In 2016, Ducati mulled over the idea of bringing Marc Marquez onboard but ultimately remained unconvinced. It has been reported that Ducati first entertained the notion of recruiting Marquez nine years prior.

A seasoned figure in the MotoGP paddock alleges that Ducati decided not to pursue Marc Marquez as a rider nine years ago.

In 2016, Marquez secured his third MotoGP title within his initial four years in the category.

Meanwhile, Ducati faced their ninth consecutive year without a championship, leading them to invest heavily in bringing Jorge Lorenzo on board.

Currently, experienced team leader Alberto Vergani emphasizes that Ducati's Gigi Dall’Igna did not have an obsession with acquiring Honda’s Marquez.

"Vergani explained to GPone that this wasn't the case, as he opted for Lorenzo over him in 2017."

In 2016, Ducati made an attempt but remained unconvinced.

"Nonetheless, Gigi continues to be the unparalleled leader. He represents Ducati's great success. When Marc approached him with an offer [at the conclusion of 2023], he simply couldn't refuse."

"Dall'Igna thrives on his achievements, embodying the essence of a genuine prodigy. Gigi and Marc are a pair of masterminds who have connected with one another."

"Deciding to move on from Jorge Martin to Aprilia was a challenging decision."

Before the Valencia trial began, Gigi commented, "Marc performed some baffling maneuvers on the GP23."

Dall'Igna is intimately familiar with motorcycles. He played a pivotal role in creating the Desmosedici, which is why he understands Ducati's capabilities more thoroughly than anyone.

"He performed an X-ray on Marc and chose him."

The partnership between Marquez and Ducati's leading rider, Pecco Bagnaia, in the primary Ducati team is set to be a major narrative for the 2025 racing season.

The skilled duo has access to MotoGP's top motorcycle.

Meanwhile, the victor Martin needs to adapt to the Aprilia.

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Yamaha cautions Jack Miller to modify his racing approach for the M1

Yamaha's leader forecasts adjustments from Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller

Yamaha has issued a caution to Jack Miller regarding adapting to his new motorcycle.

Last year, Miller was ousted from his position with KTM and nearly didn't secure a spot in the 2025 MotoGP roster at all.

However, the transition of the Pramac satellite squad from Ducati to Yamaha opened up a fresh chance, and Miller received a crucial opportunity for continuation.

According to Yamaha's chief Maio Meregalli, he is expected to encounter a more challenging adjustment period compared to his new teammate Miguel Oliveira.

"Certainly, our need for experience stems from having competed in the recent seasons with only two riders, sometimes even one," Meregalli explained to GPOne.

"We've embarked on a fresh initiative, and our objective is to gather as much data as possible to enhance it."

I believe Miguel's approach to riding is well-matched with the M1. However, Jack will need to slightly adjust his technique.

"We received feedback from a single top reviewer, and their remarks were largely favorable."

"I got the opportunity to speak with Miguel, and he was in good spirits."

Last year, Jorge Martin clinched the MotoGP championship title under the Pramac team, piloting a Ducati of factory specification.

Pramac's equipment may undergo transformations, yet they are poised to infuse Yamaha with a victorious mindset.

"Meregalli mentioned it brings additional benefit."

"Finding a superior establishment in aspects of professionalism, expertise, and communication would likely have been an unattainable task compared to theirs."

"We initiated our partnership with full energy and I find pleasure in collaborating with them. The excitement is palpable."

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Emerging talent set to dominate MotoGP in 2025 has been pinpointed

Forecasters anticipate 2025's Newcomer of the Year

Writers at Crash.net have forecasted which newcomer to MotoGP will experience the most successful season…

Peter McLaren suggests that the competition between Ai Ogura and Fermin Aldeguer appears to be tightly contested, following their comparable performance during their first appearance at the Barcelona test. Each secured three victories in the Moto2 previous season while riding the Boscoscuro framework. However, Ogura, the latest champion, concluded the season nearly 100 points ahead of Aldeguer, who ended up in fifth place.

Currently, Aldeguer has acquired the championship-winning GP24 motorcycle previously used in MotoGP, along with the expertise of Frankie Carchedi, Marc Marquez's former crew chief, now supporting him at Gresini. Meanwhile, Ogura will be equipped with the latest 2025 Aprilia factory models at Trackhouse, although the RS-GP must undergo significant improvements to regularly match the performance of the Desmosedici.

