BIKER GUIDE ARTICLE - 2024


MotoGP Movements

MCE Insurance

A whole host of riders have already got their rides sorted for next year's MotoGP season, here's a look at where people have gone and why.

Marc Marquez

Unsurprisingly Marc will be staying with the Factory Repsol Honda team for at least another two years. There would be no way HRC would let the current and probable 2014 champ go and I can't imagine Marc would want to get off the best bike in the paddock.

Dani Pedrosa

Many were unsure if Dani would secure the second factory Honda ride for another year but he has done just that and not for one but for two more just like Marc. He may not be winning everything like Marc but someone has to run in second! Honda have been pretty savvy about this really, they wouldn't want him to go anywhere else as he's a top rider and his knowledge, experience and RCV development skills are something they wouldn't want to lose.

Jorge Lorenzo

Another of the big guns to stay where he is. There were a lot of rumours of talks with Honda, Ducati and Suzuki but none came off and the 2 times champ decided to stick with Yamaha. He hopes that they can win another title together but will have work to do as this year he's been second string to Rossi who has been on an incredible come back. He's in for another 2 years to make it happen.

Valetino Rossi

Funny to think at the beginning of the season it could have all been over for Rossi after just 6 rounds, but fortunes turned and the Italian legend has been back at the sharp end fighting with Marquez for wins. Reignited Rossi won't be retiring any time soon as he's penned another 2 years with Yamaha.

Cal Crutchlow

When Cal made the move to the Factory Ducati it came with a wealth of comments such as 'no one can tame the beast', 'it's for the money' and 'it will never work'. All have come true it would seem as Cal has struggled massively with the evil Desmo, got paid a lot and now he's left. It was an odd turn of events as he announced he would be continuing with Ducati and then a week later changed his stance and joined up with LCR Honda instead. No one really knows what went on but some have said he was pushed so his ride was free for another, whatever happened this has got to be the best outcome for Cal as now he'll be on a competitive 'factory' spec bike. Let's just hope the fresh Ducati due in Feb isn't the best bike out there or he's made a big mistake!

Andrea Dovizioso

Dovi will continue his run on the Factory Ducati. He's been on the beast for a number of years now and has been the best rider on it. With a fresh new bike on the horizon Dovi could be even more of a force this year.

Andrea Iannone

Taking Crutchlow's spot on the full factory bike Iannone has impressed all year for the satellite team, which is probably why he got the job.

Stefen Bradl

Bradl has been on the LCR Honda for a number of years but has failed to make an impact, with this in mind and Crutchlow coming in, the team felt it was time to let him go. He's already been snapped up by open team NGM Forward Racing who have lost both their current riders.

Pol Espargaro

Pol has impressed this year and been the best rider in the Tech3 Yamaha team. With Vale and Lorenzo signed up for another two years though things might get messy when Pol's contract with Yamaha ends next year as there's a lot of talk he was promised a factory bike. Unless Yamaha run three machines I can't see that happening so he may need to find a new seat next year.

Bradley Smith

Brad's in a similar situation to Pol but Tech3 have shown their intent to keep him by extending his contract for another year. He will have to get ahead of Pol next year but again the trouble will come when there's no Yamaha Factory rides available come the end of the season.

Nicky Hayden

The former champion will return with Drive M7 Asper team on the Honda machinery. Next year the bike should be more competitive with the proper RCV engine in it.

That's it so far, still plenty of rides available though and lots of riders queuing up to fill them. I hope this guide has helped with understanding the moves so far, I'll let you know more when I do!

For more information visit MotoGP.

29.08.14 - Big Ed

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