The Aspar group has successfully gathered €100,000 through their GoFundMe initiative to aid the flood victims in Valencia.

The Aspar Team successfully gathered more than €100,000 (£84,000) in donations for the Valencia flood relief efforts, thanks to the GoFundMe initiative launched last week.

Initiated on November 1st, the fundraising campaign led by the Aspar team from Valencia swiftly hit the €100,000 milestone within a mere three days, and continues to welcome contributions.

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Valencia, home to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit which was set to host the last of the 20 rounds of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, experienced severe floods the previous week, leading to a considerable number of fatalities and extensive damage to structures and various facilities.

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

Arrangements for substituting the Valencia race have yet to be concluded, but it's anticipated that the concluding event will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, situated to the northeast of the center of Barcelona, a city that experienced flooding on November 4.

In Malaysia, David Alonso of Aspar Team clinched his 13th Grand Prix victory in a season that saw him set new records and secure the Moto3 championship. Meanwhile, in the Moto2 category, the team celebrated a third-place finish with Izan Guevara, the Moto3 World Champion of 2022, achieving his inaugural podium in the intermediate class.

The MotoGP competition saw ex-Aspar competitor Francesco Bagnaia clinching the victory, whereas Jorge Martin, Bagnaia's former teammate at Aspar during the 2015 and 2016 Moto3 campaigns, secured the win in the MotoGP Sprint.

Following the Malaysian Grand Prix, Bagnaia and Martin shared the podium, jointly holding up the flag of Valencia.

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

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Could Yamaha be celebrating at last? | Highlights from the Sepang Race

Fabio Quartararo showcased his exceptional talent in Malaysia

The battle for the MotoGP championship remains undecided, heading into a thrilling conclusion as Francesco Bagnaia secures a win at the Malaysian Grand Prix, maintaining his championship aspirations.

However, the current titleholder is struggling to retain his championship, as a collision in the sprint race has left Jorge Martin with a 24-point lead with only one round remaining.

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Amplifying the tension of the championship battle, the location for the event remains undecided due to severe floods in Valencia, leading to the cancellation of the race at Ricardo Tormo.

MotoGP is aiming to stage its final event in Barcelona from November 15-17, however, the flooding that occurred in the city on Monday, November 4, has once more thrown the series' concluding race into doubt.

In the midst of doubt, the MotoGP community united to show solidarity with the residents of Valencia.

In another highlight of the season, Yamaha experienced its most successful weekend, with Fabio Quartararo securing a sixth-place finish in the grand prix on a motorcycle that wasn't initially meant for him to ride.

Andrea Iannone made a notable comeback, participating in his first Grand Prix since 2019 and showcasing impressive speed on the VR46 Ducati.

Here are the top five insights from the 2024 Malaysian Grand Prix

Quartararo Excels in Yamaha's Top Performance Weekend

Fabio Quartararo concluded Yamaha's strongest showing of the season with an impressive sixth-place finish in the 19-lap Grand Prix, despite riding on an M1 that wasn't performing at its peak.

In the 2021 championship, the title holder was entangled in a crash at Turn 2 initiated by Brad Binder, a collision that also saw Jack Miller taking a frightening tumble, from which, fortunately, he was able to walk away.

Quartararo had to begin again with his backup motorcycle, equipped with a somewhat used rear tire and an engine that had seen better days. Nevertheless, he managed to outpace Maverick Vinales on the Aprilia by 3.2 seconds, and was nearly three seconds away from being the fastest rider not on a Ducati.

Alex Rins, a member of the team, secured his highest finish of the season in eighth place. This achievement followed Yamaha's impressive performance of making it to Q2 twice, with Quartararo standing out as the fastest rider not on a Ducati during the sprint.

Throughout the year, Yamaha has dedicated significant effort to refining the M1, introducing an updated engine at Sepang. Despite Quartararo's engine failure on Friday, progress was not stalled, with the most notable advancement being achieved in the electronics department.

A significant adjustment in the settings restored greater control to the riders, and although it required a fundamentally different method of operating the Yamaha, it ultimately enabled them to maintain their competitive edge.

Yamaha is gearing up for a hectic winter season, and its impressive outcomes during the latter part of the global circuits are set to lay a solid groundwork for success in 2025.

Stunning snapshot featuring Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia alongside the Valencian flag on the winner's platform ❤️📸 @ducaticorse #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/6n8WjowcCH

Bagnaia's roller-coaster journey

Entering the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, Jorge Martin was in a position to potentially secure the championship, possessing a 17-point advantage over Bagnaia in the overall rankings.

The lead expanded to 29 points following a victory in the sprint, coinciding with Bagnaia's fall from the top positions. This marked Bagnaia's eighth non-finish of the season, a misfortune that occurred mere hours after he impressively secured pole position over Martin during an exciting qualifying session.

Bagnaia pushed to the limit throughout the grand prix to maintain his championship contention until the final race. In the initial three laps, the duo engaged in a fierce battle, swapping positions a total of 13 times. Ultimately, Bagnaia emerged victorious, securing his 10th grand prix victory of the season with a margin of over three seconds.

Pressed into a tight spot, Bagnaia responded with a confidence and vigor reminiscent of his victory over Marc Marquez at the Spanish GP, a side of him we haven't witnessed in some time. The five points he secured might turn out to be crucial, yet the 48 points Martin has outpaced him by in this year's sprints seem likely to doom his competitor's chances for the championship.

Martin matched the intensity but strategically navigated the race when Bagnaia's speed was unmatched. His unwavering performance throughout 2024 has afforded the Pramac competitor the advantage of just needing to keep up with Bagnaia for the remainder of the season.

Holding a 24-point lead, Martin has the upper hand. However, the Sepang race demonstrated Bagnaia's resilience and refusal to give up without a fight.

Pedro Acosta's Growth Remains Evident

Despite predictions of a victory in his debut season, Pedro Acosta might conclude 2024 without a single win. However, this does not overshadow his impressive, albeit error-filled, initiation into the top tier of racing at the age of 20.

Following his runner-up finish at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Acosta experienced a slump, going through five races without earning any points. This streak led him to recognize the necessity for a strategic shift.

Starting 13th on the grid at Sepang proved to be a letdown, yet he managed to secure a point during the sprint amidst the sweltering conditions. Later, in the grand prix, he impressively climbed to fifth place. Finishing approximately 1.4 seconds behind Alex Marquez, who was in fourth, he believed he could have challenged the Gresini rider for position if not for overheating his front tyre in his ascent into the top five.

During the last five laps at the front, he encountered a difficulty that made him concede to a fifth-place finish. However, it was his reaction following this event that showcased a noticeable change in attitude from the Tech3 competitor.

"Acosta mentioned that sometimes adopting a 'less is more' approach could be crucial, especially when aiming for a championship in the future. He highlighted this by pointing out the significant number of points he missed out on due to crashes during races."

Due to Brad Binder's absence from the Malaysian Grand Prix, Acosta has climbed up to fifth place in the rankings, and his recent, systematic strategy might position him as the leading KTM contender by the end of 2024.

Remarkable rebound for a contentious comeback

VR46 has formally announced its choice to bring Andrea Iannone back to MotoGP, replacing Fabio Di Giannantonio – who had surgery on his left shoulder the previous Saturday – just before the Malaysian GP on Tuesday.

Speculation was rife throughout the weekend in Thailand, leading to divided opinions based on those accounts.

Interestingly, Iannone's comeback to MotoGP occurred at the very event that, five years prior, initiated the series of events leading to his four-year suspension for doping. However, his return did not create significant buzz. On Thursday at Sepang, a noticeably more cheerful Iannone interacted with the press, and remnants of his former self appeared on the track on Friday, when he finished the first free practice (FP1) in ninth place on the GP23.

During the qualifying rounds, Iannone maintained his strong performance, securing the 17th spot in Q1 and narrowly missing out on surpassing his VR46 teammate Marco Bezzecchi, due to a late error. However, the demanding nature of current MotoGP bikes took its toll on Iannone, limiting him to only managing to outperform Lorenzo Savadori in the two races.

It remains uncertain if he will participate in the final race of the season on his motorcycle. However, should this mark Iannone's last appearance in MotoGP, it stands as undeniable proof of his speed and potential to excel in the top tier, had he managed his chances more wisely.

MotoGP participants honorably react to Valencia tragedy

The catastrophic floods in Valencia, resulting in over 200 confirmed fatalities and significant destruction, brought a solemn atmosphere to the MotoGP community as they convened at the Sepang International Circuit.

