Pecco Bagnaia discusses the incident with Maverick Vinales at the Barcelona MotoGP: "I lost control of the front."

"I believe my error was reducing speed excessively…"

Francesco Bagnaia led the MotoGP practice session ahead of the Solidarity Grand Prix happening in Barcelona this weekend. However, the most notable incident of his day was an unusual accident that occurred during the practice start session following FP1.

As Maverick Vinales overtook him on the outside, Bagnaia crashed while trying to brake for the first turn, causing the front wheel to lock up.

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The rider from the Ducati Lenovo Team described how he had a bad start during the practice session and was startled when Vinales appeared on his outside as he was braking to approach the first turn.

Bagnaia explained that he didn't get off to a good start as his rear tire lost traction. He also mentioned that he eased up to protect his engine, saying, "We're pushing the engine to its limits, so I was cautious not to strain it too much, as anything could happen."

"My error, I believe, was slowing down to such a degree. However, when approaching at such speed, you instinctively move to the inside where there was plenty of room."

"I began to hear him approaching and thought, 'Alright, he’s going to take the inside path.' However, when I saw him coming at a tremendous speed on the outside, riding on the kerb and the bike shaking, I got frightened and ended up losing control of the front in that manner."

He explained: "The pressure increased by two bar on the lever, jumping from 11 bar to 13 bar, and I lost control."

Although Bagnaia experienced an unusual crash during FP1, his day was largely successful, concluding with him as the fastest.

He expressed satisfaction, stating that his goal for every race weekend is to have a strong start, feel positive, and perform effectively.

"We consistently moved forward with each attempt, never taking a step back, and we're very pleased with our progress."

"I'm pleased with the tire selection, particularly because Michelin performed excellently on this occasion—just as they always do. This time, they provided us with a wider range of effective options, which is fantastic. I'm really satisfied with that."

"I didn't get the chance to test the hard compound front tire, which seemed to make all the other riders quicker, except for Jorge [Martin], who switched to a different option."

Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaro also used it during the time attack and showed impressive speed. Therefore, if the conditions are favorable tomorrow morning, I plan to give it a try. Other than that, everything went well.

Bagnaia was taken aback by the track conditions, as the grip seemed to be reduced even though the temperatures were cooler compared to the Catalan Grand Prix held in May.

Bagnaia expressed his belief that the pace was quicker. He reasoned that the colder conditions typically lead to increased speed and noted that they were using a very soft rear tire.

"Upon beginning my ride this morning, I immediately noticed a change; the grip was reduced. This required adjustments to the bike since the current conditions are substantially different from those in May."

Bagnaia has turned his attention to enhancing his performance in sprints, which he considers his main area of weakness for the year 2024.

"I spent a significant amount of time riding with the Sprint's smaller fuel tank, and my experience was similar to racing on the Sprint. I found it challenging to bring the bike to a stop, much like during the Sprint race."

"We attempted to make some enhancements to the bike and succeeded, which pleases me, but I still require a bit more improvement."

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: "Achieving a podium finish is incredibly challenging"

"It didn't come as a shock; each time I race here, I find it more difficult than normal."

Marc Marquez has minimized expectations of achieving a podium finish for the Gresini team at this weekend's Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP.

Starting from 14th position, the Spanish rider made his way to a podium finish in both races at Catalunya in May, and following this impressive performance, he has claimed victory four times riding the Ducati.

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During Friday's practice session for the season's final race, Marquez recorded the eighth-fastest time. He was the third-fastest rider on a Ducati GP23, trailing behind Marco Bezzecchi, who came in second, and his brother Alex Marquez, who secured the seventh position.

Marquez mentioned that it was expected, as he consistently faces more challenges at the Circuit de Catalunya than elsewhere. He added that he now has additional tasks to work on in order to enhance his performance and feel more comfortable.

"The sole good news today is that we've reached the second quarter and have shown progress from the first practice session to the current one. We'll see if we can make further advancements tomorrow."

"The goal is to aim for a spot near the top five, as achieving a podium finish in this Grand Prix will be extremely challenging."

Marquez admitted that the colder weather appears to be affecting him more than others.

"It was quite an unusual situation," he mentioned. "Everyone has the same experience, but personally, I feel significantly worse than I did in May."

"Determining the boundary was challenging. The front could slip away rapidly. Overexerting the tires could ruin them due to the low temperatures."

"Navigating the situation is quite challenging. However, we have a wide variety of tire choices available. Michelin has performed well, and now we need to determine which option will be most effective for the races."

"Regarding speed, similar to the previous Grand Prix here, I'm not too far behind. I actually feel more comfortable when the tire starts to wear down compared to when it's brand new."

Marquez holds a one-point lead over Enea Bastianini in the competition for third place in the world championship standings. On Friday, the Italian racer faced difficulties and ended up in tenth position.

For the past two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is also closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury problems faced by Marc Marquez.

