What effect did a pre-season concussion have on Franco Morbidelli's performance in the 2024 MotoGP season? The ex-championship runner-up discusses his potential if he had been in peak condition in 2024.

Franco Morbidelli has described 2024 as "an excellent year" for him and thinks he might have competed for fifth place in the MotoGP rankings if not for the concussion he suffered before the season started.

The Italian rider became a part of the Pramac team last season, riding a factory-spec GP24. However, his preparations were cut short following a concussion he sustained during a training accident in Portugal over the winter.

Due to this, he was unable to participate in any of the tests and later disclosed that he experienced memory loss for several weeks following the injury.

Morbidelli managed to take his position on the starting grid for the opening race of 2024. However, he found it challenging to adjust to the GP24 and only managed to earn his first points by finishing seventh at the French Grand Prix.

As the year progressed, Morbidelli consistently competed for top six positions and secured a podium finish in the sprint race at the San Marino Grand Prix. This achievement contributed to his ninth-place finish in the overall standings, despite being 213 points shy of the GP24 factory rider Enea Bastianini's score.

He thinks that if he hadn't been dealing with injuries, he might have reached the top five in the championship, though not beyond that.

He mentioned that he believed he could have competed for fifth place in the championship standings.

"Not fourth place, not third place. But fifth place, yes, I could have competed for that."

Looking back on the year, Morbidelli commented, "On the whole, it was an excellent year for the team."

"This year was fantastic for me. I returned to compete for leading positions and am now very near to achieving those top ranks."

"I'm eager to take this final step to reach my goals and consistently secure victories and podium finishes."

"All in all, this year turned out to be fantastic both for myself and the team."

"We've made an impressive recovery since the start of the year and over the last couple of years. Overall, it's been a successful season."

For the 2025 season, Morbidelli will leave the Pramac team to join Valentino Rossi's VR46 team, his mentor, and will continue to compete on the same GP24 bike he used to conclude the last season.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter to receive the most recent updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of MotoGP straight in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, photos, or images in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Formula 1 titleholder Max Verstappen shares his admiration for MotoGP. The Red Bull driver discusses his passion for the sport, expresses his desire to ride a motorcycle, and reveals who he believes is the top rider in MotoGP.

Max Verstappen, who has won the Formula 1 World Championship four times, mentions that he brings his iPad to the circuits to keep up with MotoGP events while he is involved in his race weekends.

In 2024, the Dutch driver secured his fourth Formula 1 world championship title, even though the performance of his Red Bull car declined during the latter part of the season.

During a recent gathering hosted by Red Bull at their Hangar 7 location in Austria, Max Verstappen and Marc Marquez, who has won the MotoGP world championship six times, participated in a joint interview on Servus TV.

In the article, Verstappen discussed his passion for MotoGP and explained how he follows the season despite being busy with his Formula 1 responsibilities.

Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for MotoGP, stating that he makes an effort to catch every race.

"I bring my iPad to the racetracks to ensure I catch everything."

Marquez and Verstappen once had Red Bull as a mutual sponsor, but Marquez announced last week that he would be ending this sponsorship as he moves to the factory Ducati team.

The factory team of the Italian manufacturer receives sponsorship from Monster Energy, but Marquez will not serve as a brand ambassador for the company.

In Verstappen's view, Marquez is "the top performer among the competitors."

"Verstappen mentioned that Marc is a champion with six MotoGP titles. He acknowledged that Marc would require some time to adjust to his new team, but expressed confidence that he would perform excellently."

"He is the top performer among his competitors."

Throughout the years, many MotoGP racers have participated in exchanging rides with Formula 1 teams.

Valentino Rossi participated in multiple testing sessions with Ferrari and Mercedes Formula 1 cars. Meanwhile, in 2016, Jorge Lorenzo had the opportunity to drive a Mercedes, courtesy of Monster Energy, before he transitioned from Yamaha to Ducati.

