After months of waiting, MotoGP 22 has finally arrived today! The official game of the 2022 MotoGP season has massively impressed us, and you can read exactly why in our full review right here!
The first round you'll face in both the Nine Season and your Career Mode save is the Qatar GP. The Losail Circuit has been the curtain-raiser for MotoGP since joining the calendar in 2004.
It's made up of a mix of high and low-speed corners, as well as that extremely long pit straight. So, nailing a setup can be tricky. Never fear though, we're here to help with our setup guide!
Tyres
While Qatar has a lot of fast corners, its track surface is billiard table smooth, so you can opt for softer rubber. Some may go medium on the front and rear axles, but we recommend using a soft on the front for more grip.
Suspension
For MotoGP 22 most settings have changed in that they're now only measured in units of seven, rather than eight like before.
Front pre-load needs to be low at 2 to allow for more consistent steering around the long corners in Losail. Oil quality and front spring hardness are both best at 4.
The front swingarm compression, though, is best cranked all the way up to 8. Finally, for the front of the bike's suspension, front swingarm extension is ideal at 3.
On the rear, values need to be in and around default for a good compromise. The rear pre-load has to be around 4. The rest of the settings have to be slightly lower at 3, although if you're struggling, have a play around with these.
Vehicle geometry
For your Vehicle Geometry, steering head inclination is required to be all the way up at 7 to aid stability.
The trail has to be at 5, with the steering plate position down at 3. Lastly, the rear swingarm length needs to also be set to 3.
Transmission
The gears have to be set at or slightly below the default values. This is despite the high-speed nature of Losail, but this will help with turn-in and stability around the corners.
Brake System
For Qatar, the first corner is such a huge braking event that you need the most powerful brakes available for both front and rear. Turn 1 makes the rest of the circuit a challenge to keep the brakes cool, as the only real chance to cool is down the start/ finish straight.
So, a 340mm high mass brake on the front and a 220mm on the rear are best for Losail.
ECU
You'll need a lot of help from the electronic aids in Qatar. Traction Control and Engine Braking need to both be up at the maximum of 5. Anti-wheelie has to be at around 4 to prevent the front wheel from flying off the ground.
Power mapping is best at 3 for a flying lap, but you'll need to turn this around during some points in the race. This is to save fuel and the engine.
All of these can be adjusted out on track using the HUD in the bottom-right of the screen.