The immediate concerns of the paddock centered on the well-being of Valencia's residents, yet there was also an urgent need to address the fate of the concluding round scheduled to take place at Ricardo Tormo from November 15 to 17.

By Friday, the decision was made to call off the event. Prior to this, several competitors had voiced their unease about participating in the Valencia race due to the unfortunate circumstances, with the current world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, even suggesting he might refuse to take part.

"Despite the risk of sacrificing my ultimate ambition, which is clinching the championship, I've decided not to compete in Valencia," he expressed on Friday, a day after thoughtfully commenting on the Valencia Grand Prix: "This should be a time to relish. However, given the current circumstances, it doesn't seem right. We always strive to show utmost respect for global events. We all share the same sky, and racing there could be deemed inappropriate."

Jorge Martin announced his intention to contribute his victory bonus from the Sepang sprint race towards the aid initiatives in Valencia. Meanwhile, the Aspar team, originating from that area, initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which, by Monday night, had garnered close to €100,000.

Before the race commenced, the MotoGP community united for a sixty-second moment of silence to pay respects to the citizens of Valencia.

In the face of the ambiguity surrounding the championship's outcome, title contenders Bagnaia and Martin, along with the entire roster, provided MotoGP a cause for pride with their reaction to the unfortunate incident in Valencia.

The future is uncertain, as a potential replacement race in Barcelona scheduled for the same date is still pending confirmation. This uncertainty is compounded by recent concerns due to flooding in the city this past Monday.

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Is Yamaha back on track? | Key Highlights from Sepang

Fabio Quartararo showcases his exceptional talent in Malaysia

The battle for the MotoGP championship extends to a thrilling conclusion as Francesco Bagnaia sustains his title aspirations with a win at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

However, the current titleholder is challenged to maintain his position at the top, given that an accident during the sprint race has put Jorge Martin 24 points ahead with just one more round remaining.

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The tension surrounding the championship climax is further heightened as a location for the event remains undecided, following the cancellation of the race at Ricardo Tormo due to severe floods in Valencia.

MotoGP is aiming to schedule its final race in Barcelona from the 15th to the 17th of November. However, the flooding that occurred in the city on Monday, the 4th of November, has raised doubts about the feasibility of conducting the season's concluding event

In the midst of doubt, the MotoGP community united to offer assistance to the Valencia residents.

In another part of the competition, Yamaha achieved its most successful weekend of the year, thanks to Fabio Quartararo finishing sixth in the grand prix, despite competing on a motorcycle that wasn't initially intended for him to ride.

Andrea Iannone made a significant comeback, participating in his first grand prix since 2019 and showcasing impressive velocity on the VR46 Ducati.

Here are the top five highlights from the 2024 Malaysian Grand Prix

Quartararo excels during Yamaha's peak weekend

Fabio Quartararo concluded Yamaha's top-performing weekend of the season with a commendable sixth place, despite riding an M1 that wasn't at its peak performance during the 19-lap grand prix.

In the 2021 championship, the reigning world champion found themselves entangled in a crash at Turn 2, initiated by Brad Binder. This incident also saw a frightening tumble for Jack Miller, who, fortunately, was able to walk away unscathed.

Quartararo had to commence the race again on his backup motorcycle, which was equipped with a partially worn rear tire and an engine that had seen significant use. Nevertheless, he managed to outpace Maverick Vinales on the Aprilia by 3.2 seconds and was nearly three seconds shy of becoming the fastest rider not on a Ducati.

Alex Rins, a member of the team, achieved his highest finish of the season in eighth place, following Yamaha's impressive performance with both riders making it to the second qualifying round. Additionally, Quartararo stood out as the leading rider not on a Ducati in the sprint race.

Throughout the year, Yamaha has devoted considerable effort to enhance the M1, introducing an updated engine at Sepang. Despite Quartararo's engine failure on Friday, it didn't set him back, thanks to significant advancements in the electronics department.

A significant adjustment in the setup returned greater control to the riders, and although it required a markedly distinct riding style for the Yamaha, it enabled them to maintain their competitive edge.

Yamaha is looking forward to a hectic winter season, and the impressive outcomes achieved during the latter part of the season's international races are expected to serve as a solid base for further success in 2025.

