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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Unexpected victors upset Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini in the 100km of Champions event

Outcome of Valentino Rossi's 100km of Champions race

Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini missed out on winning the 100km of Champions as unexpected competitors claimed the victory.

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

The pair that won completed the circuit in 1 hour, 43 minutes, 59 seconds, and 623 milliseconds.

Rossi and Marini secured second place, with Elia Bartolini and Lorenzo Baldassarri finishing in the top three.

Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi finished in sixth place, a remarkable position for them.

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

The British duo, Davey Todd and Ryan Vickers, secured the 17th position.

Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop, who were perhaps the most attention-grabbing duo, ended up in the last position.

Moreira and Chareyre's unexpected victory marked the conclusion of Rossi's annual event in his hometown. On Friday evening, Marini clinched the win in the Americana three-lap race.

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Ducati is keeping a close watch on Pedro Acosta as KTM faces financial difficulties. Acosta's manager has cautioned KTM that there are other interested parties willing to pursue the rider.

Pedro Acosta is attracting attention from all MotoGP manufacturers, including Ducati, according to a warning from his manager to KTM.

In his debut season last year, Acosta performed exceptionally well, securing a promotion to KTM's factory team for the 2025 season.

KTM has encountered financial difficulties, leading the company to enter self-administration with liabilities amounting to a minimum of €1.8 billion. Despite this, they assert that their racing activities remain unaffected. Furthermore, they have gained fresh optimism from potential investors.

Albert Valera, who manages Acosta, discussed his circumstances with Motorsport.

He stated that as of now, there are no changes planned for 2025, unless conditions deteriorate and KTM provides new information.

The implication is that they remain contenders in the world championship and that the MotoGP racing initiative is crucial for enhancing KTM's market influence.

Competitors, such as Ducati, are eager to sign Acosta.

His manager stated, "I frequently communicate with numerous factories due to our strong relationship and regular interactions."

Every factory has reached out to inquire about Pedro's well-being, expressing hope that this situation doesn't impact him. They've offered me support and extended their best wishes to us.

"I'm confident that once we reach a point where we need to find another option, all the factories will be willing to support Pedro."

"Pedro is a real gem. At just 20 years old, he's already demonstrated significant talent, and any company would be thrilled to have him on board."

Acosta's manager expressed his shock at KTM's unexpected financial troubles, which came shortly after they had committed their future to the company.

"When we signed the contract in May, no one alerted us to this potential issue. We were led to believe that KTM was a major player with significant financial resources. This has completely taken us by surprise," he stated.

Receiving this news has been challenging. Fortunately, according to the information we have, the project will go on in MotoGP, meaning there is no risk of not having a motorcycle for the upcoming year. However, we are curious about the circumstances under which we will be able to compete.

In May, we entered into an agreement with a successful project and a company that had been making significant profits, amounting to tens of millions. They confidently conveyed that they were well-equipped to compete against the dominant force in MotoGP, which is Ducati.

Yet, this is not the situation today. Over the past six months, things have shifted dramatically, leaving us questioning what has occurred.

"This issue is a source of concern for us, and it would be foolish to ignore the clear reality. I believe it's important to acknowledge this honestly. Naturally, both Pedro and I, along with his family and those around him, are worried about KTM's present circumstances."

"The partnership remains strong, as it has always been. We maintain communication with the racing team, led by Pit Beirer. I recognize that Pit might not have been aware of the circumstances we faced when we discussed the contract with him back in May."

"I think that KTM's poor management has negatively impacted everyone involved in the MotoGP racing department."

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Jorge Martin expressed that Pecco Bagnaia has outdone Casey Stoner, prompting Martin to question his own standing. "When it comes to riding skills, I don't feel inferior to riders from past generations.”

Jorge Martin has expressed that he would have liked a legendary figure like Casey Stoner to be part of his MotoGP championship fight.

Martin narrowly defeated Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez to win the 2024 top-tier championship.

He argues that the level of competition is crucial to how legendary his accomplishment will be perceived.

