Is the vintage Marc Marquez set to appear at the factory Ducati MotoGP squad?

This week's Crash MotoGP Podcast covers Marc Marquez's transition to the factory Ducati team.

In 2025, Marc Marquez will join the premier Ducati MotoGP team, partnering with two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia.

Eight-time world champion Marquez had his first ride on the factory-spec Ducati during the post-season Barcelona test last week, finishing with the fourth fastest time, just behind his new teammate.

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Following a 2024 season competing with the Gresini satellite team using previous year's equipment, where he managed to secure three grand prix victories, Marquez is anticipated to contend for his ninth world championship in the upcoming year.

However, the Marquez who once excelled in MotoGP while riding for Honda has changed significantly as a rider following his struggles with injuries in 2020.

What strategy will Marquez adopt for his comeback to a factory team in 2024?

"Right from the start, it was evident that his objective was to return to a factory team, specifically to secure a spot with factory Ducati, even when he first mounted that bike last November," says Lewis Duncan, Senior Journalist at Crash.

"From what we observed earlier in the year regarding his approach to future plans, he exhibited a distinctly clear vision of his desired outcomes."

"I believe that the Marquez we're going to witness next year will differ from the version we saw with the factory Honda team, given that the factory Honda and factory Ducati teams are inherently distinct in many ways."

"However, we're going to witness a far more intense aspect of Marquez, since despite his comments on approaching it gradually, the anticipation will be for him to contend for the championship."

"If he manages to replicate his performance from the GP23, which by the end of the race in Barcelona seemed quite outdated, on the latest factory model that appears to have significantly advanced, especially based on Pecco Bagnaia's comments.

"I believe we'll see a more earnest version of Marc, yet one who adopts a more thoughtful strategy towards racing. He has mentioned in the past that during his winning streak before the injury, he didn't fully appreciate his victories."

"After experiencing what he has, each victory holds greater significance, and this feeling is expected to intensify with the transition to the new facility, where every major achievement will be celebrated as a significant occasion."

"I believe that maintaining that aspect and continuing to find joy in racing will only lift him higher."

Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager for Crash and podcast presenter, shares: “The collective ambiance of his passion for racing, coupled with the supportive nature of those in his circle, convinces me that he has what it takes to succeed at Ducati.

"The focus is also shifting towards the opposite end of the garage, where Bagnaia's loyalty lies with his team. For the past several years, Ducati has been his home, making it a unique situation to assess. In comparison, when Marquez joined Repsol Honda, he was the newcomer alongside Dani Pedrosa, yet it was Casey Stoner who seemed to dominate, frequently outperforming Pedrosa."

"Now that he's aged, it's somewhat altered; his feelings are more visible, and he can truly express his state of mind."

"Marquez, known for his reserved demeanor, never revealed much. How effective is this strategy when joining Bagnaia's team?"

"Although it was only observed during a day of testing, he might need to engage in the game a bit more and bide his time before establishing his dominance."

Peter McLaren, the MotoGP Editor for Crash, draws parallels between the current phase of Marquez's career and the final years of Valentino Rossi's tenure in MotoGP.

Reflecting on it, it's quite fascinating to realize just how many years Marc has spent competing in MotoGP.

"Times evolve, and so do riders. Marc has reached 31 years of age, making him a seasoned professional."

"He has transformed from the highly dynamic, swift competitor he was in his initial years, similar to the progression Valentino Rossi experienced.

"He sustained a severe injury, but frankly, if you're going to compete in MotoGP for an extended period, injuries are bound to happen at some point."

"Thus, it was inevitable from the start. This transformation signifies a shift from velocity to experience."

"Rossi's example shows that competing for championships remains possible, as evidenced by his near win in 2015. Similarly, Marc is at a point in his career where, as observed this season, he's focusing more on consistently finishing races rather than pushing to the limit."

"He experienced numerous mishaps, yet these occurred during training sessions, and he was significantly superior to his peers riding the same motorcycle."

"It appears we're witnessing the growth and development of Marc as a motorcycle racer."

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Ducati: 2024 MotoGP a testament to the 'Ducati System,' drawing inspiration from Galileo

"While Pecco claimed more victories, it was Jorge's resilience that ultimately crowned him the rightful Champion."

