Simon Patterson

MotoGP

Marquez admits optic nerve will remain an Achilles’ heel

The optic nerve that sidelined Marc Marquez for several months will remain a ‘weak point’, the Honda MotoGP rider says

MotoGP

‘Different’ Honda puzzles Marquez, delights his squadmates

Honda’s new 2022 MotoGP bike has created something of a role reversal within the Japanese manufacturer’s camp, with Marc Marquez now struggling to adapt after the opening day of the pre-season test at Sepang

MotoGP

What can be gleaned from Aprilia’s brilliant MotoGP test day

Beyond simply scoring a 1-2, Aprilia came impressively close to a new Sepang MotoGP lap record on the first day of official testing

MotoGP

Mir admits Sepang test ‘important’ for his next MotoGP contract

The upcoming MotoGP pre-season test is not only important for Joan Mir’s 2022 prospects – it will be crucial in determining his future with Suzuki

MotoGP

Will KTM’s ‘human power’ MotoGP rethink pay off in 2022?

KTM’s leadership shake-up brings with it a change of philosophy that could well lead to improved MotoGP fortunes after a rough end to the 2021 season

MotoGP

‘Stop fishing in the same pool’ – MotoGP urged to seek ‘new money’

RNF Yamaha boss Razlan Razali wants MotoGP to think about why it’s trailing F1 in terms of attracting new investment

Formula 1

MotoGP needs to copy how F1 handles contract rows

Riders having valid contracts torn up because a team or series sees a more useful option is too common in motorcycle racing. The MotoGP world needs to copy how F1 deals with these controversies

MotoGP

What to expect from MotoGP’s 2022 shakedown

Before MotoGP’s 2022 pre-season gets properly underway, there’s a three-day shakedown at Sepang for the teams to utilise. Simon Patterson explains everything you need to know about the shakedown

MotoGP

KTM’s plan to convince wary MotoGP riders to stay put

KTM has a fight on its hands to keep its sensational MotoGP talents out of rivals’ grasp – and it’s made clear it’ll go to some pretty extreme lengths

MotoGP

Dovizioso’s Rossi-like MotoGP retirement plan

Andrea Dovizioso has seemingly emulated the retirement plans of fellow Italian MotoGP veteran Valentino Rossi. Simon Patterson explains how and the key differences between their situations

MotoGP

Ducati ‘perfection’ gives its design genius room to experiment

Innovation has been Ducati’s MotoGP strong suit – but now, for the first time in a while, it has some room for error

MotoGP

‘A lot of sleepless nights’ – Where Binder/KTM need to do better

KTM clearly has work to do on the technical side of its MotoGP project – but Brad Binder isn’t shying away from playing his part

MotoGP

Why a MotoGP race winner wants to rediscover riding ‘average’

After a uniquely confusing 2021, Miguel Oliveira has set out the unusual – but extremely sensible – goal of having more ‘average’ races

MotoGP

Why a champion’s return to the MotoGP weekend is bittersweet

Rumours suggest 2018 World Supersport 300 champion Ana Carrasco is returning to the MotoGP weekend. But the circumstances are bittersweet, says Simon Patterson

MotoGP

Has Yamaha delivered its MotoGP champion’s demand?

Fabio Quartararo has made no secret he wants a higher top speed from the latest Yamaha. He’s even hinted at leaving if he doesn’t get it. Can Yamaha blend his demands with its conflicting bike style?

MotoGP

Suzuki needs 2022 MotoGP testing to be game-changing

Suzuki has more riding on 2022 MotoGP pre-season testing than any other team. Expect to see a very different bike at last, and then keep an eye on Joan Mir’s mood

MotoGP

Marquez gets final medical clearance for MotoGP test return

Marc Marquez has been passed fit to take part in 2022 MotoGP pre-season testing after the latest medical check on his recent injury and vision problems

MotoGP

MotoGP’s newest team has months to prove it deserves a future

Yamaha’s new WithU RNF Yamaha satellite team is acutely aware of a deadline that will decide its future in MotoGP. Simon Patterson explains more

MotoGP

Honda’s progress in solving its one key MotoGP weakness

None of MotoGP’s six manufacturers are as focused on improving one specific area of their 2022 bike as Honda is

Motorcycle racing

Isle of Man TT safety changes aim to dismantle risk culture

Sweeping safety changes being introduced at the 2022 Isle of Man TT are an attempt not just to make the event safer for riders, but to ensure its long-term future

