Let's talk MotoGP: The Márquez no one talks about

The 2024 season starts today! Until the first Grand Prix of the Season, Let's talk MotoGP will try to detail as best as possible the expectations surrounding all pilots; today we are talking about Álex Márquez. This will be accompanied by a short prediction, and of course, you are invited to give yours in comments. Yesterday, we continued this series with Raul Fernandez, in an article that you can find by clicking here.

 

A heavy brother

 

Álex Márquez had a decent 2023 season, nothing more. Arrived in MotoGP At the start of 2020, he was to follow in his brother's footsteps as double world champion in small categories, but is struggling to establish himself sustainably in the most prestigious of these. I had named him, before the start of last year, as the one who would play the biggest in 2023, because he finally had the opportunity to show his real level to the motorcycle world. Like all the others, he adapted rather well to the Ducati Desmosedici despite an injury in India, and distinguished himself by taking his first pole, two Sprint victories and two podiums. Not bad, but personally, I expected more, especially on its final ranking.

What changes for 2024? His teammate. He saw – and undoubtedly campaigned – for the arrival of his brother within the Gresini Racing team. This is done. It will be very interesting to see how this will influence his morale, he, who, at Honda LCR, had expressed difficulties with motivation. The two get along extremely well, and this could also lift him up; That's my take on the matter.

 

 

It will be difficult to exist next to the eldest, because unless there is a huge surprise, Marc should play up front. Some already give him the world title. In the meantime, Alex goes into the shadows. Very subjectively, I don't think it's holding him back, but it's clear that we talk a lot less about him. Fabio Di Giannantonio had already been much better at the end of 2023, so I can't imagine the correction he could suffer against one of the greatest of all time.

It's the start of an important year for him too, even if he is less urgent than at the start of 2023. Today, with his brother in support, he has less to “prove” to keep a handlebar ; in the absence of flawless consistency and racing intelligence, he demonstrated that he had the speed necessary for MotoGP. It's limited to aim much higher, but enough to maintain. I don't think his handlebars are in great danger, especially since he has a contract that runs until 2025.

 

 

The prognosis

 

Now that the context – rather favorable – is established, let’s move on to the prognosis. What can we expect from him? In my opinion, not much more. I think this driver has already reached his full potential, and I can't see him moving into another dimension in 2024. He's one of the best outsiders, that's not bad. If he doesn't get injured, he could move up a bit overall, but I also see the GP23 further away from the GP24 than the GP22 was from the GP23. All in all, I imagine him having an honest season, similar to last year, with, still, his few hiccups (Silverstone, Sepang) but also his repeated errors.

 

 

Ranking-wise, he finished 9th behind Luca Marini who can legitimately be expected to be a little lower. As for Ducati riders, I think Bagnaia, Martin, his brother Marc, Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi will be above, so, why not settle for a solid 7th place, counting all the others.

He showed that he could win on a good day, and that the rain worked well for him. In an era where many different drivers win in the space of a season, I can clearly see him on the top step of the podium for a race or two.

It's time to get wet for you too! What do you predict for little brother Marquez in 2024? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport