How Pramac is gearing up for a victory in the 2024 MotoGP Championship

Jorge Martin and the Pramac team’s pursuit of the 2024 title is being bolstered by behind-the-scenes improvements.

Gino Borsoi, the head of the Pramac MotoGP team, disclosed that he has collaborated with a mental coach this season in an effort to secure the 2024 championship.

Before the ultimate race taking place in Barcelona next weekend, Jorge Martin holds a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia. Martin has the opportunity to clinch the championship title during the sprint race if he finishes with at least two more points than Bagnaia.

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If Martin secures the title, he will be the first rider from an independent team to clinch a championship in the current MotoGP era.

This year, Borsoi has focused on self-improvement to handle the stress of competing for a championship more effectively. This personal growth has enabled him to provide better guidance to Martin, who is also collaborating with a mental coach in 2024.

"Certainly, overseeing a title race is challenging," Borsoi mentioned to TNT Sport.

During the summer, I focused on preparing myself by working with a mental coach, as enhancing our mental strength is essential in all aspects.

"We understand the necessary actions for riding, but we also need to ensure our bodies and physical fitness are prepared."

"To be frank, Martin and I have frequent conversations over the weekend."

"We work on getting ready for every possible situation, and I can assist him with the mental aspect. However, when it comes to riding, I can't offer much advice since I was a rider myself but never experienced riding a MotoGP bike."

"Therefore, I am unable to offer him any guidance on riding."

"The only way for a rider to cope with issues is to remain calm and keep moving forward, as battling against the factory or competing at a high level is not feasible."

"When things go wrong, stay composed and try to think logically. Getting upset or angry only wastes time."

Securing the championship this year carries extra importance for Pramac and Martin, as they are both preparing to leave Ducati when the season concludes.

Martin is set to become part of the factory Aprilia team after not being selected for a position with the factory Ducati team. Meanwhile, Pramac is planning to collaborate with Yamaha starting in 2025.

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The puzzling issue of heat management for Aprilia traces back to a challenging MotoGP test in 2018. "Addressing this is crucial if they aim to make progress."

Aleix Espargaro states that since MotoGP testing in 2018, Aprilia has not found a solution to the issues it faces in high temperatures.

In the latest overseas races of the 2024 season held in locations such as Malaysia and Thailand, Aprilia riders faced the challenge of competing in intense heat on their RS-GP bikes.

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For several years, this problem has persisted, causing Maverick Vinales to withdraw from last year's Thai Grand Prix because the heat was impacting his performance on the motorcycle.

In recent years, MotoGP has seen significant advancements in aerodynamics, and the design of the RS-GP has often been cited as a source of Aprilia's challenges. However, Aleix Espargaro acknowledges that the engineers are uncertain about the true cause.

In response to whether the bike's packaging might be the issue, he said that this is the very question he's posing to the engineers. Interestingly, it's also what the engineers are trying to figure out: they simply don't know.

"The increased aerodynamic load is definitely not beneficial. We're attempting to seal off everything and incorporate a lot of aerodynamic elements, but it's not proving effective."

"The issue has persisted since our debut season. I recall the initial test run with Scott Redding in Thailand, which took place five or six years ago, was a disaster. Unfortunately, we haven't made any progress since then."

According to Espargaro, the intense heat has not only physically impacted the riders but has also negatively influenced the bike's performance. After finishing 13th in the Malaysian Grand Prix last week, he noted these challenges.

"We've really struggled with the heat over the past three or four seasons," he mentioned.

"And it's not only the competitors in Thailand – Maverick was unable to complete the race last year."

"It's not solely a matter of our physical fitness; the performance of the bike's components is crucial too. The fuel pump, tires, brakes, and engine were disappointingly sluggish, especially considering how fast they were in Australia."

"During the sprint, I managed to pass a lot of cyclists. However, with the current heat, nothing is functioning properly."

"For the future of Aprilia, the fundamental design of the bike isn't too poor. However, in these temperatures, it's impossible for everything to function properly."

"For Aprilia's future advancements, addressing this issue should be their top priority."

