Fabio Di Giannantonio Aims to Shake Up MotoGP 2025 as Ducati’s Satellite Surprise Against Marquez and Bagnaia
A Ducati satellite team competitor aims to challenge Marc Marquez in the 2025 MotoGP season, viewing it as a fantastic chance.
Fabio Di Giannantonio has expressed his ambition to challenge Ducati's leading MotoGP competitors, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, in 2025, upon transitioning to the GP25.
The rider from VR46 has secured the sole additional factory Ducati set to compete in 2025, apart from the main factory team, but has not had the chance to test the motorcycle due to ending the previous season prematurely for shoulder surgery.
Throughout the majority of the season, Di Giannantonio consistently ranked as the top runner-up GP23 competitor, trailing only behind Marquez, and managed to finish in front of the well-regarded VR46 teammate Marco Bezzecchi, even though he was absent for the last two races.
Di Giannantonio has mentioned that he hasn't set particular goals for 2025, highlighting that the minimal pressure on VR46 allows him to truly enjoy the experience.
"Di Giannantonio described it as a wonderful chance during his conversation with GPOne."
"This season on the GP25 presents a wonderful chance to enhance one's riding skills even further."
"Taking on this role is a duty I've been seeking my entire life, yet despite this, we aren't in the 'red' zone at the moment, which means we still have the opportunity to 'engage'."
"Being part of an official team comes with a unique kind of pressure since winning is a necessity. I believe Pecco and Marc will particularly sense this kind of obligation."
"We have the chance to enjoy ourselves, aim to be the nonconformists, we can attempt to irritate them, and this will also present me with the chance to gain a significant amount of knowledge from them by operating at their level.
"Thus, I perceive no drawbacks, only significant potential."
"I regret not securing any podium finishes this year for the team; I genuinely wanted to perform well to witness their celebrations."
"As I frequently mention, I prefer not to dwell on the outcomes at this stage; our focus should be on development and savoring the journey. Embrace the GP25, accelerate, relish the present for which we've worked hard, cherish our special bond with Ducati, and ultimately, we'll assess our performance."
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers delivered straight to your email.
For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.
Explore Further
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track 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
Reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Site Index
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
KTM’s 2024 MotoGP Season: A Tale of Missed Opportunities and Unfulfilled Potential
A specific instance was identified in the 2024 MotoGP season where KTM missed the opportunity to remain competitive at the forefront.
Despite kicking off the season on a high note, KTM ended up going through another season without securing a win in the premier class.
The 2024 MotoGP campaign kicked off on a high note for KTM, yet concluded without the Austrian manufacturer securing any victories.
KTM's streak without a win stretches further, tracing back to Miguel Oliveira's victory at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix more than two years ago (or to Jerez 2023 if Sprint races are taken into account).
Despite starting the season on a high note, with Brad Binder and newcomer to the 2024 MotoGP, Pedro Acosta, both securing podium finishes in the season's initial races, the Austrian team maintained their momentum.
"Francesco Guidotti, the former team principal for Red Bull KTM, shared with MotoGP.com that the team kicked off the season on a high note, achieving podium finishes with various riders, which significantly raised their expectations."
Starting from the halfway point, we faced some challenges and perhaps took a few paths that weren't ideal for us; the leading competitors slightly enhanced their performance, which further widened the gap between us.
"During the middle of the season, we experienced an unusual period, which I believe was when we missed the opportunity to remain in contention at the forefront."
Despite facing challenges in 2024 that led to his dismissal, Guidotti had no grievances regarding the behavior of the riders from the Austrian brand, KTM.
"I believe the approach taken by the riders was appropriate; they remained persistent, and so did we, both the technicians and the management. However, truth be told, we weren't exactly in the right mindset to compete. Therefore, we needed to go back to the drawing board and begin anew."
Towards the end of the season, KTM consistently led the pack despite a few accidents and mishaps, but generally, they performed well.
"'Somewhat okay' isn't our ideal, but it's our current reality. We overlooked numerous opportunities, numerous possibilities at the start of this year, and when you skip out on those, you end up missing out on success, you face defeat."
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive up-to-date MotoGP coverage, special content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive deals straight from the circuit to your email.
For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024 after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.
Discover More
Sign up for our MotoGP Mailing List
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, 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
Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP
Copying or reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Website Directory
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Five MotoGP Contenders Facing a Make-or-Break 2025 Season
Crash examines five MotoGP competitors requiring a standout 2025 season
The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season features an impressive collection of talent, including 15 riders who have previously won premier class grand prix races.
Top performers are well-distributed among all five manufacturers, with numerous notable transfers occurring – such as Marc Marquez joining the Ducati factory team, 2024 world champion Jorge Martin moving to Aprilia, and Maverick Vinales switching to KTM.
Heading into 2025, several athletes find themselves in a position where they must demonstrate their worth, be it due to contractual obligations or other motivating factors.
Crash examines five racers facing a crucial season ahead.
Jack Miller – Pramac Yamaha
Entering his 10th season in the top tier in 2025, Miller's move back to Pramac, coinciding with their transition to Yamaha, comes after an underwhelming last season with KTM. For the Australian, this shift to Pramac appears to be a serendipitous twist, largely influenced by location.
Keep in mind, a few newcomers were considered for the second Pramac position, among them Sergio Garcia, whose chance was ultimately dismissed due to his Spanish nationality.
Miller's nationality as an Australian isn't the only factor for his comeback to Pramac. At 29, his record includes race victories and a wealth of experience that Yamaha will find extremely beneficial.
However, his record shows only a single victory over the past three years, and he concluded 2024 without securing any top-three finishes, his highest being two fifth-place finishes in grand prix races. Additionally, he finished 204 points behind his teammate Brad Binder. Miller was particularly affected by the challenges KTM faced due to the vibration problems stemming from Michelin's 2024 rear tyre.
However, Binder and Pedro Acosta demonstrated that impressive outcomes could be achieved with the RC16, and Miller fell significantly behind in comparison.
Heading into the 2025 season on a single-year contract, and with a new generation of talent eager to step up from Moto2, it appears this year could be crucial for Miller's career.
