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.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers related to MotoGP straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racetrack straight in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

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.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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.

Discover More

Join Our MotoGP Mailing List

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Site Directory

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to completely or partially reproduce any text, images, or drawings in any manner.

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.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock directly in your email inbox.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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."

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, special features, interviews, and offers straight from the MotoGP paddock delivered to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to entirely or partially reproduce text, images, or drawings in any manner.

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.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock directly in your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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."

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is not allowed to completely or partially copy text, photos, or images in any manner.

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.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, conversations, and special offers from the circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

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."

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional News

Site Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

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.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of MotoGP delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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."

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP world delivered straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Recent Updates

Additional Stories

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or reproducing the text, images, or illustrations, either fully or partially, is prohibited in all forms.

Did Marc Marquez consider switching to Ducati earlier? "Not at all, I see myself as a part of the Honda team."

"Making such a switch brings a significant amount of pressure onto oneself."

In Buriram last year, Marc Marquez shared his decision to move from Repsol Honda to Gresini Ducati, citing his desire to end his MotoGP career without any 'regrets' as the main reason.

"In an interview with Crash.net, Marquez emphasized that his top priority upon retirement is to have no regrets about the choices he made."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, unique content, conversations, and special offers from the racetrack straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Toward the close of another unsuccessful season with Honda, Marquez faced additional surgeries on his right arm along with other injuries, all while striving to exceed the capabilities of an underperforming RCV.

The decision to leave behind his lucrative contract with Honda in favor of riding a year-old Desmosedici has proven to be highly rewarding.

The eight-time global champion has come back to Thailand triumphant in three out of the last six Grand Prix events. Currently, he ranks just behind Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia in the world championship standings and has secured a position with Ducati's factory team for the 2025 season.

Following his MotoGP revival, marked by securing the top position in Friday's practice session at Buriram, Crash.net inquired whether Marquez had any regrets about not parting ways with Honda earlier.

"Ah, definitely not! My time with Honda has been filled with significant achievements, and I genuinely feel like I'm a part of the Honda family," Marquez responded.

Currently, I'm operating a Ducati, and by next year, I'll officially be a Ducati team rider. Naturally, I'll aim to uphold the Ducati brand.

"Honda has played, and will continue to play, a crucial role in my professional journey, potentially being the most significant aspect – it's hard to say for certain."

"However, my point was about my time at Honda – as there were occasions [individuals] mentioned, 'Honda is Honda, it's his victories for Honda'. [Yet], there were other Hondas too…"

Marquez excelled in both the 2018 and 2019 racing seasons, and managed to secure his last three victories on a Honda between arm operations in 2021. During this period, no other riders on the RCV managed to secure a win from the time Cal Crutchlow did in 2018 up until Alex

"Marquez elaborated, stating that if you're a skilled rider and approach Honda with the mindset that compensation doesn't matter, only desiring to pilot their top motorcycle, they will indeed provide you with their best bike, assuming you possess the requisite riding prowess."

"In this instance, I took a different approach. I approached Ducati and expressed, ‘My only concern is to ride the top-performing motorcycle, nothing else matters to me’."

Even if it's a year-old model operated by a secondary team.

"When the time comes for me to retire, I plan to keep things low-key about my personal life since I've explored every avenue," Marquez stated.

Naturally, making a switch like that [to Ducati] inevitably brings a great deal of self-imposed pressure, and failing to meet your goals can attract a significant amount of criticism.

"I've already accomplished my goal."

"The goal was to extend my career and regain my competitive edge. Winning another championship would be an added bonus."

"However, I've already achieved my primary objective."

While Marquez retains a marginal theoretical chance at clinching the 2024 championship, the practical goal is to maintain his position in third place overall, surpassing Enea Bastianini, whom he will be replacing at the factory team the following season.

Currently, the top GP23 competitor behind Marquez is VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, who ranks ninth and has amassed fewer than half of Marquez's 345 points.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or reproducing any part of the content, whether text, photos, or illustrations, in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Fabio Quartararo suggests Yamaha's performance in Thailand was surprisingly good

Following a mishap at the start, Fabio Quartararo felt optimistic about his speed in the Thai MotoGP

A premature accident prevented Fabio Quartararo from possibly achieving his first MotoGP podium of the season at the Thai Grand Prix.

Quartararo believed that, had it not been for the collision with Franco Morbidelli on the fourth lap, his speed after the crash was good enough for a finish well within the top 10, or potentially even a podium position.

Sign up for our MotoGP Email Updates

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP happenings, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Quartararo expressed after the race, "It was challenging since my eyes were constantly glued to the TV to track where Bagnaia was during the entire race."

"He was indeed pulling away from us, but the distance he was creating wasn't excessively large. I believe finishing between third and seventh place was a realistic outcome. However, my assessment is based on what I saw on the television, so it's hard to pinpoint exactly."

Yamaha faced difficulties in Thailand with heating up the rear tire in dry conditions, and these problems continued under the wet weather of Sunday's Grand Prix.

"Quartararo mentioned that starting from the morning, they faced difficulties in heating up the back tire, particularly on the left side, and found the electronics to be quite challenging to grasp."

"The bike was frequently losing traction, and when moving in a straight direction, it lacked momentum. Certain turns felt smooth while others did not, which is something I find puzzling about the motorcycle."

Despite his crash, Quartararo was encouraged by his speed, which was on par with the victor of the race, Francesco Bagnaia. They both managed to consistently complete laps in the mid-to-high 1:40s range, with Quartararo achieving this feat even with considerable damage from the crash.

"I believe that despite the accident — despite losing a wing, having a damaged steering, no rear brake, and the [right] footpeg being partially severed — my speed was still decent. I see that as a positive aspect."

Quartararo observed that he and his Yamaha crew managed to enhance the functioning of his YZR-M1 between the morning and afternoon sessions, especially in terms of his interaction with the front tire, although he believed there was still room for further improvements.

"Therefore, the area where I'm facing difficulties is primarily at the front, especially since we tend to perform well in wet conditions during straight-line braking," he explained.

"In the morning, I faced difficulties, but the situation improved by the afternoon. There was still significant front-end locking, but there was definitely progress from morning to afternoon. That's why, despite the bike being heavily damaged from the crash, I was keen on continuing to ride more laps to determine if there was any improvement in the electronics."

Quartararo experienced an escalating problem with the front lock as the race continued.

"Particularly towards the end, since the front was crucial for us, I experienced significant loss, and during straight braking, there was considerable locking," Quartararo expressed.

"However, as I've previously mentioned regarding dry conditions, our performance heavily relies on the track's grip. Essentially, when the track offers good traction, we perform significantly better compared to when it lacks grip."

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers coming straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Site Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing the content, whether it's text, photos, or illustrations, entirely or partially, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Up-and-coming MotoGP talent faces setback due to injury, putting inaugural postseason trial at risk

Fermin Aldeguer announces he underwent

Fermin Aldeguer has sustained an injury that puts his involvement in the MotoGP offseason trials at risk.

Moto2 competitor Aldeguer has secured a deal with Ducati and is set to join the top tier in 2025, racing for Gresini.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive conversations, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

He is set to make his first appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle next year, piloting a Ducati from the previous year's specifications. This initial outing was scheduled for the Valencia testing sessions, occurring just after the season's last race.

Aldeguer experienced a crash during the initial lap of the Moto2 competition in Thailand.

He needs an operation on his left hand, and it's currently uncertain when he will be able to come back.

"He expressed his dissatisfaction with the conclusion of his race on social media."

I had high hopes, but things turned out differently than anticipated.

The collision with Tony Arbolino was severe, and I'm sorry about the way things turned out.

Currently, my attention is on healing, and I aim to return to my normal routine at the earliest opportunity.

"I'll be returning home sooner than anticipated, but I aim to catch up once I'm in Valencia. I'll make sure to keep you updated!"

