COMMENTARY: In the 2024 MotoGP championship race, Marc Marquez stands alone

The battle for the MotoGP championship continues, and Marc Marquez is in close pursuit…

Dorna Sports has earned significant praise for ensuring that the last race of the 2024 MotoGP season will go ahead as planned over the weekend of November 15-17.

The catastrophic flooding in Valencia recently relegated MotoGP to a secondary concern. However, Dorna adeptly and smoothly orchestrated a plan to hold a race in Barcelona, maintaining the championship's timeline and guaranteeing a climactic battle between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.

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The Barcelona Solidarity Grand Prix stands as a heartfelt tribute to the citizens of Valencia, as MotoGP gears up to launch several measures aimed at collecting funds for the flood recovery operations.

However, unity is a rare commodity in MotoGP, especially when the pinnacle of motorcycle racing is at stake. Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 24 points and only has to beat his opponent by two points – a feat he might achieve in the sprint race – to secure the championship for Spain.

The odds are heavily in Martin's favor. Bagnaia is left with no option but to aim for victories in both upcoming races. However, with eight did-not-finish (DNF) results shadowing his efforts—particularly notable is his last-lap lead crash during the Catalan GP sprint in Barcelona this past May—it's yet another point that benefits Martin.

Ducati has essentially created a scenario where Bagnaia is left without genuine teammates to back him up.

The decision to favor Marc Marquez over Martin for its factory team in 2025, made shortly after the Catalan GP, led to Enea Bastianini losing his spot. This move gives Bastianini minimal incentive to remain loyal to the brand that sidelined him. Although a significant financial incentive might sway him, the allure of winning a grand prix could easily override that consideration.

Franco Morbidelli finds himself in a difficult situation, being caught between his roles as a representative for Pramac and a member of the VR46 Academy, despite having minimal involvement in the main competition this year with his GP24.

As the year progressed into its latter half, the performance of the GP23s has significantly declined, leaving VR46's Marco Bezzecchi in a challenging position to back up Bagnaia. Similarly, Alex Marquez and Michele Pirro, who stepped in for Fabio Di Giannantonio at VR46 for the weekend, find themselves facing the same predicament.

Bagnaia has expressed opposition to the concept of team instructions, a sentiment echoed by Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi before the Malaysian Grand Prix, emphasizing that the only directive to Ducati's squad is to “Avoid foolish actions.”

The current two-time world champion has remained true to his values of integrity, choosing not to reduce his speed during the Malaysian Grand Prix to involve Marquez and Bastianini in the race, which could have allowed him to gain a larger points lead over Martin. This noble approach highlights Bagnaia's moral fiber, yet it may also reveal a potential absence of the cutthroat attitude that could be challenged in 2025…

Facing a challenging situation, Bagnaia might adopt a different strategy at Barcelona. Following the Sepang race, he mentioned his intention to provide slipstreams to numerous riders during the last round in an effort to place other competitors between him and Martin. However, given the recent performance of the top two riders in the championship, those who attempt to follow Bagnaia closely risk ending up off the track and in the gravel.

Marc Marquez showcased some of his top performances this season during the Catalunya races in May, impressively securing podium finishes twice after starting from 14th position 👏#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/NQ0BZC7tPW

Throughout the year, Marc Marquez stands out as the singular rider who has maintained consistent performance. Despite a setback at the Sepang GP, where he did not finish due to a crash, he was previously keeping pace with the leading duo. This was on a GP23 bike, which was not performing as well as it did during the Barcelona races in May. In those races, Marquez impressively climbed from 14th position to secure a spot on the podium in both events.

Participants in the GP24 races have observed over recent months that the GP23 model appears to offer superior grip. This factor could be significant at the Barcelona track, known for its low grip, potentially aiding Marquez in achieving one more race victory in 2024 and also in clinching the third spot in the overall rankings.

Certainly, as the championship race captures everyone's attention, the contest for third place involving Marquez and Bastianini – contrasting GP23 and GP24, representing the future and past of Ducati respectively – is closely contested, with a mere point separating them before this weekend's grand prix, indicating a battle that will persist until the very end.

During an interview with Peter McLaren, MotoGP Editor for Crash.net, at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Marc Marquez was questioned whether he would rather achieve an additional victory or secure third place in the overall standings. Marquez fervently chose the option of another win. He has openly stated that his focus this season, as a racer for Gresini, isn't on where he ends up in the championship rankings.

Ducati undoubtedly hopes to maintain some dignity; its 2025 team lineup coming in second place to the current team it plans to replace will likely cause some tension among the executives during a tense winter, as they hope fervently that their strategy for the upcoming year proves successful.

However, if Marquez is singularly concentrated on achieving another victory, this positions him as a formidable contender against Martin and Bagnaia, while simultaneously presenting him as a potential collaborator for the two.

