Fabio Quartararo expressed his disappointment over not securing podium finishes. However, he mentioned that he's beginning to take pleasure in riding the bike as it allows him to test its limits.

Fabio Quartararo entered the winter off-season having unexpectedly secured the second-fastest time during the MotoGP test in Barcelona.

The show delivered a much-needed lift for Yamaha at the conclusion of their most challenging season during the 'MotoGP' era.

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For the first time since it was introduced in 2002, Yamaha's M1 did not secure a spot on the grand prix podium. The factory team's top racer, Quartararo, finished the season in 13th place in the world championship standings.

What will the French person request from Santa Claus this Christmas?

"The main thing I need initially is power and grip," Quartararo remarked, as he tested a modified chassis, aerodynamics, swingarm, and engine.

"In terms of traction, we are significantly lacking, and I believe improving this is crucial to increasing our speed."

"The energy boost from Santa Claus arrived ahead of schedule, but I'm going to request even more since we anticipate needing it!"

Looking back on what he described as his most challenging season in the top tier, where he managed three podium finishes and secured tenth place in the championship standings last year, Quartararo remarked:

"Certainly, there's disappointment that we couldn't secure any podium finishes or exceptional races. However, it's crucial for us to leave with a sense of progress from our performance in the last four races."

During the wet Jerez Sprint, Quartararo nearly secured a spot on the podium, but a penalty related to his tires after the race cost him his third-place finish.

At the Sepang race, his top achievement was finishing in sixth position.

Although the outcomes are not meeting the expectations of Quartararo or Yamaha, the 2021 world champion firmly believes that progress is being made in the project.

Emphasizing the significant presence of engineers from both Japan and Italy in the pit area during the test, Quartararo stated:

This year, we've enhanced both the bicycle and the way we work on it.

Yamaha faced challenges in completely altering their mindset, which required a significant amount of time. There have been numerous updates, including new personnel and a fresh team. Additionally, many noticed that Augusto Fernandez was present with us in the garage.

"In my opinion, there are significant changes underway, including within the testing team. Gradually, we will regain our position. Naturally, I wish this could occur immediately, but it requires patience as the project is steadily improving."

Is Quartararo feeling more competitive following the outcomes of the Barcelona test?

"I sense an increase in speed and a feeling of being nearer, though I'm unsure exactly how. It's challenging to conduct a thorough analysis on a test day. However, regarding our positioning, we seem slightly improved, even if it is only a test."

"We'll find out our true standing after the final day in Thailand next year."

Quartararo emphasized that he is once more finding joy in riding the M1.

"It's not even like working for me," he stated. "I'm having fun with the bike. I've started to truly enjoy it because I can test its boundaries."

"We are determined to return to the top, and we will take every possible action to achieve this goal promptly."

For two decades, Peter has been deeply involved in the paddock and witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is now closely following the developments regarding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges facing Marc Marquez.

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A MotoGP racer has not had the opportunity to try out his motorcycle for the 2025 season. "We didn't have the 2025 model available for testing."

Raul Fernandez, a MotoGP rider for Trackhouse Aprilia, didn't have access to the 2025 RS-GP model during the Barcelona test. However, he still achieved a significant breakthrough, making it a "very important day."

Fernandez faced challenges during his second year with the satellite Aprilia team. Midway through the season, he transitioned from the 2023 RS-GP chassis to the 2024 model.

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Throughout the season, he accumulated only 66 points, with his top performance being a sixth-place finish at the Catalan Grand Prix, all while riding the 2023 model of the Aprilia.

In the last three rounds of the 2024 season, Fernandez didn't score any points, leaving him feeling "devastated" following the Solidarity Grand Prix.

Since there were no extra 2025-spec RS-GP bikes available for the post-race test, Fernandez concentrated on a significant issue with the electronics. He believes he has made significant progress for the upcoming year.

"In general, we didn't include the 2025 specifications in the package," he mentioned.

"We concentrated heavily on the bikes for 2023 and 2024 to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects. In my opinion, the 2024 model showed some improvements, but we began experimenting with different elements of the bike."

Throughout the day, we focused extensively on improving the electronics. This had been my weakest area over the past couple of years, but by the end, I noticed a change in how the bike felt.

"I realized that I could incorporate more of my personal style when working with electronics, which is one of the positive aspects of today."

"Certainly, we may face electronic issues again down the line, but at this point, we have established a foundational set-up that can be used as a starting point for nearly all the tracks."

