Honda MotoGP leader unveils the sole aspect HRC "always maintained"

"The determination that propels you forward, despite our obvious setbacks…"

In the 2024 MotoGP championship, Honda didn't secure any wins or podium finishes in either the Sprint races or the Grand Prix events. However, as the year progressed, there were indications of performance enhancements.

Johann Zarco, riding for the satellite LCR team, notably showcased his skill by successfully advancing the RC213V into Q2 several times and securing top 10 finishes in two Grand Prix events, notably achieving this first in Indonesia and later in Thailand.

In 2024, Zarco finished the season with a total of 55 points, placing him 17th overall. Despite this modest ranking, he still managed to outscore the entire factory Honda team by 20 points. Honda's racers, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, ended the year in 21st and 22nd place, respectively, among the 22 regular MotoGP competitors.

"Clearly, it hasn't been a simple journey," acknowledged HRC team manager Alberto Puig during an interview with MotoGP.com.

"The outcomes did not meet our expectations."

Over the course of the past year, we spent the initial months experimenting with various strategies, and by the latter half, we had begun to form a clearer understanding of the approaches that might be effective and those that might not.

"We've achieved certain advancements, though not to the extent we desired. Nonetheless, we've progressed and are continuously exploring ways to enhance next year's device."

"Although we haven't achieved the outcomes we're aiming for yet, from a technical perspective, there's increasing clarity on the methods, directions, and necessary actions, which is crucial."

"However, it might take a while before it's evident in writing, yet the one aspect we consistently maintained was our determination to make a comeback. It's this motivation that propels us forward, despite being noticeably at a disadvantage, and that's the reality."

After three decades of partnership, the HRC factory team will no longer be sponsored by Repsol in 2025, yet its roster of riders remains unchanged, with Mir and Marini continuing as team members for the upcoming season.

"Mir has already secured a World Champion title in MotoGP," Puig commented, "thus, his present circumstances are somewhat uneasy, given that the motorcycle isn't performing at a competitive standard."

"He's making an effort, but inevitably, he fails. This is because, as a champion, he's pushing his limits, striving for success. However, things haven't been aligning, and we remain hopeful that his drive will persist even through challenging periods."

"Marini has a highly analytical approach," Puig noted. "He's capable of tirelessly working around the clock due to his passion for this. He's truly dedicated to sharing all the knowledge he has, looking at it from a professional standpoint."

"On a personal level, he's genuinely a good person, […] he's incredibly courteous and shows a lot of respect."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he focused on reporting about consumer and racing motorcycle events.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the freshest MotoGP updates, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether in full or in part, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any format.

Website Map

Crash.Net

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura confesses to not being the quickest or most gifted

“That’s why aiming to become a ‘five-times MotoGP World Champion’ isn’t on my mind…”

In 2025, Ai Ogura advances to the MotoGP division bearing the title of Moto2 World Champion and having claimed victory in six Grand Prix races. Despite these accomplishments, he remains humble about his innate skill.

Beyond securing victories in six races, all within the Moto2 category, Ogura has achieved a total of 27 Grand Prix podium finishes, with 19 in Moto2 and eight in Moto3, along with claiming six pole positions, five of which are in Moto2 and one in Moto3. Despite his ongoing agreement with Aprilia's affiliate team, Trackhouse Racing, the Japanese racer's development has been significantly supported by Honda through their Road to MotoGP program.

Thus, it might appear simple for Ogura to develop an excessively high self-esteem, especially after his victory in the 2024 Moto2 championship marked him as the first Japanese rider to clinch a Grand Prix title since Hiroshi Aoyama, his former team leader at Honda Team Asia, secured the 250cc World Championship back in 2009.

Nonetheless, "I'm aware of who I am," Ogura remarked during his press conference as World Champion after the Thai Grand Prix in October.

"I don't consider myself among the quickest, and I don't think I possess extraordinary talent. However, I am a firm believer in the power of hard work to achieve goals, whatever they may be. I am aware that the likelihood of success is slim, but achieving it would be rewarding."

"I've always aspired to be the world's number one. Perhaps just for that year, but achieving this title has been my career-long ambition."

Ogura confessed that his drive to claim victory in the 2024 championship was heightened due to his narrow miss for the 2020 Moto3 title in the concluding race, along with his defeat to Augusto Fernandez during the 2022 Moto2 season.

"My primary goal throughout my racing journey was to secure a World Championship title, irrespective of the category – be it Moto3, Moto2, or MotoGP," he stated.

"Thus, following my defeats in two championship races — the Moto3 in 2020 and the Moto2 in 2022 — my sole focus had become winning this championship."

Ogura mentioned, "My season didn't kick off as strongly, with [Sergio] Garcia ahead by a significant margin in points. However, the championship standings didn't concern me much. Whether ending up in sixth or seventh place, we were confident in our capability to secure race victories and consistently land on the podium, as long as we approached our work correctly.

"Things began to look promising when I clinched a victory in Catalunya, and it seemed like everything was on track. However, a fracture in Austria threw a wrench in the works. After that incident, for me, the second race in Misano, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, became a significant turning point."

"Despite experiencing discomfort, I managed to cross the finish line first, boosting the team's morale significantly. Toward the season's end, we consistently achieved podium finishes and maintained a strong grip on the championship lead."

