Why the Spanish Grand Prix Stands Out as MotoGP’s Top Race of 2024

In the newest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the team shares their thoughts on why the Spanish Grand Prix was the standout event of the 2024 season.

The 2024 MotoGP season was filled with unforgettable events, yet there was one race that truly captured everyone's attention.

Throughout a schedule comprising 20 rounds, a total of 40 races took place, with Ducati emerging as the dominant force, ultimately clinching the world championship.

Francesco Bagnaia clinched yet another victory at the Jerez circuit during the Spanish Grand Prix, increasing his tally to 11 Sunday wins in the 2024 season.

However, he faced strong competition throughout from Marc Marquez of the Gresini team. Marquez, riding a 2023 model Ducati, was still getting accustomed to the new bike following his significant transition from the factory Honda team at the conclusion of last season.

Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Marquez and Bagnaia carried the tension of their recent confrontation at the Portuguese Grand Prix, which had occurred only weeks earlier, into the closing laps of the race.

According to Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash.net, the Spanish GP in 2024 became an unforgettable event due to a series of perfect circumstances.

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, he mentioned that people will undoubtedly be saying, "It has to be Sepang."

"The initial four laps have been completed. Ideally, such excitement would occur in the final stages of the race. Historically, the most thrilling races have featured significant events unfolding at the conclusion."

"In my view, the race that truly exemplified this year's excitement and provided a glimpse into potential developments for the next year was the event in Jerez."

"There was a moment in the season that truly captivated me—when Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia faced off. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling the palpable tension as I watched."

Marquez is chasing closely behind and successfully overtakes him, but Bagnaia quickly regains his position. The two riders collide, and Marquez attempts another move on the following lap. They remain neck and neck until the finish.

"The mood following the event was electric, with both individuals joining in the celebrations. Marquez was particularly thrilled to find himself back on the podium."

"It provided a fresh perspective on Marquez's 2024 approach. Bagnaia demonstrated his determination when competing against Marquez, especially after their earlier encounter at Portimao. In my opinion, it was a classic MotoGP race, reminiscent of those from years past."

Experienced journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash shares a similar opinion to Moreland, stating: "The issue I have with the race at Sepang is that while the initial three laps were indeed thrilling, the remainder was incredibly boring. It was such a letdown that it wasn't even worth staying awake for."

"Feel free to express any complaints to me. A race is not determined by the initial three laps; it’s the final stretch that truly matters. Consider those legendary duels from history: Barcelona in 2009, the intense confrontations in Austria featuring Marc and Dovi [Andrea Dovizioso], and the thrilling Silverstone race in 2019."

"The initial three laps at Sepang were exciting, but I wasn't impressed with the remainder of the race. I prefer not to have all the action concentrated at the beginning."

"You wouldn't enjoy a movie if the most exciting part is at the beginning and then you're left with two hours of dull content."

"That's the reason I believe Jerez should host it, as it epitomized MotoGP at its finest. It reminded me of those classic duels and more recent contests that we still passionately discuss."

"Clearly, you also consider the factor of Marc riding an older model of the bike, which perhaps didn't show its shortcomings as much back then as it does now compared to the GP24."

At that stage, the GP23 wasn't considered an outstanding piece of machinery. Despite this, during just his fourth weekend on the bike, Marc managed to compete closely with the rider widely expected to clinch the world championship. This achievement certainly deserves a great deal of recognition for Marc.

"Indeed, Jordan, as you mentioned, it served as a glimpse of what might come next year, ideally building on the outcome from Portugal."

"The situation had several components: there was the uncertainty surrounding Portugal, an unclear future scenario, and anticipation about whether Marc could return to leading the pack."

"In my opinion, Jerez provided all of those elements."

Crash MotoGP's editor, Peter McLaren, believed that a number of races should be highlighted when looking back at the standout events of 2024.

"It's challenging, right?" McLaren remarks.

"Sepang is memorable due to the high stakes and the intense competition. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the race was cut short by typical problems like tyre pressure and other related issues."

"If you were seeking excitement, the Misano races delivered on that front, both of them were quite dramatic. When we reflect on the season, we might recall the COTA race as the one that disrupted Ducati's flawless run. Maverick Vinales' victory from the 11th position was an impressive performance."