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Casey Stoner discusses Ducati's 2024 title fight: 'Creating issues could be their downfall'

The MotoGP champion from 2007 and 2011 shares his thoughts on the upcoming 2024 championship battle.

Casey Stoner expressed astonishment that Ducati has permitted Jorge Martin to compete equally for the 2024 MotoGP championship. However, he cautions that if this decision leads to issues, it could have negative repercussions.

In 2007, an Australian rider secured Ducati's inaugural world championship in the top-tier category. However, his rapport with the Italian manufacturer deteriorated, prompting him to switch to Honda in 2011.

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In 2016, Stoner came back to Ducati to serve as a test rider, a position he held until he stepped down in 2018.

Ducati is set to commemorate its fourth riders' championship during the season's final event in Barcelona next weekend, where Pramac's Martin will face off against the current two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, in a battle for the title.

Martin is the frontrunner for the championship, entering the last round with an advantage of 24 points.

Ducati has maintained fairness between its two riders, even though Martin has committed to joining Aprilia in 2025 following his rejection for a factory position next to Bagnaia.

During an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport at EICMA, Stoner expressed his opinion that some individuals in Ducati's management are still opposed to the idea of Aprilia securing the championship title next year. He cautioned that any interference at this stage could ultimately be counterproductive.

"He mentioned that Gigi Dall'Igna holds that opinion, but the Ducati executives are reluctant to give up the top position."

"However, people are keeping a vigilant eye on them, and any error they make will be uncovered."

"If they cause any issues, it might come back to haunt them. I am optimistic that everything will proceed smoothly and that we'll witness the true world champion."

According to Stoner, Martin is worthy of winning the 2024 championship. However, he thinks that Martin's exit from Ducati will present more challenges for him than it will for the Italian company.

The two-time world champion mentioned that Jorge has demonstrated his abilities and has consistently gotten better.

"He is worthy of claiming the title of world champion."

Losing him next year would be a significant setback for Ducati. However, the impact would be even greater for Jorge. Over the years, he has remained dedicated to the brand and put in exceptional effort, positioning himself as the sole competitor capable of challenging Bagnaia for race victories and the championship title. Unfortunately, he was denied the chance to advance to the main factory team.

"I believe it's unjust.

"Regrettably, this is the way Ducati operates, which has led to them losing numerous riders."

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Ducati is unconcerned about the possibility of Jorge Martin securing the top position with Aprilia. Even if Martin manages to claim the number one spot, Ducati remains unfazed.

Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati team, stated that there would be “no issue” if Jorge Martin clinches the 2024 MotoGP championship and then switches to Aprilia with the number one plate the following year.

Following the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Ducati reversed its earlier decision regarding Martin's role in the team. Instead of promoting the Pramac rider to their factory team for the 2025 season, Ducati opted to bring in Marc Marquez.

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Aprilia secured a contract with Martin for the next season, leaving Ducati to confront the genuine possibility that the Spanish rider could win the world championship and carry the top position away with him.

This led many to believe that Ducati might reduce its backing for Martin in his competition against Francesco Bagnaia, but the reality has been quite the contrary.

Tardozzi acknowledges the possibility that Martin might clinch the championship title and subsequently move on, but finds comfort in knowing that the records will always reflect the manufacturer with which he achieved his victory.

He expressed to TNT Sport before the Malaysian Grand Prix that it's clear Jorge would likely choose to race with the number one if he secures the title, as it's a rare opportunity. After the event, Martin held a 24-point advantage in the rankings.

"It appears he wants it to be associated with his bike. However, in the official record, it will state 'Jorge Martin – Ducati'."

"The top spot belongs to the rider, but the motorcycle is a Ducati."

"For us, this isn’t an issue. We are determined to work diligently to reclaim the top position by 2026. If he secures the championship, he will earn the right to wear the number one, although his victory was achieved with Ducati."

"As far as we're concerned, it's not an issue for us."

Tardozzi mentioned that despite Ducati possibly losing the 2024 world champion, Martin's victory in the championship demonstrates that their decision to recruit him from Moto2 for the 2021 season was a successful move.

"According to Tardozzi, Jorge Martin is clearly a rider who is signed with us."

