Gigi Dall’Igna utterly captivated by intense all-Ducati showdown at Sepang

Ducati leader reflects on Malaysian MotoGP excitement

Gigi Dall’Igna shared his thoughts on the remarkable Malaysian MotoGP, which extended the championship battle to the last weekend.

Ducati's factory team member Francesco Bagnaia secured a victory in Sepang, outpacing Pramac’s contender Jorge Martin.

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Martin is currently ahead by 24 points in the championship standings before the last race in Barcelona, and he can secure the championship title by winning the sprint race there.

Ducati's leader, Dall'Igna, commended the Ducati pair following their outstanding performance at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

He stated, "Given what we've observed, what more is there to say? We experienced an incredibly intense rivalry, one for the history books of MotoGP, on a track that tested the riders with its challenging curves and extreme braking demands."

The initial laps were nothing short of thrilling, displaying a spectacle of sharp braking, maneuvering past competitors, interchanging paths, and swift retaking of positions; a performance where even the smallest opening was an opportunity to advance and recapture the forefront.

Pecco and Jorge celebrated the World Championship in a manner befitting genuine champions, but their actions went beyond mere competition. Through their mutual respect and fidelity, they elevated the spirit of our sport and paid tribute to the tireless dedication of everyone deeply involved in it daily.

"We take great pride in our team: cyclists who hold each other in high regard and show mutual respect, displaying a heartwarming scene of camaraderie with high fives and embraces in the parc fermé. Equally memorable were the humorous exchanges and remarks that perfectly capped off an exceptional day of sportsmanship."

As the race commenced, they confronted one another determinedly, unwavering in their resolve to succeed, driven by the desire to lead, especially given the intense heat that the pursuing motorcycle had to withstand.

The stakes were high for Pecco's victory to maintain the championship competition alive, as Jorge competed fiercely, not holding back and even taking unwarranted risks to remain ahead.

A gripping showdown unfolded, culminating in Bagnaia widening his advantage through a commanding speed, overpowering Martin’s efforts who ultimately yielded, recognizing his rival's unwavering resolve to prevail at all costs, particularly in light of the significant points secured by finishing second following Marc Marquez's departure.

"Bagnaia secures his tenth Grand Prix victory of the year, equalling the records set by the legends before him."

"The final race is set to be a spectacular celebration for Ducati, a fitting tribute to this Championship and its fans, and most importantly, a salute to our two champions. Alongside their teams, under the Ducati Corse emblem, they embody more than just an exceptional motorcycle. They represent a unique blend of elegance, philosophy, methodology, camaraderie, and a distinct essence of triumph…"

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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"I found myself crying" following the distressing incident involving Jack Miller

Describing the emotional upheaval experienced upon encountering Jack Miller later

The feeling of witnessing Jack Miller in the flesh following his terrifying accident has been depicted.

During the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday, an incident unfolded that involved KTM's Miller, his team member Brad Binder, and Yamaha racer Fabio Quartararo.

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Miller needed medical help on the track when the red flags were displayed, amid concerning circumstances.

He subsequently acknowledged his fortune in escaping without significant harm.

"Seeing that crash and watching Jack's helmet being violently twisted by the sticky back tire really frightened me," commentator Simon Crafar expressed.

"Contrary to riders who had to block it entirely, it remained present in my mind."

Honestly, seeing him return from the health clinic had me in tears.

"I was truly scared. We don't wish to witness Jack concluding his career, or anything more dire.

They're absolutely thrilled to find out he's okay. I caught a glimpse of him, and planted a kiss on his forehead! He had their little girl in his arms and was making his way out.

"The experience was incredibly frightening."

"MotoGP has become significantly safer compared to the era of 25-30 years ago when I was racing."

"First off, the circuits. It's rare for us to witness such frightening accidents that really shake us up, like this one."

"The effects of barriers are rarely witnessed. It has all disappeared."

