"A Pleasant Revelation": Raul Fernandez Discusses Riding a Wingless MotoGP Bike

"It's incredible… no physical strain"

Last Sunday at Phillip Island, Raul Fernandez utilized a loophole in the MotoGP regulations to compete on his Trackhouse Aprilia bike without the use of wings.

Due to the stringent MotoGP homologation rules, teams are allowed to alter the fairing design only once each season. However, on some tracks, teams are allowed to detach the side pods from the aerodynamic body for safety purposes.

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Phillip Island is the sole circuit on the current schedule where taking off the aero is permitted, following previous worries about intense crosswinds.

Last Sunday, the wind wasn't a major concern, and several riders think that the additional downforce contributes to stability in these situations. However, Fernandez and Aprilia decided to take off his sidepods to collect information on the RS-GP's performance without the aerodynamic components.

The trial began poorly for Fernandez as he dropped from sixth position on the grid to 17th. However, he managed to climb back to ninth place, only to be overtaken by Fabio Quartararo near the end.

Fernandez trailed Maverick Vinales' RS-GP24, which was equipped with full wings, by under three seconds and finished in eighth position.

"It was an unexpected delight," Fernandez remarked on Thursday in Buriram, Thailand. "We gained significant insights into the bike, which is currently giving us some difficulties. Therefore, it served as a valuable test looking ahead."

The Spaniard admitted that he was taken aback by his own level of competitiveness.

He explained that he completed five laps in the morning without wings and then went straight into the race. Initially, he found himself in 17th place on the first lap, as the bike's starting performance wasn't its strong suit. However, he noted that afterwards, the pace was quite strong and competitive.

"I noticed throughout most of the race that the gap to the top four remained fairly consistent. The speed was sufficient to keep up with them. Although I had a poor start and couldn't compete up front, my pace was still competitive. Overall, I'm really pleased."

Fernandez, who first competed in MotoGP with Tech3 KTM in 2022, had yet to experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle that lacked winglets.

He explained that initially, the idea of testing the bike without wings seemed like a humorous suggestion during the season. However, by the time they reached Phillip Island, it turned out to be a serious consideration.

"Riding this bike feels unique. As a result, my confidence grew with each lap. By the end of the race, my speed had significantly increased."

According to Fernandez, although aerodynamic features assist in preventing wheelies and improve cornering and braking, the physical effort needed to change direction is "nonexistent" without the downforce components.

"Following a race weekend and an extensive race, I usually feel extremely exhausted. However, after completing the race at Phillip Island, I informed the team, 'I'm ready to race again if needed!'"

"It's incredible. The bike has no physical resistance, which is an aspect we might need to focus on improving in terms of aerodynamic design in the future."

Lorenzo Savadori, who serves as a test rider for Aprilia and occasionally fills in as a teammate, disclosed that he has also tested the RS-GP bike without its aerodynamic wings in private sessions.

The Italian clarified that the typical aerodynamic advantages are ineffective due to the swift and smooth design of the Phillip Island track.

"Phillip Island stands out as a distinctive circuit characterized by high-speed sections. Unlike other tracks, it doesn't require heavy braking. Under typical track conditions, I definitely favor using the wings," Savadori remarked.

"The wings significantly impact braking, corner entry, and wheelies, and overall, they improve performance across the board. However, Raul showed impressive speed at Phillip Island, which was a positive outcome for him. Additionally, the engineers now have data to evaluate for the 2025 aerodynamic design."

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"An Unexpected Delight": Raul Fernandez Discusses Riding a MotoGP Bike Without Wings

"It's incredible… no physical strain at all"

Raul Fernandez utilized a special allowance in the MotoGP regulations, allowing him to compete without wings on his Trackhouse Aprilia at the race held last Sunday at Phillip Island.

Due to the stringent MotoGP rules, changes to the fairing design are restricted to just once each season. However, there are specific tracks where, for safety purposes, teams are allowed to take off the side pods from the aerodynamic body.

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Phillip Island is the sole circuit in the current schedule that permits the removal of aerodynamic components, a decision stemming from previous worries about powerful crosswinds.

Last Sunday, the wind didn't pose much of a problem. Some riders think that increased downforce can enhance stability in these conditions. However, Fernandez and Aprilia opted to take off his sidepods to collect data on the RS-GP's performance without the aerodynamic components.

The experiment got off to a rocky start as Fernandez dropped dramatically from his initial sixth position on the grid to 17th. However, he managed to climb back up to ninth place, only to be overtaken by Fabio Quartararo towards the end of the race.

Fernandez trailed Maverick Vinales's fully equipped RS-GP24 by under three seconds, securing the eighth position.

"It was an unexpected pleasure," Fernandez commented at Buriram, Thailand, on Thursday. "We gained significant insights about the bike, which we are currently having difficulties with. Therefore, it was a valuable test for future improvements."

The Spanish individual admitted to being taken aback by his own level of competitiveness.

"I completed five laps in the morning without any wings and then went straight into the race. Initially, on the first lap, I was in 17th place because our bike doesn't have the best start. However, after that, the speed was excellent and very competitive," he stated.

"I noticed throughout most of the race that the gap to the top four remained consistent, so the speed was adequate to stay competitive. Unfortunately, due to a poor start, I couldn't contend at the front, but the speed was on point. Overall, I'm really satisfied."