"While it wasn't an ideal year, it was still a wonderful season."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he focused on reporting on both consumer and racing motorcycle news.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Further Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Website Directory

Smash.Net

Exploring the 2025 aspirations for every MotoGP team

We delve into the ambitions and goals of each MotoGP team for the year 2025

In less than four weeks, MotoGP motorcycles will return to the circuit to kick off their 2025 season preparations at the Sepang shakedown.

The 2025 season heralds a period of considerable transition, highlighted by major shifts among riders, especially with Marc Marquez joining the Ducati factory team and the reigning world champion, Jorge Martin, switching to Aprilia.

As a new season unfolds, it presents an opportunity for the previous year's top performers to consolidate their success, while others see it as a moment to start afresh.

As the new year begins, Crash explores the resolutions each team ought to set for the 2025 season.

Ducati Corse – Global Supremacy

Currently, Ducati stands at the peak of its performance, a position that may not be assured as the impending 2027 regulatory overhaul approaches.

By 2025, Ducati boasts what many consider its most impressive factory team to date, featuring two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia alongside Marc Marquez, who has clinched the grand prix title eight times, both competing in Ducati's iconic red.

Despite losing the 2024 world championship and their top satellite team, the sentiment in Borgo Panigale remains positive that Ducati made the correct choice. Marquez clinched three grand prix wins in 2024 aboard a GP23 that soon showed its age, whereas Bagnaia secured 11 wins. However, he fell short of the championship title by 10 points because of eight instances where he did not score.

The GP24 is often regarded as Ducati's finest motorcycle to date and ranks among the top in MotoGP history. Therefore, it's improbable that the GP25 has made any major regressions.

Facing potential internal conflicts between Bagnaia and Marquez, Ducati's sole focus for 2025 should be to dominate its rivals completely, boasting what is arguably the strongest roster on the grid.

KTM/Tech3 – Staying Afloat Amidst Challenges

Lumping together KTM with Tech3 may seem somewhat unfair, yet their destinies are closely linked at this moment, given the financial turmoil that has swept over the Austrian bike maker.

The reorganization efforts appear to be proceeding as KTM anticipated for its continued existence. However, one action being advocated by its creditors is the termination of the MotoGP initiative. The project is set to continue until 2025, but 2026 might mark the conclusion of this endeavor for the company.

As KTM searches for funding and ways to sustain its grand prix initiative, its racing teams in 2025 must strive to stay afloat and produce outcomes that will attract investors to contribute financially.

The brand's 2025 motorcycle appears to be a significant advancement according to existing tests, yet it's uncertain if the speculation about a halt in development due to financial issues will hold true.

Pedro Acosta amazed everyone by pushing the RC16 beyond its limits during his first season, and it's anticipated he will deliver even more impressive performances now with added experience. Brad Binder, his team-mate, is known for his reliability, and in 2024, KTM counts on his steady performances. However, with a more competitive team environment, he is expected to step up his game further.

At Tech3, the duo of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales carries a proven track record of victories, bolstering the team's lineup. KTM is counting on them to maintain a consistent presence of four RC16s among the top 10 contenders throughout the season.

Aprilia Factory Racing – Stepped up its game financially

The Italian brand invested heavily to bring Jorge Martin on board for the 2025 season, following his decision to leave Ducati upon not receiving the premier seat he believed he merited.

Aprilia's decision not to outmaneuver Yamaha in the race to secure 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo turned out to be a blessing in disguise. By acquiring Martin, the team now proudly boasts the number one plate.

However, it fell in the rankings during the latter part of 2024 and is now undergoing a major overhaul, featuring a completely revamped roster for both of its teams and introducing Fabiano Sterlacchini as the new technical director.

Anticipating a championship run from Aprilia by 2025 might be slightly unreasonable, but it's crucial for the team to demonstrate that it truly offers a competitive and attractive environment for elite riders, rather than just being a fallback option for those feeling disheartened.

Honda Factory/LCR – Maintaining Consistent Development

It appears unlikely that Honda's RC213V will experience a significant breakthrough in 2025. Following its third season without a victory in five years, and its first devoid of a podium finish in recent history, Honda is currently at its lowest point.

The positive aspect is that the situation is unlikely to deteriorate further. As 2024 was drawing to a close, there were indicators of progress. An updated aerodynamics package led to better control, with Johann Zarco of LCR achieving the brand’s highest finish in Thailand.

Surpassing the one hundred mark in the constructors' rankings is a realistic goal for Honda. With Joan Mir, Luca Marini, and Johann Zarco on its team, Honda has a deep reservoir of expertise to propel its motorcycle forward.

Romano Albesiano, the newly appointed technical director, arrives with innovative concepts that have previously enhanced Aprilia, a European manufacturing company. Meanwhile, Honda has secured an accomplished test rider in the form of Aleix Espargaro.

Sufficient concrete evidence suggests that Honda has reasons for optimism at the conclusion of 2025, provided it manages to secure a spot for at least one motorcycle in the top 10 regularly throughout the racing season.

Yamaha Factory/Pramac – Podium Comeback

Currently, Yamaha shares a comparable situation with Honda, yet the Iwata-based team displayed more encouraging signs of progress in 2024.

