Main rationale stated for Marc Marquez's edge over Pecco Bagnaia Explanation offered for choosing Marc Marquez

A fascinating explanation has been offered to support the idea that Marc Marquez holds an edge over Francesco Bagnaia this season.

Marquez will team up with Bagnaia in Ducati's official team, providing both riders with the same equipment and the top-performing bike on the track.

A MotoGP icon has accused Marquez before the start of the championship battle.

Giacomo Agostini mentioned to La Gazzetta dello Sport that they will never form a friendship with one another.

"The producer needs to provide identical materials to both parties, and they need to be smart enough to stay within the boundaries."

It doesn't matter if you have Davide Tardozzi or Agostini on the sidelines; when a racer is competing, their sole focus is on defeating their rival, executing the overtake, and pulling ahead by a few meters.

"That wasn't what they mentioned to him down in the mines…"

Marc Marquez is considered superior to Pecco Bagnaia. "These are two exceptional professionals," Agostini commented. "One is more systematic and integrated within the team, while the other is more assertive."

"I foresee a direct competition between them, as they are likely to envy one another."

"Marc definitely has a stronger desire than Bagnaia, which might be the crucial factor…"

Find out more: Ducati is facing a significant issue, but it poses an even greater challenge for their competitors.

Bagnaia benefits from having spent the last four years on a Ducati, specifically the official factory model.

He clinched the championship titles in both 2022 and 2023. However, he narrowly lost in the final round of 2024, as Jorge Martin edged him out.

The brilliance of Marquez, who has won the world championship eight times, should always be acknowledged.

Following a season of transitioning from a Honda to a Ducati from the previous year, he will advance to utilizing factory equipment in 2025.

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Critical Errors Liam Lawson Should Steer Clear of to Thrive Alongside Max Verstappen

Liam Lawson has the opportunity to gain insights from the errors that former Red Bull drivers have committed.

Liam Lawson faces the challenging job of competing with Max Verstappen, considered the top driver in Formula 1, in the 2025 season.

Max Verstappen has earned a name for himself as someone who outshines his teammates, having surpassed Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez in the past six years. With Liam Lawson's minimal Formula 1 experience, he might face a similar outcome.

Looking at the history of Verstappen's partnerships, starting with Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson must steer clear of several crucial errors to thrive in his Red Bull journey…

Collision on the track sparks feelings of paranoia

There is no question that Ricciardo has been the most formidable F1 teammate Verstappen has had so far. For nearly three years, they shared the racing stage until Ricciardo made a surprising move to join Renault.

In the early stages, Ricciardo held a minor edge in terms of performance, but Verstappen was steadily gaining ground. By 2018, the momentum had clearly shifted towards the Dutch driver, and Ricciardo was well aware of this change.

During the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, tensions flared when the two drivers clashed, leading to a collision as they approached the first corner. The incident was a result of both parties' actions: Verstappen made a bold move while braking, and it could be contended that Ricciardo never had enough space to begin with.

The incident didn't create tension between Verstappen and Ricciardo, but it did cause Ricciardo to become somewhat paranoid, eventually prompting his unexpected move to Renault. Although he enjoyed a substantial paycheck at Renault and later found success again at McLaren, Ricciardo would come to rue his choice to depart from Red Bull.

For Lawson, steering clear of any conflicts with Verstappen is crucial for a thriving career with Red Bull.

Disputing with your technology leader

Gasly was promoted to Red Bull after Ricciardo unexpectedly left the team for the 2019 season. During his 12-race tenure, the French driver struggled to keep up with Verstappen, ultimately leading to an unsuccessful run.

Despite his difficulties during races, Gasly didn't help his situation off the track either. Many speculated that he openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the management and configuration of the RB15.

In an episode of the Last Lap podcast from 2022, Dan Drury, who previously worked as an engineer for Red Bull, talked about Pierre Gasly's tenure with the team and his reported disagreement with renowned designer Adrian Newey.

He explained, "Pierre's issue was that he began to lose confidence internally. It's similar to what's happening with Ricciardo at McLaren; once self-doubt kicks in, it often leads to a decline."

During an incident that I didn't witness firsthand, it seems that Pierre engaged in a heated exchange with Adrian Newey about the car's setup. This disagreement reportedly escalated into a loud argument within the garage. As a result of this confrontation, which occurred in front of Helmut Marko, Pierre was subsequently sent back to the secondary team.