In 2018, Marquez raced in a Red Bull car at Spielberg, alongside his Honda teammate at the time, Dani Pedrosa.

Verstappen is interested in the prospect of riding a MotoGP bike, although he acknowledges that his Formula 1 team might not be entirely at ease with the idea.

He expressed his interest in giving it a go, but noted that it would be wiser to begin with a Moto2 or Moto3 bike rather than jumping straight into MotoGP.

"I really want to participate, but I get why my team is worried. So, for the time being, I'll just appreciate it from the sidelines."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email inbox.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special insights, and interviews from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Title: Alex Marquez's Late 2024 MotoGP Improvements

Summary: Gresini's Alex Marquez discusses how he enhanced his performance on the GP23 towards the end

According to Alex Marquez, his two top five finishes in the concluding races of the 2024 MotoGP season were achieved because his Gresini team went back to the settings used during pre-season testing.

The 28-year-old was expected to perform well in the 2024 season after experiencing some podium finishes in 2023 during his debut year on the Ducati, following his transition from Honda.

In 2023, Marquez secured victory in two sprint races. However, the GP23 he switched to for the previous season turned out to be less competitive and more challenging to adjust to.

Marquez secured his first and only podium finish of the season at the German Grand Prix. However, he ended the year on a strong note with consecutive fourth-place results in Malaysia and Barcelona.

Instead of attributing his success to conditions unique to the track, Marquez thinks that returning to the basic configuration he used during pre-season testing enabled him to tap into the capabilities of the GP23 more effectively.

At the conclusion of the 2024 season, he mentioned that they returned somewhat to the setup they used during pre-season in Malaysia, which is the bike he feels most comfortable riding.

"In contrast to last year, I couldn't ride a bike with a heavy load on the back, as the 2022 model was somewhat different in design."

"Initially, I couldn't grasp the situation at the start of the season."

"Gradually, we improved and I managed to draw out a significant amount of potential from the bike, even if it wasn't the absolute maximum."

Marquez secured the position of second-best GP23, finishing eighth in the rankings, while his brother, Marc Marquez, claimed third place.

The younger of the Marquez siblings will continue racing with Gresini for the 2025 season and will be equipped with a GP24. This model has shown considerable improvement over the GP23.

Next year, rookie Fermin Aldeguer will team up with him at the Ducati satellite team.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy text, photos, or images in whole or in part in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Gigi Dall’Igna cautions Honda's new MotoGP technical leader: ‘It’s going to be challenging’

Romano Albesiano steps into the position of technical director at Honda

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall'Igna, has cautioned the new Honda MotoGP technical director, Romano Albesiano, that the process of revamping the RC213V will not be an "overnight" achievement.

Honda is currently experiencing its most challenging phase in the contemporary MotoGP era, having gone through its third season without a victory in the past five years.

In 2024, the Japanese team failed to secure any top-three finishes across its four racers and did not even reach 100 points in the constructors' championship. They concluded the season solidly in last place with just 75 points from the 20 races held last year.

As the season progressed, the RC213V showed encouraging improvements, with Johann Zarco achieving the brand's top finish of eighth place at the Thai Grand Prix.

Honda has announced noteworthy staffing updates for 2025, bringing in Aleix Espargaro to serve as a test rider and appointing former Aprilia engineering head Albesiano as their new technical director.

This recent decision marks a major shift, with Honda choosing a leader from outside Japan to head the development of the RC213V, indicating a notable cultural transformation.

In an interview with AMCN, Dall’Igna cautioned that Romano's presents a significant challenge.

"In terms of finances, he will definitely have more opportunities, but he will also need to adapt to a totally different mindset and approach to work."

"I believe it won't be simple. Establishing a system requires time."

To convey ideas, concepts, and new solutions effectively, it's essential to have the right team, and this process doesn't happen instantly.

Albesiano has a history of turning teams that start at the bottom of the standings into ones that can compete for victories. Similarly, Dall'Igna has achieved this transformation with the Ducati team.

