Jorge Martin: Championship Battle "Will Extend to Final Race"

"During the previous season, my mind was constantly occupied with thoughts of creating a legacy, solely concentrating on clinching the championship."

Jorge Martin attributes his focus away from the MotoGP championship as a key factor that has brought him to the brink of an unprecedented world title win this upcoming weekend.

The strategy of progressing through each race, employed by the Pramac team's competitor, is set to encounter its most challenging obstacle yet at the upcoming MotoGP finale in Barcelona, where either he or the current champion, Francesco Bagnaia, will emerge as the victor.

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Martin is in a strong position, as he leads by 24 points in his pursuit to become the first MotoGP world champion from a satellite team, giving the Spanish rider a significant edge.

However, he must manage the stress.

"Perhaps Pecco could offer me some guidance since he experienced a similar situation to mine last year!" Martin mentioned on Thursday, alluding to how the tables were turned a year prior when he was (unsuccessfully) in pursuit of Bagnaia.

"During the previous season, my mind was constantly occupied with the idea of making history and solely concentrating on winning the championship. However, this season, those thoughts haven't crossed my mind. Throughout the entire season, it wasn't something I considered."

"I'm aiming to concentrate on the aspects within my power, specifically giving my all while riding the motorbike and ensuring I perform to the best of my ability. This comes after falling short of doing so in the final part of the previous season."

"Currently, I'm experiencing a positive phase. I sense strength within me and believe I'm capable of having an excellent weekend. That's all there is to it."

While Martin might not have secured as many victories as Bagnaia or matched his own win tally from the previous season, he has achieved a significantly higher number of podium finishes and committed fewer errors.

"I believe the crucial factor spanned the entire season. There's a saying from a boxer that resonated with me, which goes, 'The victory in the championship is secured through the preparation phase.' In our context, it implies that every competition contributes to securing the championship, and it's in the final event that you are formally awarded."

"Definitely, there's a possibility of something occurring, but what truly matters is the effort we've put in throughout the season. We've given our all in every competition. Now, it's crucial to figure out what steps we need to follow to secure that medal and bring it home."

The #89 has the opportunity to secure the championship 'ahead of schedule' by claiming victory in the Saturday Sprint, yet he anticipates that Bagnaia will continue to challenge for the title into Sunday.

"I believe I've reached a point where I can compete focusing solely on my own performance. My goal is to savor the moment, aim for speed, and undoubtedly, if the opportunity to win arises on Saturday, I'll seize it," he expressed.

"I believe this will extend until Sunday, and honestly, I'm okay with that. So, I'll aim to have fun but also strive to remain competitive. That's the primary objective."

Martin's upcoming race on Sunday will mark his final appearance for Pramac and Ducati, as he has agreed to join Aprilia as a factory rider starting in 2025.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the motorsport landscape evolve, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. Currently, he's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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2024 Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP – Outcomes of Friday's Practice

The results from the practice sessions on Friday at the Circuit de Catalunya during the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, marking the 20th and concluding round of the 2024 world championship.

* Novice

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

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Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro achieved a time of 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024).

Quickest circuit time: Pedro Acosta at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

Francesco Bagnaia maintained his pursuit of championship frontrunner Jorge Martin by topping the timesheets in Friday's practice session for the 2024 Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season finale.

After experiencing an unexpected tumble following the morning's chequered flag, Bagnaia recovered swiftly, securing the leading position ahead of Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaro by late afternoon.

In contrast, Brad Binder and Jack Miller, riding KTMs, failed to secure spots in the top ten and will therefore have to compete in Saturday’s Qualifying 1 session.

During the first practice session, the majority of riders opted to use a consistent setup of soft front and medium rear tires. However, as temperatures rose later in the day, they switched to a combination of medium and hard front tires paired with either soft or medium rear tires.

Prior to the late-session time attacks, VR46's Bezzecchi topped the leaderboard on worn tires, with Vinales, Alex Marquez, Acosta, Martin, Bagnaia, Zarco, Binder, Morbidelli, and Aleix Espargaro following him.

Martin, who seemed to experiment with the widest variety of tire choices today, immediately secured the leading position by using fresh soft tires on both the front and rear.

Even though Martin was quick, he appeared restless in the pit area, urgently signaling for crew chief Daniele Romagnoli to talk about a possible problem.

In the meantime, Johann Zarco from LCR Honda delivered a blazing lap while trailing Marc Marquez, allowing him to set the quickest time.

The last stretch kicked off with Zarco, Martin, Maverick Vinales, Bagnaia, Alex Marquez, Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, and Jack Miller holding the top ten positions.

Marquez, Zarco, and Fabio Quartararo lined up behind Bagnaia for their final laps, but it was Bezzecchi, a fellow VR46 Academy member, who independently surged to the lead.

However, this won't last.

