Marco Bezzecchi
After a stellar 2023, Bezzecchi has struggled in 2024, securing only 53 points compared to 167 last year. Despite riding the competitive Ducati GP23, he has faced significant issues with turning under braking and adapting to Michelin's new rear tire, impacting his overall performance.
Johann Zarco
Zarco's switch from Ducati to Honda’s LCR team has proven to be a challenging transition. His points have plummeted from 122 in 2023 to just 12 this year. The change in team dynamics and bike performance has not been favorable, leading to a significant drop in his standings.
Luca Marini
Marini's move to Repsol Honda has not yielded the expected results. Scoring just one point this season compared to 107 last year, Marini has struggled to adapt to the new team and machinery, resulting in a sharp decline in his performance.
Jack Miller
Miller has seen a drastic fall in his points tally, from 90 in 2023 to 35 this year. Losing his factory KTM ride has been a significant blow, and his future in the sport now faces uncertainty. The transition has not been smooth, affecting his competitiveness on the track.
Alex Rins
Despite an increase in race starts, Rins has been heavily hampered by injuries. His points have dropped from 47 last year to just 8 this season. The physical toll has severely impacted his ability to perform consistently, making it a tough season for him.
Additional Struggles and Factors
Adaptation to New Machinery
Many of these riders have faced difficulties adapting to new bikes and team dynamics. The switch often involves adjusting to different handling characteristics, team strategies, and even internal politics, which can significantly affect performance.
Injuries and Physical Challenges
Injuries have played a critical role in the performance drop for several riders, particularly Alex Rins. The physical demands of MotoGP racing mean that even minor injuries can drastically reduce a rider’s competitiveness and ability to secure points.
Technical Challenges
Technical issues, such as Bezzecchi's struggles with the new rear tire and braking stability, highlight the constant evolution and challenges within MotoGP. Riders and teams must continuously adapt to new technologies and changes in regulations, which can be a daunting task.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, these riders will need to address their respective challenges, whether through better adaptation to their machinery, recovery from injuries, or improvements in team coordination and strategy. Their ability to overcome these hurdles will be crucial in determining their future success in MotoGP.