Failing to attend the Valencia test, or participating while impaired, would not be an optimal way for Aldeguer to kick off his MotoGP journey.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, one-on-one discussions, and special offers from the racetrack straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or replicating the text, images, or illustrations wholly or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Jack Miller expressed, "I felt like I was being chased, so I threw everything I had in response."

Regarding his confrontation with Acosta, Miller said, "We bumped into each other when exiting Turn 3, and as I was on the outer side heading into Turn 4, I figured it could end in one of two ways…"

Jack Miller was just two laps away from securing his initial KTM MotoGP podium finish of the season at the Thai MotoGP.

The Australian took advantage of the rainy conditions on Sunday, moving up from 15th position on the starting grid to seventh place in the initial laps.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, special features, conversations, and deals straight from the race track to your email.

For further details, consult our Privacy Policy.

This sequence included overtaking GASGAS newcomer Pedro Acosta, then moving ahead of Franco Morbidelli and his Red Bull colleague Brad Binder.

Following Marc Marquez's fall, Miller ascended into a possible initial MotoGP podium position since his last one in Jerez 2023.

In the final moments, Acosta fought back, seizing the podium spot from Miller following a captivating exchange throughout the race.

Battling with poor front grip, VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio overtook Miller, pushing him down to fifth place on the last lap.

"Miller kicked things off by describing the initial stages of the race as quite intense. He mentioned, "I began the race in 15th position and didn't manage to get off to the best starts. I chose not to use the front [holeshot] device because I was worried about causing the wheels to spin at the starting line.

"At that point, the mist was quite chaotic. I aimed to steer clear of the turmoil, noticing several guys were having trouble controlling the back end, among other things. Consequently, the group ended up dispersing somewhat."

"I managed to navigate my way, secured the fourth position, and then moved into third when Marc made his move."

"However, I was truly struggling in the beginning; it felt as though I had overheated the front tire."

"Thus, my momentum around the curves had essentially disappeared. I found myself needing to slow down significantly, reposition, and then accelerate again once I was straight on the way out."

"Then, likely with three laps remaining, she found herself with no grip left in the middle of the tire."

I found myself being pursued. I attempted to use every possible strategy against it. My goal was to secure a spot on the podium today, but unfortunately, it wasn't meant to happen.

"Attempting to navigate through the group in the initial laps put us at a disadvantage and likely exerted the greatest strain on the tire."

Reflecting on the tight competition with Acosta, who is set to inherit his position in the factory team next year, Miller couldn't help but smile:

"I truly gave it my all, with complete sincerity!"

He opted for the inner track, and as we came out of Turn 3, we slightly bumped into each other, continuing towards Turn 4. I found myself on the outer edge, thinking to myself, 'It's going to end in one of two ways, either I'll succeed or I won't!'

"I was consistently struggling with the front at the same spot on each lap. Every time I began to accelerate, the front would give way. So, I figured, 'What better place to really put the front to the test than where it's been failing me lap after lap?'"

I managed to finish the task, yet he returned to confront me at 5. I attempted to face him once more, but couldn't quite succeed. And so, it ended.

"I was essentially hurling whatever I had at it, almost as if I hit a bit of a barrier there."

"I made a switch to a different engine map towards the conclusion as well. This one had reduced traction control, but frankly, it might have been a downgrade since I ended up spinning excessively when driving in a straight path."

"Yet we remained, demonstrating strong perseverance!"

Looking back, and given just a ten-minute warm-up to adjust for rainy conditions, Miller disclosed that he should have opted for a more aggressive race configuration.

"We made progress since the morning, reducing the length by 8mm. I might have even reduced it by an additional three in the bike's back part to enhance the grip during acceleration," he mentioned, indicating that a more compact wheelbase puts more pressure on the rear tire when speeding up.

"We didn't quite shift enough weight towards the back. In hindsight, it's easy to recognize, but after the warm-up, we did make a significant improvement and likely could have pushed a bit further in that approach."

