Injured Jorge Martin is up against a significant obstacle – "I have some experience with this…"

"Jorge is going to encounter a substantial hurdle, a tremendous challenge."

A fellow rider who faced similar challenges has issued a stark warning to Jorge Martin regarding his disappointing beginning to the 2025 season.

In the previous year, Franco Morbidelli's preseason preparations and his transition to a new manufacturer were derailed due to an injury.

During a private test session, Morbidelli suffered a serious crash while switching from a Yamaha to a Ducati.

Due to his recovery period, he achieved a seventh-place finish, two eighteenth-place finishes, and had to retire from two races in the first five rounds of 2024.

MotoGP titleholder Martin sustained a hand injury last week in Sepang, disrupting his initial official test ride on an Aprilia.

Martin was absent from the Buriram test, and there's no set date for his return. His quest to defend his title is already proving to be a challenging task.

"Undoubtedly, Jorge is going to encounter a significant and substantial challenge," stated Morbidelli.

"I have some knowledge of the situation. There are distinctions between the challenges I encountered and those he is currently dealing with."

"He'll handle it excellently since he holds the title of world champion."

Franco Morbidelli's Guidance for Jorge Martin

Morbidelli shared his experience about adjusting to a different motorcycle while healing from an injury the previous year: "I felt at ease right from the moment I first got on the bike following my injury."

"I arrived in Qatar after not riding a bike for three months. During the race, I nearly earned some points, and in the wet second practice session, I finished in 11th place."

"I was amazed. It demonstrated the quality of the bike and my level of comfort with it."

"I realized I needed to focus on comprehending other factors that consistently contribute to speed."

The initial instance when I truly sensed a competitive edge was at Mugello. During the sprint and main races, I secured positions P4 and P5, respectively. In the qualifying round, I achieved a time of 44.7 seconds.

"It helped me realize the extent of our competitiveness."

He mentioned: "The obstacles I encountered last year were immense, enormous."

"The initial experience was overwhelming. I discovered the importance of quickly adapting to new things."

"I grasped concepts as swiftly as possible and made the most of my resources, even if it doesn't seem flawless."

This year, Morbidelli transitioned from Pramac to VR46, continuing to ride a Desmosedici that is one year old.

However, he will have a fresh team and a different crew around him.

Morbidelli is catching up on what he missed: "Everyone was aware that there were opportunities I couldn't explore as I was trailing behind. Since we were in the middle of racing, we didn't have the chance to experiment with more options."

"We were both aware of what we had to attempt. Additionally, we revisited some approaches I experimented with last year to double-check their effectiveness."

"Building strong relationships from the beginning of the season is crucial."

"This is what I lacked the previous year. It's crucial when you're getting to know a new team."

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Title: Spotlight on the Standout Rider in MotoGP Testing

A rider has been singled out as "the most impressive" during the MotoGP testing sessions. His approach has been described as methodical, as he has steadily advanced and consistently made smart choices.

The rider who shone the most during the 2025 MotoGP preseason tests has been revealed

Interestingly, as the initial race is fast approaching, that racer isn't riding a Ducati.

Rather, Marco Bezzecchi, the new Aprilia factory rider, has been praised for his performances in Sepang and Buriram.

In a report from Buriram, Dorna's Jack Appleyard mentioned that Aprilia's performance in Sepang wasn't poor; rather, they went unnoticed.

"Within the first hour, Bezzecchi's responsibilities increased significantly, preventing him from attempting a time-attack that would capture attention or from performing a full-speed simulation at maximum capacity."

"I’m willing to take a risk by saying this: In my opinion, Bezzecchi has stood out as the most remarkable rider among all competitors in the preseason."

Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia received praise during testing. Jack Appleyard noted that it could have been quite simple for a young rider, who is experiencing being a factory rider for the first time, to lose concentration and focus, especially when his new teammate, the world champion, exits after just 14 laps.

"For the job to seem overwhelming, to manage everything alone, and to bear the burden of the company himself."

"He has approached the situation systematically, advancing steadily and making sound choices."

"I believe he has been truly outstanding."

"When Martin returns, he should give a strong handshake, as his work has been outstanding."

