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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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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MotoGP Championship Rivals Share Thoughts on Barcelona's Final Race

"Barcelona is a favorable circuit for the two of us…"

Due to the recent floods in Valencia, MotoGP has decided to relocate the final race of its 2024 season to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This venue is favorable for both competitors.

Earlier this year, Francesco Bagnaia claimed victory at the Catalan Grand Prix. He was on track to achieve a Sprint-Grand Prix double, but a crash on the last lap of Saturday's half-distance race, while he was in the lead, prevented this outcome.

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Conversely, Jorge Martin has yet to secure a victory in the top-tier race in Barcelona, although he has consistently finished on the podium in the last three Grands Prix at that venue.

During the post-race press conference at the Malaysian Grand Prix, championship frontrunner Martin remarked that the Barcelona circuit is favorable for both of them.

"Francesco Bagnaia, also known as Pecco, secured the victory last Sunday. I finished in second place, not far behind him. Although I fell short, we will analyze the reasons for this."

The victor at Sepang, Bagnaia, expressed, "In terms of mathematics, it remains feasible. We understand that it's quite challenging, but in Barcelona, anything is possible."

"I was in the lead by a second during the Sprint race, aiming to steer clear of any errors, but ended up crashing anyway."

"The situation will be challenging as the conditions will be harsher than they were in June due to the colder weather."

"Two particular turns in Barcelona, specifically the second and fifth, present some challenges. It will be crucial to aim for strong performance while maintaining composure."

Both riders emphasized that moving the venue for the final round will not affect their preparation.

"We adjust to every situation consistently," Bagnaia remarked. "So, for me, it won't alter my preparation. I usually perform better in Barcelona than in Valencia."

"Additionally, it's a more challenging track with little room for error, demanding greater precision. However, I don't have a particular favorite."

Martin has consistently performed well in Barcelona, even though he hasn't secured a victory in the top category.

"It's no different for me," he mentioned. "I believe my performance is quite consistent in both Barcelona and Valencia."

"I finished on the podium at Montmelo in both 2022 and 2023, which makes me believe I am competitive."

According to Pecco, there are a few challenging turns on the track, especially in November. The weather can vary greatly; it could rain, become windy, or even snow—it's uncertain what to expect.

"I am optimistic that Michelin will come up with a good resolution, similar to the one in Australia, but we'll have to wait and see the outcome."

Facing a daunting challenge, Bagnaia needs to close a 24-point gap behind Martin, with just 37 points still up for grabs. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini, who holds third place, crossed the finish line in Malaysia 10 seconds behind.

Bagnaia humorously remarked that they should work on getting better for the upcoming event in Barcelona.

"I plan to provide a drafting advantage to everyone this weekend to ensure someone ends up in the middle. My goal is to win both races, so we'll see how it goes."

For Martin, there is confidence in knowing that he has full command over the outcome of the championship.

He stated that his level of confidence remains largely the same whether he's approaching this race or the next one.

"I feel assured about my performance and the journey that led me here. It's truly an honor to reach this stage and compete against a champion like Pecco. It's incredible, and I'm definitely confident and thrilled that we gained seven additional points from this race."

"I sense that I'm nearing the ultimate goal, but it's not finished until it's truly finished. We must remain highly focused and definitely keep believing all the way to the end."

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

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Gigi Dall’Igna was left amazed following the intense all-Ducati showdown at the Sepang race. The head of Ducati provides a summary of the MotoGP event in Malaysia.

Gigi Dall'Igna has expressed his thoughts on the exciting Malaysian MotoGP event that extended the championship battle to the last weekend.

Francesco Bagnaia, riding for the factory Ducati team, clinched victory in Sepang, finishing in front of Jorge Martin from the Pramac team.

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Martin is currently leading the championship by 24 points as they approach the final round in Barcelona. If he secures a victory in the sprint race there, he will clinch the title.

The head of Ducati, Dall’Igna, expressed admiration for the Ducati pair following an impressive performance at the grand prix in Malaysia.

He remarked, "Based on our observations, what more can be said? We experienced one of the most thrilling battles in MotoGP history on a challenging circuit, where corners and braking were pushed to their utmost limits."

The initial laps were incredibly exciting, featuring impressive displays of braking, overtaking, and strategic changes in position. Every small opening was an opportunity to slip through and reclaim the lead.

Today, Pecco and Jorge paid tribute to the World Championship in a way that only genuine champions can. Beyond that, their mutual respect and sportsmanship elevated both the sport itself and the efforts of everyone who dedicates themselves to it daily.

"We take great pride in our team of riders. They truly value and respect one another, and there's no greater sight than when they give each other high fives and embrace in the parc fermé. Equally memorable were the humorous remarks they shared and the declarations they made to cap off an exceptional day of sporting achievement."