Neil Hodgson of TNT Sports recounted a moment with Miller, noting, "I noticed him strolling through the paddock with his wife. When I mentioned, 'You had everyone concerned,' he casually replied, 'It's okay, I merely took a short nap.'"

"The problem stemmed from him evidently experiencing a slight concussion."

Miller expressed his gratitude towards Alpinestars for ensuring his safety during the crash.

The MotoGP officials deemed it a racing incident, a decision that KTM leader Francesco Guidotti concurred with.

KTM emphasized that the accident served as a vivid warning of the dangers their riders confront each time they take their positions at the start line.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Marc Marquez acknowledges "it's more than just the motorcycle"

Discussion with Marc Marquez "that clarified the situation"

Marc Marquez acknowledged the exceptional talent of his leading competitors during an event in Sepang, it has come to light.

Marquez has made a triumphant return to clinching victories this season after switching to a Gresini Ducati, an older model of the powerful motorcycle that Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin compete on.

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However, Bagnaia and Martin outpacing Marquez in the championship race isn't just about their equipment, he has admitted.

Commentator Simon Crafar remarked following the Malaysian MotoGP regarding Marquez, "His performance on Saturday was incredible, he attempted to replicate it but ended up sliding out at the front."

"He offered a remark that provided clarity."

I inquired about what sets the GP24 apart from the GP23.

He mentioned that during the quickest laps aimed at setting records, he's unable to equal the performance of Jorge and Pecco.

"They're going above and beyond, it's not solely about the bicycle."

"Receiving such commendation from him was significant. He's actively attempting to bridge that distance."

"Marc excelled during the competitions."

Securing a strong position during Saturday's qualifying sessions has consistently been a weak spot for Marquez throughout this season.

Nevertheless, he has outpaced his GP23 peers, providing evidence that his extraordinary talent has had an impact.

Despite their efforts, they have not managed to match the performance of Bagnaia and Martin, who are set to compete for the MotoGP title in the final race of the season.

Pramac team member Martin leads by 24 points ahead of the current champion and fellow factory team rider Bagnaia.

Martin is poised to secure his first-ever premier class championship should he triumph in the sprint race at the season's finale.

Barcelona has been selected to take over from Valencia as the host city, following severe flooding in the area. The event is scheduled to proceed on the weekend of November 15-17, as planned.

Marquez has dismissed suggestions that his participation in the season's last sprint and grand prix could impact the pivotal championship fight.

However, it's equally probable that he will keep fighting at the forefront, facing off against Bagnaia and Martin.

In the upcoming season, Marquez is set to upgrade to the most current Ducati model as he teams up with Bagnaia on the official squad. Naturally, Martin will make a move to Aprilia.

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

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Enea Bastianini "wasn't given tough treatment, and isn't entitled to remain" at Ducati. "You don't automatically get to hold onto your spot for over two years."

Enea Bastianini has been informed that he is "unworthy" of retaining his position at Ducati.

Earlier this season, the competition for Bastianini’s spot on the factory team next year narrowed down to a head-to-head battle between Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez.

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Marquez was chosen, which led to Martin leaving for Aprilia, and Bastianini is set to become a part of the revamped Tech3 KTM team.

Initially, Bastianini might influence the outcome of the MotoGP final race in Barcelona, where his teammate Pecco Bagnaia is competing against Martin for the championship.

Despite Marquez facing inquiries about potentially challenging the leading pair in the title race, it's possible that Bastianini could be the one to do so.

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports mentioned that the individual departing from Ducati could be motivated to demonstrate something.

"You aren't guaranteed permission to remain there for over two years."

He ranks fourth in the championship standings, trailing behind two GP24s, and therefore, he does not merit remaining in his current position.

"He hasn’t faced severe treatment. Over the course of two years, his performance has been overshadowed by his teammate, and he trails behind Marc on a GP23."

"Not everyone is qualified to be part of the top team."

Michael Laverty remarked, "It's a consistent trait throughout his career – I don't mean to be harsh, but he tends to be sluggish on Fridays."