Determining whether 2024 marked the pinnacle of Ducati's MotoGP supremacy is premature, but surpassing it will undoubtedly be challenging.

Securing the top four positions in the championship, winning 19 out of 20 Grand Prix races, and achieving podium finishes exclusively with Ducati riders in 14 races are among the notable achievements highlighted.

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However, when looking at a single event, the Buriram Sprint stood out remarkably, with the first eight positions being dominated by Ducatis.

Such an occurrence is unlikely to repeat itself anytime soon, as Ducati reduces its count from eight to six motorcycles for the upcoming season, including a decrease from four to three in terms of factory-spec bikes.

"Ducati's CEO, Claudio Domenicali, highlighted the unforgettable impact that the company's motorcycles, riders, and technical team made during the 2024 MotoGP season, stating it will be eternally cherished by the sport's enthusiasts."

"I'm truly delighted for Jorge [Martin], an exceptionally skilled racer who developed alongside Ducati and achieved his lifelong dream with our support."

Following a 15-year hiatus since Casey Stoner's victory in 2007, Ducati has secured a trio of consecutive MotoGP championships thanks to Francesco Bagnaia (in 2022 and 2023) and now Jorge Martin. Domenicali praised the 'Ducati system' for the company's achievements this year:

Following the ecstatic celebrations of 2022 and the 'win for consciousness' in 2023, we are now eager to commemorate the success of a framework: the "Ducati System".

A methodology influenced by the principles of Galileo Galilei, who is credited with founding the scientific method and establishing the foundations of contemporary science.

A methodology that has propelled us to the forefront of track-racing events, and is equally implemented in our research, design, and development processes, allowing us to showcase Italian engineering on a global scale with pride.

"I want to extend my congratulations to every Ducati competitor: undoubtedly to the World Champion Jorge Martín, but equally to Pecco, who fought tirelessly to the finish, and then to Marc and Enea, who played a key role in achieving an unprecedented MotoGP season for our company.

Specifically, the leading quartet in the general rankings showcased a technical proficiency and a synergy with the Desmosedici GP that bordered on the fantastical.

"In this situation, Jorge and Pecco significantly heightened the competition for the championship by engaging in a battle that was more evenly matched than the previous year.

"Pecco achieved greater victories, yet Jorge demonstrated more determination and ultimately, he deservedly claims the title of Champion."

Martin's championship win results in Ducati surrendering its leading #1 plate to Aprilia, after choosing Marquez instead of Martin to join Bagnaia at the factory team for the upcoming season.

This choice also played a role in Pramac's switch from Ducati to Yamaha in 2025.

Domenicali expressed a sentimental perspective on the separation, remarking, “Jorge’s championship victory is a splendid testament to the idea that love tales can conclude on a high note, and I find it hard to envision a more fitting tribute to our shared efforts over the past years with Jorge and with Pramac Racing. I’d particularly like to extend my gratitude to Paolo Campinoti.

"Gratitude is extended to everyone at Ducati and Ducati Corse for making this a reality. Being part of the Ducatista community is becoming more and more a reason for pride."

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racetrack enclosure, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with injuries.

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The new leader of KTM's MotoGP team advises maintaining "patience" as they look forward to the "crucial" year of 2025. "It's essential to continue exercising patience in some way," he stated.

Aki Ajo, the new manager for KTM's factory team, emphasized that the upcoming two years are crucial. However, he also called for "patience" among those involved with the Austrian MotoGP manufacturer.

Ajo, a long-time team owner in the smaller grand prix categories, will take over from Francesco Guidotti as the manager of the factory KTM team for the 2025 season.

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He takes on the role during a period when the parent company is facing financial difficulties, and the racing team has not won a grand prix since 2022.

In 2024, KTM secured the runner-up position in the constructors’ standings, thanks to podium finishes by Brad Binder and newcomer Pedro Acosta. However, they trailed Ducati, the leading team, by 395 points.

As the brand aims to narrow the competition gap with Ducati and anticipates a rules overhaul in 2027, Ajo has emphasized the significance of the upcoming two seasons.

During the Barcelona test, he mentioned to MotoGP’s global broadcast that he views the upcoming two years as extremely significant.

