Joan Mir: "My circumstances are entirely unlike Marc's" – Exclusive

"Switching brands at this point would make me feel like the past two years were wasted"

The similarities are clear. Two ex-MotoGP titleholders are competing for the underperforming Repsol Honda squad in 2023.

Marc Marquez, after clinching six top-tier championships with his team, pursued an early departure to team up with Gresini Ducati. This move rejuvenated his career, leading to three victories and securing a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025.

In the meantime, ex-colleague Joan Mir, who clinched the championship for Suzuki in 2020, remained on board for another year with HRC. However, he unexpectedly extended his contract through 2026, even though both his performance and that of the RCV have declined this season.

During an exclusive interview with Crash.net towards the end of this season, Mir spontaneously brought up a comparison with Marquez.

When asked about a season where he only accumulated 21 points—a tally lower than what Francesco Bagnaia (31 points), Brad Binder (29), and Jorge Martin (28) achieved just in the initial weekend in Qatar—Mir shared his thoughts:

"Definitely, facing such difficulties with this bike came as a surprise."

I had anticipated more immediate improvements, but for some unforeseen reason, our performance hasn't enhanced, as we are significantly behind other manufacturers. This somewhat reflects our current situation.

"We're improving, drawing nearer, yet it's still insufficient. This is our current observation."

"We haven't reached our desired status yet, but my faith in our initiative remains strong. I'm confident that with the level of effort we're putting in, we'll eventually achieve our goals."

Mir noted: "Certainly, I observed numerous transformations [this season]. It became clear to them [Honda] that their previous approaches were effective for a past [MotoGP] period. Yet, the current scenario is entirely distinct. The necessity for additional European assistance is evident. More engineers are required.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail that the Japanese exhibit in bike manufacturing, especially with Honda's MotoGP motorcycles, are truly exceptional, arguably the finest. However, when it comes to performance, we find ourselves lagging.

"We require assistance."

Assistance is required from individuals in Europe, specifically those from Italy and Spain who are employed by European manufacturing companies.

"Thus, any announcement regarding a new arrival at Honda always brings a sense of relief to me as a rider. It signals they are pursuing what I believe to be the right approach."

"We require the support of the Japanese and the Europeans; their combination is what will fortify us."

The conversation naturally transitioned to the topic of Romano Albesiano, who is set to join HRC as the new technical director for MotoGP, coming from Aprilia.

Was Mir aware of Albesiano at the time he renewed his contract with HRC?

"Definitely not. However, I observed Honda's actions and understood their intentions. I also share a unique bond with Alberto [Puig], who has always been transparent with me right from the start. My faith in this team remains unshaken."

"My circumstances are entirely unlike Marc's," Mir began, before addressing the inevitable comparisons to Marquez. He elaborated on his decision to remain with Honda instead of pursuing a path similar to Marquez's, by choosing a satellite team with a more established motorcycle.

"Obviously, my circumstances are entirely unlike Marc's when he departed from [Honda], since he had proven his worth with this manufacturer. As for myself, I haven't yet demonstrated my capabilities," Mir explained.

"Switching manufacturers at this point would mean starting from scratch for me, rendering the last two years essentially pointless. However, the sheer joy I would experience from succeeding here [at Honda] is immeasurable. Therefore, I'm committed to making it work."

Following Marquez's departure, Mir transitioned to the opposite side of the Repsol garage, teaming up with the former crew of number 93, led by Santi Hernandez, this season.

Though the outcomes of the races – a top finish of ninth in a Sprint and an eleventh place in a grand prix – might not have sparked celebrations, Mir was highly complimentary of his team.

"It was excellent. Right from the start, I had a great feeling about being with them," he expressed. "Their technical knowledge and strategic prowess are incredible. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with them, even under these circumstances – so just think how it would be if we start achieving our objectives!"

A rare bright spot for Mir in 2023 was the notable decrease in the number of accidents and injuries he suffered.

The 2017 Moto3 world champion indicated that the enhanced performance was due to better aerodynamics, which made the RCV's capabilities more apparent, along with a deliberate choice to prioritize gathering development data over risking crashes.

"Indeed, we consistently put in our full effort, yet there's a [development] journey one must embrace. I've come to terms with our current standing," Mir remarked. "Likely, the aerodynamic aspect also slightly aids in grasping the current boundaries.

"We're on the path to improvement, and this journey isn't aided by repeated accidents. It's about approaching things with the right attitude and ensuring we're in good shape for the bike's current state."

Luca Marini, who is Mir's latest teammate, ended the season as the only regular rider ranking lower than the Spanish racer in the championship standings, accumulating 14 points. Meanwhile, Johann Zarco from LCR emerged as the leading Honda competitor, securing 55 points and achieving a highest race finish of eighth.

Honda, similar to Yamaha, will maintain its technical advantages in 2025, including benefits like exclusive testing sessions for its racing team, freedom from restrictions on engine design updates, and additional allowances for aerodynamic enhancements.

Next season, the factory Hondas will sport a fresh look as Repsol, their long-term title sponsor, concludes its association with the team, a year following Marquez's departure.

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Marc Marquez Announces Conclusion of Red Bull Partnership Ahead of Ducati MotoGP Transfer

The eight-time world champion will no longer be affiliated with Red Bull as an athlete in 2025.

Marc Marquez has announced that Red Bull will not be his sponsor next year as he transitions to the factory Ducati MotoGP team.

Throughout his MotoGP career, the eight-time world champion has consistently been associated with Red Bull. Even as he transitioned from Honda to Gresini Racing in 2024, the Red Bull logo remained prominently displayed on his helmet.

A significant initial hurdle regarding Marquez's potential transfer to the factory Ducati team was its link with Monster Energy.

Since signing his contract with Ducati, there had been no updates on how this situation would be resolved. However, clues about the conclusion of the partnership emerged during last month's post-season test in Barcelona.

Marquez participated in his initial testing session with the official Ducati team, riding a motorcycle and wearing gear that lacked his usual personal logos.

During an event held at Red Bull's Hangar 7 in Austria, Marquez announced that he will not be sponsored by Red Bull in 2025.

"This marks the final meeting," he remarked regarding his trip to Hangar 7.

"Ducati has secured a different sponsor, which means we have to stop. To honor our agreement with Red Bull, I won't have an individual sponsorship."

"I am grateful to the Red Bull team and hope we continue our friendship."

In 2025, it remains uncertain how Marquez will be associated with the Monster Energy brand, but it is probable that it will not involve a personal sponsorship role similar to what Red Bull had.

During the event, Marquez reiterated his earlier statements, emphasizing that he is not joining the factory Ducati team with the intention of being the lead rider.

"I'm joining the team that holds the world championship title," he stated.

"I am already experiencing pressure, but it's something I deliberately chose. I mentioned that I needed to step out of my comfort zone at Honda."

"I seized the moment when the opportunity arose."

"Next year, I’ll need to adopt a new strategy. At Honda, I was undoubtedly the top competitor."

"Fresh competitors consistently attempted to keep up with me. Currently, I have joined a different team. Pecco [Bagnaia] has secured numerous victories there in the past few years."

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Aspar aids those affected by floods in Valencia

The Moto2 and Moto3 squads extend their support initiatives this week

The Aspar team has started providing essential home devices to those affected by the floods in Valencia, as a continuation of their support activities in the city where the team resides.

At the close of October, the Valencia area in Spain suffered catastrophic floods that resulted in the deaths of more than 200 individuals.

The inundation resulted in extensive damage to the area's infrastructure, impacting residences as well.

Severe destruction of the entry paths to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit resulted in the cancellation of the Valencia Grand Prix, prompting the relocation of the MotoGP race to Barcelona and its rebranding as the Solidarity GP of Valencia.

The Aspar team, which operates teams in both the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, has played a leading role in MotoGP's initiatives to offer assistance to Valencia.

Initially, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, successfully gathering more than €150,000 in donations. These funds are currently being allocated to supply essential home appliances to over 2,300 individuals impacted by the flood.

"The assistance provided by the motorcycle enthusiasts to the flood victims in Valencia is starting to yield positive outcomes," a short announcement from the group stated.

The Aspar Team has initiated the process of providing essential domestic appliances and furniture to households in Algemesí and Guadassuar, located in the Ribera Alta area.

"This week marks the start of the team's efforts to distribute these essential items, made possible by the generous support."

Aspar's fundraising campaign is still ongoing and accessible at this link.

MotoGP has recently disclosed that its fundraising activities during the Solidarity GP weekend, encompassing proceeds from ticket sales and unique auctions, amassed over €1.5 million.

The Assen circuit in the Netherlands contributed €50,000 to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit to assist in covering the costs of equipment wrecked due to flood damage at the facility.

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Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP is postponed due to an EU investigation

The new EU inquiry might last up to 90 days

The European Commission has initiated a formal 'Phase II' probe concerning Liberty Media's €4.2 billion acquisition of Dorna Sports, the company that owns MotoGP, causing a postponement in finalizing the deal.

In April, Liberty, the owner of Formula 1, revealed that it had reached an agreement to acquire an 86% controlling stake in Dorna.

Liberty, a company based in the United States, has been optimistic from the beginning that its acquisition would receive approval from the EU, anticipating finalizing the transaction by the end of 2024.

Questions have been expressed regarding the possibility of a monopoly in the motorsport industry if Liberty's acquisition of Dorna receives approval.

Liberty is the current owner of F1, along with Formula 2 and Formula 3, whereas a related company holds Formula E. If Liberty were to purchase Dorna, it would gain authority over MotoGP and its associated support categories, in addition to World Superbikes and its developmental series.

Last week, it was reported that the acquisition of Dorna by Liberty might face delays because the European Commission is expected to initiate an investigation.

On Thursday, December 19, the European Commission officially stated that it has begun a "thorough" investigation into the sale of MotoGP. This announcement comes after Liberty initially submitted the filing on November 14, marking the deadline for EU approval.

The Commission is investigating worries that Liberty's control over F1 and MotoGP might lead to higher licensing costs, potentially affecting broadcasters negatively.

The investigation for the second phase might require as many as 90 business days to finish, potentially postponing the sale of MotoGP until May 14, 2025.

The European Commission's initial examination suggests that the deal might lessen competition between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the market for selling broadcasting rights for motorsports events.

The deal could potentially eliminate significant competitive pressures on Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, possibly enhancing their leverage over motorsports content broadcasters, which might eventually result in increased costs.

In particular, the Commission determined that:

The deal brings up significant worries about competition in potentially limited national markets concerning the licensing of motorsports broadcasting rights within the European Economic Area (EEA). In these markets, Formula One is the dominant force across all European nations, with MotoGP frequently being its sole rival.

The deal could potentially eliminate key competitive restrictions between the involved parties in certain broader national markets related to broadcasting rights for all sports content, or specific sections of these markets. This is mainly due to the apparent close competition between Formula One and MotoGP.

The Commission is set to conduct a thorough examination of the proposed deal's potential impacts to ascertain if their initial worries about competition are validated.

As part of its comprehensive investigation, the Commission will delve deeper into whether Mr. John Malone, the principal shareholder of both Liberty Media and Liberty Global, has the power to significantly impact the decision-making of these companies.

If the deal is approved, there might be worries that Liberty Media could block competing broadcasters in regions where Liberty Global operates, specifically in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

The Commission was informed about the planned deal on November 14, 2024. It now has a period of 90 business days, ending on May 14, 2025, to make a decision.

The initiation of a thorough investigation does not imply any assumptions about its conclusion.

In a statement released on Thursday, Liberty Media expressed confidence that the European Union will approve the sale.

Liberty Media announced that the European Commission has initiated a Phase II investigation regarding its planned acquisition of MotoGP.

"We believe this deal will be advantageous for MotoGP’s operations, its supporters, its audience, and the motorcycle industry as a whole. Many stakeholders in the market have acknowledged the positive aspects of this agreement."

The demand for audiovisual entertainment extends significantly beyond just sports, and this deal will strengthen MotoGP’s position in this fiercely competitive industry.

"We remain committed to collaborating with the European Commission as they advance their examination. In agreement with the sellers, we have extended the deadline to June 30, 2025, to allow for a more thorough investigation. We are confident that the European Commission will ultimately decide in favor of approving the transaction."

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The six pivotal races that determined the 2024 MotoGP championship

The crucial six contests where Jorge Martin secured a lead of ten points or more against Francesco Bagnaia, ultimately defining his championship victory margin…

At the end of this year's world championship, the new MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin, finished a mere ten points ahead of his competitor Francesco Bagnaia, with a total possible season score of 740 points.

Here are the six contests where Martin, known for being the inaugural winner of a satellite championship in the 'MotoGP' period, scored significantly higher than the two-time defending champion Bagnaia by a noticeable margin…

At the Portimao Grand Prix, in the second round, Martin finished in first place, earning 25 points, while Bagnaia did not finish, receiving no points.

Martin, representing Sprint, and Bagnaia, from GP, each kickstarted the season with a victory at the Qatar opening race, heading into the Portugal event separated by a mere three points.

In the Portimao Sprint, the duo secured third and fourth places. However, Martin dramatically increased his lead by 25 points in the championship race after clinching victory in the grand prix. Meanwhile, his closest competitor, Bagnaia, faced misfortune by crashing towards the end of the race following a collision with Marc Marquez for the fifth position.

In the fourth round of the Jerez Sprint, Martin secured the top position, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, receiving no points.

In the wet conditions of the Jerez Sprint, Bagnaia experienced his second failure to finish the season. This occurred when he was caught in a tight spot between Marco Bezzecchi and Brad Binder at the first turn, leading to his crash out of the race on the third lap.

Martin clinched the Sprint victory, however, the scenario shifted dramatically the next day as Bagnaia achieved a stunning win against Marc Marquez in the Grand Prix, with Martin unfortunately crashing out.

Round 5 of the Le Mans Sprint concluded with Martin securing the first place and earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, hence acquiring no points.

Bagnaia didn't complete his second consecutive Sprint and experienced his third failure to earn points in six races, owing to a mechanical problem at Le Mans.

“[The bike] was behaving erratically, forcing me to withdraw,” Bagnaia stated.

Martin secured his sole 37-point weekend peak for the season by clinching victories in both races in France, with Bagnaia coming in just behind Martin and Marc Marquez, taking third place in the grand prix.

Aragon Grand Prix, 12th Race

Martin Secures 2nd Place (20 points)

Bagnaia Fails to Finish, Earns No Points (0 points)

Despite Bagnaia's falls during the sprints in Catalunya (the sixth round) and Silverstone (the tenth round), Martin was only able to secure six and nine points from them, respectively.

The Spanish rider encountered errors during the Mugello Sprint and particularly at the Sachsenring Grand Prix (round 9), marking the occasion when Bagnaia first assumed the championship lead since the Qatar race.

Martin reclaimed his position at Silverstone, but it was only during the 12th race in Aragon that the Spanish rider managed to extend his lead by more than 10 points over Bagnaia in a single event, securing second place behind Marc Marquez. Meanwhile, his competitor for the title was eliminated from the race after a significant clash with Alex Marquez for the third spot.

Merging only a single point from a challenging Sprint due to limited traction, Aragon marked Bagnaia’s most difficult weekend of the season.

At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Misano, during the 14th round, Martin secured 2nd place, earning 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, thus receiving no points.

Bagnaia reduced Martin's advantage in the championship by 16 points during the San Marino Grand Prix, capitalizing on Martin's significant error of pitting amidst brief rainfall. He further narrowed the gap by securing a victory at the Emilia Romagna Sprint, marking MotoGP's return to his local circuit for a second time.

Heading into the Grand Prix, Bagnaia trailed Martin by a mere 4 points but suffered his seventh non-finish of the season after crashing during a braking attempt while in pursuit of Martin and Enea Bastianini.

The sole positive takeaway for Bagnaia was Bastianini's victory over Martin, achieved through a contentious maneuver on the final lap.