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Unveiled: Ducati Test Rider Discusses the Significant Challenge Marc Marquez Faces with the GP23

New insights into the obstacles confronting Marc Marquez

Throughout the season, Marc Marquez has bravely competed with Ducati bikes that are not as advanced as those used by the leading pair. The test rider for the manufacturer is able to shed light on the reasons behind this.

This season, Marquez has been riding a Ducati from the previous year with Gresini, which has enabled him to secure race victories. As a result, he has been promoted to the official team for 2025, where he will benefit from having access to the most current motorcycle model.

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However, he has fallen behind Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, as their factory-spec Ducatis outperform the GP23.

During Friday's practice session for the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, Marquez achieved the eighth fastest time. Meanwhile, Michele Pirro, Ducati's test rider and wildcard entry, recorded the 22nd fastest time, making him the ninth Ducati rider on the track.

Pirro is currently on a VR46 GP23, but he will resume his work on developing the GP25 next week, which Marquez will have the opportunity to use in the following year.

Pirro agreed with comments from other GP23 riders, noting that the front of the bike has a noticeably different feel compared to the 2022 model.

Pirro remarked, "Returning to the '23 motorcycle after a lengthy break made for an intriguing day."

"I am returning to ride with faster cyclists because riding solo during a test is a completely different experience."

"The 2024 bike has a few changes, and I'm starting to feel better with it."

"Next week promises to be intriguing as we evaluate the 2025 bike. Conducting tests within the same week is advantageous."

Marco Bezzecchi, who is teaming up with Pirro for the VR46 team this weekend, has expressed concerns that the back of the GP23 causes the front to be pushed outward.

Pirro concurred, stating: "The issue at hand is this: Unlike in previous times, these tires now offer increased grip. As a result, when the motorcycle takes a turn, it exerts more pressure on the front."

"The bike is hard to maneuver, and the front requires additional stability. This behavior is unusual for the 2024 model."

"The issue arises because the latest model of the bike was originally equipped with this tire."

This season, Marquez has outperformed the other three GP23 riders significantly, sparking excitement about his potential performance with Ducati's newest model bike next year as part of their factory team.

This weekend in Barcelona, Pirro is riding a Ducati bike that is a year old for the first time in two and a half years. This experience is giving him a genuine insight into the challenges Marquez has been dealing with throughout the season.

On Friday in Barcelona, Pirro mentioned that he attempted to apply the brakes while keeping the bike straight.

"I maintained the temperature, but the front end slipped right away."

"When I applied the brake, the front end gave out on me. It's incredible. We're pushing the limits in this cold weather."

"It's the final race of the season, and several riders are confident after having spent a year on their bikes."

Overall, this year I sense that my motivation isn't centered around the race itself. My speed is decent, but like this morning, the distance between me and the lead rider isn't very significant.

"However, I find it challenging when the cyclists accelerate."

"When you are taking a test at a steady speed, things go well, but if you rush, it's hard to keep control."

"The upcoming race promises to be exciting due to these factors. Competitors will be pushing their boundaries and closely trailing other riders…"

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Jorge Martin believes that the Barcelona MotoGP track should be resurfaced "to enhance the quality of the event." He emphasized that while the track isn't necessarily dangerous, professional riders are skilled enough to handle it.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is anticipated to have increased speed this weekend, as the Solidarity GP is scheduled for November, which brings cooler temperatures compared to the usual early-summer timing of the Catalan Grand Prix.

The level of grip this weekend has been reported to be inferior compared to what was experienced during the Catalan Grand Prix in May. Jorge Martin has commented that the track requires resurfacing, not due to safety concerns, but to enhance the overall spectacle.

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Martin expressed his belief that there is no consideration or intention to resurface the track, which he described as the worst one on the schedule.

The issue isn't about safety, as we are skilled riders who handle it well and ride at reduced speeds. However, the main problem is that the excitement and competitive edge are diminished due to inadequate grip. Overtaking is nearly impossible, and utilizing the rear tire becomes a challenge, making it tough to navigate. For the benefit of the spectacle and the sport, I believe resurfacing the track would be advantageous.

Martin feels that the Barcelona track is more "risky" to race on at this time of year compared to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Although the Circuit Ricardo Tormo typically hosts the final round, it was not possible this year due to recent flooding in Valencia.

He mentioned that the traction in Valencia is significantly improved, making it a safer environment compared to this location.

“I believe Michelin has done an excellent job by supplying a greater variety of tires, which is particularly beneficial for the time attack. However, it's unusual due to the new circumstances.”

Martin Expresses Unease Despite Strong Performance

Although there was limited traction, Martin successfully maintained a commendable speed, concluding the day in fourth place overall. This was achieved even after he aborted his second attempt at a fast lap due to recovering from a front slide at the fifth turn.