His main focus will be to advance the progress of the M1, but he will also be expected to achieve results if his peers begin to succeed. Should this not occur, the limited availability on the 2026 grid might result in Miller being left out.
Franco Morbidelli, who rides for VR46 Ducati, appears to be the safest in terms of retaining his position for the 2026 season. Unless Celestino Vietti delivers an exceptional performance in Moto2, the VR46 Academy lacks a clear successor deemed ready for MotoGP. Additionally, it's uncertain if Ducati is considering elevating any of its riders.
At the age of 30 and entering his eighth year in MotoGP, there's a concern that Morbidelli might only be viewed as filling a spot.
Following his achievement of securing three grand prix victories in 2020 and achieving second place in the overall championship standings, Morbidelli has experienced a decline in performance. His challenges began with an outdated Yamaha model at the beginning of 2021, which did little to aid his performance, and were compounded by a leg injury that sidelined him. Upon his return, he was provided with a top-tier Yamaha bike, which he struggled to adapt to and perform well on.
During his tenure of over two years with the factory Yamaha team, his top achievement was a fourth-place finish. For the 2024 season, he secured a coveted factory Ducati spot with Pramac. However, his adjustment was hindered by a concussion he suffered before the season started.
During the early part of 2024, despite facing challenges, Morbidelli demonstrated moments of quick pace, such as taking the lead in the German race, securing a podium finish in the Sprint at the San Marino Grand Prix, and being in contention for another podium spot before experiencing a crash the following day.
Considering his superior equipment, it would have been expected for Morbidelli to secure several additional podium finishes during the latter part of the season. The availability of an extra spot at VR46 meant Morbidelli's position was secure, yet this situation should be seen merely as a stroke of luck.
Should the improvement from the GP24 to the GP25 not be as significant as it was the previous year, Morbidelli must capitalize on this edge during the initial races to return to his known performance level.
Brad Binder is currently tied to KTM under a contract that runs until 2026. However, there are a couple of reasons why he's included in this list.
Currently, there's a cloud of doubt surrounding the Austrian brand due to its economic difficulties and ongoing overhaul. Should the KTM endeavor collapse and prove irretrievable, four leading riders would be left scrambling for a spot in an already crowded field. It's fair to mention that Pedro Acosta might have the edge over his competitors in such a scenario.
Since joining the MotoGP circuit, Binder has reliably performed for KTM, maintaining his form through the previous season. Despite achieving podium finishes solely in the season's first race, his regular placements within the top eight and just a couple of instances where he didn't score points in races he participated in, significantly contributed to KTM securing the second spot in the constructors championship.
He concluded the year as the leading KTM rider, edging out newcomer Acosta by a mere two points. When it came to maximizing the performance of the RC16, Acosta frequently achieved this, despite his need to improve his conversion rate.
Potentially, 2025 marks the inaugural year in MotoGP where Binder faces a team-mate who truly challenges his skills. Thus, this will be our first opportunity to witness Binder being put through his paces. Consequently, this situation brings up an unresolved inquiry: What is the true caliber of Brad Binder's talent?
Though his circumstances aren't as dire as certain individuals in the lineup, the direction of his professional path could significantly depend on his performance alongside Acosta in the 2025 season.
Luca Marini – Honda
Marini's contract timing doesn't align with the typical schedule for factory agreements, as his deal with Honda extends through the conclusion of 2025.
Currently, Honda isn't experiencing a high demand from riders eager to join its team. However, this situation is subject to change as the company makes progress up the racing grid. Should Honda achieve greater advancements by 2025, it may aim to attract a more prominent rider to its lineup.
Currently, amidst the challenges KTM is experiencing, there's significant speculation around Acosta becoming a key focus. Naturally, it makes sense for Honda to consider this option. Joan Mir has committed through 2026 despite facing difficulties, and Johann Zarco is likely to secure a renewal due to his impressive performance in 2024.
Marini was unable to secure any points in the initial eight races, and this streak would have stretched to nine if a penalty hadn't elevated him to 15th place. After another four races without earning points, he finally scored his first legitimate points during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Despite showing improved performance in the latter part of the year, he ended up at the bottom of the rankings among those who competed throughout the entire season.
Anticipating miraculous performances from Marc Marquez's successor at Honda was unreasonable. However, there's a specific level of performance that factory riders must achieve, and Marini must demonstrate this by 2025 to sustain his professional trajectory.
Francesco Bagnaia's position with Ducati is secure. His contract extends through 2026, and given his outstanding performance, it would take a significant justification for Ducati not to continue their partnership with the two-time world champion beyond then.
However, he is encountering the most challenging phase of his MotoGP journey, as Marc Marquez joins the official Ducati team in 2025.
Heading into the upcoming season, Bagnaia has an impressive record of 11 Grand Prix victories in 2024, yet fell short of clinching the championship, finishing 10 points behind Jorge Martin, a season marked by eight instances where he didn't score. His journey over recent years has been marred by errors, a challenge that will only intensify with Marquez joining as his teammate.
Securing three wins in his debut season on a Ducati with an older GP23 model, Marquez is undoubtedly set to challenge Bagnaia significantly.
Marquez's successful maneuver to secure a spot on the factory Ducati team altered the dynamics of power. Bagnaia's situation is made even more challenging by not entering the year 2025 as the defending world champion.
Bagnaia's rapid pace and his position as one of the current top competitors is undeniable. However, Marquez, given the same equipment, will push him to his limits. The outcome of this challenge could very well shape his professional legacy.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.
For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Explore Further
Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, unique content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.
For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Breaking Updates
Additional Updates
Stay Updated with Crash F1
Keep Up with Crash MotoGP
Copying or duplicating any part of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.
Index
Collision.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Stars Align for Rossi’s 100Km of Champions: Acosta, Dunlop, and MotoGP Elites Set for Tavullia Showdown
Valentino Rossi announces an impressive lineup for the 100Km of Champions race
Rossi, joined by Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta, highlights a star-studded roster for the event in Tavullia
The 100Km of Champions flat track race, hosted at Valentino Rossi's ranch in Tavullia, is set to present an impressive lineup in 2025, with racers such as Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop slated to participate.