In an interview with AS, Martin expressed his desire to compete in a world championship against top riders like Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez, who is currently racing.

"As an example, during my childhood, I watched motorcycle races from home, including those featuring Stoner and several other riders from that era."

"I aimed to be in this spot, and now I've achieved that goal."

"Ultimately, these are the current times, and now Pecco is the rider I've had to compete against. Additionally, there's Marquez, who has also been a key competitor for me."

"In my view, Marquez ranks among the all-time greats alongside Valentino, and Pecco is starting to join their ranks."

"Given his current achievements, I believe he has already exceeded what Stoner accomplished."

"And I've managed to surpass Pecco, so what does that mean for my standing?"

"It's not about boasting. I remain grounded and understand there's still much for me to accomplish, but I do believe I am on par with them in terms of athletic ability."

"The worth of a championship is determined by the competitors you face. When the competitors are strong, the championship holds greater significance; if they are weaker, its value diminishes."

"In today's racing era, featuring competitors like Marquez and Pecco, the skill level is exceptionally high. This makes the championship incredibly valuable."

"However, when it comes to marketing or the influence that Valentino had, achieving those audience or sales figures will likely be nearly unattainable. Ultimately, I have no control over that."

"I'm confident that my riding skills are on par with those of riders from any other time period."

Casey Stoner secured two MotoGP championships, first in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 while racing with Honda.

Bagnaia's victory in 2022 ended a 15-year championship drought for Ducati.

With his back-to-back championships, Bagnaia matched the number of titles won by Stoner.

Rossi has a total of nine world championships, and this season, Marquez aspires to match that number.

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Michael Dunlop and Valentino Rossi, two motorsport legends, come together again on the same circuit

Gathering of legendary figures in motorsport in Italy

Michael Dunlop and Valentino Rossi, both icons in motorsports, came together on the racecourse in a memorable encounter.

Record-setting Isle of Man TT racer Dunlop is participating in Rossi's yearly 100km of Champions event in Tavullia this weekend.

Participants from different competitions gather at Rossi's annual event, and the presence of TT standout Dunlop, along with Davey Todd, brings an additional level of excitement.

Valentino Rossi and Michael Dunlop share a moment at the ranch 🤝 View the photo here: pic.twitter.com/ITlCET9wt3— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 9, 2025

On Thursday, Dunlop and Rossi hit the circuit for a free practice session, marking another instance of the duo competing closely on the track, even though their careers have significantly diverged.

During the previous summer, Monster Energy orchestrated a unique track event at Silverstone, uniting Dunlop and Rossi for the occasion.

John McGuinness achieved a personal record lap around Silverstone on that day, and remarked, "This guy from Italy zoomed by me on the back straight…

Someone mentioned Valentino Rossi, and I thought, 'he's quite speedy, I'll follow his lead'.

He pulled me along to complete the quickest circuit I've ever achieved at Silverstone.

"I clenched onto the screen with my teeth, doing my best to maintain my grip!

My attention was primarily focused on observing him. He's unrivaled globally.

In 2009, the renowned Rossi made a trip to the Isle of Man TT, where he completed several practice rounds.

After the event, he commented, "The track was impressive and thrilling, especially considering its high speed and risk factor."

"It's astonishing to navigate a route like this at full speed on a Superbike – one wouldn't anticipate such a path to serve as a racing circuit. It certainly requires immense courage!"

"During the initial lap, it's not feasible to exert full effort right away. My goal is to complete five or six laps to gain a deeper understanding."

This weekend in Tavullia, the atmosphere is much more relaxed as stars from the Isle of Man TT return the visit.

Dunlop and Todd are set to compete with Rossi and other MotoGP competitors such as Pecco Bagnaia, Luca Marini, and Marco Bezzecchi this Friday and Saturday.

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Jorge Martin's supporter acknowledges that Ducati's decision to pick Marc Marquez is "comprehensible."

Jorge Martin has to come to terms with being overlooked by Ducati.

A confidant of Jorge Martin has admitted that it makes sense for Ducati to choose Marc Marquez.

