Let's talk MotoGP: Here's why the best race of the year could have been better

Today, let's look again at the lessons of this 2023 season. The debate concerning the best race of the year is open, so why not get involved? Let's try to detail a few contenders, succinctly, before deciding. Of course, your opinion matters a lot, as usual, so tell us which one stood out to you the most in the comments.

Each race has already been covered independently in articles. Feel free to click on the highlighted sentences to find the detailed versions.

Jerez, Bagnaia alone against all

The Jerez race was magnificent. A great Bagnaia won despite a place given to his closest opponent Miller, for an overtake which, what's more, was not so dramatic. Under the Andalusian heat, the heroes of the plateau MotoGP were splendid. As often, the historic route gives a great spectacle. In addition, a collision at the start between Fabio Quartararo and Miguel Oliveira led to the race being restarted, which contributed to the suspense.

Between Pecco's overtaking of Jorge Martin, the battle with the two KTMs and this crazy performance from the world champion, there was enough to write about for hours. Brad Binder, heroic and all over the place, finished second. Jack Miller, for his part, signed his finest achievement of the season here.

 

What you forgot

 

• Seventh place for Dani Pedrosa, wild card for KTM. The little genius has resources.
  Maverick Vinales' broken chain... on the last lap.

Why isn't it her?

 

Even if it was magnificent, in my opinion, it lacked great adversity. In reality, the gap of two tenths on the line is truncated; Bagnaia had escaped in the lead and the position he gained and then returned never really handicapped him. Brad Binder was on target but we never felt he could win the round.

 

 

Sachsenring, the only duel

 

This choice will not be unanimous, that's for sure, but I personally think that it is one of the great duels of the start of the decade. Moreover, this is the only time that Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, the two best drivers in the world, faced each other face to face, old.

The very high intensity contest turned in favor of Jorge Martin, but Pecco certainly did not deserve it. I really liked this battle because it is the epitome of MotoGP. For me, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing two extremely clean, very strong riders fighting, and, what's more, on the same bike. Other factors are added to that: the circuit, so atypical, the weather, as dry and fair as possible. The gap at the finish, less than a hundredth. Johann Zarco completes the podium, far behind.

 

 

What you forgot

 

This race was one of the most dominated by Ducati since the firm's arrival in MotoGP. All eight models were in the top 10, with only Jack Miller in sixth place to avoid the top 8.

 

Why isn't it her?

 

Very clearly, she could have been. Unfortunately, I find that there have not been enough attempts by Pecco Bagnaia to make it classic. Even if it is impossible to neglect the chances of the Italian in this kind of battle (Misano 2022, Aragon 2022, Sepang 2022, Jerez 2023), it was hard to imagine the “Martinator” giving up, especially since he had largely dominated the Sprint on Saturday. Despite this photo finish, Pecco has never been so dangerous as to worry his opposite number.

 

If you are asked what MotoGP is, answer this

 

Finally, place for the chosen one. Even if I am aware that my choices may seem strange at first glance (go to the honorable mentions, below, to find other great races), I think that this one will make everyone agree.

To describe the 2023 Thai Grand Prix, just take what was said for Germany, add a very close battle for the title, and one of the five best drivers in the world in the person of Brad Binder, unleashed. And There you go. Frankly, this is the best thing about our discipline and why it is the most visually impressive.

 

 

Between the few attempts of Bagnaia, who came back from a long way after a bad start, the madness and the aggressiveness of Brad Binder (second on the line but classified third after going over the green part in the last lap), all sprinkled with mastery by Jorge Martin, how can I ignore it.

 

What you forgot

 

In reality not much, because it is relatively new. But if there is one element to remember, it is the excruciating heat, which forced Maverick Vinales to retire, and which almost caused Raul Fernandez to fail at Aprilia RNF! Extreme climatic conditions for a date with history.

 

Why it could have been better

 

It's never perfect! I'm exaggerating a little, but if you add, hypothetically, an overtaking of Binder or Bagnaia in the last corner - more generally, other attempts by a Bagnaia ultimately discreet in the war, you will obtain one of the most beautiful races of all time. But we're not going to ask too much, it was already exceptional.

 

 

Honorable mentions

 

Let's review some notable Grand Prix which marked our year. The very good duel of the Netherlands, with Bagnaia against his rival and friend Marco Bezzecchi, was of high quality. The following Grand Prix, at Silverstone, was also very action-packed with the retirement of this same Bezzecchi, followed by the comeback of Aleix Espargaro – and Miguel Oliveira – on a tricky track. The rain always spices up the races, and it's not Japan that will make us say the opposite! Jorge Martin took a historic victory here even if the round did not come to an end.

Pramac Racing was also in the spotlight in Australia, of course, with a race won by our Frenchman Johann Zarco. She could have been one of the three contenders, as is often the case. Qatar, with this surprise victory for Fabio Di Giannantonio coupled with the rout of the “Martinator” was as tense as possible, exactly like the outcome in Valencia, undoubtedly the spiciest round of the 2023 financial year. Between the fall of Miller, the rise of Bagnaia and “Diggia”, the straight from Binder, the spearing of Marc Marquez by Jorge Martin, we no longer knew where to turn.

Overall, I would say we have seen a very great MotoGP season. What do you think ? Tell me in the comments!

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport