Fabio Di Giannantonio: "Enduring long hours of pain" yet "hard to quit"

Fabio Di Giannantonio concludes his season prematurely

Fabio di Giannantonio's season came to a close in Thailand as he returns to Europe for an operation on the shoulder he hurt during practice at the Austrian Grand Prix in August. Despite this, the Italian rider expressed contentment with the conclusion of his third MotoGP season, having secured fourth-place finishes in both Australia and Thailand.

After the Thai Grand Prix, Di Giannantonio expressed his joy, stating that he believed they had accomplished an outstanding performance.

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Competing in seven races over the span of two months has put a significant strain on my shoulder, but we have accomplished remarkable work at home.

"Trust me, it's been extremely challenging to compete at that level. I've endured countless hours of physical therapy and dealt with a lot of pain during both rehabilitation and training sessions."

In my opinion, the season concluded on a high note by wrapping up with two distinct tracks in varying conditions, securing fourth place in both, which is a remarkable accomplishment.

"We should be extremely pleased because we currently hold the eighth position in the championship standings. We've accumulated a significant number of points and are ahead of several top competitors. I believe we've accomplished something remarkable."

After finishing in eighth place in Saturday's Sprint, Di Giannantonio was worried about his physical readiness for Sunday's full-length Grand Prix. However, he noted that the rainy conditions made the race a bit less challenging.

"The wet weather conditions were incredibly beneficial," he mentioned. "To be honest, I had significant concerns about the extended race, as I had been having a tough time with the right-hand turns throughout the weekend."

"Riding in wet conditions has been incredibly beneficial, despite the increased danger. Falling and landing on my shoulder would have been significantly more harmful."

"In the end, things worked out well, so we should be grateful for a little bit of luck."

While Di Giannantonio believes halting his season is the correct decision, he confessed that it is challenging for him to come to terms with ending his run early, especially when he's performing so well.

"It's really challenging here," he remarked. "At this point, it's tough to bring things to a halt. Every lap, I kept thinking, 'I don't want to stop,' but in the end, we chose to stop because it was the smart and sensible decision to make."

"It's beneficial to pause, undergo the surgery, recuperate, and aim to be fully prepared for the next year."

Conversely, with Di Giannantonio concluding his season at this point, he can approach the winter and recuperate from his shoulder operation with the assurance that he finished the 2024 season performing well.

"It's crucial because reaching this stage means you've achieved it, and now you understand that any further actions will be aimed at enhancing this level," he stated.

"Undoubtedly, the journey will be lengthy, and we shouldn't anticipate maintaining our current speed during the initial test in 2025. It's important to remain composed."

"I believe that taking this step will be beneficial, leading to significant improvement next year, surpassing our current status."

Finishing with more strength

During the latter part of the race, Di Giannantonio managed to close the gap to the leader, Francesco Bagnaia, by approximately six seconds.

The rider from Italy mentioned that he initially had difficulty with the bike at the beginning of the race, but his performance got better as the race progressed.

"The start of the race felt terrible, to be honest," he mentioned.

"The front and rear were slipping, which made it hard for me to find my rhythm. As a result, I was three seconds slower than I was this morning, so I faced significant difficulties."

"The main thought I had was to stay calm for a few laps and gradually find my pace. Once I did, I felt unstoppable."

"I was confident that I could maintain an excellent speed in rainy conditions, and ultimately we demonstrated that. That's just the nature of racing."

"Certainly, we need to examine and comprehend the situation to avoid making the same small mistake next year. However, overall, the race was extremely positive."

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INSIDER REPORT: The Explanation Behind the Lack of Penalty for Marc Marquez's Unzipped Racing Suit

New insights clarify why Marc Marquez did not face any sanctions.

Marc Marquez avoided receiving a penalty during the Thailand MotoGP, even though his racing suit came undone.

After remounting his bike following an early fall and finishing in 11th place, Marquez described how he believes the suit came open during the crash when the airbag was deployed.

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Video captured from the race showed that the safety latch at the top of his racing suit came undone once he returned to the track.

However, the FIM stewards decided not to penalize Marquez, even though the regulations clearly indicate that safety gear must be worn properly at all times.

