McLaren criticized for missing opportunities in unsuccessful F1 championship attempt

"McLaren is still trying to establish itself"

A former mechanic from McLaren has pointed out the errors made by the team last year that negatively impacted Lando Norris.

In 2024, Norris was unable to surpass Max Verstappen from Red Bull in the race for the F1 drivers’ championship.

He was propelled by the quickest vehicle in Formula 1, with McLaren remarkably surpassing Red Bull in the race for advancements to claim the constructors’ championship.

Marc Priestley, who previously worked as a mechanic for McLaren, believes that the unsuccessful effort to unseat Verstappen is an important milestone in the pursuit of securing the team's first drivers' championship since 1998.

Priestley shared on the Fuelling Around podcast that, based on his own experiences, McLaren's success wasn't purely instinctive or effortless.

"Observers from the outside can see the achievements of Max and Red Bull, similar to what Mercedes accomplished in the past."

"You might wonder why McLaren, now equipped with an excellent car, can't consistently perform at the same level."

"However, you need to gradually work towards that goal."

Red Bull and Max have developed a strong track record marked by immense confidence and self-assurance. This allows them to swiftly and intuitively make decisions during races, often leading to successful outcomes.

"McLaren is in the process of regaining their footing and relearning the art of winning."

"It's odd to mention, but it's accurate: you need to develop the self-assurance required to make quick decisions."

Throughout this season, there have been several instances where McLaren likely missed out on scoring points. This often happened because they might have taken too long to make a decision.

Did mistakes by McLaren impact Lando Norris?

Last season, McLaren's decision not to designate a lead driver faced criticism.

The decision to give equal treatment to both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri faced criticism once it was evident that their more seasoned driver had a chance at winning the F1 championship.

The team's self-established Papaya Rules clearly outlined how grand prix victors Norris and Piastri ought to conduct themselves towards one another.

In the second part of the season, the strategy was adjusted to focus on Norris's goal of surpassing Verstappen.

However, their approach was closely examined, revealing errors during multiple stages.

At Silverstone, Norris had been in the lead until the last round of pit stops, when Lewis Hamilton managed to overtake him through a strategic pit maneuver and ultimately secured the victory.

In Brazil, following a 1-2 result in the sprint race, Norris, who started from pole position, ended up in sixth place after Verstappen passed him in the pits. Additionally, McLaren faced criticism for their communication.

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The top five team sponsors in Formula 1 for the year 2025

It is said that Red Bull no longer holds the position of having the single largest sponsor.

According to reports, Ferrari has matched Red Bull in securing lucrative sponsorship deals for their Formula 1 team.

One year prior, Oracle's collaboration with Red Bull was the most significant team sponsorship in the racing circuit.

However, HP's new sponsorship deal with Ferrari has now matched the scale of that significant agreement.

Competitors Ferrari and Red Bull have secured substantial sponsorships in the Formula 1 arena. According to RacingNews365, Ferrari's partnership with HP and Red Bull's agreement with Oracle each hold a value of roughly $100 million annually.

Oracle, a company specializing in computer technology, asserts that during the 2024 season, Oracle Red Bull Racing conducted over 150 billion simulations of race strategies using Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).

HP, a global tech firm, joined Ferrari last year just in time for Lewis Hamilton's debut as a prominent driver in 2025.

The main sponsor of the renowned Scuderia additionally allows them to provide technology to the Formula 1 team.

According to reports, Aramco is expected to be the third largest sponsor of a team in Formula 1 by 2025, thanks to their collaboration with Aston Martin

Aramco, a government-owned oil firm from Saudi Arabia, is also a sponsor of Formula 1 racing.

The logos of their brand are displayed on the cars driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, as well as at several racetracks hosting grand prix events.

In the previous year, they became the exclusive title sponsor for the Aston Martin F1 team.

According to reports, Petronas ranks as the fourth largest team sponsor in 2023, thanks to their ongoing partnership with Mercedes.

Petronas, an oil corporation from Malaysia, has become closely associated with Toto Wolff's Formula 1 team.

Stake, known for sponsoring Sauber, is said to rank as the fifth largest team sponsor in 2025.

The Australian firm, which had earlier supported Alfa Romeo, took their involvement up a notch in 2024 by stepping in as Sauber's official title sponsor.

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Jorge Martin identifies the 2025 title contender, and it's likely to stir emotions among fans… The reigning MotoGP champion shares his thoughts on defending his title.

MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin has pinpointed the frontrunner for the 2025 championship.

However, the individual who secured their first victory in the top category did not choose themselves.

Additionally, he did not choose Marc Marquez, who has a large fan base hoping that his move to MotoGP's top-performing motorcycle might help him in his pursuit of a ninth world championship.

Francesco Bagnaia has been chosen instead.

Martin mentioned to AS that he currently views Pecco as the leading contender, with Marc not far behind.

"However, it's uncertain. I would consider myself among the top three competitors, able to challenge them in certain races, while in others, I might struggle more."

"The key aspect is to make progress and move ahead."

Martin clinched the 2024 championship with the Pramac satellite team, narrowly defeating competitors from the Ducati factory team.

For the second occasion, he was passed over for a factory Ducati position. Instead, the opportunity was awarded to Marquez, who will join forces with Bagnaia to create a strong partnership on the top-tier bikes in 2025.

Martin has relocated to Aprilia, which means he needs to adapt to a different setup as he works to maintain his title.

Martin expressed that he continues to view Ducati as being ahead of other manufacturers and also praised the strong team formed by Pecco and Marc.

Ultimately, the box might contain numerous titles, but it's uncertain.

"MotoGP is defined by different periods of dominance: there has been a time when Yamaha was on top, a period when Honda reigned supreme, and an era where Ducati led the pack. It's uncertain what the next dominant force will be."

Martin claims he harbors no ill feelings towards Ducati following their separation.

"In the end, Ducati provided me with the chance to enter MotoGP and have consistently had faith in me," he mentioned.

"They have provided me with excellent contracts and a highly competitive motorcycle. Particularly in the past two years, I've had access to the same equipment as Pecco and Enea Bastianini, which allowed me to outperform them on the track. This is the most crucial aspect."

Martin is relieved that the worry of ending his career without achieving a championship victory is now behind him.

"I considered it once, but I won't think about it anymore," he stated.

"I was suddenly filled with anxiety thinking, 'Oh no, what if I retire someday without having claimed a world championship title…'"

"It's as if I haven't accomplished what I intended to. It was challenging for me to consider how I would cope with that, but ultimately, I've managed to do it, so it's one less uncertainty to worry about."

"Reflecting on it used to cause me pain, and often, we endure the anguish of anticipation even before events unfold, and occasionally, those fears come true."

"I decided to reverse my thinking, telling myself, 'you will understand it, you will understand it,' and eventually, I did."

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Top-Earning F1 Driver Takes No. 1 Spot

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen Rank Among Highest-Paid Competitors

Lewis Hamilton is expected to reclaim his position as the top-paid driver in Formula 1 this year.

His transition from Mercedes to Ferrari is expected to elevate him beyond Max Verstappen.

According to a report by Forbes, Hamilton is set to break a "salary record" with his contract with Ferrari for the year 2025.

Charles Leclerc, his new colleague, is set to receive a significant salary increase in 2025, following the contract he signed last year.

Top Earners Among F1 Drivers

For many years, Hamilton dominated the rankings of F1 driver earnings.

Lewis Hamilton's wealth continues to increase thanks to his lucrative endorsement deals and substantial earnings from his racing career.

In the previous year, Max Verstappen from Red Bull, who has a long-term contract with his team, slightly surpassed his salary.

Verstappen earned significantly more than Hamilton due to bonuses he received for winning races and the championship.

In 2025, Hamilton's new contract with Ferrari will bring about significant changes.

The team's dedication to Leclerc indicates that they are heavily investing in their pair of drivers.

McLaren's team includes high-earning drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Sergio Perez, who ranked as the eighth-highest earner last year, will be substituted by Liam Lawson for Red Bull this season.

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"Precarious Equilibrium" When Yamaha Managed Fabio Quartararo and Valentino Rossi

Departing Yamaha Leader Looks Back on Pivotal Choice

Yamaha has looked back on the "challenging period" and the complexities involved in managing both Fabio Quartararo and Valentino Rossi on their roster.

In his last MotoGP season in 2021, Rossi transitioned from the factory team to the Petronas squad.