For more than a decade, the yearly gathering at Rossi's VR46 Ranch has been organized by the MotoGP icon, attracting top talents from various motorcycle racing categories.
The upcoming 2025 version is scheduled for January 10th and 11th, and the list of participants for this occasion will be made public on Friday.
Leading the event as always is the nine-time grand prix world champion Rossi, with the MotoGP rookie star of 2024, Pedro Acosta, also participating.
In the world of MotoGP, two-time world champion and VR46 Academy affiliate Francesco Bagnaia will make an appearance, joined by Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Augusto Fernandez, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Miguel Oliveira.
In other grand prix categories, racers such as Xavi Artigas, Manu Gonzalez, and Tatsuki Suzuki will compete.
Michael Dunlop, the most accomplished rider in Isle of Man TT history, will participate, alongside Davey Todd, the victor of the Senior TT.
Ryan Vickers and Tim Neave team up with fellow British Superbike paddock member Todd, as Nicolo Bulega and Dominique Aegerter represent the World Superbikes contingent.
Last year, Marini and Rossi claimed victory in the premier team race, with Marini also securing a win in the Americana competition.
Complete list of participants:
Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Kurvinen Lasse, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.
For additional 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, insightful interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.
For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Recent Updates
Additional Updates
Stay Updated with Crash F1
Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP
Copying or reproducing text, photos, or images in full or in part is strictly prohibited.
Site Index
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Mid-Season Missteps: How KTM’s Promising 2024 MotoGP Start Fizzled into a Winless Campaign
KTM identified a crucial MotoGP moment that marked their missed opportunity to remain competitive at the top. Despite beginning the 2024 MotoGP season on a strong note, KTM ended yet another year without securing a victory in the premier class.
The 2024 MotoGP season for KTM began on a high note; however, the Austrian company concluded the season without securing any victories.
KTM's struggle to secure a victory persists, with their last win dating back to Miguel Oliveira's success at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix, which was over two years ago. Alternatively, if Sprint races are taken into account, their last win was at Jerez in 2023.
Despite starting the season on a high note, the Austrian manufacturer saw both Brad Binder and 2024 MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta secure podium finishes in the initial races.
Francesco Guidotti, the former team principal of Red Bull KTM, shared with MotoGP.com that they had a strong beginning, achieving several podium finishes with various riders, which set high expectations.
"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some difficulties as we took some paths that might not have been ideal for us. Meanwhile, the key competitors improved slightly, which widened the gap even further."
"There was a peculiar period during the middle of the season, and I believe that's when we missed our opportunity to remain near the top."
Even though KTM faced challenges in 2024 that eventually led to him losing his position, Guidotti had nothing negative to say about how the riders from the Austrian brand behaved.
The riders displayed commendable behavior by persistently pushing forward. Similarly, our team, including technicians and management, maintained their determination. However, we must admit that we weren't really in the competitive mindset. It became necessary for us to go back to the beginning and restart the process.
Towards the end of the season, KTM consistently performed well, despite experiencing a few crashes and incidents. Overall, their performance was quite solid.
"We're aiming for better than 'not too bad,' but that's our current reality. At the start of the year, we let too many opportunities slip by, and as a result, we didn't perform well and ended up losing."
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing paddock straight to your email.
To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.
In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news for both consumers and racing enthusiasts at Visordown.
Discover Additional Content
Sign up for Our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.
To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Current Updates
Additional Stories
Track Crash F1
Track Crash MotoGP
It is prohibited to fully or partially copy any written material, images, or artwork in any manner.
Site Map
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Zarco’s Suzuka Epiphany: Unlocking Mental Barriers and Honda’s Potential in the 2024 MotoGP Season
A Revelatory Moment at Suzuka Assists Johann Zarco with Honda in MotoGP
French Rider Discusses Shift in Mindset Throughout the 2024 Season
Johann Zarco acknowledged that he faced mental challenges at the outset of his inaugural MotoGP season with Honda, a realization that came to him following a test for the Suzuka 8 Hours.
The French rider teamed up with the LCR team under Honda for the 2024 season, yet faced challenges in securing strong performances during the initial months of the year.
Progress made with the RC213V enabled Zarco to regularly score points in the latter part of the season.
He consistently earned points in the last nine races, achieving Honda's highest finish of the season with an eighth place at the Thai Grand Prix.
Zarco observed that an insight into his psychological strategy for the project, which came to him during a Suzuka 8 Hours test, enhanced his performance in MotoGP riding.
"Zarco mentioned in a conversation with Paddock-GP that it was beneficial to have experienced mental growth throughout the year."
"After participating in the trial run for the Suzuka 8 Hours, it dawned on me that my feedback and issues were nearly identical to those I encountered in MotoGP."
Thus, I thought, 'the issues you face in MotoGP are also battles within your own mind.
"You're holding onto emotions and viewpoints that should be expressed. Consider the topic from a new perspective."
"Once I began engaging in that activity, my performance on the MotoGP bike improved significantly, though we're still not at the top level."
"That's what enabled me to stand out significantly by year-end in comparison to my fellow competitors."
He also mentioned, "The endurance bike is regarded as the top choice, and I had initially thought it would be significantly simpler."
"Indeed, achieving high speeds on any bicycle is challenging and particularly demands mastery of specific skills. This served as a valuable prompt for me to maintain those skills or learn how to adjust them accordingly."
Zarco concluded his inaugural season with HRC as the highest-ranked rider for the brand, finishing 17th in the standings.
He also clinched victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours with Team HRC, teaming up with Takumi Takahashi and Teppei Nagoe.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, special content, one-on-one conversations, and exclusive deals straight from the track to your email.
For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Discover More
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP insights, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.
For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Recent Updates
Additional Updates
Track Formula 1 Updates
Track MotoGP Updates
Reproducing any portion or the entirety of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly prohibited.
Website Directory
Collision.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
High Stakes: Five MotoGP Riders Facing a Make-or-Break 2025
Five MotoGP Racers Who Require a Strong 2025 Campaign
Crash examines the five racers who must deliver a standout season.
