"When Marc Marquez expressed his enjoyment of the motorcycle, it was a huge weight off my shoulders!"

"Witnessing the outcome of efforts that started several months prior brought about an unparalleled feeling of joy."

Marc Marquez's satisfaction with the 2025 Ducati brought reassurance to the company's top executives.

The move to incorporate Marquez into Ducati's factory team for the upcoming season ultimately led to the departure of Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi, with the Pramac satellite team also parting ways.

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This implies that Ducati's gamble on Marquez for the upcoming year carries significant risk.

"Mauro Grassilli, Ducati's sporting director, conveyed to Marca during the post-season MotoGP test that, despite not being a technician, the aim was to understand his initial impressions."

Upon stepping into the garage, his initial remark was, "I'm fond of the motorcycle". This statement brought me a sense of comfort…

Right from the start, our focus was on integrating him into the team. During discussions with his representative, we aimed to reach consensus on various aspects, including sponsorship deals.

"Witnessing the outcome of efforts that started several months earlier was a truly special feeling. Observing him on the track and having him in the pit with us evoked a profound sense of joy."

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

Armed with identical top-tier MotoGP bikes, Bagnaia and Marquez are both setting their sights on clinching the championship in the coming year.

It places additional focus on how Ducati handles their aspirations.

However, the initial day shared by Bagnaia and Marquez within the same team space went smoothly without any issues.

"Grassilli observed them engaging in conversation, noting how they exchanged emotions and discovered a mutual sentiment towards the bicycle."

"Both individuals are experts in their field, and it might seem odd to acknowledge this known fact, but it's our desire to have both athletes work collaboratively to enhance the motorcycle's performance and promote the team's success."

"Observing their conversation on the initial day, an event not to be assumed, and witnessing their exchange and collective clarity, aligning thoughts on the bike, marked the initial acknowledgment of the efforts we are beginning to undertake."

"When the team's key figures, namely the riders, share a common goal that we're aiming for, I am confident that while it may not always be straightforward, the upcoming year will indeed be a pleasant journey."

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

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Michele Pirro: Ducati GP25 and GP24 "Remarkably Similar"

"Pirro believes making significant progress from the GP23 to GP24 is challenging."

In a statement that's sure to uplift the Ducati MotoGP satellite teams, Michele Pirro, the factory test rider, mentioned that the GP24 and the newly introduced GP25 models are nearly identical in terms of their performance levels.

However, he also cautioned that Ducati is set to enhance the latest prototype before the upcoming official trial, scheduled to take place in Sepang, Malaysia this coming February.

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Alex Marquez propelled the GP24 to the pinnacle of the timesheets at the Barcelona MotoGP Test, marking his first outing with the bike during the post-race test session.

Ducati team racers Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez secured the third and fourth quickest times on the prototype GP25.

Pirro, filling in as a substitute rider for VR46 at the season's final race weekend, took to the track on a GP23 to test the new motorcycle through several laps.

"Pirro mentioned that it was quite intriguing to transition to using bike number 23-25 without trying out bike 24 first. Nevertheless, he noted that the GP25 represents a notable advancement over the 2023 model."

"The difference between 25 and 24 is minimal. It's akin to making a slight advancement in one aspect, only to find ourselves losing time in another."

"I am optimistic that during these two months, we can enhance [the 25] slightly and progress further in the Sepang test."

"However, I believe making a significant improvement, especially from 23 to 24, is challenging. It's an intriguing and worthwhile challenge, yet it's far from easy!"

Since joining Ducati as a test rider in 2013, Pirro has witnessed the team's journey from its struggles to clinching the MotoGP championship for the last three years.

"Pirro expressed his delight over Ducati's championship victories in the past three years. However, he acknowledged the challenges of enhancing performance at such a high level, particularly this year's standard."

"It's complicated. However, we'll find out in time. Maintaining a winning streak is crucial. Next year, there will be two fewer riders [on Ducatis] than the current year, yet the factory team boasts two champions. Additionally, Fabio di Giannantonio will be racing with bike number 25."

"I'm looking forward to the Ducatis maintaining their high performance into next year."

Due to undergoing shoulder surgery, di Giannantonio will have to postpone his first appearance in GP25, now scheduled for February at the Sepang circuit.

Currently, due to Ducati's A concession status, Pirro is not permitted to participate in any wild-card events until a concession reassessment occurs, anticipated by mid-2025.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's also leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's battle with injuries.

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"Everyone here was taken aback" by Ducati's decision to allow Jorge Martin to claim victory

After securing the MotoGP championship, Jorge Martin expresses his gratitude towards Ducati.

After Jorge Martin inked a deal with Aprilia following the Mugello event, it came as a reaction to Marc Marquez securing a spot with Ducati's official MotoGP team for the upcoming season. This move led to widespread speculation that it could significantly hamper, or even derail, his prospects of contending for the MotoGP

In keeping with its promise, Ducati provided unwavering support to the Pramac racer throughout the season, culminating in him outscoring the brand's current champion, Francesco Bagnaia, by a margin of ten points.

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"Martin pointed out, 'Ducati was crucial. Even though they had no plans for me next season, they still equipped me with everything I needed to compete.'"

"Gigi Dall'Igna had a lot of faith in me from the time I joined Moto2. However, life's situations can evolve, and… that's the reason I never made it to that [factory Ducati] team. But that's how life is.

“The crucial factor was their willingness to allow me to [compete on the same level] – I owe a big thanks to [Ducati CEO] Claudio Domenicali because I believe no one in this [media briefing] space anticipated that they would permit me to [achieve victory].

"They allowed me to engage in battle, and I deeply appreciate it."

In 2024, it wasn't the initial instance of Ducati bypassing Martin for a prime position, as he had earlier missed the opportunity to Enea Bastianini for the premier seat towards the end of 2022.

