FEATURE I 2023 FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
P96
THE MAIN CONTENDERS
#1 PECCO
BAGNAIA
DUCATI LENOVO
The Italian has grown in stat-
ure after 2022, a year when he
ended Ducati's 15-year wait
for the Rider's Championship
and completed the biggest
points comeback in premier
class history. He's benefited
from a settled preseason, as
his manufacturer has pri
-
oritized evolving his machine
over developing radical novel-
ties. He was a step above the
rest at the final preseason
test, and must start as favor
-
ite to retain his crown.
#12 MAVERICK
VIÑALES
APRILIA RACING
The Catalan's preseason speed has never
been a gauge of season-long potential. But
it's hard to envision Vinales not improving on
a promising first full year with Aprilia. It took
him time to master qualifying. Once he did, he
racked up three podiums and nearly won at
Silverstone. He'll benefit from the '23 RS-GP's
improved agility and better tire conservation.
Reunited with old Suzuki crew chief Jose
Manuel Cazeaux, he can win races this year.