The 2025 MotoGP lineup is one of the most competitive in recent years, featuring 15 riders who have previously won in the premier class, all set to compete in the upcoming season.
Top talent is well-distributed among the five manufacturers, with some notable transfers occurring. These include Marc Marquez joining the factory Ducati team, 2024 world champion Jorge Martin moving to Aprilia, and Maverick Vinales heading to KTM.
However, some individuals will enter 2025 with something to demonstrate, whether due to contract issues or other factors.
Crash examines five cyclists who are in need of a standout performance this season.
Jack Miller – Pramac Yamaha
In 2025, Jack Miller will celebrate a decade in the top tier of racing. Following a disappointing last season with KTM, the Australian racer has managed to continue his career by rejoining Pramac as they transition to Yamaha, benefiting from a stroke of luck due to his location.
It is important to note that multiple newcomers were considered for the second Pramac spot, among them was Sergio Garcia, who was ultimately not chosen due to holding a Spanish passport.
Miller's Australian nationality isn't the only factor behind his upcoming return to Pramac. At 29 years old, he boasts race victories and a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit Yamaha.
Over the past three seasons, he has only secured one victory, finishing the 2024 season without reaching the podium and achieving his best grand prix finishes with two fifth-place results. He also trailed his teammate Brad Binder by 204 points. Miller was particularly affected by the vibration problems that KTM encountered due to Michelin's 2024 rear tire.
However, Binder and Pedro Acosta demonstrated that impressive performances were achievable on the RC16, while Miller fell significantly behind.
Miller is on a crucial one-year contract for 2025, while promising newcomers in Moto2 are eager to step up, making this season pivotal for him.
His main objective will be to advance the M1's progress, but he will also be expected to produce results if his teammates begin to succeed. Should that not occur, the limited spots available on the 2026 grid might result in Miller being pushed out.
Franco Morbidelli – VR46 Ducati
Franco Morbidelli appears to have a relatively secure position for the 2026 season. The VR46 Academy currently lacks a Moto2 rider who is prepared to move up to MotoGP, unless Celestino Vietti delivers an exceptional performance. Additionally, it is unclear if Ducati has any intentions to elevate another rider to the top level.
At age 30 and entering his eighth season in MotoGP, Morbidelli faces the possibility of being seen as just another participant.
After securing three grand prix victories in 2020 and ending the season as the championship runner-up, Morbidelli's fortunes have declined. The outdated Yamaha model he began the 2021 season with offered little assistance, and a subsequent leg injury further hindered his performance. Upon his comeback, he was provided with a factory-spec Yamaha, which he struggled to master.
During his two-plus seasons with the factory Yamaha team, his highest achievement was a fourth-place finish. For the 2024 season, he secured a coveted factory Ducati position at Pramac, although a concussion before the season began made his transition more challenging.
Throughout the initial months of 2024, Morbidelli faced challenges but demonstrated bursts of speed, such as when he took the lead in Germany, secured a podium finish in the sprint race at the San Marino Grand Prix, and was in contention for another podium before experiencing a crash the following day.
Considering his superior equipment, Morbidelli was expected to secure additional podium finishes in the latter part of the season. With VR46 providing an available seat, Morbidelli's position was safe, though this can only be seen as a stroke of luck.
Should the difference between the GP24 and GP25 not be as significant as it was in the previous year, Morbidelli must capitalize on this benefit in the initial races to regain the performance we know he can achieve.
Brad Binder – KTM
Brad Binder is under contract with KTM until the conclusion of 2026. Nevertheless, he is included on this list for a couple of reasons.
Currently, the Austrian manufacturer is facing a financial crisis and undergoing a restructuring process, which has created a sense of uncertainty. If the KTM project fails and collapses, four high-profile riders will be seeking positions in a grid with limited availability. It is fair to suggest that Pedro Acosta is likely to be given precedence over the others.
Since joining MotoGP, Binder has been a reliable performer for KTM, and the previous year was no exception. Although his only podium finishes occurred during the first race of the season, his regular top-eight finishes and just two races without points in the grands prix he participated in contributed to KTM securing the second position in the constructors' championship.
He concluded the year as the leading KTM rider, edging out newcomer Acosta by just two points. When it came to extracting the maximum performance from the RC16, Acosta frequently achieved that, although his ability to capitalize on opportunities still requires improvement.
In 2025, it's debatable that Binder finally has a teammate who can truly compete with him in MotoGP. This means it will be the first opportunity to see Binder thoroughly challenged. Consequently, an unanswered question remains: exactly how talented is Brad Binder?
Although his circumstances aren't as dire as those of some other competitors, the future of his career could largely depend on how he compares to Acosta as a teammate in 2025.
Luca Marini – Honda
Unlike the majority of factory agreements, Marini's contract with Honda extends for two years and will conclude at the end of 2025.
Currently, Honda isn't overwhelmed with interest from riders eager to join its team. However, this situation is subject to change as they work on improving their standings in the rankings. If Honda makes significant progress by 2025, it may be able to attract a more prominent rider to their team.
At present, given the numerous challenges KTM is encountering, there's considerable discussion about Acosta being a key focus for them. Naturally, it makes sense for Honda to consider this option as well. Joan Mir, despite facing difficulties, is committed until the end of 2026, and Johann Zarco is highly likely to receive a contract extension due to his impressive performance in 2024.
In the initial eight races, Marini failed to secure any points, and this streak would have continued into the ninth race if not for a penalty that elevated him to the 15th position. After enduring another four races without earning points, he finally scored at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Although his performance improved in the latter half of the year, he ultimately ended up at the bottom of the rankings among those who competed full-time.
It was unreasonable to anticipate remarkable results from Marc Marquez’s successor at Honda. However, factory riders are expected to reach a particular standard, and Marini must demonstrate this in 2025 to ensure the continuation of his professional trajectory.
Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati
Francesco Bagnaia's position is secure, as he is contracted with Ducati until the end of 2026. Given his ongoing performance, it would take an exceptionally compelling reason for Ducati to consider not continuing with the two-time world champion after this period.