"2021 was incredible," Martin expressed, reflecting on his debut season where he triumphed over severe injuries to secure his initial victory in a premier-class grand prix.

"People had high hopes, viewing Martin as the upcoming sensation. However, 2022 proved to be a challenging year professionally. The motorcycle faced performance issues, particularly with the engine, leading to difficulties for him."

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

Martin chose to stay with Pramac, still receiving support from the manufacturer.

The Spanish racer continued to challenge Bagnaia for the championship up until the last race of the previous season, later achieving a historic milestone by becoming the first independent team rider to clinch the MotoGP title this year.

“At no point was my aim to disprove Ducati, my focus was solely on my own performance and that of my team. I believe it was this decision regarding Bastianini that led to my victory with Pramac,” he stated.

"Perhaps in the official team, it could have unfolded as it did for Enea… I'm uncertain. It might not have been the right fit for me. Such is life, and I'm pleased that I secured the victory with Pramac."

"This is the ideal location for my victory, and they merit it even more than I do."

During his inaugural run with Aprilia at the Barcelona MotoGP Test, Martin secured the eleventh fastest time, lagging by 1.056 seconds, as Pramac gears up to embark on a fresh chapter with Yamaha in the coming year.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing circuit, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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EXCLUSIVE: Unveiling Pedro Acosta's "Physics-Defying" Talent

In an exclusive interview, Lewis Duncan from Crash.net engages with Paul Trevathan, the crew chief of Pedro Acosta, to discover the secrets behind the exceptional skills of MotoGP's standout newcomer.

On Thursday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Paul Trevathan is sipping coffee in a quiet Tech3 hospitality area before the last race of the 2024 MotoGP season begins.

Throughout the year, the attention has largely been focused on the 20-year-old sitting beside him. However, the straightforward crew chief from New Zealand has been Pedro Acosta's key supporter.

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Since his promotion to the MotoGP division with the Tech3 team supported by KTM was announced last year, there has been a lot of anticipation surrounding the 2021 Moto3 and 2023 Moto2 world champion. Some predicted he would clinch race victories in his first MotoGP season, while others believed he could contend for the championship.

The situation intensified on November 28, 2023, when he had his first experience riding the RC16 during the post-season test in Valencia.

Trevathan, reflecting on an impressive 2024, shared with Crash.net that there was significant media coverage and similar activities when he was asked about his first thoughts on Acosta following the initial test.

"The astonishing aspect was how much he could handle and his eagerness to quickly absorb and implement information. It was like a video game console, with all the buttons and features on the bike; he navigated through each one. His ability to convey his thoughts and grasp what we communicated in such a brief time was impressive, and then he would simply go out and execute it."

At that time, we started calling him "the sponge" because his ability to absorb information was remarkable, especially considering his young age and limited experience. He had only spent three years in the paddock before joining us, which isn't a long period to grasp everything fully.

"The readiness to face things without fear and question, 'What are these things for? Will they make me faster? Alright, let's try them immediately,' was truly remarkable."

'Riding a motorcycle like no other'

Acosta's rapid progress was evident when, during the test in Sepang this February, he hit a lap time goal that Trevathan had deemed achievable only after three days, all on the very first day.

Starting his debut race in Qatar from the eighth position, Acosta managed to secure points during the sprint. He aggressively pushed forward in the main race, quickly joining the battle for a podium spot. Although he eventually dropped to ninth place by the finish line, this was a valuable learning experience for him. Despite this outcome, it did not diminish the high expectations that the world has for the Spanish racer.

Acosta reached the podium for the first time at the following grand prix in Portugal. He moved up to third place after Maverick Vinales faced a problem with his Aprilia and eventually crashed.

He followed it up with another victory in America during his next race, then secured a second-place finish in the Jerez sprint. At this point, his momentum appeared unstoppable.

Although the outcomes appeared remarkable in writing, Trevathan explains what truly set them apart.

Trevathan mentioned that these aerodynamic bikes are far from impressive. He also remarked that he hadn't discussed any expectations regarding outcomes with Acosta throughout the entire year.

"These motorcycles are not typical to operate. When you observe individuals who haven't used them for some time, you notice that the level of effort and comprehension required has changed significantly. With the current aerodynamic design, tire issues, and temperature challenges, riding them is quite complex and doesn't come naturally."

"You need to understand it, and this is the aspect of him that truly amazes me."

"If he had finished in the top five, I would have already been quite impressed. However, managing to position himself for a podium finish was truly extraordinary, as it requires starting from one of the first two rows."

"Currently, given our existing format, it's impressive that we've been able to consistently nail that perfect lap early in practice at every track we've visited."

"When you consider the number of times we've missed reaching Q2, it's a remarkable accomplishment. This might even be more noteworthy than securing some podium finishes, because preparing for a podium spot requires groundwork that begins on Friday."

"This is the phase where he's focusing on identifying the key aspects needed to have the bike ready before practice begins."

"After that, he focused on addressing the issues related to the race. It's incredibly complex and definitely not straightforward, but he has handled it remarkably well."

In recent years, MotoGP has welcomed several impressive newcomers. Marco Bezzecchi achieved podium finishes with VR46 in 2022, and Jorge Martin secured a grand prix victory during his debut season in 2021. Back in 2019, Fabio Quartararo emerged as a potential successor to Valentino Rossi at Yamaha and was seen as the rider most capable of challenging Marc Marquez directly for a championship title.

According to Trevathan, none of these competitors have faced the current schedule, where weekends depend heavily on Friday afternoons, followed by qualifying and two races in each round.

Throughout the 20 rounds, Acosta found himself starting outside the top 10 on just three occasions. He secured a pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix and had an average starting position of seventh over the season. Meanwhile, his KTM teammate, Brad Binder, who ended the season two points ahead of Acosta in the rankings, averaged a 10th-place qualifying position throughout the year.

