brought along seven different race winners and five different race winning manufacturers, and it’s only going to get better this year… 

Be part of the action and join us at the British Grand Prix MotoGP this summer, book your tickets now!