Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura admits feeling apprehensive about racing alongside MotoGP legends during his initial test run

He anticipated being more astonished than he actually was…

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "anxious" as he joined the ranks of MotoGP's elite riders during his initial trial with Trackhouse Racing at the Barcelona circuit on Tuesday.

The rider from Japan inked a contract for two years with the Aprilia satellite team during the summer to advance to MotoGP by 2025, an agreement that has significantly appreciated in value following his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, during the test following the Solidarity Grand Prix, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP race, finishing 86 circuits aboard the 2024 model RS-GP.

He finished the day as the second-best rookie out of three, landing in the 21st position, despite experiencing a minor crash at Turn 2 during the early hours of the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentioned, "Naturally, seeing the other riders on the track, along with a few cameras, does make me a bit anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the primary distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized the necessity of mastering throttle control to stabilize the motorcycle as his main challenge.

He also mentioned that currently, his greatest challenge is entering corners.

"Perhaps managing the throttle to maintain stability on the bike and ensure smooth acceleration was the most challenging aspect for me. It feels somewhat distinct."

"Initially, my focus is on improving the braking aspect, specifically the entire sequence from the moment I start braking until I begin to press on the accelerator. It's this phase I aim to comprehend better and prioritize for adjustments."

Newcomers frequently mention the overwhelming force of MotoGP engines and the efficiency of carbon brakes as a significant surprise upon their initial transition from Moto2.

However, Ogura had a different experience, noting, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished than I actually was, but by the second or third lap, I had adjusted to the pace."

"There's not much of a difference between steel and carbon brakes. It's not a big deal for me."

Ogura plans to enhance his physical conditioning during the winter months to prepare for his move to MotoGP, and mentioned that he wasn't overly fatigued following his 86 laps on Tuesday.

"Today, I completed 86 laps with my longest stretch being, I believe, about 10 laps," he mentioned.

"For this course, I felt fine; I didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"However, I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so it remains to be seen. Nonetheless, I'm fine after today's session, and I plan on increasing my training intensity this winter compared to last year."

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MotoGP 2025: Identifying Each Rider's Chief Mechanic

Complete list of rider-chief mechanic combinations for the 2025 MotoGP campaign

The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season has undergone significant changes, featuring many racers who have either moved between teams or entered the class for the first time

A shift in teams often brings about a change in crew chiefs for some, whereas others who remain may greet new trackside technicians in their garages.

Here are the team-wise chief and rider combinations for the year 2025.

Ducati racing team

Marc Marquez paired with Marco Rigamonti, and Francesco Bagnaia teamed up with Cristian Gabarrini.

Marc Marquez, who has clinched the world championship eight times, is joining the Ducati factory team, marking his third consecutive season with a new crew chief.

Exiting Honda and parting ways with Santi Hernandez following the 2023 season, Marquez joined forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the official Ducati team meant he wouldn't continue working with Carchedi. Instead, Ducati chose to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who previously worked as Enea Bastianini's crew chief.

Rigamonti has experience collaborating with Andrea Iannone during their time at Ducati and Suzuki, and also with Johann Zarco, working together in the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the chief mechanic for Francesco Bagnaia during his tenure as a MotoGP champion, and has previously collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Team Honda

Joan Mir paired with Santi Hernandez

Luca Marini teamed up with Christian Pupulin

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of the previous year, Joan Mir became the new leader of Hernandez's crew, taking over the role.

Luca Marini will now have Christian Pupulin as his new crew chief, taking over from Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved to Pramac to work alongside Jack Miller, whereas Pupulin comes from a previous position with KTM where he was paired with the Australian rider.

Aprilia Racing Team

Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli

Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

The recent MotoGP victor, Jorge Martin, has transitioned to the official Aprilia team, taking Daniele Romagnoli along from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from Matteo Flamigni at VR46 to team up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia, who served as Maverick Vinales' performance engineer this season.

KTM Factory Racing Team

Pedro Acosta and Paul Trevathan

Brad Binder alongside Andres Madrid

Pedro Acosta, though a newcomer to the KTM factory team, has brought along Paul Trevathan from Tech 3 to serve as his crew chief. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his partnership with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini Racing

Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi

Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti

In his debut MotoGP season, Aldeguer is teaming up with Frankie Carchedi, who previously served as Marc Marquez's chief mechanic, for the year's campaign. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his collaboration with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha racing team

Fabio Quartararo paired with Diego Gubellini, and Alex Rins teamed up with David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues his collaboration with Diego Gubellini, his partner since his MotoGP introduction in 2019, whereas David Munoz, previously associated with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, teams up with Alex Rins, stepping in for Patrick Primmer.

