Everything went into the final round of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship season, the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, where a record-breaking 20 Sprints and 19 Grand Prix were concluded as Spain's Jorge Martin made history by being the first independent rider to win the title in the modern MotoGP era. Martin finished third in the final race of the season as he was crowned the champion.
Even though Francesco Bagnaia did take the race win, Martin's consistent performance throughout the season ensured he would finish ahead in the standings.
"It's emotional. I don't know what to say," said Martin after the race. "I could not even ride in the last laps, I started crying a bit. It was a really emotional race and I want to thank my people. It has been a really long journey.
With dominant performances from the beginning, Bagnaia riding for the Ducati Lenovo Team dominated the final Grand Prix, fending off strong pressure from Marc Marquez. The Spaniard, riding for Gresini Racing, could finish second, hence completing the podium with Martin. It was an appropriate conclusion to a thrilling season where, in the final race, Marquez and Bagnaia delivered unforgettable performances.
The race itself was action-packed. Bagnaia started quite well, fending off the challenges of Martin and Márquez, who were fighting for critical positions. Martin needed to finish at least ninth to secure a championship title, so he rode a very calm and calculated race. The race also developed into a great fight between Aleix Espargaro and Alex Marquez for fourth place; both showed great determination in their fighting for that position.
While Bagnaia dominated at the front, consistency from Martin was what took the title.
Under pressure from Marquez and pass threats for both men, #89 held on to finish third and seal his first MotoGP World Championship.
At the close of the 2024 season, it was onto the future: Martin would make his debut for Aprilia in the following Barcelona Test.
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