Jorge Martin Advocates for Resurfacing at the Barcelona MotoGP Track for Enhanced Performance

"The circuit isn't inherently dangerous, given our expertise as professional racers; however, we navigate through…"

Anticipations are high for increased speeds at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this weekend, as the cooler conditions of the Solidarity GP in November are believed to offer better racing conditions than the typically warmer early-summer period usually reserved for the Catalan Grand Prix.

Yet, traction this weekend has proven to be more challenging than during May's Catalan Grand Prix, with Jorge Martin pointing out that the track requires resurfacing—not for safety reasons, but to enhance the spectacle.

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"Martin believes they have no intention or strategy for a comeback, describing it as the least favorable circuit of the season."

"The issue isn't about safety, as we're skilled riders who adjust our speed accordingly, but rather, the problem lies in the reduced excitement and competitive edge due to insufficient traction. The current condition makes it nearly impossible to pass other riders or effectively utilize the rear tyre, making riding a challenging task. For the benefit of both the spectacle and the sport, I believe resurfacing is a necessary step."

Martin considers Barcelona to be a more "hazardous" circuit to navigate during this period, especially when contrasted with the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Typically, the latter venue serves as the season's closing race; however, due to recent flood events in Valencia, it was not feasible this year.

"He believes that in Valencia, the traction is significantly improved, making it a safer option compared to this location," he stated.

"However, I believe Michelin did an excellent job by providing a significantly larger quantity of tyres, which proves to be extremely beneficial for the timed runs. Yet, it's peculiar, especially since it introduces a new variable."

Martin expressed feeling odd, even though he maintained a "good" rhythm. Even with reduced traction, Martin managed to keep up a respectable speed, ending the day in fourth place overall. This was after he had to abandon his second attempt at a fast lap due to correcting a front-end slide at the fifth turn.

"Martin described the day as unusual," he reflected. "It seemed like we were given the usual amount of time, yet we had to test a significantly higher number of tires. So, in my experience, it felt quite chaotic, with an overwhelming amount of details to process in a limited period.

"Indeed, the timetable was somewhat packed, yet I'm inclined to focus on the bright side. Without a doubt, there are both ups and downs, but on the whole, I believe I have a solid foundation: my pace is competitive, and the speed is present; it was just during the second run in the attempt to set a time that I fell short."

"However, my sensation has somewhat deteriorated; there's an odd feeling, like I'm having difficulty maintaining traction with the back tyre, and there's also a lack of confidence in the front tyre, especially when turning left. We're addressing this issue."

"I believe I've figured out our destination for tomorrow. I was aware of the direction, and tomorrow, I'll trust my gut feeling."

Martin experienced a few close calls in the afternoon, with one being particularly noteworthy.

"We're always pushing the boundaries. During a time trial, that edge feels even closer. I believe I made a solid effort in getting to grips with the various tyre options — I experimented with all the front tyres, except for the hard compound, which no one used. Interestingly, I was the sole person to test the hard compound for the rear. Thus, I reckon I've gathered valuable insights. Perhaps I wasn't consistently the quickest, but I consistently ranked within the top four or five, which aligns with my goal: to contend for a podium spot. Aiming for the podium is a realistic goal for me, one that helps keep me focused and in the right mindset, so that's what I'll strive for."

Drag of the left shoulder at turn five becomes a spectacle

As MotoGP makes its way to Barcelona, spectators eagerly gather at turn five, looking forward to seeing Martin graze his left shoulder against the kerb.

Martin mentions that it's purely a stunning sight, nothing more.

"He admitted, "Touching the shoulder is somewhat for show, truthfully."

"When I'm riding flawlessly and focusing hard, I stay very near the shoulder. However, if I make contact with the shoulder, it's somewhat playful, so it doesn't create a major problem."

Martin's remarkable maneuver at turn five on Friday occurred during his last time trial in Practice, where he impressively saved the situation.

The Pramac Ducati competitor detailed that the challenge was due to the intricate nature of the Barcelona circuit, its impact on the motorcycle's electronic configurations, and the duration required to navigate from the tenth corner in one lap to the fifth in the following one.

"Typically, we create a single map for every track; however, in this case, we're required to produce a distinct map for each turn, which is insane," Martin explained.

"The braking system, acceleration, and front lift vary significantly in different situations, making it quite challenging to manage. We often face issues with the back end sliding while braking. It occasionally regains traction and propels forward, which varies from turn to turn."

"Thus, navigating turn five poses a challenge due to the reduced temperature of the tyre, leading me to enter the curve at a higher speed. I attempted to decelerate slightly later than usual, which caused the rear tyre to react and exert additional pressure on me, resulting in the loss of control at the front."

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

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Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez's collision at Tech3 leads to a frightening incident

An incident involving team members triggered a stoppage early in Friday's practice session.

The Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season's final opening session started dramatically as teammates Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez from GASGAS Tech3 team crashed into each other, causing the session to be halted with red flags.

Fernandez tried to overtake Acosta on the outside as Acosta was trailing behind Brad Binder at Turn 5. However, the newcomer didn't notice Fernandez nearby, leading to a collision between them as they exited the turn.

