KTM refutes claims of impending financial aid from Red Bull amidst corporate difficulties

Despite economic challenges, KTM's MotoGP venture remains on course

The Pierer Mobility Group has released a formal declaration refuting claims that Red Bull's co-owner, Mark Mateschitz, might assist KTM in overcoming its financial difficulties.

KTM, which collaborates with Red Bull for its MotoGP team sponsorship, has experienced a dramatic 90% decrease in its stock values since February 2022. This significant financial downturn has prompted the company to adopt severe actions.

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The company based in Austria has significantly reduced its board of directors from six members to just two. Additionally, it is preparing for the dismissal of up to 300 employees, adding to the number of positions already eliminated.

KTM plans to halt manufacturing during the initial two months of 2025 as it seeks to secure approximately €100 million.

The Austrian publication Salzburger Nachrichten has disclosed that discussions have occurred regarding Mark Mateschitz, the son of the deceased Red Bull co-founder Dietrich, potentially providing financial support to KTM.

In a formal rebuttal, the Pierer Mobility Group refuted claims made by the media, stating, "Pierer Mobility wishes to clarify, contrary to what has been reported in the press, that there are currently no ongoing talks regarding Mark Mateschitz's potential involvement with Pierer Mobility and KTM."

KTM remains committed to its MotoGP initiative, ensuring it progresses as planned despite the firm's economic challenges.

In a significant change, the Husqvarna name will no longer feature in the Moto2 and Moto3 championships next season. Moreover, Tech3's teams will cease to compete under the GASGAS branding, which is associated with KTM motorcycles.

Instead, Tech3 will go back to using its team name from the 2021 and 2022 seasons, during which it was called Tech3 KTM Factory Racing.

During a conversation with Salzburger Nachrichten, Pit Beirer stated, "We plan to remain in each of the series we currently participate in."

"No matter the task at hand, we give it our all, committing fully with 100 percent

"However, the spotlight has now shifted solely to the orange [KTM] brand. In certain competitions, our representation has tripled in its intensity."

"The early-stage program we offer, starting with the Rookies Cup, is also secure. During this challenging period, our associates and sponsors are backing us."

The company's achievements in the past two decades have been closely tied to motorsport.

"We serve as the top promotional asset for the company, which has experienced steady growth for more than two decades."

"Our formula for success was simple: win races first, then sell motorcycles."

"We are prepared for competition, viewing motorsport not merely as a goal but as something beyond."

"Currently, we find ourselves in a challenging period, and as the motorsport division, we are committed to contributing towards stabilizing the organization."

"We belong to this family and it's crucial that we remain united at this time. Our training in sports has taught us how to combat challenges. We dedicate all our efforts to the organization and we will overcome these obstacles as one."

Since entering the MotoGP circuit in 2017, KTM has secured victories in seven grand prix events. However, the eight-year period they initially envisioned to position themselves as championship contenders has now passed.

The brand secured the runner-up position in the 2024 MotoGP constructors' rankings, yet it has not achieved a grand prix victory since 2022.

In the upcoming season, the factory team will feature riders Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, as Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini team up with the Tech3 squad, which receives factory support.

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MotoGP Newcomer Nearly Experiences Heart Attack Prior to Initial Test

Somkiat Chantra Discusses Debut with LCR Honda

LCR Honda's new MotoGP rider, Somkiat Chantra, expressed that he was extremely nervous to the point of nearly having a heart attack prior to his initial bike test on Tuesday in Barcelona.

In an unexpected move during the 2024 rider market changes, the two-time Moto2 victor was chosen by Honda to replace Takaaki Nakagami at LCR.

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Chantra took to the track for the first time on Tuesday during the Barcelona test that follows the season, where he finished 61 laps and ranked second from the bottom in the timing rankings.

After completing his initial ride on the Honda, Chantra shared that he felt quite anxious before starting out.

"Definitely, before getting on the bike, I felt an overwhelming sensation, almost like a heart attack was imminent," he shared.