"Another notable event to mention is the Catalunya sprint. It was filled with excitement and racing drama, featuring five different leaders over the course of 12 laps. At one point, there were three different motorcycle brands in the lead. Then, Bagnaia crashed, and Aleix Espargaro, just days after announcing his retirement, secured a victory at his home track."

"Another memorable moment comes to mind, but honestly, any of those could be highlighted. Le Mans also stood out as an exciting clash involving the two championship contenders and Marc Marquez."

"We felt somewhat let down by the races during the middle of the season as the excitement was lacking, although there were still some moments of good competition."

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Alex Rins Unveils Fascinating Detail About Yamaha's V4 MotoGP

The Spanish racer discussed testing the V4 configuration

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha had intended to conduct trials of its latest V4 MotoGP engine within the month, but the plan was scrapped because the engine was not prepared in time.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced its plans to develop a V4 engine, marking its first departure from the inline-four engine it has consistently used throughout the contemporary period of MotoGP.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, although there has not been a specific timeline provided for when the engine might be deployed in competition.

Nonetheless, during his appearance on the Spanish version of the motorsport.com podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggested the progress level of the new V4.

"Rins mentioned that the plan was to evaluate it during KTM's private testing session in Jerez, which took place in Spain at the beginning of December."

"Ultimately, it was unprepared and testing was not possible."

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to test the V4 in Jerez, provided the unit was prepared.

Yamaha won't have another chance to test its new V4 until the Sepang shakedown, as there are no more testing sessions scheduled until the end of January.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Yamaha's head of technology, Max Bartolini, detailed the objectives behind the company's decision to transition to a V4 configuration.

"Regarding the V4, everyone's focus is primarily on the engine," he started.

"However, I believe the most significant benefit stems from the bike's design, rather than its engine."

"Regarding sheer strength, truly, based on what our engine team says, there shouldn't be a significant discrepancy."

"However, there are certain strategies for configuring the motorcycle's layout that become somewhat simpler with the V4 engine. Moreover, it allows for better alignment with the tires, as it all boils down to optimizing tire performance."

Yamaha performed impressively alongside Bridgestone. Undoubtedly, they've also experienced numerous successful races with Michelin. However, with Michelin, there's a greater focus on leveraging the rear tyres over the front.

"The [V4] engine configuration plays a significant role here; it allows for the motorcycle to be designed around the engine, focusing on the direction of the [rear tyre]. That's the main challenge."

"Truly, creating the V4 engine presents challenges, yet I believe it's more crucial to design the motorcycle with the V4 engine in mind."

Bartolini noted that there's no certainty of competing with the V4 in the upcoming season at any stage.

As manufacturers with concessions, Yamaha and Honda have the privilege to unveil new engine designs in the 2025 season, a benefit not available to their competitors.

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Trevathan: Acosta’s performance on his KTM MotoGP bike is unmatched by other riders

“He manages to find that additional 10% when others are only pushing 90%”

Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, is of the opinion that other KTM MotoGP competitors would struggle to replicate what the Spanish rider achieves on his motorcycle.

Acosta quickly stood out in the MotoGP circuit during his inaugural season in 2024, securing nine top-three finishes in both sprints and grand prix races.

The 20-year-old rider, previously with Tech3, finished the season just two points shy of KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, securing seventh place in the rankings. This achievement represents the best performance by a newcomer in the series since Fabio Quartararo's debut in 2019.

Explore Further: A Deep Dive into Pedro Acosta's First Year on the

In 2025, Acosta is set to join Binder in racing for KTM's official team.

Throughout 2024, Acosta consistently outperformed his KTM counterparts on the RC16, with Trevathan highlighting his ability to adapt as a significant characteristic of the Spanish rider.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stands out from the rest of the KTM riders. He explained, "Take, for instance, if other riders were to use his motorcycle, with the identical configuration, they still wouldn't be able to replicate his performance on it.

"Subsequently, he might be able to hop on their bicycle and effortlessly accomplish the same task, given his remarkable ability to adapt."

Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer above all, which leads him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycling disciplines.

"He's really into biking, which I admire since he doesn't consider himself an athletic person; instead, he identifies as a motorcycle enthusiast," he explained.

"Thus, his interest isn't in competing in marathons or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in motorcycle racing. Therefore, his preparation and knowledge are focused on mastering speed while riding a motorcycle."

"He continuously subjects himself to a variety of training methods while cycling, enabling him to constantly evolve. This ability to adapt is then transferred to the race track, where it's not necessary for the bike to be flawless."

"He believes the bicycle will never reach perfection. Thus, he continuously finds ways to enhance it."

"This section is truly remarkable. From a technician's perspective, having this at your disposal means you only need to reach 90% efficiency; it will effortlessly cover the remaining 10%."

Ultimately, the goal is to avoid mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar aspects, there can be challenges. This is similar to the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual has the capacity to elevate things to a level unattainable by others.

"Following this, the capability is lost and suddenly the bicycle appears quite ordinary. This situation presents a significant challenge for the company to fully comprehend."

"However, this aspect of his character truly stands out as exceptionally rare in today's world. Additionally, his composed demeanor, especially within the penalty area, is noteworthy for never once showing agitation."

"Undoubtedly, there have been moments of frustration and expletives from him during his in-laps, given his straightforward nature. However, his professionalism within the team is exceptional."

"He never blames anything. There's this narrative that we hardly ever modify the bike significantly, and it holds truth. However, it's important to note that on numerous occasions, I've expressed, 'listen buddy, I'm present'."

"He mentioned, 'sure, but I'll reach out when I require assistance. First, let me try on my own.' This represents a growth opportunity for our organization and for me personally as a technician. It raises the question: if there's a performance improvement after a session because of adjustments made, is it due to the motorcycle or my own input?"

Therefore, ultimately, you're merely neutralizing one another's efforts. Hence, it's wiser to suggest, 'Alright, go ahead with your plan, and once you find yourself in trouble, inform me.'

"We're operating in this manner, and it's truly wonderful."

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Why Ducati MotoGP Competitors Feel Highly Confident with Gigi Dall’Igna

“He offers us riders substantial and straightforward backing”

Alex Marquez expresses that Ducati's General Manager, Gigi Dall'Igna, instills great confidence within the team, attributing this to his thorough involvement and oversight concerning the brand's MotoGP motorcycle.

In late 2013, technical genius Dall’Igna took over as general manager of Ducati, during a time when the Italian brand was experiencing its lowest point in the premier class.

Over the following years, Dall’Igna played a pivotal role in transforming Ducati into consistent contenders for the podium and victors in races, eventually leading the brand to become the dominant power in MotoGP.

Over the past three seasons, Ducati has clinched the riders' titles, and in 2024, the brand achieved unparalleled success by securing victories in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races.

Alex Marquez, who transitioned to the Ducati team by way of Gresini from Honda in 2023, has shared insights into why Dall’Igna has been a significant support for the team's riders.

"Marquez stated at a recent Estrella Galicia event that having him as a direct support for the riders boosts their confidence significantly."

"He's incredibly supportive. Regardless of the issue's size, he promptly addresses it and ensures the right individuals are dispatched to assist."

"You receive numerous references addressing issues related to the brand's team members or the tyres they utilize."

"They fully utilize all that others have accomplished."

"They don't directly instruct you on your actions, but they provide you with the necessary insights on what has proven effective for others. From there, it's the responsibility of each individual and their crew chief to determine their unique approach."

Ducati's participation in the 2025 MotoGP championship will see a decrease from eight to six motorcycles, as Pramac has opted to switch to Yamaha starting from the upcoming season.

Three GP25 factory bikes will also be entered for racers Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Alex Marquez is set to compete in the GP24, joining forces with Fermin Aldeguer at the Gresini team and Franco Morbidelli at VR46.

Dall'Igna recently mentioned that decreasing the number of Ducati motorcycles won't significantly impact the team, but he acknowledged that the improved teams at competing brands will present a greater challenge in 2025.