MotoGP

Dovizioso doesn’t believe his team’s fanciful MotoGP target

The team boss of MotoGP’s newest team – WithU RNF Yamaha – believes his rider Andrea Dovizioso can challenge for the title. But Dovizioso himself isn’t so sure, as Simon Patterson explains

MotoGP

Yamaha’s new MotoGP satellite team unveils 2022 bike

MotoGP’s newest team, the WithU RNF Yamaha outfit, has revealed its 2022 bike, with Andrea Dovizioso and Darryn Binder as its riders

MotoGP

KTM needs a radical rethink of its MotoGP bike for 2022

KTM’s 2021 MotoGP season started terribly, got spectacularly better, then went mysteriously bad again. It has to throw the kitchen sink at its 2022 bike when testing begins

MotoGP

What to expect next from MotoGP’s transformed ex-tailender

After years of embarrassment, Aprilia became a proper MotoGP force in 2021 – and snatched Maverick Vinales along the way. Simon Patterson looks at the remaining areas where it needs to make progress with its new bike

MotoGP

Every Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP rider ranked

An amazing array of future (and past) stars rode for Tech3 during its Yamaha MotoGP years – and some flops too. We rank them all

MotoGP

Why satellite riders can’t be champion (except maybe this one)

Even in the wide open world of modern MotoGP, you need to be in a factory team to be champion. But one satellite rider might be given chance to disprove that theory in 2022

MotoGP

Ducati delays MotoGP launch for COVID-positive Miller

Ducati has delayed the official launch of its 2022 MotoGP bike after factory rider Jack Miller tested positive for COVID

Motorcycle racing

‘The TT is all I ever think about’ – John McGuinness interview

A savage injury, caught up in the farcical Norton project, and then two years of COVID cancellation – Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness has had five rough years. Now he’s finally back in a position to add to his TT legacy

Formula 1

COTA fixing bumps after F1 and MotoGP controversy

The Circuit of the Americas has launched a major resurfacing program ahead of the 2022 season, responding to criticism following last year’s Formula 1 and MotoGP races, with resurfacing taking place across a broad section of the Texan track worst-affected by bumps

MotoGP

Rossi’s racer turned team boss MotoGP benchmarks

Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP presence will be as VR46 team boss in 2022, not as a racer. There’s an illustrious tradition of ex-riders thriving running teams, but how much will Rossi actually be involved?

MotoGP

Fixing MotoGP’s problem with Spanish dominance

Spaniards fill over a third of the seats on the 2022 MotoGP grid – and the nation’s dominance of the feeder categories is formidable. Dorna’s trying to change that, but the task is huge

Motorcycle racing

What Isle of Man TT’s live TV coverage debut will look like

As it returns for 2022, the Isle of Man TT will make its first step into on-demand live broadcast coverage. Here’s what this will mean

MotoGP

MotoGP rookie Gardner has broken wrist setback

MotoGP rookie Remy Gardner has required surgery after he cracked his wrist in a training incident weeks before pre-season testing is due to begin

MotoGP

What counts as success for Vinales in 2022?

After a wild ride in 2021, Maverick Vinales appears far more settled ahead of the 2022 MotoGP season. But having adapted his attitude at Aprilia, there’s still work to be done to satisfy his hunger for success

MotoGP

Why MotoGP’s fuel revolution gives teams ‘a lot to think about’

MotoGP’s move towards fully-synthetic fuel sounds complicated. With the help of series insiders, Simon Patterson explains what it is, the timeline for introduction and how it will have a bigger impact than you might think

MotoGP

The fitness questions remaining as Marquez resumes training

Marc Marquez returned to MotoGP training at Portimao, but how far does the Honda rider still have to go in his recovery from eyesight injury?

Motorcycle racing

Why Isle of Man TT 2022 changes are ‘fundamental in every aspect’

The 2022 edition of the Isle of Man TT will be one of the most important yet – and not just because it’s returning from a COVID hiatus

MotoGP

Every Gresini Honda MotoGP rider ranked

As Gresini returns to being a MotoGP satellite team, we remember the rosters of their Honda years – including a pair of riders tragically taken in their prime

MotoGP

Gresini debuts striking MotoGP livery for first Ducati season

Gresini’s new MotoGP Ducati bikes have been unveiled ahead of the 2022 season, in a striking new predominantly blue livery

MotoGP

‘I don’t wish it on anyone’ – Marquez’s injury gloom and return

Marc Marquez has spoken out about the mental toil he’s faced in returning to the grid in 2022, his recovery from an eye problem, the chances of a pre-season return and more in a fresh interview