Yes, those oddsmakers are certainly counting him out. A healthy Miguel, on a current Ape will be a top 5 regular next year IMO. That's my "go out on a limb" statement. I don't think he'll grab enough big points consistently with the other guys out there to be a championship contender, but I think he has a legit shot to be the top Ape come end of year. IF he stays healthy, and the bad luck of getting wiped out is all over with. I doubt really don't think he'd take the ship, but with those odds, I'd toss some money on him and not feel bad about it.
I thought it would go without saying that if a rider's chances of finishing in top 5 are better, than so are his chances of winning...
The only place that pays in the top 5 is first. Do you think that his odds of winning the championship in 2024 are better than zero? I don't.
If MM does end up being faster than most, it could actually cut down on the constant demo derby atmosphere as they will need to focus to try and catch MM. It might lead to fewer injuries and help to show us who actually has riding talent. That would probably seem boring to some, but better to some viewers also.
Leaked photos of the gresini bikes (if real) are interesting. Very Red Bull sponsorship heavy. We’ll see in a few hours if the photos are fake and just how many millions gresini stand to bring in from the Marquez brothers.