New Aprilia Technical Director Clarifies Departure from KTM: “Compatibility Issues Arose”

Fabiano Sterlacchini appointed as Aprilia's technical leader

Fabiano Strelacchini, the newly appointed technical director at Aprilia, stated that his departure from his MotoGP position at KTM was a decision reached by both parties. He noted that the move came after realizing there was no longer strong alignment between them.

Having spent a significant amount of time at Ducati, Sterlacchini departed to become part of the KTM initiative in June 2021.

By the summer of this year, Sterlacchini had departed from his position with the Austrian company and was introduced as Aprilia's new technical director during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

He takes over the position from Romano Albesiano, who is moving to Honda after playing a crucial role in guiding Aprilia from their return to MotoGP in 2015, when they were at the back of the pack, to achieving their first race victories.

In an interview with TG Regione Marche, Sterlacchini discussed his choice to part ways with KTM, mentioning that logistics played a role in his decision, although he was aware of this factor from the beginning.

"There were reasons behind the decision; once it became clear that there was no longer significant compatibility, both parties mutually agreed to it."

At the conclusion of the racing season, Sterlacchini took on his new position with Aprilia, marking a significant shift for the Italian company. This change is accompanied by a new roster of riders.

Aprilia is excited to have 2024 world champion Jorge Martin join their factory team, partnering with Marco Bezzecchi. Meanwhile, newcomer Ai Ogura advances to compete for Trackhouse.

Following the initial trial with the new team in Barcelona last month, Sterlacchini remarked, "Things are progressing quite smoothly."

"The first strategies adopted by Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi were quite promising."

"They demonstrated several impressive features of the bicycle."

"Clearly, there will be areas that require improvement, but interacting with these two riders will provide us with a benchmark to assess our current standing and identify the areas that need our attention."

"Both riders hail from extremely fast bikes, and notably, Jorge is the current world champion."

In 2024, Maverick Vinales secured a grand prix victory in America for Aprilia, making it the only other manufacturer besides Ducati to achieve such a feat that year.

However, a decline in performance for the RS-GP during the latter part of the season led Aprilia to fall to third place in the manufacturers' rankings, trailing behind KTM.

The rider who achieved the best position in the championship for the team was Vinales, who will transfer to KTM in 2025, finishing in seventh place.

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Why the Spanish Grand Prix Stands Out as MotoGP’s Top Race of 2024

In the newest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the team shares their thoughts on why the Spanish Grand Prix was the standout event of the 2024 season.

The 2024 MotoGP season was filled with unforgettable events, yet there was one race that truly captured everyone's attention.

Throughout a schedule comprising 20 rounds, a total of 40 races took place, with Ducati emerging as the dominant force, ultimately clinching the world championship.

Francesco Bagnaia clinched yet another victory at the Jerez circuit during the Spanish Grand Prix, increasing his tally to 11 Sunday wins in the 2024 season.

However, he faced strong competition throughout from Marc Marquez of the Gresini team. Marquez, riding a 2023 model Ducati, was still getting accustomed to the new bike following his significant transition from the factory Honda team at the conclusion of last season.

Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Marquez and Bagnaia carried the tension of their recent confrontation at the Portuguese Grand Prix, which had occurred only weeks earlier, into the closing laps of the race.

According to Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash.net, the Spanish GP in 2024 became an unforgettable event due to a series of perfect circumstances.

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, he mentioned that people will undoubtedly be saying, "It has to be Sepang."

"The initial four laps have been completed. Ideally, such excitement would occur in the final stages of the race. Historically, the most thrilling races have featured significant events unfolding at the conclusion."

"In my view, the race that truly exemplified this year's excitement and provided a glimpse into potential developments for the next year was the event in Jerez."

"There was a moment in the season that truly captivated me—when Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia faced off. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling the palpable tension as I watched."

Marquez is chasing closely behind and successfully overtakes him, but Bagnaia quickly regains his position. The two riders collide, and Marquez attempts another move on the following lap. They remain neck and neck until the finish.

"The mood following the event was electric, with both individuals joining in the celebrations. Marquez was particularly thrilled to find himself back on the podium."