He stepped aside to allow rising star Quartararo to join the factory Yamaha team, and Quartararo rewarded the company by winning the MotoGP title.

"The choice to bring Fabio onto the Petronas team was primarily made by the Petronas team itself," stated the departing Yamaha leader, Lin Jarvis, in an interview with MotoGP World.

"They took a daring step since they had no risk involved."

"In his debut year, he managed to outperform Franco Morbidelli, leading us to engage in negotiations with him to join the factory team."

"When he joined the factory team, we had to relocate Valentino once more, as he was nearing the conclusion of his career. That was the secondary concern."

However, ultimately, the choice proved to be right, as Fabio immediately excelled with the factory team, securing the top position in his debut year.

"This was a period marked by intriguing events, requiring careful equilibrium, simultaneous occurrences, and thoughtful choices."

According to reports, three years later, Quartararo has become the highest-earning MotoGP racer following the signing of a new extended contract to remain with Yamaha.

This is in spite of the difficulties the manufacturer has faced since winning the championship.

At the last race of the 2022 season, Quartararo was overtaken by Ducati's Pecco Bagnaia, as his motorcycle's performance had already started to decline.

He has gone through two seasons without competing at the forefront, but there is hope that Yamaha can return to its victorious form.

In 2025, Pramac's inclusion as a satellite team will result in twice as many riders on the track, enhancing their capacity to collect data.

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Valentino Rossi experiences a crash but secures a podium finish in the 2025 100km of Champions in Americana

The race in Americana excited Tavullia on Friday evening

On Friday evening, Luca Marini emerged victorious in the Americana race held during Valentino Rossi's yearly gathering in Tavullia.

A lineup of elite motorcycle racers has gathered at Rossi's ranch for a two-day dirt track racing event.

Marini clinched the win in the inaugural race, known as the Americana, which was a swift three-lap circuit of the track.

Journalist Ricard Jove reported that Marini achieved a top lap time of 46:032.

Tras avanzar a través de varias rondas eliminatorias, @Luca_Marini_97 se corona campeón de la carrera Americana de hoy, con @FrankyMorbido12 en segunda posición y @ValeYellow46 asegurando el tercer lugar. Todos los pilotos del podio son miembros de @VRRidersAcademy. La competencia continuará mañana con una extenuante carrera de 100 km.

Franco Morbidelli secured the runner-up position, recording his quickest lap at 46.774.

Rossi secured a spot on the podium with a top time of 46.453.

Lorenzo Baldassarri secured a fourth-place finish, recording his quickest lap at 47.156.

Rossi was poised to secure a second-place finish but a collision in the last turn caused him to drop to third, reports GPOne.

Check out this Instagram update shared by Valentino Rossi (@valeyellow46)

Marini, the standout rider from Honda in the MotoGP, topped the speed charts during Thursday's practice session, and then secured the pole position for the race on Friday.

He also secured victory at the Americana the previous year.

He aims to begin 2025 on a high note, hoping it will invigorate his second season with the Honda factory team, following an unremarkable start.

On the second day of the event at the VR46 ranch in Tavullia, which occurs on Saturday, the 100km of Champions is scheduled to happen.

MotoGP competitors Pedro Acosta, Miguel Oliveira, Pecco Bagnaia, and Enea Bastianini team up with Marini and Morbidelli for the event.

Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd, victors of the Isle of Man TT race, are participating again this year.

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Thrilling team combinations announced for Valentino Rossi's Champions 100km

Complete lineup of riding pairs for this Saturday's spectacle in Tavullia

Here are all the team combinations for the upcoming 100km of Champions event happening this Saturday at Valentino Rossi's ranch in Tavullia.

Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta team up for Valentino Rossi’s prestigious 100km of Champions event 🏁A dynamic duo!📸 Snapshot by Michael Dunlop pic.twitter.com/brkVo2YGta— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 10, 2025

On Friday evening, Luca Marini emerged victorious in the Americana race, which spanned three laps.

However, the highlight arrives on Saturday as pairs of riders compete in the 100km of Champions race.

Rossi and his sibling Marini are set to join forces.

Graduates from the VR46 academy, Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi, will team up as MotoGP stars.

Certainly, the pairing that stands out the most is that of Isle of Man TT champion Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta!