Aprilia made a comeback to the top-tier racing category in 2015, but initially showed minimal advancement. It wasn't until 2022 that the RS-GP, ridden by Espargaro, secured a victory.

Albesiano's work made Aprilia an attractive option for leading talents, leading to 2024 world champion Jorge Martin joining the brand for the next season.

Honda has announced that Joan Mir and Luca Marini will remain with its main team for the upcoming year. Meanwhile, LCR will have a lineup featuring Zarco and newcomer Somkiat Chantra.

Takaaki Nakagami has transitioned into a position focused on testing and development, working with Espargaro. Meanwhile, the previous technical director, Ken Kawauchi, is now leading the testing team.

Espargaro collaborated with Kawauchi during their time together at Suzuki in the years 2015 and 2016.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and deals from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Find Out More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, unique stories, interviews, and special offers directly in your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Alex Rins shares his reasoning for not imitating Fabio Quartararo as he moves forward with Yamaha, stating, "It's essential for me to tailor the bike to my own needs at this moment."

Alex Rins expressed satisfaction with how he has advanced on the Yamaha MotoGP bike for the 2024 season. However, he acknowledged that making additional improvements will require more than just replicating Fabio Quartararo's configuration.

The racer, who has won six grand prix titles, transitioned from Honda to Yamaha for the 2024 season. This change represents his third switch in manufacturers in three years, as he previously competed with Suzuki in 2022.

Throughout his debut season on the M1, Rins faced numerous injuries that hampered his performance. However, as the season drew to a close, he started to show improvement, achieving his top finish of eighth place at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Looking back on his debut season with Yamaha, Rins believes that teaming up with the 2021 world champion, Quartararo, has been beneficial for both of them.

He believes that his input on improving the bike has been taken seriously. However, he mentions that he cannot rely on mimicking Quartararo's settings for the M1 since doing so doesn't make him quick.

Ultimately, what I appreciate about having Fabio around is that we motivate one another, and I believe he feels the same way.

"When I outpace him, he puts in extra effort to surpass me."

"When he outruns me, I push myself harder to become quicker than him."

"The main distinction between us lies in the motorcycle. Both of us are skilled riders, but he has been with Yamaha since 2019, making this bike suited to him."

"I have to focus on building my own bike at the moment. It was somewhat challenging this year because, as Yamaha is aware, I transitioned from a different team, which requires additional time."

"I'm pleased because I shared my perspective and they paid attention to what I had to say."

"It's evident that we can't utilize the same configuration. When I attempt to use his configuration, I don't achieve speed. Our riding styles are distinct."

"It requires some time for my team and me to comprehend."

"When your bike isn't performing as well as the others, things become even more challenging. Therefore, I'm pleased with how I'm improving, and I believe Yamaha feels the same way."

Although Rins didn't achieve many victories in 2024, he describes the year as "always memorable."

"It’s challenging, but it's always unique as it allows you to reflect on the journey and the development over the season, right from the first race when I first rode the Yamaha," he mentioned.

"Undoubtedly, it was a season filled with numerous highs and lows."

When asked about his satisfaction with his progress and efforts at Yamaha, he expressed contentment, noting that he succeeded in enhancing the motorcycle's performance.

"I contributed my expertise, they listened to me, and now we're collaborating effectively."

The development and adjustment while riding the bike were both swift and satisfactory.

"During the season, I faced challenges due to an injury I sustained in Assen."

"This race has somewhat shaken my confidence. It took several races before I could perform at my best again. However, I'm really pleased with the progress I've made in enhancing the bike."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email inbox.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover Additional Information

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to fully or partially reproduce text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Jorge Martin shares significant opinion on Pecco Bagnaia’s legacy in MotoGP

The 2024 world champion expresses admiration for his championship competitor Bagnaia

Jorge Martin regards Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi as "the greatest ever" in MotoGP, but also believes that two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia "is becoming part of that elite group."