"It provided a fresh perspective on Marquez's 2024 approach. Bagnaia demonstrated his determination when competing against Marquez, especially after their earlier encounter at Portimao. In my opinion, it was a classic MotoGP race, reminiscent of those from years past."

Experienced journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash shares a similar opinion to Moreland, stating: "The issue I have with the race at Sepang is that while the initial three laps were indeed thrilling, the remainder was incredibly boring. It was such a letdown that it wasn't even worth staying awake for."

"Feel free to express any complaints to me. A race is not determined by the initial three laps; it’s the final stretch that truly matters. Consider those legendary duels from history: Barcelona in 2009, the intense confrontations in Austria featuring Marc and Dovi [Andrea Dovizioso], and the thrilling Silverstone race in 2019."

"The initial three laps at Sepang were exciting, but I wasn't impressed with the remainder of the race. I prefer not to have all the action concentrated at the beginning."

"You wouldn't enjoy a movie if the most exciting part is at the beginning and then you're left with two hours of dull content."

"That's the reason I believe Jerez should host it, as it epitomized MotoGP at its finest. It reminded me of those classic duels and more recent contests that we still passionately discuss."

"Clearly, you also consider the factor of Marc riding an older model of the bike, which perhaps didn't show its shortcomings as much back then as it does now compared to the GP24."

At that stage, the GP23 wasn't considered an outstanding piece of machinery. Despite this, during just his fourth weekend on the bike, Marc managed to compete closely with the rider widely expected to clinch the world championship. This achievement certainly deserves a great deal of recognition for Marc.

"Indeed, Jordan, as you mentioned, it served as a glimpse of what might come next year, ideally building on the outcome from Portugal."

"The situation had several components: there was the uncertainty surrounding Portugal, an unclear future scenario, and anticipation about whether Marc could return to leading the pack."

"In my opinion, Jerez provided all of those elements."

Crash MotoGP's editor, Peter McLaren, believed that a number of races should be highlighted when looking back at the standout events of 2024.

"It's challenging, right?" McLaren remarks.

"Sepang is memorable due to the high stakes and the intense competition. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the race was cut short by typical problems like tyre pressure and other related issues."

"If you were seeking excitement, the Misano races delivered on that front, both of them were quite dramatic. When we reflect on the season, we might recall the COTA race as the one that disrupted Ducati's flawless run. Maverick Vinales' victory from the 11th position was an impressive performance."

"Another notable event to mention is the Catalunya sprint. It was filled with excitement and racing drama, featuring five different leaders over the course of 12 laps. At one point, there were three different motorcycle brands in the lead. Then, Bagnaia crashed, and Aleix Espargaro, just days after announcing his retirement, secured a victory at his home track."

"Another memorable moment comes to mind, but honestly, any of those could be highlighted. Le Mans also stood out as an exciting clash involving the two championship contenders and Marc Marquez."

"We felt somewhat let down by the races during the middle of the season as the excitement was lacking, although there were still some moments of good competition."

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Alex Rins Unveils Fascinating Detail About Yamaha's V4 MotoGP

The Spanish racer discussed testing the V4 configuration

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha had intended to conduct trials of its latest V4 MotoGP engine within the month, but the plan was scrapped because the engine was not prepared in time.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced its plans to develop a V4 engine, marking its first departure from the inline-four engine it has consistently used throughout the contemporary period of MotoGP.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, although there has not been a specific timeline provided for when the engine might be deployed in competition.

Nonetheless, during his appearance on the Spanish version of the motorsport.com podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggested the progress level of the new V4.

"Rins mentioned that the plan was to evaluate it during KTM's private testing session in Jerez, which took place in Spain at the beginning of December."

"Ultimately, it was unprepared and testing was not possible."

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to test the V4 in Jerez, provided the unit was prepared.

Yamaha won't have another chance to test its new V4 until the Sepang shakedown, as there are no more testing sessions scheduled until the end of January.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Yamaha's head of technology, Max Bartolini, detailed the objectives behind the company's decision to transition to a V4 configuration.

"Regarding the V4, everyone's focus is primarily on the engine," he started.