"It was an extremely significant day, particularly to observe the dynamics since we had a couple of new individuals joining us. It was enjoyable to watch how they integrated into my team."

"I’m pleased with how things turned out. On the whole, it was a very encouraging day. After the race on Sunday, I was completely exhausted."

"I simply wanted to lie in my bed, feeling like a child who wants to cry every night."

"We've made significant progress with the electronics, and there's a noticeable difference now. Looking ahead, I believe we'll achieve even more advancements with Fabiano's help."

Fernandez stated that the advancements he achieved with the electronics on the Aprilia during the test enabled him to "adapt my technique" as he now has a better grasp of this aspect of the motorcycle.

When questioned about whether his problems stemmed from his own lack of understanding or that of his team, he responded: "It's about half and half. Honestly, I'm not sure."

"What I can share with you is that I'm able to adapt my approach to match the electronics since I have a good understanding of them."

"It's an even split, 50/50. Now that I've combined all the elements, I've found a single approach to proceed."

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"When Marc Marquez mentioned, 'I like the bike,' it was a huge relief for me."

"Witnessing the outcome of efforts that started several months back was an extraordinary feeling."

Senior executives at Ducati were greatly relieved by Marc Marquez's satisfaction with their 2025 model.

Opting to include Marquez in the Ducati factory squad for the next season resulted in the loss of Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi. Additionally, the Pramac satellite team decided to depart as well.

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Ducati is taking a significant gamble by bringing Marquez on board for the next season.

"I'm not a technical expert, but the goal for the day was to hear his initial impressions," stated Ducati's sporting director, Mauro Grassilli, during the postseason MotoGP test, as reported by Marca.

When he got into the booth, his initial comment was, "I like the bike." Hearing that brought me a sense of relief.

"Right from the start, our goal was to include him as part of the team. We engaged in discussions with his agent to reach agreements on various aspects, including sponsorships."

"Experiencing the outcome of efforts that started several months back was an unparalleled feeling. Watching him on the track and having him with us in the pit box was a wonderful emotion."

Marquez's debut in red marked the beginning of his adventure with Pecco Bagnaia, the leading rider for the official Ducati team.

With identical equipment, the top motorcycle in MotoGP, both Bagnaia and Marquez are setting their sights on the championship for the upcoming year.

It increases the attention on how Ducati handles their goals.

However, the initial day with Bagnaia and Marquez sharing the same garage went smoothly and without any issues.

Grassilli mentioned that he observed them conversing and noticed that they were expressing their emotions to one another, both experiencing the same sentiments while cycling.

"They are both experts in their field, and while it might seem odd to emphasize that we already understood this, it aligns with our goals. We desire both riders to work collaboratively in enhancing the bike's performance and ensuring the team's success."

"On the first day, it wasn't something we expected, but witnessing them communicate and exchange ideas while having a clear and unified perspective on the bike was the initial acknowledgment of the efforts we are beginning to undertake."

"When the team's two key members, the riders, share the same goal, which is what we are striving for, I believe that although it may not always be straightforward, it will be a rewarding experience next year."

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

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Michele Pirro: Ducati's GP25 and GP24 are "quite similar"

"In my opinion, achieving a significant improvement like we did from 2023 to 2024 is challenging."

In a statement likely to boost the morale of the satellite Ducati MotoGP riders, factory test rider Michele Pirro mentioned that the GP24 and the upcoming GP25 models are currently performing at nearly the same level.

However, he also cautioned that Ducati plans to work on enhancing the new prototype before the next official test scheduled for February at Sepang in Malaysia.

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During his first outing on the GP24, Alex Marquez claimed the fastest time at the Barcelona MotoGP Test following the race.

Ducati's official team riders, Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, posted the third and fourth quickest times on the GP25 prototype.

Pirro, acting as a substitute rider for VR46 on a GP23 during the final race weekend of the season, also took the opportunity to test out the new bike on the track.

"It's intriguing to transition to the 2023-2025 bike models and skip testing the 2024 version. Nonetheless, the GP25 shows significant advancements over the 2023 model," Pirro commented.

"The difference between 25 and 24 is minimal. Making progress in one area often means we fall behind in another."

"I am optimistic that over the next two months, we can enhance the performance of the [25] slightly and advance during the Sepang test."

"However, progressing from 23 to 24 is a challenging task. It's an intriguing and rewarding challenge, but it certainly isn't easy!"

