The final MotoGP pre-season test of 2023 has come to an end, leaving behind some valuable insights into what we can expect from the upcoming season. As the teams gear up for the first race in Qatar, let's take a look at some of the key takeaways from the test.
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Yamaha's resurgence Yamaha had a disappointing season in 2022, finishing fourth in the constructor's championship. However, the team seems to have bounced back this year, with both Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo topping the time sheets during the test. The new Yamaha M1 appears to be more competitive than its predecessor, which could put the team back in the title hunt.
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Ducati's pace Ducati has always been known for its straight-line speed, and the 2023 bike is no different. However, the team has also made strides in improving its cornering speed, with Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia finishing second and third respectively in the test. The Italian team could be a serious contender for the championship this year.
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Honda's struggles Honda had a difficult 2022 season, and the pre-season test suggests that the team is still struggling to find its footing. Marc Marquez, who missed most of last season due to injury, finished seventh in the test, while his teammate Pol Espargaro was down in 17th. The new bike seems to be a handful, and it remains to be seen if Honda can make significant improvements before the first race.
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Suzuki's consistency Suzuki won the constructor's championship in 2022, and the team looks set to continue its strong form this year. Joan Mir and Alex Rins were consistently fast throughout the test, finishing in the top five on multiple occasions. The new Suzuki GSX-RR looks like a well-rounded package, and the team could be a dark horse for the championship.
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KTM's progress KTM has been steadily improving over the past few seasons, and the 2023 pre-season test suggests that the team is continuing on that trajectory. Miguel Oliveira was the fastest KTM rider in the test, finishing in fifth place. The team has also made significant progress with its new chassis, which could help the riders extract more performance from the bike.
Overall, the pre-season test has given us a glimpse into what we can expect from the 2023 MotoGP season. With Yamaha and Ducati looking strong, Suzuki and KTM making progress, and Honda struggling, the championship is shaping up to be a closely contested affair. The first race in Qatar on March 26th cannot come soon enough.