Stunning snapshot of Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia posing with the Valencian flag on the podium 📸❤️ @ducaticorse #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/6n8WjowcCH

Bagnaia's Remarkable Comeback Journey

Entering the Malaysian GP weekend, Jorge Martin was in a position to potentially clinch the championship, boasting a 17-point advantage over Bagnaia in the overall rankings.

Following a victory in the sprint, the lead expanded to 29 points as Bagnaia fell out of contention for a podium finish. This marked Bagnaia's eighth failure to finish a race this season, with this most recent misfortune occurring mere hours after he impressively secured the pole position from Martin during an exciting qualifying session.

Bagnaia committed fully to the race to maintain his championship battle alive until the final round. In the opening three laps, the competition was fierce between the duo, exchanging positions 13 times. Ultimately, Bagnaia emerged victorious, securing his 10th victory of the season by a margin of more than three seconds.

Pushed into a corner, Bagnaia responded with a confidence that reminded many of his victory over Marc Marquez at the Spanish Grand Prix, a level of performance we haven't witnessed from him since that race. The five points he secured might be crucial, yet the 48 points Martin has accumulated over him in this season's sprints seem likely to be decisive in undermining his competitor's chances for the championship title.

Martin matched the competition fiercely, yet navigated the race with intelligence when Bagnaia's speed became unbeatable. His unwavering steadiness throughout 2024 has provided the Pramac rider with the advantage of just needing to closely follow Bagnaia for the remainder of the season.

Holding a 24-point lead, Martin appears to have the upper hand. However, Bagnaia's performance in Sepang showed he's not giving up without a fight.

Pedro Acosta's growth persists

Despite the possibility that Pedro Acosta might conclude his first season without securing the victory that many anticipated for him in 2024, this should not overshadow the impressive, albeit error-laden, debut in the top tier for the 20-year-old.

Following his runner-up position at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Acosta experienced a dry spell in the next five races, failing to earn any points. This prompted him to acknowledge the necessity for a different strategy.

After a less-than-ideal qualifying session placed him in the 13th spot on the starting line at Sepang, he managed to overcome the challenging conditions in the sprint race to secure a point. Later, in the grand prix, he impressively climbed to fifth place. He finished merely around 1.4 seconds behind Alex Marquez, who was in fourth, and believed he could have overtaken the Gresini racer if it hadn’t been for overheating his front tyre in his push into the top five.

An incident at the forefront during the last five laps made him concede to a fifth-place finish. However, it was his reaction following the event that showcased a noticeable change in attitude from the Tech3 competitor.

"Acosta expressed that adopting a strategy of restraint could be crucial, especially when vying for a championship in the future. He highlighted the significant number of points he forfeited in races due to crashes, underscoring the potential benefits of a more cautious approach."

Due to Brad Binder's absence from the Malaysian Grand Prix, Acosta has climbed up to fifth place in the rankings, and his fresh, systematic strategy may position him as the leading KTM rider by the end of 2024.

Remarkable Return for a Debated Comeback

On the Tuesday before the Malaysian Grand Prix, VR46 announced its choice to bring back Andrea Iannone to MotoGP, stepping in for Fabio Di Giannantonio who had left shoulder surgery the previous Saturday.

During the weekend in Thailand, there were strong rumors circulating, which led to divided opinions among those who heard them.

Ironically, Iannone's comeback to MotoGP, at the same venue where, five years earlier, the circumstances leading to his four-year suspension for doping began, passed relatively unnoticed. On Thursday at Sepang, a visibly more content Iannone addressed the press, and signs of his former self emerged on the track on Friday when he finished FP1 in ninth place on the GP23.

During the qualifying rounds, Iannone maintained his strong performance, securing the 17th spot in Q1 and narrowly missing out on surpassing his VR46 teammate Marco Bezzecchi due to a minor error towards the end. However, the demanding nature of contemporary MotoGP bikes took its toll on Iannone, limiting his achievements to outperforming Lorenzo Savadori in both events.

It remains uncertain if he will participate in the final race of the season on his motorcycle. However, should this mark Iannone's last appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle, he can regard it as undeniable evidence of his capability to have significantly progressed in the top-tier category, had he made the most of his chances.

MotoGP participants honor Valencia with their reaction to the catastrophe

The tragic floods in Valencia, resulting in over 200 confirmed fatalities and significant destruction, brought a solemn mood to the MotoGP community as it convened at the Sepang International Circuit.

