The Valencian GP will close the MotoGP season this weekend. As the final event, it will be marked by many farewells, with several riders switching teams or potentially exiting the grid.
One of the most notable goodbyes is that of Marc Márquez, who leaves Repsol Honda after a decade to join Gresini in 2024. It will be an emotional weekend for the rider and the team, after having achieved numerous successes together. As Márquez enters Gresini, Fabio di Giannantonio exits, possibly marking the end of his time in the paddock despite recent successes, including the win in Qatar.
Similarly, Pol Espargaró is set to compete in his last GP as a primary rider. The #44 was displaced by Pedro Acosta at GasGas Tech3 and will become KTM’s test rider. At Monster Energy Yamaha, Franco Morbidelli bids farewell after five years with the Iwata-based manufacturer (including his time with the satellite team).
In 2024, the #21 will move to Prima Pramac, where Johann Zarco says goodbye after three seasons, heading to LCR Honda… replacing Álex Rins, who, after a difficult season, leaves to become a factory rider in Yamaha next year. This also seems to be Luca Marini’s final race with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, amid persistent rumors pointing to his move to Repsol Honda in 2024. For the Italian, it would mark the departure from his brother Valentino Rossi’s team, a connection since their Moto2 days in 2018.