Barcelona becomes the scene of an unexpected MotoGP finale. This weekend promises to be decisive as the season draws to a close. Testing is in full swing, while the Sprint race is scheduled for 3 p.m. this Saturday.
"Racing for Valencia": the Barcelona Moto Grand Prix in a special context
The final round of the MotoGP season, originally scheduled for Valencia, will now be held on the Barcelona circuit. This decision follows the tragic floods which struck southern Spain, killing over 200 people. This change of program places the end of the season in a special context, marked by solidarity with the victims.
The drivers were unanimous in their support for the affected regions. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) expressed his empathy by declaring, "It makes no sense to start repairing the damage when there are so many people without a roof over their heads." This spirit of solidarity tinges this final weekend of the season with a special emotion.
MotoGP Barcelona: the stakes for a decisive weekend
Whatever the result, it's an unforeseen outcome in Barcelona, where the Catalan track could become the scene of consecration for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). Trailing by 24 points after a costly crash in the Sprint at Sepang (Malaysia), Bagnaia will have to give it his all and hope for a slip-up from the Martinator. Nevertheless, he insists he won't resort to unsportsmanlike tactics: "I'm a clean guy and a true sportsman."
Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) on Ducati domination:
They smoke us, they go twice as fast! We're just skittles and they're coming at us with no fear, because they know they're going twice as fast anyway.
Beyond the battle for the title, an exciting duel is shaping up for the third step of the podium between Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), separated by just one point in the standings. A close eye will also be kept on Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), whose last three races have been punctuated by a top 10 finish. Finally, the challenge of an interim at Sepang was already crazy, complex and demanding. Andrea Iannone, back temporarily to make up for the absence of Fabio Di Giannantonio, is now stepping down. The Italian is looking optimistically towards 2025, when he will join the Go Eleven team in the World Superbike Championship.
Michelin Competition Manager Piero Taramasso warns of Barcelona's unique challenges:
It's a track that offers little grip due to the nature of the asphalt. At this time of year, with low temperatures, this makes it difficult for the tires on the left-hand side to warm up. Turns 2 and 5 are particularly problematic. In cold weather, the lack of grip can become critical.
Everyone is warned, starting with Martin!
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MotoGP 2024 rider standings before Barcelona (15/11/2024)
MotoGP Barcelona test results: Bagnaia in the lead
Francesco Bagnaia set the fastest time in practice, displaying cautious optimism. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) impressed by qualifying directly for Q2 (4ᵉ position) with a promising time, while Jorge Martin only took 5ᵉ place. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team), meanwhile, will have to go through Q1 after a modest 15ᵉ position.
It's been a mixed season for the French riders, yet we'd have liked it to have lasted longer given the recent improvements, especially for the Honda rider. When asked about this, Zarco said, "We've made a lot of progress in the fast corners. I think we have a bike that turns better thanks to the aerodynamics, and that has helped us take a step forward."
So, more than a race, MotoGP in Barcelona will be a true moment of recollection, imbued with solidarity and emotion."In France, we don't have the same motorcycle culture as in Spain", Fabio Quartararo reminds us, underlining both the comfort that the event can offer over the course of a weekend, and the importance of motorcycle sports in a country that embodies its excellence... Jorge Martin will be out to prove it this weekend.