Bagnaia managed to surpass the GP23 rider by 0.080 seconds, while Martin found himself in fifth place after sacrificing a lap due to a significant front-end recovery. Espargaro, who had previously secured pole position and won the Sprint in May, took a late third place but appeared to think he could have achieved more.

Caution flags were quickly removed following Joan Mir's late crash and Acosta's excursion off the track.

– Beginner

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro clocked in at 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time: Pedro Acosta clocked in at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

Takaaki Nakagami leads the timesheets at the start of his last full-time MotoGP weekend, with unusual events marking the beginning and end of the first practice session for the Solidarity Barcelona season finale.

Title contender Jorge Martin gained an initial advantage over his competitor Francesco Bagnaia by securing fifth place. However, Bagnaia experienced a fall at Turn 1 once the session concluded, after the chequered flag had been waved.

While coasting with his elbow resting on the tank following a failed practice start, Bagnaia appeared taken aback by Maverick Vinales executing an outside pass in the braking zone, resulting in him losing control of the front.

While reviewing a replay in the pits, Vinales later made a gesture that seemed to say, "What did I do?"

During his practice start, Bagnaia experienced another spin, possibly due to experimenting with a low front-holeshot configuration.

The positive outcome for Bagnaia was that he walked away without any injuries.

In a cool yet dry environment with the temperature at 14 degrees, Nakagami managed to pull ahead by 0.4 seconds over Pedro Acosta in the closing moments. This came after he experienced a fall earlier in the session. To achieve this, he equipped his bike with fresh soft front and medium rear tires.

Acosta, similar to the majority of riders, opted for the same combination of soft and medium tires, yet started the weekend by crashing.

Tech3 teammates collide

The race was halted only six minutes in, as red flags were shown following an unusual crash involving Acosta and his Tech3 teammate Augusto Fernandez at the Turn 5 exit.

Fernandez tried to overtake Acosta on the outside, as Acosta was stuck behind Brad Binder.

However, Acosta, who was leaning inward, did not notice Fernandez's maneuver, leading to a collision between the two as they exited. This incident caused both riders to fall, damaged an air barrier, and resulted in the race being halted with red flags.

Thankfully, the two riders emerged unscathed, although Acosta was visibly shaken while conversing with his team in the pit area.

Prior to the red flag incident, VR46 substitute rider Michele Pirro faced difficulties early on, specifically at Turn 5.

Due to a last-minute venue change and lower temperatures, Michelin is providing a season-high selection of seven different tire options this weekend, with four choices for the front and three for the rear.

How Martin could secure the MotoGP championship during the Sprint race in Barcelona this Saturday:

Heading into the decisive weekend, Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 24 points.

This would allow Martin to become the premier-class champion for the first time and make history as the first satellite rider to secure the title in the MotoGP era, provided he wins the Saturday Sprint or finishes with at least two more points than Bagnaia.

Although Martin holds the advantage, the cooler weather and potential for rain suggest there could still be an unexpected turn in what Bagnaia, the reigning double champion, has described as a "championship of errors."

Barcelona has stepped in as a last-minute substitute for the usual finale in Valencia, which was called off due to severe flooding.

In May, during the MotoGP event at the circuit, local favorite Aleix Espargaro revealed on Thursday that he intends to retire. He then went on to dominate Friday's practice sessions, secured the top spot in qualifying, and triumphed in the Sprint race, benefiting from a final lap error by Bagnaia.

Bagnaia struck back by securing a win in the grand prix, while Martin, who started in seventh place due to a qualifying crash, managed to finish second. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, who failed to advance to Qualifying 2, impressively climbed from 14th to earn a spot on the podium in both races.

Gresini's rider, Marquez, is currently ahead by just one point over Enea Bastianini in the competition for third place in the world championship. Notably, Marquez will be taking over Bastianini's position with the factory Ducati team next year.

This weekend, the battle for fifth place overall and the highest-ranked non-Ducati rider will be determined. Rookie Pedro Acosta currently holds a narrow 3-point advantage over Brad Binder, who will be his teammate on the KTM factory team in the future.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make his comeback in his last Trackhouse race, following his absence from five rounds because of fractures in his left wrist sustained in Mandalika.

Ducati's test rider Michele Pirro has been selected to fill in for VR46 team member Fabio di Giannantonio, following di Giannantonio's recent shoulder operation.

I'm

For two decades, Peter has been immersed in the paddock, witnessing the rise and fall of Valentino Rossi. He is actively involved in covering the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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2024 Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP: Bagnaia Leads Second Practice Session, Martin Secures Fifth Place

Bagnaia Triumphs on Opening Day of 2024 Championship Final

Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati topped a closely contested second MotoGP practice session at the Solidarity Grand Prix, while his championship competitor, Jorge Martin, secured the fifth position.

Ahead of this weekend's races, Bagnaia is 24 points behind Martin. On Friday afternoon in Barcelona, he achieved an important mental edge over his competitor.

