Jorge Martín could become MotoGP champion this Sunday if he gains nine more points than Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) in the main race of the Malaysian GP. The Sepang round could even determine all the champions in every category.
Currently, in MotoGP, Ducati is already the champion among teams and constructors, while Prima Pramac has secured the title for satellite teams. Martín has also ensured he will be the best satellite team rider at the end of the season, champion or not.
In Moto2, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets-MSi/Boscoscuro) clinched the title in Thailand. Two titles remain in play in this category: the rookie title, with Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP/Kalex) leading currently. Kalex could mathematically secure the constructors’ title, while MT Helmets-MSi is already the team champion.
David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar) was crowned Moto3 world champion at the Australian GP, and CFMOTO has also secured the constructors’ title, just as CFMOTO Aspar has among the teams. Ángel Piqueras (Leopard Racing/Honda) is very close to securing the rookie of the year distinction.
Thus, the Malaysian GP could crown all the remaining champions for 2024. If this happens, does it make sense to keep the last round – which will not be the Valencia GP? Even if it doesn’t add real value to the championship outcome, that’s not the only factor to consider.
There are fights for other positions in the championships. There are contracts between Dorna, teams, sponsors, and partners. The calendar initially had 22 rounds, but this was reduced to 20 due to cancellations. They don’t intend to have fewer than 20 Grand Prix events – something that became clear with the addition of a second race in Misano to make up for the exclusions of the Kazakhstan and India GPs.
Fewer Grand Prix events mean fewer media exposure opportunities. Naturally, there are also fewer fees paid by hosting circuits. As expected, even with the titles possibly decided, an abrupt season end would leave a sort of «void» without a «farewell» and on-track celebration before the long winter break.
But there’s also the logistical challenge of holding a GP with only a few weeks of preparation. Many circuits are well-prepared in terms of infrastructure, but transport and supply of materials remain challenges to solve. Finding a sponsor for the event, as well as attracting as many fans and guests as for a regular event, may not be possible – which could mean potentially lower revenue for the organizing circuit.
At this moment, everything seems set for the Valencia GP to be replaced – Dorna has taken this as a given, deferring the announcement of the new location and dates to a later time.