MotoGP’s traditional shakedown test has got much. much significant than usual in 2024. Here’s why and what/who to look out for
The pre-season shakedown test in 2024 will be highly anticipated due to the new concession rules in MotoGP. Normally, only test riders and rookies participate in the shakedown, but this time factory Honda and Yamaha riders will also be allowed. Both Honda and Yamaha were placed in ‘Rank D’ after underperforming in 2023 compared to their European competitors. Yamaha will have their race riders Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, and Cal Crutchlow participating, while Honda will have Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Johann Zarco, and Takaaki Nakagami, along with testers Stefan Bradl and Takumi Takahashi. Rookie Pedro Acosta will be on one of the KTMs, and test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro will also participate. Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori represent Ducati and Aprilia, respectively. The shakedown test will be crucial for new arrivals in the Japanese teams. Yamaha will likely prioritize the 2024-spec engine, and Quartararo’s contract renewal will depend on Yamaha’s development progress.
