EXCLUSIVE – Carchedi on Aldeguer: Remarkable Improvement, Shattered Windscreen, Ambitions for 2025

"Carchedi believes Fermin is set to astonish many this season"

By assisting eight-time world champion Marc Marquez in revitalizing his MotoGP career with 20 podium finishes, of which three were wins, while at Gresini, crew chief Frankie Carchedi is now teaming up with newcomer Fermin Aldeguer for the 2025 season.

Aldeguer, after securing his position with Ducati by excelling in the final stages of the 2023 Moto2 season, despite finishing fifth in the previous year's championship, embarked on his first MotoGP appearance at the Barcelona test in November.

The young rider from Spain surpassed Moto2's current champion, Ai Ogura of Trackhouse Aprilia, securing the position of quickest newcomer in 20th, with a time that was 1.761 seconds behind his team member and the top performer in the test, Alex Marquez.

On the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi shared that the test presented significant challenges for the new riders, primarily because of the cold weather and the absence of soft front tires, a situation that arose due to the unexpected switch of the season's final race from Valencia to Barcelona.

"Carchedi mentioned, "There was a minor mishap, yet given the challenging circumstances, it could have been much worse. Every newcomer had a moment in the gravel, which honestly didn't come as a shock. Nonetheless, the trial was overall quite encouraging."

"He mentioned that by the second or third lap, you start getting used to the pace. However, definitely, when we analyzed the data, it was clear that braking was the aspect where there was significant room for enhancement."

"Perhaps we exerted a bit too much pressure on him!"

However, once informed about the areas requiring enhancement, Carchedi disclosed that Aldeguer took a 'frightening' leap in terms of performance.

Something that truly stood out to us was during a session where we reviewed [the braking], by the following exit, he had significantly narrowed the gap with the leading riders. Honestly, it was a bit alarming because it made us wonder if we had perhaps encouraged him a bit too aggressively.

"It's important to keep in mind that how a rider is positioned on the bike, essentially their comfort and fit, plays a huge role in MotoGP. When it comes to a newcomer, figuring out the right fit during [the initial test] is largely speculative."

"We consider the placement of the other riders and have placed him somewhat centrally, but there's additional effort required on this aspect over the winter."

"Our windshield was indeed shattered…"

Standing at 1.81 meters, Aldeguer towers among the riders. The importance of him moving his body more to the back was vividly demonstrated as the Spaniard shattered the windshield with his helmet while attempting a practice start!

"Carchedi disclosed that they focused primarily on mastering the ride-height mechanism throughout most of the morning, and he was able to grasp it quite rapidly. They didn't discuss the starting process or the controls involved at all."

"We approached it gradually, and as the day came to a close, the cooler weather led us to perform some trial starts at the pit lane's exit [prior to the designated start practice session concluding the test]."

"Jumping directly onto the grid to perform his inaugural practice start in full view of everyone would have been somewhat unjust – however, as observed, we ended up with a shattered windscreen regardless!"

"The unexpected twist emerges in the second weekend of racing"

Despite being at different stages in their MotoGP journeys, Carchedi pointed out that Marquez and Aldeguer share common ground in adjusting to a fresh motorcycle.

"He mentioned that there are indeed parallels with [2024]," he expressed. "The challenges aren't overly difficult since you have an entire day on the track. It's something you can strategize for. With two motorcycles at your disposal, everything tends to be pretty clear-cut. You're able to pace yourself and achieve a solid performance level. Therefore, it's common to witness many newcomers performing exceptionally well in the initial race.

The unexpected twist occurs during the second racing weekend, at a circuit where prior testing hasn't happened. You're limited to roughly 20 laps in the first practice session before you need to shift gears into qualifying mode to secure a spot directly in Q2.

"That's when you experience a sudden jolt."

"We have around five to six days allocated for testing at Sepang, which should be sufficient for even a newcomer to become competitive. Similarly, for the inaugural race weekend in Thailand, the preceding test in Buriram is expected to level the playing field."

"However, the journey begins with the first fresh circuit, taking place in Argentina."

"In Joan [Mir's debut with Suzuki in 2019], he was close to securing a podium finish up until the final few laps of his inaugural race in Qatar. He performed exceptionally well. However, the subsequent race took place in Argentina, which presented a totally different set of challenges.

"As I mentioned earlier, there are 20 laps ahead of you, followed by a qualifying round. Currently, in MotoGP, the position you start in significantly influences your performance and strategies during the races. This process will require some time."