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EXCLUSIVE: MotoGP's latest entrant aims to distinguish itself from established powerhouses

Crash.net's Lewis Duncan engages in a conversation with Davide Brivio about Trackhouse Racing's aspirations

The Trackhouse team, led by Justin Mark, is not content with merely participating. By its second year in 2022, it was already achieving victories in the NASCAR Cup Series.

In that season, Ross Chastain secured his place in the ultimate championship playoff by an unforgettable maneuver where he propelled himself from 10th to fifth position at the finale in Martinsville, a move that has etched itself into motorsport lore and is guaranteed a spot in highlight compilations.

In 2023, at the Chicago street race, the squad co-owned by global music sensation Pitbull made a grand appearance with Supercars legend Shane Van Gisbergen, who triumphed in his first NASCAR race.

Several months down the line, Trackhouse made an unexpected move by declaring its intentions to join the MotoGP World Championship in 2024. Marks had been considering this decision for some time, but the unexpected dissolution of the RNF team, caused by the main sponsor CryptoDATA's decision to sell the team and exit MotoGP under dubious circumstances, presented Trackhouse with an irresistible opportunity.

The organization assumed control of the RNF operation, underwent a rebranding process, deepened its relationship with Aprilia, and introduced an American-owned team to the MotoGP lineup.

During its debut season in the top tier, it secured its initial sprint podium in Germany thanks to Miguel Oliveira – who will transition to Pramac Yamaha in 2025. Raul Fernandez clinched a sixth-place finish at the Catalan Grand Prix, a remarkable achievement especially considering he had crashed from the lead in the sprint just a day prior, marking a significant highlight of the season.

On the other hand, Trackhouse ended up in ninth place in the team standings, outperforming only the underperforming Honda teams. Oliveira's season was marred by injury during the latter half, and Fernandez's mid-season transition to the clearly inferior RS-GP24 had him struggling to catch up for the remainder of the season.

Davide Brivio discusses Trackhouse's aspirations in MotoGP

The common stereotype of Americans embracing a bold and loud demeanor wasn't fully met by Trackhouse during their initial appearance in MotoGP, especially in terms of their performance on the circuit.

In the background, Trackhouse made some waves by hiring ex-Yamaha and Suzuki team chief Davide Brivio, who had been with Alpine from 2021 to 2023, and secured one of the most surprising acquisitions of the off-season.

In what seemed like a surefire scenario for an American team to introduce the first full-time MotoGP rider from the United States since 2015, Joe Roberts was left out in the cold, metaphorically thumb-twiddling, as the opportunity passed him by. Despite circulating speculations involving Jack Miller and Sergio Garcia, the team ultimately chose Ai Ogura, sealing the deal with a two-year agreement.

By this stage, the rider from Japan had crafted a strong season, securing two victories. Despite sitting out the Austrian Grand Prix due to an injury, his momentum remained unaffected. He clinched his third victory at Misano, and his steady performance, along with the difficulties his team-mate Garcia faced after being turned down by MotoGP, positioned him strongly to clinch the Moto2 championship. His championship victory was sealed at the Thai Grand Prix, by which time Trackhouse's decision to sign him for 2025 had proven to be exceptionally prescient.

Reflecting on his inaugural year leading Trackhouse, Brivio shared with Crash, "We owe our gratitude to Ai, for securing the championship, he affirmed our decision was a wise one!"

The unexpected aspect of Ogura's agreement with Trackhouse didn't lie in the team's choice to team up a Japanese racer with a Spaniard over selecting an American for one of the RS-GPs. Rather, it was the mere availability of Ogura for such a deal that caught many off guard.

Honda had been patiently anticipating Ogura's interest in advancing to MotoGP, but the team's recent underwhelming performances made him wary. Ogura's departure from the Honda Team Asia configuration in Moto2 for the 2024 season was a clear indication of his desire to find the most suitable path to the premier class, rather than the simplest one. Brivio noted this particular aspect during the deliberation period.

"In Ai, we witnessed a true warrior, someone with resilience. Despite occasionally stumbling at the outset, he perseveres and bounces back,” Brivio remarked.

"Additionally, his approach to riding appears to be a promising foundation for a MotoGP riding technique."

"We appreciate his demeanor as well; he comes across as a dedicated individual, someone who is concentrated on their tasks – a diligent, earnest worker. There are a few aspects such as these."