"In some respects, we're quite pleased. However, speaking for myself, I've noted down Ducati Lenovo alongside my name. Our focus will be on ensuring Pecco can perform at his best, aiming for a victory, and we'll observe how Jorge performs."

Ultimately, it comes down to a rider who develops alongside Ducati, making it likely that he could secure the championship with the team.

"In the end, selecting him to move up from Moto2 to MotoGP turned out to be a good decision."

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Pramac MotoGP leader feels ‘a decade older’ after thrilling Bagnaia/Martin showdown in Sepang

“This is an unforgettable moment that I’ll cherish going forward”

Gino Borsoi, the head of Pramac's MotoGP squad, commented that the intense duel between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia during the Malaysian Grand Prix was so nerve-wracking it could "effortlessly shave off a decade."

In a battle for the championship title, Martin and Bagnaia delivered the most exhilarating head-to-head competition of 2024, exchanging the lead position 13 times within the initial three laps.

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Bagnaia emerged victorious in the grand prix at Sepang, closing the gap on Martin's lead in the championship to just 24 points, with only one round remaining.

In their 2024 championship race, this marked the initial occasion where the two leading competitors truly clashed, sparking significant enthusiasm within the Ducati leadership team.

Borsoi conveyed to motogp.com, "It was an absolutely amazing race, especially enjoyable in the early stages.

"For us, it was a significant emotional struggle. They kicked off the race remarkably well."

Witnessing these individuals constantly battle it out at every turn and down the primary straightaways was truly enjoyable.

"I'm thrilled to be here. It's a delight to spend time alongside Jorge in Pramac's garage, as this will certainly be a treasured memory to reflect on in my career's retrospective."

"In such a competition, it's common to feel a decade slip away, yet they are enjoyable to watch."

Ducati's chief executive, Gigi Dall'Igna, confessed he 'couldn't bear to watch the television' as Bagnaia and Martin went head-to-head.

"He expressed how challenging it was to convey the feeling."

"First and foremost, the initial three laps were incredibly well-executed by the team; they delivered an exceptional performance, and I find it too remarkable to even watch on TV."

They cycled as though it was their inaugural race of the season. Truly astonishing.

"Undoubtedly, Jorge holds a significant lead in the points tally, making it a tough challenge for Pecco. However, Pecco must continue to battle fiercely, with the same tenacity he showed today and has always demonstrated."

Ducati team leader Davide Tardozzi believes the recent race has silenced doubters of MotoGP's present competition quality, and clearly demonstrates that either of the two title contenders is a worthy champion.

"He stated, 'This is the correct response for those who believe overtaking in MotoGP is currently impossible.'"

"However, I believe that Pecco and Jorge truly highlighted our sport in an incredible manner, especially during the initial three laps which they executed marvelously."

"I believe it demonstrates their championship quality. The team that secures the title will have earned it, while the runner-up should still be considered a champion in their own right."

"I was deeply engaged and the intensity was at its peak. I believe we must give applause to Jorge, because not everyone in his situation would have performed at such a level."

"In my view, Jorge truly embodies the spirit of a warrior. He's earned his position at the forefront of the championship and is an outstanding motorcyclist."

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Pedro Acosta Redefines Expectations for MotoGP Newcomers

"I believed achieving this in the current year was out of reach…"

Team leader Wilco Zeelenberg of Trackhouse Racing confessed he believed it was unattainable for a newcomer in MotoGP to secure a podium finish this year, until Pedro Acosta shattered his expectations.

Acosta, who clinched the Moto2 world championship last year, was highly anticipated to make a significant impact in MotoGP. The 20-year-old racer has been making waves in the grand prix circuit since his initial Moto3 appearance in 2021.

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In only his second race of the 2024 season with Tech3 GASGAS, Acosta achieved a top-three finish and has since secured five podium positions on Sundays. Presently, he ranks fifth in the standings, marginally leading over his KTM teammate Brad Binder.

In the upcoming season, the MotoGP ranks will be joined by three newcomers: the current Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura, Somkiat Chantra who has clinched victory in two Moto2 races, and Fermin Aldeguer, who boasts eight Moto2 wins.