"Enea finds his rhythm on Saturday and performs well on Sunday. This consistency places him among the top three globally, but it's not sufficient to secure the championship title."

Hodgson mentioned, "Since they rejected Martin, it's only natural they would also reject Bastianini."

There is a widespread belief among those in the racing community that Ducati has made the right moves. Many think that Marc will perform exceptionally well next year and has the potential to secure three or four championships in the future.

"I don't believe there was anything they could do regarding Martin because he felt disappointed."

"He was tough in his approach, and Marc matched that toughness. Marc might have ended up with Aprilia, most likely…"

In 2022, Bastianini secured the second-highest number of race victories, following Bagnaia, while riding for Gresini, which led to his promotion to the factory Ducati team, overtaking Martin.

However, a mishap during his initial race as an official team rider thwarted his inaugural season with Ducati.

Armed with top-tier equipment on the circuit, Bastianini has secured three grand prix victories for the official Ducati team.

In the upcoming year, he will be equipped with KTM factory equipment and will join Maverick Vinales in the Tech3 team.

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

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Marco Melandri has expressed his disapproval of Andrea Iannone's comeback to MotoGP, stating that Iannone was performing at the same level as riders did back in 2007. The ex-MotoGP competitor critiqued Iannone's performance during his return at the Sepang

Marco Melandri mentioned that he "anticipated" Andrea Iannone would "find it challenging to earn points" in his MotoGP comeback at the Malaysian Grand Prix, but he "didn't expect us to perform so poorly."

Following a four-year suspension for doping, which essentially concluded his MotoGP career, former grand prix and World Superbike race victor Iannone returned to the premier class for the first time since 2019, competing last weekend at Sepang.

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VR46 brought him on board to take over from Fabio Di Giannantonio, who concluded his season prematurely to undergo surgery for a dislocated left shoulder sustained in Austria.

Iannone demonstrated remarkable pace, finishing Friday morning in ninth place with new tires and securing 17th in the qualifying session. However, he was on track to achieve a faster time if not for a mistake during his fast lap.

Having been away from MotoGP racing for an extended period, Iannone faced physical challenges that affected his performance, causing him to finish second-to-last in both the sprint race and the grand prix.

Melandri, a racer who has won five MotoGP races, expressed that Iannone's comeback was more underwhelming than anticipated, noting that he was completing laps at a pace reminiscent of 2007.

Marco Melandri mentioned to Corsedimoto that there were high expectations for Andrea Iannone, particularly after his promising performance on Friday morning.

"Yet, not many people had replaced their tires. In Malaysia, fresh tires combined with cooler temperatures create a remarkable impact."

During the race, I anticipated that Iannone might have trouble earning points, but I didn't foresee him performing this poorly.

"I observed no improvement throughout the weekend. Starting from the midpoint of the race, the times were notably sluggish."

"He was matching the lap times that Casey Stoner and I achieved back in 2007. I believe he should aim to improve and has the potential to do so."

Although Melandri is accurate in noting that his lap times from 2007 were close to those recorded by Iannone last weekend, the substitute rider for VR46 maintained an average speed of 2 minutes 2.379 seconds at Sepang. This time placed him 47.599 seconds behind the leader, resulting in a 17th-place finish.

In 2007, Melandri's typical speed, which earned him a second-place finish, was 2 minutes and 2.784 seconds.

Melandri's critique does not take into account the actual circumstances. Although Iannone's impressive time on Friday morning, which placed him ninth, was somewhat misleading because he used new tires while many others did not, Melandri's remarks miss out on important aspects.

Iannone last rode a MotoGP bike during the Jerez test that took place after the 2019 season. Back then, aerodynamic advancements were not as progressed as they are currently, and Ducati had only recently started implementing ride height devices.

During the nearly five-year period of developing bikes and tires, Iannone was serving a four-year suspension for doping. Meanwhile, transitioning from a Superbike to a MotoGP bike is a rare feat where few have excelled in recent history.

