The Best MotoGP™ Races of 2024: Last-Lap Duels & Comebacks Galore!
What a season, folks! The 2024 MotoGP™ championship had everything: jaw-dropping first-lap moves, heart-stopping last-lap battles, and comebacks that could rival Hollywood scripts. 🏎️✨ As fans of two-wheel madness, we at ThrottleChimp™ were on the edge of our seats all year. Now, it’s time to relive the magic as we count down the top five races that had us screaming at our screens and spamming the #MotoGP hashtag. Buckle up, folks—this is going to be a wild ride! 🚀🏁
1. Portuguese GP: A Thriller in Portimão
Let’s kick things off with the Portuguese GP, where Jorge Martin stole the show. The ‘Martinator’ didn’t just bag 25 points; he took the championship lead from Francesco Bagnaia, sending shockwaves through the paddock. 🎉🚀
But that’s not all. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta climbed onto the podium for the first time after Maverick Viñales crashed out in the final moments. 🚫⚡ Oh, and did we mention the clash of titans? Bagnaia and Marc Marquez collided with three laps to go, leaving both riders licking their wounds. It was pure, unfiltered chaos at Portimão. 🔥
2. Americas GP: Maverick’s Comeback Masterclass
Howdy from COTA! 🇺🇸 The Americas GP was action-packed from the get-go. Pedro Acosta snatched the lead early on, only to find himself locked in a fierce battle with Jorge Martin. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez and Jack Miller were so close, they could’ve swapped paint—and aero parts, apparently! 🛣
Just when it seemed like Marquez was set to end his winless streak, disaster struck at Turn 11. The #93 hit the deck, and Maverick Viñales swooped in for a stunning victory. Starting from P11, Maverick proved that comebacks are his thing, making him the first rider to win with three different manufacturers in the MotoGP era. #GOATmaterial? Maybe. 🏆
3. Spanish GP: Duel of the Titans in Jerez
Ah, Jerez, where dreams are made or shattered. 🚗✨ Marc Marquez bolted from pole to P1 like a man on a mission. But Francesco Bagnaia wasn’t about to let him off easy, pulling off an epic double overtake on Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. 💪
Martin briefly led the race before a late crash at Turn 6 handed the spotlight back to Bagnaia and Marquez. What followed was a duel for the ages, with Bagnaia ultimately outsmarting Marquez to claim victory. Spanish fans were treated to a masterclass in racing tactics, and we were all here for it. 🙌
4. French GP: Le Mans Madness
Le Mans knows how to put on a show, and the French GP didn’t disappoint. Jorge Martin was the weekend’s MVP, dominating both the Sprint and the Grand Prix to rake in all 37 points on offer. Talk about a clean sweep! 🔱✨
But it wasn’t smooth sailing for Martin. The final lap saw an epic battle with Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. In the end, Martin came out on top, with Marquez pulling off a gutsy overtake at Turn 9 to secure second place. It was racing at its finest and left us all shouting, "Encore!" 🎧
5. Australian GP: Marquez’s Magic Down Under
Phillip Island is a theatre of dreams, and 2024’s Australian GP was no exception. Marc Marquez’s race started disastrously as a stray visor tear-off sabotaged his rear tyre. He dropped to P13 but wasn’t about to give up. 🌌
What followed was a masterclass in perseverance. The #93 clawed his way back to the front, setting up a battle royale with Martin and Bagnaia. With three laps to go, Marquez made his move at Turn 4 and never looked back, clinching his third win of the season. The GOAT debate is alive and well, folks. 🙌⚡