At the 19th round of the Sepang Sprint, Martin finished first, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, resulting in no points.

The last significant shift towards Martin occurred during the second-to-last round at Sepang, proving to be the most expensive.

Bagnaia maintained his championship aspirations by clinching a victory in the wet conditions of Buriram the past weekend, reducing Martin's advantage to 17 points.

There were still 74 points up for grabs, and Bagnaia was viewed as the more dominant competitor at Sepang, making an impactful move by outperforming Martin for the pole position and setting a new lap record in the process.

However, the concluding surprise in what Bagnaia had previously referred to as a 'season filled with errors' – on account of the races neither he nor Martin finished – resulted in the Ducati Lenovo ace losing his position and falling behind the Pramac competitor during the Sprint. This marked his eighth and last race of the year where he did not finish.

Bagnaia secured victories in the last three races, but Martin consistently secured podium positions and was officially crowned champion during the season's 40th and concluding race in Barcelona, a race in which Bagnaia achieved his fifth perfect score of 37 points for the year.

Bagnaia's Top Five Triumphs…

Presented are the five key races, listed by date, in which Bagnaia significantly boosted his championship aspirations by reducing Martin's lead in the world championship by ten points or more…

Jerez Grand Prix, the fourth race: Bagnaia clinches victory, earning 25 points, while Martin does not finish.

At the Mugello Sprint, in the seventh race: Bagnaia secures the top spot again with 12 points, with Martin unable to complete the race.

During the Sachsenring Grand Prix, the ninth event: Bagnaia repeats his winning performance, garnering another 25 points, as Martin fails to finish once more.

At the San Marino Grand Prix, held as the thirteenth race: Bagnaia finishes second, adding 19 points to his tally, with Martin crossing the line in 15th place.

In the Mandalika Sprint, the fifteenth round: Bagnaia takes first place once again, earning

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's departure from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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MV Agusta set for sale amid KTM's financial woes triggering scrutiny

KTM's ownership stakes in the renowned Italian company are being listed for sale by the overseer

The administrator is selling off KTM's controlling interest of 50.1% in MV Agusta as the Financial Market Authority initiates a probe into the Pierer Mobility Group.

The Austrian company is currently facing a severe monetary challenge, leading it to initiate self-administration as a strategy to avoid insolvency.

In the past few weeks, KTM has dismissed numerous employees, and anticipates further job cuts, as it will not provide salaries to its workforce during the Christmas period.

Recently, there has been speculation that KTM, after initially acquiring a controlling interest in MV Agusta in 2022, might be considering selling its shares in the Italian motorcycle company.

This week, a regional Austrian court declared that the administrator is set to sell PMG's 51% controlling interest in MV Agusta.

MV Agusta is facing similar excess inventory challenges as KTM, according to Autosport, which has indicated that there are 2000 motorcycles from the manufacturer gathering dust in an Austrian warehouse, as employees in Italy consent to reductions in their salaries.

Austria's Financial Market Authority is currently probing into whether KTM adhered to the required disclosure rules, focusing on its compliance.

Based on information from the Austrian Press Agency, the focus of the inquiry will be on the period between May and November, during which there were significant changes to PMG's business projections and a restructuring of its leadership.

At the start of this year, the number of members on KTM's board of directors was reduced from six to two, indicating that the full extent of the company's financial troubles had not yet been disclosed.

A gathering of the creditors is scheduled for Friday, during which they will decide whether KTM can keep running.

KTM has remained silent recently regarding the impact this scenario will have on its MotoGP plans, but various sources confirmed in November that activities for 2025 are expected to proceed without changes.

Subsequently, there were media speculations about a halt in progress, despite KTM participating in an exclusive testing session at Jerez last week with Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa.

KTM's economic challenges have affected its participation in other grand prix events, leading to the disappearance of the GASGAS and Husqvarna names from the Moto2 and Moto3 line-ups in 2025.

In 2025, the motorcycle racing team Tech3, which competed as GASGAS in the 2023 and 2024 MotoGP seasons, will return to using the KTM name.

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Brad Binder Reflects on a Year of Challenges – Exclusive Interview

"Considering the season's hurdles, ranking 5th in the championship seems unexpected"

Brad Binder impressed at the kickoff of the MotoGP season in Qatar, yet the subsequent 19 races proved to be rather lackluster.

Finishing second twice at Lusail hinted that 2024 could be the year Binder and KTM finally vie for the championship.

However, the South African failed to make it back to the podium in the next 38 races.

The RC16 not only fell behind the Ducatis, but Binder also experienced a staggering 19 crashes and encountered significant issues during qualifying, notably starting from the very back of the grid at Le Mans.

Despite facing challenges, he managed to secure a fifth-place finish in the world championship, only slightly behind his previous year's position, and once again stood out as the top rider among those not on Ducati bikes.

Yet, his point tally fell short by 76 compared to his score in 2023

"Clearly, we anticipated a better performance this season," Binder expressed in a one-on-one interview with Crash.net.

The truth is, we've been facing more challenges than we had hoped for.

"Clearly, nobody is completely satisfied with the current situation."

"The collective dedication of the entire team, along with the hard work of everyone at the factory, truly provides me with a great deal of solace."

"I'm quite optimistic that our stay here won't be extended."

A mystery of the racing season is the reason behind Binder and KTM's impressive performance in Qatar, outperforming expected championship contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin during that weekend, only to see their advantage diminish subsequently.

