Editorial: MotoGP Could Benefit from Welcoming F1 Icon Lewis Hamilton if KTM Investment Materializes

Lewis Duncan of Crash.net suggests that MotoGP should be enthusiastic about the possibility of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton investing in KTM.

The past month has been quite challenging for MotoGP. KTM is facing increasingly severe financial difficulties, and the European Union's investigation into Liberty Media's acquisition due to concerns about a broadcasting rights monopoly has been postponed, possibly until May. These developments have cast doubt on what was once seen as a promising future for the series.

Both MotoGP and Liberty remain optimistic that the sale will eventually receive approval, though the issue with KTM is significant.

The Austrian company, facing declining sales after a surge in production, is reportedly over €3 billion in debt. During a creditors' meeting in Austria held before Christmas, it was revealed that the company owes €1.8 billion to banks. In an attempt to avoid bankruptcy, KTM has opted for self-administration.

Following the first meeting with creditors, the firm has received permission to keep running as it currently does. However, a segment of the report revealed that there are intentions to withdraw from MotoGP, along with Moto2 and Moto3.

The term "planned" can be quite ambiguous. Just as many people have 'plans' to start rigorous workout routines when the new year rolls around, it doesn't always mean those 'plans' will come to fruition. Similarly, while KTM might eventually need to leave MotoGP, this won't occur in 2025. In fact, the company firmly declared in a statement released before Christmas that it will definitely be participating in the races next year.

In an announcement shared with the media after the creditors' meeting, KTM stated, "We have reached a significant day with the approval of our restructuring process. This achievement ensures our strategy for the future, and we are pleased to affirm that motorsport continues to be a key element of this plan."

KTM remains dedicated to the world of motorsports. To reaffirm our position for the year 2025, we announce that our participation in MotoGP will persist. The positive developments today have invigorated us, and we extend our gratitude for your ongoing support.

At the end of the year, KTM conducted a private test session at Jerez in early January, amidst media speculation that the company might halt its development for the 2025 season due to financial challenges. As the 2025 season approaches, this potential pause might not be as severe as it seems, assuming the rumors are accurate. However, KTM has not yet verified these claims.

Engine development for all manufacturers except those given special allowances will be halted from the beginning of the 2025 season. This measure aims to control expenses as companies work on their 2027 models with 850cc engines. Although there will still be areas of development available for motorcycles, most manufacturers, excluding the Japanese brands, are unlikely to allocate the same level of resources to their existing models. If KTM gets off to a strong start with its 2025 RC16 – and testing in the latter part of 2024 indicates an improved motorcycle – then it shouldn't face significant disadvantages. It's also possible that 2025 budgets had been finalized even before KTM's financial challenges became more severe.

Certainly, it seems challenging for KTM to join the 2027 lineup with an entirely new motorcycle given its present circumstances.

During the creditors' meeting, it was disclosed that multiple entities have shown interest in investing in the company, collectively offering up to €700 million. Additionally, Pit Beirer, the head of motorsport at KTM, shared some fascinating insights regarding this matter.

Beirer mentioned to Speedweek that they engaged in quite engaging talks with the team representing Lewis Hamilton, the renowned seven-time Formula 1 world champion.

It's well-known that Lewis Hamilton has a keen interest in MotoGP and is considering the idea of having his own team. Discussions on this matter are reportedly taking place.

Hamilton has a deep passion for motorcycles. As an avid MotoGP enthusiast, he had the opportunity to exchange rides with Valentino Rossi at the close of 2019, experiencing the thrill of riding a Yamaha M1 for the first time. Earlier in the same year, Hamilton participated in a Yamaha track day event on an R1. During both occasions, he not only showcased his impressive riding skills but also stood out for his attitude and approach.

Significantly, Hamilton has proven to be a savvy entrepreneur. While cementing his status as a motorsport icon and becoming one of the rare figures in the racing world to achieve mainstream recognition, Hamilton has also broadened his business ventures.

This includes his involvement in sports, as he became a part-owner of the Denver Broncos NFL team in 2022. Additionally, he has ownership of a team in the Extreme E series.

At the beginning of the year, speculation surfaced suggesting that Hamilton was interested in purchasing the Gresini team in MotoGP. These rumors ultimately did not materialize into any action. However, Hamilton did show a desire to participate in MotoGP, an interest that was heightened by Liberty's planned, yet currently paused, acquisition of the series.

During an investors' call this past summer, Greg Maffei, the outgoing CEO of Liberty, mentioned that as soon as they made the announcement, individuals began contacting them expressing interest in purchasing a team. Among those interested was Lewis Hamilton.

"Why? It's because they observed the developments in Formula 1 and wish to emulate them. Several major distributors reached out expressing their desire to participate, but I had to inform them that we cannot discuss details until we receive approval from the EU. We are eager to engage in discussions once that approval is granted."

