So far the 2022 MotoGP season has not disappointed, with nine different riders from six different manufacturers on the podium in the first three races. With Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia also celebrated its first victory in the premier class last race weekend in Argentina.
From the point of view of “ServusTV” expert Alex Hofmann, MotoGP is more competitive than ever: “Realistically, 50 percent of the field can definitely win.”
“Aprilia was even a new manufacturer. The others are also so well positioned that I don’t want to rule it out when the perfect day comes or the rain god is nearby,” says the ex-racing driver. Espargaro had the perfect day – or rather the perfect weekend – in Argentina.
Aleix Espargaro ‘believed in himself for so long’
The Aprilia rider was fast in practice, secured pole position in qualifying and fought his way to victory in the race after a close duel with Ducati competitor Jorge Martin. For him it was the first in his 284th World Championship race, because he had not previously won in the small classes either.
Aprilia was victorious there a total of 294 times. For the Italian brand, however, the victory in Argentina was the first in the premier class. They have been working towards this together with Espargaro since 2017. “He got on the Aprilia at a time when nobody wanted the bike,” says Hofmann.
“He took part in the entire development and believed in himself for so long, but before that he had never won a Grand Prix. The story was correspondingly cheesy.”
Marc Márquez “only knows the Superman in him”
After three races, Espargaro is now even leading the World Championship standings – in front of Brad Binder (KTM) and Enea Bastianini (Gresini-Ducati). Marc Márquez, who many thought would come back in full force in 2022 from a lengthy injury layoff, sits in 15th place with just 11 points.
After his highside in Indonesia, the Honda driver had to pause again. Hofmann criticizes: “In Indonesia I lacked reason in the team. They knew the bike wasn’t right. On a weekend like this I have to say, okay, I’ll take 5th place with me. But Marc only knows the Superman in himself. “
And the “ServusTV” expert also views the technical development in MotoGP with suspicion. “We’re at the critical limit,” he says and praises the premier class on four wheels, which will be driving under new regulations this year.
Has MotoGP become too technical now?
“Formula 1 got it and did it right. You can look forward to more fights and overtaking manoeuvres. In recent years, the drivers have made it clear that overtaking is becoming increasingly difficult,” Hoffmann sees parallels with MotoGP.
However, the regulators recently put a stop to one development: From 2023, the so-called “ride height device” for the front will be banned. It allows the pilot to compress not only the rear, but also the front wheel while driving. Ducati had further developed the system for the 2022 season.