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The current two-time world champion set the pace, edging out VR46 Ducati's Marco Bezzecchi by 0.080 seconds, as Martin struggled and ended up in fifth place.

The difference between the two is minimal, as only 0.296 seconds separated them by the conclusion of Friday's session.

At the beginning of the one-hour practice session, Martin quickly established the initial lead with a time of 1 minute and 40.934 seconds. However, as the session approached the crucial final 15 minutes dedicated to the time attack, it was Bezzecchi who emerged as the key competitor to watch.

Pramac's Martin climbed to the leading position by clocking a lap time of 1 minute and 39.652 seconds during his initial attempt with a soft tire. He later bettered this performance to 1 minute and 39.214 seconds.

Johann Zarco of LCR Honda clocked the quickest time at 1 minute 39.197 seconds, but it was Bezzecchi who surpassed him, setting a new best of 1 minute 38.998 seconds with less than three minutes remaining.

Bagnaia, along with several other riders, ultimately led the timesheets, clocking in at 1 minute and 38.918 seconds to cross the finish line first overall.

Bezzecchi followed closely behind, with Aleix Espargaro from Aprilia securing third place as he kicks off his final weekend in MotoGP.

Zarco finished in an impressive fourth place at the conclusion of the session, while Martin, who experienced multiple issues with the front end throughout, secured the fifth spot.

Maverick Vinales secured the sixth position riding the other factory Aprilia, trailed by the Gresini Ducati team members Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez.

Tech3 GASGAS newcomer Pedro Acosta finished ninth, while Ducati's Enea Bastianini was the final racer to earn a spot in Q2 directly.

The factory KTM riders, Brad Binder and Jack Miller, finished in 11th and 12th places, respectively, at the end of the race. However, Binder had one of his laps invalidated, resulting in him being relegated to 17th position. Fabio Quartararo led the Yamaha contingent by securing 14th place.

Franco Morbidelli of the Pramac team experienced a crash early in the session. Similarly, Augusto Fernandez from Tech3 also went down. Later on, Honda's Joan Mir had a minor fall.

On his comeback race with Trackhouse Aprilia, Miguel Oliveira finished in 20th place, trailing 1.486 seconds behind the leader. Meanwhile, Michele Pirro, who was filling in for VR46, secured the 22nd position.

Complete Results from the 2024 MotoGP Solidarity GP Practice

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Honda Holds Edge Over Yamaha at Barcelona MotoGP – Claims Alex Rins

"In circuits like this, where the grip is minimal, it seems they have the upper hand against us…"

According to Alex Rins, the chilly conditions at the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona did not benefit Yamaha. In fact, they found themselves at a disadvantage compared to Honda.

It was anticipated that the lower temperatures would benefit Yamaha, as they faced challenges at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya back in May when the track temperatures soared into the 40s Celsius.

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Rins described the weather as "freezing," indicating that it was almost too cold to ride. Despite some initial optimism for the weekend, the two Yamaha riders ended Practice outside the top 10, with Rins finishing in 14th place, just one position behind his teammate, Fabio Quartararo.

Compared to others, Honda appeared to perform significantly better, as Johann Zarco from the LCR team secured the fifth-fastest time.

Rins acknowledged after the opening day in Barcelona for the Solidarity Grand Prix this weekend that the Honda has occasionally outperformed the Yamaha before.

"It's accurate to say that for several races now, I've been telling the team that their grip is superior to ours, particularly when it comes to mechanical grip."

On tracks with minimal grip, it seems they hold an edge over us.

Rins believed Yamaha faced greater challenges at the Solidarity Grand Prix compared to their performance at the Catalan Grand Prix five months earlier.

"There was significant uncertainty about whether it would improve," Rins remarked. "However, this Grand Prix is definitely important, as it allows us to compare information with a different motorcycle that we used during the sixth round here a few months back."

"To tell the truth, we're facing more difficulties now compared to the initial Montmelo Grand Prix."

"It's slightly more difficult to gain traction and navigate corners, so we need to figure out a solution."

Currently, it's true that we are somewhat directionless. We're uncertain about the steps needed to make progress, but it's essential to continue our efforts and assessments. Maintaining belief and not surrendering is vital.

"We have to continue our efforts, but we're facing difficulties."

In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news for consumers and racing enthusiasts at Visordown.

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Pedro Acosta expressed regret by saying, "I managed to secure some points, but I completely messed everything up!" He further reflected on the season, stating, "We were in the running for several victories, but I totally blew it!"

Pedro Acosta has expressed regret over losing valuable points due to what he described as "foolish accidents" during his first year.

In his debut season in the top-tier MotoGP category, Acosta has made a significant impact while racing for Tech3 GASGAS.

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The current Moto2 titleholder, who was still in his teens at the beginning of the year, is currently ranked fifth in the championship standings as he approaches the last race of the season in Barcelona this weekend.