In Lusail, Binder amassed 29 of his total 37 points, while his second most successful event was at Aragon, where he earned 17 points.

Binder pointed out that one reason for the Ducatis' struggle at Lusail was due to vibration issues caused by changes to the Michelin rear tire. His RC16, however, didn't face the same problem, though this advantage was short-lived.

"Frankly, when I was in Qatar, I noticed that while racing, the other riders were dealing with a lot of chatter, but we didn't have that issue at all!" Binder remarked, after ending up as the sole KTM rider amid a top seven dominated by Ducatis at Lusail.

"I believe they definitely lost some time at that point. I managed to close the gap, particularly in two or three turns where they experienced significant chatter. That, I would say, significantly benefited us."

"Following that, it's evident they managed to make a slight progress."

The two-time MotoGP champion also highlighted that he didn't fully capitalize on his abilities this year.

He mentioned, "We've had moments of strength in certain races, yet, regrettably, I haven't had an outstanding season at all," he admitted. "I've faced significant setbacks, including struggles and ending up qualifying at the very bottom, of all places, at Le Mans!"

"This year has presented numerous obstacles, yet surprisingly we find ourselves in fifth place in the championship. Considering the difficulties we've faced, including my numerous falls, one wouldn't anticipate us being in this position."

"We're not the only ones facing challenges; many others have experienced a tougher season than expected."

Certainly, similar to Ducati's competitors, KTM was never completely able to master the updated rear tire.

"Truthfully, we're in the process of figuring it out," Binder admitted. "We've discovered a few strategies that appear to be somewhat more effective."

"Currently, the main focus is on fully grasping what's necessary to increase our speed."

The approach included utilizing the final stages to collect information for the year 2025.

"He mentioned that they plan to experiment with a slightly different downforce during the Sepang race to see if it helps address their issues."

Binder has pointed out an issue with insufficient cornering speed.

"Indeed, from my perspective, we're experiencing a noticeable decrease in speed during the mid-corner roll compared to what we've encountered previously," he acknowledged.

"Therefore, addressing that issue is on our agenda. However, the situation is intricate – it's not as straightforward as identifying the issue and implementing a solution to resolve it."

Binder, who secured the sixth quickest time during the Barcelona post-race test, is set to return to the track on the 2025 KTM prototype in Sepang come February.

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

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Marc Marquez announces the conclusion of his Red Bull sponsorship as he transitions to Ducati in MotoGP

The eight-time global champion will no longer be associated with Red Bull starting in 2025

Marc Marquez has announced that he will not have Red Bull's sponsorship next year as he transitions to the official Ducati team in MotoGP.

Throughout his entire MotoGP career, the athlete who has clinched the world championship title eight times has been associated with Red Bull. Even as he transitioned from Honda to Gresini Racing in 2024, Red Bull's logo continued to feature prominently on his racing helmet.

A primary concern regarding Marquez's potential transfer to the official Ducati team was its connection with Monster Energy.

Since he inked his contract with Ducati, there had been no updates on how the situation would be addressed, but the conclusion of their collaboration was suggested during the post-season test in Barcelona last month.

Marquez participated in his initial trial with the Ducati factory team, riding a motorcycle and wearing gear that lacked his usual custom branding.

During a gathering at Hangar 7, owned by Red Bull, in Austria, Marquez announced his decision to discontinue Red Bull sponsorship by the year 2025.

"This is my final meeting," he mentioned regarding his trip to Hangar 7.

Ducati has acquired an additional sponsor, preventing us from moving forward. In deference to Red Bull, I've decided against having an individual sponsor.

"I wish to express my gratitude to the Red Bull family and hope that we continue to stay friends."

The specifics of Marquez's association with Monster Energy in 2025 remain uncertain, but it's improbable that it will mirror the individual sponsorship arrangement he had with Red Bull.

At the same event, Marquez reiterated his earlier statements, emphasizing that he does not intend to join the factory Ducati team with the expectation of becoming the top rider.

"I'm joining the team of world champions," he announced.

"I'm already experiencing stress, but it was a choice I made. I mentioned that it's necessary for me to step out of my comfort zone at Honda."

The opportunity presented itself, and I seized it.

"In the coming year, I'll need to adopt a new strategy. Naturally, at Honda, I held the top position."

"Fresh faces would constantly join, aiming to compete alongside me. Currently, I'm part of a different squad. In recent times, Pecco [Bagnaia] has secured numerous victories with them."

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Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP postponed due to EU initiating an inquiry

Potential EU probe may extend for a maximum of 90 days

The European Commission has initiated a formal 'Phase II' inquiry into Liberty Media's acquisition of Dorna Sports, the owner of MotoGP, valued at €4.2 billion, causing a delay in the completion of the purchase.

In April, Liberty, the parent company of Formula 1, confirmed its acquisition of an 86% controlling stake in Dorna.

From the beginning, the American corporation Liberty was optimistic that its acquisition would receive approval from the European Union, and anticipated finalizing the transaction by the close of 2024.

Nonetheless, apprehensions have surfaced regarding the possibility of a monopoly forming within the motorsport arena should Liberty’s acquisition of Dorna receive approval.

Currently, Liberty Media is the proprietor of F1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, whereas an affiliate company is in possession of Formula E. Should it successfully acquire Dorna Sports, Liberty would gain oversight of MotoGP and its auxiliary classes, in addition to the World Superbike Championship and its developmental leagues.