A representative from Dorna informed Crash.net that they have the ability to use discretion in situations like this, as they can involve different factors.

For example, if it was determined that Marquez lacked sufficient time to respond, the stewards are justified in choosing not to penalize him.

Due to Marquez's crash and subsequent remount, which damaged the safety clasp on his racing suit, it appears the stewards exercised their judgment by choosing not to penalize him.

What are the regulations?

According to Article 2.4.5.2 of the FIM MotoGP rulebook, found under the section for Rider’s Safety Equipment, the guidelines state:

Every rider under contract is required to start each racing event with a minimum of two sets of intact safety gear.

"A full collection of safety gear must include:

Riders are required to wear their gear properly secured at all times while on the track. For specific items, such as the Airbag system, the equipment must be in place and working at the beginning of each track session. The Technical Director has the final say on issues related to the riders' gear.

Has any other racer faced penalties? Fabio Quartararo received a three-second time penalty during the 2021 Catalan Grand Prix after his racing suit came undone, leading him to remove his chest protector.

This violated Section 2.4.5.2.

Quartararo acknowledged afterward that the penalty was justified.

In India last year, Jorge Martin's racing suit momentarily came undone.

Martin managed to close them up again without facing any consequences.

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Valentino Rossi chuckles at a Stoner-Marquez gag while hosting a comedy television program. Valentino Rossi took on a completely new kind of role.

Italian television featured Valentino Rossi as the host of a comedic show known for its satire.

Rossi took on the role of a special guest co-host for GialappaShow, a program known for its humorous music and impressions.

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Tonight, I will be co-hosting the second episode of the GialappaShow alongside Mago Forest and @GialappasB. It's an event you won't want to miss, airing at 9:30 PM on Tv8 and Sky channel 108! #GialappaShow pic.twitter.com/7MGRsgRSUx— Valentino Rossi (@ValeYellow46) October 28, 2024

Unsurprisingly, people started making jokes about Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez.

After revealing that he has a pre-race habit of wearing his left boot before the right and talking to his motorcycle, Rossi faced an uncomfortable question.

The co-host insisted on finding out: "Is it true that you've named your family jewels? Do you really refer to one as Stoner and the other as Marquez?"

Rossi laughed loudly and then responded: "You can't claim otherwise; it just won't function now!"

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner was one of the athletes who was humorously mimicked.

However, the main draw was MotoGP icon Rossi, who continues to be one of Italy's most beloved celebrities.

Even after retiring, and despite taking on a playful role that was unfamiliar territory for him, it was acceptable to make jokes at the expense of Stoner and Marquez.

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Lando Norris has received a potential advantage in the F1 championship as Max Verstappen may face an engine penalty during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil this weekend.

Max Verstappen might face a grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend if Red Bull decides to replace his engine.

Due to a problem with his power unit during Friday's sessions, Verstappen had to switch back to using an older engine.

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The driver from the Netherlands bounced back and secured a front-row starting position for his Red Bull car, placing him ahead of his F1 championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Nonetheless, Red Bull's competitiveness diminished during the race when Verstappen found himself lacking in straight-line speed, allowing Carlos Sainz to overtake him after the Safety Car restart.

Verstappen found himself entangled in two distinct situations with Norris, leading to a total of 20 seconds in time penalties.

The three-time world champion ended up in sixth place, while Norris secured the second position, resulting in a 10-point decrease in his championship lead.

Red Bull is contemplating providing him with a new engine for the last four races in order to remain competitive in the championship battle.

Given the numerous overtaking chances in Brazil, Red Bull would logically opt for a new engine there if they choose to make such a decision.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Marko expressed concern, stating, "What's more concerning is our inability to get the medium and hard tires to perform effectively."

"We were far behind the leading two teams, and one reason might be that on Friday, engine issues prevented us from driving."

"It's evident that action is needed. Additionally, we'll need to replace the engine since our speed on the straightaways has been lacking."

This engine, which was installed in the vehicle, was not meant to be there, making it likely that the situation in Brazil might occur.

Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that the engine Verstappen used in Mexico was meant just for practice sessions, indicating that its performance wasn't at its best.

Marko stated that the engine used was not meant for the race, and that as an engine ages, its efficiency decreases.