VR46

Franco Morbidelli paired with Matteo Flamigni, and Fabio Di Giannantonio teamed up with Massimo Branchini.

Veteran mechanic of Valentino Rossi and previous chief for Marco Bezzecchi's crew, Matteo Flamigni, will accompany Franco Morbidelli as he transitions to VR46. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio will collaborate with a new crew chief, Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth different chief in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini served as the chief mechanic for Morbidelli’s team at Pramac.

Tech3

Enea Bastianini paired with Alberto Giribuola

Maverick Vinales teamed with Manuel Cazeaux

Enea Bastianini's transition to the Tech3 KTM team next season marks a reunion with Alberto Giribuola, who previously served as his crew chief in 2022 while they were at Gresini.

Maverick Vinales has teamed up with Manu Cazeaux, moving together from Aprilia.

Pramac Racing Team

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomo Guidotti

Pramac is introducing a fresh roster for its Yamaha introduction in 2025, which includes the addition of two new crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will team up with Luca Ferracioli, previously partnered with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti parts ways with Honda to collaborate with Jack Miller in the coming year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, previously Miguel Oliveira's crew chief, as Raul Fernandez maintains his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR Teams

David Garcia and Johann Zarco – Somkiat Chantra alongside Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco continues his partnership with David Garcia into his second season at LCR Honda, as newcomer to MotoGP, Somkiat Chantra, steps into the role alongside Takaaki Nakagami's previous chief mechanic, Klaus Nohles.

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Franco Morbidelli discusses VR46 introduction: "There's something special about it"

"There's something special about it, and we must take advantage of it"

Franco Morbidelli is excited to utilize his exceptional bond with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP squad in 2025.

The Italian racer, who was the inaugural world champion for the VR46 Academy in Moto2 in 2017 and also clinched a MotoGP race victory in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac squad.

Morbidelli stands out as one of the select riders in the lineup who will continue using the same model of motorcycle in 2025, offering him the advantage of a familiar setup.

This year at Pramac, Morbidelli was equipped with a Desmosedici GP24, identical to the one Jorge Martin used to clinch the title. However, he missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha championship contender secured a Sprint podium finish at Misano, placed fourth in the Indonesian Grand Prix, and ended the season ninth in the overall rankings.

In his first appearance for Pertamina VR46, he secured a seventh-place finish, trailing by 0.762 seconds, during the Barcelona test on Tuesday.

"Today was significant for becoming acquainted with my colleagues for the upcoming year," Morbidelli stated.

This encompasses former Marco Bezzecchi team leader Matteo Flamigni, who previously served as Rossi's electronics engineer.

"Morbidelli stated, 'Having the opportunity to collaborate with team members whom I've had relationships with for years is truly an immense privilege.'"

"Since my childhood, I've tracked Matteo's career. He became a legend alongside Vale during his tenure as an electronics engineer, and we shared a strong connection."

Morbidelli stated: "My respect for everyone within the team and our mutual understanding is something special. We must leverage this incredible bond to our advantage."

"It's essential for us to leverage it as a means to rapidly forge connections and bonds to accomplish our goals."

The presentation on Tuesday went smoothly, indicating a positive start.

"Morbidelli described the initial day as outstanding," he remarked. "We made adjustments to the motorcycle to grasp the ongoing developments, aiming to foster a deeper understanding between myself and the team.

"This will be the key factor in the coming year. The more we understand each other during these challenging times, the more effectively we'll perform and respond during race weekends."

"I'm fond of the environment here; it has all one requires to excel. We put in a lot of effort, and I chose not to go with the soft tire towards the end because it was too chilly to make any lap time better. All in all, it's been a fantastic beginning."

What about the unique leather materials?

"Gorgeous. I'm eager to see additional pictures since it was truly delightful."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is part of Morbidelli's team, was unable to participate in the test because he had recently undergone surgery on his shoulder.

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KTM Chief Reveals Sensational News About Lewis Hamilton

"Intriguing Conversations" Occurred Between Lewis Hamilton and KTM

According to the head of the company, Lewis Hamilton engaged in solid discussions regarding an investment with KTM.

KTM is facing a significant financial crisis that emerged following the end of the MotoGP season.

They maintain that even though they owe a substantial amount to numerous creditors, with their debts reaching billions, their racing plans for 2025 will remain unaffected.

However, they have expressed openness to discussions with prospective investors, such as Formula 1 icon Hamilton.

Pit Beirer mentioned to Speedweek that they engaged in fascinating conversations with his management team.

Lewis Hamilton's interest in MotoGP is well-known, and he is considering starting his own team.

"There are also specific discussions happening in this location."

