After examining the colors of the Formula 1 field, we have once again given the task of analyzing the MotoGP field for 2024. This year, there have been some notable changes in riders, as well as significant transformations in team liveries. While not all manufacturers have made drastic changes, the addition of a new team and a new title sponsor has brought a noticeable difference to the lineup. The challenge for livery designers in MotoGP is the complex aerodynamics of the bikes, which make it difficult to showcase sponsors while creating visually appealing designs. Sponsors want maximum visibility for their brands, but the intricate bodywork of the bikes poses obstacles. However, the distinct visions of each team in the 2024 lineup are reassuring. Each team has created a livery that sparks discussion and subjective opinions.
One example of a unique livery is the Repsol Honda. Instead of the usual orange and red roundel of Repsol, the team has chosen to emphasize the Honda heritage. The Honda wordmark is now larger and more prominently displayed on the upper side fairings, while the Repsol logo has been moved to the downside panels and reduced in size. The use of Honda’s color palette, which includes red, white, and blue, symbolizes strength, power, purity, clarity, and calmness. This new identity reflects a post-Marquez era for the team and may bring a sense of calm to a bike that has faced challenges in recent years.
Yamaha’s 2024 livery shows a focus on performance rather than aesthetics. There have been minimal changes from the 2023 livery, which underwent a more significant graphic evolution. The livery combines Yamaha’s brand colors with greys and incorporates Monster Energy’s logo. However, the segmented nature of the tech-camo graphics dilutes the blue and fails to make the bike stand out. To make a bolder statement, Yamaha could reintroduce more blue to the upper screen and bodywork.
Gresini, with the arrival of Marc Marquez, has managed to maintain continuity while integrating the six-time world champion into the team. The livery features a repositioned Ducati logo and disrupted red stripes. The team’s decision to retain its own identity instead of relying solely on Marquez’s sponsors is commendable. The livery, with its periwinkle blue color and ties to Ducati, sets Gresini apart from the rest of the field.
The 2024 Mooney VR46 livery is a departure from the previous year’s design. The team has switched from a night-themed livery to a white-dominated one. The bike features a new nose accent, a red stripe from title sponsor Pertamina, and a secondary blue for Comoli Ferrari. While the livery is striking, it feels busy, and the execution of the gradient could be improved. The addition of more neon colors or extending the gradient further down the body could enhance the overall appearance.
Trackhouse Racing, taking over from RNF Racing, proudly displays the stars and stripes on its RS-GP. The design is reminiscent of Nicky Hayden’s post-season testing livery in 2008. The flag is interpreted in a less conventional way, with multiple scales of stars and chunky block shadowing on the stripes. The livery is unmistakably American but far from old-fashioned, reflecting the entertainment-focused approach of Trackhouse Entertainment Group.
Johann Zarco’s Honda R213V features a retro livery that pays homage to the 90s-era Honda RC45. The green and red accents streaking down the bodywork evoke nostalgia and create a visually appealing design. However, the race suit could be better aligned with the stripes. Overall, the livery demonstrates the value of a commercial tie-in and creates an emotional connection with fans.
Ducati’s GP24 livery has made a few tweaks from the previous year. The expansion of the lighter scarlet accent and the change from black to red in the nose section give the bike a distinct look. However, the rider number is less distinct, and the large Lenovo branding could be modified to improve the flow of the livery. The focus of Ducati’s livery is to leverage its dominance and create a strong association with the iconic red color.
The Idemitsu livery for LCR Honda lacks a strong identity. The primary Idemitsu logo could be enlarged to give the bike a sense of movement and align better with Honda’s branding. The red to black gradient at the back of the bike feels more like a scorch mark. Adding more white and gold accents could elevate the livery and draw attention to the title sponsor.
Aprilia’s 2024 livery is an intelligent evolution of the previous year. The combination of black, red, and purple is well-executed and creates a distinct look. The improved Aprilia logo enhances brand legibility, and the shorter, sharper purple racing stripes give the bike a more aggressive feel. The team is ready to challenge Ducati’s dominance with its refined livery.
The KTM livery maintains continuity with Red Bull as the title sponsor. The orange color of KTM complements the yellow and red of Red Bull, creating a harmonious partnership. The design is distinct and well-executed, reflecting the confidence of Red Bull and KTM in their identity.
Pramac Ducati’s 2024 livery has undergone significant changes, with the removal of white and the introduction of a darker tone. While the design lacks the punch of the previous year, the addition of white detailing could break up the dark areas and create a greater sense of velocity. The purple color appears flat on the bike and makes the livery less distinctive. However, the use of luminous Brazilian green adds a touch of vibrancy to the overall appearance.