Liberty has expressed its intention to expand the presence of MotoGP in the United States. Since taking control from Bernie Ecclestone's CVC Capital in 2017, Liberty has notably succeeded in increasing Formula 1's popularity in the US. The country now hosts three F1 races, TV viewership has improved, and a significant Hollywood movie featuring Brad Pitt is scheduled to premiere next year.

MotoGP aspires to achieve the level of success that Formula 1 has experienced under Liberty's management.

Many believe that bringing Hamilton on board as a major investor in KTM could be a crucial move for MotoGP. Should Liberty's acquisition receive regulatory approval, this strategy might help MotoGP make a significant breakthrough into the mainstream, similar to the success F1 has achieved.

At the beginning of the 2024 season, Hamilton was the driver with the largest social media following. He has more than 38 million followers. Following him is Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, who is set to join Hamilton as a teammate, with 17.4 million followers. In the realm of MotoGP, the 2024 world champion, Jorge Martin, has 1.1 million followers, while Marc Marquez tops the MotoGP social media list with 7.3 million followers. Valentino Rossi still holds the title for the most substantial MotoGP presence on Instagram, boasting 16.2 million followers.

Hamilton has built a respectable fan base in the United States, considering the norms of motorsport, where he resides for a portion of the year.

Before joining Ferrari, it has been reported that Hamilton is set to collaborate with the energy drink brand Celsius, marking the conclusion of his extensive partnership with Monster Energy. Meanwhile, KTM is prominently backed by Red Bull as the main sponsor for both of its MotoGP teams. Although this resolves one potential conflict, Beirer highlighted that there is a distinction between investing and sponsoring, suggesting that energy drink companies will not necessarily impede a possible investment by Hamilton.

If Lewis Hamilton decides to collaborate with KTM, MotoGP could greatly gain from much-needed efforts to increase diversity within the sport. Hamilton has been an active proponent of transformation, having established the Hamilton Commission in 2020 to create more opportunities for black individuals in the engineering sector.

One motivation behind his decision to become a part-owner of the Broncos was to advocate for increased black ownership in the NFL, which was only 12.5% when he made his investment.

In 2020, when Hamilton spearheaded efforts to promote diversity in Formula 1, MotoGP remained quiet. In the years that followed, although MotoGP never actively deterred participation, it also did not make significant strides toward fostering inclusivity.

Following the establishment of the Hamilton Commission, Mission 44 was launched as a charitable organization. Its goal is to support individuals from underrepresented communities by providing them with more inclusive educational experiences and enhancing their career prospects.

MotoGP demonstrates its capacity to connect with global events, as evidenced by its efforts to aid flood relief in Valencia. Hamilton serves as the prominent leader who can guide it towards a positive path.

The outcome of KTM's circumstances will ultimately benefit MotoGP, regardless of what unfolds. Following Suzuki's departure at the conclusion of 2022, the racing series is in no position to risk losing another manufacturer. Additionally, many individuals' jobs are reliant on KTM's participation in grand prix racing events.

However, should the remedy somehow turn out to be Hamilton's investment, his participation could significantly elevate MotoGP in ways that might surpass even what Liberty Media could achieve.

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Marc Marquez unveils significant insight about Jorge Lorenzo in MotoGP

A new DAZN documentary focusing on Ducati discloses a fascinating detail

In a recent Ducati documentary, Marc Marquez disclosed that he advised Honda to bring Jorge Lorenzo on board in an effort to prevent the Italian manufacturer from triumphing over them in MotoGP.

Lorenzo, who has won the MotoGP world championship three times, surprised many by switching to the factory Ducati team at the close of 2016, after dedicating his career to Yamaha until then.

During that period, Ducati was in the process of regaining its leading position and had only recently begun to secure victories again in 2016, just as Lorenzo signed on for the next season.

In his debut year with Ducati, Lorenzo managed to secure just three podium finishes, while his teammate Andrea Dovizioso rose to the challenge and competed against Marquez for the championship title.

In a fresh DAZN documentary called "La vida en rojo," which focuses on Ducati, Marquez, who had already secured three championship titles by 2017, disclosed an interesting detail: "When Lorenzo joined Ducati, I told Honda, 'They have made it.'"

"I suggested that the smartest move would be to bring Lorenzo over to Honda. If this doesn't happen, another competitor from a different team might surpass you, because Lorenzo is a five-time world champion."

Lorenzo had a sluggish beginning to the 2018 season, not managing to break into the top 10 until the fifth race in France. By then, Ducati had already chosen to end their contract with him, despite their significant investment, for the 2019 season.

However, only a few weeks after deciding to swap Lorenzo for Danilo Petrucci, the Spanish rider secured his inaugural victory with Ducati in Italy.