Iannone did not have the opportunity to test the Ducati before his ride. In contrast, Alvaro Bautista, who was criticized by Iannone following the Malaysian Grand Prix, had the chance to test the GP23 before participating as a wildcard in Sepang last year, even though he finished the event while dealing with an injury.

By the conclusion of the first quarter, Iannone trailed Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro by just 0.076 seconds. During Iannone's time away, Espargaro had clinched three grand prix victories. Additionally, Iannone was only 0.314 seconds behind Marco Bezzecchi, his teammate from the VR46 team, who was in 14th place.

Iannone missed the chance to advance to Q2 by just 0.383 seconds. Despite facing challenges during the races, he confessed on Saturday that he himself, rather than the motorcycle, was the main obstacle. He compared riding a Superbike to riding a bicycle, especially when considering the intense physical requirements of MotoGP.

While Iannone's weekend might not be remarkable on paper, it doesn't imply that he didn't leave a mark.

Iannone disclosed that championship leader Jorge Martin contacted him and commented, "I've reviewed your data and observed your riding style," during their interaction at Sepang.

"I was thrilled to discover that at certain moments, I'm quite close to the other Ducati racers. However, the challenge for me is understanding the optimal braking points. I'm not yet familiar with the bike's braking capabilities, and I haven’t fully utilized the tires, brakes, or aerodynamics. Most importantly, I'm struggling to apply strong physical braking force."

"These are lessons you pick up while riding; you can't practice them at home. The SBK is completely different from this motorcycle."

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Luca Marini believes Honda has the potential to become the second strongest team in MotoGP, capable of preventing Ducati from dominating the championship. He remarked that Ducati seems to be operating on an entirely different level.

Luca Marini feels that Ducati is currently "dominating" MotoGP to an overwhelming extent. However, he sees potential for Honda to rise as the "second strongest contender in the championship" in the near future.

In 2024, Ducati has dominated its rivals, securing victories in 18 of the 19 grand prix races held this season.

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The team has easily secured the constructors' title and is set to clinch the riders' championship with one of its competitors. Additionally, it has already claimed the titles for teams, independent teams, and independent riders even before the season concludes.

In the manufacturers' standings, Honda has accumulated only 73 points, which pales in comparison to Ducati's impressive 685 points. Moreover, as of 2024, Honda has yet to have any of its riders finish in the top six in a grand prix event.

In 2024, Yamaha, competing against Japanese adversaries, has made progress, as evidenced by last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix. The event marked their highest points total of the year, earning 23 points, and saw their riders achieve a first top-six finish.

Marini has observed that Yamaha's advancements suggest Honda can also make progress, but they will need to "innovate" to compete with Ducati.

Nevertheless, he believes that through diligent and strategic efforts in the coming year, Honda has the potential to emerge as Ducati's primary competitor.

"They seem to be in a league of their own right now," he remarked regarding Ducati, after being passed by Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli due to crashes that pushed him down to 15th place in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We need to raise our standards and also figure out how to gain an advantage over them because, right now, they are dominating the championship in a way that's really overwhelming."

"We need to come up with a new solution. We will make an effort, as I believe Yamaha has recently made significant progress."

"[At Sepang], I believe they organized an excellent weekend."

"It is crucial for us to quickly return and enhance our performance without delay, as it is achievable at this moment."

"The other manufacturers are facing challenges, and if we act wisely and strategically, outsmarting our competitors, I believe we can become the second-leading force in the championship by making the right decisions in the upcoming year."

As the 2024 season progresses, Honda has been officially placed at the bottom of the manufacturers' standings, while Yamaha is secured in the fourth position. Only 37 points remain available for competition.

A possible change might occur in the battle for the second position between KTM and Aprilia, as there is a 31-point gap separating the two.

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Aspar team gathers €100,000 to aid Valencia flood victims

Through a GoFundMe initiative, the Aspar team successfully collected €100,000 to support those affected by the floods in Valencia.

