Amid a rumoured Marc Marquez move to Gresini, would rival manufacturers be more willing to allow revised MotoGP technical concessions for Honda and Yamaha if he leaves?
With the race distance reduced due to the extreme Indian heat, and even a fully fit Jorge Martin struggling with dehydration, spare a thought for Pol Espargaro, still far from peak physical condition following extensive injuries at the Portimao MotoGP season-opener.
After seeing his MotoGP title challenge fade away during the overseas rounds last season, Aleix Espargaro aims to make amends by breaking into the championship top four at the flyaways this time around.
On an Indian MotoGP weekend when Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi pulled over 20-points from Francesco Bagnaia, KTM’s Brad Binder had to settle for just a ten-point gain on the title leader.
After seeing predecessors Jorge Lorenzo and Pol Espargaro struggle, not to mention Marc Marquez’s dwindling results, Joan Mir must have been braced for a tough debut MotoGP season at Repsol Honda.
All eyes are now on the slim 13-point gap between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin at the head of the MotoGP standings, but if Marco Bezzecchi can repeat his Indian Grand Prix form he has plenty of time to join the title fight.
Marc Marquez has played down the significance of comments by senior Ducati management suggesting the six-time MotoGP champion is indeed in talks for a shock switch to Gresini next season.
Luca Marini, who collided with team-mate Marco Bezzecchi at the start of Saturday's Indian MotoGP Sprint race, has been diagnosed with a left collarbone fracture.
Results from the special 'wet' Saturday afternoon session added to the Indian MotoGP schedule at the Buddh International Circuit, round 13 of 20 in the 2023 world championship.