Last year, the official Ducati squad decided not to choose Martin, who later went on to win the MotoGP championship.

The champion will switch to racing for Aprilia, a competing manufacturer, as Marquez joins the official Ducati team.

Pramac's sporting director, Fonsi Nieto, described Martin's rejection as a challenging time for him in an interview with Europa Press.

"I often mention that Jorge has faced three challenging periods during his MotoGP journey: the accident in Portugal, which left him shattered to the point of considering retirement; the selection of Enea Bastianini; and the choice of Marquez."

"He has faced some of the toughest challenges, but he managed to turn them into motivation, which isn't always a simple task."

Currently, Ducati is experiencing a period of success and is determined to keep striving for victories. However, it hasn't been a straightforward decision for them to part ways with a world champion rider like Jorge.

"However, considering it's Marc Marquez, an eight-time world champion with significant influence, it might be understandable why they opted for Marquez."

"You can never overlook Marc, as he ranks among the top riders of all time."

From the moment he first competed in the championship, he's been a consistent contender for the title.

"There will be an exciting competition between Pecco Bagnaia and him, involving the Ducati."

"I wish Jorge is battling alongside them too."

Pramac's rider Nieto witnessed Martin, an independent team competitor, surpass Bagnaia, the leading talent of the official Ducati team and the current titleholder.

Nieto described defeating a formidable opponent like Ducati in a head-to-head competition as an extraordinary achievement.

"There is greater value in accomplishing this as a satellite team."

"Ducati operates as the main manufacturer, employing a significantly larger workforce."

"However, we were stronger and more cohesive, convinced from our winter training sessions that we could secure the championship victory."

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Marc Marquez starts 2025 by testing a brand-new Ducati with numerous laps on the track.

As 2025 unfolds, it marks the commencement of fresh contract periods, and for Marc Marquez, this signifies his official role as a factory Ducati rider, granting him access to the perks associated with this position beyond the MotoGP circuit.

At the start of the year, Marquez took to the circuit riding the brand-new 2025 Ducati Panigale V2. Despite having less horsepower than the previous model, it's lighter due to the innovative twin-cylinder engine, the most lightweight V-twin engine ever created by Ducati.

Marquez hit the tracks at Valencia's Aspar Circuit, a facility that opened its doors a year ago, alongside various other Grand Prix stars.

Marc Márquez took the latest Ducati Panigale V2 for a spin at the Aspar Circuit 🔴😮‍💨📸 Snapshot of Marc Márquez's ride shared via pic.twitter.com/fpaLLLqOuj— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 9, 2025

On this particular outing, the eight-time World Champion was joined by the current Moto3 World Champion, David Alonso, who rode a previous version of the Yamaha R6; alongside him were Dani Holgado, Izan Guevara, Tony Arbolino, Alex Marquez, and Sergio Garcia, each piloting Yamaha R6s from the 2017 model year; while Marquez's mentee, Max Quiles, and Angel Piqueras took to the track on Honda CBR600RRs.

Certainly, the history of track days has seen groups with lesser talent.

In addition to a full day of motorcycle training, the session at Aspar Circuit marked Marquez's inaugural rounds on a Ducati motorcycle for practice purposes, moving away from the non-branded Hondas he used previously. His colleague, Francesco Bagnaia, typically practices with the Panigale V4 R superbike. However, Marquez has not been spotted on it to date, except for his participation in last year's Race of Champions at World Ducati Week, where competitors rode the upcoming 2025 model of the Panigale V4.

The Spanish rider continues to use Honda CRF dirt bikes, yet there might be a shift in this area as well, since Ducati’s Desmo450 MX off-road motorcycle is expected to start being produced later this year.

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MotoGP's Expansion in the US – "I anticipated the challenges, but we are progressing"

Dorna's Chief Commercial Officer Rossomondo discusses MotoGP's increasing popularity in the United States

Dan Rossomondo, the Chief Commercial Officer at Dorna Sports, reports that MotoGP is certainly advancing in its efforts to broaden its reach within the United States.