For LCR's Somkiat Chantra, the most fitting benchmark will be his fellow Honda competitors, yet he has the advantage of competing with relatively low pressure – at least after experiencing his first MotoGP race in front of a home crowd at Buriram!

Derry Munikartono: Regarding Fermin Aldeguer, I understand the reasons.

When looking at the 2025 MotoGP newcomers, on paper, Aldeguer seems to have the most competitive setup for the season.

Stepping up to the top tier with Gresini Ducati, Aldeguer will have access to the dominant GP24. His crew chief will be Frankie Carchedi, who previously collaborated with Marc Marquez.

Alex Whitworth: In all likelihood, the top-performing newcomer should be Fermin Aldeguer.

Among the trio of newcomers, he boasts the superior motorcycle with the Ducati GP23, complemented by a seasoned crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, who has a wealth of experience guiding rookies in their first year.

Ai Ogura has acknowledged that he may not possess the highest level of talent in the field, indicating it might take him a while to adapt to MotoGP, while Somkiat Chantra simply doesn't match up to the skill levels of his competitors.

Lewis Duncan: Entering MotoGP, Ai Ogura holds the title of the current Moto2 world champion and stands out as the newcomer seemingly best prepared to ascend to the top-tier class.

Although Fermin Aldeguer is attracting a lot of attention, his unpredictable performance in the 2024 Moto2 season, despite having the same equipment as Ogura, has sparked questions regarding his preparedness.

Ogura is in a favorable environment at Trackhouse, led by Davide Brivio, a figure known for scouting and nurturing several MotoGP talents into celebrities, including Joan Mir, Alex Rins, and Maverick Vinales, who are among the prominent examples.

In 2024, the Aprilia emerged as a victorious motorcycle in races. However, being a project that requires some fine-tuning, Ogura will not face immediate pressure to excel.

Jordan Moreland: Theoretically, Fermin Aldeguer is the top choice. He's equipped with the superior 2024 model motorcycle and benefits from the expertise of one of the finest crew chiefs, Frankie Carchedi, throughout his debut season.

Ai Ogura is expected to demonstrate bursts of quickness, yet like Somkiat Chantra, both riders will need additional time to adjust to the Aprilia and Honda bikes compared to Aldeguer's quicker adaptation to the Ducati, in my opinion.

I believe Fermin Aldeguer will be the standout newcomer of the year, likely catching many off guard in 2025.

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Surprising contender emerges in discussions about MotoGP conflicts

Analysts speculate on potential outbursts in 2025

Crash.net contributors discuss potential rifts among MotoGP team partners this year…

Peter McLaren believes that team dynamics are most harmonious when members are not directly competing with one another for victories, podium spots, or vying for the same position in the subsequent season.

Considering this perspective, the contenders who appear to be most comparably skilled and expected to vie for the 2025 MotoGP championship are undoubtedly Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

Certainly, Ducati Lenovo is aware of the challenges that come with possessing a 'dream team' roster. It's now a matter of observing their ability to manage this situation effectively.

Bagnaia mentioned previously, "It might turn out extremely well or completely fail!"

Lewis Duncan: The most straightforward response is the Ducati team duo, yet there's an intriguing situation developing within the KTM factory team in 2025.

Pedro Acosta's move to the official team marks a new challenge for Brad Binder, as he gains a teammate capable of pushing his limits. During his debut season with Tech3 GASGAS, Acosta impressed by securing nine podium finishes, in stark contrast to Binder's two, both of which were achieved in the first race of the season.

Previously a favorite at KTM, Binder has gradually been eclipsed by Acosta, a trend that is likely to persist into 2025 unless he elevates his performance.

Binder hasn't secured a victory since 2021, and the expectations for him to excel are increasing. His reliability has been a significant advantage for KTM, aiding in his rise above Acosta in last year's rankings.

However, this approach will have its limits if Acosta consistently begins to outperform him. Should that occur, friction is likely to arise.

