Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1354648
2021 MOTOGP SEASON PREVIEW P88 Feature even the most optimistic doctor's forecast, it would be foolish to bet against him featuring in the cham- pionship from the early rounds, if not the first. But even a rider of Marquez's caliber will need time to get up to speed. And a new guard of young, fast names have sampled that winning feeling in his ab- sence. The limited running in Qatar suggested many of them will be relishing the ex-champ's return, namely the four men who were under his existing circuit record last week: Jack Miller, now resplendent in Ducati's factory colors, and the Yamaha trio of Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartara- ro and Franco Morbidelli. Despite rarely featuring at the front of test- ing, Suzuki duo Joan Mir and Alex Rins had the rhythm to suggest they will once again be among the leaders and must be factored into the championship running. Of all the six factories present in the class, only KTM flew back to Europe post-test with worry lines etched into the brows of its engineers. Honda—even in the absence of its number one rider— and Aprilia look to be in much better shape than a year ago. Results at the Losail International Circuit have not always been the most trustworthy of barometers for a season's progression. But it wouldn't be a stretch to sug- gest as many as six names could be listed as favorites for the title. There's no reason to think the 19 races ahead won't outdo the surprises 2020 threw up. DUCATI Out With The Old… The factory Ducati garage rarely seemed a happy place in 2020. Technical guru Gigi Dall'Igna's refusal to alter the power- heavy and slightly cumbersome philosophy of the Desmosedici irked Dovizioso to the point rela- tions between the pair totally broke down, while Petrucci knew from the spring of last year he was surplus to requirements. Miller and Francesco Bagnaia, who both received a promotion from Pramac, have brought a freshness and enthusiasm that appears to have given everyone in red a lift. In Qatar the Desmosedici re- established its outright speed advantage with Johann Zarco— on the latest equipment along with the factory riders and Martin—well over the track's top speed record, his Pramac Ducati clocked at 222 mph on the run to turn one. Only Pol Espargaro's Honda (216 mph) got close, meaning the Bologna bullets should have no problem breez- ing by competitors at races one and two, both held at the Losail circuit. Miller felt front-end stability and braking prowess remain where the bike can make the difference, and the Austra- lian was struck by the ease with which he rode. Vinales absolutely must get good starts in 2021. If he can, he will be a serious title threat.