For the past two years, Martin and Bagnaia have been competing for the championship, with Martin ultimately winning their year-long battle in 2024.

The new Aprilia racer secured his first MotoGP championship title, despite winning just three grand prix races compared to the 11 victories of factory Ducati rival Bagnaia. His steady performance throughout the season enabled him to clinch the title by a margin of 10 points in the last race of the series.

Martin made history as the first independent team rider to secure the championship in the modern era, and he later remarked that he had defeated "the best version" of Bagnaia to achieve this feat.

During a discussion with the Spanish outlet AS, he once more expressed admiration for his main competitor and reflected on his place in the debate regarding the greatest in MotoGP.

Martin expressed his opinion, stating, "In my view, Marquez ranks as the greatest in history, alongside Valentino, and Pecco is starting to join that esteemed group."

"Considering the outcomes he's achieving, in my opinion, he has already surpassed Casey Stoner."

"I managed to outperform Pecco, so what does that say about my position? I'm not trying to boast. I'm keeping myself grounded and fully aware that I have much progress yet to make."

"However, it's evident that I view myself as being on par with him in terms of athletic ability."

Although debates will persist regarding the greatest era of MotoGP, Martin maintains that "this title still holds significant value."

"Of course, I would have preferred to compete for the championship against top racers: facing Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, who is still active, as well as Stoner and numerous other riders I admired on TV during my childhood."

"Ultimately, it comes down to specific moments. Currently, Pecco and Marquez are the ones I'm up against."

"In today's era, the standard is extremely elevated, and this title holds significant importance."

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP world straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Join Our MotoGP Mailing List

Receive the newest updates on MotoGP, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock, delivered straight to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce text, photos, or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Maverick Vinales reflects on how his time with Aprilia in MotoGP has revitalized his career, noting that the team has been welcoming and supportive throughout his journey with them.

Maverick Vinales expressed that he concluded his time with the Aprilia MotoGP team feeling "satisfied" with the atmosphere, despite acknowledging that the bike "lacked certain elements."

In the initial half of the 2021 season, Vinales faced an uncertain future while racing for Yamaha. His performances dwindled as tensions rose between him and the Japanese team.

Ahead of the summer break, Vinales chose to terminate his two-year contract prematurely. Following this decision, he was dismissed from the team due to an incident during the Styrian Grand Prix, where it was discovered that he had intentionally over-revved the engine of his M1 bike.

Aprilia provided a crucial opportunity for Vinales' career, allowing him to join the team for the last races of 2021 and then continue with them for three entire seasons on the RS-GP.

A standout moment during his tenure with Aprilia occurred in 2024, when Vinales clinched victory at the Americas Grand Prix, making history as the first rider in the contemporary era to achieve wins with three distinct manufacturers.

In the 2024 season, it marked his initial year with Aprilia where he managed to surpass his teammate Aleix Espargaro in the rankings.

In an interview with Crash.net in November, Vinales expressed his contentment with his experience at Aprilia, stating, "From a personal perspective, I am very pleased with my journey at Aprilia."

"I encountered truly wonderful individuals who were full of enthusiasm. They showed kindness and warmth throughout my entire experience."

"This is an excellent indication that our efforts were highly successful."

"Clearly, from a technical standpoint, there were definitely elements that were lacking, particularly this year."

"However, we should feel content. The two components complement one another well, and ultimately, we attained positive outcomes."

"Even during this time when it seems like we have a factory operating on the moon, we have managed to stay at the forefront."

"We have accomplished positive outcomes, which gives us reason to be pleased."

Next season, Vinales will transition to KTM, having secured a multi-year contract to be part of the Tech3 team. Meanwhile, the factory Aprilia team will present an entirely new roster in 2024, featuring world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock directly in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Francesco Bagnaia asserts strong opinion on Marc Marquez regarding 2024 MotoGP championship loss

"Defeat serves a purpose…"

Ducati competitor Francesco Bagnaia feels that if it weren't for the inclusion of sprint races in the overall scores, his 2024 MotoGP campaign could have mirrored Marc Marquez's dominant 2019 season.

