MotoGP Argentina: Moto3 race preview

2022 marks a long-awaited return to the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, and for the Moto3 class it promises an interesting weekend.

The last time we raced at the venue - in 2019 - it was Jaume Masia on top, before his tenure with Red Bull KTM Ajo, although the Spaniard was still on a KTM. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing), Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power), Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) and most recent winner Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) are the other names who’ve found some modicum of success in the land of tango, but for the majority of the field it’s unchartered territory. As in Mandalika, that could prove key, or a great leveller for many.

Masia will be hoping to repeat his result. He’s the only returner who’s been on the podium at the track, which is an understatement after taking victory from pole, but Foggia’s show of form last time out – seconds clear despite Mandalika being a brand new venue for everyone – is a warning shot for the field. He had pace in Qatar too to come from the back.

For Migno, meanwhile, the pace was there again In Indonesia, but the bad luck hit too, as Sasaki misjudged a last lap move and both went down. The pair will be heartened by more good speed but looking to hit back. The Japanese rider having earned a long lap penalty for his error that he’ll have to overcome. Add in Suzuki as he settles in at Leopard, and Toba looking for his second podium of the season, and the veteran armada is a substantial one to overcome.

Izan Guevara (Solunion GasGas Aspar Team), however, had some stunning speed on new turf and the number 28 took his first podium of the season. He duelled it out with teammate and 2021 title challenger Sergio Garcia too, who seemed