"The penalty would result in a drop of five positions. In a place like Brazil, this wouldn't be too harsh since overtaking is fairly straightforward there. However, we noticed we were lacking speed, specifically three to eight km/h, on the straight sections."

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Marco Bezzecchi expressed his frustration with a specific trait of the Ducati GP23, stating, "I haven't achieved the same speed as I did last year." He remarked, "Honestly, the sensation while riding is quite similar to how it feels in dry conditions…"

Marco Bezzecchi's fall during the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram happened after he realized that the same feature of the Ducati Desmosedici GP23 that has limited his performance in dry weather this season also affects him in wet conditions.

Throughout the season, Bezzecchi has faced difficulties with maneuvering the GP23 in dry weather. Despite securing three Grand Prix wins in 2023, he has achieved just a single podium finish in 2024.

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In Thailand, Bezzecchi achieved his inaugural MotoGP pole position in 2022. The rain on Sunday might have given him a chance, as he secured his first MotoGP victory at the 2023 Argentinian Grand Prix.

Bezzecchi expressed that he typically performs better in rainy conditions. However, he acknowledged that wet conditions can vary greatly, sometimes leading to strong performances and other times resulting in poor ones.

However, I haven't experienced the same level of comfort in wet conditions as I did last year, making it hard to determine whether it's due to the bike, the tires, or various other factors. Ultimately, the outcome is that I haven't been as quick as I was last year, both on wet and dry surfaces.

"Frankly, riding the bike feels almost the same whether it's dry or wet. The bike behaves in a consistent manner regardless of the weather, so the conditions don't make a difference."

Marco Bezzecchi's race at the Thai Grand Prix came to an abrupt halt when he crashed on the outside of the first turn, making him the first rider to fall on the fourth lap.

Bezzecchi explained his crash that concluded the race in Buriram with straightforward honesty: "I simply made an error at the first corner," he remarked.

He mentioned that the start of the race was challenging due to insufficient grip at the back, but clarified that this was not the reason for his crash.

During the initial lap, Bezzecchi experienced significant struggles and faced the danger of crashing four or five times. He remarked, "I'm not sure whether I failed to adequately warm up the rear tire, but I found myself losing grip at the back multiple times."

"[I was] taking even greater risks than with my initial mistake at the first corner. Luckily, I managed to avoid a major accident, but as I began to regain some ground, I pushed harder at the first corner again and ended up losing control of the front."

"I was mostly comfortable with the bike's setup, although there was an odd feeling. However, this feeling wasn't the cause of my accident. The crash happened because I pushed too hard at the first turn."

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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell discuss their internal team competition at the Mexico Grand Prix

The Mercedes pair competed against each other for track position in Mexico.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell engaged in close racing at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, but the encounter concluded without any issues.

Executives at Mercedes may have felt relieved to witness their two drivers engage in a fair competition for position.

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However, this is partly because of the mindset that Mercedes expects from its drivers during races, as Hamilton explained.

Toto Wolff stated, "We have such confidence in their skill and experience that we permit them to race freely."

Initially, I was certain there wasn't a moment when I felt things were becoming tense.

"We decided to contact George towards the end when it was evident that Lewis had the quicker vehicle. It seemed that one defensive maneuver on the straight was possibly made a little too late."

"I'm completely certain about both of them."

While in Mexico, Hamilton stated: "It's quite simple."

"I believe neither of us is foolish."

"George is incredibly intelligent and equitable. He also excels at positioning his car, which is beneficial for me as well."

When the team communicates over the radio and instructs to "maintain cleanliness," the natural response is "absolutely."

"When you're competing against someone, it's similar to any other match, but there's a twist because it's your teammate. This situation requires extra caution since both of you aim to complete the challenge."

Russell expressed that he enjoyed the challenge and mentioned that competing against Lewis is always enjoyable due to the tough yet fair nature of their rivalry.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton initially took the lead over Russell, but was subsequently passed by his teammate.

In the final part of the race, Hamilton managed to surpass Russell, securing a fourth-place finish, while Russell ended up in fifth.

Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the opening stint to understeer issues. On the other hand, Russell was dealing with a compromised front wing and was already using an older version of the W15 car due to a practice session crash.