The two-time MotoGP world champion was edged out of the championship in the season's last race by Pramac's Jorge Martin, falling short by 10 points after pushing the competition to a climax in Barcelona.

Despite clinching victories in 11 Grand Prix races, matching the accomplishment of renowned riders such as Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, and Casey Stoner within one season, Bagnaia's eight instances of not scoring heavily influenced his loss to the more steady Martin.

In sprint races, he failed to score in five instances, notably during the Catalan and Malaysian Grands Prix, where he was in the lead and in second place, respectively, resulting in significant losses.

Bagnaia is of the opinion that if it weren't for the sprint races, his 2024 season could have mirrored the outstanding performance of Marquez in 2019, during which Marquez, riding for Honda, triumphed in 12 races and finished second in all but one.

"Bagnaia remarked on Andrea Migno's podcast that the season was amazing."

"Despite my victory in Qatar, grasping the nuances of the GP24 took some time. It wasn't until we reached Jerez that its true capabilities became apparent to us."

Typically, I secured a spot among the top three finishers on Sundays, unless I took a tumble, or in the case of Austin, where I ended up in fifth place.

"Had it not been for the sprint races, it could have mirrored Marquez's 2019 season. Unfortunately, errors and misfortune led to relinquishing the championship."

"The team earned it. This year, I've stumbled a few times, especially when reducing speed, such as in the Barcelona sprint."

"Nevertheless, failure is beneficial, as it highlighted the importance of always remaining vigilant."

"My aim is always to emerge victorious, but there are occasions when it's not possible."

Based on Grand Prix outcomes exclusively, Bagnaia's assertion is justified since he accumulated more points than Martin, with a score of 370 to 337, based on Sunday's performances.

Throughout the season's sprints, Martin accumulated a total of 171 points, in contrast to Bagnaia's 128.

However, the 2019 analogy with Marquez is quite favorable, especially when you take into account that he only withdrew from a single race and secured the championship with a 151-point lead over Andrea Dovizioso.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

The complete or partial copying of text, photos, or illustrations is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

KTM Requires Comprehensive Insight to Enhance Its MotoGP Motorcycle

Brad Binder Believes Minor Adjustments are Needed for the RC16

Brad Binder is of the opinion that KTM's MotoGP motorcycle does not require any dramatic modifications following a disappointing 2024, but emphasizes that the brand first requires significant comprehension.

Despite securing the runner-up position in the 2024 constructors' rankings, KTM lagged significantly behind the dominant Ducati team, trailing by 395 points, and failed to secure a victory, extending its winless streak for yet another season.

Binder secured just two podium finishes, starting with the season's first race in Qatar, whereas Tech3 newcomer Pedro Acosta accumulated nine podiums in both sprints and grand prix races.

Amid financial challenges and speculation about a halt in development for 2025, the future of KTM's MotoGP initiative is shrouded in uncertainty. However, the latest motorcycle seems to be an advancement over the 2024 model, indicating progress despite the ongoing issues.

After the post-season test in Barcelona last month, Binder indicated that KTM still hadn't completely grasped all the issues with its 2024 motorcycle.

"When asked about the necessity for substantial changes to the KTM by 2025, he remarked, 'Firstly, I believe a deep comprehension is essential.'"

"Upon grasping the entirety, we can begin to take incremental actions in every sector, which is essential."

"It doesn't have to be a giant leap. It's actually a small adjustment in braking, a slight tweak in turning, and a minor enhancement in drive grip."

“That’s the sole method for us to bridge the gap.”

Binder mentions that for the 2024 season, KTM had to adopt a significantly more unconventional approach towards configuring their motorcycle. This adjustment period was necessary due to the exceptionally high-grip rear tire provided by Michelin, which required time to fully comprehend and adapt to.