"However, I believe the most significant benefit stems from the bike's design, rather than its engine."

"Regarding sheer strength, truly, based on what our engine team says, there shouldn't be a significant discrepancy."

"However, there are certain strategies for configuring the motorcycle's layout that become somewhat simpler with the V4 engine. Moreover, it allows for better alignment with the tires, as it all boils down to optimizing tire performance."

Yamaha performed impressively alongside Bridgestone. Undoubtedly, they've also experienced numerous successful races with Michelin. However, with Michelin, there's a greater focus on leveraging the rear tyres over the front.

"The [V4] engine configuration plays a significant role here; it allows for the motorcycle to be designed around the engine, focusing on the direction of the [rear tyre]. That's the main challenge."

"Truly, creating the V4 engine presents challenges, yet I believe it's more crucial to design the motorcycle with the V4 engine in mind."

Bartolini noted that there's no certainty of competing with the V4 in the upcoming season at any stage.

As manufacturers with concessions, Yamaha and Honda have the privilege to unveil new engine designs in the 2025 season, a benefit not available to their competitors.

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Trevathan: Acosta’s performance on his KTM MotoGP bike is unmatched by other riders

“He manages to find that additional 10% when others are only pushing 90%”

Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, is of the opinion that other KTM MotoGP competitors would struggle to replicate what the Spanish rider achieves on his motorcycle.

Acosta quickly stood out in the MotoGP circuit during his inaugural season in 2024, securing nine top-three finishes in both sprints and grand prix races.

The 20-year-old rider, previously with Tech3, finished the season just two points shy of KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, securing seventh place in the rankings. This achievement represents the best performance by a newcomer in the series since Fabio Quartararo's debut in 2019.

Explore Further: A Deep Dive into Pedro Acosta's First Year on the

In 2025, Acosta is set to join Binder in racing for KTM's official team.

Throughout 2024, Acosta consistently outperformed his KTM counterparts on the RC16, with Trevathan highlighting his ability to adapt as a significant characteristic of the Spanish rider.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stands out from the rest of the KTM riders. He explained, "Take, for instance, if other riders were to use his motorcycle, with the identical configuration, they still wouldn't be able to replicate his performance on it.

"Subsequently, he might be able to hop on their bicycle and effortlessly accomplish the same task, given his remarkable ability to adapt."

Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer above all, which leads him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycling disciplines.

"He's really into biking, which I admire since he doesn't consider himself an athletic person; instead, he identifies as a motorcycle enthusiast," he explained.

"Thus, his interest isn't in competing in marathons or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in motorcycle racing. Therefore, his preparation and knowledge are focused on mastering speed while riding a motorcycle."

"He continuously subjects himself to a variety of training methods while cycling, enabling him to constantly evolve. This ability to adapt is then transferred to the race track, where it's not necessary for the bike to be flawless."

"He believes the bicycle will never reach perfection. Thus, he continuously finds ways to enhance it."

"This section is truly remarkable. From a technician's perspective, having this at your disposal means you only need to reach 90% efficiency; it will effortlessly cover the remaining 10%."

Ultimately, the goal is to avoid mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar aspects, there can be challenges. This is similar to the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual has the capacity to elevate things to a level unattainable by others.

"Following this, the capability is lost and suddenly the bicycle appears quite ordinary. This situation presents a significant challenge for the company to fully comprehend."

"However, this aspect of his character truly stands out as exceptionally rare in today's world. Additionally, his composed demeanor, especially within the penalty area, is noteworthy for never once showing agitation."

"Undoubtedly, there have been moments of frustration and expletives from him during his in-laps, given his straightforward nature. However, his professionalism within the team is exceptional."

"He never blames anything. There's this narrative that we hardly ever modify the bike significantly, and it holds truth. However, it's important to note that on numerous occasions, I've expressed, 'listen buddy, I'm present'."

"He mentioned, 'sure, but I'll reach out when I require assistance. First, let me try on my own.' This represents a growth opportunity for our organization and for me personally as a technician. It raises the question: if there's a performance improvement after a session because of adjustments made, is it due to the motorcycle or my own input?"