He supported this achievement in the next event in Barcelona and then secured a third win in Austria.

An injury sustained during the Aragon Grand Prix disrupted Lorenzo's momentum, leading to a disappointing end to his season. After his victory in Austria, he managed to earn points just one more time, finishing 12th at the final race in

Honda took Marquez's advice and brought Lorenzo on board for the 2019 season.

However, the decision turned out to be unfortunate for Lorenzo, as he found it challenging to adjust to the RC213V.

Two major accidents during the Barcelona test and practice sessions at Assen, where he sustained a back injury, ultimately influenced his choice to retire from MotoGP at the conclusion of 2019.

Before retiring, Lorenzo did not manage to secure a top 10 position while riding for Honda, a decision he made public during the last race of the 2019 season.

In the middle of the year, Ducati considered the possibility of having Lorenzo return to join Pramac for the 2019 season, but this plan did not materialize.

Marquez will become part of the official Ducati team next year, moving to a Desmosedici for the 2024 season with Gresini. This follows several challenging years riding a Honda, during which the six-time MotoGP world champion secured three grand prix wins.

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Francesco Bagnaia is open to the possibility of facing off against his former championship competitor in the 2025 MotoGP season. The two-time MotoGP world champion is already anticipating the challenges and races that lie ahead in 2025.

Francesco Bagnaia, who has won the MotoGP world championship twice, suggests that he is open to the possibility of competing against Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo for the lead in 2025.

Next season, Bagnaia will continue with the official Ducati team, but unlike previous years since 2022, he will not begin the new series as the reigning champion.

Despite securing victory in 11 grand prix races last season, Bagnaia ultimately fell short by 10 points against Jorge Martin, who is leaving his position with Pramac Ducati.

In the coming year, Bagnaia will encounter his most difficult test to date as he competes with Marc Marquez, who will join him in the factory Ducati team with the same equipment.

During an appearance on Andrea Migno's podcast, a fellow member of the VR46 Academy, Bagnaia mentioned that he expects to have many individual races against Marquez.

Nevertheless, he also identified an unexpected individual he expects might give him trouble.

He expressed that his upcoming objective is to secure three world titles in MotoGP.

"What can we expect in 2025? Ducati is anticipated to be the leading motorcycle, although they will have one fewer factory bike."

"I anticipate numerous races where it will just be me and Marquez competing head-to-head. However, Aprilia has introduced a new pair of riders, Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, while KTM has the talents of Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder to rely on."

"I wouldn't dismiss Quartararo as a contender because Yamaha is making progress."

In the 2022 championship, Bagnaia and Quartararo were the main contenders. Bagnaia managed to erase a 91-point gap midway through the season when Yamaha's performance began to decline.

In 2024, Yamaha experienced its most challenging season in recent history, failing to secure any podium finishes for the first time, marking its second year in a row without a victory.

The team managed to secure only 124 points in the constructors' championship, a decrease from the 196 points it achieved in 2023. However, ongoing improvements to the M1 allowed them to finish the 2024 season on a more positive note, as Quartararo achieved his best result of the year by finishing sixth in Malaysia.

Quartararo was easily the highest-ranked rider from a Japanese manufacturer, finishing in 13th place and 58 points ahead of LCR's Johann Zarco.

Fabio Quartararo will stay with Yamaha through 2026. He has commended the company for its shift in approach toward motorcycle development, highlighting it as the most significant advancement they've achieved this year.

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Ducati's unexpected contender describes the less-than-stellar aspects of his MotoGP experience to date. Di Giannantonio is set to work with his fourth different crew chief over the span of four years by 2025.

Fabio Di Giannantonio, a MotoGP racer for VR46 Ducati, has expressed that having to collaborate with a fourth different crew chief in four years by 2025 is "not fantastic."

In 2022, Di Giannantonio entered the top motorcycle racing category, joining the Gresini team and collaborating with first-year crew chief Donatello Giovanotti.

In 2023, Di Giannantonio teamed up with Frankie Carchedi, a crew chief with world championship experience. This collaboration was crucial for the Italian rider, enabling him to achieve his first grand prix victory.

Explore further: Discover the MotoGP crew chiefs for the 2025 season.

In 2024, Di Giannantonio was given a new opportunity by VR46 and teamed up with David Munoz, who used to be Valentino Rossi's crew chief. Meanwhile, Carchedi stayed with Gresini alongside Marc Marquez.

In 2025, as Di Giannantonio joins the VR46 team to ride a factory Ducati, he will collaborate with Massimo Branchini, who served as Franco Morbidelli's crew chief at Pramac during this year's season.

He mentioned that frequently switching crew chiefs, having gone through more than four in recent years, isn't ideal for a career.