As the racing community's concerns quickly turned towards the residents of Valencia, there was also immediate speculation regarding the fate of the season's last race, scheduled to take place at Ricardo Tormo from November 15th to 17th.

The competition was officially called off by Friday, however, several competitors had previously voiced their apprehensions about competing in Valencia due to the unfortunate circumstances. Furthermore, the current world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, had essentially indicated he might refuse to participate.

"Despite the risk of sacrificing my primary aim, which is clinching the championship, I've decided not to compete in Valencia," he declared on Friday, after having expressed his sentiments about the Valencia GP on Thursday by stating: "This should be a time to relish. Yet, given the current circumstances, it doesn't feel right to proceed. We consistently maintain a high level of respect for global events. We all share the same world, hence participating there might be considered inappropriate."

Jorge Martin announced his intention to contribute his victory earnings from the Sepang sprint race towards the aid operations in Valencia. Concurrently, the Aspar team, originating from that area, initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which, by Monday night, had garnered close to €100,000.

Before the race began, the entire MotoGP community united for a sixty-second tribute to honor the residents of Valencia.

In the face of the unknown outcomes surrounding the championship, competitors Bagnaia and Martin, along with their fellow racers, provided MotoGP a moment of pride through their reaction to the unfortunate events in Valencia.

The future is uncertain regarding the next steps, as a potential replacement race in Barcelona scheduled for the same date is still pending confirmation. This uncertainty is compounded by recent flooding in the city on Monday, raising concerns about its viability.

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Alex Marquez aims to leverage the 2025 MotoGP improvements

"Having two fewer Ducatis in the competition is beneficial for us…"

The 2025 MotoGP World Championship will offer Alex Marquez, the Gresini Ducati competitor, a chance he acknowledges he must "capitalize on".

Marquez has committed to continue racing for the Gresini team, which he first joined in 2023, into the next season, marking his third year with the Italian team. Additionally, he will benefit from an equipment upgrade, moving from the Desmosedici GP23 to the more successful GP24 model, a bike that has triumphed in 15 out of 19 Grand Prix races throughout 2024.

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In actuality, Marquez is set to lag by a year in comparison to Ducati racers who have secured factory agreements ensuring they receive the latest motorcycles in 2025. These racers include Fabio Di Giannantonio from the VR46 squad, along with Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia from the official Ducati team.

In 2024, Michelin rolled out a new design for its rear tire, which changed the usual dynamics of the racing season. Typically, the early part of the season saw satellite teams leveraging their slightly older, yet updated equipment and the previous year's data to their advantage. This period allowed them a competitive edge before the factory teams started to unlock greater improvements with their brand-new motorcycles.

"Marquez emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity," he stated on the Thursday preceding the Thai Grand Prix at Buriram, regarding the transition from the GP23 to the GP24.

Marquez exercised caution in his remarks, pointing out that despite GP24's current dominance, it's uncertain how competing manufacturers will progress through the winter and into the start of the forthcoming season.

"The grid will see a reduction of two Ducatis, which is actually beneficial for us."

"Moreover, being part of a satellite team and understanding that you'll be equipped with a competitive bike, the initial three or four races present an undefined goal due to the uncertainty surrounding the advancements other manufacturers might make."

"Thus, it hinges on that particular aspect."

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

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Alvaro Bautista responds sharply to Andrea Iannone's bold "speedier" assertion

Fiery retort on social media from WSBK competitor

Alvaro Bautista has responded to a veiled suggestion made by Andrea Iannone in Sepang.

"I discovered I can outpace Bautista last year," Iannone joked following his return to MotoGP in Malaysia.

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"I gained knowledge on this topic."

Iannone returned to compete in MotoGP for his first race since 2019, on the same circuit where Bautista had participated as a wildcard the previous year.

In 2023, Bautista secured the 17th position while competing on a Ducati, marking his return to MotoGP after a four-year hiatus, similar to Iannone's experience.

Bautista qualified penultimate and finished 22nd in last year's sprint race at Sepang.

Iannone equaled Bautista's 17th place finish in this year's edition of the grand prix.

However, the assertion that he was quicker has been countered.

"Bautista expressed gratitude, acknowledging the importance of certain moments, in his response to Iannone on social media."

"In reality, he finished a full two minutes ahead of me, having completed one fewer lap, naturally."

