Bitter infighting, pit lane politics and seagull head-butting – just three things we can take away from last year’s MotoGP season. With so much happening in 2015, who can blame us for getting excited for the new campaign?
Come March 20th, there’ll be all our usual favourites lining up on the grid ahead of the new season – and we can’t wait! As many unique battles formed towards the back-end of last season, there are five riders in particular that we should all be keeping our eyes on as they approach turn one in Qatar.
A little bit o’ crazy
Kick-starting things is ‘Crazy Joe’, Andrea Iannone. Seagull killing, tyre burning, Ducati riding – the man from Italy racked up an impressive 188 points in 2015, earning him a respectable fifth place in the championship. This year, if Andrea can tame some of his inner beast, we’re confident that 2016 may just be the year he lands his first MotoGP win!
Revenge, or redemption?
Hell hath no fury like an Italian scorned – this season, Valentino Rossi is one rider we should all be keeping an eye on. With last year’s ‘coming together’ with Marc Marquez still fresh in people’s minds, all eyes will be on bike 46 this spring. Can the fan favourite keep it together and mount a serious challenge for title number seven? Only 2016 will tell.
Return of the Marc?
While pundits, journalists and fans speculate on whether or not Marquez has rebuilt his relationship with Rossi, bookmakers throughout the country have been placing the two-time world champion as their favourite rider for the 2016 title. Rest assured, if Marquez can start the new season as he finished the last, he’ll be right up there come November.
Great Scott!
Pramac Ducati’s latest recruit, Scott Redding will be looking to build on a somewhat disappointing 2015. Initial winter testing has proved fruitful for the young Brit, and while others get to grips with the new Michelin tyres and ECU regulations, the first few races of 2016 may provide an excellent opportunity for Redding to get his boots on the podium.
The reigning champ
Too much champagne leading to something of a hangover in the new season? Not on Yamaha’s watch! As reigning world champion, Jorge Lorenzo will be working harder than ever to ensure he can deliver come March 20th. But with more rivalries than a Liverpudlian football team, Lorenzo will have to be at his very best if he’s going to land title number four in 2016.
Keen to relive the best bits from 2015? Check out our end of season review and discover what we mean when we say it was truly unforgettable.