"I've had two crew chiefs in Moto2 and I'll have had four in MotoGP. That means I've gone through six crew chiefs in just five years, which isn't ideal."

"I believe my new team will be fantastic as well, especially since my electronics specialist recently helped Jorge Martin become a world champion."

"Massimo Branchini deserves a great deal of praise from me for his outstanding work in Moto2, and he also did an excellent job in MotoGP with Franky."

"I have always aspired to collaborate with him, and I believe our team will be robust this time around."

"A two-year contract has been signed, which means I'll be collaborating with the same team and staff over that period. This represents a significant advancement in my career, as it allows me to follow a consistent path for two years."

"This is going to be excellent."

According to Di Giannantonio, having the same crew chief over time enhances a rider's ability to grasp the nuances of a bike each year. He points out that this consistency has significantly contributed to Francesco Bagnaia reaching his current level of performance.

He mentioned that it's beneficial to start the new year with the same motorcycle and team, as it allows you to assess your performance from the previous year and see how much progress has been made.

"If you don't, you'll always have to begin from scratch, as you'll be unaware of the purpose behind a change and could overlook important details."

Currently, Pecco is performing exceptionally well, not only due to his remarkable skills as a rider but also because he has consistently worked with the same team and used the same motorcycle for several years.

"Ultimately, having the same bike and setup for several years allows you to focus on fine-tuning details, leading to greater improvements than if you frequently altered many components."

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Morbidelli expresses the immense "honor" and "challenge" associated with competing for Valentino Rossi's VR46 MotoGP squad, noting that being part of the team "raises expectations significantly."

Franco Morbidelli acknowledges an increased level of pressure as he takes over Valentino Rossi's MotoGP spot in 2025, yet he expresses immense pride in the opportunity.

At 29 years old, he stands out as a prominent figure in the VR46 Academy, marking significant milestones as the academy's initial world champion in Moto2 during 2017 and achieving its first MotoGP race win at the San Marino GP in 2020.

Before joining VR46 Ducati for the 2025 season, Morbidelli had not previously competed under MotoGP star Rossi's squad.

The Italian rider marked his first appearance with the squad on the GP24 during the 2024 season campaign with Pramac, participating in the post-season test in Barcelona, where he finished seventh following 52 laps.

Familiar with the team dynamics, Morbidelli noted post-test that they must leverage the unique synergy among them to come together effectively.

Competing under Rossi's banner carries a distinctive kind of stress for an Italian racer, yet Morbidelli is welcoming this challenge.

"He expressed that it brings him immense pride and also adds an additional layer of pressure."

"Being a part of Valentino Rossi's squad raises expectations significantly, in my view, and we aim to fulfill those aspirations moving forward."

"I maintain steadiness, as the bicycle remains consistent. The individuals in my surroundings shift, yet I am familiar with them too. So, it's a transformation, albeit not a significant one."

In 2024, Morbidelli's transition to Ducati, racing for Pramac, marked his comeback as a regular contender for the top 10, following a challenging two-year stint with Yamaha's factory team.

He secured a spot on the podium during the San Marino GP sprint but faced challenges keeping pace with the other GP24 competitors throughout the season.

Reflecting on 2024, he shared, "I'll look back on the progress we achieved at each session, every weekend, every moment we realized there was something beyond what we had in the prior grand prix.

"This year has been a wonderful journey to witness and live through."

"We've climbed to the peak of our group. There's just one final step to go, but we've made significant progress."

Morbidelli's preparations for the season were impacted by a head injury he sustained during a training mishap in Portimao.

He was absent for the entire duration of winter testing, and later in the year, he confessed to experiencing a two-week period of amnesia following the accident.

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Pursuing Shadows: Video Analysis in MotoGP

"Identifying the precise points of advantage or disadvantage, measuring the distance gained or lost, is the ultimate goal for every racer and their lead engineer."

In the most recent edition of the official MotoGP publication, GPMag, Peter Bom, a data acquisition expert and ex-crew chief for Moto3 and Moto2 world champions, delves into the clandestine realm of videometry.

The individual from the Netherlands describes how teams have historically utilized TV broadcasts accessible to the public to improve their performance. This practice has advanced to the point where images are layered or a 'ghost mode' is used to depict two cyclists on the same part of the track simultaneously.

Bom notes that within the MotoGP paddock, the implementation of the 'ghost' feature is referred to as 'videometry'.

Every team now has dedicated videographers who capture footage from key locations around the track.

The focus is on highlighting the distinction between their cyclists and those from rival teams, especially emphasizing the speed of riders using different bike brands.

Leveraging advanced software, two video feeds are accurately aligned. This allows riders and their support teams to pinpoint the specific differences in their rider's performance at certain sections of a turn (during braking, the middle of the turn, and upon acceleration) when compared to, for instance, the quickest rider on the circuit.

