2024 MotoGP Qatar Test: Top Things To Look Out for During the Final Pre-season Testing

As the countdown to the start of the MotoGP season approaches, the teams are gathering in Qatar for more testing. The opening round will also be held in Qatar from March 8-10. During the test, riders and teams will work on improving their setups and specifications for the upcoming races. It is worth mentioning that Marc Marquez recently conducted a low-key test in Sepang on his Gresini Ducati GP23, quietly suggesting that he is progressively gaining momentum. Everyone may be watching Marquez to see how fast he is getting ready for the racing season. After taking part in the extra shakedown test mandated by the new concessions regulations, both Honda and Yamaha enjoyed productive preseasons. Anticipating the 2024 MotoGP season, here are the top five things you will want to pay attention to during the Qatar Test.

Ducati Lenovo, Prima Pramac, Pertamina Enduro VR46 and Gresini

An encouraging sign for Ducati's newest bike came from champion Francesco Bagnaia, who recorded a new fastest lap in Sepang. Franco Morbidelli is still not back at Prima Pramac Racing garage after his crash at the WorldSBK official pre-season test at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, but he is expected to return in time for Qatar's first race of the season in March. At Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, Fabio Di Giannantonio left an impact that was strikingly different from Marco Bezzecchi's improvement-centric approach. An exciting scenario unfolds in Gresini Racing MotoGP as Alex Marquez gets off to a quick start and Marc Marquez focuses on getting the most out of his new bike. Regardless of his position on the timesheets, Marc Marquez will undoubtedly be the centre of attention at Lusail, proving his competitive spirit in the testy environments.

Aprilia and Trackhouse Racing

Aleix Espargaro hailed Sepang MotoGP testing as their most successful pre-season to history, achieving a good fifth overall. On the other hand, Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira faced difficulties while trying to improve in Sepang, whether it was by making changes or upgrading hardware. While in Qatar, Aprilia promised updates as they continue to prepare to show the new engine's full capabilities. Furthermore, following his absence for much of Sepang due to an accident, Raul Fernandez is scheduled to return to his duties as Trackhouse.

KTM and GasGas Tech3 Racing

Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing became the fastest rider for the Austrian brand. Jack Miller and Brad Binder follow a strict preseason plan that centres on extensive testing and fine-tuning before a resolute attack on the timesheets.

But rookie phenom Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) stole the show at the Shakedown and Sepang Test, where he outshone the other RC16s with a simulation of the Tissot Sprint that was nothing short of spectacular. Many are looking forward to Acosta's performance in Lusail because of his brilliant performance in the World Championship paddock. On the flip side, Augusto Fernandez, who is in the same box as Acosta, is hoping to improve after a tough Sepang Test and make substantial progress before the lights come on in the desert for racing.

Honda and LCR Honda

Both Repsol Honda and Castrol Honda LCR have unveiled new liveries this week and are ready to get back on top of the racing world. There is hope because the Sepang test showed positive results, which means a lot of progress has been made. Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR), Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR), and  Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) were the top scorers on the timesheets, behind Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team). Notably, as they methodically worked through their changes for the 2024 season, Marini hinted at significant improvements in Qatar.

Yamaha

Despite continuing to concentrate on improving one-lap performance, Monster Energy Yamaha also showed good progress in Sepang. Fabio Quartararo and teammate Alex Rins are prepared for the last two days of testing in Qatar, thanks to new engine and tail unit components. Since the new concession rules are in effect, Yamaha and Honda are free to continue testing all season long. This means that they will have more time to hone their skills than they had during Tuesday's track session and the one-day test after Jerez.