"When I mounted the bicycle, I thought, 'Alright, let's begin to understand how the bike operates and its mechanics.'"

In his initial trial, Chantra concentrated on familiarizing himself with the Michelin tires and carbon brakes, as he had experience with Pirellis and steel brakes during the 2024 Moto2 season.

"Today marked my initial experience with the MotoGP motorcycle, and my focus was on getting accustomed to the carbon brakes and familiarizing myself with the tyres, as they differ from what I'm used to in MotoGP," he further mentioned.

"Moreover, my team consistently advises to exercise caution on the left side, as the tire tends to cool down quickly when driving straight."

"I was attempting to understand tyre management."

The rider from Thailand expressed his astonishment when he first accelerated the RC213V and then decelerated at the straight's end, providing him with a genuine perception of a MotoGP bike's velocity.

"During my final lap, I made an effort to remain somewhat composed while managing the brake and accelerator," he explained.

Upon reaching the final turn, I attempted to push a bit more to the maximum. While I was in the aerodynamic tuck, it felt alright.

"However, as I slowed down and looked up, the speed was astonishing. With each lap, it improved significantly."

Chantra joins the ranks as one of three newcomers to MotoGP in 2024, sharing the stage with Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura who is set to ride for Trackhouse, and Fermin Aldeguer who will be joining Gresini.

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Casey Stoner reminisces about the 2007 Ducati's performance: 'It wasn't particularly outstanding in any area'

Stoner had a remarkable 2007 MotoGP season, though it came with its challenges

Casey Stoner mentioned that the Ducati GP7, which he used to excel in the 2007 MotoGP season, "wasn't particularly outstanding in any aspect," yet it "served my purposes well."

In 2007, the Australian rider made a switch to Ducati for his sophomore season in the top tier, following a debut year characterized by speed but marred by accidents with LCR Honda in 2006.

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Ducati demonstrated strong performance during its initial four seasons in the category, yet Stoner amazed everyone by securing victories in 10 grand prix races and clinching his first of two MotoGP championships, finishing 125 points ahead of Honda's Dani Pedrosa.

The second-highest Ducati rider in the rankings was Loris Capirossi, who placed seventh and secured a single victory – notably at the Japanese Grand Prix where Stoner clinched the championship title.

During his appearance on the Ducati Diaries podcast this year, Stoner shared insights into the challenges he faced with the GP7, even though he was able to excel while riding it.

"He started by saying that aside from being decent in fourth and fifth gear, it didn't excel at much else."

"It was unable to navigate turns effectively. However, its performance was quite impressive when braking, maintaining stability throughout."

"Undoubtedly, it lacked potent braking capabilities, yet its stability during braking was unparalleled, marking the first time I had experienced such steadiness on a bike."

"Therefore, it was truly a wonderful feature to possess. In the fourth, fifth, and sixth gear, it truly excelled and stood out."

"However, in the initial three gears, we were completely outperformed. Therefore, at any circuits where acceleration and strong pushes out of the turns are crucial, we found ourselves at a significant disadvantage, facing great challenges."

"Our strategy was to downplay the flaws and enhance its strong points. The results were clear to everyone: its remarkable top speed and the stability it maintained during braking were its standout features."

"Essentially, our strategy was to secure positions at the front of the pack during races, forcing our competitors to exert more effort. This was crucial because if we failed to secure a good starting position or to lead early in the race, catching up with other racers became exceedingly difficult. Once opponents managed to gain momentum with several uninterrupted laps, leveraging the full potential of our bike was challenging."

"Essentially, our strategy was to leverage that advantage to its fullest and attempt to navigate the challenges presented by the corners, given the significant difficulty we faced in steering."

"In my view, due to its excessively low stability, it lacked sufficient tilt, which eventually led to adjustments in subsequent years. Although we lost the edge in speed, these modifications improved the motorcycle's maneuverability."