Martin described the day as unusual. He mentioned that despite having the usual amount of time, they needed to test a larger number of tires. This made the day feel chaotic to him, as they had to process a lot of information in a shorter period.

"The timetable was rather packed, yet I prefer to focus on the good aspects. Certainly, there are both pros and cons, but overall, I believe I have a solid performance theoretically: my pace is strong, and my speed is evident; however, I did not perform well during the second stint of the time attack."

"However, my condition has deteriorated somewhat; I feel odd and have a hard time finding traction with the rear tire. Additionally, I'm lacking confidence with the front tire on left-hand turns, so we're currently addressing these issues."

"I believe I've figured out the direction for tomorrow. I understood the path, and I'll trust my intuition when I take it."

During the afternoon, Martin experienced a few close calls, with one being particularly significant.

"We often find ourselves pushing boundaries, especially during a time attack where we're even closer to those limits. I believe I did well in trying to understand the different tire options. I tested all the front tires except for the hard compound, which no one else tried either, and I was the only one who tried the hard compound rear tire. So, I think I gathered valuable information. Although I wasn't always the fastest, I consistently ranked in the top four or five. My goal is to compete for a podium finish, which is a reasonable target for me to stay focused and in the groove. That's what I'll aim for."

Whenever MotoGP races take place in Barcelona, spectators often gather around turn five in anticipation of Martin brushing his left shoulder against the curb, a move that’s considered quite the spectacle.

According to Martin, it's purely a stunning sight and nothing beyond that.

"When I place my hand on the shoulder, it's mostly for effect, to be frank," he mentioned.

"When I'm riding flawlessly and focusing intently, I'm extremely close to the shoulder. However, if I happen to touch the shoulder, it's just a bit of fun and doesn't cause any major issues."

During Friday's session at turn five, Martin's highlight was a remarkable recovery he executed during his last attempt in Practice.

The Pramac Ducati racer clarified that the difficulties stemmed from the intricate nature of the Barcelona circuit. This complexity impacts the electronic configuration of the bike and influences the time it takes to go from turn 10 to turn 5 on a subsequent lap.

"Typically, we create a single map for each track, but in this case, we need to produce a map for every corner, which is wild," explained Martin.

The engine brake, power, and wheelie behavior vary significantly in different situations, making it challenging to manage. We often face difficulties with the rear sliding during braking. Occasionally, the bike comes back and pushes forward, which depends on the specific turn.

"Turn five presents a challenge due to the tires being cooler. As I approached, I was going too fast and attempted to brake later than usual. This caused the rear tire to slide and push forward, leading to the front tire losing grip."

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

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Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez of Tech3 were involved in a frightening incident described as "scary, shit happens" during Friday's practice session. The clash between the teammates resulted in red flags being raised shortly after the session began.

The start of practice for the season-ending Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP event was marked by a dramatic incident. Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez, who are team-mates on the GASGAS Tech3 team, crashed into each other, resulting in the session being temporarily halted with red flags.

Fernandez tried to overtake Acosta on the outside at Turn 5, as Acosta was stuck behind Brad Binder. However, Acosta, a newcomer, didn't realize Fernandez was there, leading to a collision between the two as they exited the turn.

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The two riders fell, causing damage to an air barrier and leading to the session being halted. Luckily, neither was injured, and they were ready to continue when the session resumed.

Fernandez described the experience as unusual, saying it was frightening. However, after a conversation with Pedro, everything turned out fine.

"I wasn't aware of him lifting the bicycle, and he didn't notice me."

The riders ahead were moving slowly as they approached the left turn. I decided to move to the outside, not with the intention of passing or overtaking them, but simply to steer clear.

"I was on the outer track when we collided during the pick-up."

"While it was just an ordinary mishap, it wasn't the best way to kick off the weekend. I also had an accident later in the day, making it quite a challenging day overall."

Acosta, after recovering to secure second place in the morning session, dismissed the occurrence.

"All possible outcomes seemed to occur in this situation," he commented. "We're fine. No one was to blame. It was a mix of different elements. So, just let it go… Sometimes things just go wrong!"

Following closely behind the duo on the track, Marc Marquez quickly maneuvered to avoid the situation and signaled to others by raising his hand.

"It was an unfortunate and hazardous incident," stated the Gresini team rider. "If anyone was at fault, it was Augusto, as I believe Acosta didn't notice him."

"Since they're on the same team, I believe it won't be an issue!"

"The situation was quite unusual as everyone was moving at a very slow pace."

Pirro had an accident at the same turn during the initial lap, causing the other racers to reduce their speed, which led to Augusto feeling hopeful on the outer line.

"In racing, incidents like this occur. Fortunately, they're on the same team, so there's no conflict!"

Acosta ended the day in ninth position, being the sole KTM rider to secure direct entry into Qualifying 2. However, he struggled to feel at ease due to the cold and slick conditions.