Although the disagreement involving Newey hasn't been factually confirmed, Helmut Marko suggested that Gasly expressed his dissatisfaction to Newey.

According to GP Blog, Marko mentioned that they advised Gasly to adopt Verstappen's setup, emphasizing that he needs to adjust it to suit his own driving style. Marko also suggested that Gasly should concentrate on his driving instead of frequently instructing Mr. Newey on how to design the car specifically for him.

As Lawson embarks on his debut season with the team, Red Bull will have to manage without Newey. However, it will be crucial to maintain the confidence and support of the technical crew, especially when dealing with a car that can be difficult to handle.

"They compete fiercely against me."

Albon's sole complete season driving for Red Bull is encapsulated by his performance at the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix held at the Nurburgring. During that race, Albon ruined two sets of tires because of lock-ups, and then had an awkward interaction with Daniil Kvyat.

Albon faced mockery for a radio message to his team when he struggled to pass Gasly. As Gasly defended his position vigorously, Albon voiced his frustration to Red Bull, saying, "They race me so hard."

The implication was clear: Albon may not have been suited for the role of a Red Bull driver. Lawson must make sure he maintains his strong and assertive approach while racing.

Up to this point, Lawson has demonstrated his willingness to compete directly with some of the prominent figures in Formula 1, like Fernando Alonso. Displaying such determination during races will benefit Lawson, even if he doesn't quite match Verstappen's top speed.

Illusory Championship Aspirations

Perez's promising beginning to the 2023 season ended up being his downfall. By securing victories in two of the first four races, Perez believed he was finally a contender for the championship alongside Verstappen.

Following his victory in Azerbaijan, Perez announced that he is certainly in contention for the championship. He emphasized that his confidence isn't solely due to his performance in Baku, stating that he believes he can excel throughout the season. His current focus is on the upcoming event in Miami.

"There are numerous races approaching, and we need to ensure we are prepared."

Perez's win in that race marked his last triumph in Formula 1, and it was shortly succeeded by a concerning decline in his performance. Although Perez managed to clinch second place in the drivers’ championship, achieving Red Bull's first-ever 1-2 finish, he frequently found himself exiting during the Q1 or Q2 stages.

In 2024, Perez experienced another mid-season slump, and unlike previous years, he couldn't bounce back by the year's end. As a result, Red Bull decided to replace him with Lawson. Lawson is confident in his ability to outperform Verstappen and clinch the F1 world championship; however, he must remain realistic and avoid overconfidence as he approaches the 2025 season.

Undoubtedly, Lawson's tenure at Red Bull will largely depend on his performance on the track and his proximity to Verstappen's level. However, steering clear of errors made by those who came before him could significantly enhance his prospects of remaining with the team for several seasons.

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Jack Miller expresses that the Yamaha motorcycle feels like it's already his following the Sepang MotoGP test, stating, "Adapting to it has been quite straightforward."

Pramac Yamaha's Jack Miller expressed that the M1 felt immediately familiar, as if it were his own bike, following the pre-season MotoGP testing in Sepang.

The racer who has clinched victory four times is making a comeback to Pramac for the 2025 season, set to ride his fourth distinct motorcycle after earlier experiences with Honda, Ducati, and KTM models.

Following a challenging first encounter with the Yamaha in Barcelona last November, Miller appeared to be more at ease with the M1 during last week's shakedown, maintaining that momentum into the official test.

Miller ranked among the top 10 competitors for the initial two days and finished 12th on the concluding day.

After finishing his testing schedule ahead of time on Friday, Miller shared his thoughts on adjusting to the Yamaha, stating, "I'm feeling positive. Now, when I hop on the bike, even in the early hours, it feels right. Often, switching brands can be challenging, as you might find the tank awkwardly pressing against your leg or the handlebars feeling odd. But it's become easier for me to get accustomed to what feels standard."

Adjusting to this became quite straightforward after I positioned my bars correctly and found the right spot for my pegs.

"The tank's position is extremely comfortable; it's smooth and seamless without any protrusions or unevenness. Unlike previous experiences where an awkward bike posture led to leg discomfort, this design eliminates any pressure points that could cause soreness in the legs."

"My body is in a good state, and there's a sense of joy when I start my day on my bike. It's great to already have this positive feeling just five days in."

"In the coming days, as we take a break and spend time in Thailand, we'll observe how well we adjust to the new surroundings."

"I have a subtle sense of assurance… as I mentioned before, it seems as though the bike is truly ours."