Alex Whitworth suggests that tension might arise between Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, as Binder was expected to be KTM's lead, yet now the spotlight seems to be shifting towards the newcomer from Spain. Moreover, he hints at the likelihood of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi reviving their competitive spirit from their 2018 Moto3 days.

Nonetheless, given the strong possibility of the two Ducati team members contending for the championship, it seems probable that Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez will find themselves in a bit of a disagreement.

The mutual regard they share appears intact, yet across 20 races, it's clear there's room for it to diminish.

Derry Munikartono: I'll be drawing parallels between Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, comparing their dynamic to the famous Mclaren-Honda duo of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost back in 1988.

Marquez joined the Ducati factory squad, already spotlighting Bagnaia as their star rider. This situation echoes the moment Ayrton Senna joined McLaren, a team that had centered its strategies around Prost in 1988.

Although he's not the favored competitor, Marc Marquez's relentless determination to succeed, reminiscent of Senna's approach, is likely to challenge Bagnaia's more calculated and strategic style, akin to that of Prost.

At the start, the competition on the racetrack will be impressive yet courteous. However, as the season progresses, the intensity of the rivalry is expected to escalate dramatically, especially if issues from the track spill over into other areas.

It's common knowledge that Marc and Valentino Rossi, who guides Pecco in the VR46 Academy, have had their fair share of encounters in the past. Rossi, often referred to as "The Doctor," has openly expressed his desire to have a more significant presence in the MotoGP paddock by 2025. Coincidentally, this wish aligns with the time when his rival will be teaming up in MotoGP's top garage with the student he mentors.

Up until now, there's been a good rapport between the two racers off the circuit, paired with an incredible rivalry during races. However, when it comes down to competing for the top award in motorbike racing, one can only speculate on the outcome.

Jordan Moreland: This one's rather straightforward, curious to see if you can figure it out?

Countdown ends: Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

Following intense confrontations in 2024, the atmosphere is expected to become even more charged in 2025 and 2026, with all parties sharing the same space. Personally, I'd rather not be in the shoes of those managing Ducati during this time!

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Is MotoGP facing a seismic shift? KTM's expected supremacy sparks concerns over future narratives

Analysts forecast the next big narrative – what will stir controversy in 2025?

Journalists at Crash.net forecast which narrative might take center stage in this MotoGP season…

Lewis Duncan: The spotlight for the 2025 season will undoubtedly be on KTM's forthcoming strategies. The financial troubles faced by the Austrian brand are significantly affecting its involvement in racing events.

The company has been forced to reduce its manufacturing operations universally. Although it will proceed with its participation in MotoGP in 2025, it intends to pull out in 2026 as part of its ongoing reorganization efforts.

The possibility remains strong for the racing division to secure its future, yet the circumstances are highly changeable, and it is expected that there will be further developments before a resolution is reached.

Peter McLaren: Beyond the competition for the world championship, KTM's troubling fiscal condition presents numerous challenges for MotoGP, which is already dealing with the postponed agreement with Liberty.

Fortunately, it appears that the KTM MotoGP initiative is secure for 2025, though there's uncertainty regarding its fate in 2026 and particularly if the RC16 will persist with the upcoming 850cc regulations starting in 2027.

It is anticipated that several other makers will debut their 850cc motorcycle prototypes on the racetrack before this year concludes.

The unpredictability will undoubtedly affect the thoughts of KTM's quartet of racers – Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, and Enea Bastianini, making up its most formidable MotoGP roster to date – as well as the crew involved.

Competing teams are ready to snatch up riders or crucial staff members the moment they're on the market, further compounding KTM's difficulties.

On a bright note, should KTM's search for funding lead to international racing icon Lewis Hamilton joining MotoGP, it would undoubtedly benefit the sport.

Jordan Moreland: Observing Jorge Martin's demeanor over the course of the season will be intriguing, particularly if outcomes don't meet his expectations. As a World Champion, he holds himself to a lofty standard. However, it remains to be seen whether he can steer Aprilia towards success.

Alex Whitworth suggests that while the rivalry between Bagnaia and Marquez might escalate significantly, the looming threat of KTM, one of the championship's top five teams, potentially folding could overshadow much of this year's competitive discussions.

Notably, they have agreements with the most thrilling MotoGP competitor, Pedro Acosta, and also manage the contract for the top talent in the junior categories, David Alonso, via CFMoto Aspar.