However, the duel between teammates served as a model for other racing teams on how to compete, especially as Hamilton's time with Mercedes nears its end.

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Honda's MotoGP racers have shared insights about the RC213V, noting that the challenges experienced on dry tracks are similarly present in wet conditions. One rider mentioned that while wet conditions intensify the issue, it allows for a clearer understanding of the bike's behavior, enabling them to concentrate on specific areas for improvement.

Honda's MotoGP racers faced similar challenges during the rainy Thai MotoGP event last weekend as they have encountered in dry races throughout 2024. However, for Johann Zarco and Luca Marini, these issues were not entirely negative.

Johann Zarco started the race on a positive note, but after several laps, he fell behind the leading riders because of insufficient grip.

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Zarco stated, "I had a strong start, but when the others picked up speed, I struggled to maintain it as my bike was sliding excessively, and I couldn't get comfortable on it."

"I attempted to take on additional tasks, but this led to errors, causing me to lose my standing."

Zarco mentioned that one advantage was that the rainy weather helped him better identify the specific area where Honda needs enhancements.

He mentioned that the good news is that under wet conditions, they face almost the same issues as they do when it's dry; this is something he has pointed out before.

"The presence of wet conditions makes the issue more pronounced, which actually makes it simpler to understand how the bike behaves. At this point, we can concentrate on a specific aspect, unlike earlier in the year when we had to explore various options. Now, there's one specific area where I want to improve, and if I can overcome this hurdle, I'll be able to make further progress."

The LCR Honda rider elaborated further, mentioning that the issue was not just with the rear grip but specifically with the rear grip in a particular section.

"It's an oversimplification to just mention rear grip," Zarco noted, posing a question he was already ready to answer: "Yes, rear grip, but where?"

"In my opinion, we need to focus on improving control of the bike as we approach the corner. Once we achieve this, enhancing the traction as we exit will become simpler."

Luca Marini from Repsol Honda shared views that were very similar to those of Zarco, highlighting that the problems experienced in dry conditions are identical to those encountered in wet conditions, with the main challenge being the entry into corners.

"It's amazing to experience a situation that feels so familiar," Marini quipped when questioned about whether the issues encountered in dry conditions also occur in the wet.

"We need to make improvements and are fully aware of the specific areas needing attention. The challenge lies in enhancing the rear grip, which is extremely difficult to address. I believe the main restriction occurs during entry."

Marini clarified that the importance of the entry grip lies in the fact that insufficient rear entry grip is postponing the entire cornering process for Honda riders.

Marini mentioned that if you can achieve that type of grip when entering, you can initiate the bike's turn sooner, which might allow you to accelerate more and potentially discover better traction.

"However, when entering, we must consistently delay for the back end because there's a constant sensation that it lacks stability, feels too light, and tends to slide excessively. We need to hold off until the rear returns to its proper alignment to lean and guide the bike through the turn."

"For instance, at turn four, we are significantly slower than Yamaha. Although Yamaha still faces traction issues, they can rely on the rear of the bike when they need to make a quick entry."

"This issue of having confidence in the rear during entry is a constant challenge for us, whether the conditions are wet or dry."

"In my view, once we have the bike completely upright, everything is fine. However, just before that point, we tend to slide too much, although we are aware of this."

"If we manage to improve the entry, we can speed up this section and navigate it more rapidly, allowing us to get onto a straight path more efficiently. On a straight, Honda performs quite well, and I would argue it is better than Yamaha for me in this scenario."

"The issue is that we're constantly waiting for the back end, which prevents us from turning the bike sufficiently."

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Mercedes has reportedly "lost their direction" amid worries about the progress of the W15. Concerns were raised when the performance of the car in Mexico did not surpass that of the car at Silverstone, contrary to expectations.

According to Martin Brundle, Mercedes' fourth and fifth-place finishes in Mexico were "not encouraging."

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell overcame minor challenges to achieve strong finishes at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, both placing ahead of Max Verstappen from Red Bull.

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In a significant victory for Ferrari, they surpassed Red Bull to secure second place in the constructors' championship, thanks to a stellar performance by Carlos Sainz who clinched the race win. Charles Leclerc also made it to the podium, finishing in third place.