Ogura's relaxed attitude towards his racing became apparent during his initial MotoGP test in Barcelona in November. Many newcomers often discuss the distinct difference between carbon fiber brakes and the steel brakes that are standard in Moto2.

For Ogura, the situation wasn't particularly dramatic. Similarly, the intense speed of MotoGP motorcycles didn't shock him as much as he anticipated.

The upcoming successor to Maverick Vinales or Joan Mir?

Every time Ogura hits the racetrack, he will confront the legendary legacy of Japanese MotoGP. Since Takaaki Nakagami has been representing Japan in the sport from 2018, Ogura appears to be the first rider from the nation in years who seems capable of achieving greatness.

Trackhouse acknowledges this, yet their expectations for him in the first year are reasonably tempered.

Brivio, who has a history of supporting emerging talents, will ensure that their needs for growth are met, given his understanding of what it takes for them to thrive.

At Suzuki, Maverick Vinales was handpicked by the team directly from Moto2 for their MotoGP comeback in 2015. By the following year, Vinales had begun to secure victories, though the ambition of creating a dedicated Suzuki racer, in Brivio's words, didn't fully materialize as Vinales was lured away by Yamaha for the 2017 season. However, Brivio successfully shaped Alex Rins into a winner of several races, and Joan Mir clinched the first world championship for Suzuki in two decades in 2020.

Brivio acknowledges that Suzuki's approach emerged from a need, explaining, "To speak frankly, after a considerable period, we were essentially a newcomer… not in the sense of being a new manufacturer but in initiating the project, which made it challenging to gain the trust of leading riders at that moment. Therefore, due to multiple factors, we opted to pursue a strategy centered on nurturing young talent."

However, Brivio finds joy in nurturing novice riders. With Trackhouse, he's actively pursuing this path.

"Brivio shared that at Trackhouse, they reached a juncture where they felt the need to take action with an eye on the future, which made deciding particularly challenging, especially when considering Miguel, about whom they genuinely had no grievances."

"His contribution, how he conducted himself within the squad, and everything else [was excellent]. It essentially boiled down to a project, the concept of an alternate project, without any personal connections to the riders.

"Ogura, who is new to the scene, alongside Raul, who is also of a young age and believed to possess significant unshown talent. He has the capability and youthfulness, embarking on his fourth season in MotoGP.

"We decided to entrust him with leading the team, believing it's now his time to prove himself. It remains to be seen whether he will meet our expectations."

"Thus, it's an endeavor. Raul, youthful yet seasoned; Ai, a newcomer with promise, aiming to construct something for Trackhouse's future years."

Could Trackhouse's strategy lead to unintended consequences?

The clear risk in supporting emerging talents and nurturing their development is that, in time, they become targets for competitor brands. Brivio saw this happen directly with Vinales at Suzuki; Joan Mir was presented with opportunities from Ducati but chose to remain with Suzuki. Forecasting a rider’s decision-making process is challenging.

Brivio is well aware that by 2027, Ogura might receive several enticing proposals from manufacturers that could be difficult for him to turn down.

However, in contrast to numerous satellite teams, Trackhouse doesn't envision itself as a breeding ground for new talent. Observing Pramac's success, especially with the remarkable Jorge Martin, and their utilization of their partnership with Ducati to secure the 2022 championship, Trackhouse aims to transform itself into an equally appealing option for racers.

"Truthfully, our intention isn't to develop riders for a factory team," Brivio admits. "However, it's clear to us that there's a risk involved since currently, every rider aspires to join a factory team. Whether this turns out to be a wise choice hinges on various circumstances."

"One potential goal we might set for ourselves is to elevate a standalone team to such a level where its riders face a tough decision about whether to stay or go."

"However, we are fully cognizant of this hazard. We understand that should AI prove beneficial, it's likely that by 2027, someone might attempt to recruit him."

"The objective is to ensure he remains with us, by providing him satisfaction and equipping him with a competitive motorcycle to achieve favorable outcomes, thereby retaining him. Currently, what's unfolding with Pramac, as they contend for the championship title, is quite fascinating. I believe that Pramac's potential victory in the championship could influence the riders to reflect more deeply on their decisions."