Securing a place among the top six at the Malaysian Grand Prix was a positive sign for Yamaha's trajectory, courtesy of Fabio Quartararo. Yamaha stands to gain significantly as it continues to enhance the performance of the M1, thanks to Quartararo's ability to fully exploit the potential of the bike.

Max Bartolini's expert guidance has notably uplifted spirits within Yamaha, and the anticipation of debuting a V4 engine in the upcoming year signals the significant efforts the brand is undertaking.

Securing a satellite setup within the grid's top autonomous squad, Pramac, featuring two seasoned competitors – Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller – leading the charge, is likely to provide Yamaha with the advantage it has been seeking.

Finishing the season among the top six should be an initial goal for 2025, yet given Yamaha's evident effort, aiming for a return to the podium would be a more appropriate ambition.

VR46 Racing – Disrupting Other Official Ducati Teams

The 2025 championship marks a significant milestone for Valentino Rossi’s team as it gains the status of Ducati’s officially supported satellite team, with Fabio Di Giannantonio being equipped with a GP25.

VR46 isn't new to having a factory Ducati, yet this occasion marks their initial chance to fully leverage its potential. In 2024, Di Giannantonio delivered an impressive season with the team, riding a GP23 and consistently outperforming other riders on the same bike, except for Marc Marquez.

Despite sitting out the last two races for a shoulder operation, Di Giannantonio managed to outperform his well-regarded teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the rankings. With his sights set on 2025, Di Giannantonio aims to challenge the official Ducati riders on the GP25.

This is precisely the position VR46 should aim for: filling the gap left by Pramac as it moves to Yamaha.

Reviving Franco Morbidelli's career is crucial, especially considering his second-place finish in the 2020 championship. His tenure at the factory Yamaha team proved unproductive, and his initial season with Ducati in 2024, though marred by a concussion before the season started, only yielded a single podium finish in a sprint race.

Continuing to ride the same motorcycle he used to close out 2024, now adorned in VR46 livery, the team's goal is to help Morbidelli return to a position where his regular presence on the podium is expected rather than astonishing.

Trackhouse Racing – Leave a Bigger Impression

The presence of an American-owned team in MotoGP, especially one dedicated to broadening the series' appeal across the US and worldwide, is truly remarkable.

This is evident in its roster for 2025, as Raul Fernandez remains on the team, and current Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura was chosen over American rider Joe Roberts.

In its debut season at the top level, Trackhouse Racing struggled to leave a significant mark. Though they managed a podium finish in a sprint race in Germany and secured two sixth-place finishes in Barcelona and Germany, Trackhouse consistently failed to break into the top five in Sunday races.

Switching motorcycles mid-season hindered Fernandez's advancement, and an injury towards the end of the season impeded Oliveira's momentum.

By 2025, it's crucial that Fernandez finds himself in a situation where he can prove the worth of his somewhat disappointing time in MotoGP thus far, while simultaneously, it's essential to provide a promising young star like Ogura with the environment he needs to succeed.

Gresini Racing – Moved Beyond Marc Marquez

In what turned into an exceptional 2024 season, the compact team of Gresini Racing saw its profile rise significantly. The inclusion of Marc Marquez in their team transformed them into a leading group renowned for their interaction and connection with fans.

Gresini's garage was always in celebration mode, thanks to three major grand prix wins and regular appearances on the podium, highlighted by a memorable moment in Germany when the Marquez brothers dominated.

However, the champion with eight world titles has left, and now it's time for Gresini to redirect its efforts. Achieving the success it did in 2024 might be challenging, but over the last two years, Alex Marquez has consistently demonstrated his skill in propelling his previous year's Ducati to competitive standings.

As a newcomer, Fermin Aldeguer faces immense expectations, with his Moto2 performance in 2024 possibly indicating that his advancement might have been premature. However, the decision to team him up with Frankie Carchedi is arguably the smartest move by the team.

Gresini faces a challenging path to emerge as the leading independent team this season. However, surpassing this hurdle is within reach if the team can swiftly put the Marc Marquez golden year behind and concentrate on securing consistent top six positions in 2025.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP reports, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive conversations, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, including text, photos, or illustrations, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Website Map

Collision.Net

Each MotoGP Team’s Goals for 2025

An overview of the aspirations and targets every MotoGP team is setting for the year 2025.

In less than a month, MotoGP bikes will return to the track to kick off their 2025 preparations with the Sepang shakedown.

The 2025 racing season is marked by considerable changes, including major shifts among riders. The most prominent is Marc Marquez joining the official Ducati team, while reigning world champion Jorge Martin makes a switch to Aprilia.

At the start of a new season, teams that performed well last year have the opportunity to evaluate and strengthen their standing, while other teams can view it as a fresh start to improve.

As the new year begins, Crash examines what each team's goal should be for the 2025 season.

Ducati Corse – Global Supremacy

Currently, Ducati is at the peak of its performance, though this commanding position may not last indefinitely with the upcoming regulation changes set for 2027.

In 2025, Ducati boasts what many consider its strongest factory team to date, featuring two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia and eight-time grand prix champion Marc Marquez, both donning the iconic red.