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The duo crashed, resulting in damage to an air barrier and necessitating a halt to the session. Thankfully, they were not injured and managed to return to the track for the resumption.

"Fernandez remarked, "It felt odd. It was quite alarming, yet after my conversation with Pedro, everything turned out fine in the end."

"He didn't catch me watching him lift the bike, and I went unnoticed by him.

"The individuals leading were sluggish in making a left turn, prompting me to move towards the right side. This maneuver wasn't an attempt to overtake or get ahead; it was simply to steer clear of them."

"I was sprinting along the outer track when we collided during the pick-up."

"An ordinary event, though hardly the perfect beginning to the weekend. Additionally, I had an accident later in the day, making it quite a challenging day."

Acosta, managing to recover and secure a second-place finish in the morning session, dismissed the event without much concern.

"He mentioned, 'Every possible scenario that could unfold in that moment did unfold. We're fine. It wasn't anybody's fault. It was due to a mix of circumstances. So, let's just move on from it… These things occur!'"

Marc Marquez, trailing closely behind the duo, swiftly maneuvered to avoid the mishap and lifted his hand to alert fellow riders of the unfolding situation.

"The Gresini rider described the incident as unfortunate and perilous, attributing the error to Augusto, as he believed Acosta wasn't aware of his presence."

"However, since they are on the same team, I believe there won't be any issues!"

The circumstances were quite odd as everyone was moving at an unusually slow pace.

Pirro experienced a collision at the same turn during the opening lap, leading to a slowdown among the competitors, while Augusto took an ambitious position on the outer edge.

"In racing, such incidents occur. Fortunately, they're on the same team, so there's no major turmoil!"

Acosta wrapped up the day ranked ninth, standing out as the sole KTM competitor to secure a spot directly in Qualifying 2. However, he was notably uneasy due to the chilly and slick conditions.

"Acosta mentioned, "The grip remains unchanged from what we experienced back in May. The issue now is that it's become even simpler to lose control of the front."

"The lap time didn't improve, there was even more spinning, and the motion increased. Given this, it's hard to highlight any positives regarding the grip."

The reasons behind Catalunya circuit being described as having "the poorest traction throughout the season" remain unclear.

"He mentioned that it's hard to determine because their surface lacks bumps, cracks, or numerous dark spots. However, the issue is the absence of traction," he explained.

"It's rather peculiar, especially since the track had been repaved not too long ago.

"Then there are circuits like the ones in Japan, which have existed for a long time and offer significant traction."

"It's odd to examine, yet it remains consistent for everyone."

Acosta mentioned, "Currently, the main concern is deciding on the tyre selection."

"Given that we're dealing with the standard three fronts and two rears, there's still a significant amount of work ahead of us."

"Picture this: four in the front and three in the back!"

The upcoming weekend in Barcelona marks the last event for Acosta and Fernandez with the Tech3 team.

Next season, Acosta is set to join the factory KTM team, while it is anticipated that Fernandez will take on a role as a test rider for Yamaha.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ups and downs in the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's career milestones. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Maverick Vinales on the Pecco practice start situation: "There was enough space"

"After witnessing the collision, my initial thought was 'perhaps I made contact with him'. However, this notion changed after viewing the replay."

Maverick Vinales maintained that his actions were completely normal during the practice start event that led to championship hopeful Francesco Bagnaia's crash following the chequered flag on Friday morning at the final Barcelona MotoGP race.

Vinales executed an overtaking maneuver on a slower Bagnaia in the braking area of Turn 1 from the outside.

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Though they didn't touch, Bagnaia was taken aback by the maneuver, clenched his front brake, and went down.

Bagnaia admitted, "Slowing down that much was my error, but truly, when you're coming in at such a high speed, you instinctively head towards the inside."

"I began listening to him, thinking 'Alright, he's going to move inward'."

"The moment I noticed him approaching rapidly from the outside, riding on the curb, and with the bike in motion, fear struck me, leading to my loss of control over the front like that."

Vinales emphasized that the goal of a practice start extends beyond merely taking off from the starting line; it also involves identifying the precise point at which to begin braking for the first turn.

"The Aprilia competitor emphasized, "For me, the blame isn't the issue. Ultimately, the purpose of a practice start is to simulate the real thing, which means approaching the first turn as if you're in a race, attempting to deactivate [the holeshot mechanisms just like a genuine start], and therefore braking later."

"I noticed Pecco was positioned centrally, moving at a slow pace. The reason was unclear to me. In an attempt to steer clear of him, I maneuvered to the exterior, ensuring I left a gap equivalent to about two motorcycles. I didn't actually come anywhere near him."

Upon witnessing the collision, I thought to myself, 'perhaps I made contact with him', I'm not certain.

"However, upon reviewing the footage, it became clear there was ample space. It seems like he perhaps panicked or the like. He ended up squeezing the front brake too hard, causing the front tire to lock up."

Bagnaia, aiming to overcome Jorge Martin's significant 24-point lead in the championship this weekend, eventually ended up leading the Friday afternoon rankings, with Vinales placing sixth.

