Moto GP 2021
New faces, new liveries and new teams... big changes ahead of the new season, as we take a look through the 2021 grid.
Despite a global pandemic causing huge implications to racing, the 2020 MotoGP season turned out to be one of the most enthralling series to date. With a new Champion crowned, Rossi moving away from factory Yamaha and doubts still in the air about whether we will see Márquez on the grid, it looks like the 2021 season will be just as thrilling.
With all seats now confirmed we can take a look at the 2021 grid, and boy are there some big changes!
Suzuki Ecstar
Although the MotoGP world was sad to see the departure of the much loved Davide Brivio who left the world of two-wheeled racing to join the Formula One grid with the Alpine F1 team. The reigning champions have re-signed both riders for another year in the hope to carry on their success.
Ducati Lenovo Team
Both the 2020 Pramac riders have been promoted to factory Ducati red for the 2021 season. Jack Miller has shown good form over the last couple of seasons with 4 podiums and 5 front row starts in 2020. Though it seems Ducati have taken a bit of a gamble with signing the young Italian alongside him, who has shown his quality but only managed to finish 5 races last year.
Repsol Honda
There are still doubts as to whether or not we will see Marc Márquez line up on the grid for race one. The eight-time world champion has had fitness concerns after his journey to recovery suffered several setbacks following a severe accident at Jerez. Alongside him, another Spaniard in Pol Espargaro makes the step across to HRC from KTM.
LCR Honda
After only spending one year on the Repsol Honda, Alex Márquez has been moved across to the Satellite LCR Honda team by HRC. His team mate Takaaki Nakagami remains with the team for another year.
Monster Yamaha
Maverick Viñales remains with the factory Yamaha team for another year whilst the young passionate Frenchman that is Fabio Quartararo makes the step across from the Petronas team.
Petronas Yamaha
The master and apprentice re-unite at the SRT Petronas Yamaha with the legendary Valentino Rossi moving across to the satellite team. He hopes this move will give him the new lease of life he is looking for. His protege, Franco Morbidelli remains with the team for a third season.
Red Bull KTM
Race winners in the 2020 season, both Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira remain with KTM, the latter stepping up from the satellite team to fill the vacant spot left by Pol Espargero. The KTM looked to be a solid package last year with the guidance from test rider Dani Pedrosa we will be sure to see them running near the front in 2021.
Tech 3 KTM
Danilo Petrucci lines up alongside last years rookie Iker Lecuona at the new-look KTM Tech 3 team. Many people expected to see Petrucci in the factory team as a direct replacement for Espargero but instead we see him donning the orange of Tech 3.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
Aleix Espargaró remains in the number 1 seat at Aprilia whilst the number 2 seat is still up for debate between Bradley Smith and Lorenzo Saverdori. Having dropped Smith in favour of Savadori as their second rider for the last three rounds, Aprilia are yet to make a decision as to who they will go ahead with as a full-time rider. All three riders will be present for the team's first tests.
Pramac Ducati
After the surprising success Johann Zarco had on the Avintia Ducati last year he has earned himself a ride in the satellite Pramac team for the 2021 season. Alongside him for this rookie year will be former Moto3 Champion Jorge Martín.
Esponsorama Racing
Last years Moto 2 Champion Enea Bastianini makes the step up to the premier class alongside his title rival and Moto 2 runner up Luca Marini. Bastianini will carry the Avintia colours whilst Marini will carry the VR46 colours and makes for a vital first step onto the MotoGP grid for the team.
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