Surprise Riders and Title Contenders
MotoGP team bosses make surprise 2024 season predictions. For Ducati exile Johann Zarco, Honda redemption comes; Yamaha reject Franco Morbidelli eyes revival with Italian’s former team; while Francesco Bagnaia faces fierce title fight to make history with 3-peat.
Will rebirth stories play out? Discover if Honda and returning riders can again conquer MotoGP.
The 2023 MotoGP season has yet to get underway, but paddock insiders are already making bold predictions for 2024. Johann Zarco has been tipped as a potential surprise frontrunner, while Francesco Bagnaia faces a tough battle to clinch a third successive championship.
Zarco Backed to Impress on New Honda After Ducati Spell
Johann Zarco raised eyebrows when he left the mighty Ducati to join strugglers Honda for 2023. However, his former Pramac boss Paolo Campinoti believes the Frenchman can be the “surprise rider of 2024”.
Campinoti claims Zarco wanted to “stop” after an initial test on the 2023 Honda. But he apparently found the 2024 prototype “impressive”. This could make Zarco a victory contender if Honda’s concessions boost development.
"So he will also be among the suitors this year," Campinoti asserted.Why Move from Ducati’s MotoGP Dominance?
Some questioned Zarco’s logic in leaving Ducati’s leading satellite team. But he secured a two-year contract with LCR Honda rather than a potential one-year extension at Pramac.
Zarco also brings valued experience that could accelerate Honda’s revival. He ended his 7-year MotoGP win drought in Australia 2022, indicating he still has winning potential.
Morbidelli Out to Resurrect Career with Pramac Switch
Replacing Zarco at Pramac is Franco Morbidelli, who endured a miserable 2023 with Factory Yamaha. Morbidelli seemed destined to lose his ride before finally getting axed.
But the Italian has rebounded by securing a coveted Ducati seat. Campinoti feels Morbidelli can unleash his potential on the Desmosedici, saying:
“I think this is his great opportunity and if he really hasn't boiled over but is still a great rider, I say 2024 could also be his year.”If Morbidelli finds form, he could emulate Bagnaia’s title-winning journey from Pramac. But with Zarco also tipped to star, the satellite Ducati fight could be a highlight battle.
Uphill Task for Bagnaia in Pursuing Historic Honda-Equalling Feat
Bagnaia made his premier class steps with Pramac before promotion to the Factory Ducati squad. He is now a double MotoGP champion chasing further history in 2024.
Only 9 riders have ever won three successive premier class crowns. But Campinoti suggests Bagnaia will find it harder to match this feat.
He commented: “Certainly someone who wins two championships is very strong. I believe that in 2024 life will be much more difficult, but he is the one to beat.”Bagnaia will likely face challenges from reigning champion Pecco Quartararo on the improving Yamaha. Meanwhile, 2020 winner Joan Mir has joined Repsol Honda alongside Marc Marquez.
But Ducati’s power and development rate means Bagnaia remains favorite for more MotoGP silverware.
Honda Placing Faith in Experience Like Marquez, Pedrosa Era
Besides Zarco, Honda has recruited another wily racer in Luca Marini – Valentino Rossi’s half-brother. Marini steps up from VR46 Ducati alongside the returning Marc Marquez.
This experience mirrors when Honda hired then-rookie Marquez alongside veteran Dani Pedrosa. That led to a period of dominance until Marquez’s injury absence and Honda losing direction.
Now they hope concessions plus feedback from Marquez, Zarco and Marini can revive the RC213V's competitiveness. Much rests on the 2024 prototype that seemingly impressed Zarco.If Honda reignites and Zarco adapts better than predecessors, he could steal surprise wins from his former Ducati employers.
2024 MotoGP Silly Season Conclusions
In conclusion, the 2024 MotoGP grid promises to spring surprises given the high-profile rider changes.
- Much intrigue surrounds Zarco’s shock Honda switch and whether he can tame the temperamental RC213V
- Morbidelli gets an ideal opportunity to show his ability on Ducati machinery after Yamaha misery
- Bagnaia warrants favoritism but faces a tougher treble title pursuit against rejuvenated rivals
- Honda rolls the dice on experienced riders complimenting Marc Marquez amid a transformative period
Whatever happens, the 2024 MotoGP title race looks increasingly unpredictable and competitive. Riders and manufacturers who seemingly struggled last year could soon enjoy revival stories.
FAQs
Could Zarco genuine fight for the 2024 title with Honda?
If Honda makes the necessary gains then Zarco has proven race-winning quality. But Ducati and Yamaha likely remain faster packages for now.
What chance is there of Morbidelli winning races in 2024?
If Morbidelli finds confidence and form again, he could definitely challenge for wins. Several satellite Ducati riders have won lately. But race victories might be his ceiling.
Who is Bagnaia’s biggest threat to a third straight championship?
Reigning champ Fabio Quartararo on the Yamaha looks Bagnaia’s strongest rival currently. But Joan Mir is an outsider after his Suzuki title and subsequent move to Repsol Honda.
With top riders switching teams amid recovery missions from struggling manufacturers, click now to discover the surprise packages tipped in our SEO-friendly deep dive on MotoGP’s compelling 2024 title battle and redemption stories.