However, this information might be crucial if rain impacts this weekend's race in Sepang or the final race in Valencia.

"Accepting the reality, you just have to deal with it," Miller commented on the challenge of speeding on a MotoGP bike during rainy conditions. "Attempt to sense the changes happening below you.

"The charm of modern MotoGP motorcycles lies in their carbon brakes, which eliminate the need for excessive force on the lever. Instead, it's about gently managing and manipulating the grip."

"Now, you truly grasp the dynamics of riding in the rain, whether it was during my time on the Ducati or currently on the KTM."

"I find it enjoyable. It's all about adapting to the grip that's there… Lifting the bike and everything, it's simply enjoyable."

Securing the fifth spot at Buriram, Miller equaled his top performance in dry conditions for the year, previously achieved at Portimao.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or replicating the text, photos, or illustrations in full or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Insight: Persistent Challenges Confront Leading MotoGP Competitors

The Thailand MotoGP spotlighted obstacles that Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin need to navigate

The championship race has narrowed down to a duo. Throughout the year, it was anticipated that Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia would be the main contenders for the title. This was solidified at the 2024 Thai Grand Prix, where the standings made it clear that only these two remain in contention, setting the stage for a repeat of their 2023 rivalry.

Arriving in Buriram holding a 20-point advantage over Bagnaia, the Thai GP was viewed as potentially the pivotal weekend of the season. A repeat of the Australian weekend, which heavily leaned in Martin's favor, would likely leave Bagnaia with little hope of a comeback.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, special content, conversations, and deals straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Certainly, following the sprint race, it seemed Bagnaia faced difficulties. Despite securing the pole position with a groundbreaking lap record on his GP24, he couldn't outpace his teammate Enea Bastianini during the 13-lap race, nor could he fend off Martin for the runner-up spot. Although Martin only edged out by two points, the demeanor of Bagnaia's team suggested they believed the championship had slipped away.

The start of Sunday wasn't exactly smooth for the current champion either. During the wet warm-up session, Bagnaia continued to struggle with braking. However, a subsequent meeting with his team resulted in a breakthrough, giving him the necessary improvement.

"I'd like to attribute this win to my team. This morning, we had a detailed discussion on strategies to better our performance, especially since I was facing significant challenges with braking," he expressed on Sunday. "And we succeeded, once more. I'm truly elated. It was a challenging race, not only due to its duration but also the stress involved, yet, from the moment it began, I felt incredibly positive."

Martin took an early lead in the race, pulling nearly a full second ahead during the initial laps. Bagnaia chose to wait patiently, allowing his medium wet rear tire to warm up before making his move. By the beginning of the fifth lap, the Ducati team racer had reduced Martin's lead to just 0.434 seconds. However, Martin made a mistake at Turn 3, veering off the track, which allowed Bagnaia to take over the lead.

This moment marked a pivotal change in the competition. Martin confessed early on that he wasn't fully comfortable on his GP24, and the error visibly shook him. He later mentioned that during the entire grand prix, he felt he was "on the verge of crashing."

Despite being in front, Bagnaia didn't hold the title of the quickest on the track. That distinction went to Marc Marquez, who was hot on his heels, applying consistent pressure. Marquez attempted to overtake and claim the top spot twice at the final turn, during the ninth and thirteenth laps, but his pursuit came to an abrupt end when he fell at Turn 8 during the following lap.

Could this be the maneuver that preserved the Championship's fate? 🤯 Jorge Martin has confessed that witnessing Marc Márquez’s tumble provided valuable insights into the track's state, enabling him to prevent a similar crash.#MotoGP #ThaiGP pic.twitter.com/OgO7vq2twY

Marquez's accident pivotal in championship battle

In recent weeks, Marquez has faced numerous claims of meddling. However, he remains focused on securing additional victories, well aware that such chances can swiftly vanish.

If Marquez had remained on his Gresini-operated GP23 and overtaken Bagnaia, it would have advantaged Martin. Instead of gaining five points, Bagnaia would have only secured four. However, if Marquez had not managed to overtake, the difference would have been nine points. Considering the risk versus reward, Bagnaia might have only attempted a minimal effort to defend his position against a competitor who was not contending for the championship title.