"As I've often mentioned, it's crucial to maintain patience: proceed gradually and comprehend your actions."

When questioned about his potential contributions to the factory KTM team, Ajo responded by saying: "I can certainly offer my experience in maintaining open and effective communication with the team, ensuring we work towards a common goal, and exercising patience during other developmental processes."

"It's essential for us to have mutual trust in our work and maintain patience."

"As I've mentioned, it's important to maintain communication and always stay alert to identify our needs."

In the past few months, several manufacturers have grabbed attention by hiring prominent engineers for their 2025 projects, but KTM has decided against appointing an individual as their technical director.

Rather than opting for a different approach, a technical working group will be formed to handle the operations. Nonetheless, Ajo is confident that KTM has assembled a strong team to enhance the bike's development.

He stated, "We have a lot of highly experienced individuals involved in the project, and the crucial factor is to provide good leadership and thoroughly analyze everything."

"The guidance applies to all involved. Naturally, if we maintain a straightforward approach, it involves advancements within the factory, the racing crew, and the testing team."

"It's essential for us to consistently prioritize effective coordination and communication."

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Aleix Espargaro believes combining HRC with Albesiano's expertise will significantly enhance Honda's performance. He stated, "HRC doesn't need a complete overhaul… However, currently, Italian engineers are leading the way globally."

Aleix Espargaro recently had his first outing with Honda at the post-race test in Barcelona. However, Romano Albesiano is expected to commence his tenure as HRC's MotoGP Technical Director not before the 1st of January.

Since joining Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro and Albesiano have been collaborators. Despite Espargaro ranking 17th in the global championship as of 2020, the RS-GP made significant progress subsequently.

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In 2021, achieving a maiden podium and securing the eighth position in the world championship was succeeded by clinching a win, attaining six podium finishes, and landing the fourth spot in the

In 2023, he secured the sixth position, adding two grand prix victories to his name. His teammate, Maverick Vinales, stood out as the sole competitor to surpass Ducati in a 2024 Sunday race, whereas Espargaro triumphed in a Sprint event in Catalunya.

"Espargaro expressed his strong faith in Romano's abilities, emphasizing that with more time and perspective, the accomplishments he and Romano achieved at Aprilia will truly be appreciated. He shared these thoughts towards the end of his last complete season in MotoGP."

Following Gigi Dall'Igna's move to Ducati at the close of 2013, Albesiano stepped in to helm the technical operations of Aprilia Racing.

"Espargaro went on to say, 'The achievements Romano has made with Aprilia over the past six or seven years have been truly incredible. Outstanding.'"

"Over the past few seasons, we've seen considerable growth, though the initial ones posed significant challenges. His perseverance, creativity, and continual improvements to the bike year after year never waned."

"I've always had a positive connection with Romano, holding a great deal of respect for him. In my view, transitioning to the most significant team in this field, which is steeped in history, feels like a gift."

Albesiano is set to be the inaugural non-Japanese individual to possess such technical leadership within HRC.

"Being appointed as the technical director of HRC feels surreal," commented Espargaro.

Albesiano and Espargaro are now challenged with achieving the same level of success with the underperforming RC213V as they did with the RS-GP.

Honda, renowned as the top-performing manufacturer in grand prix racing, has found itself at the lowest rank in the constructors' standings for three consecutive seasons.

In the absence of Marc Marquez and the previous year's champion at COTA, Alex Rins, Honda experienced unprecedented challenges in 2024, achieving a top finish of eighth place courtesy of LCR rider Johann Zarco during the rain-afflicted Thailand Grand Prix.

In Indonesia, the RCV achieved its highest dry finish at ninth place, thanks to the efforts of the French rider, marking Honda's sole top ten finish for the season. In the world championship standings, Zarco secured the 17th position, followed closely by Takaaki Nakagami in 19th, Joan Mir in 21st, and Luca Marini in 22nd place.

"Espargaro believes that while HRC has seen considerable success with their existing approach, there's no need for a complete overhaul. However, he acknowledges the current supremacy of Italian engineers in the field, suggesting that blending their expertise with Honda's strategies could significantly bolster Honda's performance in the upcoming year."

