MotoGP: Valencia Grand Prix Preview: The Championship is not over

The final MotoGP race of the year is upon us, and once again, Valencia will host the final round. After 20 weekends, it all comes down to the final two races of the season, with 21 points separating the Championship rivals.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) continues to lead, and satellite rider Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) is still chasing behind. It was a terrible round in Qatar for Jorge Martin after he ran into issues in the main race. Martin finished 10^th in the race and complained about tyre issues.

The Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships are already wrapped up, with Masia claiming the Moto3 title in Qatar. The Spaniard won the Championship in dramatic fashion after a hard race with Sasaki. Pedro Acosta wrapped up the title one round earlier in Malaysia before he stepped up to the premier class.

Alex Rins (LCR Honda CASTROL) will return for the final round before a switch to the factory Yamaha team. However, Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team) has been declared unfit, with Lorenzo Savadori stepping in (Aprilia test rider). This means after 20 rounds, we have had none, with all riders starting the race on Sunday.

The weather forecast looks comfortable and much colder than previous rounds, with a high of 22 degrees. However, the Valencia circuit has its own challenges, with the dreaded turn four known for catching out riders.

The Championship is not over

Both riders have a realistic chance of winning the title this weekend with 37 points up for grabs. Bagnaia and Martin are incredibly quick in Valencia, with the best race lap of all time belonging to the Italian.

Both riders have a realistic chance of winning the title this weekend with 37 points up for grabs. Bagnaia and Martin are also incredibly quick in Valencia, with the best race lap of all time belonging to the Italian.

Last year, Jorge Martin qualified on pole position and finished third in the race around the tricky Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Bagnaia, on the other hand, only finished in ninth, which would allow him to become the 2022 Champion. If Bagnaia were to win, he would become the first rider to defend the #1 plate successfully in the MotoGP era.

Tyres could potentially play a part this weekend, with Martin blaming his result last round on the tyre. The Spaniard compared it to riding in the wet conditions but when speaking to motogp.com, he admitted that “anything can happen in Valencia”.

The circuit has been known for some dramatic Championship finals – the most memorable being in 2006. Heading into the final round, Valentino Rossi led the Championship by eight points from Nicky Hayden. Rossi would crash at turn two, losing the front and losing the Championship.

Unknown for 2024

Many unknown factors are still yet to be answered regarding next season. An announcement is expected soon, with the first preseason test will take place on Tuesday in Valencia, with seats undecided for next year.

The big ride which has not been decided on is the factory Honda seat – to replace Marc Marquez. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) is the rider who is currently at the front of the line for the ride. Marini has hinted at the deal but has yet to confirm that he will race for Repsol Honda in 2024.

This would, in turn, leave a seat at the VR46 Racing Team, which is used to help promote young Italian talent. This leaves the seat perfectly open for Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP). The 25-year-old recently won his first race in Qatar and admitted that he has brought leathers and a helmet to test with.

This complication started with eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez announced he would leave Repsol Honda mid-contract. He later announced a switch to Gresini Racing next year, replacing Di Giannantonio. The media and riders will also be on the lookout on Tuesday to see how he does on a Ducati for the first time.

Image credit: motogp.com