The 2023 MotoGP season has come to an end, and what an exciting season it was! With eight different winners and the introduction of the Sprint, the championship came down to the final race. The 2024 season promises to be even more exciting. With a new circuit added to the schedule and the most highly heralded Rookie since Marc Marquez, MotoGP fans are being fed their lust for two-wheeled satisfaction. But first, we must bid farewell to 2023 as only we know how. The 2023 MotoGP Awards, SBI style! These aren’t your typical awards. But hell, you already knew that. So, without further adieu…
“GoodThinking” Award: This award goes to DORNA for the introduction of the Sprint Races! I mean, damn! I never imagined a MotoGP Weekend being even more exciting, but DORNA added that little bit of extra and made the championship even more exciting and gave the “Sprinters” a chance to win a race. To that, we fans say, “Chapeau, MotoGP! Chapeau!”
“No He Didn’t? – Oh Yes He Did!” Best Overtake Award: Of all the great passes in MotoGP, Jorge Martin overtaking Fabio Quartararo during the Grand Prix of India is the one that had me screaming expletives into the holy Sunday air. It was a pass that had to be made to keep him in the championship. So he did it. And for that? Jorge Martin gets “Best Overtake” at the 2023 MotoGP Awards.
“I’m here for a good time, not a long time.” Best Cameo Appearance at a GP Awards: Dani Pedrosa. The lil’ Samurai showed those young whippersnappers that age is only a number as he finished just outside the podium and was the highest-placing KTM at the San Marino GP. Silky Smooth Pedrosa proved something I said many articles ago. Dani was “the Dude” and definitely had that “dawg” in him!
“F&#K ME? – No, F@#K You!” The Fed Up Award: Marc Marquez. After crashing all weekend, not knowing why, and then nearly high-siding again, Marquez gave his bike the official Italian Salute in the ultimate show of frustration. Marquez eventually took his helmet and went home.
“Too Hot To Handle” Best GP Award: The Australian GP gets this award. This was a tough one. There were some honorable mentions, such as Silverstone and the Thai GP. But a five-rider battle on the final laps gets my pick as the best Grand Prix of the year.
“Always a Bridesmaid – Never a Bride” Most Podiums without a Win Award: This award goes to Brad Binder. Binder is always in the hunt, but this year, he seemed to run out of ammo just when he needed the kill shot.
“There’s a New Kid in Town” The He Has Arrived Award: Jorge Martin. Some riders get it. Some never get it. And for some, it takes a while, but once they get it, they got it. And in 2023, Jorge Martin definitely got it! Almost like challenging your father, Jorge shunned the daddy issues in 2023 and racked up consistent podiums and victories. He has officially arrived.
“Because When I Enter The Center, They Say Yo-Yo There He Go” The Ain’t No Question Who the Man Is Award: This award goes to Pecco Bagnaia. It seemed all the news this year was: “The arrival and speed of Jorge Martin, the new king to be – Pedro Acosta, where’s Marquez going?” Meanwhile, Pecco Bagnaia was eating “kick-ass sandwiches” with “take this foot up your ass ice cream” for dessert. It seemed he was slightly disrespected. But make no mistake, Pecco was still the Man. Fifteen podiums and seven victories! I rest my case. Put some respect on the Champ’s name. He’s a Three-Time World Champ for a reason, and it looks like he’s just getting started.
So there you have it, the 2023 SBI MotoGP Awards. I hope you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the 2024 Awards. And I will go on record saying that 2024 will be the best MotoGP season ever. But then again, I say that every year. And every year, I’m correct!
Let’s keep the streak alive. Until next season, GP Freaks!
About The Author
Discover more from SportBikes Inc Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.