Fernandez, who entered the MotoGP scene with Tech3 KTM in 2022, had not previously experienced riding a MotoGP motorcycle without aerodynamic wings.

He mentioned that initially, the idea of testing the bike without wings midway through the season seemed humorous. However, by the time they reached Phillip Island, the suggestion had turned serious.

"Riding the bike feels unique, and as a result, with each completed lap, my confidence grew. By the end of the race, my speed had noticeably increased."

According to Fernandez, although aerodynamic features aid in preventing wheelies and enhance cornering and braking capabilities, the physical effort needed to alter direction is "nonexistent" without the downforce components.

"Every time after a race weekend and a lengthy race, I usually feel extremely exhausted. However, once I completed the race at Phillip Island, I informed the team, ‘I'm ready to race again if you need me!’"

"It's incredible. The bike offers no physical resistance, which is an area we might need to focus on improving in future designs, particularly in terms of aerodynamics."

Lorenzo Savadori, who serves as a test rider for Aprilia and occasionally fills in as a team-mate, disclosed that he has experimented with the RS-GP bike without its wings during private test sessions.

The Italian clarified that the typical aerodynamic advantages are ineffective due to the rapid and smooth configuration of Phillip Island.

"Phillip Island stands out as a distinctive circuit, known for its high-speed nature without intense braking zones. On a typical circuit, I definitely have a preference for using the wings," stated Savadori.

"The wings significantly improve braking, corner entry, and help with wheelies, making overall performance better. Raul showed strong pace at Phillip Island, which was a positive outcome for him. Additionally, the engineers now have data to evaluate for the 2025 aerodynamic design."

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Alex Rins is set to test the Yamaha ride-height device, which operates automatically, once again at the Thai MotoGP. Observers have noted that this system appears to be similar to the one used by Ducati.

Alex Rins has announced that he plans to test a 'Ducati-inspired' automatic ride-height system again at the Thai MotoGP this weekend.

Instead of manually activating a button to quickly lower the M1 when coming out of a slow corner to reduce wheelies, the automatic system enables a rider to set up the device while entering the corner, which then causes the rear to lower on its own as they exit.

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"Rins mentioned on Thursday in Buriram that Yamaha has developed an automatic version, though it still requires some pressing, and that's what we'll be using."

"It appears to be similar to Ducati's system. For instance, we'll engage it while coming out of the penultimate corner. Essentially, we turn it on and then refrain from using it again until just before the fourth corner."

"Without a doubt, it's easier on the finger!"

Rins explained that the primary advantage is this. He noted that when it was initially introduced in Austria, it wasn't fully operational. As a result, he ended up using a combination.

"Ultimately, the performance is pretty much the same, and for me personally, since they were first introduced in 2020 or 2021, I've consistently opted for manual, so I'm accustomed to it."

When it comes to engines, Rins disclosed that he favors a somewhat different setup compared to his teammate Fabio Quartararo.

“We possess the same engine, though it's set up differently. The interior varies significantly,” remarked Rins.

He went on to say, "The thing I appreciate about my engine is its ability to handle corners. Mine takes turns slightly better than his engine does."

"We've experimented with this setup numerous times in Valencia and Mugello, and I consistently favor this type of engine."

"They permitted me to utilize it, and in this way, we are exchanging information in both directions for the upcoming year."

On Thursday, Quartararo disclosed that Yamaha intends to unveil an additional new engine specification over the course of the last three races.

"I believe that by the end of the season, we will have a new engine specification that offers increased top speed."

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Top MotoGP riders express support for Andrea Iannone's potential return: "It would be great"

MotoGP's top competitors endorse Andrea Iannone's possible comeback

Top competitors in the 2024 MotoGP championship have expressed their support for the growing speculation that Andrea Iannone is set to return with VR46 in Malaysia.

As Fabio Di Giannantonio wraps up his season following this weekend's Thailand Grand Prix to undergo surgery for a shoulder dislocation he suffered in Austria, there are rumors circulating that Iannone might be selected to step in for him, at least for the Malaysia race.

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Andrea Iannone competed in the MotoGP series from 2013 until 2019, representing teams such as Ducati, Suzuki, and Aprilia. However, his career hit a major setback when he received a four-year suspension for doping. This ban was applied retroactively, starting from the weekend of the 2019 Malaysian Grand Prix.

As his suspension concluded just in time for the 2024 racing season, Iannone clinched a spot on the GoEleven Ducati team in the World Superbike series and achieved a win at Aragon.

Reports of Iannone's potential return have sparked debate due to his previous conviction for using a prohibited anabolic steroid.

However, Jorge Martin, who currently leads the championship, expressed his delight at witnessing the return of the 2016 Austrian GP victor to racing.

In Martin's opinion, it's encouraging to witness his return to MotoGP following the challenges he faced due to the doping suspension imposed on Iannone after he was unable to provide an adequate defense.

He moved on to competing in Superbikes and secured a victory in a race. He is showing strong performance.

"I recall during the World Ducati Week, his lap time was a full second quicker than mine."

"Perhaps he's still quick, and we need to find out if he can still compete. However, I believe it's a great chance to show everyone that he remains powerful."

Various individuals have been associated with stepping into the VR46 Ducati vacancy, including Nicolo Bulega, who is the 2024 World Superbike Championship runner-up.

Bulega, a former member of the VR46 Academy, would be the preferred option for Francesco Bagnaia. However, the reigning world champion thinks Iannone would approach it as an enjoyable experience.