Ogura's unexpected transition to MotoGP with Trackhouse Aprilia has proven to be a highly beneficial agreement since its inception last summer, placing the Japanese rider under a great deal of anticipation.

Zeelenberg, set to depart from his position at Trackhouse by the close of 2024, feels it's unreasonable to anticipate victories from newcomers. However, Acosta has redefined the potential achievements for a rookie in the field.

"He informed TNT Sport that it's unrealistic to anticipate a victory in their first race given their newcomer status."

"They must remain committed to their training, progressing gradually. Observing Pedro's journey illustrates how challenging it is to achieve a podium finish in the inaugural season, yet how swiftly it can happen."

"I believed that this year, achieving it was out of reach, given how the championship unfolded, in terms of both performance and speed, yet Pedro managed to accomplish it."

"Thus, it's feasible for a newcomer to secure a spot on the podium in their debut year."

"It's evident, this year it occurred. I enjoy beginning with newcomers, as it allows me to impart all of my knowledge and experience to prevent them from making errors, while also assisting them in learning how to progressively handle these large motorcycles."

Zeelenberg remarked, "Ai truly stands out. Firstly, he's been in the running for the championship, so although he's been aware of his bike, his approach was 'let me prioritize winning the championship first'."

Hence, it's crucial to acknowledge, and indeed, he succeeded. He now possesses the title securely. Therefore, upon arriving on the new rockets, there's a palpable sense of anxiety and nervousness among everyone, with a noticeable tremble.

"Thus, it takes them half a season to truly reach their peak performance and get into optimal condition. Certainly, they'll gain additional insights, but half a season is essential for them to fully utilize what they have at their disposal."

Zeelenberg points out that the most significant challenge new riders face upon entering MotoGP is adapting to the use of electronics, an aspect not heavily emphasized in their prior racing experiences.

"Initially, I'm quite fond of that direction to take, although it's not as simple to achieve," he mentioned regarding newcomers taking up positions in MotoGP.

Naturally, these novice riders, as they transition from rookies to a fresh category – notably MotoGP – must acclimate to the electronic systems. They have honed their abilities and talents throughout their entire career without the aid of electronics: lacking traction control, anti-wheelie features, and other crucial elements for a MotoGP motorcycle.

Essentially, their reliance must be placed on the electronic devices, which is no simple task.

"The skill and quickness are present, but the ability to accelerate while ensuring the motorcycle doesn't eject them is the primary challenge they need to tackle first."

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Pedro Acosta Alters Expectations for MotoGP Newcomers

"I believed it was no longer feasible this year…"

Trackhouse Racing's team leader, Wilco Zeelenberg, confessed he believed it was unattainable for a newcomer in MotoGP to secure a podium finish this year, until Pedro Acosta proved otherwise.

Acosta, who clinched the Moto2 world title last year, was expected to make a significant impact in MotoGP. The 20-year-old has been making waves in the paddock ever since he first entered the grand prix scene in Moto3 in 2021.

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In only his second race of the 2024 season with Tech3 GASGAS, Acosta achieved a podium finish and has since secured five Sunday podiums. This performance places him slightly above his KTM colleague Brad Binder, ranking him fifth in the championship standings.

In 2024, the MotoGP ranks are set to be bolstered by the arrival of three newcomers: Ai Ogura, who clinched the Moto2 title, Somkiat Chantra, with two Moto2 grand prix victories under his belt, and Fermin Aldeguer, an eight-time victor in Moto2 races.

Ogura's unexpected transition to MotoGP with Trackhouse Aprilia has proven to be a remarkably successful agreement since its inception during the summer, placing the Japanese racer under a significant spotlight of anticipation.

Zeelenberg, set to depart from his position at Trackhouse by the close of 2024, holds the view that it's unreasonable to anticipate victories from newcomers. However, Acosta's performance has redefined the potential achievements for a newcomer in the field.

"He told TNT Sport that it's unrealistic for them to anticipate winning their first race as a newcomer; that's not their role."

"They must continue cycling and gradually acquire skills. Observing Pedro's journey illustrates how swift progress can be, achieving a podium finish in the inaugural season is quite challenging."