"Vinales expressed satisfaction at making it to Q2, considering it a positive outcome. However, he faced an obstacle during his final time attack, encountering two yellow flags, which prevented him from completing the lap as intended."

"In my opinion, our competitiveness has increased since May."

Is Vinales, the sole racer to overcome the Ducatis in a grand prix this year thanks to his win at COTA, capable of challenging them in this weekend's concluding RS-GP event?

"I'd love to say yes, but it's uncertain. It's the usual scenario – based on today's lap times, I feel confident about competing with them. However, what happens tomorrow remains to be seen," he mentioned. "I'm unsure about the progress they might achieve."

Team member Aleix Espargaro secured the third quickest time.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the motorsport landscape evolve, including Valentino Rossi's rise and eventual departure. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from the competition and the ongoing health concerns surrounding Marc Marquez.

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Johann Zarco delivers an outstanding lap to advance to Q2 in Barcelona MotoGP

"I'm extremely pleased with the progress made in this afternoon's practice, and I'm hopeful that I can continue on this trajectory…"

Johann Zarco secured a remarkable fifth place on Friday during the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, attributing his success to what he described as "one of the best laps" he's had in the 2024 season.

Zarco has qualified for Q2 multiple times this season, but this occasion marks only the third instance he's advanced directly from Friday's practice sessions.

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"Zarco described his performance as potentially one of the best laps after ranking fifth in speed on Friday afternoon."

"I believe the race in Thailand was impressive, trailing behind Marc [Marquez], and another notable one in Aragon, following Jorge [Martin].

"Indeed, securing a strong lap time before the final attempt was significant, and while there was room for improvement on the last set of tires – potentially shaving off a few tenths – some errors prevented me from doing so. Nonetheless, this bodes well for tomorrow."

"Observing the temperature is crucial, as gaining certainty on the left side can be challenging. Attempting it might yield unexpected results, so I prefer not to risk underperformance and waste valuable practice time."

"I'm quite pleased with the afternoon's Practice performance, and I'm hopeful I can maintain this momentum."

Zarco was so confident in his speed over a single lap that he believed he could secure a spot in the top six during qualifying, despite his performance not appearing as promising on worn tires.

"He mentioned that the first two rows present a chance, which could work wonders for the future."

"Subsequently, as the tire wears down, there's a significant alteration in the motorcycle's performance. I'm uncertain about finding a fix by tomorrow, but accelerating and then managing the motorcycle is an aspect I enjoy. I'm optimistic about handling it successfully tomorrow."

Since the beginning of the year, the combination of Zarco and the RC213V has seen enhancements in terms of both rider performance and technical advancements.

"Zarco mentioned, 'The bike has improved since our initial trip to Catalunya earlier this year.'"

"Now, I'm making more effective use of the bike's strengths, and it's evident that the bike has gotten better."

"Following the Misano race, we made progress in navigating quick turns better, and now, when trailing behind another rider, it's noticeable that keeping up has become feasible — something that was out of the question at the start of the season."

"Initially, the chilly weather made me concerned about not being able to fully exploit the bike's advantages. However, this afternoon, as conditions improved, I believe I managed to ride quite effectively, which has left me quite pleased. This is because I hadn't anticipated performing so well, but it certainly aligns with my goals."

Mir: Zarco's Speed Not Exclusive to Barcelona

"Zarco's ability to deliver a quick lap isn't limited to this track," Mir observed. "He has shown this capacity elsewhere for some reason."

"For myself, particularly, this is the domain where I face the greatest difficulty due to the issues we encounter with vibration, whereas for him, it’s the aspect he finds less challenging.

"Thus, we're attempting to grasp how he manages to accomplish something currently beyond our abilities, and each time I push myself further, I end up falling."

"Thus, it's essential to grasp that, despite the oddities, this bicycle presents numerous unforeseen issues causing an unusual riding experience. It seems to suit him quite well, particularly with a fresh tire, but it's definitely not suitable for me."

"We need to either enhance the bicycle or I must adjust myself. Currently, I am unable to do so."

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he was involved in reporting on both consumer motorcycles and racing news.

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Pecco Bagnaia discusses the incident with Maverick Vinales at the Barcelona MotoGP: "I lost control of the front."

"I believe my error was reducing speed excessively…"

Francesco Bagnaia led the MotoGP practice session ahead of the Solidarity Grand Prix happening in Barcelona this weekend. However, the most notable incident of his day was an unusual accident that occurred during the practice start session following FP1.

As Maverick Vinales overtook him on the outside, Bagnaia crashed while trying to brake for the first turn, causing the front wheel to lock up.

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The rider from the Ducati Lenovo Team described how he had a bad start during the practice session and was startled when Vinales appeared on his outside as he was braking to approach the first turn.

Bagnaia explained that he didn't get off to a good start as his rear tire lost traction. He also mentioned that he eased up to protect his engine, saying, "We're pushing the engine to its limits, so I was cautious not to strain it too much, as anything could happen."

"My error, I believe, was slowing down to such a degree. However, when approaching at such speed, you instinctively move to the inside where there was plenty of room."