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton was closely associated with his sponsor Monster. This partnership is concluding as he prepares to join forces with Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a competing energy drink brand, provides significant support to KTM.

Bierer stated that anyone looking to collaborate with them is aware of the close relationship between Red Bull and KTM, which are essentially linked. He added that this connection hasn't posed any problems during discussions up to this point.

He stated, "An investor is distinct from a sponsor."

"We collaborate closely with our sponsors, forming a robust partnership. When partners contribute financially to a remarkable project like this, they become engaged in the process, which should be seen as a positive aspect."

"When capable collaborators gather and brainstorm, effective solutions emerge collaboratively. Consequently, it's evident that these individuals will have significant influence."

Earlier this season, there were reports connecting Hamilton to having a financial stake in the Gresini Ducati team.

Despite not leading to any concrete outcomes, the Formula 1 champion revealed his curiosity about MotoGP and the possibility of putting money into a team within the sport.

Lewis Hamilton has made an investment in a sports franchise, specifically the Denver Broncos.

KTM claims that they are attracting investor attention due to Liberty Media acquiring MotoGP.

The acquisition still needs to be approved by regulatory authorities.

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KTM Executive Reveals Surprising News About Lewis Hamilton

KTM and Lewis Hamilton Engage in "Highly Intriguing Talks"

According to the head of KTM, Lewis Hamilton engaged in substantive discussions regarding a potential investment in the company.

KTM is facing a significant financial crisis that emerged following the end of the MotoGP season.

They emphasize that, although they have numerous creditors and owe billions, their racing program in 2025 will not be affected.

However, they are open to discussions with prospective investors, among them Formula 1 star Hamilton.

Pit Beirer mentioned to Speedweek that the talks with his management were quite engaging.

It’s well-known that Lewis Hamilton has an interest in MotoGP and is considering starting his own team.

"There are also specific discussions happening here."

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton had a strong association with the sponsor Monster. This relationship is concluding as he prepares to join forces with Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a competitor in the energy drink market, heavily supports KTM.

Bierer stated, "Anyone interested in collaborating with us is aware of the close relationship between Red Bull and KTM. This has not been a point of contention in the discussions thus far."

He stated that an investor is not the same as a sponsor.

"Our collaboration with our sponsors is characterized by a robust partnership. When partners contribute financially to a significant project like ours, they become engaged in its development. This involvement is intended to be beneficial for all parties."

"When influential collaborators gather to discuss, effective solutions are often discovered collectively. Therefore, it is evident that these individuals will have a significant influence."

Earlier this season, Hamilton was associated with having a financial stake in the Gresini Ducati team.

Despite the fact that it didn't lead to any outcomes, the Formula 1 champion expressed his curiosity about MotoGP and the possibility of putting money into a team.

Hamilton has previously put money into a sports franchise, specifically the Denver Broncos.

KTM claims that they are attracting investors' attention due to Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP.

The acquisition is still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities.

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura felt "anxious" while riding alongside MotoGP legends during his first test run. "I thought it would be more astonishing than it actually was," he admitted.

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed that he felt "nervous" when he participated in his inaugural test with Trackhouse Racing, sharing the circuit with MotoGP's elite riders on Tuesday in Barcelona.

During the summer, the Japanese racer inked a two-year contract with the Aprilia satellite team, setting the stage for his MotoGP debut in 2025. This agreement has proven to be an excellent move, especially after his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP session during the post-Solidarity GP test, where he rode 86 laps on the RS-GP model designed for the 2024 season.

He concluded the day as the second-fastest among the three newcomers, finishing in 21st place. However, during the initial hours of the session, he experienced a minor incident at Turn 2.

Reflecting on his inaugural experience riding a MotoGP bike, Ogura remarked, "Naturally, seeing all these riders out on the track, along with a few cameras, made me feel anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the most significant contrast between Moto2 and MotoGP, he highlighted the necessity to master throttle control to stabilize the bike as the primary challenge he faces.

He mentioned that his main challenge right now is entering corners.

"Perhaps the most challenging aspect for me was managing the throttle to maintain the bike's stability and achieve smooth acceleration. It's somewhat different."

"My initial focus is on improving the braking process. I need to enhance my understanding of everything from the moment I start braking to when I accelerate. This area is my top priority for improvement."

Newcomers frequently mention that the strength of MotoGP engines and the effectiveness of carbon brakes are surprising aspects when they transition from Moto2 for the first time.

Contrary to what might be expected, Ogura expressed that the experience was satisfactory. He stated, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more surprised, but after completing a couple of laps, I had already adjusted to the speed."

"There isn't much of a difference between steel brakes and carbon brakes. It's not a significant issue for me."