"I believed that this year, it was no longer feasible, given the way the championship unfolded, in terms of both performance and speed, yet Pedro managed to pull it off."

"Thus, it's feasible for a newcomer to secure a spot on the podium in their debut year."

"It's obvious, it occurred this year. I'm fond of beginning with newcomers, as it allows me to share all of my knowledge and skills to prevent errors, while also guiding them to progress gradually on these powerful motorcycles."

Zeelenberg remarked, “I believe Ai is quite unique. Primarily, he's been in the race for the championship, so he's had his bike in sight, yet he was like, ‘first, let me concentrate on my championship’.

"Thus, I believe it's significant, and indeed, he has achieved it. He now holds the title. Consequently, when they embark on these new rockets, there's a palpable sense of apprehension and nervousness among them; they're essentially trembling."

"Thus, it takes them half a season to reach their peak form and achieve the highest performance possible. Certainly, they will gain additional knowledge beyond that, but half a season is required for them to fully leverage what the package offers."

According to Zeelenberg, the most significant challenge new riders face upon entering MotoGP is adapting to the use of electronics, a skill they typically haven't developed in their careers up until that moment.

"Initially, he expressed a fondness for pursuing that route, yet he acknowledged the difficulty rookies face in securing MotoGP positions," he commented.

Naturally, when these inexperienced riders transition from beginners to a higher category like MotoGP, they must familiarize themselves with the electronic systems. Throughout their career, they've relied solely on their raw talent and abilities, without the aid of electronic features such as traction control or anti-wheelie technology, which play a crucial role in handling a MotoGP motorcycle.

They must place their confidence in electronic devices, which is not a simple task.

"The skill and quickness are present, yet the key challenge lies in mastering control to prevent being thrown off the motorcycle. This is the primary focus they need to address."

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Luca Marini Reflects on Challenging Honda Introduction: “Despite Finishing Eighth Last Year, It Left Me Unsatisfied”

The Italian Finds Silver Linings in His Difficult Initial Season with Honda in MotoGP

Luca Marini expressed greater satisfaction in securing the 20th spot in the 2024 MotoGP rankings with Honda than he did finishing eighth in the 2023 standings with VR46 Ducati.

The Italian rider has been selected to take over for Marc Marquez at Gresini for the 2024 season, stepping into the factory Honda team, yet has faced a challenging season on the RC213V.

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After 19 races, Marini has only accumulated 14 points, with his highest placement being 12th at both the San Marino and Thailand Grands Prix. This positions him at the bottom of the Honda team rankings, in 22nd place in the overall championship.

His performance in the 2023 season with the VR46 Ducati team, where he finished eighth in the standings with 201 points and stood on the podium twice in Grand Prix races, was significantly different.

Despite facing challenges with the evolving Honda motorcycle, Marini expresses greater satisfaction now than in 2023, stating his enthusiasm stems from being involved in a project that has significant potential for the future.

"He expressed confidence to the official MotoGP podcast last month, stating that if he manages to execute every move correctly and enhance both his skills and the motorcycle, success will inevitably follow."

"Currently, whether I score two, zero, or 10 points, it doesn't change anything for me. Last season, despite ending up in eighth place, I wasn't satisfied."

"This year, I'm ending up in 20th place, but I'm more content this time around because I'm involved in a promising project that has the potential to compete for the championship in the coming years."

"I'm really optimistic about what lies ahead for me in this space. It's promising, and my goal is to continue dedicating myself to progress and enhance my skills daily through time spent cycling, as I believe we can achieve remarkable things."

Honda racers have experienced a demanding year beyond the regular racing calendar, engaging in several independent tests as the brand from Japan aims to improve its standings.

Marini mentions that he has taken his Honda out for a ride nearly every week of 2024, always doing so with joy.

"Coming into the final stretch of the season, it wasn't fatigue that weighed on me, but rather stress. Looking back, it feels like I was on the bike every single week of the year, or very close to it," he shared.

"Admittedly, it's challenging, yet I always approach it with a smile and give it my all. Ultimately, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike, even if it's on a weekly basis, as I cherish every moment spent on the bike."

"Indeed, it's an incredible sensation. I'm making an effort to savor the moment."