He expressed that he wished to witness Bulega riding this bike, as he believes one should seize the opportunity to test a MotoGP bike when given the chance.

"I believe Iannone will have a great time with our team. Certainly, the Malaysian track presents a challenge for riders."

"Last season, we observed Alvaro Bautista's performance. However, I believe he will find it enjoyable. He is already familiar with what it's like to ride a MotoGP bike and will likely see it as an enjoyable experience."

Last year, Bautista participated in the Malaysian Grand Prix as a wildcard entry, a reward for clinching the WSBK championship. Unfortunately, an injury hindered his performance, resulting in a 17th-place finish in the main event.

Marc Marquez, reflecting on his memorable Moto2 duels with Iannone, expressed: "Seeing Iannone there will be great for me because we had some exciting clashes."

"Naturally, it's incredibly challenging to immediately be quick in MotoGP from the start and maintain that speed after four years."

"He might be like a superman and have the ability to accomplish it, given his exceptional talent. It would be great, and I believe the attitude towards it is like receiving a gift."

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Marc Marquez comments on Bagnaia and Martin's struggles in the MotoGP championship battle, stating, "I recall the emotions experienced when you're in such a situation."

Marc Marquez believes that Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are not having a good time in the current 2024 MotoGP championship fight and are likely experiencing a lot of stress.

Before the Thailand Grand Prix takes place this weekend, Martin holds a 20-point advantage over Bagnaia.

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With only three races remaining, including the event in Thailand, the winner of the world championship might be determined by the results of next week's Malaysian Grand Prix, contingent on the outcomes at Buriram.

In 2019, Marquez clinched his sixth top-tier championship in Thailand, and he is well aware of the challenges that Bagnaia and Martin are currently facing.

He stated on Thursday in Thailand that it is undoubtedly a challenging situation for both individuals involved, and he recalls experiencing similar feelings when he was in that position a long time ago.

"You're not having fun; instead, you're enduring it because in just three races, you'll find out if you've become the world champion or not."

"Other than that, they are in excellent condition and incredibly quick."

"Certainly, Martin holds a slight edge. Pecco might need to push himself a bit more to close the gap, but he is already familiar with what it takes to secure a championship, having won the world title twice."

"Martin will have his chances, so we'll see what happens."

In the previous race in Australia, Marquez managed to reduce Martin's lead by five points following an exciting last-minute battle at Phillip Island. The Gresini rider, Martin, is considered capable of indirectly affecting the championship's final results.

He mentions that he hasn't discussed with Ducati how to handle this scenario, but points out that he "cannot control" the impact his race outcomes might have on the championship fight.

"Certainly, I possess sufficient experience to attempt to handle the situation," he remarked.

Ultimately, whether you are competing for the world championship or going head-to-head with another racer, you never attempt an overtaking maneuver with the intention of colliding with them.

"You always aim to steer clear of this situation. However, just like we observed in Australia, I will confidently attempt to harness my strength and have faith in my abilities if necessary."

"I am competing to secure third place in the championship. It's not the top position, but it holds significant value for me."

"I will do my utmost while ensuring caution, just as we have done with other riders in similar circumstances."

"You always aim to avoid colliding with another rider, but occasionally it's beyond your control."

"Back in 2015, I wasn't positioned at the center, yet I still managed to theoretically score points that might have been taken from someone else. I can't control the circumstances, but I'm committed to giving it my all."

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Marc Marquez comments that both Bagnaia and Martin are "just suffering" in their battle for the MotoGP championship. "I recall the emotions you experience when you're in such a situation," he adds.

Marc Marquez believes that Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are likely "enduring" rather than "enjoying" the current phase of their 2024 MotoGP championship fight.

Before the Thailand Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend, Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 20 points.

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With only three races remaining, including the one in Thailand, the world championship could potentially be clinched as soon as next week's Malaysian Grand Prix, contingent on the results at Buriram.

Back in 2019, Marquez clinched his sixth top-tier championship in Thailand. Having been in a similar position before, he understands the challenges and emotions that Bagnaia and Martin are currently experiencing.

"Certainly, it's a challenging situation for both parties, and I recall from long ago the emotions you experience when you're in such a position," he stated on Thursday while in Thailand.

"You’re not having fun; you’re merely enduring it, since within three races, you'll find out whether you’ve become the world champion or not."

"Besides that, they are in excellent condition and incredibly quick."

Certainly, Martin holds a slight edge. Pecco might have to take on additional risks to make up for this difference, but it's important to note that Pecco is already a two-time world champion and understands what it takes to secure a championship victory.

"Martin will have his chances, so we'll observe what happens."

During the last race in Australia, Marquez managed to gain five points on Martin after winning an exciting late battle at Phillip Island. The Gresini rider is viewed as someone who might indirectly affect the championship's final result.

The individual mentions that he hasn't discussed with Ducati how to handle this scenario, though he points out that he "cannot control" the potential impact his race outcomes might have on the championship fight.

"Certainly, I possess sufficient experience to attempt handling the situation," he stated.

Ultimately, whether you're competing for the world championship or battling with a fellow rider, you never attempt to overtake with the intention of making contact with the other person.

"You constantly strive to prevent this from happening. However, as demonstrated in Australia, if I must make an effort to be resilient and have faith in my abilities, I am prepared to take that step."

"I am competing to secure the third position in the championship. While it's not the top spot, it holds significant importance for me."