"Given that, if you remove a lap from my time, so I would have completed 19 laps like he did, I'd be three seconds quicker…even with an injury…"

Last year, Bautista disclosed that he was nursing an injury from a previous accident following his challenging MotoGP wildcard appearance in Sepang.

This season, Bautista and Iannone have been fiercely competing in the World Superbike Championship.

Bautista handed over his World Superbike Championship title to Toprak Razgatlioglu, ending the season in third place. Iannone secured the seventh position in the championship during his comeback season following a four-year suspension.

Both of them are set to return to the World Superbike Championship in 2025. As for a comeback in MotoGP, it remains a question mark

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

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Championship hopefuls weigh in on the Barcelona showdown

"Barcelona presents a favorable circuit for the both of us…"

Recent inundations in Valencia have necessitated the relocation of the MotoGP's 2024 season-ending race to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a venue that is favorable for both competitors.

Earlier in the year, Francesco Bagnaia clinched victory at the Catalan Grand Prix and was on course for a Sprint-Grand Prix twin win until a crash on the final lap of Saturday's shorter race, while in the lead, dashed his hopes.

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Conversely, while Jorge Martin has yet to secure a victory in the top category at Barcelona, he has consistently finished among the top three in the past three Grand Prix events held there.

"Barcelona suits both of us well," stated the championship frontrunner Martin during the press conference following the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] clinched victory last Sunday; I secured second place, not far behind. Admittedly, there was something lacking on my part, but we'll figure out the reason."

Sepang victor Bagnaia stated, "From a mathematical standpoint, it remains feasible. Although challenging, anything is possible in Barcelona."

During the Sprint race, while I was ahead by a second and focusing on not making any errors, I ended up crashing in the same manner.

"Therefore, it's going to be challenging, as the conditions will become harsher than what we experienced in June due to the colder weather."

"In Barcelona, there are two challenging bends, specifically turn two and turn five, making it crucial to strive for competitiveness while maintaining composure."

Both competitors also emphasized that the shift in venue for the last race will not affect their preparation strategies.

"Bagnaia expressed his adaptability, stating, 'We adjust to any situation consistently, so for me, there's no [difference in preparation methods]. When it comes to performance, I usually do better in Barcelona [than in Valencia].'"

"Moreover, it's a circuit that's quite challenging, with errors lurking around the corner, demanding greater accuracy. However, I don't have a favored choice."

Martin boasts an impressive track record in Barcelona, although he has yet to secure a victory in the premier class.

"For me, it's identical," he expressed. "I believe my performance is quite comparable in Barcelona and Valencia.

"In Montmelo, I secured a podium finish in both 2022 and 2023, indicating my competitiveness."

"According to Pecco, the course has its challenges, especially now in November. We might encounter a variety of weather conditions – it could rain, there might be wind, or even snow; it's uncertain."

"I'm optimistic that Michelin will discover a satisfactory resolution, similar to what was achieved in Australia, but we'll wait to see the outcome."

For Bagnaia, the challenge of making up his 24-point gap to Martin, given that only 37 points are left to be won, appears nearly insurmountable, especially as Enea Bastianini, who is in third place, ended up 10 seconds behind in Malaysia.

"Bagnaia humorously remarked that it's an area they must enhance for the upcoming event in Barcelona."

"I'll aim to provide drafting opportunities for everyone this weekend, ensuring there's always someone in contention. Winning both races is my goal, so we'll see how it goes."

Contrastingly, Martin has the confidence that he is in full command of his fate in the championship.

"He mentioned that his confidence level remains consistent, whether he's approaching this race or the next."

"Furthermore, I feel assured about my performance and the journey to this stage. It feels like an honor to be competing at this level, especially against a champion such as Pecco. It's truly remarkable, so without a doubt, I'm confident. I'm also pleased that we managed to secure an additional seven points from this race."

"I sense that we're nearing our ultimate goal, yet the journey isn't complete until it truly ends, so it's crucial to maintain our concentration and undoubtedly keep faith until the final moment."

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

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

Ducati leader reflects on Malaysian MotoGP excitement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describing the emotional upheaval experienced upon encountering Jack Miller later

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

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

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

He subsequently acknowledged his fortune in escaping without significant harm.

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

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

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

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

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

"The experience was incredibly frightening."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion with Marc Marquez "that clarified the situation"

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

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

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

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

"He offered a remark that provided clarity."

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

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

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

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

"Marc excelled during the competitions."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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