At the start of the race, they confidently confronted each other with no intention of backing down. Both were determined to take the lead, as the extreme heat challenged the bike pursuing them.

There was significant pressure on Pecco to secure a victory and maintain the possibility of winning the championship. Meanwhile, Jorge competed with great intensity, occasionally taking unneeded risks to maintain his lead.

In a thrilling showdown, Bagnaia managed to widen his advantage with an assertive speed, overpowering Martin's efforts to hold his ground. Despite Martin's initial persistence, he ultimately relented, acknowledging his rival's unwavering commitment to securing victory no matter the circumstances. Additionally, the significant points gained from finishing second, particularly after Marc Marquez's withdrawal, played a crucial role in his decision.

Bagnaia secures his tenth Grand Prix victory of the season, putting him on par with the legends of previous eras.

"The final race is set to be a fantastic celebration for Ducati, a fitting tribute to the Championship and the dedicated fans. It is also a well-deserved honor for our two champions. Alongside their teams and representing Ducati Corse, they not only ride an excellent motorcycle but also embody a distinct style, philosophy, work ethic, team camaraderie, and that unique 'winning mindset'…"

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

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Luca Marini stated, "Jorge and Pecco were definitely aware of this…"

"Following closely behind another motorcycle is a complete mess."

Luca Marini highlighted the reasons behind the fierce battle between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin in the initial laps of Sunday's Malaysian MotoGP race.

The rider from Repsol Honda detailed how trailing behind another motorcycle for a lap, immersed in its turbulent and unclean wake, not only elevates the pressure in the front tire but also diminishes engine efficiency and subjects the rider behind to intense heat.

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Bagnaia and Martin exchanged the front position an exciting 11 times across three laps until Bagnaia secured the lead. Following this, they held onto the top two spots, with a gap of approximately two seconds between them, until the race ended.

This represented the most recent instance of a MotoGP race where the excitement of overtaking unfolds early on, instead of culminating in a dramatic finish.

"Remaining a full lap behind another motorcycle leads to chaos. Therefore, it's certain that Jorge and Pecco aimed to lead," Marini explained.

Remaining directly behind another motorcycle leads to significant issues. The overall heat increases dramatically, affecting your body, the front tire, and the engine.

"Thus, everything begins to decelerate, the engine becomes less potent, the front tire's braking capability diminishes, and the temperature of the rear tire increases."

Marini, who is a close companion of his VR46 Academy colleague Bagnaia, stated, "I haven't viewed the footage yet, but I'm hopeful that their confrontation was conducted intelligently and honorably.

"It's great to witness the two contenders for the championship also competing against each other in the races towards the end."

"Marini experienced a rather discomforting journey to 15th place, having sustained burns on his legs."

"We need to work on enhancing how the bike dissipates heat, as it caused burns on my legs," he mentioned.

"It's crucial that we enhance this before the inaugural race in Thailand next year, given that if the temperatures are as high as they are now, we'll face challenges."

"However, I'm pretty content with the physical aspect. I believe it was a solid race. It was merely a slow one. The track was extremely slick due to the temperature, and with our motorcycle, we faced even greater challenges."

"In the early stages, it seemed that everyone was exerting a great deal of effort, and I found myself lacking in power, particularly in engine performance, due to the high temperatures."

The reboot worsened Honda's issues with overheating.

"Marini expressed that the rapid initiation process felt somewhat odd, involving heading onto the track, pausing on the grid while the temperature rises, and so on, indicating that this aspect did not work in their favor."

"Then, as usual, we experienced some chatter, which is a common issue here. Many riders find it challenging due to the vibration at Turn 5 and Turn 12, but for us, it's particularly tough to navigate the bike through those bends."

"Every lap, we're falling behind by approximately two-tenths at every turn due to our inability to lean, which I believe is currently one of our major challenges. Additionally, grip remains a constant issue."

"However, in the midst of the competition, our handling of the tires isn't too poor. The real issue is that we're beginning from a position too far back, making it unfeasible to pass others, due to factors like the aerodynamics, the heat, and the lack of grip at the rear, among other things."

Team member Joan Mir was unable to complete the race because an issue with the rear brake led to a crash.

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

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"I found myself in tears" following Jack Miller's concerning crash

The emotional distress experienced after witnessing Jack Miller's incident described

The feeling of witnessing Jack Miller face-to-face following his terrifying accident has been articulated.

KTM racer Miller was involved in a collision with his teammate Brad Binder and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo during the Malaysian MotoGP event on Sunday.

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Miller needed medical care on the race track after the red flags were raised, causing concern.

He later confessed that he was "fortunate" to leave without sustaining any major injuries.