"I began to hear him approaching and thought, 'Alright, he’s going to take the inside path.' However, when I saw him coming at a tremendous speed on the outside, riding on the kerb and the bike shaking, I got frightened and ended up losing control of the front in that manner."

He explained: "The pressure increased by two bar on the lever, jumping from 11 bar to 13 bar, and I lost control."

Although Bagnaia experienced an unusual crash during FP1, his day was largely successful, concluding with him as the fastest.

He expressed satisfaction, stating that his goal for every race weekend is to have a strong start, feel positive, and perform effectively.

"We consistently moved forward with each attempt, never taking a step back, and we're very pleased with our progress."

"I'm pleased with the tire selection, particularly because Michelin performed excellently on this occasion—just as they always do. This time, they provided us with a wider range of effective options, which is fantastic. I'm really satisfied with that."

"I didn't get the chance to test the hard compound front tire, which seemed to make all the other riders quicker, except for Jorge [Martin], who switched to a different option."

Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaro also used it during the time attack and showed impressive speed. Therefore, if the conditions are favorable tomorrow morning, I plan to give it a try. Other than that, everything went well.

Bagnaia was taken aback by the track conditions, as the grip seemed to be reduced even though the temperatures were cooler compared to the Catalan Grand Prix held in May.

Bagnaia expressed his belief that the pace was quicker. He reasoned that the colder conditions typically lead to increased speed and noted that they were using a very soft rear tire.

"Upon beginning my ride this morning, I immediately noticed a change; the grip was reduced. This required adjustments to the bike since the current conditions are substantially different from those in May."

Bagnaia has turned his attention to enhancing his performance in sprints, which he considers his main area of weakness for the year 2024.

"I spent a significant amount of time riding with the Sprint's smaller fuel tank, and my experience was similar to racing on the Sprint. I found it challenging to bring the bike to a stop, much like during the Sprint race."

"We attempted to make some enhancements to the bike and succeeded, which pleases me, but I still require a bit more improvement."

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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Marc Marquez: "Achieving a podium finish is incredibly challenging"

"It didn't come as a shock; each time I race here, I find it more difficult than normal."

Marc Marquez has minimized expectations of achieving a podium finish for the Gresini team at this weekend's Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP.

Starting from 14th position, the Spanish rider made his way to a podium finish in both races at Catalunya in May, and following this impressive performance, he has claimed victory four times riding the Ducati.

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During Friday's practice session for the season's final race, Marquez recorded the eighth-fastest time. He was the third-fastest rider on a Ducati GP23, trailing behind Marco Bezzecchi, who came in second, and his brother Alex Marquez, who secured the seventh position.

Marquez mentioned that it was expected, as he consistently faces more challenges at the Circuit de Catalunya than elsewhere. He added that he now has additional tasks to work on in order to enhance his performance and feel more comfortable.

"The sole good news today is that we've reached the second quarter and have shown progress from the first practice session to the current one. We'll see if we can make further advancements tomorrow."

"The goal is to aim for a spot near the top five, as achieving a podium finish in this Grand Prix will be extremely challenging."

Marquez admitted that the colder weather appears to be affecting him more than others.

"It was quite an unusual situation," he mentioned. "Everyone has the same experience, but personally, I feel significantly worse than I did in May."

"Determining the boundary was challenging. The front could slip away rapidly. Overexerting the tires could ruin them due to the low temperatures."

"Navigating the situation is quite challenging. However, we have a wide variety of tire choices available. Michelin has performed well, and now we need to determine which option will be most effective for the races."

"Regarding speed, similar to the previous Grand Prix here, I'm not too far behind. I actually feel more comfortable when the tire starts to wear down compared to when it's brand new."

Marquez holds a one-point lead over Enea Bastianini in the competition for third place in the world championship standings. On Friday, the Italian racer faced difficulties and ended up in tenth position.

For the past two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is also closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury problems faced by Marc Marquez.

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Unveiled: Ducati Test Rider Discusses the Significant Challenge Marc Marquez Faces with the GP23

New insights into the obstacles confronting Marc Marquez

Throughout the season, Marc Marquez has bravely competed with Ducati bikes that are not as advanced as those used by the leading pair. The test rider for the manufacturer is able to shed light on the reasons behind this.

This season, Marquez has been riding a Ducati from the previous year with Gresini, which has enabled him to secure race victories. As a result, he has been promoted to the official team for 2025, where he will benefit from having access to the most current motorcycle model.

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However, he has fallen behind Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, as their factory-spec Ducatis outperform the GP23.

During Friday's practice session for the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, Marquez achieved the eighth fastest time. Meanwhile, Michele Pirro, Ducati's test rider and wildcard entry, recorded the 22nd fastest time, making him the ninth Ducati rider on the track.

Pirro is currently on a VR46 GP23, but he will resume his work on developing the GP25 next week, which Marquez will have the opportunity to use in the following year.

Pirro agreed with comments from other GP23 riders, noting that the front of the bike has a noticeably different feel compared to the 2022 model.

Pirro remarked, "Returning to the '23 motorcycle after a lengthy break made for an intriguing day."