Last week, there were indications that Liberty's acquisition of Dorna might face postponements because the European Commission is considering launching an investigation.

On Thursday, December 19, which marked the final day for the European Union to approve the sale of MotoGP, initially submitted by Liberty on November 14, the European Commission has formally declared the commencement of a comprehensive investigation.

The Commission is investigating worries that Liberty's control over F1 and MotoGP might lead to higher licensing expenses for broadcasters, potentially harming them.

The follow-up inquiry might extend over a period of up to 90 business days, potentially postponing the MotoGP acquisition until the 14th of May, 2025, at the latest.

The complete statement from the European Commission states: "Initial findings from the Commission's inquiry suggest that the deal could potentially diminish competitive dynamics between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the market for motorsports content broadcasting rights distribution.

Specifically, this deal could eliminate crucial competitive limitations for Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, potentially enhancing their stance against broadcasters of motorsports content, which might result in increased prices.

In greater detail, the Committee determined that:

The deal prompts significant worries regarding competition within specific, limited domestic markets concerning the licensing of motorsport broadcasting rights across the European Economic Area (EEA). In this scenario, Formula One stands as the dominant force in all European nations, with MotoGP frequently acting as its sole rival.

The deal could eliminate significant competitive limitations among the entities within certain broader national markets related to the licensing of broadcasting rights for all sports content, or specific portions of these markets. This is primarily due to the close competition observed between Formula One and MotoGP.

The Commission is set to conduct a thorough examination of the potential impacts of the suggested deal to verify if its preliminary apprehensions regarding competition are indeed valid.

As part of its comprehensive probe, the Commission plans to delve deeper into examining if Mr. John Malone, the principal investor in both Liberty Media and Liberty Global, possesses the authority to significantly sway decisions in either company.

Should the deal go through, it might also lead to worries about Liberty Media potentially shutting out competing broadcasters in nations where Liberty Global operates, specifically in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

The planned deal was officially communicated to the Commission on November 14, 2024. The Commission has a period of 90 working days, ending on May 14, 2025, to make a determination.

"Initiating a thorough investigation does not imply any assumption about its eventual conclusion."

In a statement released on Thursday, Liberty Media expressed confidence that the EU will ultimately give the green light to the sale.

Today, Liberty Media was informed by the European Commission that they are initiating a Phase II investigation into the company's previously disclosed plan to acquire MotoGP.

"We believe this deal will positively impact MotoGP's operations, its audience, viewership, and the wider motorbike sector. The advantages of this deal have been broadly acknowledged by those involved in the market."

The market for audiovisual entertainment that extends far beyond sports is expanding significantly, and this deal will boost MotoGP's competitive edge in this fiercely contested market.

"We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission throughout their examination process and have reached an agreement with the sellers to extend the deadline to June 30, 2025, to allow for a thorough investigation. We are confident that the European Commission will ultimately decide in favor of approving the deal."

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Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP postponed due to EU initiating investigation

EU's new inquiry may last as long as 90 days

The European Commission has initiated a detailed 'Phase II' review of Liberty Media's acquisition of Dorna Sports, the owner of MotoGP, valued at €4.2 billion, causing a postponement in the completion of the purchase.

In April, Liberty, the entity that owns Formula 1, disclosed that it had reached an agreement to acquire a majority ownership of 86% in Dorna.

From the beginning, Liberty, a company based in the United States, was optimistic that its acquisition would meet the approval of European Union regulators and anticipated finalizing the transaction by the close of 2024.

Nonetheless, there have been apprehensions about the possibility of a monopoly emerging within the motorsport scene should Liberty's acquisition of Dorna receive approval.

At present, Liberty Media is the proprietor of F1, along with the Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing series. Meanwhile, an affiliated enterprise holds ownership of Formula E. Should Liberty proceed to acquire Dorna, it would gain oversight of MotoGP and its auxiliary classes, in addition to the World Superbikes championship and its developmental leagues.

Last week, it was revealed that Liberty's acquisition of Dorna might face delays because the European Commission is considering an investigation.

On Thursday, December 19, which marked the final day for the EU to give its approval to MotoGP's acquisition since Liberty initially filed on November 14, the European Commission officially declared the commencement of a comprehensive investigation.

The Commission is investigating worries that Liberty's control over F1 and MotoGP might lead to higher licensing fees for broadcasters, potentially harming them financially.

The follow-up probe might extend for a duration of up to 90 business days, potentially postponing the sale of MotoGP until possibly 14 May 2025.

The complete statement from the European Commission states: "Initial findings from the Commission's investigation suggest that the deal could potentially diminish the competitive rivalry in the market for motorsport content broadcasting rights licensing, involving Liberty Media and Dorna Sports.

Specifically, this deal could eliminate significant competitive limits for Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, potentially reinforcing their standing against motorsports content providers and possibly resulting in increased costs.

In greater detail, the Committee determined that:

The deal sparks significant worries about competition in specific, limited domestic markets related to the licensing of broadcasting rights for motorsport content within the European Economic Area (EEA). In this arena, Formula One dominates as the primary market leader across Europe, with MotoGP frequently being its sole rival.

The deal could potentially eliminate key competitive factors among the entities within certain broad national markets that are involved in the licensing of broadcast rights for all kinds of sports content, or specific portions of these markets. This is especially pertinent given that Formula One and MotoGP seem to be in direct competition.

