In the run up to MotoGP’s sizzling season opener in Qatar, here’s a run down of some of the favorites, wild cards and teams to watch out for — blink and you’ll miss them.
Favorite
It has to be Marquez. At just 22 years of age the double world champion has enjoyed a strong and trouble free preseason.
It will be tougher this year though, especially with Movistar Yamaha’s re-focused Jorge Lorenzo around and Ducati getting back into the mix.
“Marc is Marc,” says Repsol Honda’s Team Principal Livio Suppo, “He’s very difficult to beat, but every rider must believe he can do it, otherwise he should change jobs.”
Team to watch
Ducati’s blistering pace in testing should place them within reach of Honda and Yamaha, and both Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone are talented riders.
The Italian team topped the Qatar test standings without even using softer tires, so look well set to dominate qualifying, if not necessarily the race.
Team Principal Gigi Dall’Igna has specific targets in mind: “Our aim this season is to achieve at least one victory during the year. We know it’s going to be tough but we are not frightened by the challenge” he told CNN.
“We must beat two giants like Honda and Yamaha and then finish ahead of four of the fastest riders in the world. Sometimes you can reach your aims, sometimes you can’t, but we must be realistic and give ourselves these challenging objectives if we want to succeed.”
Wild card
Honda’s Livio Suppo believes young Australian Jack Miller is a future star, “It will take time I believe, but he has the potential to do well,” he told CNN.
The Brit Pack
British riders Cal Crutchlow, Bradley Smith and Scott Redding all have podium potential, but look out for their private battle to be the top Briton. All have something to prove this year, and all are hungry, uncompromising riders.
New teams
The return of factory outfits Suzuki and Aprilia is a huge boost for MotoGP. Suzuki look well set for points, and 20 year old rookie Maverick Viñales (named after Tom Cruise’s Top Gun character) has talent to burn, but Aprilia will be viewing 2015 as a test year.