"However, during that period, it proved to be a difficult task, yet it accomplished what was necessary for me. My team performed exceptionally well, mirroring my own efforts."

He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Having the chance to compete for a factory team was such an honor. Coming from a situation where I had essentially just committed to Yamaha, and then to have them withdraw the contract not once, but twice at the very last moment, leaving me without a team for the upcoming season."

"Thankfully, we ended up partnering with Ducati. It gave me the determination to prove to Yamaha that they were wrong to let that opportunity slip."

"Therefore, my objective was to secure a few top-three finishes and perhaps achieve a single victory this year."

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Unveiled: The Astounding Wealth of Marc Marquez

Insights into Marc Marquez's Tremendous Fortune Revealed

Marc Marquez's financial value has been disclosed in Spain, and the figures are astonishing.

Forbes, a prominent platform focusing on business and finance, included the MotoGP sensation in its 2024 compilation of the wealthiest individuals from Spain.

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Despite not making it into the list of the top 100 wealthiest individuals in Spain, Marquez ranks among the country's richest athletes.

According to La Vanguardia, Marquez has amassed a fortune of €80 million.

Tennis icon Rafael Nadal, with a net worth of €310 million, alongside soccer players Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos, who each hold fortunes of €100 million, surpass Marquez in terms of financial wealth among athletes.

According to the report, Marquez's considerable fortune primarily stems from his sponsorships, including a significant partnership with Red Bull, among other entities.

Marquez stands out as the most prominent figure in the current MotoGP lineup.

Nevertheless, a year prior, he opted for a self-imposed financial loss by departing from Honda a year before his contract ended, which was the most lucrative deal for a rider in the sport.

Choosing to pass up on an estimated €15 million to €20 million for his last year with Honda, this decision has not affected his total net worth.

Switching to Gresini Ducati significantly contributed to Marquez's success in racing, following a challenging period with Honda.

Securing victories with Gresini this season paved the way for Marquez to be elevated to Ducati's official factory team in 2025.

Teaming up with the premier squad and operating top-tier equipment could pave the way for Marquez to clinch another championship title, potentially boosting his financial value significantly.

Specifics regarding Marquez's compensation for 2025 as a factory rider are yet to be disclosed, but he does not top the list of the highest earners among riders for the 2024 season.

The distinction belongs to Fabio Quartararo, who earlier this season secured a new Yamaha contract worth €12 million annually.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, providing coverage on a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Aleix Espargaro: "My hope is to be recalled as…"

Experienced MotoGP competitor announces retirement

Aleix Espargaro has expressed his desire for his MotoGP legacy to be defined by the principle “that dedication outweighs natural ability,” after announcing his retirement.

At the end of last week's 2024 season finale in Barcelona, the 35-year-old announced his retirement from MotoGP, marking an end to a career that began in the world championship back in 2004.

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Espargaro embarked on his first MotoGP race in 2010 with Pramac, and from the 2012 season onwards, he consistently participated, joining teams such as Aspar, Forward Racing, Suzuki, and eventually Aprilia throughout his career.

Espargaro achieved his greatest success with Aprilia, clinching his first-ever grand prix win in Argentina in 2022, followed by two additional victories in 2023.

In a conversation with Crash.net following his commendable fifth-place finish in his most recent race, when inquired about how he wishes to be recalled, Espargaro responded, "A common phrase that many individuals resonate with is that perseverance outshines natural ability.

"I genuinely hold the belief that it's accurate. Throughout my professional journey, I've always sensed that my abilities were somewhat inferior compared to those of my peers."

"Through diligent work, investing every possible effort, leveraging the full potential of my team and everyone involved, surrounding myself with a strong team, being intelligent in my approach, and undoubtedly working tirelessly, it's possible to achieve your goals."

"I aspire to be recalled as someone who always persevered."

Espargaro might still participate in a 2025 race as a one-off entry tied to his role as a test rider for Honda, although he mentioned following the Solidarity GP that he hadn't considered it yet.