The topic of 'interference' has come up several times in recent months, with the events of 2015 lingering in the minds of many. Before the Thai Grand Prix, and after securing a victory over Martin in the Australian GP the previous week—a win that reduced Martin's points by five—Marquez commented, "Back in 2015, I wasn't directly involved, yet I still ended up affecting someone's score. It's unpredictable. These situations are beyond one's control. I'll give it my all."

It's important to mention that if Martin had secured an additional five points in Australia over Bagnaia, his lead in the championship would have increased to 29 points as they approached the final race. If Bagnaia hadn't suffered a crash from second place in the Thai GP, he would be just four points behind Martin. Further, Martin noted that he managed to avoid a crash on his GP24 only because he foresaw his own front end issue after witnessing Marquez's fall.

In the previous season, while riding for Honda, Marquez chose not to aggressively compete against Martin for the 10th position at the Qatar Grand Prix. His reasoning was that since he wasn't in contention for the championship, he preferred not to hinder Martin's chances by scoring points from him. This year in Thailand, his efforts to surpass Bagnaia for the top spot were executed with precision and fairness. Being an eight-time world champion, Marquez is empathetic towards the challenges faced by Martin and Bagnaia. Given that he has no stake in the current competition, he's steering clear of taking risks that could impact their standings unnecessarily.

In essence, Australia demonstrated that whenever he possesses speed – no matter the competitor – he's ready to seize the opportunity. Once more, his competition with Martin at Phillip Island was fair. If a comparable scenario presents itself in Barcelona, Marquez is expected to act in the same manner as before.

Ultimately, the effect on Martin and Bagnaia is relatively minor. However, as the one behind in points, Bagnaia is expected to feel the impact more significantly than Martin due to the gap in their standings. Martin has the leeway to give up some points to his competitor as long as he remains in a position to clinch the championship; Bagnaia does not have this luxury.

Many view Marquez as the potential support rider for Bagnaia in their future collaboration. However, despite Marquez's commitment to the team, expecting the 31-year-old to simply follow orders without question is overly optimistic.

He has successfully demonstrated his value to Ducati by disrupting the balance they had established, compelling them to acknowledge his significance. Ducati is facing several losses: Martin is moving to Aprilia, Pramac is switching to Yamaha, Bastianini is joining KTM, and Marco Bezzecchi is also heading to Aprilia. Moreover, next year, they will have just three GP25s competing.

Marquez is in a position where he can disregard the preferences of team management following his impressive performance. By continuing his usual approach in Barcelona, he unintentionally harms Bagnaia's chances of winning the championship. If Bagnaia fails to secure the title, he would have to attribute his loss primarily to his eight race withdrawals. Additionally, for Marquez, this situation presents the advantage of joining the factory Ducati team without having to team up with the current champion.

Bagnaia's decision not to team up with Pramac, along with the Ducati higher-ups' concerns about potentially losing him, has highlighted that his standing within the company isn't as solid as one might expect for their most accomplished MotoGP rider to date. With Bagnaia entering 2025 without a championship title and now competing against Marquez within the same team, the situation seems to advantage Marquez more than Bagnaia.

Marquez refuses to be drawn into a secondary position at the Solidarity GP, and he won't engage in any risky behavior to favor one contender over another. However, there are numerous factors that could make him a significant influence in determining the winner of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship…

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Exciting new video shows Valentino Rossi revealing the secrets of his ranch to Casey Stoner. Rossi offers Stoner advice on how to navigate the Tavullia course.

Valentino Rossi shared an impressive video showcasing a day spent at the VR46 ranch alongside Casey Stoner.

Former fierce competitors in the MotoGP circuit, Rossi and Stoner reunited after retirement on Sunday to reminisce about their glory days.

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Stoner visited Rossi's ranch in Tavullia, where remarkable GoPro footage captures him navigating the dirt track.

Check out this Instagram post from Valentino Rossi (@valeyellow46). Valentino Rossi (@valeyellow46) has shared a new post.

Rossi is heard telling Stoner that he will guide him around the track.

"The unusual aspect of the track is…"

He later explains, "The course is incredibly quick."

Stoner comments, "It's extremely slick."

Rossi offered an invitation for the future: "Whenever you visit Italy, there will be a bike ready for you."

Following the event, he expressed his gratitude to Stoner for attending, saying it was "a tremendous pleasure and a significant honor."

Rossi advised Stoner on how to approach the Tavullia track, suggesting that it's best to ride after sunset when the track offers better grip and greater consistency throughout.

"As the track conditions get better, you can enhance your lap time, push harder, and take different lines."

Stoner remarked that much like in Jerez, the track becomes quick yet perilous when shadows appear on it.

Typically, major accidents occur following this period.

"When I reach the conclusion of my career, there will be a point when I decide to quit. I don't ride past 10 PM."

"The situation in Jerez is identical."

Rossi concurred, stating, "Once the shadows reach Turns 9 and 10, it's sufficient."

He extended an invitation to Stoner, suggesting he stay a bit longer: "We're going to have a meal—if you'd like to join us, we'll have a delicious dinner. We've got some great people grilling a barbecue!"

Stoner attended a motorcycle trade exhibition in Italy, where he made a short comeback to racing in a semi-competitive novelty race. He advanced to the semi-final stage but was defeated by Carlos Checa.

When he reached Tavullia, it came as a surprise, which Rossi's partner Francesca initially shared on her social media. Later, The Doctor offered more detailed insights.

Marco Bezzecchi, who was riding alongside Rossi and Stoner, expressed his excitement: "We revisited some sidewalks, and it was amazing! Spending the day with Vale and Casey definitely made it unforgettable."

"Experiencing them shoot together up close is an incredible piece of history and an exhilarating moment. It's truly a one-of-a-kind sensation."

Colin Edwards also chimed in, describing Rossi's video as "badass!"

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

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Dani Pedrosa has agreed to extend his contract with KTM, continuing his role as the official test rider for the company's MotoGP team.

KTM has renewed Dani Pedrosa's contract, allowing him to maintain his role in testing and developing the RC16 MotoGP project through 2025.

In 2019, Pedrosa became part of KTM after he stepped away from his career as a full-time professional motorcycle racer at the conclusion of the 2018 MotoGP season. Since then, he has consistently worked in a testing capacity for the Austrian manufacturer.

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Next year, the Spanish racer will begin his seventh season with KTM. The team has not secured a victory in MotoGP since the 2022 Thai Grand Prix and has not won a race in dry conditions since the 2021 Catalan Grand Prix.

Pedrosa expressed his delight about embarking on another year as he announced his new contract with KTM.

It is clear to us where enhancements are necessary, and the entire factory team remains fully committed to creating the optimal motorcycle for the riders' track performance.

"I am excited about the possibilities we can explore for 2025 and the new ideas that will emerge."

Pit Beirer, the Director of Motorsports at KTM, stated, "The choice was simple for both sides, indicating a solid partnership and mutual trust."

"We have strong confidence in what Dani contributes to our MotoGP initiative in various aspects, not just as a rider of the upcoming KTM RC16 model, and this input is crucial."

"We are confident that the improvement we aim for is on the way, and with Dani on board, it will happen even sooner."

During his tenure with KTM, Pedrosa has participated in four wildcard events, with three of these appearances occurring over the last two seasons. However, there is currently no confirmation regarding any potential wildcard entries for the 54-time Grand Prix victor in 2025.

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

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Guide to Viewing the Barcelona MotoGP Grand Prix Live

Details on watching the 2024 Barcelona MotoGP Grand Prix, including broadcast times and event schedule

Here's a guide on how to tune into the 2024 MotoGP Grand Prix in Barcelona from November 15 to 17, including options for accessing a free live stream. We've also provided the start times for the 2024 MotoGP Grand Prix in Barcelona below.

The final event of the season has been moved from flood-affected Valencia and will now honor those impacted by the disaster.

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Could varying track conditions influence the outcome of the championship battle?

Jorge Martin from Pramac holds a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia, who races for the factory Ducati team.

If Martin triumphs in the sprint race, he will secure the championship title.

BARCELONA MOTOGP SCHEDULE (UK TIME)

Friday, November 15

9:45 AM – Initial Practice Session

12:00 PM – Regular Practice Session

Saturday, November 16

9:10 AM – Practice Session

9:50 AM – Qualifying Round

2:00 PM – Sprint Race

Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM – Barcelona Moto

WAYS TO STREAM THE 2024 MOTOGP GRAND PRIX OF BARCELONA FROM ANY LOCATION

If you're out of the country or away from the region of the TV streaming service you wish to access, you might face restrictions watching the Barcelona MotoGP due to geo-blocking. This is a tool used by broadcasters to limit content availability to certain geographical areas. However, you can bypass these restrictions by employing a VPN, with ExpressVPN being a top choice.

ExpressVPN is providing all users with an additional three months at no extra cost when they subscribe to the 12-month package, which results in a 49% discount. Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing them to test the service without any risk.

It works with a wide range of streaming gadgets such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PlayStation, and both Android and Apple smartphones.

WATCH THE BARCELONA MOTOGP GRAND PRIX ONLINE FOR FREE

Austrian channels ORF and Servus offer free live streaming of the Barcelona MotoGP. You can watch it on ORF TVthek for ORF or Servus TV for Servus. Note that the commentary will be in German, and you might need to sign up for a free account to access the stream.

The Belgian broadcaster RTBF offers free live coverage of the Barcelona MotoGP, but the commentary is in French. You can watch the live stream on RTBF Auvio.

Here's how you can watch the live stream of the MotoGP Grand Prix in Barcelona: Sign up for the MotoGP Video Pass.

This is the authorized MotoGP platform that provides live and on-demand streaming of all races, encompassing past events.

All sessions, including practice, qualifying, sprint races, and the main grand prix events of each round, can be found here.

Additionally, there's a wealth of unique content available for enjoyment.

