So that’s it, 2020 MotoGP™ preseason testing has officially ended and it’s safe to say we’re in for a belting campaign if the winter tests are anything to go by. Just three tenths split the six factories at Sepang and only half a second covered them in Qatar, with under a second splitting pacesetter Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and 19th fastest Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol).
The most experienced of them all, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), was 12th quickest at the Qatar Test and speaking after Day 3, the nine-time World Champion commented on the competitiveness of the 2020 premier class field.
“First of all it’s incredible because we are 15 riders in about half a second, it’s like Moto2! This is very good for the Championship and for the fans that will follow the races because there looks to be a lot of balance between different riders and different bikes.”
Ahead of the opening night at the Losail International Circuit, it seems Yamaha and Suzuki have an edge on the rest. The only non-Yamaha or Suzuki in the top six was Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller, but this could all change once we get to race day. Despite a difficult preseason, it seems Honda found something on Day 3 in Qatar to combat their troubles - we can never discount eight-time Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Crutchlow - while Ducati looked strong on their race simulation runs. KTM and Aprilia will also be fighting up the sharp end having put together great packages, so could we really have a six factory fight on our hands for race wins and podiums from the get-go?
It all kicks off properly on Friday 6th March, before the opening race of the year takes place under the Qatar floodlights on Sunday 8th March. The excitement and anticipation builds for the Qatar GP and you can watch every practice session, qualifying session and race right here with MotoGP™ VideoPass. Get subscribing if you haven't done so already!