"The focus is consistently on moving forward"

When questioned about his ambitions for Aldeguer in 2025, as he competes against Ogura and Somkiat Chantra for the premier rookie award, Carchedi responded:

"I've consistently maintained with past riders, and it will be no different for Fermin, that my focus is on continuous improvement. So, if you start off by placing 20th in the initial race, but each subsequent race shows improvement, then you've met your objective. This sets you up for success in the next year."

"If you have a year with highs and lows… It might feel good to secure a top-three finish in the fifth or sixth race, but if you end up in 20th place in the following race, it ultimately doesn't pay off."

"Reflecting on our beginnings with Diggia in 2023, the focus was on achieving consistent progress. The approach will be identical with Fermin."

"The real challenge arises when you secure a podium finish in the opening race, as enhancing your performance throughout the season from that point on will be tough!"

"I anticipate that over the course of the year, we'll see our competitiveness increase, rather than fluctuating based on whether a track suits us or not. There should be a consistent rise in our performance."

"He achieved his quickest lap time while conserving the most tire wear," Carchedi noted. He emphasized that initially, it would be more advantageous for Aldeguer to focus on fine-tuning the setup instead of risking everything to secure a direct spot in Q2 during Friday's afternoon session.

Carchedi emphasized that at the beginning of the season, it wouldn't be wise to arrive at a new circuit, complete 20 laps, and then hastily attempt to secure a spot in Q2 by pushing too hard.

"It's more beneficial to focus on tuning your motorcycle, and once you're prepared to truly challenge the limits to advance into Q2, that's the time to act. Thus, we'll proceed in a manner similar to our approach during the [Barcelona] test.

"A standout aspect of the test was his ability to manage tyre wear effectively. It goes beyond merely speeding on a bike; it's about maintaining a swift pace while ensuring the tyres don't wear out to the point of requiring a pit stop mid-race!

"In fact, on the latest set of tires, he achieved his quickest lap and exhibited the most efficient tire usage."

"In essence, the focus will be on elements such as tyre durability because, frankly, starting further back in the lineup doesn't preclude gaining positions. Should your tyres withstand the entire race, it's likely you'll effortlessly move up five or six spots regardless."

"Each person sets their own objectives and aspirations. We've established our own, focusing on what we aim to accomplish, particularly during the initial stages."

"Fermin is set to leave a remarkable impression on many this year," Carchedi expressed, further emphasizing his lack of worry regarding Aldeguer's challenging Moto2 season the previous year.

The anticipated frontrunner going into the season, despite securing the same number of victories as champion Ogura in the inaugural season featuring Pirelli tyres, ended up nearly 100 points adrift of the Japanese racer due to failing to score in seven races, resulting in Aldeguer concluding the season significantly behind.

The switch in tire supplier for Moto2 led to challenges for numerous competitors. It appeared that each leading rider experienced a phase of three to four races where they dominated, only to face significant struggles in the following three to four events.

"In light of it being the inaugural season with Pirelli tires and all that entails, I believe it's not something to overly dwell on. Honestly, the way Fermin wrapped up the [2023] season was nothing short of phenomenal. He emerged as the sole contender capable of challenging Pedro, whom we recognize as a top-tier competitor."

"I believe Fermin is going to surprise many individuals this year."

On Saturday, January 18th, Gresini is set to unveil its 2025 MotoGP season efforts, showcasing team members Aldeguer and Alex Marquez during the team's official presentation.

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

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Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez share the racetrack for their initial joint session in the 2025 MotoGP season build-up.

Last week in Spain, Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez took to the circuit side by side as they ramped up their training for the upcoming 2025 MotoGP championships.

Marquez spent his day at the Aspar Circuit getting acquainted with the Ducati Panigale V2, his initial ride on the motorcycle since joining the Ducati factory team. This new model is lighter yet not as robust as its predecessor, an advantage of Marquez's recent role with Ducati.

Jorge Martin and Marc Márquez spotted sharing the circuit 📸👀 Photo by Manu Tormo at the Aspar Circuit pic.twitter.com/TrUgqJKh2R— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 12, 2025

Conversely, Martin was experiencing the Aprilia RSV4 for the first time, a bike that might be considered too powerful for what is fundamentally a karting track at the Aspar Circuit. This occasion marked his inaugural ride on the track since his official Aprilia team agreement commenced at the start of January.

The pair not only spent time together at the racetrack, but they also shared a few laps, closely observing each other's performance ahead of the official MotoGP tests scheduled for February.

This off-season wasn't the inaugural occasion for Martin and Marquez to pair up for a ride, as the Spanish duo had previously hit the motocross tracks together back in December.