"For some reason, this year required us to significantly adjust our bike's balance, and it was consistently challenging to grasp. This was because, even when we made adjustments within our usual parameters, we didn't notice much of a difference," he further explained.

"Thus, we were compelled to adopt far more extreme measures to perceive the change."

"Indeed, it required some time. However, as the season progressed, things began to fall into place."

"Frankly, it's hard to pinpoint, but my suspicion leans towards the rear tyre being the culprit."

Everyone assumes it has better traction. It certainly does offer more traction. However, the problem is, there hasn't been a comparison test done between the two [2024 and 2023 tires], so it's impossible to definitively say 'that's the reason'.

"It's impossible to pinpoint exactly what changes, because when you return after a year, the initial rustiness makes everything seem altered."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special content, conversations, and special offers from the circuit straight to your email.

For further details, consult our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, special features, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the content, images, or illustrations in full or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Directory

Collision.Net

Jorge Martin attributes his MotoGP championship origins to an extravagant night out

The 2024 champion reveals how initial fame in MotoGP was handled

Jorge Martin confesses he had to adjust to the lifestyle changes associated with becoming a MotoGP rider, following an outrageous bill from a night out at a club.

In 2021, Martin ascended to the top tier with the Pramac Ducati team and, despite a significant setback at the Portuguese GP that sidelined him for four races due to injuries, clinched his inaugural victory at the Styrian GP.

During a conversation on the Tengo un Plan podcast, Martin shared that following his initial victory, he embarked on a continuous spree of celebrations.

However, this started accumulating, and he quickly found himself compelled to alter his course.

"After moving up to the top tier, I was unattached, and following my initial victory in Austria, I began to celebrate," he shared.

"Following the Grand Prix on Sundays and post-training sessions in Andorra, my routine included trips to Barcelona."

"I was always up for a challenge and didn't see an issue with it. However, on one occasion, I received a shockingly high bill at a nightclub.

"After settling the bill, I came to the realization that I needed to make a change. Subsequently, when I encountered my girlfriend Maria, she provided the support I needed."

"My family, including my parents and grandparents, always ensured I stayed humble, reminding me that wasting money can lead to financial ruin, loss of friends, and a halted career."

"I'm aware of my blessings and I find joy in assisting others. Given my resources, I have the option to retire immediately and still lead a comfortable life."

"Nonetheless, my aspiration is to become a MotoGP icon. I desire to create a lasting memory and establish a heritage for the coming generations."

In 2023, Martin vied for the championship title for the first time, pushing his Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia to the limit in Valencia, but in the end, he didn't succeed.

At the close of the year, he disclosed that his mental health declined following the loss of his 2023 title, prompting Martin to seek assistance from a sports psychologist to more effectively manage his self-doubt.

Despite securing just three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11 in 2024, Martin edged out his competitor by a margin of 10 points, clinching the championship during the decisive final round in Barcelona.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the race circuit right in your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive stories, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating any portion of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Site Index

CrashDotNet

New information suggests KTM's departure from MotoGP is set for 2026

More insights surface regarding KTM's anticipated withdrawal from MotoGP

According to recent updates from Austrian news outlets, KTM is reportedly scheduling its departure from MotoGP by 2026 as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts.

KTM has recently been compelled to opt for self-administration due to financial difficulties, in an effort to avoid insolvency. The company is reportedly facing debts exceeding €3 billion.

After the initial meeting with creditors took place at the beginning of this month, KTM has been given the green light to proceed with its restructuring efforts, maintaining its existing operational structure.

Explore Further: The Case for MotoGP to Welcome F1 Star Hamilton Amid Potential KTM Investment

However, a document released by the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) after the initial meeting highlighted that the ongoing restructuring efforts involve the intended departure of KTM from MotoGP.

In a public declaration, KTM affirmed its dedication to participate in MotoGP races in 2025, although it remained silent regarding its intentions for the period after the upcoming year.