The Aspar Team has collected more than €100,000, equivalent to £84,000, to support relief efforts for the floods in Valencia, thanks to a GoFundMe campaign they initiated just last week.

The Aspar team, based in Valencia, started their campaign on November 1st and impressively hit the €100,000 target within just three days. Contributions are still being accepted.

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Valencia experienced severe flooding last week, affecting the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, which was set to be the venue for the final and 20th round of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship. The floods caused substantial loss of life and inflicted considerable damage on buildings and infrastructure.

Due to the flooding, MotoGP revealed at the Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend that the Valencian Grand Prix has been canceled.

The arrangements for substituting the Valencia race have not been finalized yet. However, it is anticipated that the last round will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This track is situated to the northeast of Barcelona's city center, an area that experienced flooding on November 4.

In Malaysia, David Alonso from the Aspar Team secured his 13th Grand Prix victory during his championship-winning and record-setting Moto3 season. Meanwhile, in the Moto2 race, the team achieved third place with Izan Guevara, the 2022 Moto3 World Champion, as he earned his first podium finish in the intermediate class.

Francesco Bagnaia, who used to ride for the Aspar team, clinched victory in the MotoGP race. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin, Bagnaia’s former Aspar teammate during the Moto3 seasons of 2015 and 2016, secured the win in the MotoGP Sprint.

After the Malaysian Grand Prix, Bagnaia and Martin shared the podium and displayed the Valencian flag together.

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

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Aspar Collects €100,000 for Flood Relief in Valencia

The Aspar team successfully gathered €100,000 through its GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting those affected by the floods in Valencia.

The Aspar Team successfully collected more than €100,000 (approximately £84,000) to aid those affected by the floods in Valencia, thanks to a GoFundMe initiative they launched the previous week.

The Valencia-based Aspar team initiated their campaign on November 1, and within just three days, it surpassed €100,000. Donations are still being accepted.

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The Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, initially slated to be the venue for the 20th and concluding round of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, experienced severe flooding last week. This disaster has led to considerable loss of life and substantial damage to structures and infrastructure.

Due to the flooding, MotoGP declared the cancellation of the Valencian Grand Prix during the Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend.

The proposal to substitute the Valencia race has not yet been confirmed, although it is anticipated that the last race will occur at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This circuit is situated to the northeast of Barcelona's city center, which experienced flooding on November 4.

In Malaysia, David Alonso of the Aspar Team secured his 13th Grand Prix victory during a Moto3 season where he both won the title and set new records. Meanwhile, in the Moto2 event, 2022 Moto3 World Champion Izan Guevara earned his inaugural podium finish in the intermediate category by taking third place.

Francesco Bagnaia, previously a rider for the Aspar team, clinched victory in the MotoGP race. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin, who shared the Aspar team with Bagnaia during the Moto3 seasons of 2015 and 2016, emerged as the winner of the MotoGP Sprint.

After the Malaysian Grand Prix, Bagnaia and Martin shared the podium, displaying the Valencian flag together.

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

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Yamaha's moment of happiness? | Key takeaways from Sepang

Fabio Quartararo showcased his exceptional talent again in Malaysia.

The battle for the MotoGP championship is set for a thrilling conclusion, as Francesco Bagnaia stays in contention by securing a win at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The current titleholder is facing significant challenges in maintaining his championship status. A mishap during the sprint competition has resulted in Jorge Martin taking a 24-point lead, with only one more round remaining.

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With the title competition intensifying, the event's location has not been determined due to severe flooding in Valencia, which led to the cancellation of the race at Ricardo Tormo.

The MotoGP series plans to conclude the season in Barcelona from November 15 to 17. However, heavy flooding in the city on Monday, November 4, has raised doubts about the final event.

In the face of uncertainty, the MotoGP community united to show their support for the residents of Valencia.

In other news, Yamaha had its most successful weekend of the season. Fabio Quartararo finished in sixth place during the grand prix, despite racing on a motorcycle that was not originally meant for him.

