The 2024 MotoGP season was defined by spectacular overtakes and an intense rivalry between Martin and Bagnaia. Nicknamed “the championship of errors,” it was often seen as a year filled with crashes.
Yet, official data reveals there were far fewer incidents than usual. 2024 witnessed fewer crashes than expected, even though every accident remained striking. With standout performances and surprises in Moto2 and Moto3, here’s what motorcycle racing fans should take away from this year.
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The “season of errors” in figures
Despite being perceived as a crash-filled season, MotoGP 2024 recorded 335 crashes across 20 races, 23 fewer than in 2023. On average, this amounts to 16.8 crashes per weekend—significantly below the numbers seen in past years with less powerful bikes, such as 2017. This decline is particularly surprising given that Michelin introduced new rear tires offering increased grip, making the bikes faster but also less predictable. Some key moments added to the season’s chaotic reputation: the strategic errors of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, both locked in the title fight, often drew attention. However, Bagnaia, despite being labeled a “high-risk” rider, only crashed nine times—fewer than his 11 victories this season. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin, crowned champion, registered 15 crashes but managed his mistakes better to maintain his lead in the standings by year-end.
To put things into perspective, yes, the 2024 season saw fewer crashes than in 2023. However, this number remains massive in the world of motorsport. Crashes in MotoGP are incredibly dramatic, and they occur far more frequently than in Formula 1 or WEC, for instance
MASSIVE contact into Turn 1 💥
A big big crash for Vietti and vd Goorbergh as @Denizoncu53 managed to save it 👀#SolidarityGP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/5Q3ul00d4C
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 17, 2024
Honda and Ducati: opposite trajectories
Honda, often criticized for producing bikes that are difficult to handle, showed signs of improvement this year. Luca Marini, the team’s new recruit, only crashed four times over the season—a standout achievement. Even Joan Mir, despite enduring a tough year, didn’t rank among the riders with the most crashes. On the Ducati side, while Marc Marquez struggled with 24 incidents, the latest models proved largely reliable. However, costly errors came at the worst times for some riders. Bagnaia, for instance, experienced nearly all his crashes during critical sessions, heavily penalizing him in the title race. In contrast, riders like Johann Zarco leveraged their consistency to secure valuable points despite a few mistakes.
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Moto2 and Moto3: strides toward greater safety
The lower categories, Moto2 and Moto3, recorded their lowest number of crashes since 2010. This progress appears linked to Pirelli replacing Dunlop as the tire supplier. With better balance and quick rider adaptation, the races featured fewer incidents while remaining just as thrilling. This promising trend could inspire similar changes in the premier category, aiming to make future competitions even safer.
This article explores how MotoGP 2024 defied its crash-heavy reputation with surprising statistics and standout performances. It also delves into Honda’s progress, Ducati’s mixed results, and the safety improvements in Moto2 and Moto3, pointing to an exciting and safer future for the sport.
Image: Red Bull Content pool