Sky Sports' Brundle commented on Mercedes, stating, "To be truthful, today hasn't been especially favorable for them."

Lewis has a fondness for the number 44, which coincidentally matched the number of seconds he finished behind the race winner. George, on the other hand, trailed by 48 seconds.

"Covering a significant distance is possible in 48 seconds when driving a Formula 1 car."

"This vehicle has triumphed in both the British Grand Prix and the Belgian Grand Prix."

"They have hit a standstill and seem to have veered off track with their updates."

"Was George really falling behind by two-tenths? Ideally, the car designed for Mexico should outperform the one used at Silverstone. However, this was not the case."

Lewis expressed confidence by saying, "we will get this together," yet it seems unlikely that today will be favorable for Mercedes.

Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the initial phase to understeer, which he had to work hard to overcome.

Following an accident during practice, Russell was using an older version of the W15. He had also been involved in a crash the previous week in Texas.

Although Mercedes needs to address certain issues ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, it was Ferrari, the team Hamilton is set to join, that captured all the attention.

Danica Patrick commented on Hamilton, questioning whether anyone has asked him if he's noticed Ferrari's impressive performance and if he's enthusiastic about it.

"Being in fourth and fifth place is positive, although there's a significant distance from the top position."

"Right from the start of the race, I could tell that Mercedes was going to perform well."

"Their final standing was impressive, largely due to the significantly cooler temperatures."

"When the temperature rises, their performance tends to decrease."

The drop in temperature provided them with a chance to take advantage and a moment to execute their plan.

"However, they haven't advanced in the same way that other teams, particularly Ferrari, have."

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Aleix Espargaro: New Helmet Design “Saved My Race” at the Thai MotoGP

A problem with visibility in Buriram was resolved for the Aprilia racer.

Aleix Espargaro expressed that a recent innovation from his helmet manufacturer significantly improved his experience at the Thai Grand Prix by addressing his concerns about inadequate visibility.

Compared to last year's Japanese Grand Prix, the Thai race this year experienced significantly drier conditions.

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Espargaro expressed that the visibility conditions in Buriram were "extremely poor." He appreciated his helmet manufacturer for creating special tear-offs designed for rainy weather, which he credited with "saving his race."

Espargaro expressed his satisfaction with Kabuto's use of rain tear-offs this year.

"I didn't have them in the previous year. Today, they were crucial in helping me during the race. I only used two, but I'll require five or six in the future."

"Using two tear-offs and wiping with a hand worked reasonably well, but the issue was that the bike didn't have tear-offs. As a result, the bike's screen became completely obscured with dirt, forcing the rider to look over it while on the straight. It was a bit challenging, but the helmet performed admirably."

While Espargaro's race wasn't a highlight of his nearly completed career, he still managed to secure a top-10 placement in the end.

"I wasn't at my best," Espargaro commented after securing the ninth position in Thailand. "I had a strong start and performed well in the initial stages of the race; in fact, I was right behind Pedro [Acosta] for the first couple of laps. However, I struggled to find a solid rhythm and maintain a strong pace throughout the rest of the race."

"I made an error at the third turn, veering off course and losing substantial time and several places."

"Following that, I focused on myself and aimed to maintain a strong rhythm."

"I usually don't feel the need to explain my race performance unless there's a significant difference in time compared to the winners. However, this weekend has been quite challenging for me. I experienced a major crash and only managed to complete five laps on Friday. Considering how tough the weekend has been, finishing in ninth place in the race makes me satisfied."

Espargaro stated that the problems Aprilia experienced with grip on dry surfaces in Thailand persisted even when it was wet.

"The issues are still present," he mentioned. "We face significant challenges with rear grip, particularly in the central part of the track where shifting weight from front to rear isn't possible."

"Maverick Vinales and I faced alike issues. We were riding together, but I made an error and lost sight of Maverick. Nonetheless, we both experienced very similar challenges."

"We didn't face any issues with overheating during the wet race, which was a positive outcome. However, the underlying problems still persist. It's crucial for Aprilia to put in significant effort to address these issues moving forward."