"I am returning to ride with faster cyclists because riding solo during a test is a completely different experience."

"The 2024 bike has a few changes, and I'm starting to feel better with it."

"Next week promises to be intriguing as we evaluate the 2025 bike. Conducting tests within the same week is advantageous."

Marco Bezzecchi, who is teaming up with Pirro for the VR46 team this weekend, has expressed concerns that the back of the GP23 causes the front to be pushed outward.

Pirro concurred, stating: "The issue at hand is this: Unlike in previous times, these tires now offer increased grip. As a result, when the motorcycle takes a turn, it exerts more pressure on the front."

"The bike is hard to maneuver, and the front requires additional stability. This behavior is unusual for the 2024 model."

"The issue arises because the latest model of the bike was originally equipped with this tire."

This season, Marquez has outperformed the other three GP23 riders significantly, sparking excitement about his potential performance with Ducati's newest model bike next year as part of their factory team.

This weekend in Barcelona, Pirro is riding a Ducati bike that is a year old for the first time in two and a half years. This experience is giving him a genuine insight into the challenges Marquez has been dealing with throughout the season.

On Friday in Barcelona, Pirro mentioned that he attempted to apply the brakes while keeping the bike straight.

"I maintained the temperature, but the front end slipped right away."

"When I applied the brake, the front end gave out on me. It's incredible. We're pushing the limits in this cold weather."

"It's the final race of the season, and several riders are confident after having spent a year on their bikes."

Overall, this year I sense that my motivation isn't centered around the race itself. My speed is decent, but like this morning, the distance between me and the lead rider isn't very significant.

"However, I find it challenging when the cyclists accelerate."

"When you are taking a test at a steady speed, things go well, but if you rush, it's hard to keep control."

"The upcoming race promises to be exciting due to these factors. Competitors will be pushing their boundaries and closely trailing other riders…"

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

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Jorge Martin believes that the Barcelona MotoGP track should be resurfaced "to enhance the quality of the event." He emphasized that while the track isn't necessarily dangerous, professional riders are skilled enough to handle it.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is anticipated to have increased speed this weekend, as the Solidarity GP is scheduled for November, which brings cooler temperatures compared to the usual early-summer timing of the Catalan Grand Prix.

The level of grip this weekend has been reported to be inferior compared to what was experienced during the Catalan Grand Prix in May. Jorge Martin has commented that the track requires resurfacing, not due to safety concerns, but to enhance the overall spectacle.

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Martin expressed his belief that there is no consideration or intention to resurface the track, which he described as the worst one on the schedule.

The issue isn't about safety, as we are skilled riders who handle it well and ride at reduced speeds. However, the main problem is that the excitement and competitive edge are diminished due to inadequate grip. Overtaking is nearly impossible, and utilizing the rear tire becomes a challenge, making it tough to navigate. For the benefit of the spectacle and the sport, I believe resurfacing the track would be advantageous.

Martin feels that the Barcelona track is more "risky" to race on at this time of year compared to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Although the Circuit Ricardo Tormo typically hosts the final round, it was not possible this year due to recent flooding in Valencia.

He mentioned that the traction in Valencia is significantly improved, making it a safer environment compared to this location.

“I believe Michelin has done an excellent job by supplying a greater variety of tires, which is particularly beneficial for the time attack. However, it's unusual due to the new circumstances.”

Martin Expresses Unease Despite Strong Performance

Although there was limited traction, Martin successfully maintained a commendable speed, concluding the day in fourth place overall. This was achieved even after he aborted his second attempt at a fast lap due to recovering from a front slide at the fifth turn.

Martin described the day as unusual. He mentioned that despite having the usual amount of time, they needed to test a larger number of tires. This made the day feel chaotic to him, as they had to process a lot of information in a shorter period.

"The timetable was rather packed, yet I prefer to focus on the good aspects. Certainly, there are both pros and cons, but overall, I believe I have a solid performance theoretically: my pace is strong, and my speed is evident; however, I did not perform well during the second stint of the time attack."

"However, my condition has deteriorated somewhat; I feel odd and have a hard time finding traction with the rear tire. Additionally, I'm lacking confidence with the front tire on left-hand turns, so we're currently addressing these issues."

"I believe I've figured out the direction for tomorrow. I understood the path, and I'll trust my intuition when I take it."

During the afternoon, Martin experienced a few close calls, with one being particularly significant.

"We often find ourselves pushing boundaries, especially during a time attack where we're even closer to those limits. I believe I did well in trying to understand the different tire options. I tested all the front tires except for the hard compound, which no one else tried either, and I was the only one who tried the hard compound rear tire. So, I think I gathered valuable information. Although I wasn't always the fastest, I consistently ranked in the top four or five. My goal is to compete for a podium finish, which is a reasonable target for me to stay focused and in the groove. That's what I'll aim for."

Whenever MotoGP races take place in Barcelona, spectators often gather around turn five in anticipation of Martin brushing his left shoulder against the curb, a move that’s considered quite the spectacle.

According to Martin, it's purely a stunning sight and nothing beyond that.