Rossomondo, who previously led worldwide marketing and media for the NBA, took on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Dorna in 2022, a move widely interpreted as a strategic effort to expand MotoGP's presence in the American market.

There was a time when MotoGP visited the United States twice annually, and in 2013, it happened three times in that same year.

By that period, Formula 1 had recently made a comeback to the United States following a break between 2008 and 2011, and has hosted three races in the nation since the previous year.

Currently, the MotoGP circuit stops just once a year in the United States, at Texas' Circuit of the Americas. However, discussions about adding a second event in the nation are in progress.

The purchase of Dorna by Liberty Media, the entity that owns Formula 1, is currently paused as the European Union investigates the deal. This acquisition is expected to significantly increase efforts to expand its visibility in the United States.

Discussing MotoGP's expansion endeavors in the US with the Sports Business Journal, Rossomondo commented, "I'm not sure if it's been more challenging than anticipated – I was aware it would be difficult.

"My team and I need to decide which areas we'll focus on and the direction we'll take."

"However, the reality that we can't easily increase from one to three races due to our circuits needing particular safety measures means we'll have to employ various strategies to achieve that goal."

"Without a doubt, we're gaining ground, absolutely. The number of individuals who've mentioned, 'Your sport was unknown to me a year back, and now I'm following it,' alongside those we've discovered to be secret MotoGP enthusiasts, clearly shows we're on the right track."

"I believe the results of those efforts will become evident this year."

Last season, Trackhouse Racing, managed by Justin Marks, became the first American-owned team in the series, stepping in after RNF ceased operations at the close of 2023.

For the 2025 season, MotoGP has revamped its visual identity, unveiling a fresh logo towards the end of the previous year with the aim of enhancing its brand recognition.

The season will kick off with an opening event in Thailand on February 9, followed by the commencement of the 2025 season in Buriram towards the end of February.

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2025 British MotoGP to Introduce "New Format," Ending 34-Year Tradition of Day of Champions

The longstanding tradition of the Day of Champions will not continue for the British MotoGP weekend, following a decision to overhaul the schedule with a new format.

The traditional Day of Champions event, which has been a lead-up to the British Grand Prix for over three decades, will come to an end in 2025.

Two Wheels for Life, the organization behind the inception of Day of Champions at Brands Hatch in 1989, has declared the cancellation of this year's event, which was scheduled to coincide with the MotoGP British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The charity group that partners with Riders for Health to provide motorcycles to medical personnel in Africa's isolated regions announced that the Day of Champions, previously a day-long event, has been canceled because Silverstone has implemented a "new schedule."

Rather, it indicates that events will occur all weekend long, aiming to "present the finest aspects of Day of Champions in a new arrangement," details of which will be revealed in the near future.

"Andrea Coleman, who is the co-founder and CEO of Two Wheels for Life, mentioned that the inaugural Day of Champions event was held in 1989 at Brands Hatch."

Through decades, we've created a remarkable presence in motorcycle racing, a feat made possible by our amazing team and volunteers, the competitors and their teams, and devoted supporters, many of whom have been with us for all 34 years.

"We're honored to have gathered significant funds to aid in the provision of healthcare services throughout Africa."

"It's bittersweet for us to acknowledge the conclusion of Day of Champions, but we understand that change is a natural part of progress. We're enthusiastic about embarking on fresh endeavors that will continue to deliver what we excel at to MotoGP enthusiasts: opportunities to deeply engage with their favorite sport while also contributing to important initiatives that leverage motorcycles for life-saving purposes."

The concept of Day of Champions emerged from the minds of ex-Grand Prix racers Randy Mamola and Kenny Roberts. Their vision was to create an event where fans could have intimate access to their favorite racers, while also using the occasion to raise money for a good cause, specifically the Riders for Health charity.

Following the conclusion of the Day of Champions event, Two Wheels for Life has announced its ongoing discussions with Dorna, the MotoGP rights holder, about the possibility of introducing new events at different circuits in 2025. Details about these forthcoming events are expected to be announced in the near future.

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

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