A decade ago, MotoGP was a somewhat predictable sport. The usual suspects were the top riders in top teams - Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa - who locked the podiums race after race. In recent years, however, the pendulum has shifted toward the new kids and made MotoGP… well, more fun to watch. Take the 2022 MotoGP season, for instance. It had plenty of talking points - Suzuki shocked everyone with its exit, Honda had its worst season ever, and Ducati won a MotoGP title for the first time in 15 long years - all of which resulted in a cracking championship.

What it also did, meanwhile, was pave the way for an exciting 2023 season–especially when you consider the number of rider swaps, the addition of two more Aprilias, and Marquez finally done with his physical problems. All these factors make the trophy even more vulnerable and the title favorites in even more peril. Ultimately, this begs the question “who could clinch the 2023 title?” If you’re thinking the same thing, allow us to help with a list of three dark horses for the 2023 MotoGP trophy (followed by the three obvious favorites).

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Enea Bastianini - Factory Ducati Team

Enea Bastianini Portugal 2023
Enea Bastianini (Facebook)
Bastianini wheelies down Portimao's popular elevation change

After his magnificent performance in Gresini colors last year, Enea Bastianini will definitely play a key role in this year’s championship. This he did last year too by battling with Pecco Bagnaia on multiple occasions and even snatching a win from him–all while he was on an older motorcycle. Now, with the full factory Ducati squad behind him, the beast will have even more in his arsenal to battle for the championship, let alone win races. We just hope the battle between Pecco and Enea doesn’t get out of hand, or ultimately harm the team. After all, the two riders clearly aren’t on the best of terms, as seen in their multiple exchanges in 2022.

Jorge Martin - Pramac Ducati Team

Jorge Martin Portimao 2023
Pramac Racing
Jorge Martin with elbow on the tarmac

Jorge Martin is another dark horse for 2023. The Spaniard was the fastest Ducati multiple times in 2022, especially in qualifying, but failed to convert the poles into wins. In 2023, we believe his sole focus will be to blend speed and consistency to put up a fight against the other Ducatis. He must also have a personal vendetta against Bastianini since the #89 was the first pick for the factory seat before the #23 stormed in. Not to mention, if the past is anything to go by, the Martinator could very well replace Bastianini in the factory squad next year, provided he beats Bastianini.

Marc Marquez - Factory Honda Team

Marc Marquez MotoGP 2
HRC
Marc Marquez gunning his RC213V

Ever since the horrific crash in 2020, Marc Marquez has never contended for the MotoGP world title. But for 2023, he’s certainly a dark horse. Why isn’t he an obvious challenger, you ask? Well, because the Honda RC213V race bike is clearly the worst it has ever been, and no HRC riders even competed for the top 10 aboard it. Yet, Marquez managed to put the 213V into the top five and even on the podium at a few races, showing he is indeed Honda’s best bet. This year, with more recovery period for Marquez and homework time for Honda, we expect nothing less than an “all in” mentality from both parties. Mix in Honda and Marquez’s hunger to get back on top, and a championship fight seems inevitable.

Francesco Bagnaia - Factory Ducati Team

Ducati GP22 studio shot
Ducati
Ducati GP22 with rider Bagnaia

Coming to the obvious title favorites, we have to start with the reigning world champion, Francesco (Pecco) Bagnaia. The Ducati rider had a rollercoaster ride in 2022 but ultimately took the world title home after a titanic tussle with Yamaha’s Quartararo. To no one’s surprise, he’s started the 2023 pre-season on the same note, leading the way at the pre-season Portimao test with a new all-time lap record. Will he become the first rider to win consecutive world titles after Marquez? It could very well be the case.

Fabio Quartararo - Factory Yamaha Team

Fabio Quartararo Austin 2022
Yamaha
Fabio wheelies aboard his YZR-M1

If there’s anyone who deserved the 2022 title as much as Pecco, it was factory Yamaha rider, Fabio Quartararo. We expect him to carry the same, if not better, performance into this year’s championship, with extra motivation to achieve what he narrowly missed last year. Plus, Yamaha claims the updated YZR-M1 has extra grunt, which should give Quartararo a fighting chance - in the straights. Considering the M1’s top speed deficit was around 20kmph (12mph) against Ducati, more braap will make Fabio’s life much easier.

Aleix Espargaro - Factory Aprilia Team

MotoGP World Championship Aprilia
Aprilia
Action image of a Aprilia rider at the MotoGP World Championship 2022.

In 2022, Aleix pulled off an extraordinary season, which even surprised Aprilia. Not only did he win, but he also roped in consistent podiums to rival for the world championship. Though he missed out in the end (by 53 points), the Spaniard has established himself as one of the title favorites this year. He’d be super motivated too, considering this is his 14th year in the class and probably his best shot (no thanks to his age).

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So all in all, the 2023 season is destined to be yet another banger. This year MotoGP will also foray into the ‘sprint’ race system, which means extra points for grabs, and even more drama. All we want to know now is who will YOU put your money on this year. Is it one of these guys or someone else? Go, comment!