"I will certainly do my utmost while ensuring to remain cautious, just as we have done with other riders in similar circumstances."

"You always aim to avoid colliding with another cyclist, but there are times when it's beyond your control."

"Back in 2015, I wasn't in the center of things, yet I still managed to 'theoretically' take points away from others. You can't control that, but I will always give my all."

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Fabio Di Giannantonio discusses his scheduled surgery at the end of the MotoGP season. The VR46 team member is preparing for his final race weekend of 2024 in Thailand.

VR46 Ducati MotoGP competitor Fabio Di Giannantonio has announced the timing for the surgery that will conclude his season. The operation is needed to address a dislocated left shoulder he sustained earlier this year.

The racer, who has won a grand prix once, suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Austrian Grand Prix in August and had been considering undergoing surgery for it for a while.

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Before the Australian Grand Prix, Di Giannantonio revealed that he would conclude his 2024 season following this weekend’s Thai Grand Prix. This decision was made so he could undergo surgery and recuperate in time for the GP25 testing set to start in February.

On Thursday in Buriram, he disclosed the date of his upcoming surgery.

He mentioned that he plans to have shoulder surgery on the upcoming Saturday.

"Until then, I'll attempt to make the most of this downtime, even though I truly wish I were in Malaysia."

"Right now, I would prefer not to watch racing because it brings me sadness."

"I’m certain I’ll upset my girlfriend, as we’ll be watching all the practice sessions, every qualifying round, each race, and every class."

"It seems like this weekend will be spent enjoying motorsport, reminiscent of the good old days."

Before this year's Austrian Grand Prix, Di Giannantonio had managed to avoid missing any races due to injury throughout his grand prix career. However, he experienced a "sad feeling" as he had to conclude his 2024 season after the Thailand race, particularly since he had been on the verge of securing his first podium of the season in Australia.

He remarked that the weekend at Phillip Island had undoubtedly been incredible for them.

"It has been amazing to return to the performance level we demonstrated before the incident in Austria earlier this year."

"I'm really pleased and proud about making this small return. However, there's also a touch of sadness because I've never had to finish a season early or skip a few races due to injury or any other issue in my career."

"It's an unusual sensation, yet I'm completely driven to perform well this weekend."

"I aim to deliver the best performance for the team and conclude the season on a high note."

"Ending the season with a podium finish would be incredible, especially since I haven't had many this year."

No news yet on a replacement

The question of who will fill Di Giannantonio's spot on the VR46 team for the final races of 2024 remains a popular subject of discussion, with growing speculation that Andrea Iannone might return to the track.

The MotoGP career of the 2016 Austrian GP victor came to an abrupt end in 2019 after he was convicted of doping, resulting in a four-year ban from competition.

This year marked the end of his ban, enabling him to compete in World Superbikes for the GoEleven team on a Ducati, where he succeeded in securing a race victory.

However, Di Giannantonio refrained from engaging in any conjecture and maintains that no decisions have been made at this point. According to him, VR46 assured that he would be the first to be informed once a successor had been chosen.

He mentioned that there are definitely numerous rumors circulating, as it would indeed be positive news.

"Currently, I'm in the dark because the team assured me I'd be informed first, yet I remain unaware at this time."

"I can't really say who I'd like to see riding my bike. To be honest, as a rider, you never really want to see someone else on your bike because it's something personal to you, like your own child."

"However, if the team needs to have a rider on the track, it benefits both the team and the sponsors to have a bike participating in the race."

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Marc Marquez demonstrated Ducati's promising outlook in Australia

Phillip Island revealed Ducati's correct direction for 2025

Ducati sustained its impressive streak of achievements during its dominant period in MotoGP at the Australian Grand Prix.

For the first time in contemporary history, a single brand dominated the top six positions in a grand prix, thanks to its racers, Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez, who both took victories in their respective races.

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For the first time since Honda's dominance with the NSR500 in 1997, a manufacturer has replicated such an achievement, showcasing Ducati's impressive performance. A GP23 model took the lead, followed by two GP24 models, another GP23, and then two additional GP24s.

In Australia, the KTM ridden by Brad Binder was the highest-placed non-Ducati, finishing 15.450 seconds behind the grand prix winner.

By 2025, the competition is set to intensify as Ducati's dominance in the top-tier results is expected to face more challenges. This shift comes as Pramac aligns with Yamaha, reducing Ducati's presence with two fewer bikes on the grid, and only three of its team racing on GP25s.

This doesn't mean Ducati won't be capable of securing the top six positions, but achieving this will be more challenging.

A Look Ahead at Ducati's Promising Prospects

However, what seems set to remain constant is Ducati's dominance on the victory stand. They secured the top three spots in both competitions at Phillip Island, standing out distinctly from their competitors.

During a particular moment in the 27-lap grand prix, viewers were offered a preview of the vision Ducati had envisioned for 2025, specifically regarding the selection of Francesco Bagnaia’s partner at the factory team leading into the Italian GP.

In a perfect scenario, Ducati aimed to achieve the best of both worlds. It had successfully secured a contract extension with two-time world champion Bagnaia until the conclusion of 2026 and planned to pair him with Martin as his teammate.

Marquez would be a great fit for a factory GP25 bike at Pramac.

During the 12th lap of the grand prix, Ducati's envisioned future was showcased.

