THE scene is set for a mesmerising finale to the 2022 MotoGP World Championship. Fabio Quartararo is set to go toe-to-toe with Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia, in what promises to be an iconic showdown battle.
The 2022 MotoGP championship could also be even more special for those hailing from Italy, as it could see Bagnaia crowned champion, making him the first premier class series victor since Valentino Rossi in 2009, and importantly to the famously partisan Italian fans, Bagnaia will be riding a national treasure, the Ducati Desmosedici. It could also be the first world championship win for a Ducati-mounted rider since Casey Stoner in 2007 – also the Bologna manufacturer’s only premier class rider’s crown. But dig a little deeper into the season that has passed and the geography of the team and rider pale in significance compared to what Pecco has achieved this season.
After a torrid middle sector to the season, the Torinese rider has fought back against a near 100-point deficit to title rival Quartararo. Bagnaia had a stinker of a race at the German GP at Sachsenring, crashing out from the lead early on and seemingly ending his already slim title hopes. But it didn’t, as he put the worst of days behind him, going on to win five out of the next nine events. His title hopes were well and truly re-ignited, and he currently leads his French rival by 23-points.
Fabio Quartararo’s season so far has been less of a Hollywood script, and while he’s retired from races much less than Bagnaia (only three times compared to Bagnaia’s five), his results would be considered solid, if not stellar. Fabio is already the reigning champion though, and having won in 2021 you can bet he’s going to try everything he can do to retain the crown. He had an easier run to the crown last season, taking the title with three races to spare at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Misano.
That race saw the factory Yamaha rider battle back from a lowly 15th position grid slot, eventually climbing to fifth to seal the crown. Ironically, it was the same race where his current title contender, Bagnaia, crashed out with four laps to go, handing Marc Marquez his third win of the 2021 season. If that race from Quartararo proves anything, it’s the resolve and will to win of the Frenchman. Whatever the outcome, this year’s title-ending round is one that simply cannot be missed!
How could the 2022 MotoGP championship can be won:
Bagnaia will win the championship if…
- Quartararo doesn’t win
- Bagnaia finishes P14 or higher
- Bagnaia finishes P15 and Quartararo doesn’t win
Quartararo will win the championship if…
- Quartararo wins and Bagnaia is P15 or lower