"Once more, the focus from Honda HRC was on Romano, me in my role as a test rider, my chief mechanic, and one mechanic who will be joining us too – it's a testament to the excellent work we accomplished at Aprilia."

"Full acknowledgment goes to Aprilia, as we indeed have every reason to be immensely proud."

In July, Espargaro's agreement to conduct tests was officially announced, a full quarter prior to HRC's unexpected revelation regarding Albesiano.

The rider with the number 41 revealed he made the choice to become part of the HRC testing initiative during the time of the Jerez event in April. Espargaro was reticent regarding his own role in Albesiano's transition to HRC, emphasizing that the Italian was already on their radar.

"Clearly, I spoke positively about Romano… [however] it's been a long time since they [HRC] took an interest in Romano," he mentioned.

"I decided to join Honda at the start of the season, around the time of the Jerez race."

"I had extensive conversations with the engineers, inquiring deeply. I was aware that they aimed to bolster the Japanese technical crew by adding a technician from Europe.

"I'm aware of Romano's talent and the remarkable achievements he accomplished with Aprilia."

Fabiano Sterlacchini will step into Albesiano's role at Aprilia, bringing experience from his prior high-ranking roles at Ducati and KTM.

Espargaro, whose close companion and current world champion Jorge Martin is set to join Aprilia in 2025, maintains that these transitions will not harm the Noale manufacturer.

"Espargaro believes it's a beneficial scenario for both parties involved. He expressed optimism about Aprilia's future, noting the positive impact of incoming technicians, riders, and a new technical director poised to invigorate the team in Noale with enthusiasm."

"The organization is well-established, yet the introduction of a new leader provides everyone an opportunity to demonstrate their competence. The motorcycle has a solid foundation, and Jorge is an exceptionally quick racer. Therefore, I believe this is also beneficial from Aprilia's perspective."

Espargaro concluded the Barcelona test with the 14th quickest time, 1.2 seconds off the pace, on his first outing with the RCV, surpassing all the regular Honda competitors except for Johann Zarco.

Martin and his fresh Aprilia collaborator, Marco Bezzecchi, secured the 11th and 13th positions, respectively.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing circuit, witnessing both the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's deeply involved in covering the recent withdrawal of Suzuki and the ongoing health challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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The experience of competing for Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team brings both "pride" and "pressure." According to Morbidelli, being part of the VR46 team means facing "high expectations."

Franco Morbidelli acknowledges that he feels "additional pressure" as he prepares to join Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team in 2025. However, he also expresses that the opportunity "makes him proud."

At 29 years old, this individual stands out as one of the most successful members of the VR46 Academy. He made history by becoming the academy's first world champion in 2017 in the Moto2 category and later achieved its first MotoGP race victory at the San Marino Grand Prix in 2020.

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However, prior to joining the VR46 Ducati team for the 2025 season, Morbidelli had never competed under the team of MotoGP icon Rossi.

The Italian rider first appeared with the team on the GP24 bike, which he used throughout the 2024 season with Pramac, during the post-season test in Barcelona. After completing 52 laps, he secured the seventh position.

Familiar with the team, Morbidelli expressed after the test that they need to harness the "special" atmosphere among them to come together as a cohesive group.

Competing for Rossi carries a special kind of pressure for an Italian racer, yet Morbidelli is welcoming this challenge with open arms.

"It makes me proud, but it also adds more pressure," he mentioned.

Being part of Valentino Rossi's team establishes a very high standard, in my view, and we aim to fulfill these expectations moving forward.

"I find consistency with the bike remaining unchanged. Though people around me shift, they're familiar faces, making the transition minor."

In 2024, Morbidelli transitioned to Ducati with the Pramac team, reviving his status as a regular top 10 contender following two challenging seasons with Yamaha's factory team.

Despite facing difficulties throughout the year in matching the performances of the other GP24 competitors, he succeeded in securing a podium finish at the San Marino GP sprint.

Looking back at 2024, he remarked, "I'll recall all the progress we achieved in each session, every weekend, and every instance when we noticed there was more than what we had in the prior grand prix."

"This year has been wonderful to witness and be a part of."