Martin was ahead of Marquez and Bagnaia, with a significant gap of 3.872 seconds separating them from the rest of the competitors at the beginning of the lap. However, Martin went off track at Turn 1, allowing Bagnaia to pass him at Turn 3. Quickly after, the Pramac racer regained his position at Turn 4, which also enabled Marquez to advance into second place.

In a fleeting, magnificent instance, the top three racers in the current lineup, each astride a Ducati, vied for the top position in a thrilling race. This was a highlight for Ducati, showcasing the outstanding work it has put in to dominate the MotoGP competitive scene; three distinct riders, from three distinct teams, riding two of its most exceptional motorcycles.

Yet, it also served as a poignant nudge about the possibilities that remained unexplored.

The idea of having those three competitors on GP25s vying for dominance in the 2025 season was an incredibly enticing thought when initially suggested.

However, this envisioned future will not materialize due to Marquez's strategic move prior to the Italian Grand Prix. He declared that he would only settle for a spot on the factory team or a factory-level motorcycle with Gresini, an alternative Ducati had unequivocally dismissed, or else he would pursue an alternative option beyond their offerings.

Everyone is familiar with how things unfold, but Phillip Island offered a peek into the future that Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali was concerned about potentially missing if they failed to accommodate Marquez's requirements.

Márquez's Remarkable Comeback

An image capturing Marc Márquez's moment 🏍️📷 @marcmarquez93 #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/6xRiztTvt7— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) October 21, 2024

An image capturing Marc Márquez's moment 🏍️📷 @marcmarquez93 #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/6xRiztTvt7

The unusual incident with the visor tear-off at the beginning almost completely ruined Marquez's race, causing him to slip from second to 13th position at the first turn due to the wheelspin it triggered. Alex Marquez has somewhat acknowledged his role in bumping Jack Miller aside, clearing a path for his brother, yet Marc's remarkable recovery to sixth place by Turn 6 was nonetheless noteworthy.

On the initial lap, he fell behind Martin by 1.269 seconds, yet by the sixth lap, he had climbed back into the top three, trailing Bagnaia, who was in second place, by 0.737 seconds. He managed to overtake Bagnaia during lap 12 in the tripartite skirmish that included Martin. His initial attempt to pass the Pramac rider occurred on lap 24, taking advantage of Martin's slightly wide exit from Turn 4.

Martin's resilience was on full display as he navigated the delicate balance between competing fiercely and protecting his standing in the championship. His adept handling of Marquez's bold move at Turn 4 during the 25th lap, which ultimately led to Marquez winning the race, is equally commendable as the overtaking maneuver itself.

"Marquez radiated joy post-race, stating, "This one had a classic vibe. On circuits like these, filled with abrupt stops and starts, the current aerodynamics don't typically allow for this race style.

"In Phillip Island, where there are no challenging braking points, it's easier to keep up with the competition, which plays to my strengths in riding technique."

"Actually, while trailing Martin, I felt incredibly at ease, maintaining a smooth pace… not effortless, but I was consistently controlling the gap and biding my time until the final laps."

Marquez crossed the finish line 0.997 seconds ahead of Martin, marking his first season with three Grand Prix victories since 2021. Before the race weekend, Martin had expressed a desire to return to the MotoGP days of 2014 and 2015 to fully evaluate his capabilities as a racer. The race at Phillip Island provided him with the response he was looking for.

Analysis of Marquez's Speed on Track

Marc Marquez displayed phenomenal speed during the race 🚀, clocking a lap that was a tenth of a second quicker than his fastest qualifying time 🤯#MotoGP #AustralianGP pic.twitter.com/mQhsQTxtXN— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) October 20, 2024

Marc Marquez showcased remarkable pace on the circuit 🚀, achieving a lap time during the race that bested his quickest qualifying lap by a tenth of a second 🤯#MotoGP #AustralianGP pic.twitter.com/mQhsQTxtXN

It's possible to view the 2024 Australian Grand Prix as Marquez's most impressive victory in MotoGP. His comeback from an unfavorable beginning is noteworthy, yet examining his speed reveals the true extent of his exceptional performance in that race.

On average, Marquez managed to be 0.117 seconds faster per lap than Martin during the grand prix, despite Martin being in the lead for a significant portion. Meanwhile, the Gresini racer had to execute multiple overtaking maneuvers.

Marquez completed seven laps (among these, he established a new race lap record of 1m27.765s) in the 1m27s range, compared to Martin, who did so four times.

Remarkably, Marquez demonstrated exceptional speed by completing three laps quicker than the Q2 time that secured him a second-place start. Additionally, six of his laps during the race were fast enough to have placed him on the front row if they had been achieved during qualifying.

Except for four laps, his racing speeds would have qualified him for the second row. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions during Q2, he managed to maintain those speeds with a heavier fuel load and on soft tires that lasted for 27 laps.

He completed his last two laps in exactly 1 minute and 28 seconds each, in contrast to Martin, who finished his with times of 1 minute, 28.464 seconds and 1 minute, 28.576 seconds respectively. Adding to the significance of this achievement, he accomplished it on a bike that was a year old. Despite claims from Ducati and its riders that there are not significant differences between the GP24 and GP23 models.

At Phillip Island, Marquez, who was leading the GP23, finished a significant 12.997 seconds ahead of the closest competitor in the same category, Fabio Di Giannantonio, who came in fourth. Throughout the 17 races held in 2024 to date, Marquez has accumulated a substantial lead of 195 points over the closest GP23 rival, once again Di Giannantonio.