Ogura mentioned that he plans to enhance his fitness regimen during the winter months to prepare for the transition to MotoGP. Despite completing 86 laps on Tuesday, he reported not feeling overly fatigued.

He stated, "I completed 86 laps today, with the longest stretch being approximately 10 laps."

"For this song, I was feeling fine and had no issues with my physical condition."

"I didn’t manage to do 20 consecutive laps today, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm feeling alright, though, and plan to train harder this winter compared to last year."

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MotoGP 2025: A Look at the Rider and Crew Chief Partnerships

An overview of the rider and crew chief duos for the 2025 MotoGP season

The 2025 MotoGP lineup has undergone significant changes, as many riders have either moved to different teams or are making their debut in the series.

When a team undergoes changes, it often means getting a new crew chief for some members, while others remain in place and greet new technicians in their pit areas.

The list below details the pairings of crew chiefs and riders for each team in the year 2025.

Ducati's official racing team includes Marc Marquez, paired with Marco Rigamonti, and Francesco Bagnaia, who works alongside Cristian Gabarrini.

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez is joining the factory Ducati team, marking his third different crew chief in three seasons.

At the conclusion of 2023, Marquez departed from Honda and Santi Hernandez to join forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the Ducati factory team did not maintain that partnership, as the Italian team decided to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who previously worked as Enea Bastianini’s crew chief.

Rigamonti has had past experience collaborating with Andrea Iannone during their time together at Ducati and Suzuki, and has also worked with Johann Zarco while he was part of the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the crew chief for Francesco Bagnaia during his time as MotoGP champion. Previously, he has also collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Honda's official racing team includes Joan Mir paired with Santi Hernandez, and Luca Marini teamed up with Christian Pupulin.

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of last year, Joan Mir assumed leadership of Hernandez, his crew chief.

Luca Marini's team has seen a change in leadership with Christian Pupulin stepping in as the new crew chief, replacing Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved on to join Pramac, where he will be working alongside Jack Miller. Before this shift, Pupulin was part of the KTM team, collaborating with the Australian rider.

Factory Racing Team of Aprilia Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

Jorge Martin, the newly crowned MotoGP champion, is joining the factory Aprilia team and will be accompanied by Daniele Romagnoli, who is also making the move from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from collaborating with Matteo Flamigni at VR46. He is now teaming up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia, who previously served as the performance engineer for Maverick Vinales this year.

KTM's official racing team

Racers: Pedro Acosta with crew chief Paul Trevathan, and Brad Binder with crew chief Andres Madrid

Pedro Acosta is a fresh addition to the factory KTM team, and he is joined by crew chief Paul Trevathan, who previously worked with him at Tech 3. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his collaboration with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini Team

Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi

Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti

MotoGP newcomer Aldeguer is set to collaborate with Frankie Carchedi, who previously served as Marc Marquez's crew chief, this season. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his partnership with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha Racing Team

Fabio Quartararo – Diego Gubellini

Alex Rins – David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues to collaborate with Diego Gubellini, his crew chief since he entered MotoGP in 2019. Meanwhile, David Munoz, who previously worked with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, joins Alex Rins, taking over from Patrick Primmer.

VR46 Team

Franco Morbidelli – Matteo Flamigni

Fabio Di Giannantonio – Massimo Branchini

Veteran mechanic Matteo Flamigni, who worked closely with Valentino Rossi and previously served as Marco Bezzecchi's crew chief, is set to collaborate with Franco Morbidelli as he transitions to VR46. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio teams up with Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth crew chief partnership in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini served as the crew chief for Morbidelli at Pramac.

Tech3 Team

Riders: Enea Bastianini, Maverick Vinales

Crew Chiefs: Alberto Giribuola, Manuel Cazeaux

Next year, Enea Bastianini will join the Tech3 KTM team, where he will once again work with Alberto Giribuola, who was his crew chief at Gresini in 2022.

Maverick Vinales has taken Manu Cazeaux along from Aprilia.

Pramac

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomi Guidotti

In 2025, Pramac will introduce a completely new team for its first appearance with Yamaha, including the addition of two fresh crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will collaborate with Luca Ferracioli, who was previously partnered with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti is parting ways with Honda to collaborate with Jack Miller in the upcoming year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, who previously served as the crew chief for Miguel Oliveira. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez will maintain his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR Team

Johann Zarco – David Garcia

Somkiat Chantra – Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco is staying with David Garcia for his second season at LCR Honda. Meanwhile, Somkiat Chantra, a newcomer to MotoGP, will work with Klaus Nohles, who was previously Takaaki Nakagami's crew chief.

