Features
2018 MotoGP Season For Dummies
The 2018 MotoGP season kicks off this weekend at Losail International Circuit in Qatar and is primed to be one of the best seasons yet. I’ve only followed MotoGP for the last five or so years, so I’m no expert by any means, but I wanted to put together an easy guide if you are new to the sport and want to follow it this year.
How Many Rounds Will They Race?
Nineteen, which will be the most in any season in MotoGP history. The schedule includes flyaway trips to Qatar, Argentina, United States, Thailand, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia. The other rounds will be held in Europe. The season runs from March 18 to November 18. Here is the full 2018 calendar.
Is the Series Coming to the U.S.?
Yes. Since 2013, the series has made a visit to Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. With Laguna Seca and Indianapolis off the schedule, COTA will be the only U.S. race on the calendar. The Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas is scheduled for April 22. You can find more info here.
Who Are Riders to Follow?
Marc Marquez
Since making his MotoGP debut in 2013, the Spaniard has already racked up four MotoGP world championships. Oh, and he just turned 25. He won the title last year and is a favorite again.
Andrea Dovizioso
The Italian rides for Ducati and finished a close second to Marquez in 2017. He’s expected to challenge for the title again.
Valentino Rossi
Even if you don’t follow MotoGP, odds are you’ve heard a Valentino Rossi—a global icon in motorsports. The nine-time world champion finished fifth overall last year, and even at 39 years old could contend for race wins and a title in 2018.
Maverick Vinales
Is Rossi’s young teammate at Yamaha. He’s a previous Moto3 world champion and finished third overall in MotoGP last year in just his third year in the class.
Jorge Lorenzo
The three-time MotoGP world champion struggled in his first year with Ducati last year. If he can figure out the bike, he’ll be good.
Dani Pedrosa
Marquez’s Honda teammate is always a threat to win races. He finished fourth overall last year.
Johann Zarco
The Tech 3 Yamaha rider was the surprise of the 2017 season. He finished his rookie campaign sixth overall and challenged for wins.
How Many Classes?
Three: MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3. MotoGP is the premiere class, while the Moto2 and Moto3 classes are considered stepping stone championships to MotoGP.
- Moto3 includes 250cc four-stroke bikes.
- Moto2 includes 600cc four-strokes, with all engines made from Honda. Triumph will be the engine supplier from 2019 on.
- Moto GP includes 1,000cc four-stroke prototypes, with 240+ horsepower and 200+ mph.
Where Can I Watch It?
The best and easiest way is through MotoGP’s VideoPass streaming service. You get all three classes live and archived, as well as press conferences, interviews, and much more. It’s a tad expensive, with the season package running $173.28, but I’ve had it for a few years and can tell you it’s worth it.
If you don’t want to pony up for the VideoPass, beIN Sports carries coverage in the U.S. if you have that channel.
What Are Some Good Sites to Follow?
There may be better ones, but here are a few I follow and enjoy:
Teams and Riders for the 2018 Season
Alma Pramac Racing
Danilo Petrucci
Jack Miller
Angel Nieto Team
Karel Abraham
Alvaro Bautista
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
Aleix Espargaro
Scott Redding
Ducati Team
Andrea Dovizioso
Jorge Lorenzo
EG 0,0 Marc VDS
Thomas Luthi
Franco Morbidelli
LCR Honda
Takaaki Nakagami
Cal Crutchlow
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
Johann Zarco
Hafizh Syahrin
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
Maverick Vinales
Valentino Rossi
Reale Avintia Racing
Xavier Simeon
Tito Rabat
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Bradley Smith
Pol Espargaro
Repsol Honda Team
Dani Pedrosa
Marc Marquez
Team Suzuki Ecstar
Andrea Iannone
Alex Rins
The championship begins this weekend. You should follow it—it’s going to be good.