"Certainly, completing races and gathering additional data is crucial for engineers, as it provides them with more information to examine. This is because when you only do a brief stint in practice, you only have two or three laps worth of data to analyze."

"Completing an entire race gives you 27. Thus, it’s a different quantity of information."

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The distinction in equipment for the 2024 MotoGP championship battle

How do the Ducati motorcycles of Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia vary?

A Ducati competitor riding a GP24 will secure the 2024 MotoGP championship, with Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia set to battle it out in the concluding race in Barcelona.

The 2024 season marked an exceptional period for Ducati, showcasing the most commanding performance by a manufacturer in contemporary times.

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Up until now, in the 2024 season, out of 19 grand prix races held, victories have been secured in all but one. Remarkably, riders aboard the GP24 have clinched 15 of these wins.

A Comparison of Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia: A Look at Their Remarkable Seasons 📊 Applauding their impressive performances in MotoGP 👏#MotoGP

The Italian brand has also claimed victory in all the championships to date, securing the riders' title for the third consecutive year.

Heading into the final race next weekend, Bagnaia leads Martin by a margin of 24 points, having secured victory in 10 grand prix events compared to Martin's three wins with the Pramac team.

Ducati has continued to provide consistent backing to both of its riders in 2024, halting further enhancements to the GP24 during the latter part of the season to guarantee an even playing field for the championship showdown.

However, there are minor variations in the equipment used by each cyclist.

"According to Michael Laverty from TNT Sport during an analysis in Malaysia, a quick glance reveals that Pecco Bagnaia has a preference for the older fork model."

"It features a reduced stroke length, and there's noticeably less tubing visible at the top."

Jorge Martin might display a 45mm setting, which boils down to individual choice regarding overall geometry and the rider's stature.

"Examining the aerodynamic design reveals it's the same. Despite there being two options, both Pecco and Jorge opted for the version featuring downwash ducts, as they find it effective."

"Engines are the same across the board. Regarding the ECU, it's understood that every team along this pitlane shares identical units as per the championship regulations."

Last weekend at Sepang, Bagnaia mentioned that since Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix, he reverted to using the previous model of front forks on his motorcycle and has made no alterations to it since then.

Laverty highlights that the main distinction between the two lies in the level of engineering assistance available in the factory and Pramac areas.

"He further explained that the key distinction arises once the engineers connect with the motorcycle."

"Thus, when examining the MotoGP motorcycles closely, one finds that each component is equipped with a potentiometer, capturing data from the machines."

"When you engage a lever: engage the clutch brake. Engaging the brake lever ensures the information is logged."

"There's a vast array of channels available. These can even be customized, establishing unique channels. Thus, when you have a platform with rapid lean angle inertia, for instance, causing the engine to accelerate slightly faster, you can compare these channels against each other. That’s the point at which the engineer steps in."

Peering into the rear area of the garage during the overseas races reveals a stark contrast: a group of 10 to 20 Ducati engineers on one side, compared to the smaller contingent of skilled engineers within the independent team. It's this disparity in support and resources, particularly in data analysis, that truly sets them apart.

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Pedro Acosta 'turned off the pit limiter, settled the penalty!'

"I believe he deactivated the pit limiter! He did so in Australia and also this time."

Johann Zarco was seen grinning when he reminisced about his failed effort to catch a slipstream from MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta during the qualifying round at Sepang.

The French rider intended to trail the GASGAS competitor as they exited the pits.

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However, the young 20-year-old was also focused on latching onto a draft from a car ahead and swiftly vanished down the pit lane, raising suspicions.

"Zarco mentioned, 'Following my initial tyre, I was unsure about increasing my speed and sought to trail behind someone.'"

"However, I was unable to keep up with Pedro as he sped through the pit lane."

"It seems like he deactivated the pit speed limiter! It happened twice. Once in Australia and then again here."

"He's aware that the fine amounts to 1,500 euros. Thus, he understands that capturing someone will result in a 1,500 euro penalty!

"Zarco quipped, 'That’s our approach in MotoGP – we ramp up when the funds flow in!'"

