THE CONTENDERS

David Alonso

17, CFMOTO Aspar Team 4 wins and 8 podiums in 2023

Last year’s sensation. So good was Alonso in 2023 he goes into

2024 as the favourite. Don’t let the ever-smiling appearance fool you. On the bike, few are as combative as Alonso. Each of his four victories came courtesy of daring last lap overtakes. Testing has been excellent. He is guaranteed to at least fight for the title.

Dani Holgado

18, Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3 3 wins and 7 podiums in 2023

For half of 2023, Holgado was nailed on to sail to success thanks to battling victories in Portugal, France and Italy. Yet the wheels started coming off in August. Dropping from first to fifth was a disappointment. Yet the Spaniard has reset over the winter. Sticking with the same team for 2024, he is capable of another title fight.

Collin Veijer

19, LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP

1 win and 2 podiums in 2023

Last year’s surprise. Many had high hopes for Veijer in his rookie season, but few expected him to become Grand Prix’s first Dutch winner since 1990. From June, the lanky 19-year old was consistently challenging for top sixes. And his form in the last nine races was good enough to be fighting for the title.

Ivan Ortola

19, MT Helmets – MSI KTM 2 wins and 3 podiums in 2023

The Spaniard came of age in

2023, when he scored two wins and placed sixth overall. The gangly 19-year old has switched to MSI for 2024, and while he hasn’t set the world alight in testing, he usually saves his best for race day. His ever-increasing height may be a problem, but Ortola should be capable to adding to his win tally this term.