"When I place my hand on the shoulder, it's mostly for effect, to be frank," he mentioned.

"When I'm riding flawlessly and focusing intently, I'm extremely close to the shoulder. However, if I happen to touch the shoulder, it's just a bit of fun and doesn't cause any major issues."

During Friday's session at turn five, Martin's highlight was a remarkable recovery he executed during his last attempt in Practice.

The Pramac Ducati racer clarified that the difficulties stemmed from the intricate nature of the Barcelona circuit. This complexity impacts the electronic configuration of the bike and influences the time it takes to go from turn 10 to turn 5 on a subsequent lap.

"Typically, we create a single map for each track, but in this case, we need to produce a map for every corner, which is wild," explained Martin.

The engine brake, power, and wheelie behavior vary significantly in different situations, making it challenging to manage. We often face difficulties with the rear sliding during braking. Occasionally, the bike comes back and pushes forward, which depends on the specific turn.

"Turn five presents a challenge due to the tires being cooler. As I approached, I was going too fast and attempted to brake later than usual. This caused the rear tire to slide and push forward, leading to the front tire losing grip."

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

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Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez of Tech3 were involved in a frightening incident described as "scary, shit happens" during Friday's practice session. The clash between the teammates resulted in red flags being raised shortly after the session began.

The start of practice for the season-ending Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP event was marked by a dramatic incident. Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez, who are team-mates on the GASGAS Tech3 team, crashed into each other, resulting in the session being temporarily halted with red flags.

Fernandez tried to overtake Acosta on the outside at Turn 5, as Acosta was stuck behind Brad Binder. However, Acosta, a newcomer, didn't realize Fernandez was there, leading to a collision between the two as they exited the turn.

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The two riders fell, causing damage to an air barrier and leading to the session being halted. Luckily, neither was injured, and they were ready to continue when the session resumed.

Fernandez described the experience as unusual, saying it was frightening. However, after a conversation with Pedro, everything turned out fine.

"I wasn't aware of him lifting the bicycle, and he didn't notice me."

The riders ahead were moving slowly as they approached the left turn. I decided to move to the outside, not with the intention of passing or overtaking them, but simply to steer clear.

"I was on the outer track when we collided during the pick-up."

"While it was just an ordinary mishap, it wasn't the best way to kick off the weekend. I also had an accident later in the day, making it quite a challenging day overall."

Acosta, after recovering to secure second place in the morning session, dismissed the occurrence.

"All possible outcomes seemed to occur in this situation," he commented. "We're fine. No one was to blame. It was a mix of different elements. So, just let it go… Sometimes things just go wrong!"

Following closely behind the duo on the track, Marc Marquez quickly maneuvered to avoid the situation and signaled to others by raising his hand.

"It was an unfortunate and hazardous incident," stated the Gresini team rider. "If anyone was at fault, it was Augusto, as I believe Acosta didn't notice him."

"Since they're on the same team, I believe it won't be an issue!"

"The situation was quite unusual as everyone was moving at a very slow pace."

Pirro had an accident at the same turn during the initial lap, causing the other racers to reduce their speed, which led to Augusto feeling hopeful on the outer line.

"In racing, incidents like this occur. Fortunately, they're on the same team, so there's no conflict!"

Acosta ended the day in ninth position, being the sole KTM rider to secure direct entry into Qualifying 2. However, he struggled to feel at ease due to the cold and slick conditions.

Acosta remarked that the traction is identical to what they experienced back in May, but the main issue now is that it's even easier to lose control of the front.

"The lap time did not improve, the spinning increased, and the motion was more pronounced. Because of this, it's challenging to find anything positive to say about the traction."

The reason behind the Catalunya circuit having the "least grip of any track on the calendar" remains unclear.

"It's hard to determine because the surface is free of bumps, cracks, and significant black spots. However, there's a lack of traction," he explained.

"It's rather odd, especially considering that the track was repaved not too long ago."

"There are tracks such as the one in Japan, which have been around for a long time, and they offer good traction."

"It's rather odd to examine. However, it applies equally to everyone."

Acosta stated, "The current issue is deciding on the tire we should choose."

"Even with the typical setup of three front employees and two in the back, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done."

"Picture this scenario: having four fronts and three rears!"

Acosta and Fernandez will be concluding their time with Tech3 in Barcelona this weekend.

Next season, Acosta is set to join the factory KTM team, while Fernandez is anticipated to take on the role of a test rider for Yamaha.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing both the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the unfolding story about Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Maverick Vinales commented on the practice start incident involving Pecco, stating there was "a lot of space." He initially thought he might have made contact when he observed the crash, but upon reviewing the replay, he realized otherwise.

Maverick Vinales maintained that his actions were routine during the practice start incident that led to title contender Francesco Bagnaia's crash after the session ended on Friday morning at the Barcelona MotoGP finale.

Vinales executed a maneuver on the outside to overtake Bagnaia, who was moving slowly, as they approached the braking area of Turn 1.

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Bagnaia was taken by surprise by the maneuver, causing him to squeeze his front brake and subsequently crash, even though there was no physical contact.