Broadcaster Simon Crafar expressed his fear after witnessing the crash, describing how terrifying it was to see Jack's helmet being violently pulled by the sticky rear tire.

"Instead of being able to ignore it entirely, it remained present in my thoughts."

"I'm not joking, when we spotted him returning from the medical facility, tears were streaming down my cheeks."

"I was truly scared. We certainly don't want Jack to retire or face something even more serious."

"They are extremely delighted to know that he's doing well. I caught sight of him and planted a kiss on his head! He was holding their daughter while leaving the place."

"It was an incredibly frightening experience."

"Compared to when I was racing 25 to 30 years ago, the safety in MotoGP has greatly improved."

"To begin with, the tracks. Incidents like these, which are both alarming and rare, don't happen often."

"We rarely encounter situations where walls are affected. That is no longer happening."

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports had encountered Miller earlier and mentioned, "I saw him strolling through the paddock with his wife, and I told him, 'You really had us concerned.' He replied, 'No worries, I just took a short nap.'"

"The problem was related to him having a mild concussion."

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

The stewards of MotoGP deemed the situation to be a racing incident, a perspective that KTM's leader Francesco Guidotti concurred with.

KTM emphasized that the accident serves as a clear reminder of the dangers their riders encounter each time they prepare to race.

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 racing.

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Aprilia's MotoGP temperature challenges resurface: "It was almost too much for me," "I was at my limit."

"The heat was so intense, I could barely grip the handlebar."

Aleix Espargaro concluded his last overseas race with Aprilia's MotoGP team in 13th place, as the RS-GP encountered recurring overheating problems at Sepang.

Following the previous year's race in Thailand, where his teammate Maverick Vinales had to withdraw because of the extreme temperatures and Espargaro struggled with breathing, the team committed to enhancing the cooling system.

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This year, the rain in Buriram provided relief from the heat during the Thai Grand Prix, but the intense 34-degree heat in Sepang proved challenging for Espargaro and his entirely black motorcycle.

Beginning in 16th position, the Spanish rider advanced to 12th halfway through the race, but was overtaken by Marc Marquez, who was making a comeback, on the last lap, dropping to 13th

"Extremely challenging for us, especially starting from that far back on the grid. Truly a nightmare," stated Espargaro.

"I was unable to pass anyone because the engine's performance was significantly hindered by the heat."

"I endured immense hardship. During the final three laps, I was nearly unable to reach the finish line. Gripping the handlebar became an impossible task due to the overwhelming heat."

Espargaro asserted that there has been no notable progress in decreasing the heat since the previous year.

"Actually, it's more challenging from the rear of the field," stated Espargaro.

"In the morning, I sensed my strength during the warm-up, yet when the race began, regaining positions proved unattainable. There was no chance to pass others. The motorcycle was exceedingly slow."

Some riders pointed out that the procedure to swiftly restart the race after a red flag was a factor in the increased heat from the motorcycles during the initial laps.

Espargaro experienced a significant increase in the pressure of his front tire due to the turbulent air.

He mentioned that he began at a significantly low level, and during the final three laps, he was unable to apply the brakes due to the temperature of the tyres.

Raul Fernandez expressed concerns, stating, "I was finished."

Espargaro wasn't the sole Aprilia competitor worried he wouldn't make it to the race's end.

A weary Raul Fernandez dropped from 13th to 16th after significantly slowing down in the final laps.

"The Trackhouse competitor acknowledged, "I nearly reached the point of [retirement]. Handling the bike's heat proved to be immensely challenging."

"In the final four laps, I was completely spent. Out of consideration for my team and all of my mechanics, I made an effort to complete the race."

"I was part of the pack. Overtaking wasn't an option for me… However, in the final four laps, maintaining my position on the bike became impossible!

I kept my posture upright, extending my head from the bike to catch some breeze. However, catching a breath of fresh air proves challenging, particularly when riding in another's slipstream, as it doesn't allow for any airflow. This makes it hard to slightly cool down the body.

"My hand is numb; my foot is too. I couldn't breathe. It encompassed everything."

Vinales, Espargaro's teammate at the factory team, was the highest-placed Aprilia rider, finishing in seventh position.

Vinales characterized Sunday's temperatures as typically high and challenging, yet he managed to maintain a strong pace through the finish.

Fernandez clarified that Vinales was racing with no one around him, trailing Fabio Quartararo by several seconds.

"Fernandez remarked, “Maverick had a strong start and managed to race solo, without drafting behind anyone. Perhaps that's why his performance was consistent with a typical race.”

"In our situation, Aleix and I were part of the same pack. Throughout the race, I was drafting behind four motorcycles, while he had the advantage of three."