"We've made significant progress and are now leading in our category. Although there's one final hurdle to overcome, our advancements have been substantial."

Franco Morbidelli faced setbacks in his preparations for the upcoming season due to a concussion he sustained during a training mishap at Portimao.

He was absent for the entire winter testing period and confessed later that year that he experienced memory loss for two weeks following the accident.

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"Recognize the achievements," calls for accolades for the leading MotoGP racer not on a Ducati

"He's widely admired, not solely for his performance but for his character as well"

KTM MotoGP test rider Pol Espargaro expressed that Brad Binder's performance in the 2024 season deserves recognition, despite the lack of notable achievements.

Binder quickly became a favorite within the KTM ranks following his championship victory in the Moto3 category in 2016. The South African rider has been competitive in the Moto2 series, chasing titles, and impressively clinched a MotoGP race win just three events into his career in the premier class.

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Since 2021, he has consistently been the highest-ranked rider on a KTM in the standings and has also been the leading rider not on a Ducati in the championship for two consecutive years.

Binder managed to secure podium finishes in just two of the twenty races in the 2024 season, both achievements occurring during the season's first weekend in Qatar. However, his steady performance within the top eight across the races guaranteed him a fifth-place finish in the overall standings.

He finished with a two-point advantage over his KTM teammate Pedro Acosta, who secured nine podium finishes in both sprints and grand prix races during his debut season.

Espargaro, currently acting as KTM's test rider for the 2024 season, believes Binder’s steady performance is quite a feat in today’s MotoGP landscape and merits significant recognition.

"Maintaining consistent performance is the toughest aspect of MotoGP," Espargaro explained to MotoGP's global broadcast during the test in Barcelona.

"Regardless of possessing incredible skills, such as Brad does – he's a deeply earnest individual. I found myself in a conversation with someone, discussing Brad's profound seriousness."

"With Brad as a member of the squad, it's a certainty that he'll always put in his utmost effort."

"He will never give up. It's truly remarkable, as he demonstrated throughout the year."

"Indeed, this year didn't bring the finest results or top finishes. Additionally, it's important to acknowledge that KTM didn't meet the performance expectations we had hoped for."

"Yet, he persisted, striving tirelessly, as he contended for a spot among the top five in the championship, an incredible feat."

"In a season where not everything aligns perfectly, securing a spot in the top five of the championship is truly remarkable."

"We should really acknowledge Brad's efforts. He's incredibly dedicated and remains modest about his achievements."

"He excels in fostering teamwork and is well-liked by all. It's not just his achievements that draw people to him, but also his character, a rare quality to come across."

Binder will continue his tenure with the KTM factory team until the close of 2026, while Acosta is set to team up with him in the upcoming year for his second season.

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Aprilia's leader cautions against undervaluing a certain MotoGP rookie's growth potential. "Having a rookie is advantageous as they bring fresh perspectives," he states.

The CEO of Aprilia, Massimo Rivola, has cautioned against undervaluing the developmental contribution that MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura could offer in 2025.

The Italian company began 2024 on a high note, securing a win in the United States thanks to Maverick Vinales, but ultimately finished third in the constructors' rankings.

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The latter part of the season was particularly challenging, with Aprilia facing many difficulties as they attempted to resolve the various problems plaguing the RS-GP.

Explore further: The initial indications of promise during Jorge Martin's first test outing with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The development of next year's bike faces challenges due to Aprilia having an entirely new team, with the exception of Raul Fernandez. Additionally, Fabiano Sterlacchini has taken over the role of technical director from Romano Albesiano.

Moto2 world champion Ogura, part of Aprilia's team, made his first appearance on the Aprilia during the post-season test in Barcelona.

Although Ogura is not expected to immediately drive bike development, Rivola thinks that his new outlook might offer significant advantages.

During the Barcelona test, Rivola explained to MotoGP’s world feed that having a rookie is beneficial because they approach things with a fresh perspective and without preconceived notions.

"I believe he can add extra value."

"I wouldn't downplay the importance of having a talented and quick rookie like Ai to help boost our performance speed."

"Our team has a great mix of skill and youth. The average age is fairly young, suggesting we likely have a promising future ahead."

Rivola considers having a new team as "a chance" and not something that would slow down progress.