The annual subscription for the MotoGP Video Pass is priced at €199.99, which converts to £170.97, while the monthly subscription fee is set at €29.99, equivalent to £25.64.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR THE 2024 MOTOGP GRAND PRIX OF BARCELONA IN THE UK

In the UK, TNT Sports will broadcast all the sessions of the Barcelona MotoGP from Friday through Sunday.

By subscribing to TNT, you can watch the Barcelona MotoGP.

For £30.99, you can subscribe to TNT Sports, gaining access to all four of its channels along with Discovery+. The service is available for viewing on television, as well as on mobile devices, tablets, and gaming consoles.

You have the option to register for a 30-day free trial of TNT Sports by subscribing to the Discovery Plus Premium package available through Amazon Prime.

Here's how you can watch free MotoGP highlights from the 2024 Barcelona Grand Prix: ITVX provides complimentary highlight coverage of MotoGP events.

The official MotoGP website and its YouTube channel will share complimentary highlight clips.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR THE 2024 MOTOGP GRAND PRIX IN BARCELONA FOR US AUDIENCES

In the United States, TNT Sports holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the MotoGP race in Barcelona. Fans can watch all the races on truTV. Additionally, streaming options are accessible through Max.

SlingTV is a top choice for streaming services.

VIEWING OPTIONS FOR THE 2024 MOTOGP GRAND PRIX IN BARCELONA FOR AUSTRALIAN AUDIENCES

In Australia, fans can catch the action of the Barcelona MotoGP through Kayo Sports or Foxtel Go, the official broadcasters of the event.

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

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Pecco Bagnaia has cautioned Jorge Martin that anxiety might lead to increased aggression. The two Ducati competitors are poised to determine the outcome of the MotoGP championship in Barcelona.

Francesco Bagnaia believes that Jorge Martin will experience significant pressure as the leading contender in the MotoGP championship battle. He cautions that this tension can lead to increased aggression and potential mistakes.

Heading into this weekend's last race of the 2024 season in Barcelona, Pramac's Martin is ahead of Bagnaia in the rankings by 24 points.

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The occasion has been named the Solidarity Grand Prix after severe flooding in Valencia earlier this month resulted in the cancellation of the race scheduled there.

Last season, the competition between the two riders extended all the way to the final round. However, Bagnaia entered the 2023 Valencia Grand Prix with a 21-point lead, a crucial factor that contributed to him securing his second MotoGP championship.

In 2022, Bagnaia entered the final round as the leading contender for the championship, holding a 23-point lead over Fabio Quartararo. Despite experiencing nerves that caused him to finish in ninth place, this performance was sufficient for him to clinch the title.

As Martin enters the Solidarity GP as the frontrunner, Bagnaia believes that the pressure of the occasion might affect his competitor, given that Martin has never faced this kind of situation before.

When questioned by TNT Sport about whether anxiety might still influence Martin's bid for the championship, Bagnaia from Ducati responded, "Definitely, yes."

"Jorge is facing a challenge as this is his debut attempt at competing for a MotoGP championship."

"I understand the emotions involved, and I believe he will attempt to give it his all. However, at times, nervousness can lead to increased aggression and result in mistakes."

“At this moment, my main focus is to keep striving, keep aiming for victory, and remain hopeful.”

In 2024, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 grand prix races, with his latest triumph coming at the Malaysian Grand Prix following a thrilling battle with Martin during the initial three laps.

The Ducati factory racer had a faster pace compared to Martin during the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona this year, despite crashing out of the lead during the sprint race, before ultimately securing victory in the main event on Sunday.

Bagnaia, assured of his pace at Barcelona, remains wary of the increased likelihood of errors due to the cooler conditions when racing there in November.

He mentioned that they would attempt to maintain his strong early-season performance for Barcelona in the upcoming weekend.

"We're aware of my strong performance in Barcelona back in June, but the conditions will present challenges as I anticipate it being quite cold, which could lead to errors."

"In order to succeed, staying composed is crucial. It's essential to minimize errors, aim for victory in both races, and maintain this approach. This is the sole path to potentially achieving a win."

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KTM has discovered a promising talent who might follow in the footsteps of Pedro Acosta. The team is already planning ahead.

KTM's head of motorsports, Pit Beirer, regards the current Moto3 champion, David Alonso, as possibly "an exceptionally talented rider" and is considering him for KTM's future MotoGP endeavors.

The Colombian racer, who is just 18 years old, has captured attention since his debut season in Moto3 last year and has been a standout performer throughout the 2024 season.

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Alonso has claimed victory in 13 out of the 19 races held this season as he heads towards his inaugural championship, breaking the previous record for most wins in a lightweight class season, a title once held by Valentino Rossi.

David Alonso secures his 13th victory of the season and his sixth consecutive win in the Moto3 category. 🤯👏 #MotoGP #MalaysianGP pic.twitter.com/0Mz4klaQOt— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 3, 2024

The Aspar team competitor is presently part of the KTM group, competing on bikes made by the Austrian company, branded as CFMoto.

Next season, he will advance to Moto2 as part of the Aspar team.

