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2018 MotoGP World Championship
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The 2018 FIM MotoGP World Championship was the premier class of the 70th F.I.M. Road Racing World Championship season. Marc Márquez entered the season as the reigning champion, with Repsol Honda Team being the reigning team champions and Honda the reigning constructors' champions.
Originally scheduled for 19 races, the season was reduced by one Grand Prix due to the cancellation of the 26 August Silverstone event due to unsafe track conditions involving standing water after a rider vote.[1][2][3][4][5]
Marc Márquez clinched the championship trophy on 21 October 2018 after sixteen rounds, winning three consecutive races during spring, another three consecutive races during autumn and nine overall. Andrea Dovizioso finished in second and Valentino Rossi ended up in third, the former with four wins, while Rossi did not record a race win. Jorge Lorenzo with three wins and a win apiece for Cal Crutchlow and Maverick Viñales were the other race winners. Yamaha suffered their worst winless streak in their history with no wins for 25 races, which lasted from the 2017 German Grand Prix until Viñales won the Australian Grand Prix. KTM got their first podium finish at the Valencian Grand Prix with Pol Espargaró, finishing in third.
Teams and riders
[edit]All teams used series-specified Michelin tyres.[40]
Team changes
[edit]- LCR Honda expanded to enter a second bike for the first time since 2015.[27]
- Aspar Team raced under the name of "Ángel Nieto Team" from 2018 in honor of the late Ángel Nieto.[15]
Rider changes
[edit]- Sam Lowes was released from his contract with Aprilia Racing Team Gresini one year before it expired.[41] Lowes returned to the Moto2 category.
- Thomas Lüthi moved up to MotoGP, making his début with EG 0,0 Marc VDS after competing in the intermediate class for eleven seasons.[24]
- 2017 Moto2 champion Franco Morbidelli was promoted to MotoGP, making his début with EG 0,0 Marc VDS.[25]
- Tito Rabat returned to Reale Avintia Racing, after leaving EG 0,0 Marc VDS. He was partnered by Xavier Siméon who moved up to the premier class. Rabat previously competed with Avintia Racing under the name By Queroseno Racing (BQR) between the 2005 125cc and the 2011 Moto2 seasons.
- Takaaki Nakagami moved up to MotoGP with LCR Honda.[27]
- Scott Redding left Pramac Racing at the end of the 2017 season to join Aprilia Racing Team Gresini.[7] His place was taken by Jack Miller.[13]
- Loris Baz left MotoGP and returned to Superbike World Championship. During mid-season, Baz replaced injured Pol Espargaró at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for British GP.
- Héctor Barberá returned to the intermediate class, Moto2, after leaving Reale Avintia Racing. Barberá has completed eight seasons in the premier class.
- Jonas Folger, who was on the provisional entry list, withdrew from the 2018 season to focus on recovery from illness.[42] Hafizh Syahrin moved up to MotoGP to fill his spot in Monster Yamaha Tech 3. He became the first Malaysian rider to compete in the sport's premier class.[37]
Mid-season changes
[edit]- Randy de Puniet returned to MotoGP as the KTM test rider, replacing Mika Kallio who suffered a knee injury during German Grand Prix for the remainder of the season.
- Tito Rabat got injured after the British Grand Prix, so he was replaced by Christophe Ponsson for the San Marino Grand Prix. Jordi Torres also replacing him since Aragon Grand Prix onwards.
- Álvaro Bautista replaced Jorge Lorenzo at the Australian Grand Prix due to injuries sustained at the Thailand Grand Prix, with Mike Jones to take Bautista's place.
Calendar
[edit]The following Grands Prix took place in 2018:[43]
| Round | Date | Grand Prix | Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 March[a] | Losail International Circuit, Lusail | |
| 2 | 8 April | Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo, Termas de Río Hondo | |
| 3 | 22 April | Circuit of the Americas, Austin | |
| 4 | 6 May | Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, Jerez de la Frontera | |
| 5 | 20 May | Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans | |
| 6 | 3 June | Mugello Circuit, Scarperia e San Piero | |
| 7 | 17 June | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló | |
| 8 | 1 July | TT Circuit Assen, Assen | |
| 9 | 15 July | Sachsenring, Hohenstein-Ernstthal | |
| 10 | 5 August | Brno Circuit, Brno | |
| 11 | 12 August | Red Bull Ring, Spielberg | |
| 12 | 26 August | Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone | |
| 13 | 9 September | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano Adriatico | |
| 14 | 23 September | MotorLand Aragón, Alcañiz | |
| 15 | 7 October | Chang International Circuit, Buriram | |
| 16 | 21 October | Twin Ring Motegi, Motegi | |
| 17 | 28 October | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island | |
| 18 | 4 November | Sepang International Circuit, Sepang | |
| 19 | 18 November | Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia |
Calendar changes
[edit]- The British Grand Prix was scheduled to move from Silverstone to the new Circuit of Wales, but construction on the new track has not commenced.[62] The two circuits reached a deal that will see Silverstone with an option to host the 2018 race.[63] In the end, the British Grand Prix saw all three races being cancelled due to dangerous track conditions on race day, and was not re-arranged.
- The Thailand Grand Prix is a new addition to the calendar, with the race scheduled for 7 October.
- The Catalan Grand Prix used a new configuration of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, wherein the previous set of corners of turns 13, 14 and 15 were combined into a sweeping right corner. The new layout was previously used in Formula 1 from 2004 to 2006.