A major narrative during the 2024 MotoGP campaign, which culminated in Martin securing his inaugural championship in the top division, centered around Ducati's selection of a teammate for Francesco Bagnaia in the Ducati Lenovo Team for the upcoming 2025 and 2026 MotoGP seasons.

Marquez and Martin were both contenders for the coveted second Ducati team spot, competing alongside Enea Bastianini. Prior to the Italian Grand Prix, it appeared that Martin was set to team up with Bagnaia. However, following the conclusion of the post-race testing at Mugello, Ducati opted for Marquez, leading Martin to secure a position with Aprilia.

Looking ahead to 2025, the story will focus on Martin's attempt to disrupt Ducati's supremacy in the racing circuit with Aprilia, the sole brand besides Ducati that secured a victory in 2024. Attention will also be on how he stacks up against Marquez and Bagnaia, who are widely regarded as the top contenders for the championship title this year.

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Carlo Pernat Reveals Why He and MotoGP Rider Enea Bastianini Parted Ways

Pernat Discusses the Shift in Bastianini’s Representation

Carlo Pernat attributes the end of his managerial relationship with KTM MotoGP racer Enea Bastianini primarily to his own declining health.

Throughout his extensive career, Pernat has guided numerous notable riders, including Andrea Iannone and Loris Capirossi. He has served as Bastianini's personal manager since the latter's early days in Moto3, a period during which Bastianini has clinched victory in seven MotoGP races.

Just last week, the London-based firm MSM declared that Bastianini had joined its lineup of represented talents.

Amid financial turmoil and an unpredictable future in MotoGP for KTM, rumors have emerged suggesting that this situation led to Bastianini's split with Pernat.

In an interview with GPOne, Pernat disclosed that his declining health, preventing him from attending races, led Bastianini to look for new management.

"Pernat opened up, stating, 'I'm dealing with a health issue. I've been diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema, which means I can't travel anymore. Being a manager, I used to attend all the races.'"

"I had discussed it with Enea, and it's appropriate that he made his decision.

"All the experiences we shared remain memorable. Our journey began in Moto3, he clinched a championship in Moto2, and ultimately, we fulfilled our aspiration of joining the official Ducati team."

Dressed in red, he faced misfortune, missing an entire year because of an injury. The decision to go with KTM also presents its challenges, yet it seemed like the most sensible option for both parties at that moment.

"However, it turned out not to be as great as expected. This similar situation occurred with both [Dani] Pedrosa and [Maverick] Vinales as well."

In response to allegations suggesting that Bastianini had terminated him, he clarified, stating, “That’s incorrect. My health is the actual issue.

"This move was necessary to maintain a manager's professionalism towards their athlete."

"Enea possesses exceptional skills, and I've committed to supporting him offstage. We've come to an understanding. My primary objective for this year is to improve."

Pernat mentions that the KTM circumstance contributed merely "20%" to the decision for the separation.

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Footage emerges of Valentino Rossi's accident at Tavullia's Americana

During the yearly 100km of Champions flat track competition, Valentino Rossi experienced a crash in the Americana race.

Video footage showcasing the moment Valentino Rossi met with an accident during the Americana race at the 100km of Champions flat track competition last weekend has been released.

The video, captured by a camera attached to Rossi's helmet and shared on his Instagram account, depicts Rossi's accident at the last, extremely narrow left-turn hairpin that concludes the 'double-oval' circuit at the VR46 Motor Ranch, the venue for the Americana race.

Check out this Instagram post from Valentino Rossi (@valeyellow46)

After Rossi's fall, HRC MotoGP competitor Luca Marini emerged victorious in the Americana race, which adopts a knockout style, on Friday night.

Marini joined forces with his half-sibling Rossi for the premier 100km event that took place on Saturday afternoon, where they secured a second-place finish.

Lorenzo Baldassarri and Elia Bartolini secured the third position.

Diogo Moreira and the eight-time Supermoto World Champion, Thomas Chareyre, emerged victorious.

The 2025 occurrence marked the tenth installment of the "100km of Champions," an annual flat track competition organized by Rossi at his VR46 Motor Ranch, attracting an elite roster of racers each year.

At this year's event, in addition to Rossi and the previously mentioned participants, attendees included three-time World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Michael Dunlop, who has claimed victory at the Isle of Man TT 29 times, Davey Todd, the champion of the 2024 Senior TT, Pedro Acosta, a two-time World Champion, Enea Bastianini, Franco Morbidelli, and Augusto Fernandez, all of whom have won the Moto2 World Championship, Lasse Kurvinen, a double Flat Track World Champion, and Sammy Halbert, a former AMA Flat Track Champion.