Bagnaia admitted, "I shouldn't have reduced my speed so drastically, but when you're approaching at such high speeds, it's natural to move to the inside."

"I began listening to him and figured, 'Alright, he's going to move inward.'"

"As soon as I noticed him approaching rapidly from the outside, near the curb, with the bike swerving, I became frightened and ended up losing control of the front."

Vinales emphasized that the goal of a practice start goes beyond just taking off from the line; it also involves figuring out the right braking point for the first turn.

The Aprilia rider expressed that assigning blame was not important to him. He explained that the purpose of a practice start is to simulate a real start, which involves approaching the first corner with the intent to deactivate the holeshot devices, allowing for late braking.

"I noticed that Pecco was moving very slowly in the center. I'm not sure of the reason. I attempted to steer clear of him by moving to the outside, maintaining a gap of about two bike lengths. I didn't even come particularly close."

Upon witnessing the accident, I thought to myself, 'Perhaps I made contact with him,' though I wasn't certain.

"However, after watching the replay, it was clear there was ample space. It seems he might have been frightened or something similar, as he engaged the front brake and caused the front tire to lock up."

Bagnaia, aiming to erase Jorge Martin's substantial 24-point lead in the championship this weekend, ended Friday afternoon as the fastest, while Vinales secured the sixth position in the rankings.

“We made it to Q2, which is positive,” Vinales remarked. “Sadly, during my final push for a better time, I encountered two yellow flags, preventing me from completing the lap.”

"In my opinion, we are more competitive now than we were in May."

The question remains whether Vinales, who stands as the sole competitor to have beaten the Ducatis in a grand prix race this year with his win at COTA, can challenge them again during this weekend’s last RS-GP event.

"I'm not sure if I can, but I hope so. As usual, if I consider today's lap times, I'd say I'm capable of competing with them. However, we'll have to wait and see how things unfold tomorrow," he remarked. "I can't predict the progress they'll achieve."

Aleix Espargaro, a member of the team, recorded the third quickest time

Peter has spent two decades in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Johann Zarco delivers an impressive performance, securing a spot in the Barcelona MotoGP Q2 with what’s being called “one of the best laps.” He expressed his satisfaction with the afternoon practice session, saying, “I’m pleased with the progress and hope to maintain this momentum…”

On Friday at the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, Johann Zarco secured an impressive fifth place, attributing his success to what he described as "one of the finest laps" of his 2024 season.

This year, Zarco has reached Q2 multiple times, but this was just the third instance he advanced directly from Friday Practice.

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Zarco commented that his performance, which placed him as the fifth-fastest on Friday afternoon, could be among his top laps.

"In my opinion, the lap in Thailand was strong as well, following Marc [Marquez], and there was another impressive one in Aragon, right behind Jorge [Martin]."

"Certainly, it was satisfying to secure a strong lap early on, and during the final attempt, I felt there was room to shave off a few tenths. However, due to some errors, I couldn't enhance my time. Nonetheless, this bodes well for tomorrow."

"We'll monitor the temperature closely since it's challenging to quickly build confidence on the left side. Attempting to push too soon might lead to unexpected issues, and I want to avoid a low-side fall that would waste practice time."

"I'm quite pleased with how the practice session turned out this afternoon, and I hope to continue performing this way."

Zarco's impressive speed over a single lap led him to believe that securing a spot within the top six during qualifying was achievable, despite his performance on worn tires not appearing as robust.

He mentioned that there might be a chance for those in the first two rows, which could be spectacular for tomorrow.

"When the tire wears out, the bike's performance changes significantly. I'm not sure if we'll find a fix by tomorrow, but reaching high speeds and managing the bike is something I enjoy. I hope to do it successfully tomorrow."

The combination of Zarco and the RC213V has seen advancements in both the human and technical aspects since the beginning of the year.

According to Zarco, the bike has improved since our initial visit to Catalunya earlier this year.

"Now, I'm making better use of the bike's strengths, and it's evident that the bike has gotten better."

"Following the Misano event, we made improvements in handling certain fast corners. Now, when trailing behind another rider, it's noticeable that keeping up is at least feasible. At the start of the year, even that wasn't possible."

"Initially, I was concerned that the chilly weather would prevent me from taking full advantage of the bike's strengths. However, this afternoon, as the conditions improved, I found that I could ride quite effectively. I'm really pleased with this outcome because it exceeded my expectations, and it's exactly what I was hoping for."

Mir: Barcelona isn’t the first instance of Zarco showing speed

“It’s not just here,” noted Mir. “He somehow manages to put together a quick lap."

"In my case, it's the aspect I find most challenging due to the issues we face with vibration. Conversely, it's the part where he encounters fewer difficulties."

"We're attempting to grasp the situation. He can accomplish something that we're currently unable to, and each time I make a greater effort, I end up falling."

"We need to realize that this bike comes with a lot of unforeseen issues, which force you to ride in a peculiar manner. For some reason, this seems to suit him well, particularly when using a new tire, but it doesn't work for me in the slightest."

"We need to either enhance the bike or I need to adjust, but right now, I haven't been able to do so."

