RACE PREVIEW
# ItalianGP
“ Pirelli steps in as Moto2™ ’ s sole tyre supplier , heralding a new era .”
NEW TYRE SUPPLIER
Not only does a new season promise to shake up proceedings due to a change in personnel ; Moto2™ is poised for further change in 2024 as Pirelli steps in as the class ’ sole tyre supplier , a move that is likely to alter the order and nature of racing in the intermediate class .
Reigning World Champion Pedro Acosta has stepped up to MotoGP™ and a host of names will be jostling to take on his mantle as king of the class . Chief among them will be Fermin Aldeguer , the rider who won each of 2023 ’ s final four races in dominant fashion to clinch third overall in the championship . The Spaniard showed why he has already signed a deal with Ducati to step up to MotoGP™ in 2025 with a brilliant victory at Jerez .
This year ’ s surprise package is Sergio Garcia . Now in his second year in the class , he has adapted brilliantly to the Boscoscuro chassis and scored superb victories in Austin and France . Team-mate Ai Ogura has also shown signs he is returning to his best form after a steady opening to the year and a superb fightback podium in France .
Leading the charge of the Kalex chassis is Joe Roberts , who has enjoyed his best start to a Moto2™ season . Reunited with the OnlyFans American Racing Team , the
Californian has adapted quickly to the Pirelli tyres and scored three brilliant podiums in a row , becoming the first American to do so since Nicky Hayden in 2006 .
Aldeguer ’ s team-mate Alonso Lopez will be a contender this year after claiming the spoils on the opening night of the season . The Spaniard appears revitalised working with a new crew chief this term , even if he crashed out of the lead in Portugal .
Aron Canet who finally scored his maiden Moto2™ triumph in Portugal at his 69th time of trying , is another contender . The Spaniard is poised for his strongest season to date this year even if he missed his home GP due to a nasty crash in practice .
We are still waiting to see the best from Marc VDS ’ Tony Arbolino , the Moto2™ runner up in 2023 . The Italian started last year brilliantly , leading the championship until the half-way stage , before tailing off . But it has taken him longer than expected to adapt to the Pirelli tyres .
There will be a total of 22 Kalex chassis on this year ’ s grid , while there will be four Boscoscuro frames – two more than last year . Forward will once again have two bikes , making this an entry list of 28 riders .
Gran Premio d ’ Italia Brembo | 83