2013 MotoGP Season Kicks off at Qatar

Today the start of the 2013 MotoGP season kicks off at Losail under the floodlights of the Qatar circuit. If the winter testing is any indicator of what’s to come, we are in for some exciting battles.

Current reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo of Yamaha Factory Racing has some tough competition ahead of him, not only from rival Dani Pedrosa who is arguably on the best available equipment at the moment, but from teammate Valentino Rossi who has returned to Yamaha determined to prove he’s still competitive. Let’s not forget rookie Marc Marquez, who has generated a strong buzz with an electric performance aboard his Repsol Honda during preseason testing.

The future looks promising for Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Cal Crutchlow, who proved that he’s a strong contender when he ended the final day of testing at Jerez on top of the timesheets. Meanwhile, his fellow countryman and rookie Bradley Smith has shown that he’s adapting well to his M1.

The Ducati Team, comprised of Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso, had a tough 2013 winter test. However, the pair remains hopeful that their hard work will help reverse their misfortune. Nicky Hayden said: "It hasn’t been an easy off season, especially the first Sepang test. Since then we’ve improved, with weight balance and some things. The bike started to improve on corner entry. We know it’s not going to be easy, especially with these guys; and the level very high. But it takes time. I’m happy to start another season, and am starting to see some positives coming. There’s already been some big changes with personnel, but on the bike I’d say there haven’t been major changes. One little change doesn’t make the difference, it’s everything. Ducati’s built competitive bikes before. I have no doubt they can deliver."

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