"Challenging the Limits of Physics"

Despite struggling during qualifying sessions, Acosta consistently showcased his overtaking skills in a time when such maneuvers are notably difficult. His repeated ability to move up through the field remains a mystery, even to the KTM team.

Trevathan mentions that they are still exploring this question, highlighting that his approach to riding is exceptionally unique. The routes he chooses and the way he navigates them often seem to challenge the laws of physics, yet he maintains impressive speed.

"He rides in ways that seem like errors that won't be successful. Yet, he manages to make it work. I believe this is partly due to the dynamics within the KTM team, which makes it difficult for outsiders, even those within our group, to fully grasp. It's about how he utilizes his body, his ability to halt the bike, and his way of adapting."

In any given scenario, he devises a unique solution that isn't found in conventional strategies. It's similar to coaching an extraordinary basketball player who constantly surprises you, leaving you wondering, "How on earth are you doing that?"

"Right now, he's really putting on a solo performance. It's great from my perspective because I can just watch and not stress about his methods. However, if you're competing against him and looking at his stats, you're left wondering, 'How on earth is he doing that?'"

"Afterward, you need to find a solution, which can be quite challenging. Data alone doesn’t provide the answer. It merely shows you the sequence of events as they occurred."

"However, the way he accomplished it remains unclear, leaving many aspects uncertain and requiring us to be truthful about it."

According to Trevathan, Acosta's riding style allows him to extract the maximum performance from the bike, requiring it to be only "90%" ready. He explains that if the technician avoids mistakes, Acosta can handle the remaining 10%. This approach might pose challenges for KTM in the future regarding bike development, similar to the difficulties Honda experienced during Marc Marquez's peak years, but that's a concern for later.

'I will reach out when I require your assistance.'

Check out this Instagram post by Pedro Acosta (@37pedroacosta).

Another post shared by Pedro Acosta (@37pedroacosta).

From this viewpoint, it's clear that Acosta, despite being remarkably young, demonstrates a calm and composed demeanor that even some seasoned riders lack, particularly when the bike isn't performing optimally.

When questioned about how he stacks up against other riders in KTM's lineup, Trevathan highlights his composure, noting that he's consistently calm and never gets flustered.

The driver likely vented some frustration and used strong language during his in-laps, as he is known for being very expressive. However, his level of professionalism in the garage is exceptional. He never plays the blame game or accuses anyone of mistakes.

The narrative goes that we rarely make significant modifications to the bike, and that holds true. However, I've often pointed out, "Hey, I'm available."

He responded by saying, "Sure, but I'll reach out when I require your help. First, let me handle what I am able to on my own."

"This is the challenge we face as a company and I face personally as a technician. It involves figuring out whether any changes I make between sessions contribute to a rider improving by half a second. The question then becomes: is the improvement due to the adjustments to the bike or is it because of the rider's performance?"

Ultimately, you're just opposing each other. It's more effective to say, "Alright, go ahead and do what you need to do, and when things go wrong, come and inform me." This is the approach we're taking, and it's working out very well.

'Poor Lifestyle Choices'

Trevathan describes Acosta as "an old soul in a young body" because of his perspective on life. This outlook is influenced by his background, as the son of a fisherman, where he learned that he must excel in bike racing or find a traditional job like his father's. His combination of speed and humility has redefined expectations for newcomers in MotoGP.

Trevathan admits that he has been told, quite frankly, that this way of living is not healthy.

The environment of the MotoGP paddock, along with the stress we impose on ourselves, is quite detrimental to our well-being. It's not an experience that someone would wish for their child, nor is it something anyone would want to endure for an extended period.

"He explained that his identity and goals are clear, and he is taking steps to accomplish them. Hearing a 20-year-old express such determination and vision is astonishing."

"For a newcomer entering the scene, he's raised the standards significantly. I'd describe Augusto Fernandez's performance as exceptional, aligning perfectly with the current expectations for mastering the bikes and the class. However, Pedro has surpassed these expectations and reached an entirely new level."

These developments were crucial during the mid-season phase. The successful finishes persisted following the sprint races at the Spanish Grand Prix in Catalonia and the Italian Grand Prix. However, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix, progress began to wane. This decline peaked at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he secured 14th place in qualifying at KTM's home track, failed to earn points by finishing 10th in the sprint, and managed only a 13th place finish in the main race.

Trevathan acknowledges that his team believed they could improve the bike's braking performance by adjusting the electronics. However, this adjustment removed a technique that Acosta had mastered, which contributed to his difficulties.

A long drive from Spielberg to Misano, along with a WP Moto2 test and a mutual agreement between Acosta and Trevathan, was all that was needed to return to the correct path. In the end, this experience made Acosta a more resilient rider.

"He mentions that the decline in performance midway through the season wasn't solely his responsibility. The team was also working to identify areas for improvement. It wasn't primarily about adjusting the bike's geometry or configuration. Instead, the focus was on the electronics setup and similar aspects, as they attempted to innovate in ways they deemed necessary. They pursued this direction in an effort to enhance performance."

Reflecting on the past, we realized that going through that experience was likely one of the best decisions we made. He had enough integrity to admit, "I'm really lost at this point, I don't understand, and I can't ride the way I want to."

"After the Spielberg event, where we faced significant challenges and experienced a particularly tough weekend, we decided to revisit certain strategies. It was during this period that we made the decision to conduct a WP test and try out the Moto2 bike at Misano."

"Pedro and I made the journey from Spielberg to Misano by car. During the drive, we began chatting. My strategy engineer was also planning to visit Misano, as he intended to spend some time with Pedro too."

"It was impeccable timing. We had just spent 12 hours in the car, chatting about various topics. The following day, he was on the Moto2 bike, having a great time. Then he paused, and we resumed our conversation about the circumstances."

"We began to identify where we might have made mistakes, particularly in terms of his style. That was the turning point when we decided to make a change and align things more closely with a style that suited both of us. After that, we revisited previous approaches."