KTM's team currently includes a standout newcomer, Pedro Acosta, and for the duration of their lineup through 2026, they also have seasoned riders such as Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, and Enea Bastianini.

In an interview with Servus TV, Beirer emphasized the need to replenish the KTM MotoGP team with fresh, young talent and identified Alonso as a promising candidate to address this requirement.

"David is progressing to Moto2, and naturally, we hope to see him in the MotoGP category in the future," he stated.

"Eventually, you'll require a young rider once more. Naturally, it would be our dream to have a future team member who began their journey with us in the Rookies Cup and then progressed through Moto3."

"David has the potential to be an exceptional cyclist, and we'll make sure to support him as much as we do Pedro to ensure he stays with us."

Alonso has received significant commendation from several prominent individuals within the MotoGP community, with Marc Marquez being one of the most notable.

Earlier this year, Marquez and Alonso participated in a track day session together. During this event, Marquez described the 18-year-old as "a sponge" because of his ability to absorb feedback and put it into practice effectively.

Alonso has been standing out off the track with his vibrant celebrations after races.

After securing the championship in Japan, he marked the occasion by celebrating on his initial pocketbike. Later, at the Australian Grand Prix, he emulated a Rossi-style celebration upon tying the record for 11 victories in the lightweight class during a single season.

Over the past weekend, Alonso and his Aspar team took part in the cleanup efforts in Valencia, the city where their team is headquartered, after the devastating floods that occurred earlier this month.

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OPINION: In the 2024 MotoGP Championship battle, Marc Marquez is an outsider

The MotoGP championship race is set to continue, and Marc Marquez will be in the mix…

Dorna Sports should be commended for ensuring that the last round of the 2024 MotoGP season will take place as planned from November 15th to 17th.

The severe floods that recently hit Valencia made MotoGP seem trivial in comparison to the crisis. However, Dorna swiftly and effectively organized an alternative plan to hold the race in Barcelona, maintaining the championship's timeline and allowing the final battle between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia to proceed as planned.

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The Barcelona Solidarity Grand Prix pays heartfelt tribute to the residents of Valencia. MotoGP plans to implement several initiatives aimed at raising funds for flood relief efforts.

In MotoGP, unity is a rare sight, especially when the top honor in motorcycle racing is at stake. Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 24 points and needs to earn two more points than his competitor, a feat he might achieve in the sprint race, to secure the championship for Spain.

The odds are in Martin's favor when it comes to the numbers. Bagnaia is left with no option but to aim for victory in both races. However, having eight failures to finish, including a fall on the final lap while leading the Catalan GP sprint in Barcelona last May, acts as a significant burden for him. This situation further tilts the advantage towards Martin.

Ducati has created a scenario in which Bagnaia is essentially devoid of any genuine teammates to back him up.

In a sudden change of plans, the decision to elevate Martin to the factory team for 2025 was reversed in favor of Marc Marquez shortly after the Catalan GP. This move resulted in Enea Bastianini losing his position, giving him minimal motivation to support the brand that sidelined him. The company might try to win him over with a generous bonus, but that incentive will be quickly forgotten if he has a chance to secure a grand prix victory.

Franco Morbidelli finds himself in a difficult situation, representing Pramac while also being affiliated with the VR46 Academy. Despite this, he hasn't been heavily involved in the main competition this year with his GP24.

As the year progressed into its latter half, the performance of the aging GP23s has declined, leaving VR46 partner Marco Bezzecchi unable to effectively assist Bagnaia. Similarly, Alex Marquez and Michele Pirro, who is stepping in for Fabio Di Giannantonio at VR46 for the weekend, find themselves in a comparable situation.

Bagnaia has expressed his opposition to the concept of team orders, a stance that Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi backed up before the Malaysian Grand Prix. Tardozzi clarified that the guidance given to the riders from the Bologna brand would be straightforward: "Avoid making foolish mistakes."

The current two-time world champion has remained true to his values of fairness, choosing not to reduce his speed during the Malaysian Grand Prix to allow Marquez and Bastianini a chance to take points away from Martin. This decision demonstrates Bagnaia's admirable character, though it might also indicate a potential lack of aggression that will be put to the test in 2025.

Facing a challenging situation, Bagnaia might alter his strategy in Barcelona. After the race in Sepang, he mentioned his intention to provide as many riders as possible with a slipstream during the final round, with the aim of placing some bikes between himself and Martin. However, given the recent performances of the championship's leading two contenders, anyone daring enough to follow closely behind Bagnaia risks ending up in the gravel.

In May at the Catalunya circuit, Marc Marquez showcased some of his top performances of the season. Starting from 14th position, he impressively managed to secure podium finishes twice. #MotoGP

Throughout the year, Marc Marquez has been the sole rider to consistently achieve this feat. Prior to his crash in the Sepang Grand Prix, Marquez was competing alongside the leading two riders on a GP23 machine, which is not as advanced as it was during the Barcelona event in May. Back then, Marquez impressively climbed from 14th place on the starting grid to secure a podium finish in both races.