However, the biggest challenge of his MotoGP career awaits him, as Marc Marquez will be joining the factory Ducati team in 2025.
As the new season kicks off, Bagnaia enters with an impressive record of 11 grand prix victories in 2024. However, despite this success, he fell short of clinching the championship, losing to Jorge Martin by a mere 10 points, partly due to eight races where he did not score. In recent years, Bagnaia has struggled with errors, and this issue will face a significant challenge now that Marquez has joined him as a teammate.
In his debut season with Ducati, Marquez achieved three wins with an older GP23 model, indicating the significant challenge he will pose to Bagnaia.
The dynamics of power changed significantly once Marquez successfully maneuvered his way into a factory Ducati position. Bagnaia faces additional challenges because he will not be starting 2025 as the current world champion.
There is no question about Bagnaia's pace and his status as one of the top competitors currently. However, if Marquez is given the same equipment, it will challenge this notion to the fullest. The outcome of this situation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping his career…
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.
To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.
Explore Further
Join Our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.
To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.
Current Updates
Additional Headlines
Subscribe to Crash F1
Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP
It is prohibited to fully or partially copy any text, images, or drawings in any manner.
Website Map
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Beyond the MotoGP Limelight: Five Rising Stars Set to Shine in 2025 Motorcycle Racing
Five Outside Contenders to Watch in Non-MotoGP Races in 2025
Highlighting our selection of riders who could make waves beyond the MotoGP circuit in 2025.
Marc Marquez's transfer to the Ducati Lenovo Team alongside Francesco Bagnaia, along with Pedro Acosta moving up to the main KTM team, and Jorge Martin's switch to Aprilia in 2025, has stirred excitement in this year's MotoGP scene. However, the intrigue isn't limited to MotoGP's elite level. The question arises: Who will stand out in the other racing categories?
The performance of Toprak Razgatlioglu throughout the 2024 season didn't quite measure up, especially when you stack it against Alvaro Bautista's achievements in 2023.
In his championship-winning season, Bautista crossed the finish line first in 27 events, whereas Razgatlioglu achieved this feat in only 18 races during his title year. Furthermore, when comparing their respective championship years, Razgatlioglu accumulated 101 fewer points than what Bautista had secured in the preceding year.
A significant reason for that situation stemmed from Razgatlioglu's accident during a practice session at Magny-Cours, where he suffered a punctured lung. This unfortunate incident sidelined him for two rounds, equivalent to missing six races.
In the competitions he participated in, Razgatlioglu did not secure a podium finish in three instances: two of these occurred during the initial round at Phillip Island (with one resulting from a critical bike malfunction), and the remaining instance was a ninth-place finish in the Assen Superpole Race, during which he wore out an SCQ tyre in roughly three laps.
It's remarkable to remember that 2024 marked Razgatlioglu's inaugural championship victory on the BMW M1000 RR, a motorcycle that had never secured a victory in dry conditions and hadn't seen a win since 2021. This year was a milestone for BMW, achieving its first-ever championship title, and a groundbreaking achievement for the SMR team, which had been managing BMW's official WorldSBK campaign since transitioning from BSB in 2016, without previously clinching the championship.
Naturally, this suggests that Razgatlioglu has the potential to enhance his performance with BMW, a prospect that likely doesn't excite other competitors in this year's WorldSBK lineup.
Indeed, the idea may not be as appealing, even to some viewers tuning in from home. Without a doubt, Razgatlioglu stands as one of the most thrilling competitors in the recent annals of motorcycle racing, and perhaps currently the most exhilarating. However, the notion of one rider's continued supremacy can become tiresome to the audience.
Ultimately, it's hard to dispute Marc Marquez's thrilling performance as a rider, yet by the time the Indianapolis race rolled around in 2014, his supremacy in MotoGP had admittedly lost some of its luster.
David Alonso's performance during the 2024 Moto3 season was nothing short of remarkable. He secured victory in 14 races and made it to the podium a total of 15 times out of 20 races, showcasing his ability to win not only by speed but also through superior strategy, setting him apart from his rivals.
Following an impressive season, Alonso is set to ascend to Moto2 in 2025. The main issue at hand is his physique, which was ideal for Moto3 but may not be as well-matched for the larger, more substantial Moto2 bike.
Undoubtedly, if Alonso encounters any challenges related to his size, the wisdom, modesty, and serenity he demonstrated in 2024 will likely aid him in finding a resolution.
If Alonso's stature doesn't affect his performance, the Colombian has the potential to transform a competitive setup into a win. With 18 victories to his name, he's on par with the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin and Alex Rins. Among those racing full-time in 2025, only Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez have more wins.
Typically, a hallmark of a rider on the path to success is their ability to quickly adjust to a different motorcycle or racing class. In 2025, we'll have the opportunity to observe how fast Alonso, undoubtedly the standout performer in the junior ranks right now, can make this transition.
Davey Todd
Since as early as 2022, Davey Todd was viewed as a likely contender for a TT championship victory, and he turned those predictions into reality in 2024 by securing victories in both the second Superstock TT and the Senior TT the previous year.
The Englishman stands out not just for his exceptional riding skills, but also for his remarkable flair in doing so.
He might not handle the motorcycle with the same flair as Michael Dunlop, often known for his dramatic maneuvers, yet he demonstrates a remarkable ability to slide the bike — reminiscent of his technique on shorter tracks — in a manner that seems effortlessly mastered.
Apart from the TT, Todd is expected to dominate at this year's North West 200 in the large motorcycle category, particularly since Glenn Irwin has withdrawn from road racing for 2025.
Additionally, this year marks Todd's return to the British Superbike Championship (BSB), following his achievement of securing his second National Superstock championship in three years by 2024. Despite the BMW not appearing to be the top contender in the previous season's championship, the FHO Racing team has demonstrated its capability to secure victories with BMW in the BSB as recently as 2023.
Overall, by 2025, Davey Todd might emerge as the top versatile rider, excelling on road courses and competing fiercely against Britain's elite on the short tracks.