Acosta remarked that the traction is identical to what they experienced back in May, but the main issue now is that it's even easier to lose control of the front.

"The lap time did not improve, the spinning increased, and the motion was more pronounced. Because of this, it's challenging to find anything positive to say about the traction."

The reason behind the Catalunya circuit having the "least grip of any track on the calendar" remains unclear.

"It's hard to determine because the surface is free of bumps, cracks, and significant black spots. However, there's a lack of traction," he explained.

"It's rather odd, especially considering that the track was repaved not too long ago."

"There are tracks such as the one in Japan, which have been around for a long time, and they offer good traction."

"It's rather odd to examine. However, it applies equally to everyone."

Acosta stated, "The current issue is deciding on the tire we should choose."

"Even with the typical setup of three front employees and two in the back, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done."

"Picture this scenario: having four fronts and three rears!"

Acosta and Fernandez will be concluding their time with Tech3 in Barcelona this weekend.

Next season, Acosta is set to join the factory KTM team, while Fernandez is anticipated to take on the role of a test rider for Yamaha.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing both the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the unfolding story about Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Maverick Vinales commented on the practice start incident involving Pecco, stating there was "a lot of space." He initially thought he might have made contact when he observed the crash, but upon reviewing the replay, he realized otherwise.

Maverick Vinales maintained that his actions were routine during the practice start incident that led to title contender Francesco Bagnaia's crash after the session ended on Friday morning at the Barcelona MotoGP finale.

Vinales executed a maneuver on the outside to overtake Bagnaia, who was moving slowly, as they approached the braking area of Turn 1.

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Bagnaia was taken by surprise by the maneuver, causing him to squeeze his front brake and subsequently crash, even though there was no physical contact.

Bagnaia admitted, "I shouldn't have reduced my speed so drastically, but when you're approaching at such high speeds, it's natural to move to the inside."

"I began listening to him and figured, 'Alright, he's going to move inward.'"

"As soon as I noticed him approaching rapidly from the outside, near the curb, with the bike swerving, I became frightened and ended up losing control of the front."

Vinales emphasized that the goal of a practice start goes beyond just taking off from the line; it also involves figuring out the right braking point for the first turn.

The Aprilia rider expressed that assigning blame was not important to him. He explained that the purpose of a practice start is to simulate a real start, which involves approaching the first corner with the intent to deactivate the holeshot devices, allowing for late braking.

"I noticed that Pecco was moving very slowly in the center. I'm not sure of the reason. I attempted to steer clear of him by moving to the outside, maintaining a gap of about two bike lengths. I didn't even come particularly close."

Upon witnessing the accident, I thought to myself, 'Perhaps I made contact with him,' though I wasn't certain.

"However, after watching the replay, it was clear there was ample space. It seems he might have been frightened or something similar, as he engaged the front brake and caused the front tire to lock up."

Bagnaia, aiming to erase Jorge Martin's substantial 24-point lead in the championship this weekend, ended Friday afternoon as the fastest, while Vinales secured the sixth position in the rankings.

“We made it to Q2, which is positive,” Vinales remarked. “Sadly, during my final push for a better time, I encountered two yellow flags, preventing me from completing the lap.”

"In my opinion, we are more competitive now than we were in May."

The question remains whether Vinales, who stands as the sole competitor to have beaten the Ducatis in a grand prix race this year with his win at COTA, can challenge them again during this weekend’s last RS-GP event.

"I'm not sure if I can, but I hope so. As usual, if I consider today's lap times, I'd say I'm capable of competing with them. However, we'll have to wait and see how things unfold tomorrow," he remarked. "I can't predict the progress they'll achieve."

Aleix Espargaro, a member of the team, recorded the third quickest time

Peter has spent two decades in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Johann Zarco delivers an impressive performance, securing a spot in the Barcelona MotoGP Q2 with what’s being called “one of the best laps.” He expressed his satisfaction with the afternoon practice session, saying, “I’m pleased with the progress and hope to maintain this momentum…”

On Friday at the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, Johann Zarco secured an impressive fifth place, attributing his success to what he described as "one of the finest laps" of his 2024 season.

This year, Zarco has reached Q2 multiple times, but this was just the third instance he advanced directly from Friday Practice.

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Zarco commented that his performance, which placed him as the fifth-fastest on Friday afternoon, could be among his top laps.

"In my opinion, the lap in Thailand was strong as well, following Marc [Marquez], and there was another impressive one in Aragon, right behind Jorge [Martin]."

"Certainly, it was satisfying to secure a strong lap early on, and during the final attempt, I felt there was room to shave off a few tenths. However, due to some errors, I couldn't enhance my time. Nonetheless, this bodes well for tomorrow."

"We'll monitor the temperature closely since it's challenging to quickly build confidence on the left side. Attempting to push too soon might lead to unexpected issues, and I want to avoid a low-side fall that would waste practice time."