Therefore, ultimately, you're merely neutralizing one another's efforts. Hence, it's wiser to suggest, 'Alright, go ahead with your plan, and once you find yourself in trouble, inform me.'

"We're operating in this manner, and it's truly wonderful."

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Why Ducati MotoGP Competitors Feel Highly Confident with Gigi Dall’Igna

“He offers us riders substantial and straightforward backing”

Alex Marquez expresses that Ducati's General Manager, Gigi Dall'Igna, instills great confidence within the team, attributing this to his thorough involvement and oversight concerning the brand's MotoGP motorcycle.

In late 2013, technical genius Dall’Igna took over as general manager of Ducati, during a time when the Italian brand was experiencing its lowest point in the premier class.

Over the following years, Dall’Igna played a pivotal role in transforming Ducati into consistent contenders for the podium and victors in races, eventually leading the brand to become the dominant power in MotoGP.

Over the past three seasons, Ducati has clinched the riders' titles, and in 2024, the brand achieved unparalleled success by securing victories in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races.

Alex Marquez, who transitioned to the Ducati team by way of Gresini from Honda in 2023, has shared insights into why Dall’Igna has been a significant support for the team's riders.

"Marquez stated at a recent Estrella Galicia event that having him as a direct support for the riders boosts their confidence significantly."

"He's incredibly supportive. Regardless of the issue's size, he promptly addresses it and ensures the right individuals are dispatched to assist."

"You receive numerous references addressing issues related to the brand's team members or the tyres they utilize."

"They fully utilize all that others have accomplished."

"They don't directly instruct you on your actions, but they provide you with the necessary insights on what has proven effective for others. From there, it's the responsibility of each individual and their crew chief to determine their unique approach."

Ducati's participation in the 2025 MotoGP championship will see a decrease from eight to six motorcycles, as Pramac has opted to switch to Yamaha starting from the upcoming season.

Three GP25 factory bikes will also be entered for racers Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Alex Marquez is set to compete in the GP24, joining forces with Fermin Aldeguer at the Gresini team and Franco Morbidelli at VR46.

Dall'Igna recently mentioned that decreasing the number of Ducati motorcycles won't significantly impact the team, but he acknowledged that the improved teams at competing brands will present a greater challenge in 2025.

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Exploring the Crucial Incidents Leading to Sergio Perez Losing His Red Bull F1 Seat in 2025

An examination of the pivotal events leading to Sergio Perez's departure from his Red Bull F1 seat for the 2025 season.

Sergio Perez's time in Formula 1 has been put on pause, at least temporarily, after Red Bull opted to bring in Liam Lawson as his replacement for the 2025 season.

In 2024, Perez's performance couldn't keep pace, ending up a staggering 280 points adrift of his Red Bull colleague, Max Verstappen. This dip in form led to Red Bull slipping to third place in the F1 constructors' standings for the year, overtaken by both McLaren and Ferrari.

The delay in making the decision has resulted in a lack of available positions for Perez on the racing grid in 2025, forcing him to take a year off. Considering the intense stress and disappointing outcomes he has faced, this break could potentially be beneficial.

Should Perez decide he wishes to make a comeback to F1 down the line, his demonstrated skill in the midfield, along with substantial financial support, could pave the way for his return.

What were the pivotal events that led to his eventual dismissal?

Signs of struggle emerge in 2023

Perez has frequently experienced downturns in performance during the middle of the season over his tenure with Red Bull, spanning four years. However, he usually manages to regain his momentum towards the season's close. Specifically, in 2021, Perez encountered a stretch of eight races without securing a spot on the podium throughout the European portion of the season, only to bounce back with several podium finishes as the season concluded.

In the same vein, throughout 2022, he achieved a single podium finish in the stretch from Canada to Monza, which spanned six races. However, he rebounded impressively towards the year's close, securing what many consider his most outstanding victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In 2023, Perez faced significant challenges, especially during the qualifying rounds. Despite piloting what is considered the most superior F1 car ever, he was unable to reach Q3 in five straight races.