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MotoGP team leaders scrutinized as a critical underperformer is pinpointed

Analysts forecast which MotoGP team manager will face challenges in 2025

Journalists at Crash.net pinpoint the MotoGP team leader who is set to face significant examination this season…

Alex Whitworth: This year, Aki Ajo faces a bit of scrutiny after stepping in for Francesco Guidotti at Red Bull KTM, who was let go due to poor performance. However, it's truly HRC that must make a significant improvement.

The downturn of the Japanese brand has been evident for the past five seasons, and they have now parted ways with both Repsol and Marc Marquez.

Last year, Johann Zarco stood out for the brand by managing to make it into Q2 on several occasions and securing a few top-10 finishes.

Towards the latter part of 2024, indications of progress began to emerge, yet it is crucial for tangible outcomes to materialize in 2025 for HRC and its leader, Koji Watanabe.

Derry Munikartono: Leading Honda's MotoGP initiative, Alberto Puig faces significant pressure to ensure success.

The past few years have been particularly challenging for what used to be a dominant force in MotoGP, to the extent that they've seen the departure of Marc Marquez and Repsol, their supporter for three decades.

Honda reacted by infusing their technical team with a touch of European sophistication. They enlisted Aleix Espargaro as the test rider, who in turn introduced former Aprilia technical leader Romano Albesiano as the new Technical Director.

Puig is aware that, with the strong team supporting him, it's his responsibility to guide Honda back to their rightful position at the pinnacle of the MotoGP standings.

Lewis Duncan: In 2025, Paolo Pavesio will be assuming a significant role as he succeeds Lin Jarvis as the team manager for the factory Yamaha team, filling some large shoes in the process.

Since his involvement with Yamaha's MotoGP initiative in the late 1990s, Jarvis has played a pivotal role. In his last year, he successfully secured a fresh two-year agreement for Fabio Quartararo, alongside Alex Rins, and established a leading satellite collaboration with Pramac for Yamaha.

He made every effort to steer the manufacturer onto the correct path as he steps down. Considering the advancements Yamaha has achieved with its M1, Pavesio needs to seamlessly take over from where Jarvis concluded and continue guiding the course as it is.

Jordan Moreland: Considering the significant position, my pick would be Aki Ajo with KTM.

Considering his successful history in the junior categories, KTM likely views him as the key element to propel the brand into a Championship contention, a milestone they have yet to achieve in their MotoGP endeavor.

Peter McLaren: According to Martin Brundle, in F1, you're either applying pressure or feeling it; there's no middle ground. This concept also holds true in MotoGP.

Ducati's supremacy is exerting strain on the remaining four manufacturers.

Aprilia faces the challenge of leveraging their acquisition of newly crowned world champion, Jorge Martin, to its fullest potential.

KTM, despite facing economic challenges, is feeling the heat to break their winless streak and seriously contend for a championship title.

Yamaha and Honda face significant pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements and aim for top-three finishes by 2025.

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Jorge Martin's potential for victory with Aprilia in MotoGP is endorsed by competitor lacking comparable skill

"I've consistently held the view that battling for a championship with Aprilia is within our reach"

Aleix Espargaro is of the opinion that Jorge Martin has the potential to achieve success with Aprilia in MotoGP, attributing this to Martin's victory on the bike, despite not possessing even a fraction of the talent that elite riders such as Espargaro himself hold.

Current MotoGP world champion Martin transitions to the official Aprilia team for the next season after missing out on a promotion to the Ducati factory team.

Martin, who secured the 2024 championship over Francesco Bagnaia riding a Pramac-operated GP24, has decided against aiming for the title again in 2025 during his inaugural year with the RS-GP.

However, having secured three grand prix victories with Aprilia before hanging up his helmet in late 2024, Espargaro is convinced that his ability to perform well on the RS-GP undeniably showcases Martin's talent.

"Espargaro has always held the conviction that competing for the world championship with Aprilia is within reach, expressing this belief with absolute honesty," he remarked during a DAZN documentary, while also being slated to join Honda as a test rider in 2025.

"I lack even a fraction of the skill that title contenders demonstrate, yet I've managed to secure victories on this motorcycle, achieved pole positions, and broken records at numerous circuits."

"I'm not guaranteeing Jorge can accomplish it this year, but he'll definitely get a chance to express himself."

In November, Martin had his initial trial with the RS-GP in Barcelona, during which Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, observed that the feedback from the Spanish rider was surprisingly positive.

In 2025, Marco Bezzecchi will team up with him, as Fabiano Sterlacchini takes over the role of technical director from Romano Albesiano, who is moving to Honda.

Espargaro cautioned that by 2025, Pedro Acosta is expected to pose a significant challenge at the leading edge of the race, despite Ducati's present dominance over its competitors.