Since 2013, Pirro has served as a test rider for Ducati, witnessing the company's journey from its most challenging times to securing the MotoGP championship for the last three years.

"I'm pleased that Ducati has secured the championship title for the past three years. However, reaching new heights at this level, especially this year, presents its challenges," stated Pirro.

"It's a complicated situation, but we'll have to wait and see how it unfolds. Maintaining our winning streak is crucial. Next year, the number of Ducati riders will decrease by two compared to this year. However, the factory team still boasts two champions, along with Fabio di Giannantonio riding the 25 bike."

"I'm optimistic that the Ducatis will remain at a high-performance level next year."

Due to shoulder surgery, di Giannantonio will have to postpone his GP25 debut until February at Sepang.

In the meantime, due to Ducati's A concession status, Pirro is prohibited from participating in any wild-card races until the next concession assessment, which will take place in mid-2025.

For two decades, Peter has been a staple in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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No one present believed Ducati would allow Jorge Martin to secure a victory. Jorge Martin expresses gratitude to Ducati following his MotoGP championship win.

After Jorge Martin joined Aprilia following the Mugello race, as a reaction to Marc Marquez securing the factory Ducati seat for the next MotoGP season, there was widespread belief that his chances of competing for the MotoGP title might be severely impacted or even doomed.

Ducati stayed true to its promise by completely backing the Pramac rider throughout the season. As a result, he managed to surpass the factory team’s current champion, Francesco Bagnaia, by ten points.

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"Ducati was crucial. Even though they weren't planning to keep me for the following year, they still allowed me to compete with the same resources," Martin stated.

Gigi Dall’Igna had a strong belief in my abilities ever since I joined Moto2. However, life’s circumstances can often shift, which is why I never ended up on the factory Ducati team. Such is life.

"The crucial aspect was that they allowed me to compete on equal terms. I'm extremely thankful to Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati, because I believe no one present at this press conference expected them to permit me to achieve victory."

"I'm really thankful to them for allowing me to compete."

Back in 2024, Martin experienced being passed over by Ducati once again. This wasn't his first time, as he had missed out on the official team position to Enea Bastianini at the close of 2022.

"Martin described his rookie year in 2021 as fantastic, noting that he managed to triumph in his first top-level grand prix despite facing significant injuries."

"Everyone was saying that Martin was the promising talent and the star of tomorrow. However, 2022 proved to be challenging professionally. The bike didn't perform well due to engine issues, and I faced difficulties."

"Ducati faced significant pressure, compelling them to decide on signing Bastianini for the 2023 season."

Martin chose to stay with Pramac, receiving ongoing backing from the factory.

The Spanish rider competed against Bagnaia for the championship all the way to the last race of the previous season. This year, he made history by becoming the first rider not affiliated with a factory team to win the MotoGP title.

He stated, "I never aimed to prove Ducati wrong; my focus was always on myself and my team. I believe that the decision regarding Bastianini played a role in my victory with Pramac."

"Perhaps if I were with the factory team, things might have unfolded as they did with Enea, but I'm not certain. It might not have been the right fit for me. That's how life goes, and I'm pleased to have achieved victory with Pramac."

"It's the most deserving place for a victory, and they merit it even more than I do."

During his first appearance with Aprilia at the Barcelona MotoGP Test, Martin achieved the eleventh fastest time, trailing by 1.056 seconds. Meanwhile, Pramac is preparing to embark on a new chapter with Yamaha in the upcoming year.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the racing paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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No one present believed Ducati would allow Jorge Martin to secure a victory.

Jorge Martin expresses gratitude to Ducati following his MotoGP championship win.

After Jorge Martin joined Aprilia following the Mugello race, as a reaction to Marc Marquez securing the factory Ducati MotoGP seat for the upcoming season, there was widespread speculation that it might damage, or even end, his pursuit of the MotoGP championship title.

In line with their promise, Ducati provided unwavering support to the Pramac rider throughout the entire season. This backing paid off when he finished ten points ahead of the factory team's current champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

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"Ducati was crucial. Even though they decided not to have me on the team next year, they still allowed me to compete with the same resources," Martin stated.

Gigi Dall’Igna had a lot of faith in me ever since I joined Moto2, in my opinion. However, life can take unexpected turns, which is why I never made it to the factory Ducati team. But that's just how life goes.

The main point is that they allowed me to compete on equal terms. I'm incredibly thankful to Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati, because I doubt anyone in this room during the press conference expected them to let me come out on top.