Andrea Iannone made a comeback to grand prix racing, participating for the first time since 2019, and showcased impressive speed on the VR46 Ducati.

These are the top five highlights from the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2024.

Quartararo Excels During Yamaha's Top Weekend of the Year

Fabio Quartararo concluded Yamaha's strongest weekend performance of the season by securing an impressive sixth place in a 19-lap grand prix, despite the M1 not performing at its peak.

The 2021 world champion found themselves entangled in an incident at Turn 2, initiated by Brad Binder. This event also included a frightening crash involving Jack Miller, who, fortunately, was able to walk away unharmed.

Quartararo had to begin the restart on his backup motorcycle, which featured a somewhat used rear tire and an engine that had seen better days. Nonetheless, he managed to outpace Maverick Vinales, who was riding for Aprilia, by 3.2 seconds and finished just shy of three seconds behind the leading non-Ducati competitor.

Fellow competitor Alex Rins achieved his highest placement of the year, finishing in eighth position. This accomplishment followed Yamaha's impressive performance with two riders in Q2. Additionally, Quartararo emerged as the leading non-Ducati rider in the sprint race.

Throughout the year, Yamaha has been dedicated to enhancing the M1, introducing a new engine at Sepang. Although Quartararo's engine failed on Friday, this setback didn't slow him down, as the most significant improvements were achieved in the electronics area.

A significant alteration in the settings returned greater control to the riders. Although this required a distinctly different method of handling the Yamaha, it eventually enabled them to maintain their competitive edge.

As Yamaha gears up for a hectic winter, the promising outcomes from the latter part of the season's flyaway races offer a solid base to prepare for the 2025 season.

An amazing picture features Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia posing with the Valencian flag on the podium ❤️📸 @ducaticorse #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/6n8WjowcCH— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 4, 2024

Bagnaia's Rollercoaster Journey

Heading into the Malaysian Grand Prix, Jorge Martin had a slim opportunity to secure the championship title, as he led Bagnaia by 17 points in the overall rankings.

The victory in the sprint race increased the lead to 29 points as Bagnaia fell from the podium positions. This marked Bagnaia's eighth failure to finish this year, occurring shortly after he impressively secured pole position over Martin in an exciting qualifying session.

Bagnaia had to give it his all in the grand prix to ensure the competition continued into the final race. During the initial three laps, the two competitors were fiercely battling, switching positions a total of 13 times. In the end, Bagnaia emerged victorious and secured his 10th grand prix victory of the season, finishing more than three seconds ahead.

Facing a critical situation, Bagnaia showed an impressive confidence reminiscent of his previous win against Marc Marquez at the Spanish Grand Prix. Although securing five points might be crucial, the 48 points Martin has accumulated over him in sprint races this season seem likely to dash his competitor's championship dreams.

Martin matched Bagnaia's performance, but chose to ride wisely when Bagnaia's speed was unmatched. Throughout 2024, Martin's unwavering consistency has allowed the Pramac rider to comfortably follow Bagnaia's lead as the season comes to a close.

Martin seems to have the upper hand with a 24-point lead. However, the Sepang race showed that Bagnaia is not going to give up without a fight.

Pedro Acosta is showing growth and development

As Pedro Acosta's first year in the top category comes to a close, he might finish without the victory many anticipated for him in 2024. However, this doesn't take away from the reality that it has been a remarkable, albeit slightly error-filled, debut in the premier class for the 20-year-old.

Following his second-place finish at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Acosta experienced a five-race streak with no points. This prompted him to recognize the necessity for a different strategy.

After a lackluster qualifying session, he found himself starting from 13th position on the grid at Sepang. Despite the challenging heat, he managed to secure a point in the sprint race. During the main race, he impressively climbed to fifth place. He finished approximately 1.4 seconds behind Alex Marquez, who was in fourth, and believed he could have challenged the Gresini rider if he hadn't worn out his front tire while pushing to reach the top five.

