Understandably, the bulk of the headlines from the post-season Valencia Test went the way of Marc Marquez as the eight-time World Champion made his Ducati debut with Gresini Racing MotoGP™. It was a huge day for the Italian marque, Gresini, Marc Marquez and the sport in general.

However, the #93’s mouth-watering switch from Honda isn’t the only big move that’s happening in 2024. Five other riders are either getting to grips with a new manufacturer or a new team in the coming campaign, so let’s take a look at who as we enter the new year.

ALEX RINS – HONDA TO YAMAHA

After a 2023 season blighted by injury, Alex Rins leaves CASTROL Honda LCR for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team in 2024. There’s no denying the Rins and Fabio Quartararo line-up is one of the most fascinating on the grid as Yamaha desperately hunt gains in performance to allow their star duo to compete for regular race wins and ultimately, the title.

For Rins, the Valencia Test saw him riding his third different bike in three years. He won with Suzuki and Honda, and now the #42 joins Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in having the chance to become the first MotoGP™ rider to win with three manufacturers.

You’ll struggle to find people who think Rins and Yamaha won’t make a successful partnership. Now, it’s all about whether the Iwata factory can bridge the gap between them and the pack leaders - and how quickly Rins can get back to full fitness. 

FRANCO MORBIDELLI – YAMAHA TO DUCATI

Rins is filling the seat vacated by Franco Morbidelli as the Italian makes a highly anticipated move to Prima Pramac Racing. After a disappointing couple of seasons with Yamaha, Morbidelli has a chance to rediscover his 2020 form – where he finished runner-up to Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) – in 2023’s best-performing team.

Morbidelli will join teammate Jorge Martin, 2023 World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Enea Bastianini in racing the latest-spec Ducati. Adapting to a completely new motorcycle won’t be easy, but there’s no doubt the Italian has the talent to be running at the front week in, week out. A big year awaits Morbidelli. 

LUCA MARINI – DUCATI TO HONDA

A few months ago none of us thought we’d be seeing Luca Marini riding a Repsol Honda in 2024, but here we are. Leaving the all-conquering Ducati to fill the void of Marc Marquez is a mammoth task that faces Marini. However, it’s also a chance the Italian simply couldn’t turn down.

Mir’s comments at the Valencia Test were positive about Honda seemingly finding a bit of a direction with their new package, and with a classy, technically bright rider like Marini on board, that’s only going to help HRC climb back to where they want to be. The question will be: how long will it take?

JOHANN ZARCO – DUCATI TO HONDA

Similar can be said about Johann Zarco’s move to CASTROL Honda LCR. We learned about the Frenchman’s move much sooner than Marini’s as Zarco also aims to help Honda return to the peak of their powers.

And you can understand the move on both fronts. Honda have an experienced race winner and double World Champion to call upon, who also has years of experience with Ducati. For Zarco, he lands in a well-run LCR set-up where he can try to help guide Honda out of the hole they’ve found themselves in. If the #5 can do that, that’s another great accolade to hang next to his already impressive collection. 

FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO – GRESINI DUCATI TO VR46 DUCATI

When Marc Marquez was announced as a Gresini Racing rider, the future of Fabio Di Giannantonio was thrown into huge doubt. Even at the penultimate weekend in Qatar, it looked as if there was no room at the MotoGP™ inn for 2024.

However, a podium in Phillip Island, a victory in Qatar and another stunning ride in Valencia saw Di Giannantonio act as one of the most in-form riders in the second half of the season. In the end, it made absolute sense for the newly branded Pertamina Enduro VR46 MotoGP™ Team to sign the Italian for 2024.

After a magnificent end to 2023, Di Giannantonio will be hoping that form continues into 2024 as the Italian gets set to work under the guidance of nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi.

Who are you backing to be the most impressive rider taking on a new challenge in 2024?