"They allowed me to compete, and I am incredibly thankful to them for that."

In 2024, Martin faced another instance of being passed over by Ducati, a situation he had already experienced in 2022 when Enea Bastianini was chosen for the official team position instead of him.

"Martin reflected on his first year in the premier class, describing 2021 as an amazing season, during which he triumphed over significant injuries to secure his inaugural grand prix victory."

The narrative was all about Martin being the next big thing, the emerging talent. However, the year 2022 proved to be challenging professionally. The motorcycle, particularly the engine, wasn't performing optimally, and I found myself facing difficulties.

"Ducati was under significant pressure and needed to decide on signing Bastianini for the 2023 season."

Martin chose to stay with Pramac, still receiving backing from the factory.

Last season, the Spanish competitor battled Bagnaia for the championship all the way to the last race. This year, he made history by becoming the first independent rider to claim the 'MotoGP' title.

He stated, "My intention was never to show Ducati they were mistaken; my focus was always on myself and my team. I believe that decision regarding Bastianini played a role in my victory with Pramac."

"Perhaps if I had been with the factory team, things might have unfolded similarly to Enea's situation… I'm not certain. It's possible it just wasn't the right fit for me. That's how life goes, and I'm pleased that I achieved victory with Pramac."

"It's the ideal location for my victory, and they are more deserving of this than I am."

Martin secured the eleventh-fastest time, trailing by 1.056 seconds, during his first appearance with Aprilia at the Barcelona MotoGP Test. Meanwhile, Pramac is gearing up for a new chapter as they partner with Yamaha starting next year.

Peter has spent two decades working in the paddock and has witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Former motorcycle racer embarks on a six-year barefoot journey to Pakistan in search of spiritual enlightenment.

Axel Pons, widely known for his achievements in the Moto2 World Championship, has recently made an appearance in a rather unexpected setting.

Pons, a former Grand Prix motorcycle racer who competed for ten seasons from 2008 to 2017 and achieved his best finish with a sixth place in the 2016 Moto2 Italian Grand Prix, has recently made an appearance in Pakistan.

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In the initial segment from the Pakistan Tourism YouTube channel, Pons strolls down a street and informs the camera crew that he has been going barefoot for six years.

In a video from the Wahaj Ali.B YouTube channel, a man is seated on a chair. He initially talks to a child and then addresses the camera operator. When questioned about his name, he initially responds with "Isa" but then explains that he was originally named Axel.

The man explained to the child that although his journey is lengthy, he made a choice three years ago to let go of everything, carry only a backpack, and begin walking.

Approximately 15 months back, once I felt prepared, I made the decision to head east, following the direction of the sun. Over the past year, this has been my journey, and it has been a wonderful experience.

When questioned about his origins, Pons replied, "My origins are divine, but my birthplace is Barcelona, Spain."

Pons explained that he decided to leave motorcycle racing behind and start a new chapter in his life when he started doubting the purpose of living a racing-focused lifestyle.

"There came a time when he began to wonder about the purpose of living at such a rapid pace," he expressed.

"I gradually reduced my pace until I reached the point where I now move leisurely, taking the time to enjoy the finer details of life."

During his trek from Spain to Asia, Pons expressed, “It wasn't anything extraordinary; it just felt like the right thing to do. There came a time when walking seemed to be the most logical choice, allowing me to let go of all the burdens we gather throughout life and simply seek a profound connection with Allah, or God."

"We practice by taking walks."

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

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Jack Miller shares key improvement for KTM to target in 2025

Jack Miller informs his previous team of an essential issue to address

Addressing the issues with the KTM is no longer Jack Miller's responsibility.

This week, Miller rode a Yamaha for the first time during the postseason test. He is set to become part of the Pramac team in 2025.

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He departs from KTM after a disappointing season, in which the team was unable to build on the promising results of 2023.

Miller was questioned about the suggestions he would offer KTM to enhance their motorcycle for the upcoming year.

"The engine is clearly powerful and robust," he remarked.

"They offer an impressive set of features."

"The bicycle isn't sluggish. It might benefit from a stronger response when the throttle is opened and a lower RPM to cover a few additional meters."

"The upper section is in excellent condition."

"The main issue I would focus on resolving is the vibration."

Miller claimed he has found it difficult to adjust to the 2024 tire while riding the KTM.

"The bicycle closely resembles last year's model, except for the engine," he mentioned.

