2024 silly season!

JFM01 · Jul 20, 2023

evo9 said:
The author of that piece is gunther wiener as he is affectionately called. He is a Honda heater, so he is always the first with news like this.

I'm not a big fan of that guy and often shake my head when I read his opinion pieces but he's the editor-in-chief of a website owned by Red Bull. I don't think he simply tries to write these things into existence when there's no merit to it.

#22 said:
Another bit of news. Unsurprisingly, Joan Mir is rumoured to be wanting out of Honda:

Joan Mir “in negotiations” to join Ducati next season

Is there a spot for him? Arbolino and Morbidelli are rumored to join VR46 or Gresini, with DiGiannantonio and potentially Zarco being let go.
If the rumors about Mir, Marquez and LCR were all to become true where does that leave Honda?
Lecuona and Nakagami at Repsol?

Fabio seems to be committed to Yamaha at this point. The bike might be slow but at least it isn't trying to kill him.

#22 · Jul 20, 2023

Barbedwirebikerr said:
It's mid season break. Hard to really know what to believe. All the outlets can invent possible outcomes and write believable stories.

Let some of us dream man!

JFM01 said:
I'm not a big fan of that guy and often shake my head when I read his opinion pieces but he's the editor-in-chief of a website owned by Red Bull. I don't think he simply tries to write these things into existence when there's no merit to it.

Is there a spot for him? Arbolino and Morbidelli are rumored to join VR46 or Gresini, with DiGiannantonio and potentially Zarco being let go.
If the rumors about Mir, Marquez and LCR were all to become true where does that leave Honda?
Lecuona and Nakagami at Repsol?

Fabio seems to be committed to Yamaha at this point. The bike might be slow but at least it isn't trying to kill him.

Well, this is the thing. Everyone wants to be on a Ducati or KTM is seems. Aprilia is a good bike but they have already said they aren;t changing riders in either team, which is their loss in my opinion. If I were Rivola and there was even a chance of Marquez for example, I'd dump Raul Fernandez, replace him with Maverick and put Marc in the A team.

The hot seats seem to be the 2nd Gresini seat, and potentially LCR if they move KTM. That said, Alex Marquez doesnt have a contract for next yr yet, so would Gresini decide that a MGP world champ would be more lucrative than the 'brother of Marc Marquez'? (Unfair description of Alex of course)

If KTM taking over LCR doesnt work out, I can't see Marc leaving. Maybe if Mir goes to Gresini, then Lecuona would partner Marc. But then as you noted, there is Arbolino, Acosta and possibly more to accomodate.

#22 · Jul 20, 2023

It is now on GPOne, with Pit Bierer insisting there WILL be a 3rd KTM team on the grid next season. He argues, rightfully so in a way, that when there are 8 Ducati's on the grid, it isn't fair to limit the other bikes in number.

MotoGP, Pierer certain that KTM will have a third MotoGP team in 2024

Interesting to note he says a number of things:

1. Augusto Fernandez has a contract for next yr, and will stay in MotoGP
2. Unless Pol performs, he will be a test rider in 2024
3. RNF Aprilia are in financial trouble, I assume he's inferring they are willing to sell.
4. Says they aren't interested in Marquez. But Red Bull are (article emphasis). Would make sense to pair Acosta with an experienced rider.

I find it irritating that MotoGP is not letting current manufacturers expand because they are saving the slot for a new manufactuer. Who is coming in? Suzuki just bailed. BMW and Kwak aren't coming back in a million years. At this rate, if KTM bought out LCR, then they need to worry more about losing Honda than attracting another manufacturer imo. Hindering a manufacturer that wants to invest in the series 'just in case' another manufacturer decides to enter is extremely short sighted in my view.

#22 · Jul 20, 2023

JFM01 · Jul 20, 2023

#22 said:
It is now on GPOne, with Pit Bierer insisting there WILL be a 3rd KTM team on the grid next season. He argues, rightfully so in a way, that when there are 8 Ducati's on the grid, it isn't fair to limit the other bikes in number.

MotoGP, Pierer certain that KTM will have a third MotoGP team in 2024

Interesting to note he says a number of things:

1. Augusto Fernandez has a contract for next yr, and will stay in MotoGP
2. Unless Pol performs, he will be a test rider in 2024
3. RNF Aprilia are in financial trouble, I assume he's inferring they are willing to sell.
4. Says they aren't interested in Marquez. But Red Bull are (article emphasis). Would make sense to pair Acosta with an experienced rider.

I find it irritating that MotoGP is not letting current manufacturers expand because they are saving the slot for a new manufactuer. Who is coming in? Suzuki just bailed. BMW and Kwak aren't coming back in a million years. At this rate, if KTM bought out LCR, then they need to worry more about losing Honda than attracting another manufacturer imo. Hindering a manufacturer that wants to invest in the series 'just in case' another manufacturer decides to enter is extremely short sighted in my view.