Espargaro expressed his feelings following his final race, stating, "I felt a significant drop in stress – the moment the race concluded, I experienced a great sense of relief."

"Clearly, I'll deeply miss Aprilia and my RS-GP. However, I no longer had the desire to continue racing."

"I'm incredibly relieved and filled with joy. I feel a great sense of pride looking back at how far this young one has come since my arrival, what I've accomplished, and the family I've built."

"I believe we've entered a fresh phase in existence. There's a limit to everything."

"I believe recognizing the right moments in life is crucial, and I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to part ways in such a manner."

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I secured four championships alongside Valentino Rossi – his hidden strategy revealed

"Learning from this was incredibly valuable for me…"

The ally who witnessed his prime years emphasizes that Valentino Rossi's dedication to extensive studying and conducting meetings played a pivotal role in his achievements.

Unlike his jovial outward appearance, Rossi became focused and strategic in his approach when it was time for business.

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This characteristic stands out vividly in Davide Brivio's memory.

"Brivio shared with Relevo that while they were associated with Yamaha, he was with Honda, and they managed to persuade him to join their team."

His mindset was solely focused on victory; indeed, for him, anything less than first place was considered a failure.

"He introduced a distinctly different strategy at Yamaha, embedding a mindset focused on consistently striving for victory and reaching the highest possible standards."

Valentino excelled in his professionalism, both inside the pit and while riding the motorcycle. He was highly professional.

"He dedicated extended periods to work, convened discussions, engaged in research, yet beyond the conventional boundaries, one could enjoy a meal out and have a good time.

"He displayed a high level of professionalism while also bringing a sense of enjoyment to the experience. It served as an excellent example for me, showing that it's possible to combine seriousness with fun."

In 2004, Rossi made the bold move to transition from Honda, where he had clinched the MotoGP championship, to Yamaha, risking his professional trajectory.

In his initial two seasons with Yamaha, The Doctor claimed additional championships under the leadership of team manager Brivio.

"Most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves"

Brivio recalled their partnership's major moments, such as the initial win or the inaugural world championship.

"Events such as the 2009 Barcelona race, and the 2008 Laguna Seca…"

However, there was a notable intensity, especially when Jorge Lorenzo became part of the team.

"Brivio emphasized the uniqueness of Lorenzo's entry into Yamaha."

"Valentino revolutionized Yamaha’s legacy and, naturally, he saw himself as the top contender."

"When one is present and then another comes along…"

"The experience remained positive. He handled it skillfully."

Rossi and Lorenzo famously constructed a barrier within their garage to conceal information from one another while they competed fiercely for the MotoGP championship.

"Valentino holds a dear spot in my heart," Brivio expressed.

"We secured four championships, accomplished numerous things as a team, but most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves immensely."

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Casey Stoner looks back on his 2007 season with Ducati, noting that the bike wasn't particularly strong in any specific area. However, despite the challenges, Stoner managed to lead the 2007 MotoGP season successfully.

Casey Stoner claims that the Ducati GP7, which he used to dominate the 2007 MotoGP season, "wasn't particularly outstanding in any aspect," but it "got the job done for me."

In 2007, the Australian rider switched to Ducati for his second season in the top-tier category, following a debut year with LCR on a Honda in 2006 that was marked by speed and frequent crashes.

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Ducati performed consistently well during its initial four years in the category, but it was Stoner who shocked everyone by securing 10 grand prix victories and clinching his first MotoGP championship, finishing 125 points ahead of Honda's Dani Pedrosa.

In the rankings, the next Ducati rider after Stoner was Loris Capirossi, who finished in seventh place. Interestingly, Capirossi's single victory came at the Japanese Grand Prix, the same event where Stoner secured his championship title.

In a recent appearance on the Ducati Diaries podcast, Stoner shared his thoughts on the challenges he faced with the GP7, even though he was able to achieve great success with it.

"It didn't excel at much, except when it came to fourth and fifth gear," he started.