"The frame and the rear suspension arm remain unchanged."

"Things were going smoothly towards the end of last year, but this year we've regressed."

Halfway through the season, KTM made the decision to remove Miller and bring in Pedro Acosta from their Tech3 satellite team as his replacement.

Miller was unable to secure a position with Tech3 as Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini were selected instead.

His expertise and talent in creating MotoGP motorcycles have been highly praised as he becomes part of the new Pramac Yamaha initiative.

Having extensive experience with Honda, Ducati, and currently KTM, Miller carries a wealth of expertise.

He joins forces with Miguel Oliveira, who will share insights about the 2024 Aprilia.

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

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Departing MotoGP executive labeled “a significant setback” for emerging team

“I believe he represents a significant setback for the team.”

Miguel Oliveira concluded his stint with the Trackhouse Aprilia team during the recent Solidarity Barcelona Grand Prix. However, the Portuguese motorcyclist feels that another team member who is also leaving will be a "significant loss" for the U.S.-based team.

Oliveira was part of the Trackhouse team for a year, but in reality, he was with them for two years. This is because the team transitioned from being RNF to Trackhouse last winter, keeping nearly all of the same staff.

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Wilco Zeelenberg became a part of the team in 2019, when it was known as Petronas Yamaha SRT, and remained with them until the end of this season.

The ex-World Championship competitor, who claimed victory at the 1990 250cc German Grand Prix, continued to serve as team manager for Trackhouse this year, even after Davide Brivio took on the position of team principal during the winter.

Nonetheless, changes in the team's leadership will result in Zeelenberg's departure in 2025.

Oliveira remarked that Wilco Zeelenberg has been an invaluable member of the team and a pleasure to collaborate with.

"He often supports the riders, frequently serving as a link between our experiences and the technical aspects."

Wilco brings a wealth of experience to the table, and when working with us, he truly grasps our viewpoint. He's always a great person to have as part of the team.

"It's unfortunate that he's departing. When you look at current MotoGP teams, they typically have someone like this in the garage—someone who may have been a rider in the past, is now retired, but truly comprehends our requirements."

"In my opinion, the team will greatly miss him."

Raul Fernandez, who is set to remain with Trackhouse in 2025, expressed that he will miss Zeelenberg, along with several other team members departing from Trackhouse this winter.

"It's an unusual emotion," Fernandez remarked, "since not only Wilco Zeelenberg is departing, but there are also three additional team members who will be leaving this weekend."

"Indeed, everyone supported me upon joining the team. In recent years, I struggled significantly on a personal level, and their assistance was invaluable."

"I'll feel odd when I get to the box and don't see Wilco or another person."

In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years writing about consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

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A seasoned MotoGP racer has silently stepped away from the track

"It's coming full circle."

A well-regarded motorcyclist discreetly announced his retirement from a MotoGP career that lasted for over a decade.

Stefan Bradl asserts that his recent participation in the final race of the season in Barcelona marks his ultimate appearance in MotoGP competitions.

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Bradl has been a dedicated Honda rider since he first entered the premier class of racing in 2012.

He will maintain his position as a test rider for HRC, a duty he has admirably performed for several years. However, next season, he will be accompanied in the test team by Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

"Bradl announced that this would be his final wildcard entry," he revealed during the Barcelona event last weekend.

"I am confident that Aleix and Taka will be their choice moving forward.

"I'm okay with it; I've informed them of my comfort. They possess greater speed.

"Next season, we're planning on six wildcard entries, which Aleix and Taka will be responsible for."

Bradl added, "I arrived with these ideas in mind. I shared them with HRC. I'm pleased with the outcome."

"I've spent a considerable amount of time here. It's fine. My initial wildcard opportunity came about nineteen years ago."

"The loop is tightening."

Bradl is pleased with the addition of more test riders

Finishing 22nd in Barcelona, Bradl's attention was primarily on the crucial development work for Honda.

Following his final race, he declared, "I've decided it's the right moment for me to step down from being a professional rider on a full-time basis."

"I'm pleased to find myself in a favorable position that allows me to continue participating in MotoGP riding during test sessions."

"Honda now boasts three test riders, which is fantastic. This is essential for the development work we have to undertake."

"I'm delighted to impart my wisdom and expertise with HRC and my fellow riders."

"As a test rider, my role involves undertaking tasks that are typically difficult to accomplish over a race weekend. Seen from the perspective of a rider, it's a demanding job."

