The end of this MotoGP season promises to be exciting in more than one way; the final battle is in sight, firstly, and some drivers have a chance to make up their entire season, or almost everything. Indeed, a singular, even unprecedented, configuration appears when reading the ranking. Don’t panic, I’ll explain everything to you. Analysis.
All for eighth place
It’s very simple to understand. Clearly, several drivers can fight for eighth place in the general classification. So far, nothing abnormal, except that their number and the gap between them is tiny. By “several”, I do not mean two, nor three, nor four, but rather five pilots who stand within only 12 points. This is even crazier than what we’ve seen previously, because since 2023 it’s possible to score 37 points per weekend, compared to 25 previously. Thus, it is mathematically less likely to have so many tight men at this level of the rankings.
Let’s begin the presentations, from the lowest ranked to the one who could well win this war within the war. Afterwards, we will make a small prediction.
He must save his season
Alex Marquez is more discreet than ever. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Before that, let’s define the boundaries. In seventh position is Maverick Vinales, with 163 points. Unless injured, he will not be caught by the one following him, which we will talk about in a few moments. To the south, Fabio Quartararo, 13th. The Frenchman, in great difficulty on an accounting level, has 86 points in his bag.
He will never be able to come back to Alex Marquez, who, therefore, is the one we will focus on now.
It’s simple: he must save his season. Currently the lowest ranked Ducati rider (12e, 124
points), he is a real disappointment. Unlike last year, he was never able to shine in qualifying or in Sprint, not to mention his Grands Prix. It only has one podium, achieved in Germany and that’s it. We had the right to expect more from a double world champion, very promising for his debut with Honda in 2020. Yes, he has already been roaming the world tracks in the most prestigious category for five years. and there’s still not much to sink your teeth into. He is known more for his mistakes – which often drag other riders down – than his prowess on the handlebars.
On the other hand, if he finishes on a good note, he could finish eighth, and better ranked in the Ducati hierarchy. Malaysia arrives, where he was very good last year. To be continued.
The right
In 11th place, with 134 points, comes Aleix Espargaro.
The Aprilia official is experiencing many problems at the end of the season. The RS-GP is no longer really competitive, especially in racing. It no longer compares with the Ducati as was previously the case. In addition, errors accumulate under Noale’s awning. Aging, Aleix is only four races away from retirement, and you can feel it. He still managed to take a Sprint victory this season but is clearly not on the upward slope. Even though Alex Marquez has already signed his contract for next year, Aleix unless to play.
The unfortunate
In 10th place comes the best of this small group, in my opinion. Unfortunately for him, he did not use any luck in this 2024 financial year. Fabio Di Giannantonio et al 134 points must curse his injury dated from Austria. With one less Grand Prix contested and a rather long convalescence, he is not in the best of conditions. It’s a shame, because he was making clear progress before his decisive fall. He will have to hang on, he will have to fight. It’s poorly shipped but it was very fast in Japan. The Italian was brilliant in Australia and Valencia last year, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him shine again in these latitudes.
Hide the disappointment
Marco Bezzecchi has been better lately and found a solution on Sunday at Motegi. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
You are not dreaming: there is indeed a triple tie! Marco Bezzecchi, 9th with 134 points like Espargaro and “Diggia”, can also claim this P8 overall. For him, it’s quite different. His 2024 season is clearly below the previous one, even more disappointing than that of Alex Marquez, in a sense. He was one of the strongest, spoke with Bagnaia, Martin, Binder, and now struggles to finish in front of his injured teammate. It’s time to make up for it, with a few well-judged races, some poker moves of which he has the secret, accompanied by a good dose of panache.
A few weeks before moving to Aprilia, the “Bez” must end on a good note to build confidence for your next challenge.
It’s time to prove
Franco Morbidelli, 8th with 136 points, must prove he can do it. For him again, the story is not the same and that is also what makes this battle fascinating: each of the actors plays something important, but which is their own. While he was the author of a catastrophic start to the season, conditioned by a heavy absence from winter testing, “Franky” is recovering, better and better. We saw him among the best in Misano but also in Mandalika. Clearly, he has risen from the ashes after three years of hardship. With “Diggia”, this is undoubtedly the best progression over the seasonwhich can give him confidence. He has everything to lose, nothing to gain : it would be difficult to be overtaken in the ranking by Bezzecchi or Di Giannantonio, while he is taking advantage of the GP24 and will join Ducati VR46 next year.
The prognosis
Quickly, what will be the order upon arrival? NDon’t hesitate to give me your opinions in comments, I will try to read them.
In my opinion, the material advantage is just too great for Morbidelli to lose this eighth position. And then, out of everyone, he has the best dynamics. Then maybe Fabio Di Giannantonio will come, who, overall, is better than “Bez” this year. Marco, in fact, will finish 10th according to my learned calculations based on… absolutely nothing other than my instinct and a few arguments. Then, despite two consecutive retirements on Sunday, I still see Alex Marquez overtaking Aleix Espargaro to gain 11th place, which is quite sad, casually. Aprilia is really struggling to compete, and Aleix will not tempt the devil for such an anecdotal place. Marquez is hungrier.
Tell me what you think!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial staff.
Morbidelli is still far from the other GP24s. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