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Franco Morbidelli discusses his first appearance with VR46, saying, "There's something special we possess, and it's important for us to make the most of it."

Franco Morbidelli is enthusiastic about making the most of his 'special' connection with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team for the 2025 season.

The Italian rider, who became the VR46 Academy's inaugural world champion in the Moto2 category in 2017 and clinched a MotoGP race victory in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac team.

Alongside being in a well-known environment, Morbidelli is among the select riders who will retain the same model of motorcycle for the 2025 season.

This year, Morbidelli rode a factory Desmosedici GP24 for Pramac, the same model his teammate Jorge Martin used to clinch the championship. Unfortunately, Morbidelli missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha title contender secured a spot on the podium during the Sprint race at Misano, achieved fourth place in the Indonesian Grand Prix, and finished ninth overall in the championship rankings.

He made his first appearance with Pertamina VR46, finishing in seventh position, just 0.762 seconds behind, during Tuesday's test in Barcelona.

"Morbidelli mentioned that it was crucial to meet the individuals he will collaborate with in the upcoming year."

This group features Matteo Flamigni, who was previously the chief of Marco Bezzecchi's team and used to work as Valentino Rossi's electronic engineer.

Morbidelli expressed that it is a significant privilege to collaborate with team members he has been acquainted with for several years.

"I have admired Matteo since my childhood. He left a mark in history alongside Vale while working as his electronics engineer, and we shared a great connection."

Morbidelli expressed: "I deeply respect everyone on the team, and the understanding we share among ourselves is truly special. We must harness this remarkable synergy to its fullest potential."

"We should utilize it to quickly build relationships and establish connections to reach our goals efficiently."

The launch on Tuesday went smoothly and successfully.

"It was an excellent start to the day," Morbidelli remarked. "We made several adjustments to the motorcycle to gain insights and enhance the understanding between myself and the team."

"That will be the key factor next year. The more we understand each other during these challenging times, the more effectively we will perform and respond during race weekends."

"The environment is enjoyable, and all the necessary elements for success are present. We put in a lot of effort, and I chose not to use the soft tire at the end because it was too cold to enhance our lap time. All in all, it's been an excellent beginning."

What about the unique types of leather?

"Stunning. I'd love to see additional pictures since they were truly delightful."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is on the same team as Morbidelli, was absent from the test because he recently underwent surgery on his shoulder.

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Honda is informed that revival isn't solely a financial matter as Aleix Espargaro spearheads testing resurgence

Pol Espargaro outlines strategies for Honda's resurgence

Former racer Pol Espargaro has cautioned Honda that financial investment alone will not be sufficient to return them to the top of MotoGP.

Aleix Espargaro, the sibling of racer Pol, is set to end his racing career and will join Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as a test rider in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience to the

Honda has been in a prolonged slump, underscored by the departure of Marc Marquez.

Pol Espargaro, who teamed up with Marquez at Honda for two years, stated, "They are making efforts. I'm aware they are putting in the work.

"However, it's not solely focused on labor, materials, or the financial capacity available to achieve the outcome."

"This isn't the issue at hand!"

"Everything is interconnected – the way you operate, the structure of the organization, and the approach to testing, which has become a crucial element in this sport today."

"Participants compete in two races every weekend, leaving them no opportunity for testing during the event. This might have been possible in previous years."

"Hence, the significance of a robust testing team cannot be overstated. From my observation, it plays a crucial role in advancing the capabilities of manufacturers."

"The standard is elevated, and the technology is incredibly sophisticated."

'Hard to fathom the stress'

Aleix Espargaro has concluded his extensive MotoGP journey, leaving Aprilia behind, to dedicate his efforts to Honda's testing program.

"Pol mentioned that Aleix had been searching for something of that nature."

"It's truly challenging to comprehend the daily stress these individuals face to excel."

"They strive for improvement not only during race weekends but also in their daily lives, constantly asking themselves, 'how can I improve?' to achieve excellence every day."

Aleix found himself at a juncture, overwhelmed with thoughts about his future aspirations.

"He desires to spend time with his loved ones. Additionally, he enjoys biking and aims to achieve something while he still can."

"He desires to pursue varied interests in life, a sentiment that's reasonable given his extensive time spent in the paddock."

"Setting the objective to bring Honda back to a winning position or to the forefront is an incredible aim, an astonishing pursuit, and a fantastic journey."

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For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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EXCLUSIVE: The Resistance to Valentino Rossi's Move to Yamaha Explained

Crash.net sits down with Davide Brivio for an exclusive interview commemorating two decades since Valentino Rossi clinched his inaugural MotoGP championship with Yamaha.