In the last five laps, a brief stint at the front led him to concede and settle for fifth place. However, his reaction following this event revealed a noticeable change in the Tech3 rider's outlook.

Acosta mentioned that it was important to realize that sometimes doing less can actually mean achieving more when it comes to competing for a championship. Reflecting on this, he pointed out how many points he had missed out on due to crashes during races.

With Brad Binder unable to participate in the Malaysian Grand Prix, Acosta has climbed back to fifth place in the rankings. His fresh, systematic strategy may position him as the leading KTM rider by the end of the 2024 season.

Controversial Racer Stages Remarkable Return

VR46 has formally announced that Andrea Iannone will make his comeback to MotoGP, stepping in for Fabio Di Giannantonio. Di Giannantonio recently had surgery on his left shoulder, and the decision was made on the Tuesday before the Malaysian Grand Prix.

During the weekend in Thailand, there were widespread rumors, which led to differing opinions on the matter.

Andrea Iannone made his comeback to MotoGP at the same event where his doping scandal began five years ago, but his return didn't make significant headlines. On Thursday in Sepang, Iannone appeared much more content as he spoke to the press. By Friday, some of his former prowess was evident on the track, as he concluded the first practice session in ninth place on the GP23.

During the qualifying session, Iannone continued to show strong performance, securing the 17th position in Q1. He was only a few tenths of a second away from surpassing his VR46 teammate Marco Bezzecchi, had it not been for a late error. However, the demanding nature of today's MotoGP bikes took a significant toll on Iannone physically, and he was only able to outperform Lorenzo Savadori in both races.

It remains uncertain if he will participate in the season's last race, but should this mark Iannone's final appearance on a MotoGP bike, he can look back on it as evidence of his capability to succeed in the top tier of racing, provided he had made better use of his chances.

MotoGP racers showed their resilience and respect in response to the devastating floods in Valencia. These floods, which resulted in over 200 fatalities and caused significant destruction, brought a somber atmosphere to the MotoGP community as they congregated at the Sepang International Circuit.

As the paddock focused on the welfare of Valencia's residents, there were also concerns about the fate of the concluding event, scheduled for November 15-17 at Ricardo Tormo.

As of Friday, the event was called off, but many riders had already voiced their apprehensions about competing in Valencia due to the tragic circumstances. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia had essentially warned that he might refuse to participate.

"I am willing to sacrifice my main objective of winning the championship because I am not ready to compete in Valencia," he stated on Friday. Reflecting on the Valencia Grand Prix the day before, he remarked, "It's a time to appreciate. Given the current circumstances, participating would be inappropriate. We always maintain great respect for global events, and since we all share the same world, racing there might be misguided."

Jorge Martin announced that he plans to give the prize money from his victory in the sprint race at Sepang to support relief initiatives in Valencia. Meanwhile, the Aspar team, which operates out of that area, launched a GoFundMe campaign that had collected nearly €100,000 by Monday evening.

Before the sprint race began, everyone in the MotoGP paddock gathered to observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to the people of Valencia.

In the face of uncertainty regarding the outcome of the championship, both title contenders, Bagnaia and Martin, along with the entire MotoGP lineup, showcased a commendable response to the tragic events in Valencia.

The future is uncertain, as a suggested alternative race in Barcelona for the same date has yet to receive confirmation. This proposal is now in question due to Monday's flooding in the city.

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Headline: New Date and Venue Announced for MotoGP Season Finale

Valencia Substitute and Date Set for Last Race

The series has announced that the last race of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship will occur at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

An announcement on MotoGP's official social media channels has verified that the race is scheduled to occur at the Catalan track, aligning with predictions made following last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.

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Furthermore, the Barcelona race is scheduled for November 15-17, coinciding with the originally planned dates for the Valencian Grand Prix.

Last week, the race in Valencia was called off because of severe flooding that started in the area on Tuesday.

Spain's eastern coastline has been experiencing more adverse weather conditions this week, with Barcelona facing flooding on November 4th.