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Why Gigi Dall’Igna Instills Confidence in Ducati MotoGP Riders

"He provides straightforward backing for us riders"

Alex Marquez has expressed that Gigi Dall’Igna, the general manager of Ducati, instills a significant amount of confidence in them due to his thorough oversight of all aspects concerning the brand’s MotoGP motorcycle.

At the close of 2013, Dall’Igna, known for his technical expertise, was appointed as the general manager of Ducati. At that time, the Italian brand was experiencing its lowest point in the top-tier racing category.

In the years that followed, Dall’Igna played a key role in transforming Ducati into a consistent presence on the podium and a frequent race victor, ultimately turning the brand into a dominant power in MotoGP.

Ducati has claimed victory in the last three riders' championships, and in 2024, it reached peak dominance by securing 19 out of 20 grand prix wins.

Since switching from Honda to Gresini in 2023, Alex Marquez has been associated with Ducati. He shared insights on why Dall’Igna has become a valuable supporter for the riders.

"Marquez mentioned during a recent Estrella Galicia event that he provides strong guidance for the riders, which boosts their confidence significantly."

"He's incredibly helpful. Regardless of how minor the issue may be, he addresses it promptly and connects you with the right people to assist."

"You receive numerous references concerning the issues faced by brand colleagues or the types of tires utilized."

"They fully utilize the work and efforts of others."

"They provide the necessary insights to help you see what strategies are effective for others, but they don't dictate your actions. It's then up to each individual, along with their crew chief, to choose their own path forward."

Ducati will have fewer motorcycles on the 2025 MotoGP grid, decreasing from eight to six, after Pramac decided to switch to Yamaha starting next year.

Just three factory GP25 motorcycles will be available for Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and VR46 team member Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Alex Marquez is set to ride a GP24, joining forces with Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, while Franco Morbidelli will be part of the VR46 team.

Dall’Igna recently mentioned that having fewer bikes won't significantly impact Ducati. However, he acknowledged that the more competitive teams from rival manufacturers will present greater challenges in 2025.

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Trevathan: No other KTM MotoGP competitors can match Acosta's capabilities on his motorcycle.

"While others settle for 90% effort, Acosta pushes himself to achieve that additional 10%."

Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, expressed his opinion that other MotoGP racers from KTM would not be able to replicate the performance Acosta achieves on his motorcycle.

In his debut season in 2024, Acosta quickly stood out on the MotoGP circuit by securing nine podium finishes in both sprint and grand prix races.

Last season, a 20-year-old racer for Tech3 narrowly missed surpassing KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, finishing just two points behind and securing sixth place in the standings. This achievement represents the best performance by a rookie in the championship since Fabio Quartararo's impressive debut in 2019.

Explore further: A deeper look into Pedro Acosta's first year as a

In 2025, Acosta is set to join KTM's official team, where he will compete alongside Binder.

During the year 2024, Acosta consistently succeeded in getting better performance from the RC16 package compared to other KTM riders. Trevathan highlighted the Spaniard's adaptability as one of his main strengths.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stacks up against the other KTM riders. He responded by saying, "Take other riders, for instance; even if they used his bike with the identical setup, they wouldn't be able to replicate his performance."

"He could likely hop onto their bike and do the same thing with ease, thanks to his adaptability."

Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer instead of a general athlete, leading him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycle sports.

"He frequently rides, and I value that because he views himself not as an athlete but as someone who rides motorcycles," he mentioned.

"He’s not interested in marathon running or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in riding motorcycles, focusing his training and knowledge on how to achieve speed on a bike."

"He engages in a variety of disciplines while riding, constantly adjusting to new challenges. This flexibility translates to the race track, where he can perform well even if the bike isn’t flawless."

He believes the bike will never reach perfection, which allows him to continuously make improvements to it.

"This aspect is amazing. For a technician, it's great to have this tool handy; you only need to put in 90%, and he'll manage to extract the remaining 10%."

Ultimately, it's crucial to avoid making mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar areas, you might encounter obstacles. This is exemplified by the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual's unique talent can elevate things to a level others cannot reach.

"Once you lose that skill, the bike starts to appear ordinary. This situation is challenging for the company to comprehend fully."