"I'm quite pleased with how the practice session turned out this afternoon, and I hope to continue performing this way."

Zarco's impressive speed over a single lap led him to believe that securing a spot within the top six during qualifying was achievable, despite his performance on worn tires not appearing as robust.

He mentioned that there might be a chance for those in the first two rows, which could be spectacular for tomorrow.

"When the tire wears out, the bike's performance changes significantly. I'm not sure if we'll find a fix by tomorrow, but reaching high speeds and managing the bike is something I enjoy. I hope to do it successfully tomorrow."

The combination of Zarco and the RC213V has seen advancements in both the human and technical aspects since the beginning of the year.

According to Zarco, the bike has improved since our initial visit to Catalunya earlier this year.

"Now, I'm making better use of the bike's strengths, and it's evident that the bike has gotten better."

"Following the Misano event, we made improvements in handling certain fast corners. Now, when trailing behind another rider, it's noticeable that keeping up is at least feasible. At the start of the year, even that wasn't possible."

"Initially, I was concerned that the chilly weather would prevent me from taking full advantage of the bike's strengths. However, this afternoon, as the conditions improved, I found that I could ride quite effectively. I'm really pleased with this outcome because it exceeded my expectations, and it's exactly what I was hoping for."

Mir: Barcelona isn’t the first instance of Zarco showing speed

“It’s not just here,” noted Mir. “He somehow manages to put together a quick lap."

"In my case, it's the aspect I find most challenging due to the issues we face with vibration. Conversely, it's the part where he encounters fewer difficulties."

"We're attempting to grasp the situation. He can accomplish something that we're currently unable to, and each time I make a greater effort, I end up falling."

"We need to realize that this bike comes with a lot of unforeseen issues, which force you to ride in a peculiar manner. For some reason, this seems to suit him well, particularly when using a new tire, but it doesn't work for me in the slightest."

"We need to either enhance the bike or I need to adjust, but right now, I haven't been able to do so."

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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Comparison: Bagnaia and Martin – who is leading before the championship showdown?

A review of lap times on Friday in Barcelona suggests Bagnaia has a slight edge over Martin.

The last time MotoGP raced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it seemed that the championship was leaning towards Jorge Martin. Francesco Bagnaia, the defending champion, crashed out of the sprint while in the lead, which put him 44 points behind Pramac's Jorge Martin.

As the series heads back to the Solidarity GP at the Catalunya track, the championship is still ongoing, with Martin holding a 24-point lead over Bagnaia. Over the 13 rounds that have taken place since the May Catalan GP, the points gap has shifted by only 20.

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A significant reason for this is Bagnaia's achievement of winning 10 grand prix races throughout the season before the last round. However, Martin's unwavering consistency has helped him keep his lead over his teammate from the factory Ducati team.

The two competitors are equally positioned in their quest for the championship, yet they face distinct situations. Martin is seen as the frontrunner, placing the pressure on him to clinch the title. Meanwhile, Bagnaia understands that his best chance to secure a third championship title lies in achieving victory.

On Friday afternoon at the Barcelona circuit, Bagnaia appeared to perform as if following a specific strategy, showing no signs of stress. He set the pace with a lap time of 1 minute and 38.918 seconds, narrowly edging out his competitors by just 0.080 seconds in what turned out to be a closely contested session.

The combination of cooler weather and reduced traction, along with the selection of seven different tire options provided by Michelin due to the last-minute venue switch from Valencia because of severe flooding, resulted in an interesting arrangement on the timesheet.

During the Catalan Grand Prix in May, the sprint race was highly competitive, but Martin believes that the main race will be more spread out. Based on his statement, it seems he doesn't consider Saturday to be the likely day for him to secure the championship, despite only needing to score two more points than Bagnaia.

"There were numerous tire options available, and not many riders completed numerous laps on them," Martin mentioned to the press, which included Crash.net, on Friday in Barcelona. "We'll have to wait and see how things play out during the race. Certainly, everyone is quick with fresh tires. We'll observe what happens in the races. In tomorrow's sprint, many riders are expected to be fast, just like the previous sprint here. However, by Sunday, the gaps will likely widen significantly."

The growing number of competitors near the top of the leaderboard poses more of a challenge for Martin compared to Bagnaia. However, notable racers like Enea Bastianini, currently in 10th place, and Marc Marquez, in eighth, are not considering themselves contenders for a podium finish at this point.

Bagnaia reacted with jubilation after leading the practice session, feeling as though he had successfully cleared the weekend's first significant challenge. His joy was justified, given the close call he experienced with Maverick Vinales towards the conclusion of FP1. Vinales unexpectedly approached Bagnaia at Turn 1 following their practice starts, prompting Bagnaia to apply additional front brake pressure, which led to the front wheel folding under him. The impact from his fall was severe enough that it could have easily caused an injury, potentially cutting his weekend short.

