Casey Stoner begins the defence of his MotoGP title in Qatar next weekend, with the Australian favourite to win his third championship on his Repsol Honda.
The 26-year-old was in a category of his own last season, winning 10 of the 17 races on his option to 350 points and the crown.
But, with the bikes increasing in size to at least one,000cc this season, will it's all change-
British rider Cal Crutchlow was in fine form during winter testing; is that this the year once we finally see a Brit at the MotoGP podium-
BBC Sport asked commentator Steve Parrish, pit-lane reporter Azi Farni and presenter Matt Roberts to provide us their views at the new campaign.
Who will win the title, and why-
Matt Roberts, BBC MotoGP presenter: "Casey Stoner has the experience, the machinery, the mental strength and, as a rider, the brink over Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa.
Please switch on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
MotoGP 2012 preview with Steve Parrish
"But i feel it'll be much tighter than last season and any mistake would be costly."
Azi Farni, pit-lane reporter: "You cant bet against Stoner; he�s the suitable rider at the best bike, although i suspect he'll find retaining the title plenty harder than fighting for it last year.
"Yamaha have stepped up for the 1,000s and he'll face tougher competition from Lorenzo and Ben Spies this year. An injury-free Pedrosa is a huge threat too."
Steve Parrish, BBC commentator: "Stoner is the fave from what Ive seen in testing. He looks solid and focused and as hungry as ever. In testing hes been top dog nevertheless it might be harder for him this year. Hes fast, hes on a quick bike and hes proven that he's consistent enough to win championships."
How will Cal Crutchlow go this year-
Roberts: "Cal will expect to head a lot better than last season. The 1,000cc bike suits him greater than the 800cc he had last year and he now has experience in any respect the circuits.
Cal Crutchlow may be at the podium in 2012
"He's going to be aiming for normal top-six finishes but a podium or two will not be out of the question, which might be a beautiful achievement."
Farni: "Both Cal and the Yamaha was very strong in pre-season testing and he could easily find himself in several podium fights this year. The 1,000s suit him better and the contest with team-mate Andrea Dovizioso to retain his seat for 2013 should encourage some great performances from both."
Parrish: "Hes made another breakthrough. If he can run fifth or sixth this year then it only takes a couple of mistakes or a crash ahead and he will also be at the podium which might be great for British motorcycling. Here is the pivotal year for him."
Which race are you most anticipating-
Roberts: "As always i'm waiting for Qatar. Five months with no race is simply too long and the instant where we discover out what everybody has got up their sleeve in that opening race, under the floodlights, is hugely exciting.
Racing starts under the floodlights in Qatar
"Then Ill be anticipating the following one and a better one and the subsequent one..."
Farni: "Laguna Seca and Silverstone. Laguna for the ambience; its the primary flyaway after various races in Europe so it has a different vibe and the track continues to be one among best visually for watching the race. Silverstone because its my home GP and the BBC show has one more special feel to it."
Parrish: "The 1st race because everyone sets their stalls out for the season, after which Silverstone. Weve got plenty of British talent in Moto2 and Moto3 to maintain an eye fixed in this year and it can be a very good weekend."
Describe MotoGP in three words
Roberts: "Fastest. Motorcycles. Ever..."
Farni: "Speed. Daring. Adventure."
Parrish: "Exciting. Fearsome. Projectiles."
From WhatNewsToday.net
0 comments:
Post a Comment