KTM's potential exit from MotoGP could have a massive impact, particularly as the significant rule modifications set for 2027 draw closer.

Derry Munikartono: Discussing the rivalry called 'the battle in Red' involving Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia is something I no longer wish to engage in; I've reached my limit on the topic.

To me, the anticipated acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Media stands out as a particularly fascinating narrative for the 2025 season.

Liberty's acquisition of Dorna, the entity overseeing MotoGP's commercial operations, hints at a promising growth path for the series, mirroring their success with Formula 1.

After purchasing Formula 1 in 2017, Liberty quickly transformed the racing series into arguably the world's most popular sports spectacle. Members of the MotoGP community are hopeful for a similar revival once they assume control of the motorcycle racing segment.

However, the examination of antitrust regulations within the European Union (EU) has introduced a snag, delaying the acquisition until mid-2025. Despite the anticipation surrounding the acquisition, it's important to hold off on celebrating Liberty Media's arrival until a decision has been made.

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Toto Wolff cautions Mercedes in light of impending 2026 F1 regulations adjustments: “No room for error”

“Excellence is required across all aspects of our operation. Merely having a superior engine will not suffice.”

Toto Wolff has acknowledged that come the introduction of the 2026 F1 regulations, Mercedes will be left with "no place to conceal" their performance.

2026 is set to introduce major modifications to technical rules, especially concerning the power unit.

In 2026, F1 engines are set to undergo a transformation towards greater electrification, driven by the compulsory adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

Red Bull leader Christian Horner has characterized the alterations as the most significant ever in the history of the sport.

Consequently, the landscape of competition is anticipated to shift, with a more pronounced focus on engine performance.

Mercedes notably excelled at the onset of the significant engine transformation in 2014.

Mercedes' engine unit set the standard, leading to their overwhelming dominance in the sport.

It wasn't until 2018 that Ferrari managed to close the gap, though their methods were questionable, leading the FIA to implement changes by the end of 2019 to limit the Scuderia's advantages.

2026 might unfold in a comparable manner, yet Wolff approaches the upcoming year with caution due to a specific concern.

In a conversation with AMuS, Wolff expressed, "I'm not feeling uneasy. It's an incredibly fascinating challenge."

"Executing your duties to the highest standard at every stage is essential. Merely having an efficient engine won't suffice for progress."

"McLaren will possess that as well. Consequently, our advantage must lie in the chassis. There's no room for excuses."

Mercedes optimistic about 2026 prospects

Though Wolff has expressed worries regarding McLaren's challenge, the overall sentiment at Mercedes remains upbeat.

Technical director James Allison mentioned that the sentiment is "comparable" to that of 2014.

Speaking to Sky Sports at Imola the previous year, he mentioned, “I wasn't part of the team during the lead-up to 2014 when they were developing the new generation of power units and making a significant effort to bring them to life.

"However, those among us in the group who have experienced it, share that the sensation is quite alike."

At Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP), there's a significant push underway to ensure success, as this will shape the future for anyone fortunate enough to have this technology powering their car for several upcoming seasons.

"We're fortunate to be the beneficiaries of the significant investments being made for our mutual benefit."

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Lewis Hamilton receives caution about the dynamic with his Ferrari co-driver, contrasting it with his time at Mercedes

"The point isn't to undermine Lewis, but the circumstances differ – Leclerc isn't Bottas. He's significantly faster."

Former Formula 1 team leader Peter Windsor anticipates a different performance level from Lewis Hamilton with his switch to Ferrari, differing from his dominant runs at Mercedes.

Hamilton is transitioning to Maranello from Mercedes, a move that comes after a 12-year partnership, starting in 2025.

The alliance between Hamilton and Mercedes became iconic, securing six drivers' championships and eight team championships.

Nonetheless, Mercedes' inability to grasp the present 'ground effect' regulations led to Hamilton's increasing frustration.

He chose to realize a lifelong ambition by committing to Ferrari for the upcoming two years.

Hamilton is up against a huge challenge as he competes with Charles Leclerc, considered by many to be the quickest driver in F1 for one lap.