In recent months, the GP24 racers have observed that the GP23 model appears to offer superior traction. This could be a significant factor at the low-grip Barcelona track as Marquez aims to achieve one last race victory in 2024 and clinch third place in the rankings.

Certainly, although the main focus is on the championship clash, the contest for third place between Marquez and Bastianini remains intensely close. It's a showdown between GP23 and GP24, symbolizing the future and past of Ducati, separated by only one point as they head into this weekend's race, promising to carry the rivalry all the way to the grand prix.

During an interview with Crash.net's MotoGP Editor, Peter McLaren, at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Marquez was questioned about whether he would rather secure another race victory or finish third in the overall standings. Marquez responded with a strong preference for the race win. He openly stated that the final championship standings are not his priority. For the Gresini rider, this season has not been focused on the overall rankings.

Ducati is understandably eager to maintain some dignity, as having its 2025 factory team finish behind the current factory team it plans to replace could lead to tense discussions among management during an uneasy winter. The company is hopeful that its strategy for the upcoming year proves successful.

If Marquez is solely concentrating on securing another victory, this could make him a formidable threat to both Martin and Bagnaia, while at the same time presenting him as a potential ally for either.

The topic of 'interference' has come up repeatedly in recent months, as the events of 2015 remain fresh in the minds of some. Ahead of the Thai Grand Prix, following his performance the previous week where he took five points from Martin in the Australian Grand Prix after a challenging late-race duel, Marquez commented: "Even back in 2015, I wasn't directly involved, but I theoretically impacted someone's points. It's unpredictable. You can't control these situations. I'll give my all."

It's important to mention that if Martin had secured five more points than Bagnaia in Australia, his lead in the championship would have increased to 29 points going into the final race. Additionally, if Bagnaia hadn't crashed while in second place during the Thai Grand Prix, he would be trailing Martin by just four points. Martin noted that he managed to stay on his GP24 bike only because Marquez's crash gave him a warning to expect a similar issue with his own front wheel.

In the previous year, Marquez, while riding for Honda, decided against challenging Martin aggressively for the 10th position at the Qatar Grand Prix. This decision was made because Marquez was not in contention for the championship and wanted to avoid impacting Martin's standings. At the Thailand GP this year, Marquez made sure his attempts to pass Bagnaia for the lead were executed without any foul play. As someone who has claimed the world champion title eight times, Marquez is aware of the pressures Martin and Bagnaia are under, and, with no stake in the current championship, he is avoiding taking any undue risks.

Despite this, Australia demonstrated that whenever he has the speed—no matter who his competitor is—he will seize the opportunity. Once more, his contest with Martin at Phillip Island was conducted fairly. If a comparable scenario unfolds in Barcelona, Marquez is expected to act as he has in the past.

The effect this has on Martin and Bagnaia is not very significant. However, since Bagnaia is the one trailing, he is expected to feel the impact more than Martin due to the points gap. Martin has the advantage of being able to drop a few points to his competitor as long as he remains within the margin needed to secure the championship, while Bagnaia does not have that luxury.

Some people see Marquez as a potential future teammate for Bagnaia who might take on a supporting role. However, expecting the 31-year-old Marquez to simply follow orders without question would be unrealistic, even though he is unlikely to act recklessly.

He has successfully extracted his desired outcome from Ducati, compelling the company to reveal his significance to their strategy by utterly dismantling the balance they had established. Ducati is facing the departure of Martin to Aprilia, Pramac to Yamaha, Bastianini to KTM, and Marco Bezzecchi to Aprilia, leaving them with just three GP25s on the grid for the coming year.

Marquez, after a powerful performance, is free from having to worry about what the management wants. Continuing his normal routine in Barcelona, which unknowingly harms Bagnaia’s chances of winning the title, benefits Marquez, especially since Bagnaia’s potential loss could largely be attributed to his eight DNFs. Additionally, this situation might allow Marquez to join the factory Ducati team without being teamed up with the current champion.

Bagnaia's decision to turn down an offer from Pramac and the concerns from Ducati's top executives about possibly losing him highlight that his standing with the manufacturer isn't as solid as it should be, despite being the most successful MotoGP rider in their history. As Bagnaia approaches 2025 without the championship and with Marquez now on his team, the situation seems to benefit Marquez more.

Marquez will not be drawn into playing a supporting role at the Solidarity GP, nor will he take any risky actions to benefit either of the title contenders. However, there are numerous reasons why he could significantly influence the results of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship.

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Jorge Lorenzo Refutes Assertions of a Massive Ducati Salary, Stating They Offered Less Than €1 Million Against Standard €12 Million Contracts

Jorge Lorenzo has provided a glimpse into his contract negotiations with Ducati, refuting allegations regarding his substantial earnings.

Ducati placed their bets on Lorenzo, and before him, Valentino Rossi, both renowned MotoGP victors, aiming to break a prolonged victory drought.