"My previous squad is performing admirably, yet KTM has the privilege of having an extraordinary talent like Pedro on their side.

"Certainly, he stands as a strong contender for the title, even though the Desmosedici currently outperforms the competition significantly."

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Could the dread of not succeeding motivate Honda to make a comeback before the MotoGP regulations are altered? In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the panel delves into Honda's prospects for 2025.

Heading into the 2025 MotoGP season, Honda is looking to rebound from one of its most challenging years in the top division, where it secured only 75 points and failed to achieve any podium finishes.

The previous season represented the third time in five years that the underperforming Japanese brand failed to secure a win, following the departure of Marc Marquez from the company at the close of 2023.

Throughout 2024, Honda experienced modest advancements, with Johann Zarco, its leading rider, ranking 17th in the standings and achieving his highest race finish of eighth place during the rain-affected Thailand Grand Prix.

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HRC aims to capitalize on the progress achieved with its RC213V towards the end of the 2025 season. However, with a significant change in regulations expected in 2027, the question arises: when will the team consider the upcoming two seasons as a period of transition?

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, Lewis Duncan, the Senior Journalist for Crash.net, mentioned that Honda will eventually need to accept the challenges of 2025 and 2026 and concentrate their efforts on 2027.

"Additionally, reflecting on the previous significant overhaul of regulations, they didn't adeptly transition into the era of 1000cc."

Casey Stoner really disliked that motorcycle because it vibrated excessively. This issue was partly attributed to the Bridgestone tires in use then. Additionally, Honda faced a challenging period during 2012.

The situation appeared more promising than it actually was when you consider the competitive environment back then, which suggested that if you were riding a factory Yamaha or Honda, victory was almost guaranteed. This is no longer true today.

"When we transitioned from 990cc to 800cc engines, Honda missed the mark. The initial two to three years turned out to be quite challenging."

"Honda has a track record of struggling to adapt quickly to new regulations. They face a challenging decision on how much effort and resources to invest in improving their current standing while determining the right time to shift their focus entirely towards preparations for 2027."

MotoGP Editor Peter McLaren is contemplating whether the apprehension of not succeeding in the present age of advanced aerodynamics and ride height mechanisms might actually motivate Honda to make a swift comeback before the year 2027.

"Reflecting on Honda's historical challenges, he mentioned that it seems they prefer to emerge victorious following a specific set of guidelines."

The closure of the 500cc period and the conclusion of the 990s era marks a pivotal moment. The position of MotoGP within the grand scheme of things, given its substantial corporate stature, remains somewhat uncertain. After enduring years of setbacks and reaching a nadir, the introduction of new regulations presents a unique challenge. Historically, such moments have spurred an engineering-driven resurgence, motivated by a desire to demonstrate mastery over the technical regulations before they undergo significant alterations.

"It's fascinating to observe that when rules have been altered, the initial phase hasn't typically been favorable for them. Rather, they've found their peak performance towards the latter part of the rule cycle. Following this peak, they've had to regroup and rebuild from scratch."

"The clock is ticking, yet it's possible that the departure of Repsol could be the push that the higher-ups at Honda need to really step things up."

"They take great pride in their history of engineering excellence. Therefore, it will be fascinating to observe their response. With Repsol's departure marking the conclusion of this period governed by technical regulations, it's possible they'll aim to demonstrate their prowess to the globe, proving they can effectively implement ride height mechanisms and aerodynamics. It remains to be seen whether this provokes a significant reaction from them."

Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager for Crash, notes, "Absolutely, as Honda is inherently proud. Their essence is deeply rooted in racing. The ethos and organizational framework of HRC are designed with a singular focus – to triumph in all competitions."

"However, it's challenging for me to confirm whether they possess what's necessary, given their history of having capable riders."

"The attraction of Honda to numerous racers, such as successfully bringing on board Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez, and retaining Dani Pedrosa for an extended period, was crucial to their success."

"Reflecting on the past, the departure of Rossi also delivered a significant blow to the team. They had been under the impression that the motorcycle alone was sufficient to secure victories. However, Rossi's exit highlighted the essential role of the rider in achieving success."

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Unexpected victors triumph over Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini in the 100km of Champions event

Outcome of Valentino Rossi's 100km of Champions competition

Unexpected victors prevented Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini from winning the 100km of Champions.

Diogo Moreira and Thomas Chareyre emerged victorious at Rossi's yearly event in Tavullia.

The victorious pair completed their lap on the flat track in 1 hour, 43 minutes, 59.623 seconds.