"He has positioned Aprilia to be competitive this season."

In a challenging situation, Bez excels by maintaining a steady pace.

"Many assumed that Bez was present solely due to his talent, but the reality is entirely different."

"He possesses a strong intellect. His evaluations and comments are accurate, relevant, and thorough."

"Aprilia is thrilled to have him join their team. He has exceeded the expectations of those within the company."

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Jack Miller describes the discussion around Yamaha's V4 engine as just a passing trend, stating, "Every option has its advantages and disadvantages."

Pramac Yamaha MotoGP racer Jack Miller claims that the discussion surrounding the superiority of V4 versus inline four-cylinder engines is merely a trend.

Late last year, Yamaha made headlines by revealing that it was developing a V4 engine program for the first time in the contemporary period, after having consistently adhered to its inline four engine strategy.

Yamaha, the sole producer on the racing circuit using that specific engine setup, has faced questions for several years regarding a potential change to a V4 engine.

Although Yamaha's new V4 has not yet made its debut on the track, Pramac rider Miller, who has experience with V4 engines from his time with Honda, Ducati, and KTM, asserts that the inline four "is strong."

He mentioned that each bike requires a unique approach when riding. This was in response to a question during the recent Sepang pre-season test about whether he had to change his riding technique for the inline-four bike.

"As a motorcyclist, you grasp the requirements of your bike. The way I ride remains the same."

"You adapt your riding style to what the bike can handle. If it can take corners at high speed, that's the approach you follow. Once you discover, 'Wow, I can actually make this turn,' you continue to refine your skills in that way."

"Many motorcycle enthusiasts are able to figure that out. Although we're straightforward individuals, we can manage to understand it."

Understanding the bike's demands is simple. The engine has a unique personality.

"Experiencing this kind of vehicle is truly amazing. The power delivery is unique and significantly distinct, even compared to the bike I used in Barcelona."

"I have experienced thrilling rides, explosive adventures, and now I'm trying out an inline."

Whether it's a Yamaha 450, a Honda 450, or a motocross bike, the power delivery is consistently distinct.

"It performs its functions exceptionally. In my opinion, the debate about whether you need a V4 engine is just a trend. I don't think it's an absolute necessity to have a V4."

"Every situation has its advantages and disadvantages. Currently, our inline-4 engine is powerful."

Fabio Quartararo recently warned that merely adopting a V4 engine will not resolve all of Yamaha's issues. He highlighted that Honda has been using V4 engines for many years, yet they still lag further behind in the competition.

During the Sepang test, Yamaha appeared to have significantly improved its M1, with Fabio Quartararo's performance especially impressing Ducati's team principal, David Tardozzi.

This week, testing is underway in Buriram, Thailand, scheduled for February 12-13. The first race of the season is set to occur at the same location from February 28 to March 2.

Statements given by Peter McLaren, the editor of Crash MotoGP

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Honda sees a significant advantage at Buriram, despite some experiments seemingly not going as planned. With the upcoming season approaching, Honda has much to evaluate.

Honda experienced an uncommon highlight when a significant opportunity was discovered in Buriram.

Luca Marini played a key role in boosting morale at the company, which had fallen behind its competitor in the previous season.

On the first day of MotoGP's preseason testing in Buriram, Marini's speed during a single lap provides Honda with useful insights.

According to Louis Suddaby from Dorna, four racers completed laps in the low 1.29-second range: Alex Marquez, Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta, and Luca Marini.

It is evident from the Sepang results that Honda still has significant progress to make when it comes to race distance and extended runs.

"The speed they achieve in a single lap has reduced the difference."

Jack Appleyard responded: "After two and a half hours, with the heat intense, Marini was just 0.3 seconds slower than Honda's fastest lap ever recorded at this location."

"This is certainly a very encouraging indication."

Joan Mir and Johann Zarco managed to achieve record-breaking speeds at Sepang.

Was a Honda experiment unsuccessful?

At the Sepang test, Honda and KTM introduced a redesigned seat unit in their efforts to eliminate the rear chatter issue that affected them in 2024.

In Buriram, however, there were slight indications that both manufacturers were overlooking that development trial.