On Sunday, 29 December, Austrian publication Der Standard revealed that KTM plans to withdraw from MotoGP in 2026, aligning with the conclusion of its existing agreement with Dorna Sports.

Based on a report from Der Standard, the leadership at KTM anticipates considerable harm to their public image should they decide to exit MotoGP ahead of this time.

Brad Binder is signed through the end of 2026, whereas Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini, and Maverick Vinales have each secured contracts spanning multiple years.

Research conducted by the Boston Consulting Group indicates a positive outlook for KTM, while also highlighting a potential annual saving of €46 million should it decide to terminate its grand prix activities.

During the opening session of the creditors' meeting, it came to light that various stakeholders are considering a collective investment of €700 million into the financially challenged firm.

In a fresh Speedweek discussion, KTM's motorsport chief Pit Beirer disclosed that the company had engaged in "substantial" discussions with the team managing Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion and future Ferrari driver, regarding a potential investment in the brand.

Earlier this year, there were rumors of Hamilton considering an investment in the Gresini racing team. Furthermore, Liberty Media, the owning company, acknowledged that he had shown interest in participating in MotoGP to the American media conglomerate.

Interested parties are given until the third week of January to submit their bids, which are crucial for KTM's reorganization strategy to fulfill its goal of covering 30% of its debt.

Creditors are scheduled to cast their votes on the plan at February's close.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP circuit straight to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, unique features, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Recreating, in whole or in part, any text, photos, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Aprilia must maintain a receptive attitude towards the input from its 2025 MotoGP team roster.

"This year presents significant challenges for us."

Paolo Bonora, the racing manager for Aprilia, emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility regarding the team's 2025 MotoGP roster, given their current status of having the top-performing motorcycle.

The factory team of the Noale marque will experience its first total roster overhaul since 2017, as current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi come on board.

Both competitors have exclusively raced with Ducati in the premier class, with Raul Fernandez remaining as the only unchanged rider at Trackhouse, where he'll team up with newcomer Ai Ogura.

Discover further: Indications of optimism from Martin's initial Aprilia MotoGP trial

Concluding the 2024 season, Bonora conveyed to MotoGP's official website the necessity of adopting a flexible strategy towards motorcycle development and incorporating insights from Martin and Bezzecchi.

"This year will present significant challenges for us, as we will be working with two quick, youthful, and exceptionally skilled riders," he stated.

"Without question, the entire team is thrilled. We must adopt a practical approach to comprehend their expectations and remain open-minded, recognizing that they likely originate from the strongest bike in the lineup."

"We need to enhance our capabilities to achieve that level of performance."

Both participants remained silent on their initial experience with the RS-GP in Barcelona the previous month, yet CEO Massimo Rivola observed that their reactions were surprisingly more favorable than anticipated.

In 2024, Aprilia emerged as the sole brand to outperform Ducati, with Maverick Vinales securing a victory at the Americas Grand Prix. Vinales is set to switch to Tech3 KTM in the following year.

The peak moment of the campaign came early on, but Aprilia's performance declined in the latter half of the season, leading to a fall to third place in the constructors' rankings, trailing behind KTM and Ducati.

Looking back at the season, Bonora mentioned, "We're pretty happy with how the first part of the season went."

"We achieved numerous podium finishes and, besides Ducati, we were the sole team to secure a GP victory."

At the start of the year, we established numerous objectives and successfully achieved them. However, it's likely that we encountered some setbacks in the latter half.

"Reaching a certain stage makes it harder to make significant progress. However, we clearly grasped the reasons behind our shortcomings compared to our competitors."

"We need to enhance our data evaluation capabilities and more swiftly address the feedback from the participants over the weekend."

"We are aware that enhancements in hard braking are necessary. The focus isn't on addressing a specific aspect but rather on advancing our overall package."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, special content, conversations, and offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the text, photos, or illustrations partially or in full is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Site Index

Collision.Net