MotoGP™ Set for a Thrilling Return: Will History Repeat Itself?
MotoGP™ is heading back to a track that has been the stage for some epic battles in recent seasons, with fans eagerly anticipating another unforgettable showdown. But which battle will steal the spotlight this time?
In 2021, as the paddock rolled into MotorLand Aragon, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had yet to secure his first MotoGP™ victory. That all changed on Sunday when the then #63 rider went head-to-head with eight-time World Champion and local hero, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). In a gripping duel, Bagnaia fended off seven fierce attacks from Marquez in the final three laps to claim his maiden win and cement his place among the premier class elite.
Since that day, both riders have experienced numerous twists and turns in their careers, and next year they will unite as teammates. However, the intense rivalry that could shape the future of the sport began right here at Aragon. With the stage set once again, can we expect another epic showdown?
MotoGP™ Heads Back to Spain: Who Will Steal the Spotlight?
As the paddock returns to Spain, Francesco Bagnaia is the rider to watch. Fresh off a double victory at Spielberg, Bagnaia has already equaled his personal best of seven wins in a season. Leading the Championship, he now faces a new challenge: racing in enemy territory and preparing for the arrival of his 2025 teammate, who just so happens to have a corner named after him at this very track. With motivation and form at an all-time high, Bagnaia is undeniably the one to beat.
Marc Marquez, on the other hand, comes to Aragon after a more turbulent run, with two Sprint crashes and a dramatic start in Austria. However, his pace at Spielberg showed he still has the speed to challenge at the front. Lining up alongside Bagnaia and Jorge Martin on the front row, Marquez looked set to contend, and now, back on home turf at an anti-clockwise circuit, he could very well ignite some fireworks this weekend.
Jorge Martin should never be underestimated. The #89 has mastered both speed and consistency, keeping himself right in the fight for the title, just five points off the lead. With a knack for finding that extra tenth when it matters, Martin could be a key player in the battle for victory at Aragon.
Enea Bastianini is another rider to keep an eye on. The last time MotoGP™ visited Aragon, Bastianini emerged victorious after a thrilling duel with Bagnaia. Although he lost some ground in Austria, his double win at Silverstone reminded everyone of his speed. Sitting third in the Championship, 61 points behind the leader, Bastianini is far from giving up and is poised to be a major contender in the upcoming races.
Austria also brought some positives for others in the field. Brad Binder returned to the top five on KTM’s home turf, while teammate Jack Miller showed impressive speed despite a challenging Sunday. Marco Bezzecchi secured a solid top-six finish, and Franco Morbidelli flashed real pace before encountering some difficulties. Expect Fabio Di Giannantonio to join this competitive group at Aragon.
For Aprilia, Aragon holds promise. Aleix Espargaro claimed a Tissot Sprint podium in Spielberg, and Maverick Viñales led the charge on Sunday, although their performances didn’t surpass previous bests at the venue. With the unique MotorLand layout and home advantage for both #12 and #41, Aprilia is likely to be back in the mix.
Other riders looking to make their mark include Alex Marquez and Pedro Acosta, both eager to rejoin the battle for top-five finishes or better. Austria was a tough weekend for some, including Luca Marini and Johann Zarco, though Zarco managed to finish, and Honda secured two points with Takaaki Nakagami’s late charge to P14. Joan Mir also faced difficulties and will be looking for improvement at Aragon.
Yamaha, meanwhile, is eager to turn things around after a disappointing Austria, where neither Fabio Quartararo nor Alex Rins scored points. A recent test at Misano, which included MotoGP™ Legend Andrea Dovizioso, may provide some insights as they aim to get back into contention at Aragon.
With the 2024 season delivering so much excitement already, the Gran Premio GoPro de Aragón promises to be another thrilling chapter. With honour, reputation, and glory on the line, you won’t want to miss this weekend’s action!
SHOWTIME
Saturday
- Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +2)
Sunday - Grand Prix: 14:00 (UTC +2)
Moto2™: will the form book shuffle again in Aragon?
Moto2™ Frontrunners Face Challenges at the Austrian GP, Vietti Dominates
The Austrian GP was a challenging weekend for the Moto2™ World Championship leaders, but Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) emerged as the clear standout on Sunday afternoon. The Italian rider claimed victory at the Red Bull Ring for the second consecutive year, setting the stage for the next challenge at MotorLand Aragon.
Vietti’s first win in the iconic Red Bull KTM Ajo colors was a commanding performance. With back-to-back podium finishes, the #13 rider has made an impressive start to the second half of the season. Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) secured second place, ending his brief podium drought, while Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) continued his strong form with a third-place finish, marking his third consecutive podium. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), who finished on the podium at Aragon in 2022, narrowly missed out on a top-three spot.
As the Moto2™ grid heads to Aragon, these four riders will be aiming to replicate their strong performances. However, Championship leader Sergio Garcia, along with his MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ai Ogura, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing), and Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp), will be eager to step up their game.
Garcia managed to earn just two points with a P14 finish, slightly extending his lead to 20 points over the unlucky Ogura, who suffered his first crash of the season and sustained a fracture in his right hand. Roberts quietly gained some crucial points on Garcia, while Aldeguer’s P20 finish dropped him to fifth in the standings, now trailing his teammate. With MotorLand Aragon on the horizon, how will the standings shift next?
Moto3™: Alonso looks to hammer home his advantage in Aragon
David Alonso Dominates in Spielberg, Eyes Aragon with 71-Point Lead
David Alonso delivered a stunning performance in Spielberg, securing his seventh win of the season despite a Long Lap penalty. This latest victory adds another 25 points to his tally, giving the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team star a commanding 71-point lead in the Moto3™ Championship as the action moves to Aragon. The big question now is: can anyone stop the unstoppable #80?
Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) remains Alonso’s closest rival in the title chase, despite a challenging weekend in Austria. Ortola’s Sunday looked promising, but a stalled bike on the grid led to a frustrating P9 finish. His recovery ride was impressive, but with Alonso’s current form, Ortola needs to seize every opportunity to close the gap.
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), who finished on the podium at Aragon in 2022, returned to the rostrum for the first time since Le Mans, securing third place in Austria. However, David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) edged out Holgado for second place by a mere 0.005 seconds, moving Muñoz up to P5 in the Championship standings. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), now in P4 overall, hopes to return to winning ways at Aragon after a disappointing P5 finish in Austria.
Alonso’s message is clear: “Catch me if you can.” The question is, how will his challengers respond at MotorLand?
Official MotoGP Press Release