In 2024, MotoGP marked its 75th year since the inaugural grand prix season in 1949, a period highlighted by numerous pivotal events. Among these was the significant achievement 20 years earlier in 2004, when Valentino Rossi secured his fourth title in the top class.

At that stage, Rossi had become the leading figure in motorcycle racing. Clinching the last championship of the 500cc era in 2001 riding for Honda in merely his sophomore year, Rossi embarked on the dawn of the four-stroke MotoGP era, dominating on the factory Honda RC211V.

In 2002, Rossi claimed victory in 11 grand prix events and secured second place in all other races, except for one in which he didn't score. This performance led him to his second top-tier championship, and he continued his winning streak by securing a third title in 2003, achieving nine wins with comparable dominance.

While the global community celebrated Rossi's brilliance, this view wasn't shared at Honda's headquarters in Japan. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) attributed Rossi's victories entirely to the capabilities of the RC211V. Such an attitude is often at odds with the significant pride that is typical among professional motorcycle racers.

Throughout 2003, Rossi's team initiated confidential negotiations with Yamaha, making substantial efforts to maintain secrecy. Davide Brivio, the then team manager, disclosed years later that he and Lin Jarvis had to conceal themselves under a table during a meeting, fearing someone was about to come into the tent where they were situated.

After much negotiation, Rossi secured a move to Yamaha for the 2004 season. However, Honda enforced the full term of Rossi's existing contract with them, preventing him from conducting any M1 test rides until the early part of 2004.

Yamaha and Rossi's team needed to iron out details regarding the financial terms of their agreement and decide which team members would accompany the Italian racer. Additionally, a mindset within the Japanese brand, similar to Honda's approach, threatened to derail this groundbreaking partnership.

"In our conversation with Valentino," Brivio recounted to Crash.net while reflecting on Rossi's 2004 championship, "Yamaha had a varied perspective internally, as some opposed Valentino's inclusion, arguing, 'he's a multi-world champion: should he join Yamaha and we fail to secure a victory, the blame would fall on Yamaha.

"Should we emerge victorious, it will be credited to Valentino, leaving our brand with no tangible benefit." This represented one perspective. The prevailing belief within the organization emphasized the significance of the motorcycle itself. There was a sentiment among some at Yamaha which posited, 'Valentino isn't essential for our success; we're capable of engineering a motorcycle so superior and powerful that any rider could secure a win with it.'"

The issue with this perspective was Yamaha's inability, up until that point, to construct a motorcycle robust enough to clinch the championship in the four-stroke period. Indeed, as of the conclusion of 2003, Yamaha had not secured a championship victory since their 1992 500cc victory with Wayne Rainey. Following that, Suzuki emerged victorious on two occasions – in 1993 and 2000 – whereas Honda dominated the championship scene, with Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, and Rossi taking home the majority of the titles.

During the years 2002 and 2003, Rossi secured back-to-back MotoGP championships, while Yamaha managed to clinch victory in only two grand prix races. Yamaha's performance was so lackluster that when Rossi came on board, the team was coming off a winless 2003 season. Their best finish was a third-place podium at the French GP, thanks to Alex Barros. Carlos Checa was Yamaha's highest-ranking rider in the championship standings, trailing Rossi by a whopping 234 points.

The prospect of Rossi contending for the championship in 2004 appeared unlikely. However, Jeremy Burgess, his crew chief, leveraging the expertise that contributed to the success of the RC211V, pinpointed the enhancements required for the M1. Masao Furusawa, Yamaha's head of technology, developed a novel 'big bang' inline-four engine. Meanwhile, Burgess made adjustments to the bike's dimensions and fine-tuned the electronics to enhance braking efficiency and optimize the M1's performance in corners.

At the start of the 2004 season in South Africa, Yamaha, alongside Rossi, arrived with a significantly upgraded M1. They successfully secured the pole position and triumphed in the race, with Rossi emerging victorious over his main competitor, Max Biaggi, who was riding a Honda operated by Pons, in a captivating contest. Indeed, Rossi led the pack, outperforming a fleet of RC211Vs led by Biaggi, with Sete Gibernau, Barros, and Nicky Hayden trailing behind.

During the victory lap, Rossi paused to spend a moment with his new motorcycle, contemplating the significant achievement he had just accomplished. Afterwards, he focused on his next tasks. He secured eight additional victories in 2004 and clinched the championship one race before the season ended in Australia. This made him the first competitor since Eddie Lawson in 1989 to win consecutive championships on motorcycles from two distinct manufacturers, with Lawson having switched from Yamaha to Honda to achieve this feat.