Bagnaia benefited from the crash, gaining a five-point advantage over Martin, which reduced his deficit to 17 points. Additionally, Marquez's win in Australia against Martin has also inadvertently supported the championship hopes of his soon-to-be team-mate.

Martin credited Marquez's fall with preventing his own crash. When Marquez went down at Turn 8, Martin experienced a significant scare with his bike's front end. He confessed that if it weren't for the Gresini rider's accident, he likely would have crashed as well, because Marquez's mishap gave him a moment's notice to brace for a similar situation. If Martin had crashed and failed to earn any points, Bagnaia would have moved ahead by five points in the championship standings.

In the last couple of races, Marquez is expected to significantly influence the championship's result. Similarly, Enea Bastianini, following his crash at Sunday's Thai GP, declared that he does not plan to follow any team strategies at his favored Sepang circuit this coming weekend.

What could pose challenges for those vying for the championship?

Bagnaia and Martin both earned significant praise for their performance in Thailand. Throughout the weekend, Martin emphasized that winning races wasn't his priority if it seemed out of reach – his focus was on securing as many points as he could.

Securing second place in the sprint, despite facing the possibility of a penalty for exceeding track limits, he avoided a repeat of his experience in the Emilia Romagna sprint. In that event, a caution distracted him, causing an error that handed the victory to Bagnaia. This time, he maintained focus and achieved an outcome with significant implications for the championship standings.

To secure the championship title by the season's end, Martin only needs to place just behind Bagnaia in the remaining races.

This, combined with his advantage, positions him as the top contender as they move to Malaysia. However, this situation is uncharted for him. Previously, despite being a formidable contender last year, Bagnaia was the anticipated champion. Now, Martin carries the burden of those expectations, and it's evident that it's taking a toll on him.

"He mentioned feeling pressure starting about six or seven races earlier. He emphasized his focus on learning from every experience. This past weekend, he gained new insights, boosting his happiness and confidence in his performance. He believes his racing approach this weekend reflects his true style, which he plans to carry into Malaysia since it has been instrumental in his journey. Thus, he intends to adopt an aggressive stance and aims to outpace Pecco."

In every competition, Martin gains new insights into his capabilities, yet he seems to be at a greater disadvantage compared to the two. Bagnaia, a double MotoGP world champion, is accustomed to the demands of such high stakes, aware of both the pressure and the euphoria of reaching the pinnacle. Martin, on the other hand, lacks this experience and is set to switch to an Aprilia motorcycle in 2025, a model currently perceived as too distant from achieving regular victories or mounting a serious bid for the championship.

Bagnaia's knack for making a strong recovery at crucial moments was on full display during his remarkable win at the Buriram MotoGP, which could be considered his most significant victory. He acknowledged his team's effort in resolving the brake problems that had hindered him before the race, highlighting that it's his mindset in such scenarios that truly makes the difference.

"Bagnaia explained his resilience, stating, 'The reason is simple, I just don't believe in giving up. My faith in my abilities, my team, the effort I put in at home, and in myself is unwavering. As long as there's an opportunity, I'll keep pushing. It's always been my way. Every season, I'm committed to giving it my all, and that's not going to change."

Despite securing victories in nine races this season, Bagnaia continues to lag behind in the overall championship standings. In his past two seasons competing for the championship, the Italian rider has not faced this level of pressure. However, he now finds himself in a challenging position, competing against a rider of equal talent and with similar equipment.

Bagnaia excels in securing crucial outcomes, but burdened with seven DNFs (Did Not Finish), he finds himself in the undesirable situation where any additional error could spell the end of his championship defense.

Emerging from Thailand, the two competitors have put forth strong assertions for the title of 2024 MotoGP world champion. Each has the potential to clinch the championship, yet they also confront significant challenges as the season heads towards its peak in Malaysia and Valencia…

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers from the race circuit directly in your email.