"It struggled to navigate the corners effectively. However, it performed well and remained stable when braking."

"Certainly, there was no question about it. While it didn't excel in braking power, it offered remarkable stability, making it likely the most stable bike I've ever ridden when it comes to braking."

"That was definitely a great aspect of it. When you hit the fourth, fifth, and sixth gears, it really showed its true potential."

"In the initial three gears, we would completely lose out. On any track where quick acceleration and powering through corners were crucial, we faced significant challenges and had a tough time keeping up."

"We aimed to reduce the weaknesses and enhance the strengths. The strengths were clear to everyone: its impressive top speed, and with that speed, we achieved stable braking."

"In essence, our strategy was to position ourselves at the front of the races as often as possible, forcing others to put in the effort. If our qualifying rounds didn't go well or we weren't leading early on, catching up was a significant challenge. This was particularly true because if others managed to maintain a series of uninterrupted laps, it became difficult for us to take full advantage of our bike's capabilities."

"In essence, we attempted to fully leverage that advantage and managed whatever we could while navigating the corners, as it was extremely challenging to make the vehicle turn."

"With such stability, the bike was running too low and lacked sufficient pitch. Eventually, I managed to convince them to make adjustments in the later years. Although we lost the speed advantage, we improved the bike's ability to turn."

"That year was definitely tough, but it worked out for me in the end. My team performed incredibly well, matching my efforts every step of the way."

He expressed feeling extremely fortunate to have had the chance to compete with a factory team. He explained that he had recently secured a deal with Yamaha, but for two consecutive years, they unexpectedly withdrew the contract at the last minute, leaving him without a ride for the following season.

"Luckily, we entered into an agreement with Ducati. I was driven to demonstrate to Yamaha that they made an error by removing that opportunity."

"My objective for this year is to achieve a few podium finishes and hopefully secure at least one victory."

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Uncovered: The Astonishing Net Worth of Marc Marquez

Insights Shared on Marc Marquez's Significant Fortune

The financial worth of Marc Marquez has been disclosed in Spain, and the figures are astonishing.

Forbes, the renowned business and finance publication, has included the MotoGP star in its list of Spain's wealthiest individuals for the year 2024.

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While Marquez has not yet made it into the list of the 100 wealthiest Spaniards, he is considered one of the wealthiest individuals in the sports world

According to La Vanguardia, Marquez has a fortune of 80 million euros.

Among athletes, only tennis icon Rafael Nadal, with a net worth of €310 million, and football players Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos, each possessing €100 million, have amassed greater wealth than Marquez.

According to the report, Marquez's fortune primarily comes from his sponsorships. He collaborates with companies such as Red Bull, as well as others.

Marquez stands out as the most prominent figure in the current MotoGP lineup.

Nonetheless, he willingly accepted a financial loss last year when he decided to leave Honda with one year still left on what was the largest rider contract in the sport.

Choosing not to receive the reported €15 million to €20 million for his last year with Honda has not affected his total wealth.

Switching to Gresini Ducati significantly boosted Marquez's performance on the track, following a challenging period with Honda.

This year, Marquez's return to winning races with the Gresini team helped him secure a spot with the official factory Ducati team for the 2025 season.

Competing with the leading team on the finest equipment might help Marquez win another championship, which would positively impact his financial status.

While specifics about Marquez's salary for the 2025 season as a factory rider are still unknown, he will not be the top-earning rider on the 2024 roster.

Fabio Quartararo secured the prestigious €12 million annual contract with Yamaha earlier this season.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a range of events including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Aleix Espargaro: "My hope is to be remembered as…"

Long-time MotoGP competitor announces retirement

Aleix Espargaro expresses a desire for his MotoGP career to be remembered as a testament to the idea that "dedication can surpass natural talent," as he steps into retirement.

The 35-year-old ended his MotoGP career after last week's 2024 season finale in Barcelona, where he had initially started competing in the world championship back in 2004.