"Exploring unfamiliar circuits naturally requires a bit more time compared to riding on tracks where you've previously ridden. I'm not worried."

Miller experienced a collision at Turn 4 on the last day while attempting a fast lap, attributing it to his insufficient knowledge of the Yamaha's handling characteristics during unstable braking situations.

Jack Miller gears up for Buriram trial

Anticipating the upcoming trial in Thailand, Miller highlights that the bike's performance upon exiting corners is the aspect he believes requires enhancement.

"He also mentioned that the braking performance is impressive, and it handles well when turning corners."

"In the initial section of the track, I notice that from the midpoint of the turn until the exit, the interval during which I transition from releasing the brakes has shortened, yet there's room for improvement."

"As you swiftly maneuver this bicycle, similar to the ones I've previously experienced, you have the ability to adjust as necessary to alleviate the tension on the chain and maintain your speed through the curve, which is among its notable features.

Approaching Turn 1, it's evident to me given its rounded nature. This corner doesn't offer much traction since you're riding on the tire's edge, necessitating a slightly altered racing line. Hence, my focus is on refining this aspect.

"I find my braking to be quite powerful. Just this afternoon, while experimenting with various approaches, I realized that when approaching Turn 1, there's no rush to start turning. Instead, I can allow myself a moment to continue braking in a more upright position before leaning into the turn."

"I believe we have to focus on improving the driving section and finding a way to enhance exiting the corners by a slight margin."

"Primarily, it's not so much about the slower corners, for instance, the penultimate and final turns, which are quite intuitive and you can navigate by feeling. The real challenge lies in navigating Turns 5 and 6, especially when it comes to the transition in direction there."

"I sense a high level of speed, especially in the mid-corner, yet the challenge lies in the initial acceleration at six and ensuring smooth transition and propulsion. Yamaha's throttle has a notably short stroke, which is an area I aim to improve upon."

The team is developing a modification for the Thailand project, aiming to enhance the throttle tube's responsiveness. This adjustment is intended to provide a broader range of control, as the current settings offer too limited a range for optimal driving engagement.

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Romano Albesiano, full of hope, speaks about Honda's rejuvenation

Honda's technical chief evaluates encouraging developments in Sepang

Romano Albesiano has evaluated Honda's testing session in Sepang, and there's a noticeable sense of optimism within their team.

In 2024, Honda's motorcycle was considered the least competitive in the MotoGP series, yet their recruitment of Albesiano from Aprilia to serve as the technical director indicated a strong desire for improvement.

Following a rigorous evaluation and a formal three-day trial in Sepang, factory racer Joan Mir was visibly excited about the enhancements made to the Honda.

"Testing was crucial for us. We went through numerous iterations of the components," Albesiano emphasized.

"The mechanics and riders have put in a tremendous amount of effort, and we've established a solid foundation to kick off the season."

Albesiano holds a positive outlook for the maker: "Absolutely. Entering this test, I was unsure of the outcomes to anticipate."

"However, my current sentiment is that both the motorcycle's overall functioning and the motorcyclists' performance are satisfactory."

"We begin with a foundational starting point, followed by making incremental advancements progressively, which is the appropriate method to move forward.

"Our goal is to reach the peak. It may take a while, but it's achievable."

Albesiano has only recently begun his role at Honda.

He mentioned regarding their winter planning, "Our aim was to concentrate on the appropriate goals. We structured the work with an eye towards the future."

"Primarily, this encapsulates my activities throughout this timeframe."

Aleix Espargaro's transition to a test rider role at Honda, following his departure from competitive racing with Aprilia, is viewed as a positive development.

Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami, who was without a race seat the previous year, form a seasoned testing pair.

Albesiano spoke on Espargaro, noting, “Having the chance to work with Espargaro is a significant advantage for both myself and Honda. Our long-standing effective communication makes it straightforward for me to grasp his feedback or request him to undertake a specific trial.

"This combination is excellent for growth. His incredible talent shines through in his ability to infuse vigor into all his endeavors."

Albesiano has made a transition from a European company to a Japanese firm, highlighting the distinctions.

"He mentioned that the strategy towards racing varies, clarifying that he's not asserting that one method is superior or inferior.

"Combining the finest aspects of each will create an incredible blend for what lies ahead."

Subsequently, Honda plans to participate alongside its competitors in the trials at Buriram, setting the stage for the inaugural 2025 race in Thailand, scheduled for February 28 to March 2.