Although Ducati lost the 2024 world champion and its top satellite team, there is strong confidence in Borgo Panigale that the decision was correct. Marquez secured three grand prix wins in 2024 on the GP23, a bike that soon became outdated. On the other hand, Bagnaia achieved 11 wins but fell short of the championship by 10 points because of eight races where he failed to score.

Ducati's GP24 is arguably their most outstanding motorcycle to date and ranks among the top in MotoGP history. Therefore, it's improbable that the GP25 has regressed in any meaningful way.

Despite potential internal conflicts between Bagnaia and Marquez, Ducati's primary objective for 2025 should be to completely dominate its rivals, given its exceptionally strong team.

KTM and Tech3 – Staying Afloat

It might be a slight stretch to consider KTM and Tech3 together, but their futures are currently linked due to the financial turmoil affecting the Austrian company.

As KTM continues its restructuring efforts, which appear to be on track for the company's survival, creditors are advocating for the termination of the MotoGP initiative. Although plans are set to proceed in 2025, the future of the brand in 2026 seems uncertain and may mark its conclusion.

As KTM searches for financial backing to support its grand prix project, its racing teams in 2025 must maintain adequate performance and deliver compelling results to attract investors willing to contribute funds.

According to recent tests, the brand's 2025 motorcycle appears to represent a significant advancement. However, it is still uncertain whether the speculation about halting development due to financial difficulties is accurate.

Pedro Acosta amazed everyone during his first season by pushing the RC16 to unexpected limits, and as he gains more experience, people anticipate even greater performances. Meanwhile, his teammate Brad Binder will continue to be a dependable force for KTM in 2024, although he must elevate his performance this year, facing strong competition within the team.

At Tech3, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales contribute their proven race-winning abilities to the squad. KTM relies on their performance to have all four RC16 motorcycles consistently finish within the top 10 positions in each race.

Aprilia Factory Racing – Backed up its intentions with substantial investment

The Italian brand made a significant financial move to secure Jorge Martin for the 2025 season. This came after Martin decided to leave the Ducati camp, having been denied the factory position he sought and arguably merited.

This came after it failed to outmaneuver Yamaha in securing a deal with the 2021 world champion, Fabio Quartararo. However, this situation has turned out quite favorably for Aprilia, as it has now acquired the top spot with Martin.

However, it dropped in rankings during the latter part of 2024 and is now undergoing a restructuring. This involves bringing in an almost completely fresh roster for its two teams and appointing Fabiano Sterlacchini as the new head of technical operations.

Anticipating a bid for the championship in 2025 might be somewhat unreasonable, but Aprilia must now demonstrate that it is truly an attractive option for leading talents to view as a serious career opportunity, rather than just a fallback for those who feel disillusioned.

Honda Factory/LCR – Maintain Consistent Development

Expectations are low for Honda to rapidly advance its RC213V model by 2025. After experiencing its third season without a victory in five years—and the first season in the modern era without even a podium finish—Honda has reached its lowest point.

The silver lining is that conditions are unlikely to deteriorate further. As 2024 drew to a close, there were indications of progress. The introduction of a new aerodynamics package enhanced maneuverability, leading Johann Zarco, representing LCR, to achieve the brand’s top performance in Thailand.

Reaching a total of 100 points in the constructors' standings is a realistic goal for Honda. With experienced riders like Joan Mir, Luca Marini, and Johann Zarco, the team is well-equipped to keep pushing the bike's performance forward.

Romano Albesiano, the newly appointed technical director, is introducing concepts that enhanced a European brand, Aprilia. Meanwhile, Honda has benefited by acquiring Aleix Espargaro, an outstanding test rider.

Based on the available evidence, it seems likely that Honda will conclude 2025 with plenty of reasons for optimism, provided the company can regularly secure a spot for at least one motorcycle in the top 10 each weekend throughout the season.

Yamaha Factory/Pramac – Back on the Podium

Currently, Yamaha finds itself in a situation much like Honda's. However, there are more encouraging indications of progress for the brand based in Iwata in 2024.

A strong finish in the top six at the Malaysian Grand Prix showcased Fabio Quartararo's performance and highlighted the promising progress Yamaha is making. By consistently making the most of his motorcycle, Quartararo demonstrates that every minor improvement to the M1 will bring significant benefits to Yamaha.

Max Bartolini's expertise in technology has already lifted the spirits at Yamaha. The anticipation of the brand competing with a V4 engine for the first time next year is a thrilling sign of its ambitious efforts.

Securing a partnership with Pramac, the top independent team in the grid, and having two seasoned riders, Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller, leading the charge, is likely the boost Yamaha has been seeking.

Concluding the season within the top six positions is a reasonable goal for Yamaha as it heads into the beginning of 2025. However, given the evident efforts being put forth, the team should aspire to make a comeback to the podium.

VR46 Racing to Challenge Other Factory Ducatis

The 2025 season marks a significant milestone for Valentino Rossi's team as it becomes the official factory-backed satellite team for Ducati. Fabio Di Giannantonio will be riding a GP25.

This isn't the first occasion where VR46 has had access to a factory Ducati, but it's the initial instance where they've been able to fully capitalize on the chance. In the 2024 season, Di Giannantonio delivered a strong performance with the team on a GP23, consistently ranking as the leading rider on that motorcycle after Marc Marquez.