"It wasn't just him who experienced a drop in performance. It was all of us. It wasn't intentional; we simply took the wrong path."

Starting with the next event in Aragon, Acosta returned to peak performance. Securing two podium finishes from a second-place start demonstrated that the break had been beneficial. This momentum continued into the double-header at Misano, although errors prevented him from fully capitalizing on his top-five speed. In the Indonesian GP, he pushed Jorge Martin hard and secured a second-place finish. His first victory could have been achieved in Japan, where he started from pole position, but crashes in both races prevented that. He added another podium in the rainy Thai GP, bringing his total number of podium finishes for the year to five.

During the season, Acosta experienced five races without scoring any points due to crashes, starting from the Emilia Romagna GP and continuing through the Thailand sprint. These incidents, along with earlier errors in the season, prevented him from finishing as the highest-ranked KTM rider. By the summer break, Acosta had accumulated 110 points, just ahead of Binder, who had 108. However, from the British GP onwards until the season concluded, Acosta added 105 points to his tally, while Binder slightly surpassed him with 109 points.

This largely clarifies why he only gave his first season a 6 out of 10 rating when questioned at the conclusion in Barcelona. It might seem like a tough judgment when considering all aspects, but as Trevathan points out, that's simply how Acosta is.

"The important thing is to be honest and upfront with one another, avoiding any deceit," he observes. "As a resident of Holland, I appreciate the Dutch for their directness and honesty. Pedro shares this trait, as he is also extremely straightforward and candid."

"You don't waste time; you address the issue directly without assigning blame. You present your thoughts and explain your reasoning for all your points. Then, you begin to reassess and self-reflect, questioning whether you are satisfied with what you observe in yourself."

"The important thing is to remember that we're not trying to undermine one another. We're all striving towards the same objectives, and the more we communicate directly and openly, the clearer everything becomes during those times."

In 2025, Acosta will join the official KTM team as a rider. As he makes this move next year, the pressure on him will still be significant, but throughout 2024, the 20-year-old has shown no signs of being intimidated. Competing head-to-head with Binder will be tough, yet he has already demonstrated his readiness for it. Meanwhile, KTM's main task is to ensure their bike is competitive enough for Acosta to aim for the top spot.

Trevathan plans to remain close, as Acosta has made a lasting impact on the team leader this season, ensuring that everyone involved with the number 37 KTM team is performing at their best.

Trevathan emphasizes that Acosta is "even more determined" now than he was during his initial test a year ago when asked about the differences in his performance.

The message is straightforward and more precise. It provides a significantly improved set of tools to grasp what is necessary for excelling in the class. That would likely be the most accurate way to explain it.

"Each time he hops on a motorcycle, he amazes me. His passion and drive inspire not only himself but also the entire team, pushing us all to strive for improvement."

"You can have as much ambition or competitive spirit as you like, but if the person alongside you isn't heading in the same direction, your performance will only reach the level that they can achieve on the track."

"When you encounter someone like that, I used to say that if a rider puts in 100% effort, I would respond with 120%. But if a rider only gives 90%, my effort would drop to 60%. However, with someone eager to give 120%, it's truly astonishing."

"It turns into a lifelong commitment to assist the child because that's how he motivates you…"

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Is the former version of Marc Marquez set to appear with the factory Ducati MotoGP team? This week's episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast delves into the details of Marc Marquez’s transition to the factory Ducati team.

Marc Marquez will join the factory Ducati MotoGP team in 2025, partnering with two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia.

Last week, eight-time world champion Marquez took his first ride on the factory-spec Ducati during the post-season test in Barcelona, finishing with the fourth-best time, just behind his new teammate.

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Following his 2024 season with the Gresini team, where he rode older equipment but still managed to secure victories in three grand prix races, Marquez is anticipated to contend for his ninth world championship title in the upcoming year.

The Marquez who once ruled MotoGP on his Honda is not the same as the one we see today, having faced significant injury challenges in 2020.

What strategy will Marquez employ as he rejoins a factory team in 2024?

According to Crash's Senior Journalist Lewis Duncan, the objective was evident from the very start. From the time he first got on that bike last November, the aim was to rejoin a factory team and secure a spot with the factory Ducati.

"In my opinion, when we observed how he managed his prospects earlier this year, it was evident that he had a distinct plan for what he wanted to achieve."

"I believe that the Marquez we will witness next year will not resemble the factory Honda version. This is due to the fact that the factory Honda team and the factory Ducati team are fundamentally distinct entities."

"However, we can expect to witness a more earnest aspect of Marquez. Despite his remarks about proceeding gradually, the anticipation will be for him to contend for the championship."

"If he's able to replicate his performance on the GP23, which had become quite outdated by the time the race finished in Barcelona, on the new factory motorcycle that appears to have made significant advancements according to Pecco Bagnaia's comments."

"I believe we'll see a more serious side of Marc, who will likely adopt a more thoughtful strategy towards racing. He has previously mentioned that, before his injury, he had a tendency to take his race victories for granted."

"Having experienced what he has, each victory holds greater significance, and with the transition to the new facility, every major achievement will be celebrated as a significant occasion."

"I believe that maintaining his enthusiasm and enjoyment for racing will only enhance his performance."

Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash and hosts a podcast, comments: "The blend of the thrilling environment, his passion for racing, and the support from those around him make me believe he can succeed at Ducati."

The focus is also on the opposite side of the garage, where Bagnaia is concerned. He has been part of Ducati for several years, making it his team. Although it's not a direct comparison, Marquez joined Repsol Honda as a newcomer alongside Dani Pedrosa, at a time when Casey Stoner was likely the top rider as he was outperforming Pedrosa.

"Things have changed somewhat since he's grown older; you can observe his emotions more clearly now, and he's more capable of expressing how he feels."