"Albesiano praised his team for their exceptional efforts in enhancing the engine's performance during the Buriram test, noting they've significantly improved its integration."

"This move benefited the riders significantly. Moving forward, our focus needs to shift towards enhancing fuel efficiency, an area where we're currently lacking a bit to truly excel in the competition."

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Honda's MotoGP motorcycle has seen improvements compared to last year's model, although there are still some concerns. "We've made progress in areas that were challenging for us before…"

Honda has experienced a decline in its MotoGP performance, placing it at the lowest rank among manufacturers. However, Alberto Puig, the head of Honda HRC Castrol, remains confident that the company is making strides forward.

Joan Mir and Luca Marini, both part of Honda's factory racing team, expressed optimism regarding the enhancements made during the winter season. They observed that the 2025 RC213V showed marked improvement in corner entry compared to the previous model during initial testing at Sepang last week. However, Marini remarked that, despite these advancements, Honda's progress over the winter seemed limited when compared to the top-performing motorcycles in the championship.

Alberto Puig Puig backed this up by stating to MotoGP.com that the RC213V has improved this year in comparison to 2024.

"The foundation has improved compared to the previous year," he mentioned.

"We've made progress in some challenging areas, but there are still several crucial aspects that need attention, which the riders have been asking for, and we're aware of what those are."

"The start of the season is definitely going to be challenging."

"In Japan, significant efforts were made to incorporate all their initiatives, and we also hired numerous individuals who are assisting us."

Find out more: While Ducati faces a significant issue, it seems to be an even greater challenge for others.

Honda has pinpointed its main objective for the MotoGP in 2025. Romano Albesiano, a prominent figure known for his leadership of Aprilia’s RS-GP initiative, is a key addition to their team.

According to Puig, the Italian is currently in the process of learning during his tenure with Honda.

"We are pleased that [Romano] Albesiano has become a part of our team," he mentioned.

"Naturally, it's just the start for him, and he requires some time to adapt to Honda's system, which is likely very different from the Italian approach."

Ultimately, Honda represents a collective effort rather than a single person, and this is the source of its potential strength. The aim is clear: the goal and drive are to elevate Honda back to the forefront of the industry.

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VR46 shares news on Fabio di Giannantonio's condition following his operation

VR46 offers an update on Fabio di Giannantonio's health status

VR46 has provided a new report regarding Fabio di Giannantonio following his surgical procedure.

Di Giannantonio suffered a collarbone break during the tumultuous opening day of the MotoGP Sepang test last week.

On Monday, his team announced, "Fabio Di Giannantonio underwent a successful operation on Sunday, February 9th, in Italy, for the treatment of his fractured left collarbone."

The rider from the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team experienced a fall during the initial day of trials in Sepang, occurring last Wednesday.

Following his accident, Fabio returned to Italy and was admitted to Villa Stuart, a private hospital. There, under the guidance of Professor Alessandro Castagna, the team conducted a surgery on Sunday morning to address his injuries.

"The operation went well and the cyclist will begin their recovery process right away."

"The aim is to reach peak physical fitness by the time of the season's opening race in Thailand, scheduled from February 28th to March 2nd."

This indicates that Di Giannantonio will be absent from the Buriram test scheduled for this week.

MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin is set to skip the Buriram test owing to an injury sustained from a fall off his Aprilia during Wednesday's Sepang session.

The two competitors are set to begin the 2025 season's initial race from February 28 to March 2, facing significant setbacks due to their limited experience with the newly introduced equipment.

Di Giannantonio's accident happened as he tried to impress by performing a wheelie.

He's set to pilot a standard Ducati for this racing season.

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A MotoGP racer presents a surprising idea regarding the progression of bikes across different levels.

Ai Ogura discusses the transition from Moto2 to MotoGP.

Newcomer Ai Ogura in MotoGP thinks that transitioning from Moto3 to Moto2 is more challenging than moving from Moto2 to the top-tier class.

The current Moto2 titleholder has signed with the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This move was unexpected when announced last summer.

During the Sepang shakedown two weeks ago, Ogura caught everyone's attention with an outstanding race simulation performance. He concluded the official test in Malaysia by securing the 14th position on the last day.

When questioned about the transition from Moto3 to Moto2 compared to the shift from Moto2 to MotoGP, Ogura revealed something unexpected.