Results and standings
[edit]Grands Prix
[edit]| Round | Grand Prix | Pole position | Fastest lap | Winning rider | Winning team | Winning constructor | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Report | ||||||
| 2 | Report | ||||||
| 3 | Report | ||||||
| 4 | Report | ||||||
| 5 | Report | ||||||
| 6 | Report | ||||||
| 7 | Report | ||||||
| 8 | Report | ||||||
| 9 | Report | ||||||
| 10 | Report | ||||||
| 11 | Report | ||||||
| 12 | Race cancelled[N 4] | Report | |||||
| 13 | Report | ||||||
| 14 | Report | ||||||
| 15 | Report | ||||||
| 16 | Report | ||||||
| 17 | Report | ||||||
| 18 | Report | ||||||
| 19 | Report | ||||||
Riders' standings
[edit]- Scoring system
Points were awarded to the top fifteen finishers. A rider had to finish the race to earn points.
| Position | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 25 | 20 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|
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Constructors' standings
[edit]Each constructor received the same number of points as their best placed rider in each race.
| Pos. | Constructor | QAT |
ARG |
AME |
SPA |
FRA |
ITA |
CAT |
NED |
GER |
CZE |
AUT |
GBR |
RSM |
ARA |
THA |
JPN |
AUS |
MAL |
VAL |
Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | C | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 375 | |
| 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | C | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 335 | |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | C | 5 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 281 | |
| 4 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 10 | 8 | C | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 233 | |
| 5 | 18 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | Ret | 14 | C | 16 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 15 | 3 | 72 | |
| 6 | 19 | 12 | 10 | 15 | 9 | Ret | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 17 | C | 14 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 59 | |
| Pos. | Constructor | QAT |
ARG |
AME |
SPA |
FRA |
ITA |
CAT |
NED |
GER |
CZE |
AUT |
GBR |
RSM |
ARA |
THA |
JPN |
AUS |
MAL |
VAL |
Pts |
| Source:[68] | |||||||||||||||||||||
Teams' standings
[edit]The teams' standings were based on results obtained by regular and substitute riders; wild-card entries were ineligible.
| Pos. | Team | Bike No. |
QAT |
ARG |
AME |
SPA |
FRA |
ITA |
CAT |
NED |
GER |
CZE |
AUT |
GBR |
RSM |
ARA |
THA |
JPN |
AUS |
MAL |
VAL |
Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 | 7 | Ret | 7 | Ret | 5 | Ret | 5 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 7 | C | 6 | 5 | Ret | 8 | Ret | 5 | 5 | 451 | |
| 93 | 2 | 18F | 1P F | 1F | 1F | 16 | 2 | 1P | 1P F | 3 | 2P | C | 2 | 1 | 1P F | 1F | RetP | 1P | Ret | |||
| 2 | 04 | 1F | 6 | 5 | Ret | Ret | 2 | Ret | 4 | 7 | 1P | 3F | C | 1F | 2F | 2 | 18P | 3 | 6 | 1F | 392 | |
| 19 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 51 | Ret | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 99 | Ret | 15 | 11 | Ret | 6 | 1 | 1P F | 7 | 6 | 2F | 1 | CP | 17P | RetP | DNS | DNS | WD | 12 | ||||
| 3 | 25 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 3F | 3 | Ret | 12 | C | 5 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 1F | 4 | RetP | 391 | |
| 46 | 3 | 19 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3P | 3 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 6 | C | 7 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 13 | |||
| 4 | 29 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 3 | Ret | 4 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 13 | C | 8 | 3 | 11 | Ret | 2 | Ret | Ret | 302 | |
| 42 | Ret | 3 | Ret | Ret | 10 | 5 | Ret | 2 | Ret | 11 | 8 | C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 2F | 2 | |||
| 5 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 7F | 8 | Ret | 4 | 6 | 5 | C | 11 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 9 | Ret | 235 | |
| 43 | 10 | 4P | 9 | 6 | 4 | Ret | Ret | 10 | 14 | 12 | 18 | C | 18 | 9 | 10 | Ret | 7 | 8 | Ret | |||
| 6 | 5 | 8P | 2 | 6 | 2 | RetP | 10 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | C | 10 | 14 | 5 | 6 | Ret | 3 | 7 | 204 | |
| 55 | 14 | 9 | Ret | 16 | 12 | 12 | Ret | 18 | 11 | 14 | 16 | C | 19 | 18 | 12 | 10 | Ret | 10 | 10 | |||
| 7 | 6 | 13 | 9 | 191 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 30 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 15 | 18 | Ret | 19 | Ret | 17 | 15 | C | 13 | 12 | 22 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 6 | |||
| 35 | 4 | 1 | 19 | RetP | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | Ret | 5 | 4 | C | 3 | Ret | 7 | 2 | DNS | |||||
| 8 | 7 | 18 | 104 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | 15 | 20 | Ret | 18 | 17 | Ret | 13 | Ret | 18 | 18 | 21 | C | 20 | 15 | 17 | Ret | 11 | Ret | 14 | |||
| 19 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 8 | Ret | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 10 | C | 9 | Ret | 8 | 5 | 7 | Ret | ||||
| 9 | 38 | 18 | Ret | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | Ret | 17 | 10 | Ret | 14 | C | 16 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 15 | 8 | 89 | |
| 44 | Ret | 11 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | Ret | DNS | Ret | DNS | 21 | 13 | Ret | Ret | 3 | |||||
| 76 | C | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | 41 | 19 | Ret | 10 | Ret | 9 | Ret | Ret | 13 | DNS | 15 | 17 | C | 14 | 6 | 13 | Ret | 9 | 11 | Ret | 64 | |
| 45 | 20 | 12 | 17 | 15 | Ret | Ret | 12 | 14 | 15 | Ret | 20 | C | 21 | 16 | 16 | 19 | 13 | 19 | 11 | |||
| 11 | 6 | 16 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | 16 | 17 | 18 | Ret | 16 | Ret | Ret | 20 | 17 | 16 | 22 | C | 22 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 16 | Ret | |||
| 21 | 12 | 14 | 21 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 14 | DNS | WD | 13 | 19 | C | 12 | 11 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 12 | Ret | |||
| 12 | 10 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 18 | 17 | Ret | Ret | 19 | 20 | Ret | C | Ret | 19 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 17 | DNS | 37 | |
| 23 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 53 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 14 | Ret | 13 | Ret | 16 | 13 | Ret | 11 | C | ||||||||||
| 81 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 17 | DNS | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| Pos. | Team | Bike No. |
QAT |
ARG |
AME |
SPA |
FRA |
ITA |
CAT |
NED |
GER |
CZE |
AUT |
GBR |
RSM |
ARA |
THA |
JPN |
AUS |
MAL |
VAL |
Pts |
| Source:[68] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b Jorge Lorenzo competed in the two Friday practice sessions during round 18, before being replaced by Michele Pirro.