That interview wasn't with Beirer but with KTM CEO Stefan Pierer but I also struggle to understand why Ducati is allowed to have 8 riders while every other manufacturer can only have four.

And let's be clear, we all know new rules will be coming in 2027. There is no reason to keep slots #23 and 24 empty because no new manufacturer will join before 2027. If a new manufacturer joined during the existing rules cycle there's no way they would be competitive.

And I agree about Augusto Fernandez. He's been doing a tremendously good job as a rookie.

Keshav · Jul 20, 2023

It'll all become clear when Ducati adds the 9th and 10th factory bike for 2024.

mikesbytes · Jul 21, 2023

Barbedwirebikerr said:
It's mid season break. Hard to really know what to believe. All the outlets can invent possible outcomes and write believable stories.

It seems that generating news based on rumors generated by journalists is the worse I've seen this season over any other season

mikesbytes · Jul 21, 2023

JFM01 said:
That interview wasn't with Beirer but with KTM CEO Stefan Pierer but I also struggle to understand why Ducati is allowed to have 8 riders while every other manufacturer can only have four.

There isn't a rule limiting the number of riders to a particular bike. Ducati has 8 riders because there are 3 satellite teams that have contracts to use Ducati's. What Dorna wanted was 6 manufacturers with 4 bikes each but that ain't going to happen in the foreseeable future.

As far as I can see the main reason why KTM won't be given the 2 vacant slots is that Dorna pays money to Satellite teams and therefor giving the slots to KTM will cost them money. I do wonder what would happen if Yamaha asked for the slots

LCR swapping to KTM's? I wonder what their contract with Honda is? I'm assuming the Honda contract must go to at least 2024 as Rins is directly contracted to Honda for 2024 and how could that be if LCR isn't also contracted to Honda for 2024. What about Gresini, could they swap to KTM?

#22 · Jul 21, 2023

JFM01 said:
That interview wasn't with Beirer but with KTM CEO Stefan Pierer but I also struggle to understand why Ducati is allowed to have 8 riders while every other manufacturer can only have four.

Beirer/Pierer are close enough that I muddled them up, my bad.

mikesbytes said:
There isn't a rule limiting the number of riders to a particular bike. Ducati has 8 riders because there are 3 satellite teams that have contracts to use Ducati's. What Dorna wanted was 6 manufacturers with 4 bikes each but that ain't going to happen in the foreseeable future.

As far as I can see the main reason why KTM won't be given the 2 vacant slots is that Dorna pays money to Satellite teams and therefor giving the slots to KTM will cost them money. I do wonder what would happen if Yamaha asked for the slots

You are correct. However, Dorna also needs to protect the sport and commerial interests, and if MGP becomes a Ducati cup, then that isn't good for business. Apart from Alex Rins, all the current opn riders like Morbidelli are trying to get on ANY Ducati. Hell, even Joan Mir is reportedly trying to get away from Honda and ride a Gresini. The KTM is a competitive bike, and Dorna have to assess whether more money to another satellite is better than potential revenue loss if commercial interests leave.

Yamaha, Suzuki, and up until recently, Aprilia refused to supply satellite bikes. Dorna needs to be open to KTM doing so IMO.

mikesbytes said:
LCR swapping to KTM's? I wonder what their contract with Honda is? I'm assuming the Honda contract must go to at least 2024 as Rins is directly contracted to Honda for 2024 and how could that be if LCR isn't also contracted to Honda for 2024. What about Gresini, could they swap to KTM?

It has been reported that Rins has a clause in his contract, that he is allowed to move elsewhere for '24 if he get a factory contract which of course, Yamaha would be. When asked if he would honour the contract, Lucio remained silent.

Regarding Gresini. Accoring to Pierer, they already apprached them and they said Gresini was not interested.

warthog1 · Jul 21, 2023

A bit here on KTM

About recruiting Marquez, Pierer told Speedweek: "I'm not saying it's out of the question. But that doesn't suit us.
"How many times do you think he’s been offered to us in the last few months?

"This is a stuck situation- he is not entirely innocent. His riding style now doesn't really suit these aerodynamically defaced bikes. That's why he falls so often.

"We want to be world champions one day. But signing a Marquez is not our way. We build the riders ourselves, from Moto3 to Moto2.

KTM answer key questions on Marquez, Acosta, Fernandez, Espargaro, 2024 line-up

KTM have delivered a bold and fascinating insight into their 2024 plans which Marc Marquez has been constantly linked to.

www.crash.net

Don't disagree
The ability to push and slide the front end the same way he used to appears gone.