Should Acosta maintain his three-point advantage over his KTM teammate Brad Binder, he will be the highest-ranked rider not on a Ducati.

"It's not very significant. However, considering all the errors made this season, it's astonishing that I'm still in fifth place," stated Acosta.

"Ending the season with positive results and a good attitude is more crucial."

"We battled hard for numerous victories this season, but I completely messed everything up!"

"The ability to compete for victories existed. It was a feasible goal, not a mere fantasy."

"In recent races, there has been progress. I've experimented with the fairings, and despite having limited information, I managed to finish in the top five, which is a positive outcome."

"I won't be testing any new components this weekend."

Acosta let out a sigh and reflected, "Every error I committed, all the opportunities I wasted, the foolish accidents, and the necessary attempts…"

Following a couple of early top-three finishes, Jorge Lorenzo was one of those who forecasted that Acosta would secure a grand prix victory during his first year as a competitor.

Acosta has not met that forecast and has faced challenges on his KTM, yet achieving five podium finishes on Sundays is commendable.

He concludes his first year with the anticipation of being advanced to the factory KTM team.

"It's not unusual to feel this way; I'm thrilled to be competing in the final race with a chance to finish in the top five of the championship," he remarked.

"We're pleased with the figures and outcomes, but they still fall short of what we aim for."

"Wrapping up one season and kicking off another on Tuesday with the factory team? I'm incredibly excited because it's a lifelong dream coming true."

"I anticipated this day would come, but it's happening earlier than I thought."

"I am excited to conclude the season on a high note."

Acosta promised to stay out of the championship showdown involving Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

"I really hope that's not the case; I have more pressing matters to attend to than pretending," he remarked.

"I have no desire to take on this role. It's not fair play."

"If there are only two contenders, then those two must face off against each other."

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 racing.

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Francesco Bagnaia on the MotoGP championship battle: "While pressure might have an impact, I won't be the one to instigate any issues."

"I won't engage in actions that could jeopardize anyone's outcomes."

Francesco Bagnaia has once more dismissed the idea of using any particular strategies to wrest the MotoGP championship from Jorge Martin during this weekend's Barcelona event.

The current titleholder, aiming for a third consecutive championship, is trailing Ducati teammate Martin by 24 points. With just 37 points left to be claimed in the upcoming Sprint and grand prix races, the pressure is on.

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On the day before the event, Bagnaia expressed that his goal is to secure victory in both races, aiming for a win on Sunday and to let the rest unfold as it may.

Should Bagnaia secure victories in both races, he still requires several other competitors to finish ahead of Martin.

Bagnaia's challenge is that none of the competitors could match the top contenders during the Catalunya Grand Prix held in May.

"In May, we claimed the top three spots, with the third-place finisher trailing us by 11 seconds, highlighting our superior performance once more," Bagnaia remarked. "However, I truly wish that more competitors will join the battle next time."

"My goal is to come out on top. I'm aware that Jorge can still secure a [6th] place finish in both races to clinch the championship. Therefore, it won't be easy."

"However, pressure might also have an impact."

When questioned about his approach, Bagnaia made it clear that he would not employ any slow-paced tactics.

"I won't do anything that might jeopardize anyone's outcome. Therefore, I'll give it my all, enjoy myself, and aim to win both races. Whatever happens after that, happens."

"Currently, both of us are performing at a level that should secure the championship for Jorge. Even if he reduces his pace slightly, it's unlikely he will end up off the podium."

"This is the situation we're in, but I won't attempt to influence it. Whatever is meant to occur will take its course."

Nevertheless, Bagnaia acknowledged that some riders would provide more assistance to certain individuals.

He mentioned that he is fully aware that riders such as Aleix Espargaro will assist him, just as he expects support from the riders in their Academy.

"In essence, I believe we're both in almost the same position, but he has a lead of 24 points. This allows him a bit more flexibility in his approach."

"The truth is, if I end up taking the championship on Sunday, it will be due to my strong performance as well as his error over the weekend."

Applying pressure might be Bagnaia's most promising strategy to induce an error from Martin.

The Italian rider confessed that he found it challenging to ride without pressure when he was leading in points during past championship battles against Fabio Quartararo in 2022 and Martin in 2023.

He expressed a sense of liberation, saying, "At this moment, I feel much freer because I need to give it my all." Reflecting on the race two years prior, he admitted, "I was genuinely frightened during that event, and I ended up finishing in eighth place, which was far below what I was capable of achieving. It was a peculiar experience."

"During the previous season, I attempted to stay relaxed, though I felt considerably more anxious while competing."

"You can never be certain. Avoiding pressure is impossible, and dealing with it is challenging."

"We are competitors at heart and aim to perform at our highest potential."

Jorge can really make the most of the weekend as he had an excellent season. At this point, I believe my best efforts may not suffice, so we'll have to wait and see what unfolds.