He mentioned that the first experience with the Moto2 bike stood out to him. He speculated that transitioning from Moto3 to Moto2 might be a more significant change.

"This is simply my personal feeling. Just a day after wrapping up the Moto3 season, I was in Portimao and found myself unable to navigate a turn, particularly the initial one."

"Reaching speeds close to 300 km/h and handling larger tires made it difficult for me to tilt the bike. It was quite challenging. Transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP was somewhat easier for me."

Ogura is set to undergo two additional days of testing on his RS-GP at Buriram before he makes his first appearance in a MotoGP race during the Thai Grand Prix later this month.

When questioned about his expectations for the test, he said, "I aim to perfect my timing on the track since our initial race is scheduled here. It's great that I have the opportunity to practice for two days on this circuit."

The straightforward young Japanese rider kept his response brief when questioned about what aspects of the bike and his personal performance need enhancement, merely replying, “Everything.”

Identifying a particular challenge he faces with the MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentions that braking in a straight line is "the primary concern at the moment."

Regarding his physical readiness, Ogura feels confident that he is sufficiently strong to complete a race distance without experiencing any issues with arm pump.

He mentioned that he was uncertain about his strength, but felt capable of handling 20 laps.

"This is what I'm aware of. I might become even stronger, but I'm not certain. Right now, I don't experience any arm fatigue or similar issues during the race."

Ogura's teammate, Raul Fernandez, is set to join him on the track in Buriram. Fernandez had to miss the Sepang test following a crash on the first day.

Fernandez underwent an operation for a fracture in his left hand but plans to try riding this week before the season's first round begins.

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Casey Stoner reconnects with pivotal figure from Honda MotoGP triumph

During a visit to Japan, Casey Stoner caught up with a crucial individual responsible for his 2011 championship victory.

Since stepping away from professional racing, Casey Stoner's legacy in MotoGP has solidified, particularly due to his initial victory in the premier class championship in 2007 riding for Ducati. However, his achievement of a second championship in 2011 showcased the Australian rider accomplishing something quite distinct from his first triumph.

Stoner's championship win on a Ducati marked the Italian brand's inaugural victory in the top tier of Grand Prix racing, thereby validating the initiative that made its MotoGP debut in 2003, coinciding with the second year of the four-stroke period in the World Championship.

As the years went by, this accomplishment became more remarkable, especially after Stoner's departure from the scene. Ducati struggled to position itself as a competitive force in MotoGP for a considerable period until 2022, when Francesco Bagnaia clinched his inaugural championship. This resurgence could also be traced back to the latter part of 2021 when Bagnaia secured victories in four of the final five races, triumphing in the last three consecutively.

In 2011, Stoner made the switch to Honda, transitioning from a brand where he was the sole contributor to their triumphs, to joining a manufacturer with a long history of champions that had raced under its banner.

By 2011, the renowned alliance between Repsol and Honda had reached its 17th anniversary, boasting a history of collaboration with celebrated riders like Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino Rossi, and Nicky Hayden.

Naturally, prior to Repsol's partnership beginning in 1995, Doohan had secured his initial 500cc championship in 1994. Moreover, the roster of top-tier champions from HRC extends to feature notable riders like Eddie Lawson, Wayne Gardner, and Freddie Spencer as well.

Thus, Stoner's achievement placed him in the elite group of the sport's top riders, specifically those who have secured victories in the premier class riding for Honda.

For the company based in Tokyo, this triumph was crucial. Stoner's win halted Yamaha's streak of victories (the Iwata brand had clinched consecutive championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010 with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo), marking Repsol Honda's inaugural championship in the 800cc category of MotoGP at their last opportunity before the shift to 1,000cc regulations in 2012.

Check out this Instagram post from Casey Stoner AM (@official_cs27)

A pivotal contributor to Stoner's and Honda's triumph that year was Shuhei Nakamoto. He came onboard as HRC's vice president in 2009, following the disbandment of Honda's F1 team at the close of 2008. Stoner had a recent reunion with him during a visit to Tokyo.

During the initial two seasons of the 800cc period, Honda struggled significantly, as their RC212V failed to pose a consistent threat to Ducati and Stoner or to Rossi, Lorenzo, and the Yamaha team.

In the 2009 racing season, significant alterations were made to the technical setup, including a switch in the suspension system from Honda's affiliate Showa to Ohlins, and a change in the brakes provider, moving from Honda's affiliated Nissin to Brembo.

