MotoGP Pre-Season Testing: Riders To Look Out For

With MotoGP 2024 right around the corner, the pre-season testing just concluded and Francesco Bagnaia, yet again, came out on top. Pecco, racing for the Ducati Factory racing team, did really well in both Qatar and Malaysia, showing us that he is a contender for the Riders’ Title this year, too.

Bagnaia not only came out on top amongst the 2024 MotoGP grid, but also set a new lap record at the Sepang International Circuit and at the Lusail International Circuit as well. Pecco is continuously showing his dominance and aims to showcase his grit in the upcoming MotoGP season.

So, what do these MotoGP pre-season results tell us? In short, not a sufficient amount. But, here’s what we do understand. These results show us where the riders stand amongst each other and it also gives us an insight on what we can expect from the teams’ motorcycles this year.

Who Else to Look out For?

Following Pecco in the results, was Jorge Martin, who was giving Bagnaia a run for his money towards the second half of the 2023 MotoGP season. Martin, riding the Pramac Ducati which has been improved for 2024, will be extra eager to clinch his first GP title, missing out last year by just a whisker.

One thing is clear though, when Martin has his head screwed on right, he can outpace Pecco as seen on multiple occasions in the previous season.

Another familiar name to watch for is Marc Marquez. Marquez, now riding the Gresini Racing Ducati, has put out some blistering times throughout the pre-season testing. Not at the top of the grid, however, Marquez still needs a little more time to get the most out of the new bike he’s on.