Nicolo Bulega
In the previous season of WorldSBK, although Toprak Razgatlioglu emerged as the top performer, Nicolo Bulega was the competitor who consistently challenged him, marking himself as the closest rival.
Although this might not seem particularly thrilling on its own, it was Bulega's debut season, a period during which he needed to make his mark within a factory Ducati team that had been focused on Alvaro Bautista for the last two years.
It's unlikely that Bulega will face a downturn in his sophomore year in the Superbike category, and although Razgatlioglu is anticipated to enhance his performance in his second year riding for BMW, dismissing the Italian as a contender for a tightly contested 2025 season, compared to 2024, would be a mistake.
Guido Pini
In a recent development, Guido Pini joined the Moto3 World Championship lineup for the 2025 season, confirming his involvement with the Intact GP team just a month ago.
He is set to team up with David Munoz at Intact, a racer who entered Moto3 amid high expectations, yet has largely struggled to fulfill those promises to date.
Pini, who is set to celebrate his 17th birthday later this month, competed in just seven races in the JuniorGP series the previous year, yet impressively secured the runner-up position in the championship during his debut season. His achievements included three victories, two second-place finishes, and two fourth-place results.
The individual from Italy is presently overseen by Emilio Alzamora, known for mentoring Alex and Marc Marquez in their careers. Additionally, he is in the process of recuperating from his second significant injury within a year.
In 2024, Pini's limited participation in races can largely be attributed to injuries he suffered early in the previous year, which resulted in him missing the initial three JuniorGP rounds. Additionally, just last week, the young Italian suffered a major setback when he broke both of his legs during a training session.
This implies that Pini's entrance into Grand Prix racing could be challenging, particularly given his notable stature. Nonetheless, he brings an impressive resume to the table, having clinched the European Talent Cup in 2022, and securing a second-place finish in the same competition the following year, just behind Max Quiles. Quiles, mentored by the previously mentioned Marc Marquez, is set to debut in the World Championship this year with the Aspar team.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.
For further details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
Alex became part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024, after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.
Discover Further
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers delivered straight 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
Reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly forbidden in any manner.
Site Index
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Star-Studded Lineup Announced for Valentino Rossi’s 2025 100Km of Champions Event
Valentino Rossi unveils an extensive lineup for the 100Km of Champions race, featuring renowned names like Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta among others set to compete in Tavullia.
The 2025 edition of Valentino Rossi's 100Km of Champions flat track race, held at his ranch in Tavullia, is set to showcase an impressive lineup, featuring riders such as Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop.
For more than a decade, Rossi's VR46 Ranch has hosted an annual gathering organized by the MotoGP icon, attracting prominent figures from various motorcycle racing disciplines.
The event scheduled for 2025 is set to occur on January 10th and 11th, and the participant list will be made public this Friday.
Leading the event once again is Rossi, the nine-time grand prix world champion, and 2024 will also see the participation of MotoGP's exciting newcomer, Pedro Acosta.
Representing MotoGP, two-time world champion and VR46 Academy participant Francesco Bagnaia is set to attend, alongside Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Augusto Fernandez, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Miguel Oliveira.
Racers such as Xavi Artigas, Manu Gonzalez, and Tatsuki Suzuki will compete in the other grand prix categories.
Michael Dunlop, the most triumphant competitor in the history of the Isle of Man TT, is set to compete alongside Davey Todd, who has previously claimed victory in the Senior TT.
Ryan Vickers and Tim Neave have teamed up with British Superbike paddock member Todd, as Nicolo Bulega and Dominique Aegerter represent World Superbikes.
Last year, Marini and Rossi emerged victorious in the team event during the main race. Additionally, Marini secured a win in the Americana event.
Complete list of participants:
Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Kurvinen Lasse, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.
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.
Explore Further
Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter
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
Breaking 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.
Site Map
Crash.net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Suzuka Epiphany: How Mental Shifts Propelled Johann Zarco’s Resurgence in MotoGP with Honda
Suzuka Revelation Aids Johann Zarco’s MotoGP Journey with Honda
French Rider Discusses Mindset Shift in 2024 Season
Johann Zarco acknowledged that he became aware of "mental issues" during a challenging beginning to his initial MotoGP season with Honda, following a test session for the Suzuka 8 Hours.
The French rider signed up with the LCR team for the 2024 season under Honda's banner, but faced difficulties in achieving strong performances during the initial months of the year.
However, improvements made to the RC213V allowed Zarco to regularly score points during the latter part of the season.
In the last nine races, he consistently earned points, achieving Honda's top performance of the season with an eighth-place finish at the Thai Grand Prix.
Zarco mentioned that not only did he make improvements with the bike, but he also had a breakthrough regarding his mindset during a test for the Suzuka 8 Hours. This newfound perspective helped him enhance his performance in MotoGP.
In an interview with Paddock-GP, Zarco expressed satisfaction with his mental growth throughout the year.
"I believe this realization came after I tested the bike for the Suzuka 8 Hours, where I noticed that I had nearly identical feedback and issues as I did in MotoGP."
"I thought to myself, 'the issues you face in MotoGP are mirrored by the challenges you have mentally.'"
"You have emotions and convictions that must be expressed. Try to see the topic from a new perspective."
"When I began doing that, I improved my ability to ride the MotoGP bike, staying within its limits, though we still have a long way to go."
"That factor enabled me to significantly stand out from the other riders as the year concluded."
He mentioned, "The endurance bike is regarded as the top choice, and I found myself assuming it would be significantly simpler."
"Riding quickly on any bicycle is quite challenging and demands specific skills. It served as an important reminder for me to maintain those skills or learn how to adjust to them."
Zarco concluded his inaugural season with HRC as their leading competitor, securing 17th place in the rankings.
He was victorious at the Suzuka 8 Hours race, teaming up with Takumi Takahashi and Teppei Nagoe for Team HRC.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP world straight to your email inbox.
To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Discover More
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 Updates
Additional Reports
Stay Updated with Crash F1
Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP
It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate text, images, or illustrations in any manner.
