RACE PREVIEW # SolidarityGP
2024 marks the beginning of a new era for Grand Prix ’ s intermediate category , with Pirelli stepping in as the sole supplier for the first time !
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 within touching distance of his first ever world title , which he secured with two rounds to spare in Thailand .
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 – saw him climb the order to sit firmly in the fight for second in the championship .
Another name to watch was 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 , the Sachsenring and Phillip Island . But he has also had a few downs , such as a crash in Thailand , which fractured his hand .
This year ’ s surprise package is Sergio Garcia . Now in his second year in the class , he 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 .
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 .
Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona | 85