Currently, Marquez has an average of 20.29 points per round across 17 events, in comparison to Di Giannantonio's 8.82, marking a significant gap of 11.4 points per round.

The GP23, which has appeared to regress compared to the GP24s in the latest races, faces more challenges. Following an engine breakdown during the Indonesian Grand Prix, numerous sources indicated that Ducati decided to switch back to a previous version of the flywheel configuration on the GP23's engine. This change was identified as the root of the issue.

Overall, the 2024 Australian Grand Prix prompts us to wonder: exactly what is Marquez capable of achieving with a factory Ducati?

The query that has preoccupied the minds of Ducati's leadership since the beginning of the 2024 season, particularly due to Marquez's immediate success and podium appearances on his Gresini-operated GP23, is what prompted Ducati to rethink its rider strategy for 2025. This decision resulted in Ducati losing Martin and Pramac, and as a consequence, Marco Bezzecchi as well.

Phillip Island has once again brought up a familiar query, yet now, it seems we're starting to see hints of a solution. This question revolves around whether, in today's era of advanced motorcycles, the skill of the rider can still be a determining factor, a point highlighted by Marquez.

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Alberto Puig emphasized that Honda's operations will continue regardless of any rider departures or arrivals, stating, "Adjustments can be made, but Honda's essence remains unchanged."

Alberto Puig has called for renewed efforts to accelerate Honda's return to the top ranks in MotoGP.

The Japanese company, which has been facing difficulties, has remained at the bottom this season, even though it received additional advantages.

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Marc Marquez's choice to leave and join Ducati has proven to be the right move.

Honda's leader, Puig, expressed confidence by stating, "Our team is accustomed to victory; we are a winning team."

"There are times when enduring a difficult journey is necessary, and that's exactly what we're experiencing now."

Honda embodies a relentless determination to persevere. For many years, racing has been at the core of Honda's identity, and this competitive spirit is something the company will always maintain.

"Our sole objective is to achieve victory once more."

"The season has certainly been challenging. It's clear that we brought in a new racer, Luca Marini."

"We dedicated six to seven months experimenting with various approaches to gain insight."

"It has been challenging. The outcomes reflect the truth."

“We discovered a new path in Misano and now feel confident that we can begin to move forward.”

"Although it might seem from an external perspective that we are not making headway, as our outcomes suggest otherwise, internally we are undergoing transformation."

"We will transform it further. Honda is an organization with a long history in racing."

Every business has its procedures – these can be modified, but the core philosophy remains unchanged.

"Although adjustments can be made, Honda will consistently remain Honda."

In 2025, Aleix Espargaro is set to retire from competitive racing and take on the role of a test rider with Honda.

They are optimistic that he can contribute to growth, much like he did during Aprilia's ascent.

Puig stated that they plan to increase the number of test riders from one to three.

"We're not targeting individuals, but since Aleix chose to step down, we felt it was an opportune time to bring him on board due to his wealth of experience."

"He was the one who developed the Aprilia, and he understands the significance of his work. Sharing information in racing is essential."

"It's essential to stay at the forefront of technology, which means gathering information from any available source."

Romano Albesiano is set to become the new technical director at Honda, following his leadership of Aprilia's project.

"It will be fascinating to gain insight into an alternative perspective."

Puig expressed their enthusiasm.

"Departing with a champion is never simple"

Marquez ended his lucrative contract with Honda a year early to switch to a Ducati from the previous season.

This year, he has claimed victory in three grand prix races, justifying his choice to depart from the manufacturer where he had previously secured all his championship titles.

"According to Puig, Marc is more than just any rider; he's a unique kind of rider."

"When he becomes a member of a team, it makes a difference."

"He reached his conclusion, and we accepted it without any issues."

From his perspective, his actions were justified. He is achieving many positive outcomes.

"In our perspective, we had no choice but to accept it. The team continues forward."

"Honda will continue to operate regardless of whether a rider joins or departs."

"Although we were not pleased, we hold the man in high regard due to his numerous victories for Honda, making it justifiable."

"Losing a champion is tough, but life continues and so will we."

"We are not putting in all this work simply to be present or to take part. To reach our desired destination, we have to follow various stages. This is the phase we're currently in."

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Is it justified for Pecco Bagnaia to attribute his championship shortfall to the collision with Alex Marquez?

Should the Aragon mishap be held responsible for his lag in the title race?

Heading into the final three races of the 2024 MotoGP championship, Jorge Martin is ahead of Francesco Bagnaia by a 20-point margin in the rankings, following the Australian Grand Prix.

On Sundays, Bagnaia has outpaced Martin in terms of race wins, securing eight victories. This accomplishment aligns him with renowned racers such as Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, and Jorge Lorenzo, who have achieved a similar feat within a single racing season.

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Martin has secured victories in just three grand prix races, yet he leads the championship by 20 points. A significant reason for this is the seven races that Bagnaia did not finish (DNFs) during the 2024 season.

Bagnaia has a history of rebounding from numerous scoreless races to secure championships. In 2022, he managed to overturn a 91-point deficit at the season's midpoint, surpassing a faltering Fabio Quartararo on the Yamaha who had faced five races without scoring. In 2023, despite encountering an equal number of races where he didn't earn points, Bagnaia emerged victorious over Martin.

Bagnaia has achieved a new personal best of seven, surpassing his competitor Martin, who despite a modest tally of three Grand Prix victories, has demonstrated remarkable consistency.