In his earlier days, Marquez was known for his inscrutable expression, never revealing anything. How will this strategy fare as he joins Bagnaia's team?

"We've observed it during just one day of testing, yet he might need to stay in the game a little longer and be patient for the right opportunity to assert his dominance."

Crash's MotoGP Editor, Peter McLaren, observes parallels between Marc Marquez's current career phase and Valentino Rossi's experience during the final years of his MotoGP journey.

Reflecting on the past, it's fascinating to realize just how long Marc has been a part of MotoGP.

"Situations evolve, and so do the racers. Marc, at 31, is now considered a seasoned competitor."

In his early years, he was known for his incredible speed and explosive riding style, but he's evolved over time, much like Valentino Rossi did in his career.

"He suffered a serious injury, but honestly, if you're competing in MotoGP for an extended period, an injury is bound to happen eventually."

"It was inevitable that this would occur eventually. This change involves experience taking the place of speed."

According to observers, Rossi's experience shows that it's possible to still compete for championships later in one's career, as he nearly succeeded in 2015. This is similar to Marc's current situation, demonstrated this season by his more strategic approach, focusing on completing races rather than taking excessive risks.

He experienced numerous crashes, although they occurred during practice sessions, and he was significantly outperforming the other riders using the same motorcycle.

"It appears we're witnessing Marc's growth and development as a rider."

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Ducati: MotoGP 2024 hailed as a ‘victory for the “Ducati System”, drawing inspiration from Galileo’

“While Pecco secured more wins, Jorge demonstrated greater perseverance, and ultimately, he deservedly became the Champion.”

It's premature to determine whether 2024 marked the pinnacle of Ducati's dominance in MotoGP, but surpassing it will undoubtedly be challenging.

Ducati achieved a remarkable feat by securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races, claiming the top four positions in the championship, and dominating with 14 all-Ducati podium finishes.

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However, when considering a single race, the standout performance was undoubtedly at the Buriram Sprint, where all eight top positions were claimed by Ducatis.

This situation is unlikely to occur again anytime soon, as Ducati plans to reduce its lineup from eight to six motorcycles next season, with the number of factory-spec bikes decreasing from four to three.

"The exceptional performance displayed by Ducati through its motorcycles, riders, and technical team during the 2024 MotoGP season will be eternally cherished by enthusiasts of the sport," stated Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati.

"I am thrilled for Jorge Martin, a remarkably skilled racer who developed his career with Ducati and achieved a lifelong dream with our team."

Following a 15-year gap since Casey Stoner's triumph in 2007, Ducati has now secured three consecutive MotoGP riders' championships. This streak began with Francesco Bagnaia's victories in 2022 and 2023 and continues with Jorge Martin's recent win. Domenicali praised the 'Ducati system' for being instrumental in their success this year.

Following the exhilarating excitement of 2022 and the 'awakening success' of 2023, we are here today to honor the success of a framework: the "Ducati System".

A method influenced by the ideas of Galileo Galilei, who is considered the founder of the scientific method and contemporary science.

A method that has propelled us to the top in track-racing events is the same one we use for the innovation, creation, and advancement of our products, showcasing Italian engineering excellence on a global scale.

"I want to extend my congratulations to all the Ducati racers: of course, World Champion Jorge Martín, but also Pecco, who fought relentlessly until the finish, as well as Marc and Enea, who played a part in making this MotoGP season a historic one for our company."

The leading four competitors in the overall rankings showcased exceptional skill and a seamless connection with the Desmosedici GP, pushing the boundaries of what seemed possible.

In this situation, Jorge and Pecco played an even more significant role by engaging in a title battle that was more evenly matched than the previous year.

"While Pecco had more victories, Jorge's relentless determination ultimately earned him the rightful title of Champion."

Martin's championship win results in Ducati losing its #1 spot to Aprilia, as they opted to team up Marquez with Bagnaia for the factory team in the upcoming season instead of Martin.

That choice also played a role in Pramac's switch from Ducati to Yamaha in 2025.

Domenicali expressed a poetic perspective on the separation, saying, "Jorge's world championship victory beautifully illustrates how love stories can conclude with a magnificent ending. I can't imagine a more fitting way to honor the efforts made over the past few years alongside Jorge and Pramac Racing. My gratitude goes particularly to Paolo Campinoti."

"Gratitude goes out to everyone at Ducati and Ducati Corse for making this happen. Being a Ducatista is becoming a greater source of pride."

For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Aleix Espargaro believes that the combination of HRC and Albesiano will significantly strengthen Honda. He suggests that HRC doesn't need to overhaul everything, but acknowledges that Italian engineers currently lead the industry.

Aleix Espargaro may have had his first outing with Honda during the test following the Barcelona race, but Romano Albesiano is expected to begin his new position as HRC's MotoGP technical director on January 1st.

Since 2017, Espargaro and Albesiano have collaborated at Aprilia. In 2020, Espargaro was ranked as low as 17th in the world championship standings, but significant advancements were subsequently made with the RS-GP.

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In 2021, the competitor secured their first podium finish and placed eighth in the world championship. The following year, they achieved a win, stood on the podium six times, and finished fourth in

In 2023, despite securing two additional grand prix victories, they finished in sixth place. The following year, in 2024, Maverick Vinales, who is Espargaro's teammate, was the sole rider to surpass Ducati in a Sunday race. Additionally, Espargaro achieved a Sprint race win in Catalunya.

Espargaro expressed his strong faith in Romano's talent, stating that with time and a broader perspective, the achievements they made together at Aprilia will be more appreciated. He made these remarks as his full-time MotoGP career was drawing to a close.

After Gigi Dall’Igna left for Ducati at the conclusion of 2013, Albesiano assumed control of the technical operations at Aprilia Racing.

Espargaro went on to say that Romano's achievements with Aprilia over the past 6-7 years have been extraordinary and impressive.