Despite this, Perez's best qualifying position remained third, signaling to Red Bull that there were underlying issues. Nonetheless, Red Bull's principal, Christian Horner, was ultimately content since Perez managed to secure the second spot in the drivers' championship. This resulted in a first and second place for the team in the standings, a feat they hadn't accomplished with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Perez Kicks Off 2024 on High Note

Perez hit the ground running in 2024, securing top-three finishes in four of the first five contests. Yet, an untimely exit for Verstappen in one of the races paved the way for Perez to clinch a

Ferrari seized the opportunity, securing the top two positions at Albert Park. Meanwhile, Perez found himself isolated, finishing in a disappointing fifth place.

A grid penalty placed him at a disadvantage, yet it represented a lost chance for Perez, especially when Red Bull was showcasing a vehicle that was evidently superior to the competition.

Extension of contract fails to tackle downturn

The usual dip in form for the Mexican began to show during a challenging weekend in Monaco. Just before the upcoming race in Canada, Red Bull surprised everyone by extending his contract through to the end of 2025.

Despite his recent drop in performance, Red Bull aimed to provide Perez with reassurances and one fewer concern.

As the year progressed, Horner admitted that it was unsuccessful, as his performance continued to decline.

Clearly, during that period, Sergio was delivering outstanding performances. It's believed he secured four top-three finishes in the initial five races.

"Horner mentioned, 'To calm his nerves and maintain his performance level throughout the season, we decided to make an early move, which, unfortunately, didn't pan out as planned. Such is life at times.'"

Red Bull contemplated substituting him over the summer hiatus due to his substandard performance.

Lost chance in Baku

Following the summer hiatus, despite widespread rumors of Daniel Ricciardo taking his place, Azerbaijan presented Perez with a chance to achieve a significant outcome after he managed to keep his position.

Baku stands out as the sole circuit in the season where Perez has truly excelled beyond Verstappen, an outcome Red Bull had anticipated especially with the series of street races ahead. Perez deserves recognition for his impressive performance in Baku, where he managed to surpass Verstappen based purely on his skill.

He was in contention for victory against Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, but during the final laps, he collided with Carlos Sainz, resulting in both of them crashing into the barrier.

Avoidable accident damage along with an incident that could largely be blamed on Perez resulted in yet another lost chance.

Disappointment on home ground

Perez's performance continued to decline in the last few races of the season, yet the race in Mexico City presented a chance for him to bounce back.

Perez attributed his Q1 exit in front of his local supporters to a problem with the brakes. Additionally, his performance on race day was nearly humiliating, as he received a penalty for positioning himself too far ahead in his grid spot.

In his confrontation against his eventual successor, Lawson, he suffered setbacks, ending up overtaken and placing last in the rankings. Over the last five races, Perez managed to accumulate merely two points – a lower tally than that of Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu.

His performance eliminated Red Bull from the race for the constructors' championship before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, forcing them to face a major choice as the New Year approaches. Perez had a four-year stint at Red Bull, securing second place once and contributing to their two constructors’ championship victories.

He arrived just as Red Bull was getting back into the race for the championship, a chance that neither Pierre Gasly nor Alex Albon had the opportunity to experience.

Perez is set to leave Formula 1, having felt the strain of the fierce rivalry and seeking some time off. His comeback to F1 hinges on his drive to compete among the middle pack and on whether the teams see him as a competent contender amidst a lineup brimming with youthful, promising drivers.

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Fernando Alonso's determination to compete for the championship at 45 will be put to the test

"Adrian mentioned it comes down to the power of the mind"

It has been proposed that Fernando Alonso needs to surpass his own psychological determination if he hopes to clinch another F1 title.

Aston Martin's Alonso is set to gain from collaborating with Adrian Newey during the final phase of his Formula 1 journey.

At 43 years old, Alonso is unexpectedly optimistic about winning more titles, adding to his previous two victories with Renault.

He has a contract with Aston Martin that lasts until the conclusion of 2026, marking the inaugural season in which he will drive a vehicle entirely designed by the newcomer, Newey.

"Everything's achievable," mentioned Ted Kravitz from Sky Sports.

"By the time Adrian begins to make an impact, Alonso will have reached the age of 44. He will be advancing to 45 years of age as he gets behind the wheel of Newey's inaugural vehicle, aiming for the championship title."

