Marc Marquez and other title contenders for the MotoGP world championship

Denzil Pinto 13:07 16/03/2018
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  • The new season begins this weekend

    With the new MotoGP season getting underway this weekend, we look at the five riders who could mount a serious title challenge to reign supreme at the end of the 2018 campaign.

    MARC MARQUEZ

    Man to beat: Marc Marquez

    Man to beat: Marc Marquez

    The man that everyone will be wanting to beat and for good reason too. The 25-year-old Spaniard enters the new season as the defending champion and will be searching for his fifth title in six years. Barring three retirements in the 2017 season, whenever the Honda rider finished the race, it was always sixth or above.

    MAVERICK VINALES

    Maverick: Vinales

    Maverick: Vinales

    After three seasons in MotoGP, the Spaniard is beginning to find his feet in the premier class. Last year could not have asked for a better start with three wins in five races. The Yahama rider could not replicate the feat but put in a number of strong performances throughout the campaign to finish a creditable third position.

    DANI PEDROSA

    Experienced: Dani Pedrosa (right)

    Experienced: Dani Pedrosa (right)

    Has finished runner-up on three occasions with his last being in 2012 but although that may seem a long time ago, the 32-year-old Italian has continued to be a force. Has won races in 12 consecutive seasons from 2006 and if he can maintain his consistency over the course of the season, he could well end his wait of being champion.

    ANDREA DOVIZIOSO 

    Not settling for second: Andrea Dovizioso

    Not settling for second: Andrea Dovizioso

    The Italian won the same number of races (six) as Marquez in 2017 but still could not find a way of getting his hands on that elusive trophy. The 2017 runner-up will need another similiar effort or even better to stay ahead of his rivals. At 31 and a decade of competing in MotoGP, his experience will be key.

    VALENTINO ROSSI

    BeFunky Collage

    A man who knows what it takes to win a MotoGP title and that too, over a number of years. Has nine crowns to his name with his last coming in 2009. At 39, you might think his best days are over but in 2017 showed glimpses that age is no barrier to finish fifth and ahead of three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo.

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