- ^ a b Franco Morbidelli competed in the first Friday practice session during round 9, before being replaced by Stefan Bradl.
- ^ Márquez was given a 3-place grid penalty for a riding infringement during qualifying[64] but retains the pole position credit despite starting the race from 4th position.[65] Maverick Viñales started the race from the first grid slot.
- ^ All racing at Silverstone was cancelled due to sustained heavy rain and unsafe track conditions.[66]
- ^ Márquez was given a 6-place grid penalty for a riding infringement during qualifying but retains the pole position credit despite starting the race from 7th position. Johann Zarco started the race from the first grid slot.[67]
- ^ Night race
References
[edit]- ^ "Silverstone surface to blame for MotoGP cancellation". Dorna Sports. 26 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Marquez: "We wanted to race but safety comes first"". Dorna Sports. 26 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Lorenzo: "We decided we didn't feel safe on the asphalt"". Dorna Sports. 26 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "British GP: riders apologise to fans". Dorna Sports. 27 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Silverstone's managing director apologises to the fans". Dorna Sports. 26 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "Aleix Espargaro moves to Aprilia for 2017 and 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 26 June 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Redding signs for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini for 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 14 August 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
- ^ "Andrea Dovizioso confirmed with Ducati for 2017 and 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ "Lorenzo set to take on new challenge with Ducati". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
- ^ a b c "Mike Jones joins Angel Nieto Team in Australia". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ "Lorenzo pulls out of Malaysian MotoGP, Pirro steps in". 3 November 2018.
- ^ "P2 and contract renewal for Petrucci at the #GermanGP". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
- ^ a b "Miller joins Octo Pramac Racing for 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
- ^ "Miller relishing chance to ride race-winning Ducati - Speedcafe". 14 August 2017.
- ^ a b Herrero, Dan (27 December 2017). "Aspar renames team in honour of Angel Nieto". Speedcafe. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Aspar Team and Álvaro Bautista sticking together for 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
- ^ "Abraham to remain with Aspar in 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ^ "Five or six' on Avintia 2018 rider list". crash.net. crash.net. 14 July 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
- ^ "Rabat to ride for Reale Avintia Racing in 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 7 September 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
- ^ "Simeon completes the 2018 grid at Reale Avintia Racing". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
- ^ "Simeon to ride Rabat's GP17, Ponsson in at Avintia Ducati". Crash.net. Crash.net. 4 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ "Jordi Torres joins Reale Avintia Racing in Aragon". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 14 September 2018. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ "2018 MotoGP rider line-up so far". Crash.net. Crash.net. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
- ^ a b "Lüthi to MotoGP with EG 0,0 Marc VDS in 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
- ^ a b "Morbidelli to MotoGP with EG 0,0 Marc VDS". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 25 June 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ "Bradl to replace injured Morbidelli at the Sachsenring". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
- ^ a b c "Nakagami announced at LCR Honda in 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 20 August 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
- ^ "Crutchlow signs two year deal with HRC to remain at LCR". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
- ^ "Bradl to replace injured Crutchlow in Malaysia". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 28 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "HRC renew with Dani Pedrosa until end of 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
- ^ "Honda Racing Corporation renew with Marc Marquez through 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 2 June 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Red Bull KTM Factory Racing confirm 2018 line up". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 11 October 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
- ^ "KTM confirm Baz will race at Silverstone". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 26 June 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
- ^ "Andrea Iannone joins Suzuki for 2017 and 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 19 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Rins moves to MotoGP with Suzuki for 2017 and 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ "Zarco extends contract with Tech 3 for 2017". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 17 May 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
- ^ a b "Syahrin to line up full-time with Tech 3 in 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 20 February 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
- ^ "Yamaha confirm Maverick Viñales for 2017 and 2018 season". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 19 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Rossi & Yamaha confirm 2-year contract extension". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 19 March 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- ^ "Michelin confirmed as MotoGP tyre supplier until 2023". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ "Lowes' manager confirms "shock" Aprilia contract termination". Motorsport.com. Motorsport.com. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
- ^ "Folger will not race in 2018". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
- ^ "Get revved up for 2018: MotoGP calendar announced". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
- ^ "Qatar secures 10-year MotoGP contract". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ^ "Termas de Rio Hondo extends Argentina GP contract". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 4 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ "Dorna signs 10-year deal with new Texas circuit". vroommagazine.com. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
- ^ "Acuerdo para que Jerez tenga Gran Premio tres años más". sevilla.abc.es. ABC de Sevilla. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
- ^ "French Grand Prix contract extended to 2021". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- ^ "Oakley announced as Title Sponsor of Mugello". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
- ^ "Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to host MotoGP until 2021". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 9 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
- ^ "Assen to host MotoGP until 2026". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
- ^ "MotoGP to stay at the Sachsenring until 2021". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 12 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
- ^ "Dorna extends contract with Brno until 2020". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ "Silverstone confirmed to host British GP for 3 more years". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
- ^ "Misano to remain on the MotoGP calendar until at least 2020". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
- ^ "MotoGP at MotorLand Aragon until 2021". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 21 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- ^ "Thailand confirmed on the MotoGP calendar". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- ^ "MotoGP to remain at the Twin Ring Motegi until 2023". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 20 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ^ "Phillip Island is here to stay". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 10 April 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- ^ "MotoGP at Sepang International Circuit until 2021". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 29 October 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
- ^ "Valencia to host MotoGP until 2021". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 20 September 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
- ^ "2016 Octo British Grand Prix MotoGP". Silverstone Circuit. British Racing Drivers' Club. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
Ahead of the British MotoGP taking place at the purpose-built £375 million South Wales valley venue for the first time in 2018, the Circuit of Wales will promote and run the event at Silverstone.
- ^ "Silverstone to keep MotoGP in 2017, with option for 2018". Motorsport.com. Motorsport.com. 4 September 2016. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
- ^ Patrick, Dean (21 April 2018). "Marquez on pole at COTA, gets a 3-place grid penalty - News for Speed".