"Every rider and chief engineer dreams of precisely identifying the discrepancies and quantifying the distance in terms of meters lost or gained."

Bom subsequently unveils that integrating video footage with the squad's telemetry information aids in optimizing motorcycle configurations. Meanwhile, ex-Grand Prix competitor, World Supersport titleholder, and victor in WorldSBK races, Chaz Davies, shares his utilization of videometry in his role as a rider mentor for Ducati.

However, the most astonishing revelation comes when Bom demonstrates the ability to obtain telemetry information for a competing vehicle solely through the use of video and audio recordings aired by Dorna.

"Bom notes that experts are able to transform these in-vehicle recordings into data, which can then be examined using the existing software that teams and manufacturers currently employ for their data analysis."

"The technician who provided me with this backstage insight mentioned that it wouldn't shock him if some of the existing MotoGP producers were currently engaging in this video-to-data translation."

To demonstrate its effectiveness, Bom presents telemetry data on gear selection, RPM, velocity, braking, and throttle position, all derived from video of Francesco Bagnaia's leading lap at Assen!

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

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Communication Devices in MotoGP – A Risky Novelty or a Crucial Advancement?

Insights Surface on the Utilization of Communication Devices During the Barcelona Trial

In early November, MotoGP conducted further experiments with radio communication in Barcelona, where Ducati's Michele Pirro was the first to showcase a bi-directional system.

During the testing session following the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, Ducati's test rider, Pirro, and the team's principal, Davide Tardozzi, were observed exchanging messages through a walkie-talkie.

MotoGP has been exploring radio communication for some time now, initially experimenting with a system that allows for one-way communication, enabling the broadcast of pre-set messages from race control to riders during the race.

Crash.net discovered during the post-season test in Barcelona that all messages from the race direction had been comprehensively documented. Additionally, discussions were in progress to broaden the scope of recorded messages to encompass the notifications sent to riders' dashboards, like alerts regarding track boundaries.

This could have been advantageous for the 2024 world champion Jorge Martin during the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. A notification about exceeding track boundaries caught his attention during a series of quick turns at the rear of the Misano circuit, resulting in an error at Turn 13. This error allowed Francesco Bagnaia to overtake him and ultimately secure the win.

Pirro has served as a test subject for Dorna in their exploration of radio systems, thus becoming the most adept with the technologies under examination. For Pirro, this progression mirrors the ongoing advancements observed in motorcycle development over time.

"He mentioned in Barcelona that they have been conducting trials on the system for some time. "In today's session, we spent the entire day testing. It reminds me of the early stages of bike development; we're at the start of our journey and we'll use the upcoming year to further our research and enhance this system with a solid database," he explained.

"I believe this development holds potential significance for the future, and I'm pleased to have played a part in these recent months. Today, our goal was to gather as much data as we could. Starting in 2026, this will become compulsory, making it crucial for us to be well-prepared."

Pirro's statement regarding the compulsory implementation of radios by 2026 has yet to receive formal verification.

Crash recognizes that advancements in radio technology within racing are expected to progress through 2025, yet there won't be a mandatory rollout at the races at this stage. Riders interested in experimenting with a system, which is anticipated to initially be a one-way system delivering pre-recorded messages, followed by a potential future upgrade to a two-way communication system linking riders with race officials, can do so on a voluntary basis. Any adoption of this technology must receive unanimous consent from the riders, with the main concern at present being its impact on safety.

Riders such as Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Vinales have shown interest in implementing radios after testing the one-way communication system. However, some believe that the one-way system still needs improvement, not to mention the idea of introducing two-way communication.

Francesco Bagnaia, speaking in Barcelona, expressed his frustration, stating, "I tried it out, but it's not yet fit for use. During my trial, it failed to function properly. I couldn't make out any sound, and frankly, it was somewhat bothersome. Additionally, the connecting cable is overly large, posing a potential hazard. Therefore, it's not up to par, and I plan to give it another go once it's been refined."

Bagnaia has made it clear that he opposes the introduction of radios. He voiced his opinion following the San Marino GP, stating his disapproval by saying, "I'm not in favour" and arguing that "we already have every input possible around the track, on the pitboard and on our dashboard."

For Pirro, however, he is of the opinion that riders will simply need to acclimate to whichever radio system is implemented.

Referring to the dual-direction system, he mentioned, "I had previously experimented with the single-direction system in different trials. This time, I gave the dual-direction system a go. It's a novel concept, unfamiliar at first, but in my opinion, it's all about acclimating to it.

"It's evident that it was a trial, and they kept communicating with me throughout, which wasn't ideal. However, when there are crucial updates or adjustments needed on the motorcycle, you can anticipate potential issues before heading back to the pit. Regardless, I view it as a promising area for development, especially since we're just getting started. There's still time."