"This aspect of him is truly one-of-a-kind in the current world. Additionally, his composure in the penalty area is remarkable; he has never appeared flustered."

"I'm certain that during his in-laps, there's been quite a bit of cursing and swearing, as he's known for being quite expressive. However, his level of professionalism in the garage is truly exceptional."

"He never blames anyone for anything. There's this narrative that we rarely adjust the bike, and it's accurate. However, the reality is that I've often mentioned, 'Hey, I'm present and ready to go.'"

"He mentioned, 'Sure, but I'll ask for your help when I need it. Let me try handling things on my own first.' This highlights the learning experience we face as a company, and it's something I've encountered personally as a technician. It's about figuring out whether the improvements, like gaining half a second between sessions, are due to changes I've made or if they're a result of the rider's efforts."

Ultimately, you're just opposing one another. It's more effective to say, "Alright, go ahead with your plan, and if things go wrong, come back and inform me."

"We're collaborating in this manner, and it's incredibly pleasant."

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Alex Rins shares fascinating details about Yamaha's V4 MotoGP testing

The Spanish motorcyclist discussed the trials of the V4.

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha intended to trial its new V4 MotoGP engine this month; however, they had to scrap these plans because the engine was not prepared.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced that it was developing a V4 engine for the first time during its time in MotoGP, after having consistently used an inline-four engine throughout the current era.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, but there is currently no specific schedule for when this engine might compete in races.

During an appearance on the Spanish version of motorsport.com's podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggests the current development phase of the new V4.

Rins mentioned that the plan was to try it out during the private test conducted by KTM in Jerez earlier in December.

“Ultimately, it was incomplete and unavailable for testing.”

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to conduct tests on the V4 at Jerez, provided the unit was prepared in time.

Yamaha's upcoming chance to experiment with their new V4 engine will be during the Sepang shakedown, as no further testing is scheduled until late January.

In a one-on-one discussion with Crash.net, Max Bartolini, Yamaha's head of technical operations, detailed the specific objectives the Japanese company aims to achieve by transitioning to a V4 engine.

"Starting with the V4, the engine is what everyone typically considers," he stated.

"However, I believe the primary benefit comes from the bike's design rather than its engine."

According to our engine team, there shouldn't be a significant difference when it comes to sheer power.

"There are certain methods to adjust the bike's setup that will be somewhat simpler with the V4. Additionally, it's about aligning more with the needs of the tyres, as ensuring the tyres perform well is always crucial."

According to reports, Yamaha performed well when paired with Bridgestone. They have also had several successful races using Michelin tires. However, Michelin tends to focus more on utilizing the rear tires rather than the front ones.

The V4 engine configuration offers an advantage by allowing the motorcycle to be designed with a focus on the rear tire's alignment. This presents a particular challenge.

"Frankly, creating the V4 engine is a challenging task, yet I believe it's even more crucial to design the motorcycle to complement the V4 engine."

Bartolini mentioned that there is no certainty about racing the V4 at any time next season.

As a company with concession status, Yamaha, along with Honda, has the ability to implement new engine designs in the 2025 season, which their competitors are not permitted to do.

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Marc Marquez credits the Gresini MotoGP team for playing a pivotal role in his career

The eight-time world champion highlights the significant impact Gresini had on his 2024 season

Marc Marquez mentioned that his season spent with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's spirit to the vibe found in a Moto2 team.

The Spanish racer made a significant gamble with his career by choosing to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule, at the close of 2023, in order to join Gresini's team and ride a GP23 Ducati in the previous season.

Marquez shifted gears to see if he still had the speed for MotoGP and if he could find joy in it again, following four challenging years since 2020, when an arm injury significantly impacted his career.

The eight-time global champion secured victories in three Grand Prix races, his first wins since 2021, and subsequently clinched a factory Ducati deal for the 2025 season.

In a conversation with journalists, among them Crash.net, during the season's last event, Marquez shared that his experience with Gresini reignited his love for the sport.

"He mentioned that being a part of a satellite team somewhat reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycles."

"Obviously, during my time at Honda, I was fortunate to have comrades and an excellent team of people around me."

"However, the reality remains that being part of a factory team adds a layer of seriousness to the situation."