Bagnaia rejected the idea of putting extra pressure on Martin by trailing him during practice sessions, a strategy that the Pramac rider employed at Valencia the previous year.

Bagnaia stated that if he begins the race ahead of him, he won't exert any additional effort to maintain the lead.

"In my experience, psychological tactics haven't been effective, so I have never engaged in them and will keep focusing on my responsibilities."

Jorge seems to have learned from last year's experience that it was a waste of time for him to act in that way. It’s more beneficial to focus on your tasks, prepare thoroughly, and make your decision during the race itself.

However, the 27-year-old emphasized the potential for errors this weekend, given the numerous factors at play.

"It’s challenging since we are competing on a track that might present more complex scenarios," he mentioned.

"The weather is chilly, and we have a selection of four types of front tires and three types of rear tires. Many riders perform well at this track because it presents challenges, so it's important to be cautious about tire choices. We're fully aware that both Aprilia and KTM have strong performances at this location."

"It's possible we might face more competitors, and simple errors could lead to incidents, just as I experienced in Malaysia. I was just going through the usual motions when I unexpectedly missed out on 12 points. Winning or losing can happen quite easily. I believe anything is possible in this scenario."

If Martin manages to avoid any issues and secures the title of the first MotoGP world champion representing a satellite team, Bagnaia will be among the first to offer his congratulations.

"I definitely made numerous errors," Bagnaia admitted. "To become a champion, precision and consistency are crucial, and Jorge was more consistent than I was."

"In terms of race outcomes, it's evident that we performed better since I secured victories in ten Sunday races and six Saturday races. Thus, regarding sheer results, our performance was excellent. However, I believe both of us are worthy of the championship title."

"I'd like to express something that might come across as unusual: if Jorge were to win the championship, I wouldn't be able to feel happier for him. We've been acquainted for quite some time, and I believe he truly deserves the title."

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the challenges surrounding Marc Marquez's injuries.

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Jorge Martin believes the MotoGP championship battle will be decided on Sunday. "Throughout last season, my mind was constantly on how to achieve something historic and my main focus was on winning the championship."

Jorge Martin believes that not fixating on winning the MotoGP title has brought him close to achieving a historic world championship victory this weekend.

The strategy of the Pramac rider, which involves focusing on each race individually, will undergo its most challenging evaluation at the upcoming Barcelona MotoGP finale. In this event, either he or the current titleholder, Francesco Bagnaia, will emerge as the champion.

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Martin has a significant advantage, leading by 24 points as he aims to be the first MotoGP world champion representing a satellite team.

However, he must manage the stress effectively.

"Perhaps Pecco can offer me some tips since he was in a similar position last year," Martin remarked on Thursday. He was alluding to the situation from the previous year when he was pursuing Bagnaia without success.

“During the previous season, my mind was constantly on making history and winning the championship. This year, my mindset has shifted, and I haven't been preoccupied with those thoughts throughout the entire season.”

The rider emphasized the importance of concentrating on aspects within their control, which includes giving their all when on the motorbike and delivering their best performance. They acknowledged that they fell short of this goal at the conclusion of the previous season.

"I currently feel very positive. I'm confident and believe I can have an excellent weekend. That's all."

Although Martin hasn't clinched as many victories as Bagnaia or as he did in the previous season, he has consistently secured more podium finishes and committed fewer errors.

"The crucial aspect was the entire season. I came across a quote from a fighter who mentioned, 'I secure the championship during my training sessions.' For us, this implies that each race contributes to winning the title, and it's in the final round that you receive the medal."

"At this point, something might occur, but what truly matters is the effort we have put in throughout the entire season. We gave our all in every competition. Now, it's crucial to figure out what is necessary to secure that medal."

The #89 has a chance to secure the championship ahead of time by clinching victory in the Saturday Sprint, but he believes that Bagnaia will extend the competition until Sunday.

He expressed that he feels ready to compete focusing solely on himself, without worrying about others. His goal is to relish the weekend, aim for speed, and seize the victory on Saturday if the opportunity arises.

"I believe this will extend to Sunday, and I'm okay with that. The aim is to have fun while staying competitive."

Sunday marks Martin's final race with Pramac and Ducati, as he has inked a deal to join Aprilia's factory team in 2025.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez’s struggles with injuries.

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Michelin unveils an 'exceptional' tyre selection for the MotoGP championship showdown in Barcelona

For the upcoming Barcelona season climax, MotoGP competitors will have access to seven distinct tyre choices.

The unexpected shift in location for the final race of the MotoGP season, moving from Valencia to Barcelona, means Michelin will supply what it describes as a 'remarkable tyre package' for the championship showdown.

Due to the severe flooding in Valencia, the change in circuit has led Michelin to provide a variety of tires from those used in Barcelona in May, in addition to other compounds that are better suited for the significantly lower temperatures expected this weekend.