"In the past couple of seasons, we've seen progress, though the initial ones were quite challenging. Despite the difficulties, he remained persistent, continually improving the bike each year with numerous innovative ideas."

"I've always had a positive relationship with Romano and hold a great deal of respect for him. I view it as a gift to join the most prestigious factory in this paddock, which is rich in history."

Albesiano is set to be the first individual from outside Japan to assume this level of technical leadership at HRC.

Espargaro expressed his amazement, stating that becoming the technical director of HRC feels like a dream come true and is beyond belief.

The challenge ahead for Albesiano and Espargaro is to achieve the same level of improvement with the underperforming RC213V as they did with the RS-GP.

Honda, known for its remarkable achievements in grand prix racing, has found itself at the lowest position in the constructors' rankings for the past three years.

In 2024, Honda reached new depths in performance without Marc Marquez and last year's COTA victor, Alex Rins. Their top finish came when LCR's Johann Zarco secured eighth place during the rainy Thai Grand Prix.

In Indonesia, the Frenchman achieved the highest dry weather finish for the RCV by securing ninth place, marking Honda's sole other top ten finish of the season. In the world championship standings, Zarco ranked 17th, while Takaaki Nakagami was 19th, Joan Mir stood at 21st, and Luca Marini was in 22nd place.

Espargaro mentioned that Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) doesn't need to overhaul their approach entirely, as their methods have brought them significant success in the past. However, he noted that Italian engineers are currently leading in the field, and combining these strengths will likely make Honda very competitive in the coming year.

"Once more, the Honda HRC team has focused on Romano, me in my role as a test rider, my crew chief, and a mechanic who will be joining us. This indicates that we performed exceptionally well with Aprilia."

"Therefore, all the recognition goes to Aprilia, as we have every reason to feel proud."

In July, Espargaro's agreement for testing was finalized, which was three months ahead of HRC's unexpected announcement regarding Albesiano.

In April, during the time of the Jerez events, the #41 rider announced his decision to participate in the HRC testing program. When asked about his role in Albesiano's transition to HRC, Espargaro remained reserved, emphasizing that the Italian had already been considered a candidate.

"Clearly, I spoke positively about Romano… However, HRC has had a favorable view of Romano for quite some time," he mentioned.

"At the start of the season, near the time of the Jerez event, I chose to join Honda."

The engineers and I had extensive conversations, during which I posed numerous questions. I was aware that they intended to strengthen the Japanese technical team by adding a technician from Europe.

"I am aware of how talented Romano is and how remarkable his accomplishments have been with Aprilia."

Fabiano Sterlacchini, who has occupied top roles at Ducati and KTM, will replace Albesiano at Aprilia.

Espargaro is confident that the Noale-based manufacturer will remain strong, even with reigning world champion Jorge Martin, a close friend of his, joining Aprilia in 2025.

Espargaro expressed that he believes the situation is beneficial for everyone involved. He mentioned that it is advantageous for Aprilia to have fresh technicians, new riders, and a new technical leader who will not just stir things up but also inspire and energize the entire team in Noale.

"They have a solid foundation in place, but having a new leader motivates everyone to prove their worth. The bike's design is sound, and Jorge is an exceptionally quick rider. This situation also benefits Aprilia."

During his first appearance on the RCV at the Barcelona test, Espargaro secured the 14th spot, trailing by 1.2 seconds. He managed to outperform all the regular Honda riders, with the exception of Johann Zarco.

Martin and his new partner on the Aprilia team, Marco Bezzecchi, secured the 11th and 13th positions, respectively.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the racing circles, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career unfold and eventually conclude. He is closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Aleix Espargaro believes that the combination of HRC and Albesiano will significantly strengthen Honda. He suggests that while HRC doesn't need to overhaul everything, the expertise of Italian engineers currently leads globally.

Aleix Espargaro might have had his first experience with Honda at the post-race test in Barcelona, though Romano Albesiano is expected to begin his duties as HRC's MotoGP technical director on January 1st.

Since joining Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro and Albesiano have collaborated closely. By 2020, Espargaro was ranked 17th in the world championship, but significant improvements were made to the RS-GP, leading to considerable progress.

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After securing a podium finish and ranking eighth in the world championship in 2021, the following year saw a victory, six podium finishes, and a fourth-place finish in the 2022 standings.

Despite achieving two additional grand prix victories in 2023, he ended up in sixth place. In 2024, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's teammate, was the sole rider to beat Ducati on a Sunday, whereas Espargaro secured a Sprint win in Catalunya.

“I have great faith in Romano's abilities. I honestly think that as time goes on and people gain more perspective, they will appreciate what Romano and I accomplished with Aprilia,” Espargaro mentioned as he neared the end of his last full-time season in MotoGP.

After Gigi Dall’Igna left for Ducati at the close of 2013, Albesiano assumed responsibility for the technical operations at Aprilia Racing.

Espargaro went on to say that the achievements Romano has accomplished at Aprilia over the past six to seven years have been truly extraordinary.

"Over the past two or three seasons, we've made significant progress, though the initial ones were quite challenging. He remained persistent, constantly coming up with new ideas, and improved the bike with each passing year."

"I've always had a strong rapport and great respect for Romano. I feel that joining the most historic and significant factory in this paddock is like receiving a gift."

Albesiano is set to be the first individual who is not Japanese to assume this level of technical leadership at HRC.

"It's surreal to hold the position of technical director at HRC," Espargaro expressed.

The challenge ahead for Albesiano and Espargaro is to achieve the same improvement with the underperforming RC213V as they did with the RS-GP.

Honda, known as the leading manufacturer in grand prix racing history, has found itself at the lowest position in the constructors' rankings for the past three years.

In 2024, Honda faced significant challenges after Marc Marquez and the previous year's COTA victor, Alex Rins, were absent. The team’s highest achievement came from Johann Zarco of LCR, who secured eighth place in the rainy Thai Grand Prix.

