This weekend’s MotoGP action at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya spotlight
The Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya hosts the ninth round of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship, a key stop that promises drama on two wheels. With Marc Márquez absent, the spotlight shifts to the rest of Spain’s riders who are eager to shine and claim podium places on home turf.
Spain’s strong presence in the field is evident as riders like Aleix Espargaró, on the Aprilia RS-GP, aims to extend his podium streak and close the gap to the championship leader. He arrives as a national favorite, just eight points behind Fabio Quartararo of France, and alongside him are multiple title contenders such as Alex Rins and Joan Mir of Suzuki, Pol Espargaró riding the Repsol Honda RC 213V, Maverick Viñales on the Aprilia RS-GP, and Jorge Martín aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP22. This makes for a distinctly Spanish showcase on European soil, underscoring a deep pool of talent ready to contend for top honors.
Espargaró’s form has drawn particular attention, having secured at least four consecutive podium finishes and possessing a realistic shot at a race win with the latest evolution of the Aprilia RS-GP following his triumph in Argentina. The season’s narrative is shifting toward a championship battle where outcomes may hinge on strategic excellence and consistent performance, not luck alone.
Where the classification stood after the French Grand Prix
The battle lines remain clear with Aleix Espargaró squaring off against Fabio Quartararo, the incumbent world champion who is determined to defend his lead. Quartararo’s recent pace—highlighted by strong runs at Mugello and other tracks—shows he remains a formidable force and a primary obstacle for anyone aiming to dethrone him this season.
Pecco Bagnaia has surged into contention as well, taking victories at Ángel Nieto and Mugello and climbing the standings after a year that initially saw him struggle to find consistency on the Ducati Desmosedici. His rapid adaptation to the newer machinery has solidified his position as a serious title threat, even as the championship drama continues to unfold across the calendar.
Alongside the leaders, Suzuki’s riders Alex Rins and Joan Mir remain in the mix. Mir, in particular, faced misfortune at Mugello due to incidents that deprived him of a solid result, and Rins’ form will be crucial in maintaining Suzuki’s competitiveness. The pair will be looking to rebound and challenge for wins as the season progresses, with the team aiming to demonstrate durability across varied circuits.
Catalan GP schedule overview
Friday, June 3 (local peninsula time):
09:00 – 09:40 FP1 Moto3
09:55 – 10:40 FP1 MotoGP
10:55 – 11:40 FP1 Moto2
13:15 – 13:55 FP2 Moto3
14:10 – 14:55 FP2 MotoGP
15:10 – 15:50 FP2 Moto2
Saturday, June 4:
09:00 – 09:40 FP3 Moto3
09:55 – 10:40 FP3 MotoGP
10:55 – 11:35 FP3 Moto2
12:35 – 12:50 Q1 Moto3
13:00 – 13:15 Q2 Moto3
13:30 – 14:00 FP4 MotoGP
14:10 – 14:25 Q1 MotoGP
14:35 – 14:50 Q2 MotoGP
15:10 – 15:25 Q1 Moto2
15:35 – 15:50 Q2 Moto2
Sunday, June 5:
09:00 – 09:10 Moto3 Warmup
09:20 – 09:30 Moto2 Warmup
09:40 – 10:00 MotoGP Warmup
11:00 Moto3 Race (21 laps)
Note: The event schedule provides a clear window into practice, qualifying, and race times, allowing fans in Canada and the United States to plan viewing sessions around the action at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya. The narrative on track remains about rider skill, strategic tire management, and machine evolution as the season advances. The ongoing chatter around rider pairings and manufacturer performance continues to shape predictions and fan discussions across motorsport media. Attributing insights to the official MotoGP series and post-race analyses helps to contextualize the evolving standings for the Catalan round. (Source: MotoGP official results and race analyses)