Class of 2022 emerging as contenders in 2024

Marco Bezzecchi, Fabio di Giannantonio and Raul Fernandez are set to play pivotal roles in the upcoming campaign

The 2022 MotoGP™ World Championship showcased plenty of young talents making their debut. Among the 24 riders comprising that grid, five were rookies eager to leave a lasting impression, with three of them still forging some impressive careers in the elite class.

Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)

The rookie to make the biggest impact in 2022, the Italian clinched the 'Rookie of the Year' title and secured his inaugural podium in Assen. His remarkable achievements, coupled with other noteworthy performances, positioned Bez as a strong candidate for the 2023 season, where he surpassed all expectations. Despite a clavicle injury just before the GP of Indonesia, the #72 contested the MotoGP™ title until the Malaysian GP. Ultimately, he secured a well-earned top three finish in the Championship standings with three GP victories, a Tissot Sprint race triumph in the Netherlands, and a total of eight podiums (four in races and four in Sprints).

For 2024, Bezzecchi renewed his contract with the VR46 Racing Team, marking his fifth consecutive year with the Tavullia-based outfit. This continuity is pivotal for Bezzecchi, who, alongside his paddock family, is determined to showcase his full potential and elevate his performance, setting his sights once again on the 2024 World Championship.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)

After securing his first victory in the intermediate class during the 2021 Spanish GP, along with three more podiums with Federal Oil Gresini, Diggia made the leap to MotoGP™ in 2022 with Gresini Racing MotoGP™. The Italian got his first pole position in Mugello; however, the rest of his performances flew under the radar, much like the first half of his 2023 season, which ended up costing him his Gresini seat for 2024.

Far from giving up and with his stay in MotoGP™ in jeopardy, the #49 began to shine. After a series of top 10 finishes, the Italian began to show just how competitive he could be in the premier class during the Sunday race in Indonesia, finishing 4th. From then on, Di Giannantonio would go on to achieve a podium in the Australia GP, plus another in the Qatar GP Sprint before taking an unforgettable maiden victory in the premier class in Lusail, helping him secure a contract with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team for the new season.

Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™)

Raul Fernandez dazzled the entire paddock with his incredible rookie year in the intermediate category, securing eight victories, four more podiums, seven poles, and a relentless battle until the very final day against teammate Remy Gardner. His brilliant campaign earned him a spot in the premier class with the Tech3 KTM team.

However, the Spanish rider endured a tough debut season in the premier class and opted for pastures new to begin a fresh chapter in his career with Aprilia's satellite team for 2023. The start was not easy, especially after his issues with compartmental syndrome, but later in the season, he showed his quality once again. The summer break was a turning point. With the arrival of the British Grand Prix, Fernandez achieved his first top 10 in MotoGP™ on Sunday in Silverstone, followed by five more top 10 finishes, including two in Sprints. However, the highlight of the season for the #25 would come during the season finale at the Valencia GP, where he secured his first top five in the race. It seems that Fernandez has finally found the right formula and is starting to find his feet in MotoGP™. With the backing of the newly formed, US-based Trackhouse Racing, will we see the Spaniard begin to challenge for honours in 2024?

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