Rossi and Marini secured second place, with Elia Bartolini and Lorenzo Baldassarri finishing on the podium as well.

Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi ended up in sixth place.

JD Beach and Sammy Halbert from the United States secured the eighth position.

The British duo, Davey Todd and Ryan Vickers, finished in 17th place.

Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop, who were perhaps the most intriguing duo, ended up in the final position.

The unexpected victory by Moreira and Chareyre concluded Rossi's annual event in his hometown. On Friday evening, Marini claimed the win in the three-lap Americana race.

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

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Headline: Ducati's "Risk" Concerns Spark Collaboration with Marc Marquez

New Speculation on Ducati's Strategic Decision

It has been proposed that Ducati's worries regarding "risk" prompted their partnership with Marc Marquez.

A year ago, Marquez transitioned from Honda to Gresini Ducati and performed remarkably well in 2024 on a Ducati bike from the previous year, launching a strong bid for the championship that only faltered in the closing stages.

However, he performed sufficiently well to secure an invitation to join the official Ducati team this year, providing him with top-tier equipment on the circuit.

The consequence of the manufacturer's choice affected Jorge Martin, who, after securing the MotoGP championship riding a Ducati, has switched over to Aprilia.

Wayne Gardner expressed to Motosan that he had anticipated the choice of selecting Marquez over Martin.

"If I'm being truthful, I likely would have chosen to stick with Jorge if I were in that situation."

"However, Marc is undoubtedly a skilled racer. Both of them are from Spain, correct?"

"In my opinion, Ducati effectively sidelined Marquez from the race."

"It's preferable for him to collaborate with them rather than oppose them."

"They are aware of Marc's skill level. It appears he has made significant progress since becoming part of the Ducati team."

It is clear that Ducati possesses the top-performing bike on the track, and this has been the case for several years.

"Marc has been managing the challenges of riding the Honda, which is why he has experienced numerous crashes."

"Although he continues to experience crashes, there is now a bit more stability, likely due to the improvements in the bike."

"From Ducati's perspective, allowing Marquez to join a competing team poses a significant risk."

"Adding him to their team ensures they are confident of winning with either Pecco or Marquez in the upcoming year."

"They were faced with a choice, and that's what led to that outcome."

"Martin is set to join Aprilia, and I believe it will be amazing with that motorcycle."

"Honestly, I believe that will add more excitement to the championship."

Last summer, Marquez created a challenging situation for Ducati as they were evaluating their roster for 2025.

He stated unequivocally that riding for Pramac, despite having a bike with factory specifications, was not a possibility.

This led Ducati to change their initial decision to recognize Martin.

Martin inked a deal with Aprilia and went on to have a phenomenal season, ultimately clinching the MotoGP championship.

In 2025, he might be able to race with the number one on an Aprilia.

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

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Chico Lorenzo expresses a definitive opinion on the ongoing debate between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. He stated, "When Valentino first came onto the scene, there weren't any competitors like these…"

Chico Lorenzo has expressed his opinion on who he believes is the best MotoGP rider of all time.

The discussion, often centered around Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, splits the opinions of enthusiasts.

Jorge, Chico's son, was embroiled in their most intense altercation, and he has achieved legendary status in MotoGP on his own merits.

However, Chico has defended his opinion that Marquez is the greatest of all time, surpassing even Rossi.

He mentioned to Moto.it that when Valentino Rossi entered the 500cc category, he was riding the same motorcycle as Mick Doohan.

"He competed against the same opponents as Doohan, who had secured victories over them for five consecutive years."

"When Marquez entered the scene, he faced competition from riders like Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, and Valentino Rossi, all of whom rank among the top ten in the sport's history."

"When Valentino made his debut, he faced no competitors of equal stature. Instead, he raced against the likes of Gibernau, Capirossi, Biaggi, and Melandri."

Valentino Rossi, arguably the most recognizable figure in MotoGP, is now marking his fourth year since retiring from the sport.

Marquez, his longstanding rival, has the chance to match his record of nine world championships this season.

Marquez is switching to a factory Ducati, a motorcycle that is vastly different from the one Rossi struggled to master during his unsuccessful period with the team.

According to Jorge Lorenzo's father, one rider will challenge Marquez for the 2025 championship.

Chico thinks that Pecco Bagnaia is the sole person certain to offer strong competition.

"Chico clarified that Jorge Martin is currently with Aprilia."

"In my opinion, Martin is on par with Marquez as a rider, but it's uncertain how things will pan out with Aprilia."

"In my opinion, the top contenders are Bagnaia, Marquez, and Martin. If Aprilia performs well, Martin has a chance to secure a spot in the top three."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1 racing.