The event taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, previously the venue for the Catalan Grand Prix earlier this year, is still unnamed. However, MotoGP has announced that the race "will be conducted in support of the Community of Valencia."

The announcement of the last round taking place in Barcelona indicates that there will be a 20th round where the MotoGP championship will be concluded.

Prior to last weekend's event in Sepang, the championships for both Moto2 and Moto3 had already been decided. Ai Ogura clinched the Moto2 World Championship in Thailand, while David Alonso claimed the Moto3 title in Japan.

The outcome of the MotoGP World Championship remains unresolved as Jorge Martin holds a 24-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia, heading into the final race in Barcelona.

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

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Alex Marquez aims to benefit from the MotoGP improvements coming in 2025. "With two fewer Ducatis in the competition, […] it works in our favor…"

The upcoming 2025 MotoGP World Championship offers Alex Marquez a chance that he believes he must "capitalize on" as a rider for Gresini Ducati.

Marquez plans to continue with the Gresini team for another year in 2024, marking his third season with the Italian squad. He will also receive an equipment upgrade, moving from the Desmosedici GP23 to the GP24, a bike that has already claimed victory in 15 out of 19 Grands Prix in the 2024 season.

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However, Marquez will be one year behind the Ducati riders who have factory contracts ensuring they have the latest motorcycles by 2025. These riders include Fabio Di Giannantonio from the VR46 team, as well as Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia from the official Ducati team.

In 2024, Michelin rolled out a new rear tyre design, altering the usual dynamics. Traditionally, the early season has been an opportunity for satellite teams to capitalize on their slightly older, yet upgraded equipment, utilizing data from the previous year. This advantage typically wanes as factory teams start to enhance their brand-new bikes and make significant progress.

"We should capitalize on this opportunity," Marquez remarked on the Thursday preceding the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram, when discussing the transition from the GP23 to the GP24.

Marquez expressed caution, pointing out that although GP24 currently holds a strong position, it is uncertain how rival manufacturers will progress during the winter and at the start of the upcoming season.

"There will be a reduction of two Ducati bikes on the track, which ultimately benefits us."

"Being a satellite team with a good bike means that, in the initial three or four races, you don't set concrete goals because it's uncertain how much progress the other manufacturers will make."

"Therefore, the outcome will be determined by that factor."

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

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Alvaro Bautista responds to Andrea Iannone's cheeky "faster" remark with a jab of his own

Fiery exchange on social media between WSBK competitors

Alvaro Bautista has responded to a nuanced allegation made by Andrea Iannone in Sepang.

After making his return to MotoGP in Malaysia, Iannone joked that he discovered he was quicker than Bautista last year.

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"I acquired this knowledge."

Iannone returned to MotoGP competition for the first time since 2019, participating at the same circuit where Bautista competed as a wildcard entry the previous year.

In 2023, Bautista, much like Iannone, competed on a Ducati and ended up in 17th place during his first MotoGP event in four years.

Last year at Sepang, Bautista secured the second-to-last qualifying spot and finished in 22nd place during the sprint race.

Iannone equaled Bautista's position of 17th place in the grand prix during this year's event.

However, his assertion about being quicker has been challenged.

"Wow… I'm so relieved that there are moments like this," Bautista responded to Iannone on social media.

"In fact, he completed the course two minutes quicker than I did, even though he had one fewer lap."

"If you subtract one lap from my time and compare it to his 19 laps, I’m actually three seconds faster, even though I'm injured."

In the previous year, Bautista disclosed that he was dealing with an injury from an earlier accident, which affected his MotoGP wildcard experience in Sepang.

In this season's World Superbike Championship, Bautista and Iannone have been fiercely competing against each other.

Bautista admitted defeat in the WSBK championship to Toprak Razgatlioglu and secured third place overall. In his comeback season following a four-year suspension, Iannone achieved a seventh-place finish.

In 2025, both of them are set to return to the World Superbike Championship. As for making a comeback in MotoGP, it's uncertain at

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of events, including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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