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The outcome includes a selection of seven tyre choices, which consists of four options for the front tyres (one asymmetric Soft, one symmetrical Medium, one symmetrical Hard compound, and one asymmetric Hard) along with three asymmetric rear tyre variations in Soft, Medium, and Hard categories. Notably, the Medium and Hard rear tyres correspond to the Soft and Medium options available since May.

"From May to November, the variations in temperature required us to adjust," stated Piero Taramasso, the manager of Michelin's motorcycle racing division.

The setup of the circuit doesn't essentially alter the circumstances, however, this challenging course is notorious for its minimal traction. Additionally, it's uneven, subjecting the right side of the tires to significantly more strain.

"In accordance with the policies set for these situations, we will supply extra rubber materials for both the front and the back."

We began with the package utilized in May, incorporating a softer rear compound to accommodate potentially cooler track conditions. This addition aims to enhance the performance of the Soft and Medium compounds (now reclassified as Medium and Hard), which demonstrated exceptional effectiveness throughout the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix.

The trio of back tires will feature an uneven design, boasting a strengthened right side. Regarding the front tires, we've opted against including the Michelin Power Slick Hard compound that was available in May, believing it won't see any use.

"Rather than making changes, we will continue to utilize the Soft and Medium choices. To these, we are incorporating two asymmetric designs typically observed in Valencia, at the Sachsenring in Germany, or at Phillip Island in Australia, but with added reinforcement on the right side."

"Our goal is to provide our collaborators with every available option for efficiently controlling tyre temperatures, ensuring the season finale is as thrilling as the numerous races witnessed this year."

Heading into this weekend's final race, Jorge Martin holds a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia, with up to 37 points up for grabs.

Bagnaia lost his leading position during the final lap of Barcelona's May Sprint, only to come back and secure a win over Martin in the grand prix.

For the races held in May, the preferred choice was the medium front tire, paired with soft rear tires for the Sprint and medium rear tires for the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Miguel Oliveira makes his Trackhouse swan song at the Barcelona MotoGP

For their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse, Miguel Oliveira along with team manager Wilco Zeelenberg prepare to bid farewell.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make a comeback in MotoGP, participating in his final race with Trackhouse Aprilia at the Solidarity Barcelona season-ending event this weekend.

Portimao has been absent from the past five races because of wrist injuries sustained from a traction control malfunction while training in Mandalika.

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Oliveira, securing a historic podium finish for Trackhouse at the Sachsenring Sprint, will have his last ride on an RS-GP ahead of his initial test with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.

"Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to MotoGP racing."

"I don't have very high hopes because the true extent of my wrist's limitations won't be clear until I'm riding again. It's definitely a Grand Prix that evokes mixed emotions, but my goal is to end my time with the Trackhouse team on a positive note.

"Clearly, we will be making a swift effort to collect both optimism and financial support for the victims of the devastating occurrences in Valencia, so in general – I'm eager to participate!"

Oliveira's exit, along with the introduction of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi as the brand-new factory team, leaves Raul Fernandez as the sole rider staying on with Aprilia in 2025.

Fernandez captured attention during the May Barcelona race, impressively securing a front-row start with his 2023-spec motorcycle and remarkably leading the Sprint race, only to unfortunately crash later on.

The Spanish rider, who was recently upgraded to the RS-GP24, subsequently secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"Fernandez stated, “Initially, our race will be in honor of everyone impacted in Valencia. The incident there remains startling, so our competition will be dedicated to them.

"Barcelona proves to be a favorable circuit for our team, and while our main focus remains on preparing for the upcoming year, I'm keen on ending the final race of the season on a high note."

"The outcome we achieved last time in Barcelona fills me with hope. Nonetheless, I prefer to remain composed, approach it step by step, and aim to perform at my peak."

Oliveira's substitute, current Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura, is set to have his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.

This weekend marks not only the departure of the Portuguese from Trackhouse, but also the exit of team manager Wilco Zeelenberg, who is also saying goodbye.

"Indeed, we're optimistic that the event in Barcelona will be remarkable, primarily due to the challenging circumstances that bring us there. We aim to offer all the support we can to those in Valencia," Zeelenberg remarked.

According to the MotoGP organization, the sentiment isn't that we're racing in Valencia, but rather we're racing for Valencia. This perspective truly adds a unique significance to the second round taking place in Barcelona.

"For our squad, this event holds particular significance as Miguel makes his return following an injury, and Raul took the lead in the Sprint race at his local event earlier in the summer."

"Our bicycle performed admirably in that location previously, so we'll find out if we can replicate our previous racing successes.

"I'm excited about attending the upcoming MotoGP race, which marks not only the end of this season but potentially the last one in my career as well."

An ex-Grand Prix competitor, who clinched the 1990 West German 250GP title, Zeelenberg achieved his initial significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship riding for Yamaha.

The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the newcomer Jorge Lorenzo. Interestingly, he operated in a garage that was physically split, sharing the space with Valentino Rossi.

