With only two rounds to go, the Championship battle is razor-tight, with just 17 points separating the top two riders and setting the stage for an electrifying showdown. Leading the charge is Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) in close pursuit as #TheRematch heats up. The 2024 season is shaping up to be a modern classic, bringing echoes of legendary Championship deciders from the past. Let's take a look back at some of the closest title fights in MotoGP™ history.
2006: Hayden vs Rossi
One of the most iconic title fights in MotoGP™ saw Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi battle it out for glory. The American led, but just 21 points separated the two as they prepared for the Japanese GP, which saw Rossi narrow the margin to 12 thanks to a podium. Then in the penultimate round at Estoril, one of the most dramatic races in the modern era unfolded as Hayden was taken out by teammate Dani Pedrosa, while Rossi seized the Championship advantage by eight points despite missing out on victory by 0.002s to Toni Elias. However, another twist awaited as Rossi crashed during the season finale in Valencia, remounting to come home in P13. Hayden claimed a podium to hand him the title with a five-point cushion over the legendary Italian, stopping his charge for six in a row.
2009: Lorenzo vs Rossi
Victory for Jorge Lorenzo at the 2009 Portuguese GP saw him move to within 18 points of teammate and fierce rival Valentino Rossi with three rounds to go. However, his momentum came to an abrupt end next time out in Australia, when a crash on the opening lap brought his weekend to an end with ‘The Doctor’ punishing his absence to the maximum with victory to put 38 between them. A podium for Rossi then sealed the title in Sepang, handing the Italian Legend consecutive Championships and his seventh premier class title overall.
2015: Lorenzo vs Rossi
With three rounds to go in the 2015 battle, Rossi led the standings over Lorenzo by 18 points once again in one of the most incredible Championship run-ins. The gap was just 11 points after the Australia GP due to Lorenzo securing P2 and Rossi P4 in Phillip Island. It was all teed up for a grandstand finish before one of the most infamous moments of the sport’s history came in Sepang after a clash between the #46 and Marc Marquez saw the Spaniard crash out. Rossi went on to take a podium behind Lorenzo, with his lead reduced to a slender seven points as he was slapped with a back of the grid penalty for the season finale. The Italian managed to battle his way to fourth in Cheste, but Lorenzo took the chequered flag first, seeing him leapfrog his fiercest rival to the top of the standings and claim his third and final premier class title by five points.
2017: Marquez vs Dovizioso
Following Andrea Dovizioso’s victory at the Japanese GP, the Italian moved to within 11 points of Marc Marquez. Hopes of delivering Ducati a first Riders’ Championship since 2007 were dashed in Australia, with the Italian coming home in P13 and Marquez victorious, putting the gap out to 33 with 50 left on the table. ‘DesmoDovi’ did take victory in the next round in Malaysia to keep the dream alive into the final round, but Marquez only required four points to make it MotoGP™ title number four, something he duly delivered with a podium in the finale in Valencia.
2020: Mir vs Quartararo
During a Covid-stricken season, Joan Mir battled for honours against Fabio Quartararo and Franco, and with three rounds to go, it was the #36 who held a 14 point advantage thanks to back-to-back podiums in a MotorLand double header. Mir then followed up his success with his sole MotoGP™ win at the European Grand Prix to give him a 37 point cushion heading into the penultimate round. Mir secured a P7 finish in Valencia, which allowed the #36 to secure his second World Championship title and first in the premier class with one round to spare.
2022: Bagnaia vs Quartararo
Leaving the Thai GP with three rounds to go, just two points separated Fabio Quartararo and Pecco Bagnaia. The Frenchman, the reigning Champion, once held a 91 point advantage, but the rider who adorns the #1 plates now had found some irresistible form and speed. A Phillip Island podium allowed Bagnaia to seize control of the Championship by 14 points, while it was out to 23 after Pecco took victory in Malaysia. The Ducati star just needed two points in Valencia to wrap up the Championship, and he cautiously came home in P9 as Quartararo applied the pressure to take his maiden MotoGP™ title.
2023: Bagnaia vs Martin
12 months ago, the Championship went down to the wire, with Bagnaia holding a 21 point advantage heading into Valencia. Martin fought back, securing the Sprint win on Saturday, bringing the Italian’s lead down to just 14 points after a P5 finish from Bagnaia. More drama unfolded when Bagnaia was promoted to pole position on Sunday after Maverick Viñales was handed a grid penalty, resulting in an all-out fight for glory. Bagnaia took the lead in the earlier stages, with Martin running wide on Lap 3 – dropping back to P8. The #89 began to carve through the field before a collision with Marc Marquez dashed his title hopes, allowing Bagnaia to be crowned the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion.
2024: #TheRematch Martin vs Bagnaia
The title fight now heads to Malaysia as we return to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, kicking off the final dash of the season. Martin holds onto the advantage, with only 17 points separating the title contenders, leaving us to wonder if another twist awaits. We don’t know how this one will unfold, but you do not want to miss a second of the action, so make sure you tune in!