He felt frustrated, yet remained calm, a stark contrast to his competitor's demeanor. Martin, on the other hand, was noticeably upset in his garage as the practice session neared its end. Later, he explained his agitation, attributing it to stress and his inability to locate his crew chief, who was absent from his usual spot when Martin returned for a tire change.

The outburst of arm-waving seemed to have been escalating over time. Martin appeared to be exploring the boundaries and exerting pressure. However, during multiple instances, such as during his final flying lap, he lost control of the front end while navigating a corner.

He ended up in fifth place on the timesheets, which was enough to advance to Q2 without any trouble. He mentioned that "on paper," his performance looks solid and his speed is quite impressive. However, he confessed that he currently feels uneasy on his Pramac-operated GP24. He described feeling "strange," lacking confidence when taking left-hand corners, and noted that the usual grip from the rear tire seemed to be missing.

Not everything is hopeless, but usually, when Bagnaia has a strong start on Friday, it often means difficulties for his competitors throughout the weekend.

Examining the lap times proved challenging because of the varying conditions and the limited number of tyre sets available for testing. Martin completed eight laps using a soft rear tyre, achieving an average lap time of 1 minute and 40.646 seconds. Meanwhile, during a stint of five laps with a hard rear tyre, his average time was 1 minute and 40.401 seconds, after excluding any outlier times.

Bagnaia completed seven laps using a soft rear tire, clocking a time of 1 minute and 40.365 seconds. When equipped with a medium rear tire, he averaged a lap time of 1 minute and 40.510 seconds over five laps.

At this point, Bagnaia holds an advantage in terms of both speed and his connection with the bike. The sprint race on Saturday will serve as a significant challenge for the defending champion. He approaches this event after having fallen during the last Saturday race in Malaysia, needing to overcome the memory of losing an important 12 points in May when he went off the track into the gravel at Turn 5.

With no stakes on the line, Bagnaia has the liberty to approach it as he would any typical sprint. Martin has room for error, but considering Bagnaia's speed during the Catalan GP back in May, losing significant points would only increase the stress on the Pramac racer.

Friday's events at the Solidarity GP demonstrated that, contrary to what the calculations may suggest, the championship race is still very much open and undecided.

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Jack Miller felt a forceful pull into the tire at Sepang, describing the experience as though he was "seized by the core and dragged in."

"I consider myself very fortunate. Truly fortunate."

Following a fortunate avoidance of severe harm during a race-halting event at Sepang, Jack Miller is set to make his comeback in what will be his last MotoGP appearance with KTM, taking place in Barcelona this weekend.

An incident involving Alex Marquez, Brad Binder, and Fabio Quartararo resulted in the Australian rider being ejected from his bike at the first turn of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

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Alarming photos captured Miller ensnared in the back wheel of Quartararo's Yamaha, his helmet being spun around by the tire, followed by his legs being crushed under Joan Mir's Honda.

In his first public comments regarding the event on Thursday, Miller remarked:

"Truthfully, I'm feeling quite positive. It's fortunate that I emerged relatively unscathed from the incident, especially after viewing the photos of my hand entangled in the back tire of Fabio's motorcycle and Joan treating my legs as if they were a ramp!"

"I was fortunate to emerge from it with minimal harm."

I suffered from a severe hangover on Monday, but aside from that, everything else was fairly positive. By Tuesday, I was cycling again, and spending a pleasant weekend at home with my family, enjoying much warmer weather than what we're experiencing here, benefited me greatly.

"I'm prepared to start and aim to conclude my time with KTM on a positive note."

Miller described it as essentially closing your eyes and wishing for a positive outcome amidst these situations.

The saying goes "tuck and roll," yet judging from the photos, it seems there was a bit more rolling involved than tucking, if I'm being completely honest!

"However, there was nothing you could do. I was unaware of the upcoming events. I couldn't foresee the outcome."

"Notice the incredible grip of those Michelin tires. They clung to me so fiercely, it felt like they yanked me by my core, drawing me into the tire, and then somehow managed to loop my head back around through the tire again."

"This offers a subtle hint at the remarkable quality of these tires, showcased by their ability to grasp a helmet, lift it from the ground, and maneuver it effortlessly."

As I've mentioned, it ultimately hinges on fortune above all else. I'm simply grateful to be present without any injuries, looking forward to the weekend with a clear mind.

"I consider myself fortunate. Incredibly fortunate."

The 29-year-old asserted that it won’t preoccupy his thoughts.

"No, it's not a psychological issue. Ultimately, I'm approaching 30. I've been involved in this since I was four and have experienced numerous accidents over the years!

"Thus, you can essentially dismiss it from your thoughts almost immediately after it occurs. Clearly, for us, the priority is to get back on the bike."

"This is the single aspect I truly enjoy. It's the single aspect where I excel, or at least somewhat excel, on certain days, to put it modestly! Therefore, it's fairly straightforward to dismiss it from your thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand."