"This version is definitely more relaxed and friendly. It brings to mind, albeit differently, the atmosphere of a Moto2 team I was part of – where conversing with the team leader was the norm."

Therefore, for those in charge of making the ultimate choices, you have the option to approach Nadia Padovani. You can discuss with her, expressing your thoughts, and she will respond, 'Alright, we can proceed'.

"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."

"With a capable satellite team and a strong motorcycle, remarkable achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, mirroring the success of riders in prior years with Gresini."

"They possess a vast history and extensive experience in handling various types of scenarios."

Last week, Marquez announced his transition to the factory Ducati team, which will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull. However, he is not expected to join forces with Monster Energy.

Recently, Crash.net had the opportunity to speak with Frankie Carchedi, Marquez's crew chief for 2024, in an exclusive episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, available for listening below.

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Why Gresini's MotoGP Team, Reminiscent of Moto2, Was Vital for Marc Marquez

The eight-time global champion shares how Gresini significantly propelled him forward in 2024

Marc Marquez expressed that his season with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's ambiance to that of a Moto2 squad.

In a bold career move, the Spanish rider decided to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023, opting instead to join Gresini's team and race with a GP23 Ducati last season as his performance started to decline.

Marquez decided to see if he could maintain his speed in MotoGP and still find joy in it, following a challenging four-year period starting in 2020 due to a significant arm injury that impacted his career.

The eight-time global champion secured triumphs in three grand prix events, achieving his initial wins since 2021, and subsequently landed a factory Ducati deal for 2025.

In a conversation with the press, which included Crash.net, during the season's last race, Marquez mentioned that collaborating with Gresini reignited his "love" for the sport.

"Being part of a satellite team reignited my enthusiasm for motorcycles," he shared.

Certainly, at Honda, as you're aware, I was fortunate to have companions and a truly excellent team of people.

"However, the reality is that being part of a factory team entails a more serious commitment."

"This version feels more relaxed and approachable, evoking memories of a time with a Moto2 team in a different sense, particularly in how you'd communicate directly with the team leader."

"Therefore, those in charge of making the ultimate choices, in this instance, you can approach Nadia [Padovani] and have a conversation with her. You can express your thoughts, and she'll respond, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"

"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."

"With a competent satellite team and a high-quality motorcycle, impressive achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, similar to what other racers accomplished in past years with Gresini."

"They possess an extensive background and considerable expertise in handling a variety of circumstances."

Last week, Marquez announced his decision to join the factory Ducati team, which will result in the termination of his individual sponsorship deal with Red Bull. However, he does not plan to become a sponsored athlete of Monster Energy.

Recently, Crash.net had a discussion with Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief for Marquez's team in 2024, in a unique episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, accessible below.

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Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia’s Odd Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons

‘Grasping It Was Challenging’

Maverick Vinales has shared insights into an odd aspect of his time racing for Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the latter half of the season consistently posed challenges for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider teamed up with Aprilia towards the end of the 2021 season after parting ways with Yamaha under tense circumstances. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, concluding at the close of 2024.

Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory at the Grand Prix level aboard the RS-GP during the 2024 Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior round held in Portugal.

Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia were puzzled by their unexpected speed during that stage of the championship.

Vinales pointed out that it wasn't just in America where he felt at his peak with the Aprilia; he mentioned that during his tenure, the performance of the RS-GP consistently dipped in the latter part of the season.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of achievement during several races."

"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I'm confident that race could have been another victory for me, without a doubt. There were also several other races where I had a very positive vibe."

"The motorcycle demonstrated considerable promise during certain segments of the competition, yet from my experience over the years with Aprilia, a recurring challenge was the latter half of the season, which proved to be quite tough for all Aprilia riders."

"It's challenging to grasp since we usually perform well on these tracks. However, when we enter the latter half of the season, it consistently becomes tough."

During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, the Aprilia factory team secured three sprint race victories, one grand prix win, and finished in the top five in four of the Sunday races.

Over the past 10 races, it achieved only two top-three finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a Grand Prix, dropping to third place in the team rankings, behind KTM – the team Vinales will be joining in 2025 through the Tech3 squad.