In 2005, Rossi and his Yamaha team outperformed their competition significantly. Securing victories in 11 races and missing the podium in only one, they left Honda's Marco Melandri trailing by 147 points. This performance solidified the M1 as the premier motorcycle in MotoGP. However, Brivio emphasized that Yamaha's success also highlighted the indispensable role of a skilled rider alongside a capable bike.

Brivio reflects on the prevailing attitude during the early 2000s, emphasizing that the focus was primarily on the motorcycle, often overlooking the significance of the rider. By recruiting Valentino Rossi to Yamaha, they demonstrated the critical role both the bike and the rider play in the sport. Brivio expresses pride in this achievement, believing it restored some recognition to the athletes. Despite his affiliation with a manufacturing company, he feels they were instrumental in reevaluating the balance between the value of the motorcycle and the rider's contribution during that period.

"This brings back a fond memory. We shared many moments of joy and laughter, akin to imagining a scenario where Pecco Bagnaia leaves Ducati due to dissatisfaction, only to join a less successful team and clinch the championship the following year. That's how remarkable the situation was back then. It was a significant and delightful experience. The fun we had was immense, and the lessons learned were invaluable. I must acknowledge that Valentino revolutionized the mindset and culture within Yamaha, particularly in terms of racing strategy."

Certainly, the Yamaha competitor closest to Rossi in the 2005 rankings was his team-mate from the same factory, Colin Edwards, who secured fourth place but trailed by 188 points and had only achieved three podium finishes. The year prior in 2004, the Yamaha rider following Rossi closely was Carlos Checa, lagging by 187 points and having attained only a single podium placement.

Indeed, between 2004 and 2007, Valentino Rossi was the sole Yamaha racer to achieve victories on the M1. It was not until 2008, with the debut of Jorge Lorenzo, that Yamaha witnessed a shift in dynamics, having two competitors able to secure wins on its bikes.

Brivio believes that without Rossi joining in 2004, Yamaha would have continued to prioritize the motorcycle's development, hoping that this strategy would eventually attract a leading rider to the team.

"Brivio suggests that had Valentino not joined the team in 2004, Yamaha might have eventually developed a competitive bike, but it would likely have taken more time. Without Valentino, the journey might have involved building a better bike first to gain the trust of leading riders, potentially taking a couple of years before they could attract a top rider to the team and achieve a victory. This could have delayed the arrival of someone like Jorge Lorenzo or another similar talent, possibly pushing back success by two to four years."

Certainly, if Rossi had not joined the team, Burgess wouldn't have been present to identify the shortcomings that limited the M1's performance. The year 2003 was consistently challenging for Yamaha, sparking speculation that the company might exit MotoGP. Looking back, it's difficult to imagine Yamaha's situation getting better with someone other than Rossi in charge.

The collaboration between Rossi and Yamaha resulted in additional championship victories in 2008 and 2009. However, the emergence of Lorenzo as a dominant force led to his securing the championship title three times from 2010 to 2015. The escalating tension between Rossi and Lorenzo culminated in Rossi's departure from Yamaha at the conclusion of 2010, followed by a challenging period with Ducati during 2011 and 2012.

Rossi and Burgess's success at Yamaha was not mirrored at Ducati, primarily due to the rigidity of its racing team. However, the tide began to turn with Gigi Dall'Igna stepping in as general manager in 2014, setting Ducati on a trajectory towards becoming the contemporary leaders of MotoGP.

In 2013, Rossi made his way back to Yamaha and nearly secured his fifth championship with the company in 2015. He continued to compete for Yamaha until he concluded his MotoGP career at the end of the 2021 season.

Though his victories became scarce towards the end of his MotoGP career, Rossi's legendary status remains unshakeable. This is largely attributed to his groundbreaking switch to Yamaha two decades ago…

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2025 MotoGP Roster: The Full Line-Up

Details on the contract status of every rider in MotoGP for the 2025 campaign.

Here is the complete list of MotoGP riders set to compete in the 2025 global championship.

Ducati acted quickly to secure a long-term agreement with key rider Francesco Bagnaia, yet the speculation surrounding who will be his team-mate in 2025 took center stage in the initial discussions of the rider market.

Ultimately, Marc Marquez secured the position, following an unexpected reversal by Ducati, who initially seemed to favor championship frontrunner Jorge Martin.

VR46 is set to take over from Pramac, who is moving to Yamaha, as the newly endorsed satellite team backed by the factory. Fabio di Giannantonio will continue with VR46, though now he has inked a deal directly with Ducati and will be equipped with machinery of factory specification.

Franco Morbidelli is set to join Diggia as a new team member, transitioning from Pramac to assume control of Marco Bezzecchi's bike from the previous season.