- ^ "motogp.com · RED BULL GRAND PRIX OF THE AMERICAS · MotoGP Qualifying Nr. 2 Classification 2018". www.motogp.com. Archived from the original on 2020-09-11. Retrieved 2018-04-22.
- ^ "UPDATE: British GP cancelled". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 26 August 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ Mulvenney, Nick; Baldwin, Alan (4 November 2018). "MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix 2018: Marc Marquez handed six-place penalty to give Johann Zarco pole".
- ^ a b c "2018 Standings" (PDF). motogp.com. 18 November 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
2018 MotoGP World Championship
View on GrokipediaPre-season
Regulatory changes
For the 2018 season, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) introduced new trophies to recognize achievements among non-factory, independent teams in the MotoGP class, aiming to highlight the competitiveness of satellite squads and encourage parity with official manufacturer entries. The MotoGP Independent Team Trophy was awarded to the highest-finishing independent team, while the MotoGP Independent Rider Trophy went to the top-placed rider from such a team; Alma Pramac Racing claimed the team honor, and Johann Zarco of Monster Yamaha Tech 3 secured the rider title with 158 points.[6][7] To standardize race durations across circuits for improved event logistics and broadcast scheduling, the FIM shortened distances at seven MotoGP Grands Prix, targeting 40-45 minutes per race as part of a two-year transition plan. Affected events included the Americas GP (reduced by 1 lap to 21 laps), French GP (1 lap less), Catalan GP (1 lap less), Czech GP (1 lap less), San Marino GP (1 lap less), Spanish GP (2 laps less), and Valencia GP (3 laps less).[8] Penalties for riders requiring bike changes due to crashes or technical issues during qualifying or the warm-up lap were revised to maintain fairness and safety on the grid. Riders could now start the warm-up lap from the pit lane while keeping their qualifying grid position, but they were required to serve a ride-through penalty during the race; if more than 10 riders started from the pit lane, a delayed start with a quick restart procedure was enforced. Additionally, the "Rain on Grid" protocol was updated to mandate a quick restart in the MotoGP class exclusively.[9] Efforts to curb escalating development costs led to stricter controls on private testing and wildcard entries. Manufacturers were limited to five days of private testing per year with race riders, with no more than three days at circuits hosting prior Grands Prix and a mandatory 14-day gap before any event; testing was also banned during the summer break from July 16 to August 2. Wildcard riders, such as KTM's Mika Kallio, were capped at three engines per entry and restricted to manufacturer-specified components, with teams allowed up to three wildcards (or six for concession manufacturers) non-consecutively.[10] No significant alterations were made to engine specifications or aerodynamic designs, preserving the established 1,000 cc four-stroke limit (with an 81 mm maximum bore) and 22-liter fuel tank capacity, including the full fuel delivery system in measurements, to maintain technical stability. These measures collectively influenced team preparations by emphasizing cost efficiency and equitable competition without disrupting core bike development.[11]Testing and preparation
The pre-season testing for the 2018 MotoGP World Championship consisted of three official sessions: the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from January 28 to 30, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand from February 16 to 18, and the Losail International Circuit in Qatar from March 1 to 3. These tests allowed teams to adapt to the updated technical regulations, including the split-time testing ban and emphasis on in-season development, while evaluating new machinery on diverse track surfaces.[12][10] Ducati demonstrated strong pace across the sessions, particularly at Sepang where Jorge Lorenzo set the fastest lap ever recorded there at 1:58.830 on the Desmosedici GP18, with teammate Andrea Dovizioso finishing fourth overall. At Losail, Dovizioso posted the second-quickest time of 1:54.627, underscoring the Italian manufacturer's aerodynamic and engine advantages in qualifying simulations. This dominance highlighted Ducati's refined chassis and electronics, positioning them as early favorites.[13][14][15] Yamaha encountered persistent challenges with rear grip and electronics, as noted by Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales during the Buriram test, where the YZR-M1 suffered from excessive smoothness leading to traction loss on corner exit. Viñales, who ended the session seventh overall with a best of 1:30.349, described the bike as overly refined in setup, requiring electronic adjustments to restore aggression, issues that carried over to foreshadow a difficult season. Rossi echoed concerns over chassis balance, completing fewer laps than rivals while experimenting with swingarm configurations.[16][17][18] Honda prioritized reliability and consistency for Marc Márquez, who posted competitive times without chasing outright pace—third at Sepang, competitive at Buriram including a 1:29.969 lap on day 2 (though Pedrosa set the overall test best of 1:29.781), and sixth at Losail—focusing on race simulations and setup tweaks to the RC213V for better mid-corner stability. This approach emphasized long-run endurance over single-lap heroics, aligning with Márquez's adaptive riding style.[19][20][21] Suzuki and Aprilia utilized the tests to evaluate new chassis prototypes, with Suzuki's GSX-RR featuring an updated aluminum frame for improved braking stability, tested extensively by Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins at Sepang and Buriram. Aprilia introduced an evolved RS-GP with revised front suspension and carbon swingarm, debuting at Sepang to enhance turning and load management, as ridden by Aleix Espargaró and Scott Redding.[22][23][24] KTM showed notable progress with the RC16, as Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró focused on corner entry and top speed, ending Sepang within 1.5 seconds of the leaders and aiming for their first podium finish in the sophomore year. Espargaró's feedback on throttle response helped refine the bike's ergonomics at Buriram and Losail.[25][26] The tests proceeded without major crashes, allowing uninterrupted data collection, particularly on tire wear at the abrasive Buriram surface, which served as a key benchmark for Michelin compounds under the new regulations. Teams accumulated thousands of kilometers, prioritizing endurance runs to simulate race conditions.[10][27]Participants
Teams and manufacturers