The concluding event this weekend has been unexpectedly relocated from Valencia to Barcelona as a result of severe flooding.

"Clearly, the situation is somewhat unusual compared to our regular experiences; I've got on a couple of coats and long shorts! However, I'm excited about it. I believe the weather will add an extra element of unpredictability, making the weekend more intriguing," Miller remarked.

"Clearly heartbroken about missing the race in Valencia. My mind is with everyone impacted by the flooding in that area. Watching the footage all week from across the globe, it's heartbreaking to see what those families are enduring. We extend our deepest sympathies to every single person affected.

Hoping this weekend offers a chance for a 50-minute escape from current troubles, allowing them to immerse in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of thrilling races.

"It's great to be back in the racing scene, especially being in this part of the world which is pretty much the heartland of MotoGP, and just a short distance from our usual spot. It feels good to return, and I'm looking forward to what promises to be an intriguing weekend."

The chilly weather has led Michelin to provide an exceptional selection of seven distinct tyre choices.

"Miller noted that although there are seven tires available, he doubts they're all fit for use. He pointed out that the H tyre at the front is on the edge of being viable for the race weekend, mentioning it requires three laps to begin functioning on the left side during the summer visits. Therefore, he believes it's unlikely this tire will be mounted on a wheel, considering it more of a spare than a primary option."

"However, the remaining tires appear to be in fairly decent condition. Ultimately, Valencia shares a similar characteristic, with a predominance of left-hand turns before switching to the right, in contrast to the numerous right-hand turns leading into the left."

"I believe they have the capability to construct the tire to match our needs, and we should be in a good position regarding that aspect."

Clearly, they've arrived with various alternatives due to their uncertainty regarding the weather conditions. Despite the brief period they had to prepare, it seems they've managed well by selecting a tire they believe will be appropriate for this circuit.

"We'll observe the traction conditions. Typically, at this location, track temperatures exceed 60°, but during the weekend, we might experience lows of around 6°. It will be fascinating to witness the performance of the rear tire under these conditions."

"I've previously taken the Panigale for a spin here earlier this year. Typically, the traction improves when the weather is cooler around this area, since temperature tends to affect grip in these extensive, hard-accelerating turns."

"I believe we're going to witness some exceptionally quick lap times over the course of the weekend."

Miller ranks 14th in the global championship, holding a 13-point advantage over his soon-to-be teammate at Pramac Yamaha, Miguel Oliveira.

Miller and Oliveira are set to pilot an M1 for the inaugural time during the Tuesday trials.

Over two decades, Peter has witnessed the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi from the racing scene. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with injuries.

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Pedro Acosta lamented, "I threw away points, I messed everything up!"

"This season, we contended for numerous victories, but I messed everything up!"

Pedro Acosta has expressed regret over squandering points due to "foolish accidents" during his debut season.

Acosta has notably made a significant impact in his debut season in the premier MotoGP series, competing under the Tech3 GASGAS team banner.

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The current Moto2 titleholder, who was just a teenager at the beginning of the year, is ranked fifth in the championship standings as we approach the season's last race in Barcelona this weekend.

Should Acosta maintain his trio of points advantage against KTM colleague Brad Binder, he's poised to end as the leading rider outside of the Ducati lineup.

"Acosta remarked, 'It's not incredibly significant, yet considering all the errors made throughout the season, it's astonishing I'm still in fifth place.'"

Ending the season on a high note with positive outcomes is crucial.

"We achieved numerous victories this season, but I messed everything up!"

"The capability to strive for victories existed. The chance was within reach; it wasn't a figment of my imagination.

"Over the last few races, we've seen enhancements in our performance. I've experimented with the fairings. Despite having limited information, I managed to secure a spot in the top five, which is certainly a good sign."

"This weekend, I plan to [avoid testing any new components]."

Acosta exhaled deeply, "Every error I committed, every opportunity I discarded, every foolish collision, the attempts I had to make…"

Following two initial top-three finishes, Jorge Lorenzo was among those who forecasted that Acosta would secure a grand prix victory during his first year.

Acosta hasn't lived up to the expectations set for him, experiencing some difficulties with his KTM. However, his achievement of securing five podium finishes on Sundays is noteworthy.

He concludes his inaugural season with the anticipation of advancing to the factory KTM team.

"Feeling emotional? It's quite natural. I'm thrilled to be in the last race, battling for a position in the top five of the championship," he expressed.

"We are pleased with the figures and the outcomes, but it still falls short."

"Wrapping up one season and then kicking off a new one on Tuesday with the factory team? I'm incredibly excited, as it's an opportunity you've always dreamed of."

"The day is approaching more quickly than I anticipated."

"I'm excited to end the season on a high note."

Acosta pledged to stay neutral in the championship showdown between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

"I certainly don't want to, as I have other significant tasks to attend to," he expressed.