In that particular year, Dani Pedrosa managed to secure victories in just two competitions. However, by 2010, he posed a real threat for the championship title, competing closely with Jorge Lorenzo. This contention was disrupted when a crash during practice led to Pedrosa's absence from the Japanese Grand

Honda's enhancements to their 800cc model coincided with a downturn in Ducati's performance levels. Consequently, they managed to secure Stoner for the 2011 season by merely offering him a bike capable of clinching a championship.

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Marc Marquez reveals new partnership for exceptional visor footage

Marc Marquez unveils latest sponsorship deal

Marc Marquez has secured an interesting sponsorship deal for the 2025 MotoGP season.

The Ducati team's racer has disclosed an agreement with Insta360.

Insta360 is known for manufacturing cameras that capture 360-degree imagery, which is reflected in their company name.

Check out this Instagram post from Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93)

In Marquez's recent social media update, he shares stunning perspectives of him maneuvering his Ducati, drawing his followers deeper into his world.

The business mentions, "Our network of Insta360 team members, encompassing both athletes and content creators, spans the globe. They utilize our cameras to capture their extraordinary adventures and inspire their creative pursuits."

Over the past year, Marquez has seen a transformation in his endorsements after transitioning from Honda to Ducati.

In 2023, upon becoming an official Ducati team member, Marquez concluded his lengthy partnership with Red Bull due to Ducati's collaboration with competing energy drink brand, Monster.

Marquez has managed to keep Estrella Galicia, a Spanish beer brand, as one of his individual sponsors.

Ducati has acknowledged that Marquez's presence in their team has expanded their reach to a broader audience, thanks to his reputation as the most famous MotoGP rider.

He is poised to compete for his ninth world championship this season, aiming to achieve an incredible comeback from his injury woes and match Valentino Rossi's record.

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Davide Tardozzi unexpectedly names Ducati's rival for the 2025 MotoGP season

"I was aware they would advance – just not this rapidly!"

Ducati is poised to dominate the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, leading the predictions for sweeping all three championships due to their recent advancements in technology and their formidable team of riders.

It remains uncertain which competitor will emerge as the primary rival to the Bologna marque. In recent times, this position has fluctuated between KTM, Aprilia, or occasionally both. However, during the previous week's Sepang test, Yamaha distinguished itself as a noteworthy contender.

Team leader Davide Tardozzi of Ducati Lenovo was anticipating advancements from the Iwata brand after they brought on board ex-Ducati engineer Max Bartolini at the start of 2024. However, the rapid pace at which these improvements have occurred has caught him off guard.

"Tardozzi revealed to MotoGP.com after the Sepang test last week that he was aware Yamaha would improve, but he didn't anticipate it happening so swiftly. During the test, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo not only secured the third-fastest time but also demonstrated consistent speed during extended laps."

"Regardless, I'm quite familiar with Massimo Bartolini. I had complete confidence in his ability to help them advance significantly."

"Now it's clear to me that they're paying close attention to what he says, and in my opinion, they have an incredible talent in Fabio [Quartararo]. Without a doubt, he's currently our rival."

During the recent trial, several impressive Sprint simulations caught attention, notably from Quartararo and also from Tardozzi's racer, Marc Marquez.

The Spanish rider managed to clock times in the upper 1 minute and 57 seconds range during the initial four laps of his run, eventually settling into the lower 1 minute and 58 seconds range by the conclusion of his session.

Just a single competitor outpaced him: Alex Marquez; and this two-time World Champion isn't the sole satellite Ducati competitor that Tardozzi is closely watching at this point.

"Tardozzi observed the elder Marquez's Sprint simulation with a grin," he recounted, "yet ultimately, we have another Marquez who excelled since Alex performed an outstanding simulation."

"Ultimately, it boils down to a challenge – come the day of the race, circumstances change, and I believe that Marc [Marquez] and Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] will be in contention."

"I'm confident that our affiliate teams will also demonstrate strong competitiveness this year."

"The Ducati Lenovo team manager expressed confidence that Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez will be strong contenders right from the outset. He also conveyed his regret for Fabio Di Giannantonio's situation, assuring that the team eagerly anticipates his return, recognizing his potential to compete at the same level."

"We're anticipating the midpoint of the season, if not sooner, to witness the debut of the promising young racer, as I believe Fermin Aldeguer is set to astonish everyone."

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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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McLaren has secured a crucial member of their Formula 1 team, aerodynamic specialist Peter Prodromou, by offering him a substantial contract.

