What we learned from MotoGP pre-season testing

By:

Lewis Duncan

Mar 13, 2021, 12:40 PM

MotoGP's short pre-season has concluded, but who looks in best shape ahead of the 2021 season and who is in trouble as racing looms? Lewis Duncan ponders what we've learned from MotoGP's pre-season testing

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Pre-season testing is always a tricky beast to understand, and 2021 is perhaps the most difficult MotoGP has had. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, just five days of testing in Qatar ahead of the opening two rounds of the season at the circuit were scheduled - though poor weather meant the final day was scrapped.

To complicate analysing testing, much of the field carries over their 2020 machines into the new season, with only KTM and Aprilia allowed to develop new engines. Losail is also a quirky track, often masking the true nature of the grid.

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Lewis Duncan

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Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary MotoGP reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers other motorcycle racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.