He expresses that he likes to view it as a chance.

"I prefer to view it as extra motivation. I'm excited about the upcoming season."

"We acknowledge that we are not flawless, but we believe that with our team of riders, we can attain impressive results."

Bezzecchi's exceptional skills are expected to enhance Aprilia's performance. Marco Bezzecchi, who finished second in the 2023 rankings, will team up with 2024 world champion Jorge Martin at the official Aprilia team.

Rivola has expressed that Bezzecchi possesses "unique talents" and agreed with Aleix Espargaro's previous remarks, suggesting that the ex-VR46 Ducati racer's technique is likely to complement the RS-GP effectively.

“Marco is an incredibly kind person,” said Rivola.

"He demonstrated some truly exceptional abilities last year. I concur with Aleix in believing that the bike and his traits are likely to complement each other well."

Marco's initial impressions were positive, which is crucial. However, the journey to reaching the peak is lengthy, and we are noticing that many rivals are consistently improving.

"This development will significantly benefit the championship."

"We observe that the Japanese brands are progressing quickly, and we also notice the presence of three newcomers. I'm particularly pleased with the work Ai is doing. This season promises to be exciting."

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Cost determined for enthusiasts to purchase Valentino Rossi collectibles to support Valencia tragedy victims

Discover how you can acquire Valentino Rossi collectibles here

Valentino Rossi has contributed a helmet autographed by him to support the Spanish Red Cross, Cruz Roja, in their mission to assist Valencia's residents affected by the devastating floods in late October.

The headgear in question is the AGV Pista GP RR model, adorned with the 'Soleluna' pattern that was unique to Rossi's last MotoGP season in 2021. Additionally, it boasts Rossi's autograph on its right side.

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As of this moment, the auction, which is being managed by CharityStars, has 10 days left before it concludes on December 6th at 8:00 PM GMT. The starting bid has been set at €3,000, which is approximately £2,500.

Check out this Instagram update shared by MotoGP™ (@motogp)

Rossi is not the only MotoGP competitor, whether current or former, to have offered support to Valencia following the floods that occurred there last month.

In early November, the 2024 Moto3 World Champion, David Alonso, teamed up with the leader of the Aspar Team, Jorge Martinez 'Aspar', to participate in a clean-up initiative in Valencia.

Jaume Masia, who clinched the 2023 Moto3 World Championship and now competes in Moto2, participated in the clean-up efforts. In a similar vein, Maverick Vinales, who races for Aprilia in MotoGP, contributed by donating his 2013 Calvo KTM, the motorcycle he rode to victory in the 2013 Moto3 championship, to the same auction that featured Rossi's helmet.

Additional lots featured in the sale encompass a fairing from Dani Pedrosa's KTM, Aleix Espargaro's personal paddock scooter, and the previously mentioned 2024 Moto2 bike belonging to Masia from the Preicanos team.

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

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Schedule for Final 2025 MotoGP Tests Announced

Three In-Season Tests Planned for 2025

The MotoGP season for the year 2025 will include three tests during the season itself, in addition to two pre-season sessions and the customary day of testing after the season concludes.

The schedule for testing in the 2025 season began on Tuesday after the Solidarity Grand Prix, which took place in Barcelona.

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The activity will start again in Malaysia from February 5 to February 7 next year. Before that, there will be a three-day preliminary session for test riders and newcomers at Sepang, scheduled from January 31 to February 2.

The last pre-season test is scheduled for February 12-13 in Buriram, as teams prepare for the 2025 season, which kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix on February 28.

Dorna Sports has revealed plans to conduct in-season testing over three days in 2025.

The initial event is scheduled for April 28, immediately succeeding the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. The next session will take place on Monday, June 9, right after the Aragon Grand Prix.

The last in-season testing session is scheduled for September 15, following the San Marino Grand Prix. This event has traditionally served as the initial chance for manufacturers to test their prototypes for the upcoming year on the track.

The final test of the year is scheduled for the Tuesday following the conclusion of the Valencia GP, and it also serves as the initial test for 2026.

During the season, Ducati's Michele Pirro will only have the chance to join the current lineup during scheduled test days, unless he is summoned to fill in for another rider. This is because the Italian bike maker is unable to enter any wildcard entries due to its concession status.