Appleyard mentioned that only Somkiat Chantra is using it for Honda, as Mir, Zarco, and Marini have decided to stop utilizing it.

"At this moment, it seems likely that the season will begin without it."

Similarly for KTM, Brad Binder and Acosta haven't displayed it, and Enea Bastianini hasn't been spotted with it either.

Maverick Vinales is the sole rider still focusing on the seat unit adjustments.

In Sepang, a significant breakthrough was introduced as both Honda and KTM sought to address the problems that affected their previous season.

"However, most of their bicycles do not display this feature."

"Obviously, if it had been a significant enhancement, it would still be part of the bike…"

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Marc Marquez has identified five riders he believes will compete for the MotoGP championship in 2025. He expressed determination, stating, "Naturally, we will make an effort to contend for the title…"

Marc Marquez, who rides for Factory Ducati, has named four competitors he believes could compete for the MotoGP championship in 2025.

Eight-time World Champion Marquez is considered one of the top contenders to clinch this year's championship title, particularly after he became part of the highly successful Ducati Lenovo Team in 2025. The anticipation builds as the season is set to kick off with the first race in Thailand.

However, the Spanish individual also has a roster of cyclists whom he believes might compete for the title this year.

During the Buriram test, when questioned on MotoGP.com's After the Flag show about who he believes will clinch the MotoGP World Championship this year, Marquez responded, "I will not say."

"Naturally, we'll make an effort to compete for it, but I'm aware that I have a formidable teammate in Francesco Bagnaia. Additionally, my brother Alex, who is also my roommate, has shown incredible speed throughout the preseason and even secured second place today."

"There are various competitors who could include Pedro Acosta. We'll observe how Jorge Martin performs with Aprilia—let's not overlook Martin, as he's an exceptional rider. Additionally, Marco Bezzecchi demonstrates that Aprilia is functioning effectively."

"We'll attempt to work from our garage and observe what results we can achieve."

Though he hesitated to label himself the top contender for the championship, Marquez's performance during Thursday's race simulation strongly indicated that he will be the competitor to overcome in Thailand at the start of March.

"Certainly, the race weekend is unique," Marquez remarked. "However, conducting a race simulation is crucial as it allows me to assess my physical fitness and evaluate the performance of the new 2024 bike in a race-like setting."

"I remained composed and steady, making no errors. Although the tires were wearing down, it happened gradually, allowing me to keep things under control."

In the end, Ducati and especially Marquez have had an impressive preseason, with Marquez leading the times on both days at Buriram this week.

"The preseason has been excellent, particularly since we began strongly right from the first day in Malaysia," he remarked.

"We continue our efforts by experimenting with various aspects of the bike. We completed everything on our agenda, including simulations for both sprints and races."

"The key focus is on the technical details; we have a good understanding of what is required, although there are a few new elements I'm still getting to grips with. Overall, I'm pleased and eager to kick off the season."

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Pedro Acosta states that the actual KTM predicament is vastly different from what's portrayed in the press, describing it as 'day and night.' Acosta believes the present challenges faced by KTM will ultimately fortify the team.

Pedro Acosta, the MotoGP rider, has remarked that the actual financial situation of KTM starkly contrasts with the media reports, describing it as "day and night," and he remains "quite calm" about the circumstances.

The Austrian company is currently undergoing reorganization after it declared self-administration in response to a significant financial downturn at the end of the previous year.

KTM is currently facing debts exceeding €2 billion, yet remains optimistic that its proposed repayment strategy will receive positive approval from lenders during the scheduled vote on February 25.

The economic downturn resulted in doubts about the future of KTM's MotoGP endeavor after the current season, as a creditors meeting last year indicated that there were considerations to exit the series.

Amidst the prevailing uncertainty, there's been widespread speculation about Acosta's future in MotoGP with the brand, as the Spanish rider has been rumored to be considering a move to Ducati.

During the Sepang pre-season testing, Acosta mentioned that much of what he had come across in readings did not reflect reality. He explained that a visit to the factory in December provided him with a clearer understanding of the circumstances.

"He mentioned that he was relatively composed regarding KTM."

"I made the trip just before Christmas, and ultimately, it's simpler to visit and spend a day understanding the circumstances firsthand rather than relying solely on media reports."