Zarco was lucky to stay in the lead during the Q1 session, while Acosta narrowly missed a spot for the Q2 transfer, finishing third.

Such a 'pay-to-tow' strategy is permissible because MotoGP regulations dictate that a rider will only receive a penalty for their initial infraction of exceeding the 60km/h speed limit in the pit lane, as long as they are not traveling at an 'excessively high speed'.

Nonetheless, if violations are repeated at the same gathering, the penalty will increase with each occurrence. Moreover, a participant found guilty of three infractions during a single event could face additional sanctions.

"The FIM MotoGP Stewards believe that exceedingly fast speeds, along with repeated violations throughout the season, could lead to increased fines and potentially additional penalties."

Simon Crafar, who is attentive to Zarco and the upcoming head of the FIM MotoGP Stewards, suggested that the penalty (fine) for slight overspeeding in the pit lane is likely to be revised next year, emphasizing "that's not my decision!"

Until that time arrives, and given the critical importance of qualifying, the 1,500 euro penalty is a cost that both riders and their teams are prepared to accept.

Tech3 competitor Acosta enters the final race in Barcelona next weekend holding a slim three-point advantage over KTM's main team rider Brad Binder in the fight for the fifth position in the global championship.

Zarco, who is currently with LCR Honda, finished sixth in his debut MotoGP season with Tech3, but at that time, he was competing on a Yamaha bike in 2017.

Peter, with two decades of experience in the paddock, has witnessed the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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MotoGP launches: "There are four leading options for gaining an initial advantage…"

"It all comes down to figuring out the best strategy… by choosing the most challenging position at the starting line and discovering how much you can push the limits!"

Riders in MotoGP frequently spinning the rear tire while performing practice starts has been a common occurrence throughout the season.

Instead of just assuming too much traction on an unclean circuit, the connection between initial wheelspin and front holeshot mechanisms was verified during the latest Thai Grand Prix.

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Following an intense start to his practice on Friday, KTM rider Jack Miller commented:

"Miller elaborated, stating, 'Our intention was to experiment with the ‘110’ [holeshot] mechanism. Personally, I'm not very keen on using the 110 device because the moment you lower the bike's front that much, the rear begins to spin almost right away.'"

Buriram experienced the season's first rain-affected Grand Prix, where certain riders chose not to engage the front mechanism, aiming to enhance the initial traction from the back instead.

"At the beginning, I didn't have the front device attached, as the team advised against it, citing concerns about potential spinning," Enea Bastianini from Ducati explained. "However, it turned out that riders who utilized the front device had a competitive edge at the start."

At the outset: Positioned on the Buriram starting line, Bezzecchi's GP23 is noticeably elevated compared to the factory GP24s in front of him.

Under conditions of strong traction, the primary factor limiting performance at the start of a MotoGP race is the extent of wheelie. Therefore, lowering the motorcycle as much as possible (both the front and the back) proves advantageous.

The capability to lower varies based not just on the manufacturer but also on the specifications of the bike, with the latest GP24 Ducatis featuring a noticeably more advanced lowering mechanism compared to the previous GP23 models.

However, when the traction decreases because of a filthy racetrack or a damp surface, the focus shifts from managing wheelies to controlling wheelspin. This is particularly noticeable with MotoGP motorcycles now being set so low, which minimizes weight distribution to the rear.

Jack Miller: "There are four choices available"

During the event at Sepang last Friday, Miller revealed that KTM is equipped with various compression sizes for its front holeshot device, tailored to accommodate varying levels of grip.

"Clearly, it's related to the front end, specifically the initial start mechanism. We're experimenting with various lengths of stroke," Miller explained, referring to the wheelspin observed by riders during their practice starts.

"I believe we're looking at four choices here: a 110, a 100, a 90, and finally an 80. It's really about figuring out which one will be effective."

Clearly, when the traction is good, you press down on it as if you're in a drag race.

"In conditions where there's less grip, it's beneficial to adjust by adding a bit more weight to the back, perhaps moving it to around 80 or 90."

"It's all about recognizing the effective strategies for that circuit, by selecting the most challenging position on the track and figuring out what advantages you can exploit!"

