Although think this year’s list has already been
checked twice. And it’s definitely way too late to send one now…
The 2024 MotoGP Silly Season seemingly was
wrapped up the day after the eventful November 26th season finale MotoGP race
in Valencia. Where ‘Ol Saint Nick handed out the following presents with Bows and
Candy Canes upon them. Even if several riders opened Thars’ early…
Ducati
The most powerful, and plentiful entrant on the
MotoGP Grid with eight Scooters’ sees changes Ah-Plenty! With the most deserving
present going to ousted Greseni rider Fabio Di Giannantonio.
As the promising 25yr old rookie finished the season
on a tear! Winning His maiden Grands Prix at Qatar. And then following up at
Valencia with a fantastic romp from 11th to a scant second place, only fractions
of a second behind winner and “Back-to-Bagnaia”, aka Double World champion Francesco
Pecco’ Bagnaia!
And even if Di Giannantonio was eventually
demoted to fourth overall at Valencia for riding with low tyre pressures. Fabio
will still take over the Mooney VR46 seat vacated by Luca Marini. Whilst Franco
Morbidelli takes over Johann Zarco’s Pramac Racing seat alongside MotoGP
Championship runner-up Jorge Martin.
Honda
You already know about Marc Marquez asking Santa
for a more competitive ride next year. With the Multi-times MotoGP World Champion
getting His wish by teaming up with younger brother Alex at the satellite
Gresini Racing Ducati outfit next season. Although Santa sez’ thee Pinball wizard’
will have to race on a year old Duc’.
As the question everyone was asking Santa? Was
who would want to take the vacated Repsol Honda seat?
As I was somewhat surprised to read that Luca
Marini, Half Brother of somebody known as “the Doctor”, aka Valentino Rossi got
a two year contract to take over Marquez’s seat.
Meanwhile, current Repsol Honda rider Joan Mir
said I’d like to work for Marquez’s side of the garage, Granted! With Marini
getting Mir’s crew next year.
And finally, as this wish apparently made it to
the North Pole early. Comes word that Pramac Ducati rider Johann Zarco will
take over the vacated LCR seat that Alex Rins occupied.
KTM
The only Christmas gift for the Austrian outfit
is the arrival of Moto2 Champion Pedro Acosta joining the satellite GasGas Factory
Racing Tech3 outfit.
Although No word on whether or not Santa will
give KTM Werks’ riders Brad Binder and Jack Thriller’ Miller any tips on staying upright in Thar saddles next year?
Yamaha
Former Suzuki Factory rider Alex Rins sent a
letter to the North Pole this year saying He really, really wanted to be riding
once again for a Factory MotoGP team. And with Franco Morbidelli jumping to
ducati. Rins wish was granted, taking over the vacated seat alongside 2021
MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo.
Aprilia
Although it’s got nothing to do with the
Factory, I saved this one for last. Since it’s former CryptoData RNF Racing satellite
squad was summarily stripped of it’s MotoGP entry following the end of the 2023
season!
As apparently they’ve been very naughty by not
paying their Bills in a timely manner! Whilst no idea if any staff was effected
by this? But DORNA was none too Happy, and sent the CryptoData concern, that
owned a 60% majority stake in the former MotoGP team a lump of coal!
While I first heard the rumour that NASCAR team
Trackhouse Racing would be taking over the satellite Aprilia effort with it’s
same two riders for 2024 when reading For the Love of Indy. Having since read also
on Autosport.
As Ho-Ho-Ho to All of the 22 Bad Arse MotoGP Kneedraggers! And to everyone who reads No Fenders…