"Observing the circumstances firsthand and then comparing it to the portrayal in the press was like comparing light and darkness."

"Many of the claims circulating in the media were unfounded."

"I'm incredibly excited to compete representing these colors, and I believe this scenario is an experience that will ultimately fortify us."

Brad Binder expressed his excitement, saying, "I was incredibly impressed upon my visit to the factory in mid-January. Engaging with the team and discovering what they have in store for us was truly exciting."

"Personally, the higher-ups gave me early assurances, telling me not to worry about it."

"I trust what they tell me more than the information I find on the internet!

"Initially, your reaction might be shock or disbelief, yet in the end, it all turns out just as they predicted."

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Collision Web

Alex Marquez's MotoGP trial indicates a narrowing gap with Marc Marquez due to race simulation challenges

"We encountered several issues"

Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez reported problems with his bike's electronics and front tire during a race simulation on the final day of MotoGP pre-season testing in Thailand.

The two-time world champion in the grand prix has had an impressive pre-season on the GP24, leading the pack in the Barcelona and Sepang tests, and securing the second-fastest time in the Buriram test.

He also caught attention with a fast sprint simulation at Sepang and demonstrated strength during a full race distance simulation at Buriram, although his factory Ducati competitor and older brother, Marc Marquez, was consistently seven tenths of a second faster on average.

Discover more: Exploring Ducati's Active Evolution in 2025

Alex Marquez indicated that the discrepancy was exacerbated by various problems he encountered during his race simulation, yet he admits anticipating his brother would make progress on the final day of testing.

"Ending the pre-season in this manner is exactly the outcome we were aiming for," he stated.

"In the morning, we engaged in a time attack, followed by a race simulation in which we encountered several issues. Nonetheless, I made the decision to complete the simulation."

"Additionally, if you encounter issues while racing, you must adjust accordingly."

"However, the issues were already apparent to us. Besides, consistently ranking among the top three or top five throughout the pre-season was a positive aspect and holds significant value."

"Truly content and prepared to kick off the season."

"One component involved the electronics, while the other pertained to the front tire, which exhibited extremely high pressure and temperature. I was by myself, yet the reason for this remains unclear.

"We aim to examine the situation further. Subsequently, it turned out to be a typical error related to human electronics, which is understandable given it occurred after 23 laps, leading to some mistakes."

The Gresini competitor mentioned, "I've got everything pretty much managed and fully in place."

"Simply put, I was at the forefront during the pre-season until he chose to take over. That's just how he is."

"However, beyond that, it was clear to me that Marc often chose not to engage in time attacks on many days, managing the risk more cautiously."

"However, once he mastered everything, he possessed an extra edge, particularly on this circuit where his speed was consistently remarkable."

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Aprilia veteran advises Jorge Martin on his return expectations

Promising update on an engine for the recovering Jorge Martin

Jorge Martin has been briefed on what he should anticipate from his Aprilia upon resuming his responsibilities.

Martin was sidelined for the preseason trials in Sepang and Buriram due to an injury, managing only a few laps before his expensive accident.

This implies that the transition of the MotoGP champion from Ducati to Aprilia will predominantly take place over the course of race weekends.

In Martin's absence, Aprilia's test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, has been working on advancing the development of the package.

"Savadori mentioned in Buriram that they are in the process of developing a new electronic approach and a swingarm."

"We're delighted as we observe the bicycle functioning well."

We're also pleased because the 2025 engine significantly outperforms its 2024 counterpart.

"Our efforts on behalf of Jorge are ongoing."

Savadori mentioned that the engine has improved generally, but specifically, it performs better on straight paths.

Savadori described Aprilia's approach to resolving their overheating issue: "Indeed, we put in the effort. Over the winter, we made some improvements. In Malaysia, the conditions were significantly warmer with more humidity."

Major shifts at Aprilia by 2025

Aprilia is also undergoing a transition in their factory riders lineup.

Maverick Vinales has made a move to KTM, while Aleix Espargaro has ended his racing career to take on a role as a test rider for Honda.

For the first time, Martin teams up with Marco Bezzecchi as factory riders.