The struggle to maintain equilibrium between front-end lift and wheelspin might be the reason why Ducati frontrunners Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia have faced difficulties with ineffective practice starts, yet often manage to refine their take-offs by the time the race begins.

At the Sepang circuit, Miller disclosed that his motorcycle was equipped with an updated rear ride-height mechanism, which is activated when approaching the extensive straight sections of the track.

"Miller mentioned that they received a modification for the ride-height device, a request made since last year's Phillip Island, just in time for the final two races of the season. Additionally, he experienced a fortunate incident during Sunday's race at Turn 2, where his helmet got caught in Fabio Quartararo’s rear wheel."

"The goal is to adjust the speed slightly, aiming to decelerate the ride-height mechanism to prevent putting too much pressure on the tire when leaving."

"Entering each of the straightaways feels great. We're not experiencing a strong jolt that leads to bouncing or spinning, which is certainly a plus."

Brad Binder remarked, "You're shaving off half-a-second from 0-100km/h."

Under the upcoming technical regulations set for 2027, all launch (holeshot) and ride-height mechanisms will be prohibited.

"In an interview with Crash.net, Miller's colleague Brad Binder expressed, "I'm surely going to feel their absence in the beginning."

"They genuinely transform the bicycles into racing machines. The truth is they're positioned so close to the ground that nearly everything is almost touching it. Plus, you now have the ability to harness a lot more power."

Reflecting on the past, when launches occurred without these gadgets, compared to now, it's astounding. With their assistance, we've managed to shave off half a second from the 0-100km/h acceleration time in just three seconds. The progress we've made due to these devices is truly remarkable.

"However, if this action is uniform for all, it doesn't really alter much."

Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's health struggles.

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Pedro Acosta "deactivated the pit lane speed limiter and settled the penalty!"

"It seems he turned off the pit speed limiter! He did the same thing in Australia and now again here."

Johann Zarco grinned as he remembered his unsuccessful effort to follow MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta during a qualifying session at Sepang.

The French rider intended to exit the pits behind the competitor on the GASGAS bike.

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However, the 20-year-old was also focused on drafting off another vehicle and sped away down the pit lane with surprising swiftness.

Zarco mentioned that following his initial tire change, he was unsure about how to increase his speed and felt the need to trail behind someone.

"However, I was unable to overtake Pedro as he sped through the pit lane at a high speed."

"I believe he deactivated the pit limiter! He has done this twice, once in Australia and now here."

"He is aware that the fine amounts to 1,500 euros. Therefore, he understands that if he intends to apprehend someone, the cost will be 1,500 euros!"

Zarco quipped, "That's the MotoGP way—once we have more money!"

Lucky for Zarco, he held onto the lead in the Q1 session, while Acosta narrowly missed securing a spot in Q2, finishing in third place.

Such a 'pay-to-tow' strategy is feasible because MotoGP regulations specify that a rider will only face a fine for an initial violation of the 60km/h pit lane speed limit, as long as they are not traveling at an 'extremely high speed'.

On the other hand, if a rider commits the same violation multiple times at a single event, the penalty will increase with each subsequent offense. Additionally, a rider who commits three infractions during one event could face additional sanctions.

According to the FIM MotoGP Stewards, riding at extremely high speeds can lead to increased fines, especially if the rider has committed multiple offenses throughout the season. Additionally, further penalties may be imposed.

Simon Crafar, who was listening to Zarco and is set to become the future Chairman of the FIM MotoGP Stewards, suggested that the penalty (fine) for minor speeding violations in the pit lane is expected to be revised next year. He was quick to note, however, that "this has nothing to do with me!"

However, for now, and given the crucial importance of qualifying, the 1,500 euro fine is an expense that both riders and teams are prepared to incur.

Tech3 racer Acosta will enter the Barcelona finale next weekend with a slight advantage, holding a three-point lead over Brad Binder from factory KTM, as they compete for fifth place in the world championship standings.

In 2017, Zarco, who is currently competing for LCR Honda, finished sixth in his debut MotoGP season while racing Yamaha bikes with the Tech3 team.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely involved with the unfolding story of Suzuki's departure and is deeply informed about Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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