Here we are. After 19 Grands Prix around the world, the paddock returns to the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit for the Barcelona Solidarity Motul Grand Prix, an event whose objective goes beyond the purely sporting framework and where the 2024 MotoGP™ World Championship will be decided. By Sunday afternoon at the latest, we will finally know the name of the World Champion. We already know that the one who will hold the trophy is Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac Racing) or Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). But which one will succeed? That's what remains to be decided as #TheRematch comes to a close.
It seems difficult to bet against the “Martinator”, who has a 24-point lead and whose pace has been nothing short of impressive since the start of the season in all conditions. No. 89 has rarely made a mistake in recent weeks and is in a much better position than last year at the same time. All these little details put together are about to pay off for the Spaniard. However, his pace during the last GP of Catalonia was not up to that of his main rival, Pecco Bagnaia, which makes this end of the Championship so open. Millimeters separate glory from gravel in MotoGP™, and that line is even more difficult to cross when it comes to such a decisive moment.
For Pecco Bagnaia, on the other hand, the time is no longer for calculations. The Italian has two options: bet everything or lose without trying. In this kind of situation, something seems to be unlocked in the reigning Champion. Even during the Tissot Sprint at Sepang, the duty was not to win but to take risks. That's what he did, but unfortunately for him, it didn't pay off. On a different Saturday and a different circuit, maybe that will be the case. With a different pace than the rivals around them, there's a chance he'll come out on top. Pecco Bagnaia no longer has any room for error and Jorge Martín practically has one hand on the trophy.
Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia will have two usual rivals watching this weekend. In the purple corner, we hope that Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) will not be able to keep pace with the title contenders, as was the case in Malaysia. Enea Bastianini finished quite far from victory in terms of time, while Marc Márquez admitted that he simply didn't have the pace to mix with the duel of titans unfolding before him. No. 93 forced too much and made a mistake.
Outrunning Marc Márquez and Enea Bastianini in the Tissot Sprint and in the race is part of the dream scenario for Jorge Martín. Conversely, this is what Francesco Bagnaia fears. “I need Enea,” confirmed the transalpine during the post-race press conference in Malaysia. We are not talking about team instructions here but simply about taking points from Jorge Martin. The No. 1 could also use Marc Márquez. However, unlike Enea Bastianini, a fast and fit MM93 can work against Pecco Bagnaia. This dynamic between the top four of the Catalan GP in May will be fascinating to observe on Friday afternoon and during qualifying.
THE Clash FOR FIFTH PLACE
Other protagonists could disrupt the battle. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) reached the podium of the Tissot Sprint in Barcelona and the rookie will be keen to finish the year in a top 3. In addition, there is a great inter-factory fight for fifth overall position between the Spaniard and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). With 209 points against 206 in favor of the rookie, the South African (who has not been on a podium on Sunday since Qatar) will be looking for a podium after a difficult end to the Malaysian GP.
The two future teammates are not the only ones in the running for the top 5. Maverick Viñales' (Aprilia Racing) final weekend at Aprilia could see “Top Gun” end the year with the title of “best of the rest » before taking over the management of KTM. 20 points separate Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder and Maverick Viñales in this thrilling secondary fight.
LOYALTY TEST
Behind, Alex Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) will try to confirm his good results from Sepang with a solid end to the season at home. Also on the GP23, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) did not have as much success in Malaysia and hopes to leave VR46 and Ducati through the front door. Will he succeed? Time will tell. He will be partnered this weekend with Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who will replace Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) for the final round of the season.
Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) is also a serious threat. Prima Pramac Racing could ask the Italian for help if Jorge Martin needs it, but can Franco Morbidelli, who was fourth before crashing at Sepang, win? And to whom will the loyalty of the members of the VR46 Academy lean if the situation arises? Another thing to watch out for…
HAT !
Yamaha had rather one eye on the race lead in Malaysia. The P5 in Tissot Sprint and the P6 on Sunday of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) both constitute records this season for the team, and they are in no way the result of chance. In fact, the Iwata factory was even unlucky with the Frenchman's fall at the start of the race before the red flag. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) also achieved his best race result of the year with an eighth place. Can the Yamaha riders confirm this performance by doing even better this weekend, on a circuit where they have already shown themselves to be fast and efficient?
ONE LAST DANCE AT HOME
Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia Racing) will give everything to repeat his performance from the start of the year on home soil. The king of the Catalan Tissot Sprint is preparing to contest his final race as a full-time MotoGP™ rider, and although he has struggled to shine in recent weeks, Aleix Espargaró loves the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. As we know, if number 41 is able to do it, he will not hesitate to lend a hand to his friend Jorge Martín…
The Catalan GP marked the 2024 season of Raúl Fernández (Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™). Having been in tough conditions for a while, the Spaniard would certainly appreciate regaining control of the Tissot Sprint and taking another sixth place, on a track which is generally suitable for RS-GP. The No. 25 and Trackhouse will also see the return of Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing), injured and absent for the last five rounds. Will the No. 88 be able to enjoy his last weekend on the Aprilia before a new adventure?
Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will look to put his Malaysian GP crash behind him during his farewell weekend at KTM, while Pierer Mobility Group colleague Augusto Fernández (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) , will aim to end the year on a high note before taking on a completely different role in 2025.
On the HRC side, Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) once again led the charge in Malaysia but had to settle for 11th place. Can the Frenchman and the official riders, Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team), still progress? This is what they have done throughout the season. How will Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) fare as the Japanese star bows out in MotoGP™? For him too, this weekend will be rich in emotions.
For many, it is the end of an era. For others, it's an opportunity to leave in style and embark on a new challenge which begins on Tuesday. Concerning the 2024 Championship, we are preparing to experience a weekend which will decide the name of the winner.
Before all that, there are 24 points difference between two drivers… and 37 at stake. The most exciting sport in the world #RacingForValencia for the last show of the season. You won't regret it.
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