"Moreover, consider whether it's preferable to join an independent team that has a high-quality motorcycle, or to sign up with a factory team where the future isn't as clear? I'm content with the achievements of Pramac."

I expressed to Paolo [Campinoti], "you represent the aspirations of all the independent teams since we're all watching you as an example of what an independent team is capable of achieving." My wish is that going forward, the gap between factory and independent teams will narrow, particularly now as we move into a period where manufacturers are beginning to treat independent teams on equal footing.

"Aprilia is set to join KTM, Honda, and Yamaha in fielding four factory motorcycles each. This development leaves Ducati as perhaps the only team without newer models in competition. The move towards equipping more teams with the latest bikes is expected to narrow the performance divide between factory teams and independent entrants. Observers are keen to witness how this shift will alter the competitive landscape going forward."

Whenever Trackhouse brings on a new member, they greet them with the phrase 'Welcome to the House'. Their goal, inspired by Pramac, leans heavily towards creating a welcoming and desirable atmosphere that their riders would be happy to consider their long-term home.

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Yamaha secured Jorge Lorenzo as a precaution in case Valentino Rossi decided to transition to Formula 1. "What would happen if he departed? If he decided to move on from us?

Yamaha's decision to bring Jorge Lorenzo on board was largely driven by concerns over Valentino Rossi potentially transitioning to Formula 1.

Between 2004 and 2006, Rossi had the opportunity to test drive Ferrari's Formula 1 vehicles, during which time he mentioned that Stefano Domenicali, the head of the manufacturer at that period, was keen on having him transition to racing.

Rossi, at the age of 27, claims he received a proposal to race for the Ferrari-affiliated Minardi team in Formula 1, with the aspiration of eventually joining the prestigious Ferrari squad.

Former Yamaha chief Lin Jarvis has recently acknowledged that the decision to recruit Lorenzo was a strategic move to compensate for Rossi's departure to Formula 1.

"Jarvis shared with MotoGP World that when Vale joined, we secured victories in 2004 and continued our winning streak into 2005. However, post-2005, Valentino seriously contemplated switching to Formula 1."

"Thus, it became a journey of reacquainting with MotoGP for Yamaha, where we triumphed in the first two years. But then the question arose, what would happen if he departed? If he decided to abandon us?"

"We needed to find the upcoming champion, someone we could nurture and develop alongside."

"In fact, Jorge began his riding career with us in 2008, though we had already signed a contract with him back in 2006!"

"We hired him in preparation for the possibility of Valentino moving to Formula 1, ensuring we had a successor since it was clear that Lorenzo had exceptional talent."

The legendary rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

The era when Rossi and Lorenzo were Yamaha teammates was marked by their well-known competition.

A barrier was erected within the Yamaha workshop to prevent data exchange, symbolizing the strained relations between parties.

Infamously in 2015, Rossi accused Marc Marquez of causing him to lose the championship, which ultimately went to Lorenzo.

"Jarvis noted that upon Jorge's arrival in 2008, he secured a third-place finish in 2009, improved to second place the following year, and by 2010, he had clinched

"This led to the issue of Valentino agreeing to it."

"Thus, Valentino made a move to Ducati during that period. He joined Ducati for the seasons of 2011 and 2012, marking the initial major shift.

In 2011 and 2012, Valentino's stint with Ducati did not yield success, leading to his return to our team in 2013.

"Thus, the tables turned. Valentino regained his position when Jorge was reigning supreme."

"In yet another daring decision, Jorge ultimately chose to depart."

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Jorge Martin's associate acknowledges Ducati's decision to opt for Marc Marquez as "reasonable"

Jorge Martin grapples with being overlooked by Ducati

A confidant of Jorge Martin has acknowledged that Ducati's choice to go with Marc Marquez is "reasonable".

Last year, the factory Ducati team chose not to consider Martin, who later went on to win the MotoGP championship.

This implies that the titleholder will switch to competing equipment from Aprilia, as Marquez joins the official Ducati team.

"Fonsi Nieto, the sporting director of Pramac, described the situation as challenging for him when speaking to Europa Press regarding Martin's rejection."

"I often remark that Jorge has faced three significant challenges in his MotoGP journey: the accident in Portugal that utterly devastated him, to the point of considering retirement; the selection of Enea Bastianini; and the choice of Marquez.