Acosta is definitely there next year. Will be interesting to see how quickly he is up to speed.

mikesbytes · Jul 22, 2023

KTM is trying hard to get a 3rd team;

Vacant slot left by Suzuki - no
Gensini - no
LCR - unknown
RNF - unknown

Failing that Acosta will need to take one of the existing riders slots;

Binder - not a chance
Miller - highly unlikely
Pol Espargaro - if he fails to ride well after returning from injury and can be convinced to become a test rider
Fernandez - If Pol's seat isn't available

#22 · Jul 24, 2023

mikesbytes said:
KTM is trying hard to get a 3rd team;

Vacant slot left by Suzuki - no

Gensini - no

LCR - No

RNF - unknown

Failing that Acosta will need to take one of the existing riders slots;

Binder - not a chance

Miller - highly unlikely

Pol Espargaro - if he fails to ride well after returning from injury and can be convinced to become a test rider

Fernandez - If Pol's seat isn't available

Updated for you:

LCR owner delivers answer after “friendly phone call” to join KTM

"I want to be totally honest and transparent," Cecchinello told GPOne. "About ten days ago I received a friendly phone call from Francesco Guidotti and the KTM team manager told me, in a calm and autonomous way, that from the Silverstone GP KTM would like to begin understanding how to move forward.

"They are interested in fielding another team in MotoGP, not just for Acosta next year.

"He asked me what my situation was for 2024 and I replied that I had signed a three-year contract with Honda that will expire at the end of the next year.

"The phone call ended like this and we never heard from each other again."

So, I think it's RNF or nothing. If the latter, surely no matter how well Pol is riding, they'll out him for Acosta.

#22 · Jul 24, 2023

In other news, Honda have acknowledged Rins is considering an offer to join Yamaha.

Honda admit: “Alex Rins considering an offer to join Yamaha”

PRS717 · Jul 24, 2023

#22 said:
In other news, Honda have acknowledged Rins is considering an offer to join Yamaha.

Honda admit: “Alex Rins considering an offer to join Yamaha”

Can Mir get out of his contract? Not sure where he'd go but I gotta believe he doesn't want to stay with Honda.

#22 · Jul 24, 2023

He's in a 2yr contract with no known clauses so I'd say no, but Honda have also said they won't make anyone stay.

Lorenzo left halfway through a contract, but that was to retire. Apparently Mir was declared fit to race a few rounds ago after an injury and elected not to ride, which has irritated Honda. I can't blame him wanting to sit at home and get paid to play with his new son, but Honda aren't happy about it.

#22 · Jul 24, 2023

This is my 'prediction' for next yr. With a few Assumptions:

1. KTM buy out RNF Aprilia
2. Aprilia don't keep Oliveira somehow (I hope they do). It always frustrates me you get some riders who do nothing, and everyone thinks they are the bees knees. Yet riders like Oliveira, who has won more races than Vinales over the last 3 yrs, gets hung out to dry.

If KTM don't get a 3rd team, then Marc will stay at Honda with Lecuona replacing Rins at LCR and I imagine Acosta will be on the GasGas at the expense of Pol.

Denials have been issued that Mir is looking for a way out of Honda too.

mikesbytes · Jul 24, 2023

#22 said:
Updated for you:

LCR owner delivers answer after “friendly phone call” to join KTM

So, I think it's RNF or nothing. If the latter, surely no matter how well Pol is riding, they'll out him for Acosta.

I can't imagine a bike contract being for only 1 year, however there could of been an opt out clause such as performance

BTY what are the contracts RNF has with their existing riders?

PRS717 said:
Can Mir get out of his contract? Not sure where he'd go but I gotta believe he doesn't want to stay with Honda.

Where would Mir go? Seems only Gresini would have a vacant seat and that would lock out Ducati from bringing in a Moto2 rider.

BTY Lorenzo was marred with injury and as sad as it, having Lorenzo retire was the best option for Honda

Paul55 · Jul 24, 2023

#22 said:
This is my 'prediction' for next yr. With a few Assumptions:

1. KTM buy out RNF Aprilia
2. Aprilia don't keep Oliveira somehow (I hope they do). It always frustrates me you get some riders who do nothing, and everyone thinks they are the bees knees. Yet riders like Oliveira, who has won more races than Vinales over the last 3 yrs, gets hung out to dry.

View attachment 13780

If KTM don't get a 3rd team, then Marc will stay at Honda with Lecuona replacing Rins at LCR and I imagine Acosta will be on the GasGas at the expense of Pol.

Denials have been issued that Mir is looking for a way out of Honda too.

Nice graphics.

Barbedwirebikerr · Jul 24, 2023

mikesbytes said:
I can't imagine a bike contract being for only 1 year, however there could of been an opt out clause such as performance

"He asked me what my situation was for 2024 and I replied that I had signed a three-year contract with Honda that will expire at the end of the next year

#22 · Jul 25, 2023

Paul55 said:
Nice graphics.

MS Paint special!

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2024 silly season!

JFM01

#22

#22

#22

JFM01

Keshav

mikesbytes

mikesbytes

#22

warthog1

KTM answer key questions on Marquez, Acosta, Fernandez, Espargaro, 2024 line-up

mikesbytes

#22

#22

PRS717

#22

#22

mikesbytes

Paul55

Barbedwirebikerr

#22

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