I inquired with Newey on the subject. Adrian mentioned it comes down to the power of the mind. If you're maintaining your speed but start to experience mental exhaustion, you lose the desire to continue.

"If Fernando is able to overcome that obstacle and has the desire to continue, then there's no justification for him not being able to do so.

"At 45, Fernando aiming for a third championship title? It's entirely possible he'll secure his elusive 33rd victory in 2025 with a car shaped by Newey's genius."

Over time, Newey and Alonso have both expressed their interest in collaborating with each other.

Alonso nearly joined forces with Red Bull, but after discussions, he decided not to be part of the team that eventually propelled Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to championship victories.

"Kravitz recalled that when Alonso was with Renault, his race engineer was Paul Monaghan at Red Bull."

"He played a crucial role in attempting to persuade Fernando to join Red Bull in 2009."

He was nearly there, yet ultimately, it was not to be.

Starting in March, Alonso will be joined by his ideal partner, Newey.

However, he needs to overcome the challenges of age to fully leverage Newey's talent in car design.

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Lewis Hamilton receives a concerning caution regarding Michael Schumacher's last F1 competitions

"Lewis is taking another gamble with Ferrari"

Lewis Hamilton has been cautioned that a fairytale finish in F1 isn't a sure thing – as even Michael Schumacher was unable to achieve it.

David Coulthard has announced the unfortunate possibility that Hamilton's decision to switch to Ferrari may not yield the desired outcomes.

In 2025, Hamilton plans to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth F1 championship title.

He would outshine Schumacher, who had returned from retirement for a three-year period with Mercedes but did not manage to secure another grand prix victory.

Coulthard conveyed to the Daily Mirror: "Mercedes isn't there solely for Lewis Hamilton, and Lewis Hamilton has emphatically stated that he isn't there solely for Mercedes.

Similarly, when Michael returned from retirement to join Mercedes, it was quite surprising to envision him as anything but a Ferrari icon.

The allure of returning to Mercedes, along with the conviction and aspiration that he was still capable, compelled him to come back.

"He spent a few years competing, managing to perform adequately, yet it didn't quite measure up to his initial run in Formula 1."

Former Formula 1 racer Coulthard added, "Lewis is taking another gamble with Ferrari."

"This could potentially result in a revival of competitive form and a battle for the global title. However, it will be difficult as he faces the challenge of outpacing the incredibly quick Charles Leclerc."

Ferrari's refreshed pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc appears incredibly impressive at first glance.

However, Coulthard is concerned that Hamilton, who has consistently been outpaced in qualifications by his Mercedes teammate George Russell throughout the season, may struggle to surpass Leclerc.

"Coulthard mentioned that the essential element shared by all the greats throughout history has been their ability to qualify and compete."

"If Lewis, who is now 40, has slowed down a bit in terms of his football skills, then he might find it challenging to outperform Charles over a year."

"It's a valid inquiry that ought to be raised by anyone; however, it is his responsibility to provide us with the answer.

"This isn't about us dismissing his abilities or claiming he's incapable, since the power to do it lies within him."

"Every one of these individuals possesses the power to mold their own destiny."

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Why Gigi Dall’Igna Instills Confidence in Ducati MotoGP Riders

"He provides straightforward backing for us riders"

Alex Marquez has expressed that Gigi Dall’Igna, the general manager of Ducati, instills a significant amount of confidence in them due to his thorough oversight of all aspects concerning the brand’s MotoGP motorcycle.

At the close of 2013, Dall’Igna, known for his technical expertise, was appointed as the general manager of Ducati. At that time, the Italian brand was experiencing its lowest point in the top-tier racing category.

In the years that followed, Dall’Igna played a key role in transforming Ducati into a consistent presence on the podium and a frequent race victor, ultimately turning the brand into a dominant power in MotoGP.

Ducati has claimed victory in the last three riders' championships, and in 2024, it reached peak dominance by securing 19 out of 20 grand prix wins.

Since switching from Honda to Gresini in 2023, Alex Marquez has been associated with Ducati. He shared insights on why Dall’Igna has become a valuable supporter for the riders.