Savadori maintains that his position remains unchanged despite the introduction of new official riders.

"Overall, it remains the same," he remarked.

"Last year, we didn't get the chance to experiment with new strategies during the competitions."

"The designated participants are primarily concerned with increasing their speed. The first practice session feels akin to a qualifying round, where it's crucial to quickly identify your boundaries."

"Thus, my role remains the same. Certain elements are effective, while others are not."

"As soon as the equipment is delivered for a professional cyclist, it is instantly prepared to enhance their performance."

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Ducati emphasizes Marc Marquez's integration as a pivotal moment

"Ducati aimed to inaugurate a fresh chapter alongside Marc and Pecco"

Ducati emphasizes that from the moment Marc Marquez donned the red colors, he was considered a member of their team.

Marquez has advanced from the Gresini satellite team to the official team this year, and has finished two official MotoGP tests alongside his new teammates.

Marquez and his latest team member, Francesco Bagnaia, concentrated on the GP25's setup during their time in Sepang and Buriram. However, it's uncertain if their cooperative relationship will endure once they start racing against each other.

"The mood so far has been upbeat," said Ducati's sporting director Mauro Grassilli in Sepang.

"Our goal was to assemble the world's top team for the championship, and we are thrilled with the team's official formation."

"Alongside Pecco and Marc, we're striving to create the optimal environment within the garage."

Marc quickly became an integral member of the team, giving the impression he has been with us for a long time.

On the initial day of the trial, he had already become a member of the household.

"It feels as though Marc has been with us for a decade."

Marquez experienced his inaugural day amidst his Ducati team members during the squad's unveiling ceremony in the snow-capped mountains.

He enjoyed a skiing trip with Bagnaia prior to teaming up for the development of their motorcycle during two testing sessions.

"Grassilli mentioned that the purpose of organizing this event was to foster positive connections with the press, our sponsors, and the riders."

"We shared our initial experience, dedicating three days to each other."

"Our goal was to usher in a fresh chapter alongside Marc and Pecco, marking this as our initial move. It turned out to be a pleasant journey that we aim to continue throughout the year, holding significant value for us."

Ducati commits to resolving issues

With their rider count decreasing from eight to six, Ducati has already redirected its attention towards finding a solution.

The choice by the Pramac satellite team to switch to Yamaha results in Ducati having access to fewer data sets than they have in the previous years.

"Grassilli mentioned that although one team is absent, VR46 has the backing of the factory. He also noted that they maintain positive interactions with Gresini."

"Throughout the year, we'll come up with a solution. We're short one team, but that's just the nature of the sport, and we're very pleased with how things are going for Ducati."

Fabio di Giannantonio from VR46 is the last of three riders to be equipped with a Ducati of factory specification this season.

Franco Morbidelli, his teammate, is using a version from last year.

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Warning signs? Pecco Bagnaia openly acknowledges Marc Marquez's advantage

"He had the opportunity to prepare, […] while I didn't have that same circumstance yesterday…"

Double MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia feels that he is not as ready for the 2025 season as his Ducati Lenovo team colleague Marc Marquez after the concluding preseason trial in Buriram.

During the Buriram test this week, Bagnaia faced technical difficulties over two days, preventing him from completing a full race simulation. Consequently, he stated that Marquez appears to be in superior condition.

"Indeed, Marc [Marquez] appears to be in a better condition right now, as he also had the opportunity to ride yesterday, managing to feel comfortable on his bike, a situation I didn't find myself in yesterday," Bagnaia explained to MotoGP.com's After the Flag program, after the conclusion of the second day of tests in Buriram.

Bagnaia shared his thoughts following Marquez's impressive performance, where he maintained speeds in the 1:30s range throughout a race simulation on the last day of preseason trials. Marquez's speed was notably faster compared to other competitors, including Bagnaia himself, who had only tested his speed on worn tires through a few brief attempts, rather than a full simulation.

"The Italian clarified that he didn't run a simulation simply because it was crucial for him to discover a method and complete the task. This was especially since he had essentially lost an entire day the previous day, so today was about beginning anew from scratch, leaving him no time for the simulation."

