Three riders whose places in MotoGP could be at risk for 2023

Amid all the excitement of the on track action this year, the 2022 MotoGP series also has the potential to be something of a transitional one off track as well.

With the vast majority of those currently competing in Motorcycle racing’s top class out of contract with their respective teams at the end of this year, there is plenty of potential for movement around the grid.

But while that may open the door for some individuals to switch from one factory to another before next season, there are some who might find themselves without a place in MotoGP altogether, as teams look to secure the long-term services of the next big thing from the likes of Moto2 or World Superbikes.

So with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at three riders whose places in MotoGP beyond this season, are seemingly under threat given the current circumstances.

Nakagami is now in his fifth season competing in the top class of Grand Prix Motorcycle racing, and it may be fair to say that in that time, things haven’t quite worked out.

The Japanese rider is still yet to claim a single podium finish in MotoGP, and has seen a number of opportunities to claim such a success come and go, not least when crashing out of the lead from his only pole position in the series to date, in Aragon in 2020.

With the likes of fellow Japanese rider Ai Ogura, and Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra, emerging as possible title contenders in Moto2 this season, it seems there are other riders coming through who could now have the potential to maintain MotoGP’s profile in its all-important Asian market, which given Nakagami’s own lack of tangible success in the Premier class, could be bad news for the 30-year-old come next year.

Having previously finished as runner up only to Marc Marquez