Together, the two racers have achieved a total of six sprint victories in 2024. Martin has claimed 13 Saturday podium finishes, in contrast to Bagnaia's dominant performance of eight Sunday victories, significantly outpacing Martin's three. Nonetheless, they are tied with a total of 13 podium finishes apiece.

In 2024, Martin experienced four instances where he did not score any points. Notably, two of these occurred while he was in the lead during grand prix races, and another happened while he was ahead in the sprint race in Indonesia.

Was it self-inflicted mistakes or was Alex Marquez to blame?

Upon securing a third-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix, Bagnaia reflected on the inconsistencies plaguing his title chase, pinpointing his collision with Alex Marquez in Aragon as the current significant setback affecting his championship ambitions.

"We keep alternating between progress and setbacks. Our results have been quite even," he remarked. "Regrettably, the incident that led to my collision with Alex Marquez is currently having a significant impact on the championship standings."

During their contest for the third position, Bagnaia, who was faster, had ample opportunity to overtake safely. However, due to the mishap, he lost a chance to earn 16 points that day, allowing Martin to extend his lead in the championship from three points post-sprint to 23. If Bagnaia had secured the third spot, the difference in their standings would have narrowed to just seven points.

Undoubtedly, it was an expensive complication. Yet, is this event truly what's hindering Bagnaia's progress?

Merely a couple of races following his previous setback, Bagnaia encountered yet another instance where he didn't earn points. Despite clinching victory in the Emilia Romagna GP sprint, which narrowed Martin's advantage to a mere four points, Bagnaia experienced a mishap. While attempting to recover positions in third place, an unexpected problem with his tyre caused him to fall out of contention for the win during the initial stages of the grand prix.

By securing third position, Bagnaia would have been only eight points adrift of Martin after Misano, rather than trailing by 24 points. In Indonesia, Martin added 25 points to his tally with a grand prix victory, while Bagnaia outscored him over the weekend, earning 28 points and reducing the deficit to merely five points. Following a flawless performance in Japan, where Martin accumulated 26 points, Bagnaia would move ahead, leading the standings by six points.

In Indonesia, Martin managed to score 10 more points than Bagnaia, allowing him to regain the championship lead, but with a slim margin of just four points, rather than 20.

By including the minimum of six points Bagnaia missed out on due to his crash from third place at the Silverstone sprint, and the 12 points he lost after falling from the lead in the Barcelona sprint, the Italian would hold a 14-point lead in the championship standings.

The crash involving Alex Marquez at the Aragon race stirred up controversy initially when Bagnaia accused the Gresini racer of intentionally colliding with him. However, the reigning world champion eventually retracted his statement and issued an apology for his earlier remarks.

Certainly, the loss of points has impacted his chances for the championship, yet it isn't this particular event that has most severely affected his standing in the points race.

Regrettably for Bagnaia, his most significant failures to score have been due to his own errors, a reality he must now swiftly acknowledge and address to counteract the advantage Martin has gained in the championship standings.

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Is it justifiable for Pecco Bagnaia to attribute his championship shortfall to the collision with Alex Marquez?

Should the altercation at Aragon be held responsible?

Heading into the final three races of the 2024 MotoGP championship, Jorge Martin is ahead of Francesco Bagnaia by a 20-point margin in the overall rankings, following their performances at the Australian Grand Prix.

Bagnaia has outperformed Martin in Sunday races, securing eight wins, a feat that aligns him with renowned racers such as Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, and Jorge Lorenzo in terms of accomplishing a comparable milestone within a single season.

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Martin has secured victory in just three grand prix races but currently leads the championship by 20 points. A key reason for this lead is the seven races Bagnaia failed to finish during the 2024 season.

Bagnaia has a history of triumphing despite numerous scoreless races to secure championships. In 2022, he managed to overturn a 91-point deficit midway through the season, surpassing a faltering Fabio Quartararo on the Yamaha, despite encountering five races without scoring any points. Continuing this pattern into 2023, he experienced an equal number of races without points yet succeeded in defeating Martin to clinch the title.

Bagnaia has achieved a personal best with seven victories, overcoming Martin, whose steady performance has supported his modest collection of three Grand Prix wins.

The two competitors have collectively achieved six victories in sprints throughout 2024. Martin has secured a spot on the podium 13 times in Saturday races. On Sundays, Bagnaia has impressively won eight times, a significant contrast to Martin's three victories, yet they are tied with 13 podium finishes each overall.

In 2024, Martin failed to finish four races, with two of those instances occurring while he was in the lead of grand prix events, and another during his front-running position in the Indonesian sprint.

Is it mistakes on his own part or is Alex Marquez to blame?

Upon securing a third-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix, Bagnaia spoke about the inconsistent trajectory of his championship season, pinpointing his collision with Alex Marquez at Aragon as the significant setback currently weighing on his championship aspirations.

"We keep alternating between making progress and facing setbacks. It seems our results are quite even," he stated. "Unfortunately, the incident where I collided with Alex Marquez is currently having the most significant impact on the championship standings."

During the competition for third position, Bagnaia, who had the speed advantage and ample time to overtake safely, was involved in an incident. As a result, he lost the opportunity to earn 16 points. Meanwhile, Martin extended his lead in the championship from three points post-sprint to 23. Had Bagnaia secured third place, the difference in their standings would have been reduced to just seven points.