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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Comparison: Bagnaia and Martin – who is leading before the championship showdown?

A review of lap times on Friday in Barcelona suggests Bagnaia has a slight edge over Martin.

The last time MotoGP raced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it seemed that the championship was leaning towards Jorge Martin. Francesco Bagnaia, the defending champion, crashed out of the sprint while in the lead, which put him 44 points behind Pramac's Jorge Martin.

As the series heads back to the Solidarity GP at the Catalunya track, the championship is still ongoing, with Martin holding a 24-point lead over Bagnaia. Over the 13 rounds that have taken place since the May Catalan GP, the points gap has shifted by only 20.

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A significant reason for this is Bagnaia's achievement of winning 10 grand prix races throughout the season before the last round. However, Martin's unwavering consistency has helped him keep his lead over his teammate from the factory Ducati team.

The two competitors are equally positioned in their quest for the championship, yet they face distinct situations. Martin is seen as the frontrunner, placing the pressure on him to clinch the title. Meanwhile, Bagnaia understands that his best chance to secure a third championship title lies in achieving victory.

On Friday afternoon at the Barcelona circuit, Bagnaia appeared to perform as if following a specific strategy, showing no signs of stress. He set the pace with a lap time of 1 minute and 38.918 seconds, narrowly edging out his competitors by just 0.080 seconds in what turned out to be a closely contested session.

The combination of cooler weather and reduced traction, along with the selection of seven different tire options provided by Michelin due to the last-minute venue switch from Valencia because of severe flooding, resulted in an interesting arrangement on the timesheet.

During the Catalan Grand Prix in May, the sprint race was highly competitive, but Martin believes that the main race will be more spread out. Based on his statement, it seems he doesn't consider Saturday to be the likely day for him to secure the championship, despite only needing to score two more points than Bagnaia.

"There were numerous tire options available, and not many riders completed numerous laps on them," Martin mentioned to the press, which included Crash.net, on Friday in Barcelona. "We'll have to wait and see how things play out during the race. Certainly, everyone is quick with fresh tires. We'll observe what happens in the races. In tomorrow's sprint, many riders are expected to be fast, just like the previous sprint here. However, by Sunday, the gaps will likely widen significantly."

The growing number of competitors near the top of the leaderboard poses more of a challenge for Martin compared to Bagnaia. However, notable racers like Enea Bastianini, currently in 10th place, and Marc Marquez, in eighth, are not considering themselves contenders for a podium finish at this point.

Bagnaia reacted with jubilation after leading the practice session, feeling as though he had successfully cleared the weekend's first significant challenge. His joy was justified, given the close call he experienced with Maverick Vinales towards the conclusion of FP1. Vinales unexpectedly approached Bagnaia at Turn 1 following their practice starts, prompting Bagnaia to apply additional front brake pressure, which led to the front wheel folding under him. The impact from his fall was severe enough that it could have easily caused an injury, potentially cutting his weekend short.

He felt frustrated, yet remained calm, a stark contrast to his competitor's demeanor. Martin, on the other hand, was noticeably upset in his garage as the practice session neared its end. Later, he explained his agitation, attributing it to stress and his inability to locate his crew chief, who was absent from his usual spot when Martin returned for a tire change.

The outburst of arm-waving seemed to have been escalating over time. Martin appeared to be exploring the boundaries and exerting pressure. However, during multiple instances, such as during his final flying lap, he lost control of the front end while navigating a corner.

He ended up in fifth place on the timesheets, which was enough to advance to Q2 without any trouble. He mentioned that "on paper," his performance looks solid and his speed is quite impressive. However, he confessed that he currently feels uneasy on his Pramac-operated GP24. He described feeling "strange," lacking confidence when taking left-hand corners, and noted that the usual grip from the rear tire seemed to be missing.

Not everything is hopeless, but usually, when Bagnaia has a strong start on Friday, it often means difficulties for his competitors throughout the weekend.

Examining the lap times proved challenging because of the varying conditions and the limited number of tyre sets available for testing. Martin completed eight laps using a soft rear tyre, achieving an average lap time of 1 minute and 40.646 seconds. Meanwhile, during a stint of five laps with a hard rear tyre, his average time was 1 minute and 40.401 seconds, after excluding any outlier times.

Bagnaia completed seven laps using a soft rear tire, clocking a time of 1 minute and 40.365 seconds. When equipped with a medium rear tire, he averaged a lap time of 1 minute and 40.510 seconds over five laps.

At this point, Bagnaia holds an advantage in terms of both speed and his connection with the bike. The sprint race on Saturday will serve as a significant challenge for the defending champion. He approaches this event after having fallen during the last Saturday race in Malaysia, needing to overcome the memory of losing an important 12 points in May when he went off the track into the gravel at Turn 5.

With no stakes on the line, Bagnaia has the liberty to approach it as he would any typical sprint. Martin has room for error, but considering Bagnaia's speed during the Catalan GP back in May, losing significant points would only increase the stress on the Pramac racer.

Friday's events at the Solidarity GP demonstrated that, contrary to what the calculations may suggest, the championship race is still very much open and undecided.

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