The best dry weather performance for the RCV came when the French rider secured ninth place in Indonesia, marking Honda's sole other top ten finish for the season. In the world championship standings, Zarco finished 17th, while Takaaki Nakagami was 19th, Joan Mir 21st, and Luca Marini 22nd.

Espargaro stated that he believes Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) doesn't need to overhaul their entire approach, as their methods have led to many victories in the past. However, he acknowledged that Italian engineers are currently leading in the field, and combining their expertise with Honda's could make the company very competitive next year.

"Once more, Honda HRC has set its sights on Romano, myself as a test rider, my crew chief, and a mechanic who will be joining us. This indicates that we performed exceptionally well with Aprilia."

"All the praise goes to Aprilia, as we should take great pride in their accomplishments."

Espargaro's testing contract was finalized in July, which was three months ahead of the unexpected announcement regarding Albesiano by HRC.

The #41 rider mentioned that he chose to become part of the HRC testing team sometime in April, near the Jerez event. Espargaro remained reserved about his role in Albesiano's transition to HRC, emphasizing that the Italian had already been considered a candidate.

"Of course, I spoke positively about Romano, but the Human Rights Council has been fond of Romano for a long time," he mentioned.

"I chose to join Honda at the start of the season, around the time of the Jerez event."

"I had extensive conversations with the engineers and posed numerous inquiries. I was aware that they were aiming to strengthen their Japanese technical team by bringing in a technician from Europe."

"I understand Romano's talent and find his achievements with Aprilia remarkable."

Fabiano Sterlacchini, who has formerly served in top roles at both Ducati and KTM, will be stepping into the position previously occupied by Albesiano at Aprilia.

Espargaro, who is close friends with current world champion Jorge Martin, asserts that Martin's arrival at Aprilia in 2025 will not negatively impact the Noale-based manufacturer.

Espargaro mentioned that the situation seems beneficial for both parties. He believes that it will be advantageous for Aprilia to have new technicians, fresh riders, and a new technical director who will not only invigorate but also energize everyone in Noale.

"The organization is well-structured, but the arrival of a new leader motivates everyone to prove their abilities. The bike has a solid foundation, and Jorge is an exceptionally fast racer. This situation also benefits the Aprilia team."

During his first appearance on the RCV at the Barcelona test, Espargaro managed to secure the 14th position with a time 1.2 seconds off the pace, outperforming all regular Honda racers except for Johann Zarco.

Martin, along with his new Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, finished in 11th and 13th place, respectively.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Request to "Acknowledge the Efforts" of MotoGP's Leading Non-Ducati Competitor

"He's admired by all, not only for his performance but also for his character."

KTM MotoGP test rider Pol Espargaro thinks that Brad Binder's 2024 season deserves some recognition, despite not having many remarkable achievements.

Since clinching the Moto3 title in 2016, Binder has been a standout figure in the KTM camp. The South African rider has been a strong contender in Moto2 championships and claimed victory in a MotoGP race within just three events of starting his career in the series.

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Since 2021, he has consistently been the highest-ranking KTM rider in the standings and has also secured the position of the leading non-Ducati competitor in the championship for two consecutive years.

Throughout the 20-race 2024 season, Binder managed to secure only two podium finishes, both achieved during the first weekend in Qatar. However, his steady performance, consistently placing within the top eight, allowed him to secure fifth place in the overall rankings.

He finished with a two-point lead over his KTM teammate, Pedro Acosta. Acosta, in his debut season, managed to secure nine podium finishes in both sprint races and grands prix.

In 2024, Espargaro is working as a test rider for KTM and notes that Binder's level of consistency is quite rare and commendable in today's MotoGP world.

Espargaro mentioned to MotoGP's global broadcast during the Barcelona test that maintaining consistent performance is the toughest challenge in MotoGP.

"Even if someone possesses exceptional talent, such as Brad, who is a very dedicated individual. I had a conversation with someone about this, discussing just how committed Brad truly is."

"With Brad as part of the team, you can be sure he will always put in his full effort."

"He will never give up. This is remarkable because he demonstrated it throughout the year."

"Without a doubt, this year didn't bring us the top podium finishes we were hoping for. Additionally, it's important to acknowledge that KTM didn't reach the performance level we aimed for."

"He continued to persevere, striving hard, and was competing for a spot in the top five of the championship, which is remarkable."

"Achieving a top-five position in the championship, even during a season where not everything aligns perfectly, is truly remarkable."

"We should acknowledge Brad's efforts. He is a diligent worker and incredibly modest."

"He excels at fostering team unity. People are fond of him not only due to his achievements but also because of his character, which is a rare quality to come across."

Binder will continue with the KTM factory team through the conclusion of 2026, and Acosta is set to join him next year for his second season.

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Valentino Rossi memorabilia is on sale to support Valencia victims

Discover how you can purchase Valentino Rossi memorabilia

Motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi has contributed a helmet with his signature to help the Spanish Red Cross, known as Cruz Roja, in their mission to assist those affected by the devastating floods in Valencia that occurred in late October.

The helmet is an AGV Pista GP RR featuring the 'Soleluna' design, which was created for Rossi's last season in MotoGP in 2021. Additionally, Rossi's autograph can be found on the right side.

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As of now, the auction organized by CharityStars will end in 10 days, with the closing scheduled for December 6 at 20:00 GMT. The starting bid is set at €3,000, which is approximately £2,500.

Check out this Instagram post from MotoGP™ (@motogp), as shared on their account.

Rossi is not the only MotoGP rider, whether current or former, to offer help to Valencia following the floods that occurred last month.

In early November, David Alonso, the 2024 Moto3 World Champion, participated in a clean-up initiative in Valencia alongside Jorge Martinez 'Aspar,' the head of the Aspar Team.