Windsor, a notable F1 commentator, thinks Hamilton will struggle to match his previous achievements with Mercedes because of the quality of his racing partner.

"Windsor, through his YouTube channel, suggested reconsidering expectations for Lewis's performance at Ferrari compared to his Mercedes days. He pointed out that Lewis's dominance at Mercedes was partly due to having an exceptionally cooperative teammate."

"Rather than Nico Rosberg, it was Valtteri Bottas who had a superior vehicle. This isn't to diminish Lewis's accomplishments, but the circumstances differ – Leclerc isn't on the same level as Bottas. He's significantly faster."

Hamilton has experience dealing with challenging teammates in F1.

In his debut season with the squad, he directly competed against Fernando Alonso, who has clinched the F1 world championship twice.

In 2010, he teamed up with the then-world champion, Jenson Button.

Throughout his tenure with Mercedes, he faced competition from Nico Rosberg, followed by George Russell, both of whom presented significant challenges.

In 2025, the competition between Hamilton and Leclerc will remain unchanged.

Since beginning his Formula 1 career in 2018, Leclerc has consistently outperformed his teammate in every qualifying session they've faced off in.

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Lewis Hamilton is supported to possess the desire and drive needed to lead Ferrari to a championship victory in 2025.

Former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert firmly believes that Lewis Hamilton has the drive and determination to contend for a championship with Ferrari, as long as he is equipped with the necessary resources.

This week marked a significant milestone for Hamilton, as he made his inaugural visit to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello.

Hamilton not only interacted with a considerable number of Ferrari employees but also had the opportunity to pilot a Ferrari F1 vehicle for the first time.

Hamilton took to the track at Fiorano, piloting the team's 2023 F1 contender on Wednesday.

The event marked a significant milestone, attended by Hamilton's family and with Ferrari's passionate fans crowding the avenues, eager to see the seven-time world champion.

In a conversation with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert expressed his belief that Hamilton will show greater determination, especially since the Ferrari offering is expected to be more competitive than the Mercedes setup he contended with the previous year.

"Herbert believes that with Ferrari's drive and a powerful car capable of providing the necessary speed, Lewis Hamilton has a solid chance of securing another championship victory."

"The driving force will be singular. The encouragement he receives from the vehicle will certainly be enhanced with a reduction in minor errors. I might venture to point out that Hamilton has slipped up more often than usual, but it seems the circumstances at Mercedes were not conducive.

"In the final few races of the previous season, his performance on the track was outstanding, showing great strength. Hamilton is certainly eager to claim the championship title at this point, and it all rests on Fred Vasseur to provide him with a vehicle that enables him to realize that potential."

"2025 presents an excellent chance for Ferrari to advance beyond their 2024 performance and bring a significantly stronger contender to the field. This could be the perfect moment for such a leap, and looking ahead to 2026, the focus remains on perfecting the vehicle."

Hamilton sets sights on breaking Ferrari's prolonged championship dry spell since 2008.

In 2024, Ferrari narrowly missed out, ending the season just 13 points short of McLaren in the team standings.

The Scuderia team found themselves regretting a mid-season enhancement that cut their season short.

A recent development in Barcelona led to the resurgence of the bouncing issue for the team, causing them to fall behind Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes in the competitive hierarchy.

Despite making improvements with a new upgrade at Monza, it was ultimately insufficient to recover from the significant lead McLaren had established.

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Outrage clarified following "blind or stupid" comment directed at Michael Schumacher

"Had he admitted in the interview ‘I forced him off the track’, I would have accepted it"

Juan Pablo Montoya has shared his frustration with Michael Schumacher following their well-known disagreement, where he questioned Schumacher's vision or intelligence.

At the 2004 San Marino Grand Prix, Schumacher from Ferrari fiercely maintained his lead against Montoya of Williams during the first lap.

Schumacher emerged victorious, yet Montoya, who finished third, later criticized, saying, “Only someone blind or foolish could fail to notice me!”

Montoya recently shared on the Beyond The Grid podcast, saying, "They had the speed advantage over us. However, we were fast and equipped with new tyres."

"In order to overtake him, I needed to accelerate immediately. He forced me off the road, but I was fine."

"I would have made the same choice!"