"I understand the operations of the individuals and the organization, and they can achieve success. They stand as the leading manufacturer in this sport."

"They possess both the expertise and enthusiasm to make a return."

"Speed enhancements are expected next year, with attention already shifting towards the upcoming regulations and engine specifications."

Bradl expressed his pleasure regarding Espargaro and Nakagami joining Honda's testing team.

"It benefits me. I was overwhelmed with tasks; it felt like a huge burden," he expressed.

"I felt joyous because they had faith in me. However, now, having Aleix and Taka on board is beneficial as we require additional hands to accomplish the tasks at hand."

In 2013, Bradl achieved his highest MotoGP season ranking at seventh place. During that year, he also secured his sole podium finish, which happened in the United States.

Significantly, he stepped in for Marc Marquez in 2020 during his severe injury period.

He will carry on with his efforts in the background, working on the Honda.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, providing coverage on a range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Alvaro Bautista reignites dispute regarding Andrea Iannone's controversial "faster" comment, labeling it as nonsense

Bautista challenges Iannone's audacious assertion

Alvaro Bautista has responded once more to Andrea Iannone's assertion of being “quicker” during his MotoGP wildcard appearance.

Iannone succeeded Bautista by participating in the Malaysian MotoGP as a single appearance, one year subsequent to his competitor.

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Iannone, piloting a GP23 for the VR46 Ducati squad, later stated that he outpaced Bautista's time from the previous year.

"Bautista expressed regret over Andrea's choice to draw comparisons between them, emphasizing to Motosprint the distinct differences in their situations."

"I'm not sure how he concluded he was quicker than me, given that he completed one less lap in the race."

"I simply aim to present my side as the circumstances are unfavorable, and as mentioned, we are dealing with two distinct scenarios. Moreover, I came to Sepang carrying a significant shoulder injury."

Had he completed the assessments, his speed could have matched mine, assuming I were uninjured. However, speculating with hypotheticals doesn't achieve much.

"Had I come into the world in Hollywood, perhaps today I'd be a renowned actor. However, I originated from Talavera, and thus, I pursue a career as a rider!"

"The figures reveal the reality, and I apologize for making this analogy."

"I'm not seeking conflict, just looking to clear my name: it's nonsense, and I never intended for things to conclude in such a manner."

In 2023, Bautista was still experiencing repercussions from a shoulder injury as he competed for Ducati in Sepang.

In 2023, Bautista, as well as Iannone in the current year, completed the grand prix in the 17th position.

This year, in the World Superbike Championship, Iannone made his comeback after serving a four-year suspension.

In his attempt to defend his title, Bautista secured a third-place finish, while Iannone came in seventh

In 2025, they are set to make a comeback aboard Ducati

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

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Rumors circulate that Casey Stoner remains incredibly quick following a surprise appearance in Tavullia. "I was taken aback by how technically ready he is…"

During a recent visit to Italy, Casey Stoner attended the EICMA motorcycle exhibition in Milan and made a stop at the VR46 Motor Ranch. There, he met with his former MotoGP competitor Valentino Rossi and connected with the participants of Rossi's VR46 Riders Academy.

Luca Marini, who has been involved with the VR46 Academy since its official establishment in 2014, appreciated Stoner's insights into the technical aspects of contemporary MotoGP. Despite having departed from the sport 12 years ago, Stoner provided valuable opinions on its current status.

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Check out this Instagram post by Luca Marini, who goes by the handle @lucamarini10.

"I hold him in high regard; he is a rider possessing remarkable skill and velocity, coupled with a sharp intellect."

"I was surprised by his technical expertise. It's fascinating to discuss the current MotoGP era and its history with him; I believe he has some excellent insights."

"We'll have to wait and see if he has the drive to potentially take on a role in MotoGP down the line."

The HRC rider at present didn't have many opportunities to ride alongside Stoner at the Ranch. He mentioned, "I wasn't on the track with him during his last quick session; I only did a few initial laps with him to introduce him to the track and demonstrate the riding technique."

Nonetheless, the Italian was taken aback by Stoner's quick pace during his initial trip to the VR46 Ranch.

In Marini's words, Stoner was incredibly quick. Despite riding a two-stroke bike, which might not have been the ideal choice for speed at the VR46 Motor Ranch, he managed to achieve an impressive lap time during his initial attempt.

"He should feel quite pleased with himself; he did excellent work."

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

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