Until 2015, the Yamaha factory squad maintained a distinct team manager for each of its riders. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's position was officially updated to 'Rider Performance Analyst', signaling a shift towards a greater emphasis on rider coaching.

By the time Lorenzo departed for Ducati in 2017, he and Zeelenberg had secured three world championships and triumphed in 43 races.

The individual from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha and collaborate with newcomer Maverick Vinales, who secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1. However, more than a year passed, and Vinales hadn't won another race, clearly leading to noticeable strain.

Zeelenberg and Ramon Forcada, who played a significant role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the newly established Petronas Yamaha team in 2019, with Zeelenberg taking on the position of team manager once again.

The Sepang initiative unveiled the potential of Fabio Quartararo, marking him as a future star, achieved six victories, and recorded the maiden wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, while Franco Morbidelli secured the second place in the 2020 championship.

Following Valentino Rossi's last season in MotoGP, the departure of Petronas led to a more streamlined team being reestablished by Razlan Razali as RNF, initially partnering with Yamaha before switching to Aprilia equipment.

Zeelenberg played a pivotal role in navigating the team through turbulent times, including a failed partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued as team manager into the beginning of this year's Trackhouse period.

There is no expectation for a replacement for Zeelenberg, indicating that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities typical of a team manager.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Davide Tardozzi cautioned that Ducati is at risk of a public relations setback. "Certainly, that's going to hurt, there's no question about that…"

Davide Tardozzi has been warned that Ducati could be overshadowed in public relations if Aprilia reveals a #1 plate on their 2025 motorcycle.

Heading into this weekend's final MotoGP race in Barcelona, Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin is ahead by 24 points in the championship standings.

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He's the leading contender to secure his inaugural championship, yet he's set to join Aprilia in 2025. This implies that Ducati's competitor might showcase the prestigious #1 plate on Martin's motorcycle the following year.

Ducati team leader Tardozzi emphasized that they will be satisfied as long as Martin secures the championship riding a Ducati, no matter how next year's Aprilia looks.

Michael Laverty from TNT Sports expressed, "That's definitely going to hurt, there's no question about that."

Despite attempts to gloss over it by highlighting his status as a Ducati champion in the historical records, they will fall short in the public relations battle next year.

"Aprilia is set to achieve it. They'll definitely place the #1 plate on the Aprilia, without a doubt!"

"You would take advantage of it."

Francesco Bagnaia, the champion for the last two years, faces the huge task of staging a remarkable recovery in Barcelona if he wishes to keep his title.

He seemingly has limited support on the track – his teammate, Enea Bastianini, has no obligation to Ducati after being replaced for the 2025 season, and will be moving to KTM.

Marc Marquez is set to be Bagnaia's upcoming team partner, however, he is not expected to engage in the championship battle.

Laverty communicated to Ducati, stating, "It's not possible to compel action. They cannot make Enea assist. Martin has shown greater consistency with fewer errors.

"They have a two-time world champion, yet this year hasn’t favored Pecco."

Pramac is on the verge of an impressive achievement by securing the championship ahead of their main manufacturing team.

This marks an extraordinary conclusion to their partnership, as Pramac has committed to joining forces with Yamaha as a satellite project starting in 2025.

Neil Hodgson remarked, "It's significant. Being a satellite team, they lack the equivalent number of staff members.

"Moving to the main factory team is a significant advancement."

"For the first time in history, a satellite team has secured the MotoGP championship. This is a groundbreaking achievement, as previously, only those riding top-tier factory bikes, like Valentino Rossi in 2001, have clinched the title."

"However, we haven't experienced it, particularly to this extent."

For a satellite team to outperform a factory team? That's a significant achievement.

"Should it occur, being with Pramac? They're the approachable squad, always known for their warm demeanor.

"Paolo Campinoti, the team's manager, has dedicated 25 years and invested millions of personal funds into this racing circuit."

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

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Aleix Espargaro bids adieu to Aprilia MotoGP with high hopes: "We secured victories in three out of the last four contests"

Espargaro aims for the top in his final Aprilia MotoGP appearance: "Our performance here has been outstanding."

Aleix Espargaro aims to conjure up some more Montmelo magic in his last outing with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The hometown hero will conclude his two-decade long Grand Prix journey on Sunday, at the postponed Barcelona season ender, prior to embarking on a fresh role as a test and wild-card racer for Honda.

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Since teaming up with Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has consistently outperformed as the leading RS-GP competitor, achieving significant accomplishments including the team's inaugural pole position, podium finish, race victory, and leading position in the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's team-mate, will halt Espargaro's streak in 2024, entering the last race with a lead of 43 points over his compatriot, placing him in an unreachable eighth place.