Despite sitting out the last two rounds because of shoulder surgery, Di Giannantonio managed to outperform his well-regarded teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the rankings. As for his plans for 2025, Di Giannantonio expressed his desire to "challenge" the factory team Ducati riders on the GP25.

This is precisely the position VR46 should aim for: filling the gap left by Pramac as it transitions to Yamaha.

Franco Morbidelli must reignite the form that made him the 2020 title runner-up. His stint with the factory Yamaha team proved unproductive, and his debut year with Ducati in 2024 was marred by a concussion before the season began, resulting in only a single podium finish in a sprint race.

Staying on the same bike he ended the 2024 season with, but now featuring VR46 colors, the team aims to return Morbidelli to the position where regularly competing for podium finishes is expected, not unexpected.

Trackhouse Racing – Leave a Bigger Impression

It's great to see that MotoGP includes a team owned by Americans, especially one committed to broadening the series' reach within the United States and around the world.

This is evident in their 2025 roster, with Raul Fernandez remaining on the team, and Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura being chosen instead of the American rider Joe Roberts.

In its debut season in the top-tier competition, Trackhouse Racing didn't make a significant impact. Even though they secured a podium finish in a sprint race in Germany and finished sixth twice in Barcelona and Germany, Trackhouse was unable to challenge for top-five positions in the main Sunday races.

Fernandez's development was hindered by switching bikes midway through the season, and Oliveira's momentum was halted by an injury towards the end of the season.

By 2025, Fernandez needs to be placed in a role where he can start proving why he deserves his current position in what has been a lackluster MotoGP career. Meanwhile, it's crucial to provide Ogura, a promising young talent, with the environment he needs to thrive.

Gresini Racing has left a significant mark with Marc Marquez in its ranks. During the 2024 season, this relatively small team captured widespread attention and transformed into a top contender for fan interaction.

With three grand prix wins and regular appearances on the podium, including a remarkable all-Marquez event in Germany, the celebrations were ongoing in the Gresini team.

The departure of the eight-time world champion means that Gresini must now redirect its focus. Although replicating the results of 2024 may be challenging, Alex Marquez has demonstrated in the last two seasons that he can effectively position his year-old Ducati in competitive spots.

Fermin Aldeguer is feeling significant pressure as a newcomer, with his performance in Moto2 in 2024 suggesting that his advancement may have been premature. However, teaming up with Frankie Carchedi is the smartest move the team could make.

Gresini faces a difficult task in competing to be the leading independent team this season. However, this goal is within reach if they swiftly transition from the year dominated by Marc Marquez and concentrate on regularly securing top-six positions by 2025.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Articles

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

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

Site Layout

Crash.Net

Aston Martin issues a cautionary note to Adrian Newey: "Success isn't assured by just one person."

Can Adrian Newey achieve success with Aston Martin?

Ex-McLaren Formula 1 mechanic, Marc Priestley, has cautioned Aston Martin that bringing Adrian Newey on board might not automatically fix their present performance issues.

In September 2024, Aston Martin revealed that Newey would take on the role of Managing Technical Partner.

Newey is set to take charge of Aston Martin's design team and will formally step into the position later this year.

Nonetheless, Priestley has cautioned that Newey by himself will not ensure Aston Martin's future achievements.

In an interview with Casino Uden Rofus, Priestley remarked that while Adrian Newey is an exceptional engineer with an outstanding intellect, the success of designing a new F1 car is not ensured by one person alone.

"I'm not denying that Aston Martin has a talented team, but there are clear signs that they have struggled to create an effective car and improve it over the course of the season."

Newey is becoming part of a team that hasn't achieved much success, yet Aston Martin has recently acquired cutting-edge facilities, and the team is expanding quickly.

Mixed Outcomes for Aston Martin

Following Lawrence Stroll's purchase of the team headquartered in Silverstone, they have seen a range of successes.

Back in 2020, when they were known as Racing Point, the team achieved fourth place in the Formula 1 constructors' championship and celebrated a victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

In 2023, Fernando Alonso joined Aston Martin, marking their most successful season so far. The team began the year as the second quickest, trailing only Red Bull, and Alonso achieved six podium finishes in the first eight races.

Alonso came close to securing a victory in Monaco, but Aston Martin's strategic decisions in the shifting weather conditions cost them the win.

Over the past couple of years, Aston Martin has encountered a recurring challenge, as they have consistently faced difficulties in successfully advancing their car's development during the racing season.

Considering the struggles Aston Martin has faced in their development, Alonso attributed the issues to the Mercedes wind tunnel.

The Spaniard expressed to the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast that the situation is complex and lacks a straightforward answer; otherwise, they might have already opted for an easier path than the one they have encountered.

"There seems to be a challenge in grasping some of the internal mechanics of the car, which resembles the wind tunnel issues Mercedes encountered last year while working on their car development. Our ability to utilize the wind tunnel is somewhat restricted because we are using the Mercedes facility."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is the driving force behind our objective journalism.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Crash.Net

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura acknowledges he isn't the quickest or exceptionally gifted. He explains that this is why he isn't aiming to become a "five-time MotoGP World Champion," for instance.