"My goal was to complete as many circuits as I could on worn tyres, and the performance wasn't too shabby given the mileage already on the tyres."

Discussing the comparison with Marquez, Bagnaia stated: "It's challenging to determine and blend the rhythm across various laps and a race simulation's pace."

"I'd like to express that Marc consistently posted remarkable lap times, showing great speed and competitiveness. Even when I had to stop and then get going again, I found myself matching his pace. However, this isn't the right approach to maintain equilibrium."

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Revolutionary advancements for Yamaha unveiled in Buriram

Yamaha secures dual significant advantages for the 2025 racing season

A fresh advantageous characteristic of the Yamaha motorcycle was observed during the MotoGP Buriram trial.

Yamaha grabbed the spotlight in Sepang as Fabio Quartararo secured the quickest time on the first day.

Recently, a new feature of their bicycle has emerged.

"Several manufacturers and I have observed that Yamaha has significantly improved their starting performance," noted Dorna's Jack Appleyard.

"It seems like they've introduced a new clutch mechanism."

"It bears a resemblance to the KTM. Indeed, it emits a loud, piercing sound, as if it's putting all its effort into starting, before propelling itself ahead."

"The KTM is truly a sight to behold, they shoot out incredibly fast from the starting point."

"Positive development for Yamaha

"However, the silver lining for Yamaha? It was brought to my attention that the improvement isn't limited to just a single rider," Appleyard noted.

"Each of the four competitors, consistently across numerous instances, demonstrates their exceptional ability to start races effectively."

This marks another win for Yamaha. Even though they haven't dazzled with their speed the way they did in Sepang, they just need a bit more time.

"I believe there's a possibility it will happen. There's evidence of progress being made. Given their successful qualification in Sepang, it appears they have a strong chance of getting off to a good start."

Yamaha has significantly heightened anticipation ahead of the season.

Following a lackluster couple of years, there's now cause for optimism.

Following the appointment of Max Bartolini as the technical director and the continuous development of the V4 engine, Yamaha has embarked on a new season, now featuring a satellite team and an additional pair of riders.

Pramac brought on board Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, both seasoned MotoGP riders with backgrounds in Honda, Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia.

Is Yamaha capable of transforming their optimistic preseason into significant achievements once the season kicks off on February 28 in Thailand?

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Title: Concerns Raised? Bagnaia Opens Up About Marquez's Advantage

In a candid remark, Pecco Bagnaia expressed that Marc Marquez had the opportunity to prepare, whereas he found himself in a different predicament the previous day.

Francesco Bagnaia, who has won the MotoGP World Championship twice, thinks he is not as ready for the 2025 season as his Ducati Lenovo teammate Marc Marquez, based on the outcomes of the last preseason test in Buriram.

During the Buriram test this week, Bagnaia experienced two days of technical problems that prevented him from completing a full race simulation. As a result, he acknowledged that Marquez seems to be in a better condition.

In an interview with MotoGP.com's After the Flag show, Bagnaia commented on the current form of Marc Marquez. He noted that Marquez appears to be in better condition at the moment, particularly since Marquez had the opportunity to practice and feel comfortable on his bike the previous day, a situation that Bagnaia did not share during the second day of testing in Buriram.

Bagnaia spoke following Marquez's impressive performance, where he maintained a steady pace in the 1:30 range during a race simulation on the last day of preseason testing. Marquez's speed was notable compared to other competitors, including Bagnaia. Unlike Marquez, Bagnaia's experience with worn tires came from several shorter runs instead of a single extended simulation.

The Italian stated that he opted not to conduct a simulation. He emphasized that his priority was to find a solution and complete the task at hand, especially since he had essentially lost the entire day before. As a result, he decided to start fresh today and did not have the opportunity to perform the simulation.

"I aimed to complete as many laps as I could with worn tires, and given the number of laps those tires had already endured, the performance wasn't too bad."

When discussing the comparison to Marquez, Bagnaia commented, "It's quite challenging to assess and combine the pace from multiple runs and a race simulation."

"I want to express that Marc achieved remarkably quick lap times and was highly competitive. When I paused and then resumed, I matched his level of performance, but this isn't the right way to compare our abilities."

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

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