The Commission is set to conduct a comprehensive review to assess the impact of the suggested deal, aiming to verify if their initial apprehensions regarding competition are indeed valid.

As part of its thorough examination, the Commission plans to delve deeper into whether Mr. John Malone, the principal shareholder of both Liberty Media and Liberty Global, has the capacity to wield significant control over the two corporations.

Should the deal go through, it might also spark worries that Liberty Media could shut out competing broadcasters in regions where Liberty Global operates, specifically in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

The intended deal was formally communicated to the Commission on November 14, 2024. The Commission is now allotted a timeframe of 90 business days, concluding on May 14, 2025, to make a determination.

"Initiating a comprehensive investigation does not imply any assumption about its final conclusion."

In a statement released on Thursday, Liberty Media expressed confidence that the EU will ultimately greenlight the sale.

Today, Liberty Media was informed that the European Commission has initiated a Phase II investigation into its proposed purchase of MotoGP, as per the announcement.

"We firmly believe that this deal will positively impact MotoGP's operations, its audience, those who watch its events, and the wider motorbike sector at large. Those involved in the market have broadly acknowledged the advantages of this deal."

The market for audiovisual entertainment beyond sports is expanding significantly, and this deal will boost MotoGP's competitiveness in this fiercely competitive arena.

"We remain committed to collaborating with the European Commission throughout their ongoing examination and have reached a mutual agreement with the sellers to push the final deadline to June 30, 2025, to allow for a thorough investigation. We are confident that the European Commission will ultimately determine that the deal merits approval."

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Brad Binder: "This year has been packed with obstacles" – Exclusive Interview

"Considering how events have unfolded, you wouldn’t anticipate being in 5th place in the championship."

Brad Binder shone brightly at the start of the MotoGP season in Qatar, but struggled to maintain that success throughout the next 19 races.

Two near wins at Lusail hinted that 2024 could finally be the season where Binder and KTM make a strong bid for the championship.

However, in the subsequent 38 races, the South African competitor did not secure another podium finish.

The RC16 fell behind the Ducatis, while Binder experienced a challenging season marked by a personal high of 19 crashes and some difficult qualifying sessions, such as starting from the last position at Le Mans.

Despite the challenges, he persevered and secured fifth place in the world championship, which was only one position lower than the previous year. Once more, he was the top performer among riders not using Ducati bikes.

Nevertheless, his point total was 76 less compared to his performance in 2023.

"Honestly, it's obvious that this season hasn't met our expectations," Binder stated in an exclusive interview with Crash.net.

In truth, we've been facing more challenges than we had anticipated.

"Nobody is really thrilled about our current situation, that's certain."

"The whole team, along with everyone at the factory, is putting in a tremendous amount of work, which provides me with a great deal of reassurance."

"I strongly believe that we won't be staying here much longer."

A mystery this season has been the impressive performance of Binder and KTM in Qatar, where they stood out amidst the competition between future title contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, only to lose their edge afterward.

Following his impressive performance in Lusail, where he earned 29 out of a possible 37 points, Binder's next strongest showing was in Aragon, where he secured 17 points.

According to Binder, one reason was that the Ducatis were affected by vibrations caused by the updated Michelin rear tire at Lusail. While his RC16 didn't seem to have this issue initially, the circumstances quickly changed.

"Frankly speaking, I noticed during the race in Qatar that the other riders were experiencing significant chatter, while we didn't have any," stated Binder, who was the sole KTM rider to finish among an all-Ducati top seven at Lusail.

"It seems they were definitely losing some time in certain areas. I managed to close the gap, particularly in a couple of corners where they were struggling with chattering. That really worked in our favor, I would say."

"Following that, it became apparent that they managed to make a minor advancement."

The MotoGP racer, who has won two races, also highlighted that he hasn't reached his full potential this year.

He mentioned that there were some races where they performed exceptionally well, but unfortunately, he hasn't had a remarkable year overall. He admitted to experiencing setbacks, encountering difficulties, and even qualifying last at Le Mans, of all places.

The past year has been filled with obstacles, yet being in fifth place in the championship standings is surprising considering the difficulties faced, including my numerous setbacks and crashes.

"It's not only us facing challenges; many others have experienced a tougher season than they expected."

Certainly, similar to Ducati's competitors, KTM struggled to completely master the updated rear tire.

"We're still figuring things out," Binder admitted. "We've discovered a few elements that appear to be more effective."

"The main focus right now is figuring out precisely what we require to increase our speed."

As part of that procedure, the final stages were utilized to collect information for the year 2025.

On the day before the Sepang event, he mentioned that they plan to experiment with a slightly altered downforce setup to determine if it can address any of their issues.

A challenge identified by Binder is the insufficient speed maintained through the corners.

He admitted that they are indeed experiencing a slight decline in mid-corner roll speed compared to previous times.

"That's one area we need to focus on improving. However, the situation is quite complicated and can't be resolved by simply identifying the issue and applying a quick fix."

Binder, who recorded the sixth-fastest time during the post-race testing in Barcelona, is set to return to the 2025 KTM prototype at Sepang in February.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Six key races in the battle for the 2024 MotoGP championship

These were the six pivotal races where Jorge Martin outpaced Francesco Bagnaia by at least ten points, ultimately securing his championship victory…

At the end of this year's world championship, Jorge Martin, the new MotoGP champion, had a narrow lead of just ten points over his competitor Francesco Bagnaia, out of a possible 740 points for the season.