The Moto3 class will have their pre-season testing on February 10th and 11th, while the Moto2 class will conduct theirs on February 12th and 13th, both at the Portimao circuit.

The sanctioned pre-season testing for both categories is scheduled to take place from February 18 to 20 at Jerez.

The Moto2 events are scheduled for May 13th at Le Mans and July 21st at Brno. Meanwhile, Moto3 races will take place on May 12th in France and July 22nd in Czechia.

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LCR Honda chief highlights unnoticed bright spot amidst challenging season

Lucio Cecchinello offers a glimpse of hope for 2025

LCR team leader Lucio Cecchinello has stated that his team solidified its collaboration with Honda during the Japanese brand's challenging 2024 season.

Since 2006, Honda and LCR have collaborated as a satellite team in MotoGP, achieving four grand prix victories between 2016 and 2022, thanks to riders Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins.

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The past three years have proven to be particularly challenging, with the performance of the RC213V declining significantly. This has resulted in Honda occupying the bottom position in the constructors' standings from 2022 to 2024.

LCR and Johann Zarco managed to alleviate some of Honda's challenges in 2024, with Zarco being the top performer for the brand in the standings at 17th place and securing their highest grand prix finish of eighth at the Thailand GP.

Zarco's performance secured his role as a crucial contributor to the bike's evolution, with Cecchinello disclosing that the collaboration between his squad and Honda is at its peak.

"Indeed, we gathered an extensive amount of data, and notably, this year, our collaboration with HRC was tighter than it has ever been. Our engineers also engaged more closely with HRC, sharing a wealth of data and information, including video measurements, among other things," he shared with the MotoGP world feed at the Barcelona test following the season.

"Thus, we now possess a more precise understanding of the areas where our developmental focus needs to be directed."

"Throughout the winter, we'll definitely be getting the 2025 motorcycle ready. The version we'll bring to Sepang in 2025 will closely resemble the model we're currently evaluating in Barcelona."

"We anticipate an improvement in rear traction, as our riders frequently express concerns regarding mechanical grip."

"We aim to enhance the machine's maneuverability and its ability to slow down. These are key areas we are concentrating on for improvement."

In 2025, Honda's engineering squad will be bolstered with the addition of Romano Albesiano, formerly of Aprilia, stepping in as technical director. His tenure officially commences in January 2025.

Although Albesiano has not started his role at Honda, Cecchinello views his hiring as an indication that the Japanese brand recognizes the necessary steps it must take to achieve success once more.

"Cecchinello expressed, "It didn't exactly catch me off guard."

"This indicates that Honda understands the evolving landscape of MotoGP, acknowledging that even highly skilled manufacturers must have top talent who possess specialized expertise in crafting MotoGP motorcycles."

Honda boasts highly skilled engineers. However, in terms of logistics, MotoGP heavily relies on competitions in Europe, utilizing European suppliers, and the technology from Formula 1 is making its way into MotoGP.

"Japan might not be the ideal location for creating a MotoGP bike."

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Marc Marquez discusses a mental revival in the 2024 MotoGP season.

"A year ago, I was filled with uncertainty and had numerous doubts…"

In 2023, Marc Marquez nearly decided to retire from motorcycle racing. However, his enthusiasm to stay in the sport was reignited after he transitioned to a more competitive bike.

Following his impressive achievement of securing six MotoGP championships over seven seasons, Marquez faced ongoing injury issues from 2020 to 2022. During the times he was able to compete, he noticed that the Honda RC213V, which he had been riding since 2013, was consistently underperforming relative to its competitors.

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In 2024, Marquez joined the Gresini team and began riding a year-old Ducati bike. This change helped him regain his competitive form, allowing him to fight for podium finishes and eventually secure a victory.

Marquez stated to MotoGP.com that the decision he made last year has proven successful for him. Otherwise, he would have declared his retirement this year.

"A year ago, I was filled with uncertainty and had numerous questions. However, over the course of the year, all those doubts vanished, and I returned to a competitive state."

"We won't refer to the standards of 2019; instead, we'll focus on maintaining a competitive level that's sufficient to keep driving forward, keep working hard, and, most importantly, preserve the unique spirit of MotoGP."