In 2025, Ai Ogura will advance to the MotoGP category after winning the Moto2 World Championship and achieving six Grand Prix wins. Despite these accomplishments, he remains modest about his inherent abilities.

Alongside his six victories in the Moto2 category, Ogura has achieved 27 podium finishes in Grand Prix events, with 19 of those in Moto2 and eight in Moto3. He has also secured six pole positions, five in Moto2 and one in Moto3. Although Ogura is currently signed with Aprilia's satellite team, Trackhouse Racing, Honda has played a significant role in developing his career on the Road to MotoGP.

Considering Ogura's achievements, one might assume it would be simple for him to develop a heightened sense of self-importance. After all, by securing the 2024 Moto2 championship, he became the first Japanese racer to claim a Grand Prix title since his former team leader at Honda Team Asia, Hiroshi Aoyama, triumphed in the 2009 250cc World Championship.

During the press conference for World Champions after the Thai Grand Prix last October, Ogura remarked, "I am aware of my own nature."

"I'm not among the quickest, and I don't think I possess exceptional talent. However, I believe that with hard work, I can achieve this goal or whatever it may be. I understand that if it happens, it would be great, but the chances are quite slim."

"I always dreamed of being 'number one in the world.' Even if it's just for a single year, achieving this title has been my goal throughout my entire career."

Ogura confessed that his drive to clinch the championship in 2024 grew stronger after narrowly missing the Moto3 title in the last race of 2020 and falling short in the 2022 Moto2 season to Augusto Fernandez.

He stated that his main goal in his racing career was to achieve a World Championship title, regardless of whether it was in Moto3, Moto2, or MotoGP.

"After losing two championships—one in the Moto3 category in 2020 and another in Moto2 in 2022—I was solely focused on winning this title."

Ogura commented that his performance at the beginning of the season wasn't strong, noting that [Sergio] Garcia had accumulated significantly more points. Despite this, he wasn't overly concerned about the championship standings. He believed that even if he finished in sixth or seventh place, he and his team were aware of their ability to win races and consistently secure podium finishes, provided they approached their work correctly.

"This began to happen when I clinched a victory in Catalunya, and things were progressing smoothly. However, I suffered a fracture in Austria, and afterward, I believe the second race in Misano, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, was very significant for me."

"Despite experiencing pain, I managed to win the race and further inspire the team. Towards the end of the season, we frequently finished on the podium, effectively managing the championship."

"Although the year wasn't flawless, it was a really great season."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please review our Privacy Policy.

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

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproduction of the text, images, or drawings, whether fully or partially, is prohibited in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Flavio Briatore sparks rumors about Jack Doohan: "We'll find out as the season progresses"

Speculation about Jack Doohan's prospects in Formula 1 remains widespread.

Flavio Briatore, who serves as an executive advisor for Alpine F1, has further stirred rumors concerning Jack Doohan's potential with the team.

Even though Doohan made his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there has been a lot of speculation about what lies ahead for his career.

With Franco Colapinto's impressive performance catching attention, there were hints that Briatore and Alpine might be considering bringing the Argentine talent on board.

Nevertheless, the substantial financial requirements needed to release Colapinto from his contract with Williams, along with his disappointing performance towards the end of the season, made it unfeasible to pursue a move for him.

Doohan is scheduled to compete with Pierre Gasly for Alpine in the 2025 racing season.

Although Doohan is confirmed to begin the season, his prospects for the future remain uncertain.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, Briatore did not express a firm position.

Briatore stated, "Death is the only thing we can be sure of." He confirmed that the year would begin with Pierre and Jack, but mentioned that future decisions would depend on how the season progresses.

"I need to assist the team in getting to a point where it can be successful."

The driver is responsible for completing the tasks initiated by nearly a thousand individuals supporting him.

"All employees essentially answer to a couple of individuals. If a driver isn't performing well or showing improvement, they'll be replaced."

Alpine concluded the 2024 F1 season as the leading team among the midfield competitors.

The team achieved two podium finishes at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which boosted them to sixth place in the constructors' championship.

A major update introduced during the United States Grand Prix dramatically improved their performance, especially with Gasly driving.

Gasly earned points in four out of the last five races, but did not finish the race in Las Vegas.

Alpine has chosen to switch to using Mercedes engines in 2026, discontinuing their own engine development project.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 world delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor plays a crucial role in our fair and balanced F1 coverage, thanks to his keen ability to spot controversies and narrative developments.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 scene straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Crash.Net

Eddie Jordan criticizes Ferrari's decision to choose Lewis Hamilton over Carlos Sainz, calling it "self-destructive." He stated, "Letting go of Carlos was a complete mistake."

Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has criticized Ferrari's choice to swap Carlos Sainz for Lewis Hamilton, calling it "completely self-destructive."

The year 2025 has arrived, and with it comes the news that Hamilton is now driving for Ferrari in Formula 1, while Sainz has started his journey with the Williams team.

Nonetheless, Jordan has raised doubts about Hamilton's surprising move to Maranello for the next season.

Prior to the 2024 season, the choice was made to bring Hamilton on board, a season that many consider to be the seven-time world champion's most underwhelming performance so far.