As the development of the initial systems for enhancing safety progresses, MotoGP's endgame is to establish continuous ship-to-shore communication between the riders and their teams, similar to the setup in Formula 1. This addition is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to live broadcasts. Should Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP receive approval by the year's end, the new proprietors are anticipated to eagerly advance this initiative as part of their expansion strategy.

The discussion on whether MotoGP should incorporate radios dives into the heart of the sport's authenticity. At the Misano event in September, Marc Marquez shared his perspective, acknowledging their potential to enhance the spectacle but questioning their alignment with the core spirit of MotoGP.

A significant portion of the hesitation from social media and the media regarding introducing radios in MotoGP stems from concerns that it might make it resemble Formula 1 too closely. Although part of this apprehension is due to a lack of openness to change, the introduction of radio communications has somewhat diminished the perception of F1 drivers as the world's elite. Looking at it from a strict sports perspective, is there really a desire to listen to drivers grumble to their teams whenever they face a minor setback in a race?

Radios diminish the reliance on drivers' intuition. When faced with unpredictable weather conditions, drivers are continuously informed about the impending rain and its intensity. The choice to pit is usually made based on the insights of team strategists who monitor the lap times of competing cars. Rarely do drivers nowadays make on-the-spot, risky decisions.

Could this extend to such lengths in MotoGP?

Implementing a unilateral communication system for race control alerts is a positive move towards enhancing safety measures. This approach is already utilized in the World Endurance Championship, enabling race officials to notify drivers about upcoming Virtual Safety Cars. Naturally, the experience of getting these messages while sitting in a car versus being hunched over on a motorcycle varies significantly. Moreover, riders have voiced the need for a mechanism that allows them to alert race control about potential hazards that may justify a red flag. In this context, adopting a two-way radio system appears to be a logical solution.

The capability of teams to communicate with their riders, and the riders to communicate back, will transform MotoGP.

With the implementation of this system, Jorge Martin's tactical misstep during the San Marino GP, under flag-to-flag conditions, might have been avoided, as his Pramac team could have informed him that the rainfall was merely short-lived.

Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini probably wouldn't have paid attention to any communications from their crew, understanding that the distinctive scent from the Misano track would have signaled whether it was time to switch motorcycles due to wet conditions. However, ultimately, it was Martin who was in the saddle, and had he deemed it too dangerous to delay for the rain to lighten, he would have opted to pit regardless.

Certainly, team leaders might attempt to guide cyclists, advising them on areas for speed improvement, for instance. However, they lack the physical experience of being on the motorcycle, which significantly reduces the likelihood of their advice being heeded.

In a scenario where two-way radios were commonplace, Honda's miscalculations during the 2013 Australian Grand Prix would probably have persisted, resulting in Marc Marquez not pitting to switch bikes at the required time for tyre safety, ultimately still resulting in his disqualification.

F1 racers often respond with irritation when their engineers communicate with them during high-pressure situations. Considering that a MotoGP race is typically shorter and doesn't usually feature the same level of separation between competitors as seen in an F1 grand prix, it's a common occurrence for riders to request complete silence from their teams throughout the race.

MotoGP might actually benefit from the absence of radio communication. However, as is often the case, changes evolve over time and the actual effect on the races might not be as significant as the pessimists currently suggest.

Initially, there was significant doubt about the introduction of sprint races, yet they've seamlessly integrated into the norm. Similarly, MotoGP's updated emblem will soon be widely accepted. Moreover, once the use of radios becomes common, the initial uproar will swiftly subside, as is the case with such developments eventually.

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Cyclist receives a 17-hour penalty for FaceTiming with his mom

A concerned mother's strange tale unfolds during a renowned competition

The off-season in motorcycle racing has uncovered an odd, unnoticed story.

A motocross enthusiast successfully finished a notoriously challenging race, all the while keeping his anxious mother updated via continuous FaceTime.

"Ben Hunter expressed his deep desire to compete in the Baja 1000, however, his participation is hindered by his mother's concerns due to his Type 1 diabetes."

"She stated that the sole condition for me to participate in the race was to broadcast it live throughout."

And that's precisely what he accomplished.

IN THE NEWS: At this year's Baja 1000, motorcyclist Ben Hunter was spotted crossing the finish line sporting a @Starlink Mini affixed to his helmet. "My biggest wish was to compete in the Baja 1000, but my mother was against it due to my Type 1 diabetes. She agreed on the condition that I remain live-streamed throughout the race…" pic.twitter.com/VnLOptNP3c

Hunter arrived sporting a Starlink Mini attached to his helmet, connected to a power source.

His mom was broadcasted live on FaceTime, attached to him with tape.