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Espargaro first appeared in MotoGP in 2010 with Pramac. He then became a regular participant starting in the 2012 season, racing for teams such as Aspar, Forward Racing, Suzuki, and eventually Aprilia throughout his career.

Espargaro achieved his greatest accomplishments with Aprilia, claiming his first grand prix win in Argentina in 2022 and securing two additional victories in 2023.

In an interview with Crash.net following his gritty fifth-place finish in his recent race, Espargaro was questioned about his preferred legacy. He responded, "There's a common saying that suggests hard work surpasses talent."

"I've always genuinely believed this to be the case. Throughout my career, I often sensed that I wasn't as naturally gifted as many of my colleagues."

"By dedicating yourself fully, utilizing all available resources and the support of a strong team, along with being clever and diligent, you can achieve your goals."

"I hope to be remembered as someone who always persevered."

Espargaro might still compete in a race as a wildcard entry in 2025, thanks to his role in testing with Honda. However, after the Solidarity GP, he mentioned that this wasn't something he was currently considering.

Discussing his feelings following his final race, Espargaro expressed: "I feel very calm now – once I crossed the finish line, I experienced a great sense of relief."

"Clearly, I will greatly miss both Aprilia and my RS-GP. However, I no longer wanted to continue racing."

"I feel an immense sense of relief. I'm extremely happy and proud of how far I've come since arriving here as a youngster, the accomplishments I've reached, and the family I've built."

"I believe it's time to start a new phase in life. I've reached my limit."

"In life, recognizing the right moments is crucial, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to bid farewell in this way."

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I secured four championships alongside Valentino Rossi – here's the key to his success.

"He taught me a valuable lesson…"

According to a close associate who witnessed his prime years, Valentino Rossi's dedication to extensive study sessions and frequent meetings played a vital role in his achievements.

Despite Rossi's playful and lively demeanor, he displayed a cold and strategic approach when it was time to focus on his tasks.

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This is the trait that Davide Brivio recalls vividly.

In a conversation with Relevo, Brivio mentioned, "While I was with Yamaha and he was with Honda, we persuaded him to join our team."

"He was driven by a mindset that focused solely on victory; finishing in second place was simply unacceptable to him."

He introduced a new strategy at Yamaha, emphasizing a mindset focused on constantly striving for victory and reaching the highest level of performance.

Valentino excelled in his professionalism both in the garage and while riding the motorcycle. His approach was highly professional.

He put in extensive work hours, attended meetings, and studied diligently, but beyond that, there was time to enjoy dinners and have a good time.

"He maintained a high level of professionalism while being quite enjoyable to be around, teaching me that it's possible to balance both qualities effectively."

In 2004, Rossi switched from Honda to Yamaha after winning the MotoGP championship, making a bold move in his racing career.

During his initial two seasons with Yamaha, The Doctor, working with team manager Brivio, secured additional championship titles.

'Most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves'

Brivio recalled the initial win and the inaugural world championship as standout moments in their partnership.

"Races such as those held in Barcelona in 2009 and Laguna Seca in 2008…"

However, there was also a spirited energy, especially noticeable when Jorge Lorenzo became part of the team.

Brivio emphasized that Lorenzo joining Yamaha was a significant occasion.

Valentino was the individual who transformed Yamaha's history and naturally considered himself somewhat of a top figure.

"When a top contender is already present and another top contender shows up…"

"It turned out to be a positive experience. He handled it effectively."

Rossi and Lorenzo famously erected a barrier in their garage to conceal information from one another while fiercely competing for the MotoGP championship.

"Valentino holds a unique and cherished position in my heart," Brivio expressed.

"We achieved four championships and accomplished numerous tasks as a team, but most importantly, we truly enjoyed ourselves."

James spent ten years working as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Joan Mir criticizes Honda's MotoGP test for being ineffective: 'Our expectations were higher'

The 2020 world champion expresses disappointment over the absence of new developments at the Barcelona trial.