Vinales suggests that Aprilia started each season at the peak performance of their bike, whereas their competitors improved and performed better as the year progressed.

"When questioned about the reasons behind this pattern, he replied, 'I'm not sure, as we've attempted every possible solution.'"

"We altered the swingarms, the chassis, and everything else in an attempt to comprehend the issue at hand."

"However, my perspective is that we began at our peak while others initially faced some difficulties adapting to the new bike, and then they progressed further."

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Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia's Unusual Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons

'Grasping it was challenging'

Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time at Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the "latter half of the season always proved to be quite challenging" for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider switched to Aprilia toward the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha, completing three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer through to the conclusion of 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his maiden grand prix victory on the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following a commendable performance in the preceding Portugal round.

Later on, he conceded that both he and Aprilia were at a loss to explain their exceptional speed during that stage of the competition.

Vinales observed that his peak performance on the Aprilia wasn't exclusive to his time in America, mentioning that during his tenure, the RS-GP consistently experienced a decline in performance as the year progressed into its latter half.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of satisfaction during several races."

"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I firmly believe that race had the potential for a win. There were also several other races where I felt particularly confident.

"The motorcycle demonstrated significant promise during certain stages of the championship, yet from my experience with Aprilia over the years, the latter half of the season consistently proved to be a challenging period for all the Aprilia bikes.

"It's perplexing because we usually perform well on these tracks. However, entering the latter half of the championship season, challenges always seem to arise."

During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, Aprilia's official team secured victories in three sprints, triumphed in one grand prix, and finished among the top five in four Sunday races.

Over the previous 10 races, it secured only two podium finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a grand prix, dropping to third place in the constructors' rankings, behind KTM. Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025 with the Tech3 squad.

Vinales suggests that the explanation lies in Aprilia starting each season at the peak of the bike's performance, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.

"When questioned about the reasons behind this trend, he expressed uncertainty, stating, 'We've attempted every possible solution.'"

"We modified the swingarms, the frame, and all other components in an effort to grasp the root of the issue."

"Perhaps my perspective is that we began at our peak performance, while the others initially found it challenging to adapt to the new bike, before they eventually made progress."

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Title: The Significance of the Gresini MotoGP Team for Marc Marquez, Comparable to Moto2

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez discusses the pivotal support he received from the Gresini team in 2024.

Marc Marquez expressed that his time racing with Gresini Racing in MotoGP rekindled his enthusiasm for motorcycles. He compared the team's environment to that of a Moto2 team.

The Spanish rider made a significant career gamble as his performance started to decline, deciding to leave the factory Honda team one year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023. He switched to a GP23 Ducati with the Gresini team last season.

Marquez decided to test if he could still perform at high speeds in MotoGP and find joy in the sport, following four challenging years since his significant arm injury in 2020.

The rider, who has claimed the world championship title eight times, secured three grand prix wins, marking his first triumphs since 2021, and secured a deal with the Ducati factory team for the 2025 season.

During the season's final round, Marquez shared with reporters, such as those from Crash.net, that partnering with Gresini reignited his "passion" for racing.

He compared being part of a satellite team to his enthusiasm for motorcycles.

Certainly, during my time at Honda, I had close friends there and worked with an excellent team of people.

"However, being part of a factory team means that everything becomes a bit more serious."

"In this situation, everything feels more laid-back and familiar. It brings to mind, albeit differently, my time with a Moto2 team, where I would have direct conversations with the team leader."

"The individuals responsible for making the ultimate decisions should approach Nadia Padovani. You can express your opinion to her, and she will respond with something like, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"

"Naturally, having the bicycle is the crucial aspect."

"A well-equipped satellite team can accomplish impressive results, as I experienced this year, similar to what other riders achieved in past years with Gresini."

"They possess extensive history and substantial experience in handling various situations."

Last week, Marquez announced that by joining the factory Ducati team, he will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull, but he has no plans to sign with Monster Energy as a sponsor.

Crash.net recently had an interview with Frankie Carchedi, who will be Marquez's crew chief for 2024, to talk about the upcoming season. This conversation is featured in a special episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, which is available below.

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