RACE PREVIEW
# MalaysianGP
“ 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 has altered 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 .
Ai Ogura has returned to his best form after a steady opening to the year by recording stunning victories in Barcelona , the Netherlands and Misano to put him in the driving seat of the title fight . His slick tyre gamble in Japan took him to within reaching distance of the title .
But it ’ s tight at the top . 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 . But he ’ s struggled to maintain that form in the season ’ s second half .
Alonso Lopez has been 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 , and a podium in Austria gave him an added boost .
Another rival is preseason favourite Fermin Aldeguer , the rider who won each of 2023 ’ s final four races in dominant fashion . The Spaniard showed why he has already signed a deal with Ducati to step up to MotoGP™ in 2025 with brilliant victories at Jerez and the Sachsenring . But he has also had a few downs , most recently a crash in Aragon .
Leading the charge of the Kalex chassis is Aron Canet . The Spaniard ’ s form deserted him in the season ’ s first half , but a strong run after the summer break – seconds in England , and the Misano double header before victory in Indonesia – put him in contention .
Joe Roberts is also enjoying his best 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 before emerging victorious from the Italian GP . But crashes out of the British and Aragon GPs saw him lose crucial ground in the title fight .
There is 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 .
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