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EXCLUSIVE – Carchedi Praises Aldeguer's Remarkable Advancement, Windshield Incident, and Aspirations for 2025

"I believe Fermin will surprise many this season."

Crew chief Frankie Carchedi, who played a crucial role in rejuvenating eight-time world champion Marc Marquez's MotoGP career by securing 20 podium finishes and three wins at Gresini, is set to collaborate with newcomer Fermin Aldeguer in 2025.

Aldeguer secured the Ducati position following an impressive performance in the latter part of the 2023 Moto2 season, despite finishing fifth in the championship race the previous year. He made his first appearance in the top class at the Barcelona test held in November.

The young Spanish rider narrowly defeated the current Moto2 titleholder, Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Aprilia, becoming the quickest newcomer by securing the 20th position. He completed his laps 1.761 seconds behind his team-mate, Alex Marquez, who led the test session.

During a discussion on the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi described the test as quite challenging for the newcomers. This was mainly because of the cold weather and the unavailability of soft front tyres, which resulted from the last-minute decision to switch the season finale from Valencia to Barcelona.

"We experienced a minor mishap, though considering the challenging circumstances, it was fortunate there weren't more," stated Carchedi. "Every newcomer encountered the gravel at least once, which wasn't unexpected. Nevertheless, the test was quite encouraging overall."

According to him, by the second or third lap, you start getting used to the speed. However, the data clearly showed that there was significant room for improvement in braking.

"We might have pressured him a bit excessively!" However, after being informed of the areas that required enhancement, Carchedi disclosed that Aldeguer showed a remarkable leap in his performance.

"Something that truly amazed me was how, after just one session of reviewing the braking, he was significantly closer to the leading riders by the next attempt. It was actually quite concerning, as we wondered if we might have urged him too far!"

"You must keep in mind that the way a rider sits on the bike and its ergonomic setup plays a crucial role in MotoGP. For a newcomer, figuring this out during the initial test is largely based on estimation."

"You evaluate the positions of all the other riders and place him somewhere in the middle. However, there's still more work to be done on this during the winter season."

"We experienced a broken windscreen…"

Standing at 1.81 meters tall, Aldeguer ranks among the taller competitors. His requirement to adjust his body more towards the rear was vividly demonstrated when he shattered the windscreen with his helmet while practicing a start.

Carchedi shared that they dedicated nearly the entire morning to understanding how the ride-height device works, and he quickly became proficient with it. He added that they didn't even discuss the starting process or the controls involved.

"We approached the situation gradually, and later in the day, as temperatures dropped, we conducted a few practice starts at the pit lane exit before the designated practice start session at the conclusion of the test."

"It might not have been fair to have him perform his initial practice start right on the grid in front of everyone. However, as you noticed, we ended up with a broken windscreen anyway!"

"Unexpected developments arise during the second race weekend."

While Marquez and Aldeguer are at different stages in their MotoGP journeys, Carchedi pointed out that both face similar challenges when learning to handle a new bike.

He noted that there are indeed parallels with 2024. The testing process is manageable since it involves a full day on the track, allowing for careful planning. With access to two bikes and a clear structure, it becomes easier to reach a high standard. As a result, many newcomers tend to perform impressively in their debut race.

"The unexpected challenge arises during the second race weekend, particularly at a circuit where no prior testing has taken place. In Free Practice 1, you have roughly 20 laps to get accustomed, and then you must switch to a qualifying mindset to secure direct entry into Q2."

"That's when you experience a surprising jolt."

"We have a period of 5 to 6 days for testing in Sepang, which should allow even newcomers to perform well. This is also true for the initial race weekend in Thailand, given the Buriram test that takes place beforehand."

"However, the moment you proceed to the initial new track, which is set to be Argentina."

"When Joan Mir joined Suzuki as a newcomer in 2019, he came close to finishing on the podium during his debut race in Qatar, maintaining a strong

"As mentioned before, you have 20 laps before entering a qualifying scenario. In today's MotoGP, your starting spot greatly influences your potential performance in the races. Therefore, it will require some time."

"It's consistently focused on moving forward," Carchedi stated when asked about his ambitions for Aldeguer in 2025, during which he will compete against Ogura and Somkiat Chantra for the leading newcomer accolade.

I have consistently emphasized with past riders, and the same applies to Fermin, that my priority is to see continuous improvement. Even if you start by finishing 20th in the first race, the aim is to perform better in each subsequent race. By doing so, you will have met your objective and will be prepared for the next year.

"If your performance fluctuates throughout the year… Securing a top-three spot in the fifth or sixth race is fantastic, but if you end up in 20th place in the following race, it undermines that success."