Website Map
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Beyond the MotoGP Spotlight: Five Rising Stars Set to Dazzle in 2025
Five Riders from Other Series Who Might Shine in 2025
Our top choices for standout riders to keep an eye on beyond MotoGP in 2025.
Marc Marquez has teamed up with Francesco Bagnaia at the Ducati Lenovo Team, while Pedro Acosta has moved to the factory KTM team, and Jorge Martin is set to join Aprilia in 2025. These changes promise an exhilarating season for MotoGP enthusiasts. But what about the action beyond the top tier of motorcycle racing? Who will stand out in other categories?
Toprak Razgatlioglu's performance in the 2024 season, when evaluated numerically, falls short of the impressive results achieved by Alvaro Bautista in his 2023 season.
In the year Bautista secured his second world championship, he achieved victory in 27 races, whereas Razgatlioglu only claimed victory in 18 races during his championship year. Additionally, Razgatlioglu's total points in 2024 were 101 fewer than what Bautista accumulated in the previous year.
A significant factor was Razgatlioglu's accident during practice at Magny-Cours, where he suffered a punctured lung. This injury sidelined him for two rounds, causing him to miss six races.
During the races he participated in, Razgatlioglu failed to secure a podium finish three times. Two of these instances occurred at the opening round in Phillip Island, with one being due to a critical bike malfunction. The third instance was a ninth-place finish in the Superpole Race at Assen, where he severely wore out an SCQ tire after approximately three laps.
It's important to remember that Razgatlioglu's championship victory in 2024 marked his debut season riding the BMW M1000 RR. This motorcycle had never clinched a win in dry conditions before and hadn't secured any victories at all since 2021. Prior to this year, BMW had never claimed a championship title, and the SMR team, which has been managing BMW's factory racing operations in WorldSBK since their transition from BSB in 2016, had also never achieved such success.
This suggests that Razgatlioglu has potential for further development with BMW, a prospect that might not be particularly encouraging for his competitors in the WorldSBK lineup this year.
Actually, the idea may not be very appealing even to some fans viewing from their homes. Razgatlioglu is undeniably one of the most thrilling racers in modern motorcycle racing history and possibly the most thrilling currently. However, people can tire of seeing one competitor dominate.
Ultimately, it's hard to deny that Marc Marquez brings a lot of excitement to the track as a rider. However, by the time the 2014 MotoGP season reached Indianapolis, his overwhelming success had started to lose its thrill.
In the 2024 Moto3 season, David Alonso put on an impressive show of superiority. Out of 20 races, he secured 14 victories and stood on the podium 15 times, showcasing his ability to win both when he had the speed advantage and when he did not. Throughout the season, he consistently demonstrated a sharper racing intellect than any of his rivals.
Following an impressive season, Alonso is set to advance to Moto2 in 2025. The main issue revolves around his physique; while it was ideal for Moto3, it may not be as compatible with the larger and heavier Moto2 bikes.
If Alonso's size does become a challenge, the wisdom, modesty, and composure he demonstrated in 2024 are likely to help him find a way to overcome it.
If Alonso's stature doesn't affect his performance, the Colombian has the talent to transform a strong setup into a triumph. With 18 victories to his name, he matches the achievements of the new MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin and Alex Rins. Among the full-time competitors in 2025, only Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez have more wins.
A true indicator of a rider's potential for greatness is their ability to swiftly adjust to a new motorcycle or racing category. In 2025, we'll have the opportunity to observe how rapidly Alonso, who is undeniably the most thrilling talent in the junior ranks right now, can make this transition.
Davey Todd had been considered a prospective winner of the TT races since at least 2022. He fulfilled this expectation in 2024 by clinching victories in both the second Superstock TT and the Senior TT in the previous year.
The Englishman is not just a skilled equestrian but also a remarkably impressive one.
He's not typically known for handling the bike with the same dramatic flair as someone like Michael Dunlop. However, he's more than capable of sliding the bike sideways, often resembling the style used in short circuit racing, all while maintaining a sense of perfect control.
Apart from the Tourist Trophy (TT) races, Todd is expected to be the top contender at this year's North West 200 on the larger motorcycles, particularly since Glenn Irwin has decided to retire from road racing in 2025.
In addition, Todd is set to return to the British Superbike Championship (BSB) this year after clinching his second National Superstock championship in three years in 2024. Although the BMW didn't prove to be the most competitive option in the championship last season, the FHO team has achieved victory with BMW in BSB as recently as 2023.
In summary, by 2025, Davey Todd might prove himself to be the top all-rounder, excelling on road courses and competing fiercely with Britain's finest on short tracks.
Nicolo Bulega emerged as the rider who came closest to matching the performance of Toprak Razgatlioglu, who established himself as the top competitor in WorldSBK last year.
Although it may not seem particularly thrilling on its own, this was Bulega's first year in the competition. During this season, he needed to prove himself within a factory Ducati team that had been centered around Alvaro Bautista for the past two years.
In his second year competing in the Superbike class, it is unlikely that Bulega will experience a downturn in performance. Although Razgatlioglu is expected to make strides in his second year with BMW, the Italian rider remains a strong contender to make the 2025 season more competitive than 2024.
Guido Pini recently joined the Moto3 World Championship roster for the 2025 season. Just last month, he revealed that he had signed with the Intact GP team.
He is set to team up with David Munoz at Intact. Munoz is another racer who entered Moto3 with high expectations, but has generally fallen short of meeting them thus far.
Pini, who is set to celebrate his 17th birthday later this month, participated in just seven races during last year's JuniorGP series. Despite it being his debut, he impressively secured second place in the championship, achieving three victories, two runner-up finishes, and two fourth-place results.
The Italian athlete is presently being managed by Emilio Alzamora. Alzamora has a history of managing the careers of Alex and Marc Marquez. However, the Italian is now recuperating from his second significant injury within a year.
In 2024, Pini's participation in races was limited mainly because he suffered injuries at the start of the previous year. These injuries forced him to miss the opening three rounds of JuniorGP. Additionally, just last week, the young Italian broke both of his legs during a training mishap.