"I was fine with it. Had he admitted in the interview, 'I pushed him off the track,' then I would have been fine with it.

"He claimed, 'I didn't notice him'."

"Everyone else seems to ponder and speak, yet I speak and ponder! I astonish all those surrounding me!"

Montoya voiced his frustration, stating that other racers refused to challenge Schumacher when he was at the peak of his performance with Ferrari.

"Montoya expressed frustration, saying, 'The irritating part about Michael? He had no competitors.'"

"As he approached from behind, everyone was like, 'Oh, here comes Michael, move aside.'"

"That irritates me."

"The sentiment was akin to 'that's Michael, you don't mess with Michael'. He commanded immense respect."

"My strategy in competitions? Honestly, I was quite ruthless on the track. Folks believed I had lost my mind, but it proved effective.

"When I forced the car into their path, it was clear I wasn't going to back down. They were left with two options – either make space for me or face a collision!

The sole occasion I had a conversation with Michael occurred during my tenure with BMW, while he was part of the Ferrari team.

We received an invitation to a celebration at the Nurburgring following the race.

"Michael, Rubens, and I were the ones involved. We ended up drinking too much, and that's all there was to it!"

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Key indication of Ferrari's progress spotted, promising news for Lewis Hamilton

Sebastian Vettel's previous curse might now be coming to an end

It is alleged that Ferrari's recent capability to enhance their vehicle throughout the season will benefit Lewis Hamilton.

In recent years, amidst the fierce competition of development, the Italian producer has struggled to make a favorable impact on its machinery.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz managed to recover from a challenging phase last season, suggesting that Hamilton might be able to rely on Ferrari in the current year.

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"Connor McDonagh from Crash highlighted on the Crash F1 podcast that a pivotal moment for Ferrari last year was their ability to surmount their in-season development challenges."

The improvements they made in Barcelona ended up being a disadvantage, causing them to fall to being the third or fourth quickest team. At Silverstone, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were equipped with varying setups.

They moved past that hurdle, introducing an enhanced version for Monza, and surprisingly secured a victory at COTA.

"They concluded the season on a high note, demonstrating their ability to enhance their vehicle."

"Has Vettel's Curse Lifted at Ferrari?

"During the time Sebastian Vettel competed against Hamilton, their performance consistently declined as the season progressed," Connor McDonagh observed.

"Ferrari is showing plenty of promising indicators. Securing Hamilton means you're in the running for the championship!"

A car capable of competing for the championship will also inspire Hamilton.

"Everything appears promising for Ferrari, yet McLaren seems to have a slight advantage with their vehicle."

"Obviously, dismissing Red Bull and Max Verstappen from consideration is not an option."

Last year, Ferrari secured victories in five Formula 1 races and clinched the runner-up position in the constructors' standings, trailing behind McLaren.

Hamilton has already dedicated a week at Maranello, familiarizing himself with his new team in preparation for the 2025 season.

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Ducati reveals Marc Marquez's insights on the GP25 model

Ducati's technical leader discusses Marc Marquez's adjustment to the 2025 motorcycle

The technical chief at Ducati has shed light on Marc Marquez's adjustment process to the GP25.

Last season, while with Gresini, Marquez piloted a GP23, rejuvenating his career and propelling him back to the forefront of the competition.

This season, he advances significantly as a Ducati factory team rider, equipped with the top-notch MotoGP machinery available.

However, his team member Francesco Bagnaia is already ahead in adjusting.

"Davide Barana mentioned to Marca that [Marquez]'s style is somewhat distinct from Pecco's."

Marc excels at navigating turns; his remarkable finesse shines through on specific tracks and in particular bends, where he performs maneuvers that challenge other competitors.

"I have to mention that indeed, he desires this, though not in a direct manner, it's implied within his remarks.

"We make efforts to assist him, working on the configuration, as there's much that can be achieved on the motorcycle through adjustments to the setup."

"You don't need a separate frame or anything of that sort. The frame, its setup, how weight is distributed, and the bike's structural design can already make a big difference in how the bike performs."

Marquez has probably already navigated the toughest phase of his switch from Honda to Ducati.

"Initially, the electronics posed a greater challenge, as upon his arrival, he continued with practices he had developed at Honda. However, it must be acknowledged that he has completely transformed that aspect," Barana noted.

