With the start of the new MotoGP season this weekend, I thought now would be a good time to produce a guide to all that is MotoGP.
This guide will help you understand MotoGP, regardless of whether you're new to the sport or a veteran watcher as a lot has changed this year.
Rider Changes
Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) - Born in Owensboro, Kentucky USA. Nicky is the reigning world champion, narrowly beating Valentino Rossi in the 2006 season. Nicky rides for Honda, and is the factory team leader. Although he is a title contender, he has been struggling on the 800cc RC212V Honda.
Valentino Rossi (FIAT Yamaha Team) - The charismatic Italian team leader of Yamaha, Rossi finished a close second in the 2006 championship. Rossi is a seven time world champion in the big class (500cc and MotoGP). Rossi and the Yamaha are widely considered to be the combination to beat this year.
Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro Team) - The oldest man on the grid will lead the Ducati effort this year as he did last year. Loris is widely respected by almost every rider on the grid, especially Rossi. He may be an outside chance for the championship. However, he will probably be more valuable to Ducati as a mentor for his young Australian team mate,Casey Stoner.
Marco Melandri (Honda Gresini) - Melandri is regarded as a talented rider, however he's never seemed to get the most out of his RC211V Honda 990cc bike. On a good day, he could mix it with Rossi and Hayden at the front of the race. An ex-winner in the 250 series, the new lighter 800cc bikes could be more suited to his tastes.
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) - Nicky Hayden's young Spanish team mate. Dani finished fifth in the 2006 championship on his first year in the big class. He is considered to be one of the title contenders for this year.
Kenny Roberts Jr (Team Roberts Honda) - The second of four Americans on the grid this year. Kenny is riding for his dad's Team Roberts unit. Last year saw him progress up the grid as the team managed to gain permission to use the Honda V5 engine. This year sees the team struggling to get sponsors, even though they have been granted the use of Honda's new V4 800cc engine.
Colin Edwards (FIAT Yamaha Team) - The "Texas Tornado" is back again this year, although there were rumours that he would return to Superbikes after not seeming to be able to tame MotoGP's 990cc bikes. Colin regularly topped the winter testing time sheets, bettering even Rossi on most occasions. If he has mastered the leap from Superbikes then he could have a good season.
Article comments
1 - alessandro nicolo
MotoGP deserves some attention. Good stuff.
2 - Ashleigh
That's what I thought :)