In contrast, Sainz had an impressive last season with Ferrari, coming very close to clinching the constructors' championship, but ultimately ended up 13 points short of McLaren.

During an episode of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan and his co-host David Coulthard highlighted what they called their "FFS moment" for the year.

Coulthard remarked, "It's the moment of the year that makes you say, 'for f**k's sake.'"

"In my opinion, the most surprising moment of the year was when Lewis joined Ferrari. I really didn't expect that to happen. What was your most unexpected moment of the year?"

Jordan concurred with Coulthard, yet offered a harsher critique regarding Ferrari's choice.

The 76-year-old expressed his agreement by stating, "I completely align with this, as my reaction to John Elkann, the chairman of that organization, is to question what on earth he was contemplating when he decided to let Carlos go. At the time, the team was content, cooperative, and well-organized, with drivers who had a good relationship."

Fred Vasseur had a genuine chance to lead this team to significant success. Now, he needs to focus on fostering unity and finding ways to integrate a new team member, while managing egos and all the dynamics involved.

"Lewis is a genuinely pleasant individual. I doubt there are many kinder people in the racing circuit than Lewis Hamilton, so I believe he won't face any issues in that regard."

"Nonetheless, my biggest criticism is directed at John Elkann of Ferrari for approving and finalizing that agreement. Letting Carlos go was a completely self-destructive decision."

Hamilton takes on the challenge of breaking Ferrari's winless streak.

As the year 2025 begins, Hamilton has begun his journey with Ferrari.

The individual, aged 39, has been given the responsibility of breaking Ferrari's championship dry spell that has persisted since 2008.

Ferrari has not experienced a championship victory since winning the constructors' title in 2008.

The last time they won a drivers' championship was in 2007, with Kimi Raikkonen.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter to receive the most recent news, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Connor plays a crucial role in our objective coverage, thanks to his keen awareness of the controversies and narratives within Formula 1.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the world of F1 sent straight to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any text, images, or illustrations in whole or in part, regardless of the method used.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Jorge Martin claims he won't ever have the same leadership role with Aprilia in MotoGP as Espargaro did. He stated, "I sense the duty to guide this initiative."

MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has acknowledged that he "will never be able to take on the role of Captain" for Aprilia in the same way that Aleix Espargaro did. However, he is willing to "accept the responsibility" of guiding the team.

During the last eight years of his MotoGP career, Espargaro played a crucial role in transforming Aprilia from a team that typically finished in the middle of the pack to one that achieved race victories.

During the Catalan Grand Prix, he declared that he would be stepping away from racing and is set to take on the role of a test rider for Honda in the coming year.

A little more than a week after declaring his retirement, Martin secured a multi-year contract with the factory Aprilia team. This came after Ducati decided not to follow its initial plan to elevate him to its official team for 2025.

During his tenure with Aprilia, Espargaro earned the nickname ‘the Captain’ due to his leadership qualities.

Martin believes it will be challenging for him to reach those same heights.

He expressed to AS that he believes he could never assume the role of 'Captain' in the same way Aleix did, as Aleix dedicated nine years to Aprilia, transforming the team from its beginnings to achieving race victories and contending for the world championship.

"I am willing to take on the responsibility and feel it is my duty to lead this project. I am committed to doing everything within my capability to elevate this bike to the top level."

Martin is of the opinion that if Espargaro had made up his mind sooner about joining the Italian team, he would have remained with Aprilia for at least an additional year.

He mentioned, "Had I made the decision earlier to join this brand, Aleix would have likely extended his contract for at least one more year."

"Life consists of various situations and moments."

Espargaro and Martin share an exceptionally tight bond, with Espargaro often calling the current world champion his son.

In addition to his responsibilities as a Honda test rider, Espargaro has also agreed to serve as a representative for the Lidl-Trek cycling team starting next year.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is prohibited in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Former Yamaha MotoGP team manager shares his unachieved career aspiration

"My ambition was to reach a total of 10 titles."

Lin Jarvis, the departing head of Yamaha's MotoGP team, expressed that he had envisioned securing a total of ten premier class championships, with aspirations that the last two would have been achieved by Fabio Quartararo.

At the end of last year, Jarvis concluded his lifelong tenure with Yamaha, where he had been involved in its grand prix project since 1998.

During his tenure, he managed the era when Valentino Rossi was dominant for the Japanese manufacturer, witnessed Jorge Lorenzo's ascent and the competition between the two, and eventually saw Quartararo's triumph in the championship.

Over the past two years, Yamaha has faced significant challenges, transitioning from a championship-winning team in 2021 to failing to secure any podium finishes by 2024.

Jarvis successfully secured new two-year contracts for both Quartararo and Alex Rins. He also arranged for the reintroduction of a satellite team, Pramac, set for 2025, and made important staff appointments to strengthen Yamaha's resurgence plans.

In 2025, Paolo Pavesio will take over Jarvis's position.

In a conversation with the Greek magazine MotoGP World, Jarvis acknowledges that not securing additional championships with Quartararo is a goal that remains unattained. However, he concludes his career with the sentiment that he has "finished the task."

Jarvis reflected, "I must admit, after securing the championship title in 2021, I never anticipated that we would face such significant challenges in the subsequent years."

"I had hoped that before my career eventually concluded, I would secure at least two additional championships with Yamaha, with Fabio's help."