In contrast, the official Aprilia riders, and especially Espargaro's teammate Vinales, had a stronger performance in Thailand, getting closer to victory than they have in previous rainy races.

In Thailand during the year 2022, Vinales secured a seventh-place finish, trailing the winner by 14.566 seconds. However, in the recent race at Buriram last weekend, he also took seventh place but managed to reduce the gap to the winner to 8.498 seconds.

"We weren't too far behind the winner or the podium, which is a good thing in such an extended race," commented Espargaro, who ended up 10 seconds behind his teammate, finishing in ninth place.

"Having both bikes finish in the top 10 is a positive outcome, and our lap times during the middle of the race were quite close to those of the podium finishers."

Espargaro mentioned that adjustments in the setup contributed to Aprilia's enhanced performance in wet conditions in Thailand.

"Prior to the race, he attempted to revert to the 2024 aerodynamics setup in order to achieve better rear-end turning," he stated.

"We shortened the bike significantly to increase the load on the back and improve traction. This adjustment is effective in wet conditions, and I'm genuinely pleased with the results."

The plan is to conduct trials next week in dry conditions in Malaysia, focusing on the 2024 aerodynamic specifications. This includes using the swingarm equipped with the aerodynamic wing that KTM is currently employing. Our efforts to enhance performance are ongoing and relentless.

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New insider details surface from an animated drivers' meeting

A new angle is offered following F1 drivers' discussions on rules

Carlos Sainz has provided more information about the events that took place during the F1 drivers' meeting in Mexico, which was characterized as "spirited."

During the usual Friday gathering held on a grand prix weekend, it was said that the main topic of conversation was the incident in Texas involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, focusing on the interpretation of the regulations.

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Sky Sports' Craig Slater mentioned that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had direct discussions regarding defense and passing maneuvers.

According to reports, certain drivers perceived the FIA's decision to alter the wording of the regulations as acknowledging their own fault.

Nevertheless, Ferrari's Sainz, who eventually emerged victorious at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has provided an additional viewpoint on the events that unfolded.

Sainz expressed that he found the meeting to be both constructive and beneficial.

Many drivers expressed their feelings regarding each scenario and shared their thoughts on the most suitable path moving forward.

The way you understand the regulations and the guiding principles that the stewards use to impose penalties hasn't changed for this weekend, and I believe these rules will be enforced in a similar way.

"Looking ahead, the meeting was fruitful, and I believe we will find solutions in Qatar that will enhance the drivers' comprehension and improve the overall racing experience."

"With any luck, it will improve."

Verstappen remarked, "Carlos described it flawlessly."

Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts, stating, "I won't delve deeply into the specifics of our internal discussions, but we are all eager to enhance certain situations we encountered in Austin, as I believe we weren't all aligned on those matters."

The FIA has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue, and they acknowledge that some adjustments are necessary.

"In the future, we intend to assist them in making more informed decisions and selecting tracks that potentially generate less controversy than Austin."

"If there's a gravel trap or a curb in certain corners, it would simplify things for everyone, but that's just the situation we have."

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Vinales emphasizes the remarkable welcome from MotoGP enthusiasts in Thailand

Competitors share insights on kicking off the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand

Maverick Vinales emphasized the immense enthusiasm for MotoGP in Thailand, mentioning that in Madrid, he might go unnoticed, but in Bangkok, he's recognized by everyone.

The 18th race of the 2024 MotoGP season is set to occur at Thailand's Chang International Circuit, an annual event that has been consistent since 2018, except for the interruptions in 2020 and 2021.

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This event stands out as a highlight in the annual schedule, attracting an impressive turnout of 179,811 people over the weekend, marking it as the second-largest attendance for such an event outside of Europe in the previous year.

Over the following two years, the MotoGP championship will kick off in Buriram, and in 2025, the nation will celebrate its inaugural top-tier racer on the circuit, Somkiat Chantra.

Maverick Vinales from Aprilia is convinced that kicking off the MotoGP season in South East Asia is the optimal strategy for expanding the championship due to the unmatched enthusiasm for the sport within the region.

"He believes it will likely reach capacity over the weekend," he mentioned.

"The previous year was incredibly busy. I believe it's quite an interesting activity, as it extends beyond just the track."