In 2025, Ducati is set to introduce Fermin Aldeguer, a young prodigy from Moto2, to the top tier of racing. Aldeguer will team up with Alex Marquez at Gresini, taking over the spot from Marc Marquez.

KTM has secured Brad Binder with an extended contract through 2026, while newcomer sensation Pedro Acosta is set to transition from Tech3 GASGAS to the primary team.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Tech3 team announced a fresh duo of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales for their roster, alongside a switch from GASGAS branding to the Red Bull KTM livery.

Consequently, this situation leaves KTM racers Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez without a team. Subsequently, rumors quickly spread about their potential move to Yamaha for the upcoming season, with Miller being associated with the Pramac initiative and Fernandez possibly stepping in as a test rider.

Aprilia

The Aprilia factory team is set to undergo significant transformations by 2025, with Aleix Espargaro planning to retire after this season, and Maverick Vinales moving to KTM Tech3.

Jorge Martin is set to take over the bike previously ridden by his close friend Espargaro. This opportunity comes following Martin's departure from Ducati. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi is transitioning from VR46 to fill the spot left by Vinales.

The makeover of the Trackhouse team, supported by the US, had Moto2 victor Joe Roberts rumored to be joining his 'home' squad. However, the contract was ultimately awarded to Moto2 championship hopeful Ai Ogura.

Ogura is set to team up with Raul Fernandez, who stands as the sole Aprilia competitor with previous racing knowledge of the RS-GP.

Yamaha has resolved a significant aspect of the 2025 rider market by securing Fabio Quartararo with a new contract, reportedly establishing him as the top-earning rider in MotoGP.

Alex Rins will also continue to be his teammate.

The manufacturing entity achieved a significant victory by attracting the current team champions, Pramac, to their side with a reported seven-year contract for factory bikes starting the next season, after missing out on securing VR46, moving them away from Ducati.

Miguel Oliveira has inked a two-year contract with Yamaha to pilot a Pramac bike built to factory specifications, alongside Jack Miller who has been secured as his partner for the team on a one-year agreement.

Luca Marini has agreed to a two-year deal to fill in for Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda, while Johann Zarco has secured his position at LCR through to the close of 2025.

Joan Mir subsequently reached an agreement on a fresh two-year contract with Repsol Honda during the middle of 2024, even though he had voiced dissatisfaction regarding the absence of technical advancements in the RC213V.

LCR's Takaaki Nakagami's contract has ended, and although Ogura's agreement with Trackhouse relieved some tension, his spot will be filled by Thailand's Moto2 sensation Somkiat Chantra.

Nakagami is set to take on test riding responsibilities for HRC in Japan and will also 'compete in select MotoGP events as a wild-card entry'.

In 2025, Aleix Espargaro is set to take on roles as both a test and wild-card rider for HRC.

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Peter, with two decades of experience in the paddock, has witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from its rise to its conclusion. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure as well as Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Specialists are divided on the top MotoGP performance of 2024

Here's what our specialists think – though it's a difficult decision

Selecting the premier MotoGP motorcycle for 2024 is a challenging task.

From astonishing triumphs to unforeseen comebacks, to competitors who outperformed on motorcycles that lacked competitive capabilities.

Our specialists embarked on determining the standout MotoGP performance of 2024, with multiple contenders in consideration…

Peter McLaren: A tough decision! I'll go with Maverick Vinales' victory at COTA.

It was the sole occasion Ducati faced defeat in the 20 Grand Prix races, with him making his way up from the eleventh position to secure the win.

Unfortunately, Vinales was unable to duplicate his previous performance with the RS-GP.

Lewis Duncan: Francesco Bagnaia has delivered several remarkable performances throughout the 2024 season. However, his victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix shines as the most exceptional of them all.

Securing his 10th victory out of 11 Grand Prix races in 2024, this win occurred at a critical moment. After failing to finish the sprint race the previous day, he found himself 29 points behind Jorge Martin in the championship standings, leaving his aspirations nearly dashed.

To maintain his chances in the championship race, securing a victory in the grand prix was essential. He achieved precisely this, engaging in an intense battle with Martin during the initial three laps. After the initial skirmish, he managed to create a gap, finishing more than three seconds ahead by the time they reached the finish line.

Deducting just five points from Martin wasn't enough to prevent the Spaniard from securing the championship title.

However, it guaranteed that Bagnaia remained in contention heading into the last round, while also showcasing his remarkable ability to perform under pressure.

Jordan Moreland: Marc Marquez at Phillip Island.

From 2nd to 13th position going into the first turn due to his unfortunate beginning, as his visor strip got jammed beneath the back tire.

To make a remarkable recovery and clinch victory in the race, overcoming Jorge Martin. Truly one of the most impressive comeback performances you could witness.

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