The 2018 MotoGP World Championship featured eleven teams supported by six manufacturers, comprising both factory outfits directly managed by the brands and satellite (independent) teams utilizing customer machinery. These teams fielded a total of 24 riders across the season, adhering to the series' prototype regulations that emphasized 1,000 cc four-stroke engines limited to 81 mm bore and a minimum weight of 157 kg (including rider).[28][29] Factory teams included the Repsol Honda Team on the Honda RC213V, Ducati Team with the Desmosedici GP18, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP riding the YZR-M1, Team Suzuki Ecstar using the GSX-RR, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini aboard the RS-GP, and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing on the RC16. Satellite teams consisted of LCR Honda (also on RC213V bikes), Alma Pramac Racing (Desmosedici GP18), Monster Energy Yamaha Tech3 (YZR-M1), and Angel Nieto Team (Desmosedici GP18, formerly known as the Aspar team).[28][29][30]| Manufacturer | Factory Team | Bike Model | Satellite Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | Repsol Honda Team | RC213V | LCR Honda |
| Ducati | Ducati Team | Desmosedici GP18 | Alma Pramac Racing, Angel Nieto Team |
| Yamaha | Movistar Yamaha MotoGP | YZR-M1 | Monster Energy Yamaha Tech3 |
| Suzuki | Team Suzuki Ecstar | GSX-RR | None |
| Aprilia | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | RS-GP | None |
| KTM | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | RC16 | None |
Riders
The 2018 MotoGP World Championship featured a grid of 24 riders, all qualified through their performances in the 2017 season or as promotions from the Moto2 class, with no wildcards issued for the premier class at the outset.[28] The roster included a mix of established champions and rookies, representing 10 nationalities and competing on bikes from six manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki, KTM, and Aprilia.[28] Independent teams filled 14 of the entries, adhering to the series' structure that allocates factory and satellite squads.[28] The full initial rider lineup is detailed below, organized by team for clarity. Note: Jonas Folger withdrew before the season due to health reasons and was replaced by Hafizh Syahrin from the Qatar Grand Prix onward.| Rider Number | Rider Name | Nationality | Team | Bike Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Andrea Dovizioso | Italian | Ducati Team | Ducati |
| 99 | Jorge Lorenzo | Spanish | Ducati Team | Ducati |
| 5 | Johann Zarco | French | Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3* | Yamaha |
| 94 | Jonas Folger | German | Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3* | Yamaha |
| 9 | Danilo Petrucci | Italian | Alma Pramac Racing* | Ducati |
| 43 | Jack Miller | Australian | Alma Pramac Racing* | Ducati |
| 10 | Xavier Siméon | Belgian | Reale Avintia Racing* | Ducati |
| 53 | Tito Rabat | Spanish | Reale Avintia Racing* | Ducati |
| 17 | Karel Abraham | Czech | Angel Nieto Team* | Ducati |
| 19 | Álvaro Bautista | Spanish | Angel Nieto Team* | Ducati |
| 93 | Marc Márquez | Spanish | Repsol Honda Team | Honda |
| 26 | Dani Pedrosa | Spanish | Repsol Honda Team | Honda |
| 35 | Cal Crutchlow | British | LCR Honda* | Honda |
| 30 | Takaaki Nakagami | Japanese | LCR Honda Idemitsu* | Honda |
| 21 | Franco Morbidelli | Italian | EG 0,0 Marc VDS* | Honda |
| 12 | Thomas Lüthi | Swiss | EG 0,0 Marc VDS* | Honda |
| 46 | Valentino Rossi | Italian | Movistar Yamaha MotoGP | Yamaha |
| 25 | Maverick Viñales | Spanish | Movistar Yamaha MotoGP | Yamaha |
| 29 | Andrea Iannone | Italian | Team Suzuki Ecstar | Suzuki |
| 42 | Álex Rins | Spanish | Team Suzuki Ecstar | Suzuki |
| 44 | Pol Espargaró | Spanish | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | KTM |
| 38 | Bradley Smith | British | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | KTM |
| 41 | Aleix Espargaró | Spanish | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini* | Aprilia |
| 45 | Scott Redding | British | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini* | Aprilia |
Seasonal changes
The 2018 MotoGP season saw several rider substitutions due to injuries, primarily affecting factory teams and test programs, though no full-time team swaps occurred. Ducati's Jorge Lorenzo suffered a foot injury (dislocated big toe and fractured second metatarsal) in a first-lap crash at the Aragon Grand Prix, followed by heavy bruising to his wrist and ankle from a high-side crash during practice at the Thai Grand Prix. These incidents forced Lorenzo to miss the Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, and Valencia Grands Prix. He raced in Japan, finishing 9th. He was replaced by test rider Michele Pirro in Malaysia (Sepang, where Pirro finished 17th) and Valencia, and by Álvaro Bautista in Australia (Phillip Island, where Bautista finished 17th). No replacement was fielded for Thailand, as Lorenzo withdrew before progressing in the weekend.[39][40][41] KTM faced multiple setbacks with injuries to its riders. Test rider Mika Kallio crashed during Free Practice 2 at the German Grand Prix, sustaining ligament damage in his right knee that sidelined him for the remainder of the season and disrupted KTM's development program. KTM appointed former MotoGP rider Randy de Puniet as Kallio's replacement test rider starting after the summer break, with de Puniet handling private testing duties through the end of the year. Factory rider Pol Espargaró endured a severe crash in the Brno warm-up session, fracturing his collarbone and inflaming his spinal column, which raised initial fears of paralysis; this injury caused him to miss the Czech and Austrian Grands Prix. Espargaró attempted a comeback at the British Grand Prix but was substituted by Loris Baz due to ongoing recovery issues, with Baz finishing 12th at Silverstone.[42][43][44][45] Honda HRC test rider Stefan Bradl stepped in for injured Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli at the German Grand Prix after Morbidelli broke his collarbone in practice; Bradl qualified 20th and finished 18th in the race. Amid these changes, contract uncertainties swirled around veteran Dani Pedrosa, whose future with Repsol Honda was speculated upon throughout the season, culminating in his retirement announcement after the German Grand Prix without any mid-season team switch. These substitutions highlighted the grid's resilience, with temporary riders providing continuity despite not scoring points in their outings, allowing teams to maintain development momentum.[46]Calendar
Schedule
