Ranking the top 10 MotoGP riders of 2021
Eight different riders won races across an ultra-competitive 2021 MotoGP season. Although Fabio Quartararo wrapped up the title with two rounds to go, the Yamaha rider had strong competition from the revitalised Ducati factory team and the world championship's returning king. Autosport picks out the year's 10 best riders
The 2021 MotoGP season was a more normal affair despite COVID-19 still hanging over the paddock, with a full schedule of 18 races taking place. This didn't stop the season from being just as chaotic as the 2020 campaign however, with eight riders taking to the top step of the podium on four different motorcycles. In all, no less than 15 riders finished on the podium.
From that crop, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo emerged as the man to beat and the Frenchman emerged as his nation's first MotoGP title winner, sealing the championship with a fine recovery ride at Misano.
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Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing 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 World Superbikes and road 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.
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