"We experience once more the triumph, the podium, and the unique intensity that comes with competing at the highest level."

Marquez shared that his period without victories, despite his numerous triumphs since joining the top tier in 2013 and even earlier back in 2010 when he began claiming wins in the 125cc category, allowed him to alter his viewpoint on achieving success in MotoGP.

"When you go a long while without experiencing the joy of winning, you begin to lose that memory," he remarked.

"However, once you experience it again, following the wins in Aragon and Misano, the desire intensifies. It's addictive, and you crave it repeatedly."

"I appreciated it even more this time, as winning used to be a regular occurrence, but now we realize that victories are not always guaranteed."

"Winning provides a significant boost to your confidence. After enduring several challenging years, including four arm surgeries and a string of poor performances, doubts begin to creep in. You start questioning whether the issue lies with the bike, your own abilities, or your physical state."

"You have to gradually address each of those questions and regain confidence by achieving podium finishes, performing well in races, securing pole positions, winning Sprint events, and ultimately clinching victories in the main races, which was extremely crucial."

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

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Marc Marquez acknowledged the existing hierarchy, stating, "Naturally, there's a pecking order, and Pecco is the one in command."

Despite holding six MotoGP championships to Francesco Bagnaia's two, Marc Marquez acknowledges that Bagnaia is the one who currently has the upper hand in their relationship within the Ducati team.

Marquez described the scenario as 'sensible' for the 'pre-season and initial races' considering Bagnaia's achievements.

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Over the last four seasons, Bagnaia has spearheaded Ducati's official team, securing 29 grand prix victories and two consecutive championships. Despite clinching eleven GP victories this year, Bagnaia narrowly missed the title to Jorge Martin from the Pramac team by a margin of ten points.

Marquez joins Bagnaia as the latest addition to the team, following a season that saw him clinch three victories, marking his first MotoGP wins since 2021, while riding for the independent Gresini team.

Marquez has switched teams for the third time in three years, and similar to his departure from Repsol Honda, only his mechanic Javi Ortiz has followed him from Gresini to Ducati.

As he teams up with his younger sibling Alex at Gresini, the #93 rider is now stepping into the factory team, joining the ranks of the only other rider on the grid with multiple MotoGP championships.

"Currently, I find myself in a completely new scenario where I enter the pit box and, despite the absence of formal first and second positions, it's clear there's a hierarchy and Pecco is the one making the decisions," Marquez expressed during a press conference for Estrella Galicia 0,0.

"Why does Pecco hold such a pivotal role? It's because he's the driving force behind Ducati's acquisition of two world championships, having clinched victory in eleven races just last season. Consequently, it's only natural for him to take the lead during this pre-season and the initial series of races."

"On my end, I'll make an effort to bridge the gap with him since he is the benchmark, the racer who brought Ducati another championship win, and who continues to show remarkable speed."

"To claim the championship title, one must prove their worth on the racetrack. However, I possess the finest tools to contend for the crown," he further stated.

During his first outing with the factory Ducati team at the Barcelona trial, Marquez secured the fourth quickest time, trailing Bagnaia by a mere 0.056 seconds, who was riding a prototype model of the GP25.

Nonetheless, Alex managed to outpace them by half a second on the GP24, positioned ahead with Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo slotted in the middle.

"During the initial day of trials with a fresh team, the primary objective involves familiarizing oneself with the team members. However, Marquez noted that he devoted the vast majority of the day, nearly 90%, to piloting the Desmosedici GP25. This is because, on such testing days, riders are tasked with deciding on a development path for the motorcycle for the upcoming year," Marquez explained.

"The encouraging aspect is that Pecco and I both identified the same strengths and weaknesses. Clearly, there was progress from the GP23 to the GP24 model, but the GP25 presents a new set of characteristics."

"When you introduce a new motorcycle to the race circuit, it's unlikely to outperform a bike that has been competing for a year right from the initial laps. However, I felt at ease, which boosts my confidence."

Marquez and Bagnaia are set to pilot the GP25 again during the official Sepang test scheduled for February.

For two decades, Peter has been a mainstay in the racing paddock, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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