In the 2024 MotoGP season, Aprilia stood out as the only manufacturer to beat Ducati, claiming victory during the Americas Grand Prix weekend and two sprint races. However, the team barely avoided being relegated to the lowest category under the updated concession system.

The new concession system provided better technical and development freedom to struggling manufacturers. At the end of the season, all five manufacturers were classified into four categories (A, B, C, and D), based on their results, with adjustments made as needed. Category D, which offers the most concessions, is reserved for manufacturers who scored less than 35% of the available points in the championship. Points are calculated from the best-placed rider of each manufacturer in every race, including sprints.

Meanwhile, KTM and Aprilia remained in Category C with respective scores of 327 points and 302 points. Both manufacturers saw declines compared to 2023. Notably, Aprilia only exceeded the 35% threshold by 43 points, narrowly avoiding being relegated to Category D. The team crossed the critical mark in Australia, with just three rounds remaining. In contrast, Ducati surpassed that mark by the eighth round in Assen.

Japanese manufacturers Yamaha and Honda continued to struggle, failing to capitalize on the concessions available to them. Yamaha scored 124 points, and Honda managed only 75 points—both far below the 260-point benchmark needed to move up to Category C.

Yamaha and Honda also suffered significant year-on-year declines. Yamaha’s points fell from 196 in 2023 to 124 this season, while Honda dropped from 185 to 75. These declines, alongside KTM’s and Aprilia’s drops, occurred despite the addition of an extra sprint race in 2024, as the 2023 Phillip Island sprint was canceled.

Looking ahead, Ducati faces restrictions, including a ban on wildcard entries and limited testing opportunities. In contrast, Yamaha and Honda will benefit from expanded testing allowances, including private tests and the ability to use additional engines. These measures aim to help the Japanese manufacturers close the gap.