2022 MotoGP

[SoCal250]

I'm going with:
1. Quartararo
2. Zarco
3. A. Espargaro
but it's pretty much a toss up between Zarco, Espargaro, and Bagnaia

[sav0r]

Espargaro is out.

I think the Yamaha looks the best on a race distance again. It has been a little tough to tell with the mixed conditions.

[Seizer]

Fabio is earning his paycheck. Whatever Yamaha is paying him, it's not enough. It's worrying that Yamaha seems to be following the HRC philosophy of building a bike for one rider. We all know how well that's working for Honda this year. What a mess they're in without MM. I'm afraid that JM36 is going to fall victim to HRC's shitshow and mismanagement by Alberto Puig. Suzuki, WTH? And lastly, what are your thoughts on Zarco? He's obviously talented but seems to lack that killer instinct that it takes to reach the top step of the podium.
Alright, my picks for "The TT":

Pecco either wins or shits the bed again
And then...
1) AE41
2) FQ20
3) JZ5 / MV12
4) (Bonus) JM36

[sav0r]

What the heck? Espargaro started despite saying he wouldn't. Then he charged through the field and now the championship is looking a lot different.
Fabio down twice. A big one on round two.

As for Zarco, I have no doubt he could be amazing, but so much of this comes down to team dynamic, luck, timing, relationships, the number of sunspots, karma, etc.. Such is the way of racing at these top levels.

[Hawaii-Mike]

Yes, it was an amazing race!  Last week it looked like Quartararo had a near lock for the championship.  Today he DNF-ed, no points.  Pecco finished first place, +25 points.  Now I think he's 41 points down from Quartararo with half the season left to go.  I like them both.  The rest of the season will be more competitive if they both can avoid crashes - not easy to do when Nakagami took out Pecco's rear wheel!

[SoCal250]

Espargaro is out.

What the heck? Espargaro started despite saying he wouldn't. Then he charged through the field and now the championship is looking a lot different.
Fabio down twice. A big one on round two.

I think you're confusing your Espargaros. Pol was questionable, and after giving it a go in Free Practice decided the pain was too much due to his rib injury and breathing issues.
Aleix was never in question. He's fit and has been challenging for the championship.

That was quite a wild race. More proof that anything can happen this season. #20, Mr. Consitent crashed out for the first time this year and now he's facing a long lap penalty at Silverstone. He's only 21 pts ahead of #41 now
11 rounds down and 9 to go

[SoCal250]

Latest GP news tidbits...

Quartararo was awarded the French Legion of Honor, the highest award given to French citizens. So now, he's not only the Devil, but he's also a Knight
https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/07/14/quartararo-awarded-the-french-legion-of-honour/429330

Dovi 04 retiring (again) at the end of the season

Marc Marquez given a good bill of health at his 6-week post-op check-up and cleared to start physio on his shoulder that was operated on at the Mayo Clinic

Yamaha has hired a former F1 engine chief for Ferrari as a consultant on their M1 engine program. Hopefully they can find some improvements without making things worse

[SoCal250]

Rins has signed a 2-yr deal with LCR Honda. He will take the seat of Alex Marquez who is moving over to Gresini.
https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/07/19/alex-rins-lcr-honda-castrol-team-and-hrc-sign-new-contract/429459

[Seizer]

I just don't see Rins's style being compatible to the V4's, particularly the RC213. Hopefully he gets through his 2 years there relatively unscathed, but with his propensity for falling off of the bike, I'm doubtful. Best case scenario for him, is 2 years at LCR and then get a seat at VR46 satellite Yamaha team (if that ever happens) or somehow finds a way on to the Monster Energy Factory Team.  Suzuki's departure has really screwed things up for him. I can't see him as the new Crutchlow/development guy because his style is so different from the typical V4 pilot. You can't blame the guy for taking the seat and I hope I'm wrong but I don't have much hope for him there.
What are your thoughts here fellas?

[SoCal250]

Dovi has announced he will retire after the Sept 04 Misano round, so he only has 3 races left. Crutchlow will fill his seat for the last 6 rounds of the season.

[Hawaii-Mike]

British GP this Sunday, August 7th!

[SoCal250]

British GP this Sunday, August 7th!

Yep, should be interesting. El Diablo has a Long Lap to complete in the first 3 laps. And everyone is back and rested/recuperated/mended after the long holiday. Weather is supposed to be good - sunny and warm.

The 120th Anniversary of Triumph (Moto2 engine supplier) will be celebrated this weekend at the GP as well. They're having a parade lap of significant historical bikes including the original McQueen jump bike from the Great Escape movie.

[SoCal250]

GasGas has announced that they will be joining the MotoGP grid next year with Tech 3. (Basically two KTM RC16s with red GasGas body work.)
Seat #1 will be filled by Pol Espargaro, seat #2 is TBA (but an offer has been made to Oliviera)

[SoCal250]

Raul Fernandez confirmed he is leaving KTM at the end of the season. No indication where he will end up, but it won't be KTM or GasGas.

[SoCal250]

Bastianini is moving up to the factory Ducati team alongside Bagnaia next season.
Zarco and Martin are staying at Prima Pramac.