"I hadn't anticipated encountering anything of this sort here. It resembled my experience in Thailand from the previous year, or perhaps, was slightly more challenging."

In 2025, Fernandez stands as Aprilia's sole MotoGP competitor, as Espargaro transitions to a testing role at Honda, Vinales shifts to Tech3 KTM, and his former Trackhouse team colleague, the injured Miguel Oliveira, switches to Pramac Yamaha.

Lorenzo Savadori, substituting for the hurt Oliveira at Sepang, ended up at the bottom of the standings.

Luckily for the Aprilias, the issue of overheating should not arise during the final race of the 2024 season, which has been rescheduled to take place in Barcelona in a fortnight.

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

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Marc Marquez admits that it's not solely about the motorcycle

Discussion with Marc Marquez offers new insights

Marc Marquez acknowledged something in Sepang that highlights the exceptional skills of his competitors at the front, according to reports.

This season, Marquez has found success again in races after switching to a Gresini Ducati, an older model of the powerful motorcycle that Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin use.

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However, Marquez has admitted that the reason Bagnaia and Martin are pulling away from him in the championship race is not just because of their bikes.

After the Malaysian MotoGP, commentator Simon Crafar remarked on Marquez's performance: "His ride on Saturday was incredible; he attempted a repeat but ended up losing the front."

He said something that helped clarify the situation.

I inquired about what distinguishes the GP24 from the GP23.

He mentioned that during the timed laps when trying to achieve the fastest possible speed, he is unable to keep up with the performances of Jorge and Pecco.

"They are adding more to it; it's not only about the bicycle."

"He considered that a significant compliment. He's making efforts to bridge that divide."

"However, Marc performed exceptionally well during the competitions."

Marquez has struggled with qualifying on Saturdays throughout this season.

Nonetheless, he has outpaced his GP23 peers, demonstrating that his exceptional talent has had a significant impact.

It remains insufficient for catching up with Bagnaia and Martin, who are set to compete for the MotoGP championship in the final race of the season.

Pramac's racer Martin is currently 24 points ahead of the reigning champion and factory team member Bagnaia.

Martin is set to secure his first top-tier championship if he clinches victory in the sprint race during the last round.

Barcelona has been announced as the new location, taking over from Valencia, which has been hit by severe floods. The event will still take place on the weekend of November 15-17.

Marquez has dismissed suggestions that his participation in the season's last sprint and grand prix might affect the important championship showdown.

However, it is just as probable that he will keep competing at the forefront, where he will face Bagnaia and Martin.

In the coming year, Marquez is set to upgrade from an older model to the newest Ducati as he teams up with Bagnaia on the official squad. Meanwhile, Martin will make the move to Aprilia.

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

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Unveiled: Jack Miller's witty initial reaction following his severe accident

Jack Miller's signature remark following the Sepang mishap

Jack Miller's first-lap accident during the Malaysian Grand Prix triggered a halt to the race, prompting immediate roadside assistance and his subsequent evacuation to the track's medical facility via ambulance.

The Australian avoided serious harm and was captured on the global television broadcast returning to the pits just before the race resumed in Sepang.

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Following the race in Malaysia, Neil Hodgson, who clinched the World Superbike Championship in 2003 and now serves as a MotoGP commentator for TNT Sports, had a conversation with Australian racer Miller. During their discussion, Miller revealed that he had been rendered unconscious in the accident

"About 20 minutes ago is when I last saw Jack," Hodgson mentioned to TNT Sports following the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"He was strolling through the paddock with his wife, and I mentioned, ‘You had everyone concerned’, to which he replied, ‘It’s fine, I merely took a short nap.’"

"The problem stemmed from him apparently suffering a minor concussion. However, he appeared to be in good spirits and rather content."

What caused the accident?

Miller miraculously escaped the accident with only minor injuries. According to Hodgson, the design of the initial two turns was to blame for the mishap. "Everything fell apart. The approach to turn two is extremely narrow, making it difficult to discern precisely what occurred.

"Fabio Quartararo collided with Jack Miller, leading to their fall, and Brad Binder also went down as a result."

"Essentially, it's extremely close-quarters, leading to a chain reaction where there's no space left, with [other] cyclists getting tangled in the mix.

"Miller's head was pulled towards the rear of Quartararo's motorcycle."

Michael Laverty mentioned, "It's a scenario where paths cross, with numerous bikes gathering at a single point simultaneously, leading to any number of possibilities."

"Fortunately, luck was on their side. It's a relief to know Jack [Miller] is safe; the situation could have easily taken a dire turn. Given the concussion protocols, we're hopeful he'll make a return in two weeks to conclude his last race with KTM."

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he reported on both consumer and racing motorcycle updates.

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