Given these factors, Pini is expected to face some challenges as he starts his career in Grands Prix racing. Known for his impressive height, Pini brings with him an outstanding resume. He claimed victory in the European Talent Cup in 2022 and secured second place the following year, just behind Max Quiles. Quiles, mentored by the renowned Marc Marquez, is also set to make his debut in the World Championship this year, competing with the Aspar team.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates, unique content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock delivered straight to your email.
For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.
Explore Further
Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest updates on MotoGP, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock, delivered straight to your email.
For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Recent Updates
Additional Headlines
Stay Updated with Crash F1
Keep Up with Crash MotoGP
Copying any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings is prohibited in all formats.
Website map
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Jorge Martin Steps into Aprilia Leadership Role, Honors Espargaro’s Legacy in MotoGP
Jorge Martin asserts he won't assume the role of Aprilia's MotoGP team captain as Espargaro once did
"I sense the obligation to spearhead this initiative"
MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has acknowledged that he "will never fulfill the role of Captain" at Aprilia in the same way Aleix Espargaro did, yet he "is open to taking on the leadership" within the team.
Over his last eight seasons in MotoGP, Espargaro was pivotal in transforming Aprilia from a team that typically finished in the middle of the pack into one that achieved race victories.
He declared his departure from racing at the Catalan Grand Prix and will serve as Honda's test rider in the coming year.
A little more than a week after revealing his decision to retire, Martin entered into a long-term agreement with the Aprilia factory team, following Ducati's reversal on their initial plan to elevate him to their primary team for the 2025 season.
During his tenure with Aprilia, Espargaro earned the nickname 'the Captain' due to his leadership qualities.
Martin believes that achieving the same level of success will be challenging for him.
"I believe I'll never manage to match Aleix's role as 'Captain,' given his nine-year tenure during which he elevated Aprilia from obscurity to achieving race victories and contending for the world championship," he shared with AS.
"I'm willing to take on that duty. I believe it's my role to spearhead this project, and I'm committed to doing whatever necessary, within my capabilities, to elevate this bike to its utmost potential."
Martin is of the opinion that Espargaro would have remained with Aprilia for at least an additional year if he had made his decision to join the Italian brand sooner.
"Had I made the choice to join this brand sooner than I did, Aleix would definitely have extended his contract for at least one more year," he further stated.
"Yet, existence comprises various circumstances and instances."
Espargaro and Martin share an exceptionally tight bond, with the former often affectionately calling the current world champion his son multiple times.
In addition to his role as a test rider for Honda, Espargaro has agreed to serve as an ambassador for the Lidl-Trek cycling team in the coming year.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive all the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the race circuit straight to your email.
For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.
Discover More
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.
For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy
Recent Updates
Additional Updates
Track Crash F1
Track Crash MotoGP
It is not allowed to fully or partially copy text, photos, or illustrations in any manner.
Website Directory
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Moto GP
Jorge Martin Steps into Leadership at Aprilia, Acknowledges He Can’t Replace Espargaro’s Legacy
Jorge Martin has stated he won't assume the role of team leader for Aprilia in MotoGP, a position previously held by Espargaro.
He expressed his commitment to spearheading the initiative.
MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has acknowledged that he "will never fully step into the Captain's role" at Aprilia in the way Aleix Espargaro did, yet he is "willing to take on the leadership" of the team.
Over the last eight years of his MotoGP journey, Espargaro was pivotal in transforming Aprilia from an intermediate team to victors on the track.
He declared his departure from competitive racing at the Catalan Grand Prix and will serve as Honda's test rider the following year.
A little more than a week after declaring his retirement, Martin inked a long-term agreement with the Aprilia factory team, following Ducati's reversal of its initial choice to elevate him to its official team for the 2025 season.
During his tenure with Aprilia, Espargaro earned the nickname 'the Captain' due to his leadership qualities.
Martin believes that reaching those same peaks will be challenging for him.
"I believe I can't ever step into the 'Captain' role in the same way Aleix did, given his nine-year tenure, during which he elevated Aprilia from obscurity to winning races and contending for the world championship," he conveyed to AS.
"I'm willing to embrace that duty. I sense it's my role to spearhead this project, and I'm committed to doing everything within my capacity to elevate this bike to its utmost potential."
Martin also thinks that if Espargaro had made his decision to join the Italian brand sooner, he likely would have remained with Aprilia for an additional year.
"Had I made the choice to join this brand sooner than I did, Aleix would undoubtedly have signed on for an additional year at least," he further stated.
"Life consists of various events and instances."
Espargaro and Martin share a remarkably tight bond, often with Espargaro affectionately calling the current world champion his son multiple times.
In addition to his responsibilities as a test rider for Honda, Espargaro has also inked an agreement to serve as an ambassador for the Lidl-Trek cycling team in the upcoming year.
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, special content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.
For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
Explore Further
Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter
Receive the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.
For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
Recent Updates
Additional Updates
Stay Updated with Crash F1
Keep Up with Crash MotoGP
Reproducing the content, whether entirely or partially, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any manner.
Website Directory
Crash.Net
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
AI2 months ago
News Giants Wage Legal Battle Against AI Startup Perplexity for ‘Hallucinating’ Fake News Content
-
Tech2 months ago
Revving Up Innovation: Exploring Top Automotive Technology Trends in Electric Mobility and Autonomous Driving
-
Tech3 months ago
Revving Up the Future: How Top Automotive Technology Innovations are Accelerating Sustainability and Connectivity on the Road
-
Tech3 months ago
Revving Up Innovation: How Top Automotive Technology is Shaping an Electrified, Autonomous, and Connected Future on the Road
-
Tech2 months ago
Revving Up the Future: How Top Automotive Technology Innovations Are Paving the Way for Electric Mobility and Self-Driving Cars
-
Tech2 months ago
Revving Up the Future: How Top Automotive Technology is Paving the Way for Electric Mobility and Self-Driving Cars
-
Tech2 months ago
Driving into the Future: The Top Automotive Technology Innovations Fueling Electric Mobility and Autonomous Revolution
-
Tech1 month ago
Revolutionizing the Road: Top Automotive Technology Innovations Fueling Electric Mobility and Autonomous Driving