"I'm not interested in taking on this character. It doesn't feel fair."

"When there's a conflict involving two parties, then those two should engage in the confrontation."

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Maverick Vinales gifts championship Moto3 motorcycle to Valencia charity auction

"Securing my championship with this motorcycle was a unique experience. However, it's more important to support those in need."

Maverick Vinales, set to participate in his last MotoGP race for Aprilia this weekend, has contributed his Moto3 championship-winning motorcycle to a charity auction to support the victims of the floods in Valencia.

The catastrophic floods have forced MotoGP to shift its season-ending event from Valencia to Barcelona this weekend, incorporating an online auction as part of its fundraising efforts.

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In 2013, Vinales captured his inaugural, and to date, singular world championship in the Moto3 category. However, his commitment to aiding those affected by the tragedy in Valencia surpasses his sentimental connection to the KTM RC250GP motorcycle.

"Vinales remarked on the importance of mutual support among people, questioning, 'If we don't assist one another, who will?' This statement came just before the start of the weekend's renamed 'Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP' final event."

For several years now, I've made an effort to lead a life that's less focused on material possessions and more attuned to emotional experiences. In doing so, I've realized that, while I do have a unique connection to this bike due to the championship I won with it, it's important to recognize the greater need to assist others.

"Several acquaintances visited Valencia to offer their assistance and have reported that the situation is extremely dire. It appears that the severity of the circumstances hasn't been fully captured by media coverage, according to their accounts, indicating that the reality is much worse than portrayed."

"Thus, any support we can offer is beneficial. If a supporter is willing to contribute by purchasing this motorcycle for a substantial amount, I'm genuinely pleased that the funds will reach those in need."

Vinales is set to make a comeback to riding a KTM in the upcoming season, marking his first time since 2013, by transitioning to the Tech3 squad.

Currently, the sole competitor who has triumphed over Ducati in a grand prix this year holds a slim possibility of surpassing KTM racers Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta to secure the fifth position in the world championship standings.

"Vinales expressed his desire to end the season positively," he remarked. "We're still in contention for positions 5 through 8 in the championship, so surpassing a few KTMs would be great."

"Clearly, I'm thrilled about making my debut with KTM next week. It's a fresh journey, a completely new bike experience."

Despite achieving two consecutive wins at COTA and an earlier Sprint win at Portimao, Vinales has frequently expressed that the 2024 Aprilia feels significantly different from the 2023 version that excelled in last year's Catalunya race.

He mentioned, "Clearly, the 23 bike is well-suited for tracks like Montmelo, Silverstone, Assen."

This year, the primary concern was notably the engine brake.

"I'm really optimistic and driven. It's a solid challenge. Returning to the same circuit always presents a challenge, and we've consistently improved our speed the second visit to any track."

During MotoGP's trip to Catalunya in May, Vinales secured the 8th and 12th positions, while his team-mate Aleix Espargaro achieved pole position, clinched victory in the Sprint, and placed fourth in the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the racing circuit, 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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Fabio Quartararo believes cooler weather will favor Yamaha, yet holds no assumptions for the Barcelona MotoGP outcome.

"Given the cooler conditions, we stand to gain, as the track grip is notably minimal…"

The MotoGP championship for 2024 is set to conclude in Barcelona this weekend, and Fabio Quartararo believes that cooler weather could prove advantageous for Yamaha.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last hosted a MotoGP race during this year's Catalan Grand Prix, which took place from May 24th to 26th.

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At the time of the Grand Prix, the surrounding air temperature measured 26°C, while the surface of the track reached a scorching 47°C. This coming weekend, though, it appears doubtful that the air temperature will surpass 20°C.

The reduction in temperature is expected to enhance the traction on the racecourse, which is vital at Barcelona where the track is famously slippery.

"Fabio Quartararo, who secured the 17th spot in the qualifications back in May, expressed uncertainty about the upcoming weekend, noting Yamaha's particularly dismal performance under the challenging conditions of heat and limited traction."

"This weekend, the genuine aim is to make it into Q2 from the Practice rounds, and then assess our progress. Given the cooler conditions, we anticipate an advantage for us since the track grip is notably low."

"Currently, the outcomes aren't ideal for us, but Tuesday will be a crucial day to determine whether we've truly made progress or not."

Quartararo mentioned he anticipates the cooler weather in November, as opposed to the warmer conditions during the Catalan Grand Prix in May, to be beneficial for Yamaha's showing.

"In our view, it's going to be an improvement because as temperatures rise, there's a significant shift in the track's grip level. Essentially, the grip decreases substantially, leading to noticeably slower lap times," he explained.

"In 2020, we competed under extremely cold conditions, which surprisingly didn't adversely affect us too much. I believe it's crucial for us to pay attention to the front tire, as that's the one we'll likely have the most difficulty heating up, particularly in the morning. Overall, I feel the situation has improved somewhat."

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

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