"Marquez mentioned during a recent Estrella Galicia event that he provides strong guidance for the riders, which boosts their confidence significantly."

"He's incredibly helpful. Regardless of how minor the issue may be, he addresses it promptly and connects you with the right people to assist."

"You receive numerous references concerning the issues faced by brand colleagues or the types of tires utilized."

"They fully utilize the work and efforts of others."

"They provide the necessary insights to help you see what strategies are effective for others, but they don't dictate your actions. It's then up to each individual, along with their crew chief, to choose their own path forward."

Ducati will have fewer motorcycles on the 2025 MotoGP grid, decreasing from eight to six, after Pramac decided to switch to Yamaha starting next year.

Just three factory GP25 motorcycles will be available for Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and VR46 team member Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Alex Marquez is set to ride a GP24, joining forces with Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, while Franco Morbidelli will be part of the VR46 team.

Dall’Igna recently mentioned that having fewer bikes won't significantly impact Ducati. However, he acknowledged that the more competitive teams from rival manufacturers will present greater challenges in 2025.

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Trevathan: No other KTM MotoGP competitors can match Acosta's capabilities on his motorcycle.

"While others settle for 90% effort, Acosta pushes himself to achieve that additional 10%."

Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, expressed his opinion that other MotoGP racers from KTM would not be able to replicate the performance Acosta achieves on his motorcycle.

In his debut season in 2024, Acosta quickly stood out on the MotoGP circuit by securing nine podium finishes in both sprint and grand prix races.

Last season, a 20-year-old racer for Tech3 narrowly missed surpassing KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, finishing just two points behind and securing sixth place in the standings. This achievement represents the best performance by a rookie in the championship since Fabio Quartararo's impressive debut in 2019.

Explore further: A deeper look into Pedro Acosta's first year as a

In 2025, Acosta is set to join KTM's official team, where he will compete alongside Binder.

During the year 2024, Acosta consistently succeeded in getting better performance from the RC16 package compared to other KTM riders. Trevathan highlighted the Spaniard's adaptability as one of his main strengths.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stacks up against the other KTM riders. He responded by saying, "Take other riders, for instance; even if they used his bike with the identical setup, they wouldn't be able to replicate his performance."

"He could likely hop onto their bike and do the same thing with ease, thanks to his adaptability."

Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer instead of a general athlete, leading him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycle sports.

"He frequently rides, and I value that because he views himself not as an athlete but as someone who rides motorcycles," he mentioned.

"He’s not interested in marathon running or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in riding motorcycles, focusing his training and knowledge on how to achieve speed on a bike."

"He engages in a variety of disciplines while riding, constantly adjusting to new challenges. This flexibility translates to the race track, where he can perform well even if the bike isn’t flawless."

He believes the bike will never reach perfection, which allows him to continuously make improvements to it.

"This aspect is amazing. For a technician, it's great to have this tool handy; you only need to put in 90%, and he'll manage to extract the remaining 10%."

Ultimately, it's crucial to avoid making mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar areas, you might encounter obstacles. This is exemplified by the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual's unique talent can elevate things to a level others cannot reach.

"Once you lose that skill, the bike starts to appear ordinary. This situation is challenging for the company to comprehend fully."

"This aspect of him is truly one-of-a-kind in the current world. Additionally, his composure in the penalty area is remarkable; he has never appeared flustered."

"I'm certain that during his in-laps, there's been quite a bit of cursing and swearing, as he's known for being quite expressive. However, his level of professionalism in the garage is truly exceptional."

"He never blames anyone for anything. There's this narrative that we rarely adjust the bike, and it's accurate. However, the reality is that I've often mentioned, 'Hey, I'm present and ready to go.'"

"He mentioned, 'Sure, but I'll ask for your help when I need it. Let me try handling things on my own first.' This highlights the learning experience we face as a company, and it's something I've encountered personally as a technician. It's about figuring out whether the improvements, like gaining half a second between sessions, are due to changes I've made or if they're a result of the rider's efforts."

Ultimately, you're just opposing one another. It's more effective to say, "Alright, go ahead with your plan, and if things go wrong, come back and inform me."

"We're collaborating in this manner, and it's incredibly pleasant."