In these six races, Martin, who became the first satellite team rider to win a title in the 'MotoGP' era, surpassed the current double champion Bagnaia by at least that margin…

1. In the second round of the Portimao Grand Prix, Martin secured first place, earning 25 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, receiving no points.

Martin, representing Sprint, and Bagnaia, racing for GP, each secured a victory in the season's first race in Qatar. As they headed to Portugal, only three points separated them in the standings.

The duo finished in third and fourth positions during the Portimao Sprint. However, Martin managed to secure an unexpected 25-point lead against his key competitor by clinching victory in the grand prix. Meanwhile, Bagnaia faced difficulties and ended up crashing towards the end of the race after a clash with Marc Marquez while they were vying for fifth place.

Round 4 of the Jerez Sprint saw Martin clinching first place, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, resulting in zero points for him

During the wet Jerez Sprint, Bagnaia experienced his second race of the season without earning points. The incident occurred on the third lap at Turn 1 when he was caught between Marco Bezzecchi and Brad Binder, leading to his crash and exit from the race.

Martin secured victory in the Sprint race; however, the next day saw a dramatic shift as Bagnaia claimed an impressive win in the Grand Prix, outperforming Marc Marquez, while Martin unfortunately crashed and did not finish.

Le Mans Sprint, Round 5: Martin finishes in first place, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish and receives 0 points.

Bagnaia did not complete his second consecutive Sprint and experienced his third race without points out of six attempts, owing to a technical problem at Le Mans.

Bagnaia stated that the bike was acting unpredictably, which forced him to withdraw.

Martin achieved his sole 37-point maximum weekend of the season by securing victories in both French races, while Bagnaia came in a close third behind Martin and Marc Marquez in the grand prix.

Round 12 of the Aragon Grand Prix saw Martin finish in second place, earning him 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish and received zero points.

Despite Bagnaia's fall during the Sprints at Catalunya and Silverstone, which were the 6th and 10th rounds respectively, Martin managed to earn only six points from Catalunya and nine from Silverstone.

The Spanish rider committed errors during the Mugello Sprint and, more prominently, at the Sachsenring Grand Prix, which was the ninth round. It was at this event that Bagnaia claimed the championship lead for the first time since the Qatar race.

Martin regained the lead at Silverstone, but it wasn't until the 12th round at Aragon that the Spaniard managed to widen his lead over Bagnaia by more than 10 points in one race. He secured second place behind Marc Marquez, while his main competitor, Bagnaia, suffered a crash following a crucial late-race collision with Alex Marquez while battling for third place.

With only a single point and difficulties maintaining traction during the Sprint, the Aragon weekend turned out to be Bagnaia's most challenging of the season.

Round 14 of the Grand Prix took place in Misano, located in Emilia Romagna. Martin secured second place, earning 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race and received no points.

At the San Marino round, Bagnaia managed to reduce Martin's lead in the championship by 16 points, capitalizing on Martin's significant error of pitting when it started to drizzle during the Grand Prix. Bagnaia further narrowed the gap by an additional three points by clinching victory in the Emilia Romagna Sprint, during MotoGP’s second stop at his home circuit.

Approaching the Grand Prix, Bagnaia trailed Martin by only four points. However, he faced his seventh non-finish of the season after crashing during a braking maneuver as he attempted to catch up with Martin and Enea Bastianini.

The sole positive outcome for Bagnaia was Bastianini's victory over Martin, achieved through a contentious maneuver on the final lap.

6. Sepang Sprint, Race 19: Martin finishes first, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia does not finish and receives 0 points.

The sixth and last significant shift benefiting Martin occurred during the second-to-last round at Sepang, and it was undoubtedly the most expensive.

Bagnaia maintained his chances for the championship by securing a victory in the rainy conditions at Buriram the weekend before, reducing Martin's advantage to 17 points.

There were 74 points up for grabs, and Bagnaia was considered the more formidable competitor at Sepang. He made an impressive start by securing pole position ahead of Martin, setting a new lap record in the process.

In the concluding surprise of what Bagnaia described as a 'season filled with errors,' due to the non-finishes both he and Martin experienced, the Ducati Lenovo racer lost control and fell from second place behind the Pramac competitor during the Sprint. This incident marked his eighth and last non-finish of the season.

As Bagnaia clinched victory in the last three races, Martin secured podium finishes each time, ultimately securing the championship title during the 40th and last race of the season in Barcelona. It was here that Bagnaia also achieved his fifth flawless 37-point score of the year.

Bagnaia’s Top Five Key Races…

These are the five races, listed in the order they occurred, where Bagnaia managed to significantly reduce Martin's lead in the world championship standings by at least ten points, thereby sustaining his chances for the title.

Jerez GP, 4th Round: Bagnaia secured victory and earned 25 points, while Martin did not finish. Mugello Sprint, 7th Round: Bagnaia again took first place, gaining 12 points, with Martin failing to complete the race. Sachsenring GP, 9th Round: Bagnaia clinched another win with 25 points, as Martin did not finish. San Marino GP, 13th Round: Bagnaia finished in second place, collecting 19 points, and Martin came in 15th. Mandalika Sprint, 15th Round: Bagnaia was victorious once more, adding 12 points to his tally, and Martin finished in 10th place.

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For two decades, Peter has been involved in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the news regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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