Take Bangkok as an instance, it's a place where you're well-known by many. During my visit to Bangkok, it was clear. If I were in Madrid, I'd blend into the crowd unnoticed. But in Bangkok, it's a whole different story – everyone recognizes you. Truly amazing.

"However, our current aim is to establish and expand this community, encompassing Thailand, Indonesia, and other Asian nations that have a strong passion for MotoGP."

"In every aspect, they are familiar with all the competitors. They understand it all. Thus, it's likely the appropriate action to take to ensure the championship continues to expand."

Expansion in the Asian sector holds significant value for MotoGP manufacturers, as highlighted by Joan Mir on Thursday, who pointed out that last year, Honda's sales of scooters in Thailand reached an impressive total of 800,000 units.

Aleix Espargaro expresses doubts about kicking off the season in Thailand, citing the time difference as a potential issue for the European audience. However, he acknowledges that MotoGP must broaden its perspective beyond European preferences to enhance its international stature.

"He expressed doubt," he remarked in response to inquiries about the appropriateness of kicking off the 2025 MotoGP season in Buriram.

"I'm uncertain; it really hinges on the audience you're aiming for. While I do have a passion for the game and genuinely care, making a judgement is challenging for me since I'm viewing it through a European lens. From this perspective, it doesn't seem like an ideal launch point for the championship."

"However, my statement might not be entirely just, considering the global population extends beyond Europe. Traditionally, the practice has been to initiate things in Qatar aligning more closely with typical European timings."

"It's sure to capture our interest."

It's important to highlight that the Grand Prix in Thailand stands out as one of the most accessible international races for European fans, with this weekend's event scheduled for a 9am Central European Time start.

According to Ducati rider Enea Bastianini, kicking off the racing season in Thailand is expected to pose a significant physical challenge for riders.

"Bastianini began, "Most likely, it will turn out well."

"Facing this challenge will be tough as the athletes' physical readiness at this stage of the competition is primed to endure a race of this caliber."

"Beginning with that competition, given the high heat, it won't be ideal for anyone. However, let's wait and see. We'll be fully prepared upon arrival."

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Marc Marquez on team interference: "It's challenging – I've experienced it before!"

"When you have the pace, team instructions aren't necessary…"

According to Marc Marquez, the competition for the 2024 MotoGP championship is now solely between two competitors, both riding Ducatis. However, this situation presents challenges for the Italian bike maker.

During an interview with TNT Sports, the British broadcaster for MotoGP, at the Thai Grand Prix last weekend, Marquez discussed the complexity of "team orders" for Ducati. He noted that the title race this year, similar to 2023, features two Ducati riders, Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. This makes the situation more challenging than it would be if one of the competitors rode for a different manufacturer.

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He was asked about his role in influencing the outcome of the championship, a situation he has unintentionally found himself in previously.

"Naturally, it's not easy – I've been a part of it before," chuckled Marquez.

Back in 2015, Valentino Rossi was unable to secure the championship, which ended up going to Jorge Lorenzo, and he continues to hold Marquez responsible for meddling in the race.

This weekend, MotoGP is making its way back to Sepang, a track known for the notorious clash between Rossi, Lorenzo, and Marquez that took place nine years prior.

During a recent press conference, Marquez faced inquiries regarding his potential involvement in "doing favors" for title contenders Bagnaia and Martin. However, he dismissed the allegations, suggesting that his influence in the matter is limited.

Ultimately, as a racer, you constantly aim to give your all, and as demonstrated in Phillip Island, you will make decisive moves when necessary," stated Marquez, who came in 11th place in Thailand following a crash during a lead battle with Francesco Bagnaia.

"Ducati faces a challenging situation as both of its riders are competing for the championship. If the scenario involved one Ducati rider and one KTM rider, the course of action would be clear."

According to Marquez, team orders become essential for a rider to secure a championship only if they are not the quickest among the competitors vying for the title.

"However, with two Ducati racers competing for the championship, I believe everyone will give their all."

Ultimately, I consistently express the same idea: possessing speed eliminates the necessity for team directives; being the quickest on the track means team orders are unnecessary.

"In my opinion, whoever is the quickest will come out on top."

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