Joan Mir expressed that Tuesday's MotoGP testing session in Barcelona was unfruitful for both him and Honda, noting that their attempts were repetitions of previous efforts.

Honda wrapped up its most challenging season in MotoGP this past weekend at the Solidarity Grand Prix, finishing at the bottom of the constructors' championship with merely 75 points.

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Leveraging its position as a concession maker, it has advanced its RC213V, especially towards the end of the season by deploying a new aerodynamic package that enhanced its turning capabilities. However, it remains significantly distant from reaching podium contention.

During the formal evaluation following the San Marino Grand Prix, Honda introduced various upgrades, among them aerodynamic improvements, resulting in an enhanced performance.

During this week's testing in Barcelona, where Mir placed 15th following 67 laps, he found himself feeling dismayed due to what he perceived as a scarcity of new developments.

"I'm quite dissatisfied. The day didn't go as successfully as I hoped," he remarked.

"Every attempt we made was a repetition of past efforts. There were no fresh enhancements to boost our speed."

"Our efforts were focused on utilizing our regular package and a previously employed package that had proven ineffective."

"Thus, the day didn't go as anticipated. I'm holding onto the hope that we'll see additional improvements next week in Jerez."

In response to a question from Crash.net regarding whether he believed Honda was putting in sufficient effort, he stated, "That was my initial belief, however, the truth is we had anticipated greater progress."

Mir explains that Honda informed him the lack of new items for testing was due to "scheduling issues; they weren't delivered on time."

The 2020 world champion emphasized that the post-season test, which Honda failed to utilize for unveiling a new bike, represents one of the year's critical moments.

"Typically, significant moments throughout the year include the Misano test, where we got some aerodynamics that proved effective, along with a variation in engine configuration," he explained.

"In this instance, whether it's Valencia or Barcelona, the final trial of the year is always critically significant."

"In the past, Honda typically showcased two bicycles at the manufacturing site, with the expectation of revealing a new bike as well. Unfortunately, this hasn't happened yet, but I'm optimistic it will soon."

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura admits to feeling anxious during his first test run alongside MotoGP legends

‘It wasn’t as shocking as I anticipated…’

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "anxious" as he rode alongside MotoGP's elite racers during his inaugural test for Trackhouse Racing at Barcelona on Tuesday.

The rider from Japan inked a two-year agreement with the Aprilia satellite team during the summer to ascend to MotoGP by 2025, a contract that has significantly appreciated in value following his victory in the Moto2 championship.

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On Tuesday, following the Solidarity Grand Prix, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP test, where he rode the 2024 model of the RS-GP for a total of 86 laps.

He concluded the day as the second fastest among the three newcomers, ranking 21st overall, despite experiencing a minor fall at Turn 2 during the early part of the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura remarked, "Naturally, seeing the other racers on the track, along with some cameras, does cause me some anxiety. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the principal distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he highlighted mastering the technique of stabilizing the motorcycle through throttle control as the primary challenge he needs to understand.

He also mentioned that his current greatest challenge is entering corners.

“Perhaps managing the throttle to maintain the bike’s stability and achieve smooth acceleration was the toughest aspect for me. It feels somewhat distinct.

"Initially, my focus is on improving my braking technique, specifically the entire phase from the moment I start braking until I begin to accelerate again. I aim to gain a deeper understanding of this aspect and prioritize making adjustments here first."

Newcomers frequently mention being taken aback by the strength of MotoGP engines and the efficiency of carbon brakes when they initially transition from Moto2.

However, Ogura experienced things differently, stating, "It was fine. I anticipated being more taken aback, but by the second or third lap, I had already adjusted to the pace."

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

Ogura plans to ramp up his physical preparation during the winter months to handle the transition to MotoGP, though he mentioned not feeling overly fatigued after completing 86 laps on Tuesday.

"Today, I managed to complete 86 laps, with my longest continuous stretch being, I believe, around 10 laps," he mentioned.

"For this particular race, I was in good shape; I didn't have any physical issues."

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

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