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to outperform Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his impeccable performance over the COTA weekend. Nonetheless, Espargaro could have presented a stronger challenge had he not been sidelined by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

Regarding their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro leads, having secured flawless victories in both races last season, then achieved pole position and won the Sprint race in May, before finishing fourth in the grand prix, a whole 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Accordingly, expectations are elevated for Espargaro to enhance his Aprilia achievements, which include 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, in his final weekend 'dressed in black'.

"Barcelona feels like home turf to me. I really enjoy it, and it complements both my style and the Aprilia perfectly," Espargaro remarked.

"We've secured incredible outcomes in this competition. Out of the recent four races, we've clinched victories in three and currently possess the fastest lap time on this circuit. These accomplishments suggest that we have what it takes to maintain our leading position.

"I am eager to conclude my final race alongside Aprilia on a competitive note, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I'll aim to remain completely concentrated right from the start, and we'll put in our maximum effort to secure a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team director, expressed his excitement about Aleix concluding his tenure with Aprilia at his local circuit in Montmeló, highlighting the significance of his achievements there, including securing the fastest qualifying time and a victory in the sprint race this season.

Espargaro and Aprilia can breathe a sigh of relief as the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP during its last outing in Sepang are not expected to recur in the cooler autumn temperatures of Barcelona.

Conversely, the aerodynamic setup for 2024 seems to have diminished in performance during the high-speed turns at the Circuit de Catalunya, where Raul Fernandez captured attention riding the 2023 model bike in May.

Beyond his own showing this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin, who will be joining Aprilia in 2025, as he has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati come Saturday.

In the meantime, the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP will mark Vinales' last race with Aprilia, as he is set to move to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following a strong start with victories in the first three races, encompassing the Sprints, Vinales has failed to secure a podium spot thereafter. This has resulted in him falling behind the KTM riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

"Montmeló is a circuit that holds a special place in my heart; it's practically in my backyard and it's my local Grand Prix," Vinales expressed. "Being there always fills me with a lot of motivation."

"The forecast indicates that the weather conditions will be erratic, accompanied by cooler temperatures."

"This upcoming weekend promises to be extraordinary: we're heading to Valencia for a race, and it marks my final event competing with Aprilia, so I'm committed to putting in my utmost effort."

Vinales has competed in 64 events with Aprilia, securing one MotoGP victory, two Sprint wins, 13 podium finishes, and two pole positions.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the evolution of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes sprint race setup: "MotoGP lacks challenge"

Casey Stoner shares his opinions on the current MotoGP weekend structure

Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format in MotoGP, arguing that it unfairly influences the outcomes of the main races.

MotoGP launched a fresh race format in the previous year, featuring a sprint race every Saturday of each event, and Francesco Bagnaia clinched the 2023 championship title.

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Heading into the final race weekend of the season, Bagnaia is 24 points behind Jorge Martin in the standings. However, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 races held on Sundays, compared to Martin's three wins.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprints may play a key role in clinching his first championship, should he manage to transform his significant advantage into a victory. Securing a win in Barcelona's Saturday sprint will officially crown him as the champion.

Former champion Stoner expressed to GPOne, "The essence of motorsport is to showcase the top athletes competing on the most challenging vehicles to operate, yet currently, MotoGP has become too simplistic."

Riders lack sufficient mastery over the motorcycle. The contribution of engineers is becoming excessively influential.

"Subsequently, they introduced the sprint race, which diminishes the total track time available for focusing on the longer race."

"The concept of a world championship isn't meant to revolve around brief showcases; it's designed to be a test of stamina."

"Essentially, it's akin to declaring ‘alright, we’re setting up for a marathon, but now 10 laps doesn't cut it, it’s 43 kilometres!’"

"It's an exhausting and demanding task. Therefore, we require stability as the world championship is meant to be a marathon event."

"It's not feasible to rely on individuals who excel briefly, capable of handling the soft tyre. Consideration must be given to the entire race length."

"Additionally, earning points from these brief races isn't advisable as points are traditionally awarded on Sunday during the primary race."

Setting up a bike is quite challenging, ensuring you maintain concentration for the whole race.

"Currently, our attention is intensely centered on a single lap, emphasizing the significance of advancing through Q2 from the initial practice session."

"This halts everyone from focusing on preparing for the race, ensuring all preparations are complete."

"Consequently, it appears that the notable difference in performance among competitors on Sundays can be attributed to not all racers being adequately prepared for the speed of the race."

Taking into account electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated, "Overall, I believe the MotoGP motorcycle has become one of the simplest bikes to ride globally."

Stoner secured the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 with Honda.

His triumph with Ducati turned out to be a misleading sign of success for the company. For the following 15 years, they found themselves unable to clinch a championship, even after bringing on board renowned riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

In 2022, Bagnaia finally broke that curse, however, Stoner has consistently criticized the use of advanced technology in MotoGP bikes.

He has now strongly criticized the two-year-old system that might help Martin snatch the championship away from Bagnaia.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, his coverage spanning diverse areas including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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