The MotoGP™ 2024 Rider Market has unfolded as a whirlwind of activity. Despite initial expectations that the grid would remain relatively stable due to existing contracts with key Championship riders extending until 2024, MotoGP™ continues to be a realm of uncertainty, where change can occur in the blink of an eye.
Early Rumors
In the early part of the season, speculations about potential rider changes started circulating. Would Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) make a move to Yamaha? Was Franco Morbidelli's (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) future in MotoGP™ secure? What about Moto2™ starlet Pedro Acosta's (Red Bull KTM Ajo) prospects? How would KTM fare in the mix? The air was filled with uncertainty, and just when it seemed that puzzle pieces were falling into place, unexpected moves shook up the status quo. Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) signing with Yamaha and Marco Bezzecchi's (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) decision to forgo a latest-specification bike in favor of staying with his current team added further twists to the market.
With all these developments and more, the silly season was in full swing, but the most surprising turn of events was yet to come. In 2020, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) announced a four-year partnership that bound him to the golden-winged factory until 2024. That contract was inked just before he embarked on a challenging journey marred by injuries and numerous technical issues with his bike.
In this scenario, the idea of the #93 potentially departing from the Japanese factory gained momentum. Initially, there were speculations about the Spaniard moving to KTM and later to Gresini Racing alongside his brother, Alex Marquez. However, a pertinent question arose: Is being part of a factory team a prerequisite for success in MotoGP™?
Throughout the history of the MotoGP™ era, an independent team has never secured the Riders' World Championship, and no rider with Marquez' level of accomplishments has ventured down a similar path. It's worth recalling that when Valentino Rossi left the factory Yamaha team to join Petronas, he had a bike identical to the factory ones and unwavering support from the factory. Similarly, Jorge Martin currently benefits from similar support. While the #46 may not have had as fruitful an experience, the #89 is enjoying an outstanding season, supported by impressive statistics. Currently, the Spaniard sits second in the standings, trailing leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by just three points, showcasing impeccable form.
The most recent instance of capturing the premier class title without belonging to a factory team dates back to 2000 when Valentino Rossi made his rookie debut with the Nastro Azzurro team, managed by Honda Europe. A year later, he secured the final title of the 500cc era. Rossi followed in the footsteps of Eddie Lawson, who claimed three 500cc titles with Yamaha in 1984, 1986, and 1988. Lawson transitioned to Honda in 1989 under the guidance of Erv Kanemoto. Despite the factory team already having Wayne Gardner and rookie Mick Doohan, Lawson managed to clinch his fourth World Championship with Rothmans Honda.
At first glance, it might seem far-fetched to entertain the idea of winning a Championship with an independent team in the current landscape. However, within the highly competitive era of the World Championship, one thing is clear: anything is possible. Just ask Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Both have genuine opportunities to claim the Championship in 2023. Additionally, in the case of the Italian, he could achieve this feat in the current season with his Desmosedici GP 22, a machine that, in theory, possesses inferior technical equipment.
How far can Marquez go with a Ducati? Can he rewrite MotoGP™ history with his ninth World Championship alongside Gresini Racing? The 2024 season promises to deliver exhilarating excitement!