But the winner is Marc Mar-
quez, after four operations and a
staggering 30-degree retwist of
his broken arm, who finished the
season like a demigod.
Underdog of the Year –
Fabio Quartararo, on a Yamaha
others could barely get into the
points. It took until the last race
before his title was lost.
Cheeky Rascal – Enea Bas-
tianini won the opening race and
three more in his second year, but
most notably haunted and twice
beat supposedly senior Ducati
rider Bagnaia. Fireworks when
they're teammates next year.
Rampant Rookie – some
hot prospects, but frilly-haired
Marco Bezzecchi took pole in
Thailand and a podium at Assen.
Precocious talent.
Sunday Best – Brad Binder
was reliably better on Sunday
than in qualifying. Best improve-
ment of the year was 10 places
at Le Mans, from 18th to eighth.
Oh Brother – younger broth-
ers all had a hard time. Pol
Espargaro's early hopes on the
factory Honda were shattered
with repeated crashes; Alex
Marquez just battled his Honda;
Yamaha victim Darryn Binder is
down to Moto2 next year.
Best Overtake – so many,
and bad luck Jack Miller was
victim at Assen when Aleix
Espargaro nailed him and Jorge
Martin in one go into the final
H
ow special was 2022? Very
special. As 2023 will be,
as well. I promise. That's
because motorcycle grand prix
racing is great, and we love it.
So, it's time for some awards.
The good, the bad—and the oth-
ers, as well.
Comeback of the Year –
Runner up, Pecco Bagnaia, title
hopes dead and buried after the
German GP. Three crashes in
10 races left him 91 points adrift
of Fabio Quartararo. A masterly
final run of five wins and three
more podiums in the last 10
revived the corpse.
P120
CN
III IN THE PADDOCK
BY MICHAEL SCOTT
THAT WAS
THE YEAR THAT
WAS
Rookie Marco Bezzecchi
had a standout year.
Hot prospect, for sure.
