The 2017 MotoGP World Championship is upon us, and what a tantalising year of racing we have in prospect in all three classes.
Last year was one of the sport’s most unpredictable and dramatic, with a record nine different riders taking victories for four different manufacturers. This was made possible by new rules aimed at tightening up the field, as well as some iffy weather on occasion.
We may not have any big rule changes this season, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t in for another nail-biting campaign. Honda’s Marc Marquez will have a tough time defending his well-earned third premier class crown, with Yamaha’s new signing Maverick Vinales snapping at his heels, as well as the usual suspects.
At Ducati, a team now of race-winning potential again, Jorge Lorenzo joins the fold as the Italian marque’s final piece of the puzzle. Can he deliver them the title success they so crave? Is 2017 make or break for veteran Valentino Rossi? Will we see more satellite success? Will KTM be quick in their debut season? How will MotoGP’s four rookies fare? What will transpire in the intermediate and lightweight classes?
These are all questions that have been put to our MotoGP editors Lewis Duncan and Alex Murray for Read Motorsport’s 2017 season preview.