Undoubtedly, the mishap came with a hefty price tag. Yet, does it genuinely stand as the obstacle impeding Bagnaia's progress?

Merely a couple of races following, Bagnaia encountered another race without earning points. After securing a victory at the Emilia Romagna GP sprint, which narrowed down Martin's advantage to just four points, he experienced a fall while attempting to recover his position in third. This occurred after a peculiar tyre problem caused him to lose his spot in the competition for the win during the early stages of the grand prix.

If Bagnaia had finished in third position, he would have been only eight points behind Martin after the Misano race, rather than 24. In Indonesia, since Martin received 25 points for winning the grand prix and Bagnaia earned 28 points over the course of the weekend, the difference in their points would have narrowed to five. Following a dominant performance in Japan, where Martin added 26 points and Bagnaia outscored him, Bagnaia would have moved ahead by six points in the overall rankings.

Martin, by finishing ahead of Bagnaia by 10 points in the Indonesian race, reclaimed the championship lead, but his margin over Bagnaia is now just four points rather than 20.

By accounting for the loss of at least six points due to Bagnaia's crash from third place in the Silverstone sprint and the 12 points missed from his fall while leading the Barcelona sprint, Bagnaia would have held a 14-point lead in the championship standings for Italy.

The crash involving Alex Marquez at the Aragon GP sparked controversy when Bagnaia initially accused the Gresini racer of intentionally colliding with him. However, the reigning champion eventually retracted his statement and offered an apology for his earlier remarks.

Undoubtedly, the points forfeited in that scenario have impacted his aspirations for the championship, yet it's not the primary incident that has significantly undermined his standing in terms of points.

Regrettably, Bagnaia has been his own worst enemy with significant scoreless outcomes, a situation he must swiftly address to counteract the advantage Martin has gained in the championship standings.

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Pierer Mobility Group dismisses four senior leaders, anticipates underperforming targets

Pierer Mobility Group announces disappointing forecast for sales and profits

The Pierer Mobility Group has declared its intention to downsize its executive board, cutting the number of directors from six to two.

The reduction of the board of directors to one-third of its original size will result in only Stefan Pierer, the CEO of Pierer Mobility Group (PMG), and Gottfried Neumeister, the Co-CEO, continuing as members of the company's executive board.

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In a significant move, it has been decided that Hubert Trunkenpolz, the individual behind the 'T' in KTM, will no longer serve on the board.

Since 2018, Trunkenpolz has served on the board, ascending to the position of board chairman in 2023. Additionally, Trunkenpolz holds a position on the supervisory board of KTM (Shanghai) Moto Co. Ltd.

In a recent development, Alex Pierer, who joined the board in 2023, has concurrently been serving as the managing director of Pierer Innovation AG since 2018. His previous role includes a tenure on the supervisory board of Pierer Industrie AG from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, he holds a seat on the supervisory board of Pankl Racing Systems AG, a company that is part of the Pierer Mobility Group.

In 2023, Florian Kecht also joined the board, alongside Rudolf Wiesbeck, who has served as the Chief Operating Officer of KTM AG since 2022. Additionally, Wiesbeck holds roles on the supervisory boards of KTM Components AG, Leoni AG, and Pankl Racing Systems AG.

The decrease in the number of board members is seemingly due to the persistent financial struggles faced by PMG. Specifically, the company from Austria attributes this downturn to the economic downturn in Germany, and the elevated living expenses in the US.

"The European economic growth is at a standstill, especially highlighted by the recession in the crucial German market," states a communication from Pierer Mobility Group.

"In the United States, the buying ability of consumers continues to be weak as a result of the elevated cost of living and the prolonged duration of costly consumer loans."

The PMG announcement further mentions that there has been a decrease in U.S. sign-ups by 6.3 percent during the timeframe of January to September 2024. Moreover, it highlights that September witnessed the most significant drop in new registrations in the U.S. since the start of the year, falling by 14.3 percent.

Consequently, Pierer Mobility Group has determined that a swift rebound is not anticipated.

The situation in Europe appears somewhat more positive for PMG, as their registrations remain stable compared to 2023. This stability is attributed to growth in the budget-friendly segment, though there is a noted deceleration in progress.

The news of the executive board's reduction follows earlier statements that PMG would be reducing its workforce and output levels at its European sites, while also increasing its reliance on its international industrial partners, including Bajaj Auto in India and CFMoto in China.

As part of its financial recovery strategy for 2024, PMG aimed to reduce its stock levels, and the most recent announcement verifies that this reduction in inventory is still ongoing.

"The statement highlights that, although there has been a minor decrease in stock levels, continuing to reduce these inventories significantly remains a key goal."

"Nonetheless," it continues, "Pierer Mobility is firmly dedicated to backing its dealers and suppliers as a key ally during these challenging periods."

The statement highlights that actions taken have led to higher debt and interest costs, noting, "Due to the steps implemented, there's been a rise in working capital which has subsequently elevated the company's overall debt and interest charges."

Given the critical situation PMG is currently facing, the company has announced it is withdrawing its financial projections for 2024.

Due to these conditions, according to the announcement, Pierer Mobility will not meet its projected financial targets, including revenue, profit margins, and the anticipated decrease in working capital and overall debt for this fiscal year. Consequently, the company is retracting its financial forecasts for the 2024 fiscal year.

"An updated examination of adjustments that don't involve cash values is planned to be completed before the year's conclusion."

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