The origins trace back somewhat to Diggia in 2023, when we began collaborating with him. The focus was on establishing a positive trajectory, and the approach with Fermin will mirror this exactly.

"The only challenge arises when you end up on the podium in the first race, as it will be tough to maintain or surpass that performance throughout the rest of the year."

"I anticipate that during the year, we’ll consistently become more competitive, rather than having certain tracks labeled as good or bad. We should see more of a positive progression."

"He completed his quickest lap while using the minimal amount of tire. Considering this, Carchedi suggested that it would be more advantageous for Aldeguer to focus on refining the set-up instead of risking everything to secure a direct spot in Q2 during Friday afternoon's session."

Carchedi expressed that, particularly in the initial races, it would be unwise to visit a new track, complete 20 laps, and then attempt to push hard, even with limited visibility, in order to reach Q2.

"It's more beneficial to focus on improving your bike, and once you're prepared to truly challenge yourself to make it into Q2, you go for it. We'll approach this similarly to how we did during the test in Barcelona."

During the test, one of the standout aspects was how efficiently he used the tyres. It's important not only to ride quickly but also to maintain speed without wearing out the tyres to the point where a mid-race pit stop becomes necessary.

"In fact, on the final set of fresh tires, he achieved his quickest lap time while consuming the least amount of tire."

“You'll want to consider these factors, as realistically, even if you begin the race further back on the grid, having a set of tires that can last the entire race could help you gain five or six spots without much effort."

"Each person has their own objectives and ambitions. We have our own as well, particularly regarding what we aim to accomplish in the initial phases."

"Fermin is expected to make a strong impression on many this year," Carchedi stated. He also emphasized that he was not worried about Aldeguer's challenging experience in Moto2 the previous year.

During the first season featuring Pirelli tires, the pre-season frontrunner managed to equal champion Ogura by securing three race victories. Nonetheless, Aldeguer ended the season nearly 100 points adrift of the Japanese competitor due to seven instances where he failed to score.

In Moto2, a switch in tyre manufacturers led to challenges for many competitors. Each leading rider appeared dominant for a stretch of three to four races, only to face significant difficulties in the subsequent three to four races.

"The fact that this was the first year with Pirelli tires means that you can't weigh it too heavily. Fermin's performance towards the end of 2023 was truly remarkable; he was the only competitor who could challenge Pedro, who is already recognized as a top-tier racer."

"I believe that Fermin is going to leave a strong impression on many individuals this year."

Gresini is set to kick off its MotoGP efforts for the 2025 season with a team unveiling event that will showcase Aldeguer and Alex Marquez. This presentation will take place on Saturday, January 18

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For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the news about Suzuki's departure and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez took to the circuit simultaneously for the initial time in 2025 as they ramp up their MotoGP preparations.

Last week in Spain, Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez took to the track simultaneously as they continued getting ready for their upcoming 2025 MotoGP seasons.

For Marquez, his session at the Aspar Circuit marked his initial experience with the new Ducati Panigale V2. This bike is lighter, albeit less powerful than its predecessor, and comes as a benefit of Marquez's new role as a factory rider for Ducati.

Jorge Martin and Marc Márquez seen riding together on the track at Manu Tormo / Aspar Circuit. 📸 pic.twitter.com/TrUgqJKh2R— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 12, 2025

Meanwhile, Martin was experiencing the Aprilia RSV4 for the first time, a bike that might be considered a bit excessive for the kart track at the Aspar Circuit. This marked his initial outing on the track since his official contract with factory Aprilia started in early January.

The pair not only spent time together at the track, but they also rode around the circuit alongside one another, allowing them to get a good sense of each other's riding style prior to the official MotoGP tests scheduled for February.

This off-season, Martin and Marquez have already spent time on the track together; the Spanish duo teamed up for some motocross sessions back in December.

A significant narrative of the 2024 MotoGP season, which concluded with Martin clinching his first premier class title, involved Ducati's choice regarding who would join Francesco Bagnaia in the Ducati Lenovo Team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Marquez and Martin were in fierce competition to earn the second spot on the factory Ducati team, competing alongside Enea Bastianini. Prior to the Italian Grand Prix, it looked like Martin was set to partner with Bagnaia. However, after the test sessions following the race at Mugello, Ducati opted for Marquez, and Martin ended up signing with Aprilia.

In 2025, the story will focus on how Martin can confront Ducati's supremacy alongside Aprilia, the sole other manufacturer to secure a race victory in 2024. The narrative will also explore how Martin measures up against Marquez and Bagnaia, who start the year as the top contenders for the championship.

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

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