"My ambition was to reach 10 titles. However, by the middle of 2022, it became evident that Ducati was advancing rapidly, and their pace of development and enhancement outstripped ours."

"By 2022, we were already facing challenges. In 2023, we joined forces with Luca Marmorini, a former head of engines in Formula 1, to provide us with expertise, particularly in the engine sector."

"From that point forward, we began our reconstruction efforts as we noticed that Ducati, along with other European brands such as KTM and Aprilia, were experiencing swift growth."

"We continued to progress in that manner, whereas Honda stayed the same. Consequently, we had to invest heavily to bridge the gap."

"In 2023, we initiated a fresh start and implemented numerous modifications. I'm truly pleased to be departing with my existing position by the end of this year."

"If I had departed at the conclusion of last year, I would have felt that my work was far from finished. Previously, there was no groundwork laid for what was to come."

"However, we've accomplished much more this year."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Updates

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, special reports, interviews, and offers from the paddock directly in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying any section or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings is prohibited in all formats.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Honda's MotoGP leader discloses the "sole aspect" HRC "has always retained"

"This is the determination that compels you to persevere, despite being evidently trailing…"

In the 2024 MotoGP season, Honda did not manage to secure any wins or podium finishes in either the Sprint races or the main Grands Prix events. However, there were indications of progress during the latter part of the year.

The indicators were mainly emphasized by Johann Zarco from the satellite LCR team. He managed to advance the RC213V to Q2 several times and secured two top 10 finishes in Grand Prix races, first in Indonesia and then in Thailand.

By the conclusion of the 2024 season, Zarco had accumulated a total of 55 points, placing him 17th in the championship rankings. Despite this position, he managed to score 20 points more than the entire factory Honda team. Their riders, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, ended up in 21st and 22nd place, respectively, out of the 22 full-time MotoGP competitors from the previous year.

"It's definitely been challenging," acknowledged HRC team manager Alberto Puig during an interview with MotoGP.com.

"The outcomes are not what we desire."

Throughout the past year, during the initial months of the season, we experimented with various strategies. As the year progressed into the latter half, we managed to gain a clearer understanding of which approaches were effective and which were not.

"We've made a few enhancements, although not to the extent we had hoped. Nonetheless, we've achieved some progress and are continually exploring ways to develop next year's model."

"Although we haven't achieved the desired outcomes yet, the engineering team is increasingly gaining clarity on the steps to take, the direction to pursue, and the methods to employ, which is crucial."

It might take a while to actually document this, yet our determination to return never wavered. This determination is what motivates us to persevere, even when it's obvious that we're trailing, and that's undeniable.

The HRC factory team will no longer have Repsol as a sponsor in 2025, ending a partnership that lasted three decades. Despite this change, the team will continue to have the same riders, with Mir and Marini continuing for another year.

Puig remarked about Mir, noting, "He has already achieved the status of World Champion in MotoGP, which makes his current circumstances less than ideal, as the motorcycle isn't competitive enough."

"He's putting in the effort, but he ends up failing, which is understandable because champions strive for success. However, sometimes things don't go as planned, and we hope he can stay motivated even when facing challenges."

"[Marini] has a very analytical mind," Puig mentioned. "He could work around the clock because he genuinely loves what he does. He's committed to sharing all his knowledge, focusing on work-related aspects."

"On a personal level, he is a genuinely pleasant individual, […] he is extremely courteous and considerate."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce the text, images, or illustrations, either entirely or in part, in any manner.

Site Layout

Crash.Net

KTM's leader shares thoughts on the fluctuating 2024 MotoGP season.

"We're the second-leading manufacturer, which is fantastic…"

KTM is facing financial difficulties which have cast doubt on its MotoGP project. Despite these challenges, the Austrian company managed to finish the 2024 season in second place in the constructors' championship.

In the 2024 season, Ducati outperformed all other teams by securing victory in every Grand Prix except one, surpassing even KTM in terms of achievements.

The manufacturer based in Mattighofen failed to secure a Grand Prix victory for the third consecutive season, and its streak without a win, including Sprint races, goes back to the Spanish Sprint in 2023.

In a candid admission, KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer shared with MotoGP.com that the team had set somewhat lofty expectations, particularly for riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller. Despite experiencing a challenging summer with fluctuating performances, Beirer noted that they were able to steady the ship and achieve some respectable outcomes.

Reflecting on our performance, we've secured six podium finishes in Sprint races on Saturdays and another six podium finishes in Grand Prix races on Sundays. This achievement makes us the second-leading manufacturer, which is fantastic.

"Naturally, we anticipated being more competitive with the Ducati team, who have excelled once again this year. We must commend them for their outstanding performance, but we remain determined to compete, push forward, and continue learning."

"We believe we're closing in once more and have recently gotten positive insights from Brad and Pedro Acosta. Our goal for the last round is to lock in fifth and sixth places, as well as secure second position for the manufacturer."

"However, I prefer to maintain an optimistic outlook, seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty. From a sports standpoint, I believe we're well-positioned for the upcoming season, especially with the addition of new riders. Recently, we've gained significant insights into our bike, which is crucial."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Learn More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Website Layout

Crash.Net