For additional details, consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing the content, whether it's text, photos, or illustrations, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited in any

Marc Marquez delves into the critical reason behind his "error" in Thailand

Marc Marquez reviews his performance in the Thailand MotoGP

Marc Marquez's performance at the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix hinted at potential success, demonstrating impressive pace early on, only to end in disappointment as he fell from second place due to a crash.

Throughout the initial stages of the race, Marquez was in a tight contest with Francesco Bagnaia, attempting to overtake him on two occasions at turn 12. However, he ended up crashing on the 14th lap at turn eight, leading to his exit from the race.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP coverage, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Marquez believed in his capability to clinch victory. However, he thought he should have exercised more patience instead of hastily attempting to surpass Bagnaia, who ultimately won the race.

"Marquez noted, "Today, we were ahead of everyone else, but reflecting a few hours post-race, perhaps we lacked patience at that critical point in the competition."

"Indeed, it was incredibly challenging as I found it impossible to pass [Francesco] Bagnaia in a straightforward manner."

"I always had a precise plan for overtaking, as I possessed the necessary speed, and I mentioned, 'There will be additional opportunities.'"

"Consistently, my strategy was to be aggressive and press forward; and when that wasn't feasible, to then ease off to manage the front tire's temperature, before launching another offensive.

Throughout the race, I consistently found myself stretching my limits, and during that second surge, I noticed my speed was significantly higher.

"I made an effort to persist and keep up with him, aiming to take that corner [turn eight] with just a slight increase of one-and-a-half degrees. Unfortunately, I lost control at the front and wasn't able to recover—it was a narrow miss.

"As human beings, we're prone to erring, and today, it happened to be my turn."

Marquez mentioned that his sole opportunity to overtake Bagnaia occurred at turn 12, the last bend. The Buriram track features several intense braking points, particularly in the lap's initial half at turns three and four. However, turn 12 was the unique spot where Marquez felt he could be near enough to make a move; this is because, unlike turns three and four that follow lengthy straightaways, turn 12 is preceded by a set of slower bends.

Bagnaia's ability to accelerate out of turns 12 and 1 prevented Marquez from overtaking him in turn 3, and Bagnaia's superior grip upon exiting turn 3 also made it challenging for Marquez to attempt a pass in turn 4.

"Marquez mentioned, 'At every other braking point, I ended up coming in too late and too far away.'"

"Approaching turn 12, we were exiting slower bends, which is where I felt more confident and started closing the gap significantly. It marked the initial intense braking zone following those slower curves."

"During lap 14, I was already focusing on how to approach the final corner aggressively, but we never got there."

"I always intended to learn how to surpass."

"Surely, similar to the day before, in both the first and second sectors, I found myself trailing significantly. However, in the third and fourth sectors, I managed to outpace him."

"Thus, akin to the previous day, yet today […] surpassing was more challenging."

Marquez detailed how the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, despite being an advancement over the current GP23 model he's using this year, wasn't the reason he didn't secure a victory in Thailand.

"Marquez noted that the GP24 has significantly improved in certain aspects, but he clarified that he doesn't use the GP24. He confidently stated that his current GP23 motorcycle was in prime condition for victory, expressing his satisfaction with its performance."

Indeed, it's accurate to state that the longer we utilize the rear ride height mechanism on a track, there's a noticeable discrepancy between the GP23 and GP24 models, owing to a minor improvement made there.

"This is positive, as I will possess it next year."

Ultimately, Marquez felt positive about his race performance due to the speed he maintained following his crash, even though he had lost his rear brake during the incident.

"Actually, I performed exceptionally well once more, despite not using the back brake," he mentioned.

"Therefore, it implies I had an advantage. To explain, once we resumed, on the very next lap, in the initial sector, I recorded my quickest time for that portion of the race. So, it goes like this."

"At times, victory wasn't about speed, yet in this instance, despite being the swiftest, an error was made. Such incidents occur."

Discover Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or republishing text, photos, or images in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.