The Baja 1000 stands as a premier global event in off-road motorsport, taking place on the Baja California Peninsula.

Hunter's efforts to alleviate his mother's worries were commendable.

However, in the realm of sports, his performance was less than impressive.

According to Motosprint, Hunter received a 17-hour penalty for choosing a route that was not permitted.

This resulted in a formal removal from the competition.

Likely, a scolding from his mom who observed the entire incident.

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

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KTM leader reveals significant revelation about Lewis Hamilton

In-depth conversations took place between Lewis Hamilton and KTM

KTM's chief executive has claimed that Lewis Hamilton engaged in serious discussions regarding an investment in the company.

KTM is grappling with a significant financial crisis that has emerged following the end of the MotoGP season.

They maintain that even with a substantial number of creditors and debts reaching into the billions, it won't hinder their racing program in 2025.

However, they have embraced discussions with prospective investors, among them Formula 1 icon Hamilton.

"Pit Beirer revealed to Speedweek that their conversations with his management team were quite engaging."

Lewis Hamilton has shown a keen interest in MotoGP, considering the possibility of creating his own team.

"In this area, discussions are well underway."

Throughout his time with Mercedes, Hamilton had a strong connection with his sponsor, Monster, which will conclude as he prepares to join Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a competing energy drink brand, significantly supports KTM.

Yet, Bierer made it clear, stating: "It's well-known among those looking to collaborate with us that Red Bull and KTM are closely linked. This hasn't posed a problem during any discussions to date.”

He further stated, "There's a distinct difference between an investor and a sponsor."

We also maintain a robust collaboration with our sponsors. Having sponsors on board who financially support a significant project means they become actively engaged. This involvement should indeed be seen as beneficial.

"When capable allies gather and collaborate, effective solutions emerge. Thus, it's evident that these individuals will hold significant influence."

Earlier this season, there were connections made between Hamilton and a monetary stake in the Gresini Ducati team.

Despite it not leading to any concrete outcomes, the Formula 1 celebrity revealed his fascination with MotoGP and the possibility of backing a team.

Hamilton has already put money into a sports franchise – the Denver Broncos.

KTM asserts that their appeal to investors is heightened by Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP.

The acquisition is still pending regulatory clearance.

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For ten years, James served as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned a wide array of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Joan Mir offers a bleak evaluation of the extent to which MotoGP concessions have benefited Honda

"We need to figure out how to secure valuable components for the motorcycle"

Joan Mir states that Honda's permission for concessions to help improve its underperforming MotoGP motorcycle provides 'no benefit' for the 2024 season.

In response to the struggles faced by Yamaha and Honda over the past few years, MotoGP has implemented a revised concessions system aimed at enhancing their performance and restoring competitive balance within the field.

Starting in the 2024 season, the new regulations allowed for unrestricted engine development and testing using race riders.

Yamaha and Honda concluded the year without securing a single podium finish, and both earned fewer points in the constructors' championship compared to their achievements in 2023.

In 2024, Honda failed to accumulate even 100 points among its four riders, securing only 75 points, a significant decline from the 185 points it garnered in 2023.

Mir experienced a challenging season, managing to score points in only seven events, totaling 16, which is five less than his tally of 21 in 2023. Additionally, he encountered 17 crashes throughout the season.

When inquired about Honda's position in 2024 without any allowances, Mir responded pessimistically, stating, "This year, likely in the same position we find ourselves."

"I trust this will benefit us for the upcoming event. However, in the immediate future, we didn’t gain any edge."

"The outcomes demonstrate that there was no enhancement."

"We need to discover methods to acquire quality components for the bike that will increase our speed. Currently, we haven't been able to achieve this."

In 2024, Mir emerged as the most vocal detractor from within Honda's ranks, expressing his dissatisfaction over what he perceives as the stagnant development of the RC213V.

At the post-season Barcelona test, he appeared disheartened as he shared with the press that Honda hadn't introduced any new updates he hadn't previously experienced.

Mir pointed out that Honda's decision to utilize its test slots for private practice runs in the intervals between the 2024 races had a downside, as it added to the riders' burden.

"He mentioned that the ability of factory riders to conduct more tests doesn't necessarily translate to an advantage, reasoning that if the motorcycle was improved, his performance would naturally increase."

"This is the reason we maintain a testing team. When we undertake testing activities and find ourselves working continuously from one week into the next without taking a break, it doesn't allow us any mental rest."

"Our pattern is alternating between a test, a race, another test, and another race. At times, it seems to deteriorate rather than improve."

"That's the reason we possess a testing team which is currently being strengthened, and we need to ensure they are actively engaged to produce quality materials."

"The strategies they believe are effective, we implement with general practitioners and observe improved results."