The 2018 MotoGP World Championship featured a 19-round calendar spanning from March to November, visiting circuits across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. The season opened with the traditional night race at Losail International Circuit in Qatar and closed at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, incorporating the new Chang International Circuit in Thailand as its debut venue.[47] The full schedule is detailed below, including race dates, host Grands Prix, and circuits. Notable circuit characteristics included the floodlit Losail International Circuit, a 5.380 km track hosting a 22-lap night race under Qatar's desert conditions, and the fast, flowing 5.245 km Mugello Circuit in Italy, known for its high-speed straights and elevation changes over 23 laps.| Round | Date | Grand Prix | Circuit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 March | Qatar | Losail International Circuit | Lusail, Qatar |
| 2 | 8 April | Argentina | Termas de Río Hondo | Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina |
| 3 | 22 April | Americas | Circuit of the Americas | Austin, Texas, USA |
| 4 | 6 May | Spain | Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto | Jerez de la Frontera, Spain |
| 5 | 20 May | France | Le Mans | Le Mans, France |
| 6 | 3 June | Italy | Mugello Circuit | Scarperia e San Piero, Italy |
| 7 | 17 June | Catalonia | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | Montmeló, Spain |
| 8 | 24 June | Netherlands | TT Circuit Assen | Assen, Netherlands |
| 9 | 15 July | Germany | Sachsenring | Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany |
| 10 | 5 August | Czech Republic | Automotodrom Brno | Brno, Czech Republic |
| 11 | 12 August | Austria | Red Bull Ring | Spielberg, Austria |
| 12 | 26 August | Great Britain | Silverstone Circuit | Silverstone, UK |
| 13 | 9 September | San Marino and Rimini's Riviera | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli | Misano Adriatico, Italy |
| 14 | 23 September | Aragon | MotorLand Aragón | Alcañiz, Spain |
| 15 | 7 October | Thailand | Chang International Circuit | Buriram, Thailand |
| 16 | 21 October | Japan | Mobility Resort Motegi | Motegi, Japan |
| 17 | 28 October | Australia | Phillip Island Circuit | Phillip Island, Australia |
| 18 | 4 November | Malaysia | Sepang International Circuit | Sepang, Malaysia |
| 19 | 18 November | Valencia | Circuit Ricardo Tormo | Cheste, Spain |
Changes from previous year
The 2018 MotoGP calendar expanded to 19 rounds from the 18 held in 2017, primarily through the addition of the inaugural Thailand Grand Prix on October 7 at the new Chang International Circuit in Buriram, enhancing the series' presence in Asia with a new flyaway event late in the season.[47] This new 4.554 km track, featuring 12 turns and a mix of high-speed straights and technical sectors, was designed to international standards and hosted under tropical conditions typical of the region.[47] A notable venue modification occurred at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Catalan Grand Prix, where the layout adopted the Formula 1 configuration at Turn 10—a tighter chicane replacing the previous faster right-hand sweep—to improve safety margins following rider feedback and prior incident reviews.[50] This adjustment shortened the overall lap length from 4.655 km to 4.627 km, reducing the course by 28 meters while maintaining the post-2016 chicane at Turns 12-13 introduced after the 2016 Moto2 fatality.[50] Calendar dates saw minor adjustments to optimize logistics, with the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring shifting from July 2 to July 15, remaining Round 9.[47] However, the planned British Grand Prix at Silverstone on August 26 was cancelled outright due to severe track surface degradation exacerbated by heavy rainfall, rendering the newly resurfaced asphalt unsafe and unable to drain properly, ultimately reducing the completed season to 18 rounds.[1] Event formats remained consistent with the prior year across all weekends, featuring three free practice sessions, a qualifying phase culminating in a top-10 shootout for pole position, and principal races standardized to approximately 40-45 minutes in duration, barring weather interruptions.[47] The full 2018 schedule, incorporating these updates, spanned from March 18 in Qatar to November 18 in Valencia.[47]Season summary
Race highlights
The 2018 MotoGP season opened under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, where Andrea Dovizioso secured a wire-to-wire victory in the night race, leading from pole and fending off a late charge from Marc Márquez to win by a mere 0.027 seconds after 22 laps of intense battling.[51] The race showcased the Ducati's straight-line speed advantage, with Valentino Rossi completing the podium in third, setting an early tone of close competition among the top factories.[52] At the Termas de Río Hondo circuit in Argentina, tire allocation controversies and erratic weather led to a chaotic affair, with Márquez starting from the pit lane after a qualifying tire pressure violation and recovering impressively through the field amid ongoing grip issues before receiving a 30-second penalty for reckless riding following contacts with Rossi and Aleix Espargaró, ultimately finishing outside the points. Cal Crutchlow capitalized on the madness to claim victory in a thrilling duel with Johann Zarco, marking the LCR Honda rider's sole win of the season after leaders faltered in the slippery conditions. Jorge Lorenzo delivered an emotional home victory at Mugello in Italy, securing his first win on the Ducati Desmosedici after Márquez crashed out while leading on lap 10, allowing the Spaniard to pull away for a dominant performance in front of passionate tifosi crowds. Teammate Andrea Dovizioso finished second, completing a Ducati 1-2, while Rossi salvaged third despite Yamaha's handling struggles on the fast, flowing layout. The Dutch TT at Assen produced one of the season's most exhilarating races, with Márquez emerging victorious after a mid-pack scrap involving over 30 overtakes in the first half, breaking clear in the closing stages to extend his championship lead on the technical 'Cathedral of Speed' circuit. Alex Rins and Maverick Viñales filled the podium spots in a battle that highlighted Suzuki and Yamaha's improved late-braking prowess, though Lorenzo faded to a distant 10th after an early clash. In the Czech Republic at Brno, Crutchlow's breakthrough triumph came not here but earlier in Argentina; at Brno itself, Dovizioso edged a three-way duel with teammate Lorenzo and Márquez in the final laps, securing Ducati's 100th premier-class win after a tactical soft-rear tire gamble paid off in the warm conditions. Multiple leaders tangled mid-race, including early frontrunners, underscoring the circuit's high-speed demands and the Italian's composure under pressure. The inaugural Thai Grand Prix at the new Chang International Circuit in Buriram debuted with Márquez claiming victory in dry conditions, outbraking Dovizioso at the final corner after a lap-long duel that thrilled the 200,000-strong crowd and highlighted the track's overtaking opportunities. Viñales and Rossi followed closely for Yamaha, benefiting from improved rear grip as the race transitioned from cooler morning sessions to hot afternoon asphalt. The season finale at Valencia's Circuit Ricardo Tormo unfolded in pouring rain, red-flagged after 13 laps due to crashes including Márquez and Rossi; upon restart for a shortened 14-lap encounter, Dovizioso powered to victory from pole, with Pol Espargaró securing KTM's maiden MotoGP podium in third after Bradley Smith's strong but ultimately fourth-place run.