McLaren has revealed that they have extended their contract with famous Formula 1 aerodynamics expert Peter Prodromou for several more years.

Since coming back to McLaren from Red Bull in 2014, the 56-year-old has been vital to the team. In 2023, he took on the role of technical director for aerodynamics, significantly contributing to the improvement of McLaren's Formula 1 performance.

After revamping their technical team, McLaren, guided by Prodromou, progressed from being at the back of the F1 grid to leading the pack and claimed their first constructors' championship in 26 years in 2024.

Prodromou spent 15 years working at McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2006. At Red Bull, he led the aerodynamics department under the guidance of Adrian Newey, playing a crucial role in Newey's design team, which won multiple championships.

Just before the start of the 2025 season, McLaren experiences a morale lift with the renewal of his contract. This comes after the team secured long-term deals with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and their team leader, Andrea Stella.

Prodromou expressed his pleasure at remaining in his position as the Technical Director for Aerodynamics with the McLaren F1 Team. He stated that it is a privilege to work with such a cooperative group and to play a role in the team's impressive progress. Reflecting on the achievements of the previous season, he is eager to continue working towards their collective goal of winning additional World Championships.

"I appreciate Zak and Andrea for consistently trusting me in my role as Technical Director of Aerodynamics. I'm also thankful to my teammates for offering exceptional support both personally and professionally."

Stella commended the influence Prodromou has exerted on McLaren after rejoining the team in Woking.

"The cultural, organizational, and technical guidance Peter provided has been crucial. He played a significant role in transforming the team's performance both on the racetrack and behind the scenes, ultimately leading the team to secure their ninth FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in 2024," he stated.

"Our path as a team wouldn't have been possible without Peter, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our pursuit of more World Championships together."

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Lewis frequently travels to various locations worldwide to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at the races, Lewis provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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Davide Tardozzi Surprisingly Names Ducati Challenger for 2025 MotoGP Season

"I was aware they would improve – just didn't foresee it happening this rapidly!"

Ducati is stepping into the 2025 MotoGP World Championship as the top contender for all three championships, attributed to their recent supremacy in technology and their formidable lineup of riders.

It remains uncertain which competitor will emerge as the primary rival to the Bologna-based team. In recent times, this position has alternated between KTM, Aprilia, or sometimes both. However, during the last week's testing session in Sepang, Yamaha distinguished itself as a noteworthy contender.

Ducati Lenovo's team leader, Davide Tardozzi, anticipated improvements from the Iwata brand following their hiring of ex-Ducati engineer Max Bartolini at the start of 2024. However, the rapid pace of these advancements caught him off guard.

"Tardozzi revealed to MotoGP.com after last week's Sepang test that he was aware Yamaha would improve, but he was surprised by the rapid advancement. During the test, Yamaha's Fabio Quartarazzo achieved the third fastest time and demonstrated consistent speed during extended laps."

"Regardless, I'm quite familiar with Massimo Bartolini. I had no doubt that he could help them advance significantly."

“Currently, it's clear to me that his words carry significant weight with them, and considering they have an exceptional talent in Fabio [Quartararo], he's undoubtedly our main competitor at this point.”

Satellite Competition

The recent trial featured several impressive Sprint trials, notably from Quartararo, as well as from Tardozzi's racer, Marc Marquez.

The Spanish rider managed to record lap times in the high-1:57 range during the initial four laps of his simulation, eventually finishing with times in the low-1:58 range by its conclusion.

Alex Marquez alone outpaced him; the two-time World Champion is also among the satellite Ducati riders Tardozzi is currently watching closely.

"Tardozzi observed the older Marquez's Sprint simulation with a grin," he remarked. "However, ultimately, there's another Marquez who performed excellently as Alex delivered an outstanding simulation."

"Ultimately, it's an evaluation – come the day of the race, the dynamics often shift, and I believe that Marc [Marquez] and Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] will be in contention."

"I'm confident that our affiliated teams will also demonstrate strong competitiveness this year."

"The Ducati Lenovo team manager expressed confidence that Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez will be strong contenders right from the start of the season. He also conveyed his regret over Fabio Di Giannantonio's situation, reassuring that the team eagerly anticipates his return, acknowledging his potential to compete at the top level."

"We're anticipating the mid-season or possibly sooner to witness the emergence of the new young talent, as I believe Fermin Aldeguer is going to astonish everyone."

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

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