Honda's 2025 trial squad has made a major advancement by incorporating Aleix Espargaro, a victor of three Grand Prix races, who concluded his racing career last season, into the Japanese brand's lineup.

Takaaki Nakagami will take on a development position at Honda, transitioning from his former spot at LCR, which has now been filled by Somkiat Chantra.

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MotoGP champion Jorge Martin hints at his racing number for his 2025 title defense

New Aprilia team member suggests potential race number for the 2025 season

Newly crowned MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has hinted at the number he plans to use when he competes with Aprilia in 2025 to defend his title.

The Spanish rider engaged in a fierce competition with his factory Ducati rival Francesco Bagnaia throughout the 20 races of the 2024 season, with the contest between them remaining undecided until the very end.

Despite securing only three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11, Martin clinched the championship title by a margin of 10 points with his triumph in the Barcelona finale.

This achievement crowned Martin as a two-time Grand Prix world champion, adding to his 2018 Moto3 championship, and marked him as the first rider from an independent team to win the premier class championship in recent history.

Initially, Martin was set to join the factory Ducati team in 2025, partnering with Bagnaia, until the company decided to go in a different direction, opting for Marc Marquez.

Check out this Instagram post shared by Jorge Martin Almoguera (@89jorgemartin).

Following this, Martin inked a long-term agreement with Aprilia to become part of its official team starting from the 2025 season.

Following his victory in Barcelona, Martin has consistently faced questions regarding his choice of racing number for the RS-GP.

Following the season's last episode, he commented on the issue, asking, "What's your opinion?

"I believe it's the right moment to revel in our current success. I prefer not to ponder on what the next year may bring."

"Currently, we hold the top position and our aim is to secure victory at today's championship event as well. I prefer not to consider what next year might bring."

"We need to take a moment to consider this and then decide."

During the off-season trials in Barcelona, Martin persisted in using his customary number 89.

During the latest TT-Christmas at Rocco's Ranch, Martin competed in the motocross race, bearing the number one.

Aprilia is set to kick off its 2025 campaign with Martin and Marco Bezzecchi on January 16, during which it is anticipated that the former will announce his decision on using the number one plate.

Should he proceed, he'll take over from Bagnaia, who has been racing with number one ever since he clinched his initial championship in 2022.

Before him, Joan Mir held the number one spot following his 2020 championship victory, and Casey Stoner also carried the number one in 2012 after his win.

The gathering held at Rocco's Ranch, in proximity to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, attracted several leading figures from the grand prix circuit including Aleix Espargaro and Fermin Aldeguer, and succeeded in generating €20,000 in support of Aspar’s fund to aid flood relief efforts in Valencia.

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Ducati foresees a challenging MotoGP season in 2025

Achieving consistent podium finishes as in the past will be tougher

Ducati's chief executive, Gigi Dall’Igna, is of the opinion that it would be "unfeasible" for the brand to dominate the first five places in MotoGP races as it managed to do in 2024.

In the 2024 racing season, Ducati completely overshadowed its competitors, securing victories in 19 out of the 20 grand prix events and easily clinching the constructors' championship title.

Jorge Martin emerged as the brand's third global champion racer by steering his Pramac-operated GP24 to his initial top-tier title, following a season-long contest with Francesco Bagnaia.

In 2024, Ducati secured all three podium positions 14 times and garnered 53 podium finishes across six out of its eight riders.

During the quick-paced race in Thailand, Ducati riders dominated by securing the first eight positions, whereas in the Grand Prix in Japan, they solidified their prowess by filling the first five positions, and in Thailand's Grand Prix, they achieved the top six spots.

Despite being subject to a development halt (alongside all other non-concession brands) in anticipation of the 2027 regulatory adjustments and having to part with two of its motorcycles, Ducati is not anticipated to fall in the rankings.

However, Dall'Igna expects its dominance to face tougher challenges.

"Dall'Igna informed Australian MCN that achieving outcomes similar to Japan (among the top five) and Australia next year will be unattainable."

"However, maintaining our dominance on the podium as we have recently will become harder. Ducati particularly shines from a competitive standpoint with these outcomes."

"The benefits enjoyed by others, particularly Honda and Yamaha due to the concessions, are significant, leading me to anticipate facing greater challenges this season."

"This is the reason we embraced greater risks at the beginning of the year, aware that our competitors might advance as the season progressed, and we might not. Clearly, our bold strategy was successful."

Whenever I notice a minor dip in our performance or feel that the distance between us and our competitors is narrowing, I strongly motivate my team to step up their efforts.

"These tournaments serve as a huge appreciation for everyone at Ducati Corse."

In the upcoming season, Marc Marquez will team up with Bagnaia at the official Ducati team, as the total of factory-supported motorcycles is reduced from four to three.

The last GP25 spot will be taken by VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

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