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However, both ventures famously did not yield the desired outcomes, and Lorenzo has elaborated on his departure from Ducati following two lackluster seasons.

"Ducati's tolerance waned following eighteen months devoid of success," he mentioned in a statement to AS.

Their confidence in me had vanished. Not even a million euros was put on the table for me, despite contracts at the time going for 12.

They favored a racer such as Danilo Petrucci.

"I wasn't even presented with a proposal."

Facing a critical juncture in his career, Lorenzo quickly opted to join Honda in 2019.

However, it turned out to be his most challenging year in MotoGP, leading Lorenzo to retire following a single season with Honda.

Lorenzo refutes claims of a lucrative contract with Ducati

Lorenzo failed to achieve the same level of success he enjoyed at Yamaha, where he secured two MotoGP titles.

Following a third-place finish in 2017, marked by intense competition with team member Rossi, Lorenzo decided to leave Yamaha.

"He admitted to having little interest."

"They intensified their efforts, and this was particularly evident in Valencia, more so for Valentino than for myself."

Lorenzo's decision to join Ducati was influenced by Gigi Dall'Igna.

Lorenzo joined the Dall’Igna Desmosedici initiative before it gained momentum, but the manufacturer achieved success in the following years.

"Lorenzo expressed confidence in Gigi's ability to elevate the Ducati to the top motorcycle status, attributing it to his unwavering determination."

"It somewhat mirrored the scenario of Lewis Hamilton departing from McLaren for Mercedes – a squad yet to claim any titles, but with the conviction they'd helm the top vehicle in Formula 1."

"I experienced a similar gut feeling regarding Ducati."

Lorenzo refuted claims that his initial contract with Ducati was as exorbitantly high as it has been portrayed at times.

He asserted that it actually exceeded his Yamaha earnings by 15%.

"The alteration wasn't financially motivated, despite what many believe."

"The 15% didn't transform my existence. It was primarily about inspiration."

"My experience at Ducati was not successful."

Four years following Lorenzo's departure, Ducati concluded their 15-year drought of MotoGP championships, a streak that had persisted since Casey Stoner's victory in 2007.

Pecco Bagnaia secured the championship for the Italian brand, confirming Ducati's status as MotoGP's top motorcycle for the second consecutive year.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on various sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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"Disrespectful" Andrea Iannone as a MotoGP victor? "That was always unlikely"

Discussion reignites over Andrea Iannone's initial MotoGP stint

It has been suggested that Andrea Iannone's career, which appeared to be halted by a suspension, would not have led to a MotoGP championship victory regardless.

Iannone's career in MotoGP was prematurely ended in 2019 due to a four-year suspension for doping, yet he briefly returned for the Malaysian race the previous weekend.

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His short comeback sparked discussions on whether his skill level was enough to secure a MotoGP championship if he hadn't faced suspension.

"His talent has always been evident," Michael Laverty from TNT Sports remarked.

"Undoubtedly, he was among the quickest in MotoGP during his prime. It's refreshing to see his return – though I'm aware that some might disagree since he hasn't shown remorse or acknowledged his guilt."

"I have some sympathy towards him because his career was destroyed."

Neil Hodgson commented, "Regarding Iannone, opinions within the paddock are divided. This isn't about his suspension, but rather about his character as a whole."

"In this paddock, opinions on him are sharply divided. A number of individuals are fond of him, while others remain skeptical."

"Collaborating with him proved to be difficult during interviews; his temperamental nature and unexpected demeanor were surprising. Additionally, witnessing his discourteous behavior towards fans was something I found hard to tolerate."

"Over the years, I've had opportunities to be around him. However, I've heard that during his second stint in World Superbikes, he appears to have changed significantly as a person."

More humble and finding pleasure in his second attempt.

Observers claimed he could have been a MotoGP champion, but his performance was declining in 2019, ending in 16th place.

"His prime was behind him. He enjoyed an outstanding career and might have remained in MotoGP for a few more years, but we shouldn't deceive ourselves into thinking the suspension stopped him from becoming a MotoGP champion; that was unlikely to occur."

Iannone reached the pinnacle of his seven-year MotoGP career by securing a fifth-place finish in 2015 while riding for Ducati.

He ended up in 17th place at Sepang this past weekend, subsequently expressing his amazement at the increased physical demands of riding a MotoGP bike compared to 2019.

In his debut season of the World Superbike Championship, Iannone secured the seventh position and is set to make a comeback in 2025 with Team Go Eleven Ducati.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned a variety of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Could Marc Marquez ultimately influence the outcome of the MotoGP championship battle?

Will he play a role in the showdown between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin?

Marc Marquez has been a significant figure in the determination of the MotoGP championship, influencing the outcome between two competitors.

He uneasily mentioned his infamous participation in the 2015 incident involving Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi when asked about his thoughts on this year's championship finale.

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Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are set to compete for the championship in the season's final race next weekend.

It has been alleged that Marquez will avoid getting involved.

"Every criterion has been met. His strategy shows greater maturity these days; he's steering clear of the conflict between Jorge and Pecco," TNT Sports' Michael Laverty noted.

