MotoGP pre-season testing is set to take place at Sepang until February 8th. All MotoGP riders will participate in this three-day testing event in Malaysia, providing teams with a valuable opportunity to assess new components and gather crucial data for the upcoming 2024 season. This testing phase is especially important for riders who have changed teams this year since it gives them more opportunity to get to know their new motorcycles. Looking forward to the 2024 MotoGP season, let's explore the top five reasons why we're thrilled about this year's championship.
1. Marc Marquez to Gresini Ducati
The biggest talking point of the 2024 championship has to be Marc Marquez’s shock move to Gresini Ducati. The six-time world champion has decided to jump ship after spending 11 years with the Repsol Honda team. Marquez started his MotoGP chapter with the Repsol Honda team and won six world titles between 2013 and 2019. However, Marquez’s last four years with Honda were marred by countless injuries, which weren’t helped by an underperforming motorcycle. Marquez is now leaving the revered factory Honda seat for a satellite Ducati ride in 2024. On paper, it might sound like a demotion, but the truth is that he will ride 2023’s championship-winning motorcycle. And if Marquez’s track record and winter tests at Valencia are anything to go by – he finished fourth fastest overall on his first outing on a Ducati – you can rest assured that he will upset the applecart.
2. The Ducati Conundrum
With Marquez’s arrival in the Ducati fold, the Italian marque is sure to be preparing for a bit of a headache in 2024. Managing fast riders is one thing but having someone like Marc Marquez – who used to be Ducati’s biggest foe not too long ago – in a non-factory outfit…well, it would be interesting to see how it all pans out. Also, top Ducati riders, including reigning world champion Pecco Bagnaia and Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin – who finished second in the 2023 championship – will have a point to prove. Not to mention, VR46 Ducati riders, Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who Marquez replaced at Gresini, will also undoubtedly aim to beat Marquez on equal machinery.
3. Rookie Sensation
Pedro Acosta is regarded as the next Marc Marquez, and deservedly so. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who clinched the Moto3 championship in 2021 and claimed the Moto2 title in 2023, will now progress to the premier class with KTM-backed Team GasGas racing in 2024. It’s fair to say that everyone has huge expectations from Acosta, for he’s an exceptional rider. But will he turn out to be a headliner in MotoGP as he was in the lower classes? Only time will tell, but given his talent and grit, you can bet that he will be near the top sooner than later. And if he manages to make a solid impression in his debut year, he's likely to be promoted to the factory KTM squad, taking Jack Miller's place.
4. Can Honda bounce back?
With their star campaigner leaving for Gresini Ducati, Honda will have an uphill task to be competitive in 2024. However, the Japanese giant surely has the know-how and resources to bounce back. Whether with or without Marquez, they will aim to compete for race wins sooner rather than later. The team has also hired the services of Luca Marini, an ex-VR46 Ducati rider, as Marquez’s replacement and will look forward to starting their Marquez-less era on a clean slate. At the same time, ex-Pramac Ducati rider, Johann Zarco, will be moving to the satellite LCR Honda team, meaning they have not one but two ex-Ducati riders and that will be a huge help for the development of the new bike. There is a sense of anticipation that Honda's new rider line-up may spring a surprise in 2024.
5. New Concessions System for 2024
Given the stark difference between the performance of European (Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia) and Japanese (Honda and Yamaha) manufacturers in recent years, MotoGP has devised a new concessions system for 2024. Under the new regulations, the bottom two teams, Yamaha and Honda, will be allowed to take part in private tests at any circuit. Additionally, they will also have the freedom to alter engine specs mid-season. That will be a big boost for both teams and hopefully, they will be able to benefit from the new concessions system during the season. The new concessions will also mean no wildcards will be allowed for Ducati, and there will be a freeze on the engine development during the year. Well, that's the price you pay for being at the top...
Photo Credits: Ducati, HRC
Write your Comment