Jaume Masia, who holds the title of the 2023 Moto3 World Champion and is presently competing in the Moto2 category, contributed to the clean-up efforts. Additionally, Maverick Vinales, who races in the MotoGP for Aprilia, offered the 2013 Calvo KTM motorcycle—on which he secured the 2013 Moto3 championship—to the same auction that included Rossi’s helmet.

Among the auctioned items are a KTM fairing from Dani Pedrosa, a paddock scooter belonging to Aleix Espargaro, and the previously mentioned 2024 Moto2 bike from Masia.

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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LCR Honda's team principal highlights a less noticeable positive aspect amid a challenging season. Lucio Cecchinello shares a hopeful outlook for the 2025 season.

Lucio Cecchinello, the leader of the LCR team, stated that they have bolstered their collaboration with Honda during the challenging 2024 season for the Japanese manufacturer.

Since 2006, Honda and LCR have maintained a satellite partnership in MotoGP, resulting in four grand prix victories between 2016 and 2022, thanks to racers Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins.

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In the past three seasons, Honda has faced significant challenges, with the performance of the RC213V declining so much that the company has ranked at the bottom of the constructors' standings from 2022 to 2024.

In 2024, LCR and Johann Zarco helped to alleviate some of Honda's difficulties. The French rider emerged as the top performer for the brand, ranking 17th in the standings and securing Honda's best grand prix finish of the year by coming in eighth at the Thai GP.

Zarco's performance made him an important contributor to the bike's development. Cecchinello noted that the collaboration between his team and Honda is at an all-time high.

"We gathered a significant amount of data, and this year, more than any previous one, we collaborated extensively with HRC. Our engineers also had a closer working relationship with HRC, supplying them with substantial data and information, including 'videometry' and other resources," he shared with the MotoGP world feed during the post-season test in Barcelona.

"We now have a better understanding of where we need to focus our development efforts."

"In the winter months, we will work on getting the 2025 motorcycle ready. The model for 2025 that we'll present in Sepang will be much like the one we're currently testing in Barcelona."

"We anticipate having improved rear grip, as our riders frequently express concerns about the mechanical grip."

"Our goal is to enhance the machine's ability to turn and slow down. We are concentrating on making improvements in these aspects."

Honda's 2025 engineering team has gained a boost with the addition of Romano Albesiano, who comes from Aprilia to take on the role of technical director. He is set to begin his position in January 2025.

While Albesiano has not started his role at Honda yet, Cecchinello views his hiring as "an indication" that the Japanese company recognizes the necessary steps to regain its success.

Cecchinello mentioned that he wasn't really taken aback.

"It's a clear indication that Honda understands MotoGP is evolving in a way that requires even top-tier manufacturers to have experts with specialized experience in developing MotoGP bikes."

"Honda boasts a team of highly skilled engineers. However, when it comes to logistics, MotoGP largely revolves around competing in Europe and utilizing European suppliers. Additionally, technology from Formula 1 is being adapted and integrated into MotoGP."

"Japan may not be the ideal location for developing a MotoGP bike."

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Marc Marquez: "Naturally, there's a hierarchy… Pecco is the one in charge"

"Naturally, there's a hierarchy and the person in control is Pecco"

Although Marc Marquez has won six MotoGP championships, in contrast to Francesco Bagnaia's two, the Spanish rider acknowledges that Pecco currently holds the dominant position within the factory Ducati team.

Marquez described the scenario as 'understandable' during the 'pre-season and initial races' due to Bagnaia's achievements.

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For the last four years, Bagnaia has spearheaded Ducati's factory racing team, securing 29 grand prix victories and consecutive championship titles. This season, despite claiming victory in eleven grand prix races, he narrowly missed out on the title to Pramac's Jorge Martin by a mere ten points.

Marquez joins Bagnaia as his new teammate following a season of revival, where he secured three wins as a satellite rider for Gresini, marking his first MotoGP victories since 2021.

This marks the third time in three years that Marquez has switched teams. Similar to his departure from Repsol Honda, the only individual to join him in moving from Gresini to Ducati is mechanic Javi Ortiz.

As he reunites with his younger brother Alex in the Gresini team environment, the rider known as #93 is now moving to the official team of the sole other rider on the grid who has won multiple MotoGP championships.

"I find myself in an unfamiliar position, as I enter a pit box where, even though there isn’t a designated first or second rank, there is clearly a hierarchy. It's Pecco who takes the lead," Marquez stated during a press event for Estrella Galicia 0,0.

"Why? Because Pecco is the individual who secured two world championships for Ducati, achieving victory in eleven races last year. Naturally, this makes him the person to lead during the pre-season and the initial races."

"I will make an effort to connect with him, as he is the benchmark—the racer who brought championship glory back to Ducati and is currently performing exceptionally well."

He stated that to win the championship, one must prove themselves on the track, but he believes he possesses the strongest tools to compete for the title.

During his first outing with the factory Ducati team at the recent Barcelona test, Marquez secured the fourth-fastest time. He completed his laps only 0.056 seconds behind Bagnaia, who was riding a prototype of the GP25.

Nonetheless, Alex, riding the GP24, was ahead of them by half a second, with Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha positioned between them.

Marquez explained that the primary aim on the initial day of trials with a new team is to become familiar with the team members. However, he dedicated almost ninety percent of his time to riding the Desmosedici GP25. This is because, during that testing phase, riders are required to decide on a path or strategy for the bike's development for the upcoming year.

"The good news is that Pecco and I both identified the same issues and benefits. Clearly, from the GP23 to the GP24 model, we noticed an improvement, but the GP25 is a departure from that."

"When you place a new bike on the track, it's unlikely to perform better in the initial laps than a bike that has been racing for a year. However, I felt at ease, and that's what boosts my confidence."

Marquez and Bagnaia are scheduled to ride the GP25 again during the official Sepang test in February.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career highs and lows. He is currently at the center of the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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