2024 MotoGP season

[Carl]

Apr 15, 2024 21:12:50 GMT chrisb said:

My word what a race! it really was one of the very best races I have ever watched - it was brilliant, the sprint race was pretty good on the Saturday but it really did seem a bit well anti-climaxed but the main event - wow - so much so I have now watched it twice - it really was that good,


Maverick Vinales - has always been a mercurial if brilliant at times racer who when all things point in the right direction is just about unbeatable, against the new wonder kid on the block Pedro Acosta whose initial start to the year has been nothing short of exceptional and the shall we say returning Marc Marquez on a Ducati, oh and the other brilliant Ducati's who are not in the slightest bit intimidated by Marquez and let him know he can't get away with his previous tactics - especially Martine and Pecca who are extremely good. 

Starting on pole Maverick was pushed back to 11th by some very aggressive riding but by the end with some brilliant overtaking won in record style, should this form continue then his first world championship beckons and wouldn't that be something. 

If I was to recommend to anyone a race to watch it would have been this one, it really had so much and was just brilliant. 

There is a new name for Maverick, Batmav and he wears the cloak of victory.

Click "Watch on YouTube"

[René]

Apr 15, 2024 21:12:50 GMT chrisb said:

If I was to recommend to anyone a race to watch it would have been this one, it really had so much and was just brilliant. 

There is a new name for Maverick, Batmav and he wears the cloak of victory.

What a race indeed, sensational! And so happy for you Chris that Maverick won. He’s on form for sure so that bodes well for the season. 

[René]

Spanish Grand Prix - Jerez



The home race for many riders and it could be a cracker. Francesco Bagnaia fastest in FP2 followed by the on-form Maverick Viñales and home favorite Marc Márquez.

[chrisb]

Oh my nearly 300,000 spectators over the weekend, that is some number, I did go to the race around 2012 and it was insane them - streets full of screaming and revving 600's and so many enthusiastic fans and now its even more hectic 

the sprint race was one of the most bizarre races I have seen, so many crashes it was unbelievable 

as for the proper race it was exciting to say the least - there was no way the Italians were going to let Marc win and my word did Pecco defend his lead - complete with rubber on Marquez's shoulder - it was all bonhomie afterwards but perhaps with gritted teeth. 

[René]

French Grand Prix - Le Mans



After the exciting races in Spain we have now arrived in France. Home race for Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco. It would be nice if they could score well, but that won't be easy.

[chrisb]

wouldn't it be great if they both did a great race, but on Japanese machinery at this stage unlikely, 

All the talk is about Pecco and MM - and their battle, well I think people are forgetting Jorge and Maverick to mention two others, and especially the Ducati riders are definitely up for a tussle with MM and he won't get away with any bullying tactics, 

It will be very interesting especially as the weather has finally improved, sadly I won't be able to watch much as I am away to Ireland for a weeks travelling on the bike. I will try and watch it Sunday as there is a history to Le Mans, I was fortunate to go there a few years ago and what struck me was the noise of the MotoGP bikes, it was deafening but brilliant 

[René]

Catalan Grand Prix - Barcelona



As if there weren't enough races this weekend, the MotoGP boys are also back in action. At the Barcelona circuit, Aleix Espargaro took pole position in front of his own crowd!

[chrisb]

so much sport on this weekend, just as well the weather has been dreadful, 

the sprint race you couldn't have written a stranger script if you tried, Aleix Esparago announced a very tearful retirement at the end of the year and then wins the sprint race, after everyone seems to have fallen apart, so many fell off - the one I really felt for was Raul Fernandez who was winning by a country mile and then inexplicably fell off, followed by Brad and then Pecco on the last lap leaving a very emotional Aleix winning the sprint race. 

the main event was a bit of a tense affair with tyres dominating the show, well done to Pecco for keeping his nerve and again many riders sliding off and a great ride by Fabio [my man of the race] 

the best race was again Moto2 - with yet more spills and thrills and Jake Dixon finishing a very wonderful 3rd - so so pleased for him. 

Next week Mugello - now that should be fun, as the KTM's are now quicker in a straight line than the Ducati's will this be the new wonderkid - who is a breath of fresh air - Alcoba's first win, he is so good he is embarrassing. and surely the next superstar 

[René]

Italian Grand Prix - Mugello



The home race for Ducati and Aprilia and of course for reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia.



Maverick Viñales on the Aprilia fastest in FP1.

[René]

A double whammy for Francesco Bagnaia on home soil. A win in the sprint race and winning the Grand Prix means he is closing in on Jorge Martin in the championship battle.

[chrisb]

thanks Rene, 

and the plot thickens, my word I though the world of F1 was full of intrigue but by comparison to the goings on in MotoGP, F1 is very amateurish 

so Marc Marquez will be a factory Ducati rider next year with Pecco, echoes of Valle and Jorge? good luck Ducati you will need it, and Martin is off to Aprilla - replacing his mate Aleix, and Bastinini is off to KTM with Tech 3, 

who will be Yamaha partners next year? where will Jack go? will Maverick have a ride? these are a few of the questions dominating the media, and the wires are blazing, what we do know the grid will be very different next year 

[René]

Dutch Grand Prix - TT Assen





One of the classics on the MotoGP calendar, the TT race in Assen. A difficult and vicious circuit that is nevertheless loved by all riders. Winning here means something.



Pecco Bagnaia won last year.

[chrisb]

there is so much happening in MotoGP it is sometimes extremely difficult to keep up with what is happening, who is going where and when - all I know is there going to be a lot of changes for next year. Marc Marquez alongside Pecco will be interesting, Martini on an Aprilla even more so, and Maverick on a KTM will he make it another victory on 4 machines? Pramac to Yamaha and Lewis buying Gresini? and that is just the headlines, 

The sprint race seems a distant memory but Pecco was all dominant and a very unhappy Maverick was 3rd feeling he was capable of victory, some nasty accidents especially to Aleix 

The main events were extremely exciting [for me anyway] and some great riding some stupid rules and some poor tactics. Pecco is riding very well and his lap times are so consistently fast no one can compete - why I find his winning still interesting as unlike his F1 compatriot there are a number of riders capable of winning. 

It was another Ducati dominated result yet you came away from the race thinking the other teams are getting closer, Aprilla - especially - KTM also and Yamaha starting to show true pace, unfortunately Honda are almost embarrassing, off to Germany next weekend any bets against Marquez are not being taken, 

[René]

German Grand Prix - Sachsenring



The Aprillias are looking very good in practice and Maverick Viñales broke the lap record in FP2. Maybe they can really make things difficult for the Ducatis.

[chrisb]

Unfortunately and a very rare one for Mav, he had a nasty one and what with Aleix withdrawing didn't bode well, although I do know the results I am yet to watch the races, and will post later on.