He has grasped the mechanics of our motorcycle, aligning his style somewhat with that of other riders. His preference leans towards an engine that's a bit more 'gritty' and responsive.

"This is partly a routine I developed while at Honda, largely due to their unique approach to engine management."

"He prefers to slightly control the engine, but it's more of a subtle distinction than a significant change."

Marquez and Bagnaia made their first appearances on the GP25 during the off-season test in Barcelona.

Fortunately for Ducati, their received feedback was comparable.

"In Barcelona, their remarks were remarkably in sync," Barana noted.

"That's positive, yet we're prepared to explore alternate routes if necessary.

"They don't necessarily have to opt for it by force. However, their agreement on the matter is beneficial."

Barana has analyzed Marquez’s data and identifies the potential brilliance he can unleash.

"Barana noted that his remarkable ability in cornering comes from an acute sensitivity to the front tire, which he believes is what enables him to push the motorcycle to its boundaries."

"Indeed, on occasion, it surpasses this threshold, typically during training sessions where precautions are implemented."

"With the Ducati, there are fewer falls. He's a well-rounded rider. We're aiming to have him apply strong braking, something Pecco already excels at and is also a hallmark of Marc.

It's clear from observing him that he's an exceptionally bright young man, demonstrating abilities that go beyond mere strength or talent.

"Champions of the World Championship are not merely skilled. They possess intellect, the capacity to put in effort, grasp scenarios, steer a team, and inspire it."

"They also exude a sense of leadership; merely riding a motorcycle doesn't suffice. The moment you lay eyes on him, he immediately conveys that aura."

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

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Calls to remove him rejected as Mercedes urged to keep Kimi Antonelli

Request for "room to breathe" for Toto Wolff

Mercedes has been advised to allow Andrea Kimi Antonelli ample room to grow during his first season.

Young sensation Antonelli was chosen by Toto Wolff to step in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025.

Despite Antonelli's exceptional skills, it's still uncertain how well he will adjust to Formula 1.

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"Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that it's unclear how Mercedes will perform in the competitive hierarchy, noting that in recent seasons, their results have been inconsistent."

"They haven't consistently won championships, only showing sporadic brilliance, such as their performance in Vegas. Yet, they couldn't account for how they managed to accomplish that."

"Should this trend persist into 2025, which I expect it to, at least in the initial phases, establishing a concrete objective for Antonelli proves challenging."

"From the insights shared by Toto Wolff, it appears they are not likely to establish defined objectives."

He's actively sought to minimize the excitement surrounding Antonelli.

"Kimi is likely aiming for podium finishes, victories, and pole positions, though it's unclear if a precise goal has been established."

"Although he faces a certain level of stress, it's important to allow him some initial room to maneuver."

"They're introducing an 18-year-old believed to have an enormous potential. He is viewed by them as their counterpart to Max Verstappen."

"I don't believe they'll simply dismiss him if he begins sluggishly or fails to meet the anticipated benchmarks."

Mercedes could be satisfied if he remains inconspicuous and avoids damaging the car, instead of delivering standout performances that will eventually emerge.

Connor McDonagh anticipates a rapid start for Kimi Antonelli

Connor McDonagh stated, "Antonelli is joining at an opportune time. 2026 is expected to be a significant year. Toto has mentioned that there's a positive atmosphere within the team, especially with the upcoming new engines.

"Antonelli is set to experience a year filled with educational opportunities."

"His natural speed will become apparent, yet through managing the tyres, it can be enhanced."

"During his inaugural season, Charles Leclerc showcased exceptional speed when compared to Sebastian Vettel. By his sophomore year, he had significantly enhanced his ability to manage tyres."

Lewis Larkam added, "In his debut season, Oscar Piastri was definitely fast, yet he has enhanced his performance in terms of both consistency and how he manages his tyres.

"The situation will be much the same for Antonelli.

"Bringing him on board at this time is perfect for Mercedes, given the lower levels of pressure. Mercedes is thinking strategically for the future with Antonelli."

"They regard him as their upcoming star. This opportunity allows him to learn from errors before they reach a point where they're contending for a title, at which time the demands on him will change significantly."

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