Elbows Down

When does the new MotoGP season start?

MotoGP 24 officially kicks off in Qatar, on Friday 8th March 2023, returning to it’s usual season-opening track. As usual, this will be a night race, so adjust to your time zones and prepare accordingly.

We do not have to wait until Spring to assess how the season will unfold however, as we have a string of official test between now and then. We start on February 1st, in Sepang, Malaysia for a 3 day shakedown test- where test riders will collect data and finetune any new parts ahead of the race riders. The following week, the race riders will join them for another 3 day official test. The pre-season tests will then be wrapped up in Qatar over 2 days, ahead of the first Grand Prix a fortnight later.

For a full overview of all the action next season, see the calendar below

Where will the paddock be heading in 2024?

The calendar for the 2024 season has been confirmed, and includes 12 European rounds, 6 Asian rounds (including the all-new Sokol Circuit in Kazakhstan), 2 rounds in the Americas, a round in Australia, and Qatar alone in the Middle East. With 22 rounds and 44 races, it is the longest calendar ever seen in the sport.

Where can I watch MotoGP in 2024?

Fans worldwide have access to the official MotoGP VideoPass, which provides the official coverage and commentary directly from Dorna and MotoGP themselves. This is in English, and can be purchased directly from motogp.com.

If you prefer more localised coverage, or commentary in a native language, most territories have domestic coverage. These providers obviously vary from country to country, as does their pricing. It is worth noting that all providers use the same footage as broadcast on the official VideoPass. The most common providers by country are listed below, but a full list can be found on the MotoGP website.

Country	Provider
United Kingdom	TNT Sports, full coverage hosted by Suzi Perry, Neil Hodson, Gavin Emmett, and the rest of their team
Spain	DAZN, full coverage hosted by Ernest Riveras, Izaskun Ruiz, and their team- often joined by Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, and others
Italy	Sky Italia, full coverage hosted by Guido Meda, Sanchini Mauro, and their team
United States	CNBC- although no live coverage is available
France	Canal+, full coverage hosted by Jules Deremble, Randy de Puniet, and the rest of their team

And what if I want to watch a race in person?

All races can be attended in person, and it is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere, sounds, and excitement of a race weekend.

Tickets for races can be purchased via the MotoGP website, although I have found it is often more straightforward to visit the website of the hosting circuit and buy direct. As always, be wary of being resale tickets off un-official websites as you may not be let in or could potentially get scammed.

You don’t have to go to your home race either! Incorporating a race day or weekend into a holiday can be a great way to spice up a city break or round off a relaxing vacation. The Spanish and Austrian rounds are particularly popular to be combined with a holiday.

Tickets can be purchased for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or all 3 days. Each circuit will also have their own offerings of upgrade and hospitality packages to consider. If you are contemplating making a weekend extra special, then MotoGP VIP Village and MotoGP Premier have some incredible packages on offer, available on the MotoGP website. Again, also have a look at the hosting circuits website, as they may offer alternative hospitality packages.

Are there any changes in 2024 I need to know about?

There has been no mention of changing the weekend format away from 2023 – keeping Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and Sprint, and Sunday as the main race day. It is also assumed that the points awarded will remain the same.

There has been mentions of bringing back a Sunday morning warm up for Moto2 and Moto3, perhaps in replacement to the Rider Fan Parade, but again, nothing has been confirmed.

In terms of rider line-up – MotoGP will see one new rookie in Pedro Acosta, who has replaced Pol Espargaró’s seat as GasGas. There has been some movement between teams, with 7 riders swapping colours, including the much anticipated move by Marc Marquez to Gresini Ducati. A breakdown of the grid can be found here.

What should I look out for in 2024?

2024 looks to be one of the most exciting seasons MotoGP has seen in decades. The main focal point will be Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini Ducati, leaving Repsol Honda after 11 years. Will Marc be able to adapt to the riding style needed for a Ducati? Will he be as competitive post-2020 injuries? Will he win the world championship on a non-factory bike? These are all questions we anticipate to find out next season.

Elsewhere on the grid, Yamaha will be hoping to improve on their recent season to forget, as Fabio Quartararo hopes to fight for World Champion once more. Likewise Honda, after losing their crowning jewel will be trying to build a competitive bikes once more.

Enea Bastianini will be fully recovered from his 2023 injuries, and will want to prove himself worthy of a factory Ducati seat, this should bring some spice between the two factory Italians as Pecco aims to make it 3 Championships on the trot.

Among many other stories, dramas, and twists, 2024 looks to be a nail-biting season- one you won’t want to miss.