[53] The wet chaos marked a fittingly unpredictable end, clinching Honda the constructors' title despite Márquez's DNF. Notable incidents peppered the year, including the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring where Márquez extended his unbeaten streak to nine straight wins amid multiple high-speed crashes on the left-hand heavy layout, with Rossi and Viñales capitalizing for a Yamaha 2-3 finish. At Sepang in Malaysia, Márquez overcame a six-place grid penalty for impeding Andrea Iannone in qualifying to win, while Rossi crashed out from the lead in the closing stages, denying a potential Yamaha triumph in humid, high-grip conditions.Championship narrative
The 2018 MotoGP World Championship was defined by Marc Márquez's commanding performance for Repsol Honda, where he secured nine victories across the season, including the Americas, Spanish, French, Dutch TT (Assen), German, Aragon, Thai, Japanese, and Malaysian Grands Prix.[2][54] Márquez clinched his fifth MotoGP title—and seventh world championship overall—at the Japanese Grand Prix on October 21, establishing an unassailable 102-point lead over his nearest rival after 16 of 18 rounds, with a maximum of 75 points still available.[55][56] His aggressive riding style, combined with the refined Honda RC213V, allowed him to rebound from early-season challenges, such as the Ducati threat, and pull away decisively in the latter half, marking a season of calculated dominance despite 25 crashes in testing and practice.[4] Andrea Dovizioso of the Ducati Team mounted the strongest challenge, claiming four wins at the Qatar, Czech, San Marino, and Malaysian Grands Prix, while delivering consistent podium finishes that kept the title fight alive through the mid-season.[2][4] Dovizioso's smooth, late-braking prowess on the Ducati Desmosedici GP shone on technical circuits, narrowing Márquez's lead to as little as 23 points after the Czech round, but crashes at Le Mans and Catalunya, along with Márquez's relentless consistency, eroded his momentum by summer.[4] Intra-team tensions at Ducati intensified the narrative, as teammate Jorge Lorenzo's early resurgence— with three consecutive victories at the Italian, Catalan, and Austrian Grands Prix—highlighted the Desmosedici's straight-line speed advantage, but a high-speed crash at Aragon sidelined him for the remainder of the season, shifting focus to Dovizioso's solo pursuit.[4][57] Valentino Rossi started strongly for Yamaha with multiple podiums, but the M1's handling issues led to a fade, culminating in third place overall without a victory, five points ahead of teammate Maverick Viñales.[2][4] The simmering rivalry between Márquez and Rossi, rooted in their infamous 2015 Sepang clash, added emotional layers, with on-track battles and verbal sparring underscoring generational tensions, though Rossi's consistency prevented a deeper collapse.[58] A key milestone came at the Australian Grand Prix, where Viñales ended Yamaha's 25-race win drought dating back to 2017, providing a rare highlight amid the manufacturer's struggles.[59]Results and standings
Grands Prix
The 2018 MotoGP World Championship featured 18 Grands Prix after the British round at Silverstone was cancelled due to safety concerns with the circuit's surface. The season showcased competitive racing across diverse tracks, with Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha teams dominating the podiums. Key race outcomes are detailed in the table below, highlighting winners, pole positions, fastest laps, and margins of victory, drawn from official race reports.| Round | Grand Prix | Circuit | Date | Winner (Team) | Pole (Rider) | Fastest Lap (Rider) | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar | Losail International Circuit | 18 March | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) | Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) | 0.390 s |
| 2 | Argentina | Termas de Río Hondo | 8 April | Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) | Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 0.089 s |
| 3 | Americas | Circuit of the Americas | 22 April | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 3.560 s |
| 4 | Spain | Circuito de Jerez | 6 May | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 2.235 s |
| 5 | France | Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans | 20 May | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 0.716 s |
| 6 | Italy | Mugello Circuit | 3 June | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) | Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) | 6.370 s |
| 7 | Catalonia | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | 17 June | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | 3.086 s |
| 8 | Netherlands | TT Circuit Assen | 1 July | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) | 0.364 s |
| 9 | Germany | Sachsenring | 15 July | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 4.187 s |
| 10 | Czech Republic | Automotodrom Brno | 5 August | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | 1.087 s |
| 11 | Austria | Red Bull Ring | 12 August | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | 0.130 s [60] |
| 12 | Great Britain | Silverstone Circuit | 26 August | Cancelled | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | N/A | N/A |
| 13 | San Marino and Rimini Riviera | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli | 9 September | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | 0.162 s [61] |
| 14 | Aragon | MotorLand Aragón | 23 September | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | 2.340 s |
| 15 | Thailand | Chang International Circuit | 7 October | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 0.115 s |
| 16 | Japan | Twin Ring Motegi | 21 October | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | 2.455 s [62] |
| 17 | Australia | Phillip Island Circuit | 28 October | Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) | 0.289 s |
| 18 | Malaysia | Sepang International Circuit | 4 November | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda Team) | Álex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) | 2.496 s [63] |
