MotoGP Qatar: Moto2 race preview

After ominous pace in testing, it’s time for Acosta saddle up in Moto2 and for his rivals to see how they measure up in Doha.

If Moto3 were singing “How do you solve a problem like Acosta?” last year, preseason testing tells us it’s the turn of Moto2 in 2022. The reigning lightweight class champion has gone from incredible rookie in one class to seemingly exactly the same in another, topping testing in Portugal and ominous from the start. Given Doha is where the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider began his World Championship career just 12 months ago with a second place and then that awe-inspiring win from pitlane, the now number 51 is likely walking the tallest into Lusail International Circuit.

The intermediate class, however, is a different challenge in many ways. Tyres, tactics… there’s usually no freight train and laptimes are crafted. But Raul Fernandez is the example that will most interest Acosta, and there’s no reason to believe this year’s Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie can’t turn his established speed into race-long pace. So who’ll be looking to stop him?

Teammate Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be one. He’s now the Ajo machine sporting the number 37, and with some wins and podiums under his belt already, Fernandez has proven speed. It seems the Spaniard had to compromise and ride within the limit at times in 2021 though, and while that’s a compromise every rider makes, Fernandez will be looking to unlock the margin that’s made him look on rails at times in the past. Now in the team that dominated last year, will change breed more glory?

For Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), meanwhile, the hope will be in continuity – and recovering from tendonitis in his wrist. The Brit won both Grands Prix at Lusail last season