"He has managed to navigate through the toughest challenges, using them as a source of motivation, which is not always an easy feat."

Ducati is currently experiencing a period of triumph and is determined to maintain their winning streak. However, it wasn't a simple decision for them to part ways with Jorge, a world champion rider.

"However, the discussion revolves around Marc Marquez, an eight-time world champion, who has significant influence. It's perhaps reasonable that they opted for Marquez."

"With Marc, it's essential to take into account his skills because he stands among the greatest riders in history."

"Ever since he first competed in the championship, he's been a reliable contender for the title."

"The battle promises to be intense between Pecco Bagnaia and his competitor, both on Ducati bikes.

"I wish Jorge joins their struggle too."

Nieto from Pramac witnessed Martin, a rider from an independent team, outperform Bagnaia, the main racer and current champion of the factory Ducati team.

"Nieto expressed that overcoming Ducati in such a direct manner has been an extraordinary achievement."

"Attaining it as a satellite team adds greater value."

"Ducati's production facility is bustling with a large workforce."

"However, we excelled, showing greater unity, convinced from our winter training that clinching the championship was within our grasp."

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Jorge Martin: With Pecco Bagnaia outperforming Casey Stoner, what does that mean for my standing?

"When it comes to my skills on the track, I see no reason to feel inferior to racers of the past."

Jorge Martin has expressed his desire for a legendary figure like Casey Stoner to have been part of his battle for the MotoGP championship.

Martin clinched the 2024 top-tier championship, outperforming Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

He maintains that the significance of his accomplishment will greatly depend on the caliber of his competitors.

"Clearly, my desire was to compete for a world title against the best, like Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez, who's already making his mark," Martin expressed to AS.

"For instance, facing Stoner and numerous others during the period of my childhood when I would observe motorcycle races from the comfort of my home."

"I had envisioned myself in this role, and now, I've achieved it.

"Ultimately, this era belongs to Pecco, the rival I've had to overcome. Similarly, Marquez presents another challenge I've had to face."

"In my opinion, Marquez ranks among the greatest in history, alongside Valentino, with Pecco also joining this elite circle."

"In my opinion, given his achievements, he has already outperformed Stoner, for instance.

"And I've managed to outperform Pecco, so what does this place me?"

It's not about boasting. I remain humble and aware that there's much more for me to achieve, yet it's evident that I see myself as being on par with them in terms of athletic ability.

"The significance of winning a championship is determined by the caliber of your competitors. Therefore, if the competitors are strong, the championship holds greater worth; conversely, if they are weaker, its value diminishes."

"In the current period, with riders like Marquez and Pecco, the competition is extremely intense. The significance of winning this championship is immense."

"However, when considering the realm of marketing or the benchmarks set by Valentino, achieving similar figures, whether in audience size or sales, seems nearly unattainable, but ultimately, that's beyond my control."

"I'm aware that when it comes to my riding skills, I stand shoulder to shoulder with riders from past generations."

Stoner secured victories in the MotoGP championship twice, first in 2007 riding for Ducati and later in 2011 with Honda.

Before Bagnaia's victory in 2022, the manufacturer Ducati had experienced 15 years without a title.

Bagnaia's successive championships allowed him to equal Stoner's record.

Rossi boasts a total of nine world championships, and Marquez aspires to match that figure during this season.

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Unexpected victors overshadow Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini at the 100km of Champions

Outcomes from the 100km of Champions event hosted by Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini missed out on winning the 100km of Champions, unexpectedly overtaken by triumphant challengers.

Diogo Moreira and Thomas Chareyre emerged victorious in Tavullia during Rossi's yearly celebration event.

The victorious pair completed the circuit in 1 hour, 43 minutes, 59.623 seconds.

Rossi and Marini secured the second place, whereas Elia Bartolini and Lorenzo Baldassarri rounded out the top three finishers.

Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi impressively secured the sixth position.

JD Beach and Sammy Halbert, both from the United States, secured the

The duo from Britain, Davey Todd and Ryan Vickers, finished in 17th place

Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop, undeniably the most notable duo, ended up in the final position.

Moreira and Chareyre's unexpected victory concluded Rossi's annual event in his native town. On Friday evening, Marini clinched the Americana three-lap race.

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