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Alex Rins shares fascinating details about Yamaha's V4 MotoGP testing

The Spanish motorcyclist discussed the trials of the V4.

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha intended to trial its new V4 MotoGP engine this month; however, they had to scrap these plans because the engine was not prepared.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced that it was developing a V4 engine for the first time during its time in MotoGP, after having consistently used an inline-four engine throughout the current era.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, but there is currently no specific schedule for when this engine might compete in races.

During an appearance on the Spanish version of motorsport.com's podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggests the current development phase of the new V4.

Rins mentioned that the plan was to try it out during the private test conducted by KTM in Jerez earlier in December.

“Ultimately, it was incomplete and unavailable for testing.”

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to conduct tests on the V4 at Jerez, provided the unit was prepared in time.

Yamaha's upcoming chance to experiment with their new V4 engine will be during the Sepang shakedown, as no further testing is scheduled until late January.

In a one-on-one discussion with Crash.net, Max Bartolini, Yamaha's head of technical operations, detailed the specific objectives the Japanese company aims to achieve by transitioning to a V4 engine.

"Starting with the V4, the engine is what everyone typically considers," he stated.

"However, I believe the primary benefit comes from the bike's design rather than its engine."

According to our engine team, there shouldn't be a significant difference when it comes to sheer power.

"There are certain methods to adjust the bike's setup that will be somewhat simpler with the V4. Additionally, it's about aligning more with the needs of the tyres, as ensuring the tyres perform well is always crucial."

According to reports, Yamaha performed well when paired with Bridgestone. They have also had several successful races using Michelin tires. However, Michelin tends to focus more on utilizing the rear tires rather than the front ones.

The V4 engine configuration offers an advantage by allowing the motorcycle to be designed with a focus on the rear tire's alignment. This presents a particular challenge.

"Frankly, creating the V4 engine is a challenging task, yet I believe it's even more crucial to design the motorcycle to complement the V4 engine."

Bartolini mentioned that there is no certainty about racing the V4 at any time next season.

As a company with concession status, Yamaha, along with Honda, has the ability to implement new engine designs in the 2025 season, which their competitors are not permitted to do.

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Lewis Hamilton Receives Cautionary Message Regarding Michael Schumacher’s Last Formula 1 Competitions

"Hamilton Takes Another Risk with Ferrari"

Lewis Hamilton has been warned that finishing his Formula 1 career on a high note isn't assured, as even Michael Schumacher couldn't achieve it.

David Coulthard has conveyed the disappointing news that Hamilton's switch to Ferrari may not yield the results he is anticipating.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, aiming to secure his record-breaking eighth Formula 1 championship.

He would surpass Schumacher, who had returned from retirement for a three-year period with Mercedes but did not manage to secure another grand prix victory during that time.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Coulthard stated, "Lewis Hamilton is not the sole focus of Mercedes, and Hamilton himself has expressed that he is not solely dedicated to the team."

Similarly, when Michael returned from retirement to join Mercedes, it was hard to picture him as anything other than a legendary figure associated with Ferrari.

However, the appeal of returning to Mercedes, coupled with his confidence and determination that he could still succeed, drew him back.

"He spent a few years there and performed decently, but it wasn't quite like his initial experience in Formula 1."

Former Formula 1 racer Coulthard commented, "Lewis is taking another gamble with Ferrari."

"This could potentially result in a revitalization of his performance and a battle for the world championship title. However, it will be difficult as he needs to overcome the speed of Charles Leclerc."

The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc in Ferrari's revamped team is astonishing in theory.

However, Coulthard is concerned that Hamilton may not be able to surpass Leclerc, especially since he has been consistently outperformed in qualifying by his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, throughout the year.

According to Coulthard, a crucial element shared by all the legends throughout history is their ability to qualify and compete in races.

"If Lewis, who is now 40, has slowed down in his football abilities, he might find it challenging to outperform Charles throughout the year."

"That's a valid question that people ought to be asking, but it's his responsibility to provide the answer."

"The responsibility is his, and it's not our place to belittle him or claim he's incapable."

"Each of these individuals has the power to determine their own future."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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