| 19 | Valencia | Circuit Ricardo Tormo | 18 November | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) | Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) | 2.750 s [64] |
Riders' standings
Marc Márquez of the Repsol Honda Team won the 2018 MotoGP Riders' Championship, his fifth title in the premier class, with a total of 321 points from nine race victories and fifteen podium finishes.[2] Andrea Dovizioso of the Ducati Team placed second with 245 points, achieved through four wins and nine podiums.[2] Valentino Rossi of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team finished third with 198 points and ten podiums but no race wins.[2] Maverick Viñales, also of Movistar Yamaha, took fourth position with 193 points, including one victory and seven podiums.[2] Álex Rins of Team Suzuki Ecstar rounded out the top five in fifth place with 169 points and six podium finishes.[2] Márquez clinched the championship with three rounds remaining after victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he reached 296 points.[66] Points were awarded to the top fifteen finishers in each of the season's eighteen Grands Prix, with 25 points for the winner decreasing to 1 point for fifteenth place; no additional points were given for pole positions or fastest laps.[2] The complete riders' standings are shown below.[2]| Pos | Rider | Nationality | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marc Márquez | Spain | Repsol Honda Team | 321 |
| 2 | Andrea Dovizioso | Italy | Ducati Team | 245 |
| 3 | Valentino Rossi | Italy | Movistar Yamaha MotoGP | 198 |
| 4 | Maverick Viñales | Spain | Movistar Yamaha MotoGP | 193 |
| 5 | Álex Rins | Spain | Team Suzuki Ecstar | 169 |
| 6 | Johann Zarco | France | Monster Yamaha Tech 3 | 158 |
| 7 | Cal Crutchlow | United Kingdom | LCR Honda | 148 |
| 8 | Danilo Petrucci | Italy | Alma Pramac Racing | 144 |
| 9 | Jorge Lorenzo | Spain | Ducati Team | 134 |
| 10 | Andrea Iannone | Italy | Team Suzuki Ecstar | 133 |
| 11 | Dani Pedrosa | Spain | Repsol Honda Team | 117 |
| 12 | Álvaro Bautista | Spain | Angel Nieto Team | 105 |
| 13 | Jack Miller | Australia | Alma Pramac Racing | 91 |
| 14 | Pol Espargaró | Spain | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 51 |
| 15 | Franco Morbidelli | Italy | EG 0,0 Marc VDS | 50 |
| 16 | Hafizh Syahrin | Malaysia | Monster Yamaha Tech 3 | 46 |
| 17 | Aleix Espargaró | Spain | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | 44 |
| 18 | Bradley Smith | United Kingdom | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 38 |
| 19 | Tito Rabat | Spain | Avintia Reale Ducati | 35 |
| 20 | Takaaki Nakagami | Japan | LCR Honda | 33 |
| 21 | Scott Redding | United Kingdom | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | 20 |
| 22 | Michele Pirro | Italy | Ducati Team | 14 |
| 23 | Karel Abraham | Czech Republic | Angel Nieto Team | 12 |
| 24 | Stefan Bradl | Germany | LCR Honda | 10 |
Constructors' standings
The Constructors' Championship in the 2018 MotoGP World Championship was decided by aggregating points from the two highest-finishing riders of each manufacturer in every Grand Prix, using the standard scoring system of 25 points for first place, 20 for second, 16 for third, and decreasing to 1 for fifteenth.[67] This method highlights the overall competitiveness of each manufacturer's bike design across the season's 18 Grands Prix, with all factory and satellite teams contributing to their respective constructor's tally. Honda secured the title with a dominant performance, clinching their 24th constructors' crown in the premier class at the penultimate round in Malaysia, where Marc Márquez's victory ensured an insurmountable lead over rivals Ducati.[67] The Japanese manufacturer benefited from Márquez's nine race wins and consistent scoring from teammate Dani Pedrosa, supplemented by points from LCR Honda riders Cal Crutchlow and Takaaki Nakagami in races where the factory duo underperformed. Ducati finished a close second, powered by Andrea Dovizioso's four victories and Jorge Lorenzo's three wins early in the season, marking a strong resurgence for the Italian brand despite missing the title.[68] Yamaha placed third, hampered by development challenges and a winless streak until Maverick Viñales triumphed at Australia, with Valentino Rossi providing reliable podiums but unable to match the pace of the leading prototypes. Suzuki achieved a solid fourth, driven by Álex Rins' breakthrough podiums and consistent finishes, signaling progress for the Japanese outfit. Aprilia and KTM brought up the rear in fifth and sixth, with limited top-ten results from Aleix Espargaró and Scott Redding for Aprilia, and Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith for KTM, as both manufacturers focused on mid-season testing and rider adaptation. The standings underscore Honda's engineering edge in 2018, while Ducati's near-miss highlighted their speed on straights and corner exits, setting the stage for future dominance.[69]Teams' standings
In the 2018 MotoGP World Championship, the teams' standings were calculated by summing the points scored by all riders affiliated with each team throughout the season's 18 Grands Prix, reflecting both factory and satellite operations. This metric highlighted the competitive dynamics between official manufacturer squads and their supported privateer teams, with Repsol Honda Team demonstrating superior consistency and adaptability. The total points distributed across all teams reached 2520, underscoring the depth of the grid. Factory teams dominated the upper echelons, but satellite outfits like Alma Pramac Racing showcased the value of manufacturer support in resource-limited environments. Repsol Honda Team emerged as champions with 438 points, primarily from their core riders' contributions. Movistar Yamaha MotoGP followed in second with 391 points, benefiting from strong individual performances despite occasional inconsistencies. Ducati Team placed third at 379 points, while satellite teams Alma Pramac Racing (235 points) and Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (204 points) rounded out the top five, illustrating how non-factory entries could leverage advanced machinery to compete effectively.[2][70] The full teams' standings, derived from the combined points of each team's riders, are detailed below.[71]| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Repsol Honda Team | 438 |
| 2 | Movistar Yamaha MotoGP | 391 |
| 3 | Ducati Team | 379 |
| 4 | Team Suzuki Ecstar | 302 |
| 5 | Alma Pramac Racing | 235 |
| 6 | Monster Yamaha Tech 3 | 204 |
| 7 | LCR Honda | 181 |
| 8 | Angel Nieto Team | 117 |
| 9 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 89 |
| 10 | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | 64 |
| 11 | EG 0,0 Marc VDS | 50 |
| 12 | Avintia Reale Ducati | 35 |