"He may pass, but only if it's safe. Despite his aggressive nature, I believe he would prefer to play it safe."

"However, it's certain that he'll influence the final results either by scoring points or by complicating things for them."

Neil Hodgson mentioned, "Marc won't make any rash decisions.

"Does he value finishing third in the championship? Securing a victory is of greater significance to him."

The additional challenge lies in Marquez's situation come 2025.

Next season, he is set to join the factory Ducati team, where he will team up with either the thrice-crowned champion Bagnaia or a version of Bagnaia who is coping with the loss of his title.

The expectations from the Italian maker regarding Marquez's conduct could play a role in the upcoming week.

Marquez's aspirations for the championship have ended this season, yet he aims to achieve success in 2025 with the top-performing bikes in MotoGP.

Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 24 points with only a sprint race and a grand prix left in the season.

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

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Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi reunited for a race at the VR46 Ranch. The two-time MotoGP world champion joined Rossi for a ride at his VR46 facility.

The tension between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi seems to be easing as they shared the track at the VR46 Ranch last weekend.

Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi were fierce competitors during their racing careers in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

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The tension between the two competitors peaked during the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix when Rossi collided with Stoner. This incident prompted Stoner to deliver his now-famous comment to the seasoned Italian, saying, "your ambition outweighs your talent."

In January, Stoner pointed out that incident and mentioned Rossi's subsequent attempt to apologize as the point at which he lost respect for him.

In a conversation with Moto.it, Stoner expressed: "It was tough to witness Vale's arrival at Ducati, knowing the immense pressure they faced, which they truly did not deserve."

"They performed excellently, managing to accomplish a significant amount despite having a very limited budget."

"Regrettably, Valentino and his engineer, Jeremy Burgess, expressed unfavorable opinions about both myself and my team."

The statement essentially suggested that we were clueless and promised a speedy repair of the bike. This was quite offensive to me, considering the efforts of my team.

"Despite our limited financial resources, we remained contenders for the title, something they couldn't achieve even with a larger budget."

The duo seems to be moving on from their previous issues, as Rossi extended an invitation to Stoner to join him for a ride at his ranch in Tavullia last weekend.

Casey Stoner is truly making the most of his time in Italy 🤩❤️‍🔥 It's an all-out challenge at Valentino's Ranch in Tavullia! #SkyMotori #SkyMotoGP #MotoGP #ValentinoRossi pic.twitter.com/W8L56bYfV3— Sky Sport MotoGP (@SkySportMotoGP) November 10, 2024

Casey Stoner is truly making the most of his time in Italy 🤩❤️‍🔥 It's an all-out challenge at Valentino's Ranch in Tavullia! #SkyMotori #SkyMotoGP #MotoGP #ValentinoRossi pic.twitter.com/W8L56bYfV3

At EICMA, the biggest motorcycle exhibition in the world held in Milan, Valentino Rossi extended an invitation to Casey Stoner, the MotoGP champion of 2007 and 2011, to visit his ranch and ride on his renowned dirt track.

A short update on social media by Stoner revealed that the two were sharing a meal.

Stoner expressed that over the past 12 years, many things have evolved in his relationship with Vale, including aspects related to family and friends.

"The enthusiasm for cycling will remain constant. I appreciate the chance to ride alongside you once more!"

Rossi has recently revealed that his yearly 100km of Champions event is scheduled for January 10-11 at his ranch. This event will include participants from his VR46 Academy along with other notable figures in the motorcycle racing community.

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Casey Stoner's comeback falls flat in unique racing event

MotoGP icon participates in EICMA Charity Race of Champions

Casey Stoner did not secure victory at the Charity Race of Champions held in Italy.

The EICMA event in Milan, renowned as one of the largest motorcycle trade shows globally, united legendary racers for an innovative contest this weekend.

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Check out this Instagram post from Beta Motorcycles (@betamotor1905)

Stoner was the main highlight, yet he was defeated in the semi-finals.

The structure of these elimination chase races placed cyclists in direct head-to-head competition.

Stoner emerged victorious over Randy Mamola in the opening round, as Marco Melandri triumphed against Loris Capirossi.

Troy Bayliss and Carlos Checa successfully moved on to the following round. Bayliss secured a victory over Melandri.

Stoner crashed during his semi-final match against Checa, resulting in a loss.

Bayliss triumphed over Checa in the 'road' final, securing his spot to compete against the victor of the 'off-road' division in the grand finale.

Christophe Pourcel emerged victorious in the 'off-road' category, surpassing Checa to claim the title at the EICMA Charity Race of Champions.

For numerous MotoGP enthusiasts, witnessing legends of the past temporarily step back into a competitive setting was merely an interesting diversion.

Stoner, a two-time champion in MotoGP, generally maintains a low profile and stays away from the sport following his retirement.

Mounted on a Beta Special Flat Track Project, sporting the number 27, he managed to revisit his former glory on the dirt circuits.

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

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