Jorge Martin discusses concerns regarding conflicts with his new teammate, Marco Bezzecchi

Jorge Martin concedes, "hasn't been my closest ally"

Jorge Martin has addressed worries regarding his connection with Marco Bezzecchi.

This year, Martin and Bezzecchi will become the fresh faces of the factory Aprilia racing team.

However, their history is marked by inconsistency, further complicated by Bezzecchi’s close ally, Pecco Bagnaia, fiercely competing for the previous season's championship against Martin.

"Martin admitted to Motorsport that in recent times, Bezzecchi hasn't exactly been his closest ally."

"Ever since our battles in Moto3, we've encountered numerous skirmishes."

Ultimately, the important thing for me is having a partner who is driven by competition.

"If he succeeds in providing guidance on how to enhance the bike, it will also benefit me. Likewise."

Martin clinched the Moto3 title, finishing 46 points ahead of Bezzecchi.

From time to time, their encounters have been fraught with tension, notably when Bezzecchi voiced his displeasure over the stewards' failure to penalize Martin for triggering a multi-rider crash during the 2023 Austria sprint.

Every racer has now departed from Ducati in pursuit of a factory position and will reunite at Aprilia.

Naturally, Martin might show up proudly carrying the #1 plate, having clinched the MotoGP championship in the previous year.

"Despite not being Aleix Espargaro, I've now taken on the leadership position, and as the world champion, it's my duty to steer this Aprilia project forward," Martin emphasized.

"This implies maintaining a positive connection with my significant other."

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, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned a wide array of sports, including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Website Map

Collision.Net

The Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit has announced impressive ticket sales numbers for the 2025 Spanish MotoGP, amidst widespread excitement for Marc Marquez.

In 2025, the Spanish MotoGP has emerged as a highly favored event, a fact underscored by the latest ticket sales data released by the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto.

Today (14 January), the circuit that has been the consistent venue for the Spanish Grand Prix since 1989 revealed a significant increase in ticket sales for the 2025 Spanish MotoGP. Sales have surged by 50% compared to the figures recorded at the same time last year for the 2024 event. This follows a year where the 2024 race itself experienced a 4% rise in ticket sales over the 2023 edition.

"The Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit has witnessed a 50% increase in ticket sales for the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix […] compared to the sales figures for the corresponding dates in 2024, setting a new record. This surge follows a successful 2024 event, which itself saw a 4% rise in ticket sales from 2023, according to a release from the circuit."

Quantitatively speaking, the improvement of 50 percent translates to an increase of 13,920 tickets sold at this juncture in 2025 when compared to the figures from the corresponding period in the previous year.

Jerez reports that out of the 39,307 seats available in the grandstand, only 6,200 remain unsold.

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what has caused the uptick, but indications point to the recent efforts by MotoGP's promoting body, Dorna Sports, aimed at enhancing spectator engagement during race events. This includes a range of activities from the Hero Walk and the addition of Sprint races to various off-track events such as live concerts.

The anticipated increase in ticket sales appears to be influenced by Jorge Martin's expected victory as the 2024 MotoGP World Champion and his subsequent promotion to a full-factory position with Aprilia starting in 2025. Additionally, Marc Marquez's transfer to the Ducati Lenovo Team, where he will join forces with Francesco Bagnaia – his rival from a memorable race at Jerez the previous year, considered one of the season's highlights – in 2025, is also contributing to the heightened interest.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP information, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

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

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether it be text, photos, or illustrations, wholly or partially, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Layout

Crash.Net

Raul Fernandez views 2025 as a significant chance for progress, emphasizing that outcomes are secondary in importance for a certain Trackhouse MotoGP competitor.

Raul Fernandez embarks on his fourth year in MotoGP, entering his second season with the Trackhouse Aprilia team, this time riding on factory equipment as the Spanish racer kicks off the season.

Fernandez kicked off his career in 2022 with the Tech3 KTM team, but after a challenging year, he moved on to the RNF Aprilia team.

The first season on the RS-GP wasn't particularly notable, with a mere 51 points and a 20th place overall in the standings. However, a promising fifth-place in the final race at Valencia suggested better prospects ahead.

Discover more: The unique strategy of MotoGP's latest addition to differentiate from established powerhouses

Although Fernandez didn't score any points during the initial two races of 2024 as Trackhouse made its debut in MotoGP, he earned his first points in Austin and consistently increased his score leading up to the mid-season hiatus.

The peak moment occurred in Barcelona, where he was at the forefront of a tumultuous sprint race until an accident took him out. However, this setback didn't shake his self-assurance, and he managed to secure a sixth-place finish in the grand prix. By the midpoint of the season, he was ranked 16th in the standings, having surpassed his total points from 2023, reaching 66 points.

Starting with the British Grand Prix, Fernandez transitioned to the 2024 RS-GP model, which marked a downturn in his season's performance. He failed to secure any points up until the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and managed to gather only 20 points for the remainder of the season.

"Fernandez expressed his concentration on personal improvement during Tuesday's unveiling of Trackhouse's 2025 colors. "I dedicated myself to enhancing my physical condition. Indeed, over the past two years, I underwent two arm surgeries. Despite that, for some reason, I wasn't in the best shape, but I made sure to monitor everything closely throughout the winter," he stated.

I switched my personal trainer, choosing to collaborate with someone new in an effort to achieve a sense of fitness. Consequently, I focused on self-improvement, particularly in terms of my mindset. My goal was to alleviate the self-imposed pressure stemming from my high levels of ambition at times.

"I dedicated a significant amount of effort to this project. Together with Davide [Brivio], we're entering the season under new circumstances, as I've never kicked off a MotoGP season on a factory bike before. Additionally, our team has a much clearer mindset this time around, unlike last year when we commenced with Trackhouse.

"Trackhouse faced some challenges at the season's outset. Davide joined just before the season kicked off, which made the beginning quite unique for me. Additionally, I focused on maintaining a strong mindset because I believe this year presents a great chance for me to truly excel and demonstrate my capabilities."

Fernandez candidly acknowledges that his aspirations overwhelmed him following a robust start to the first half of the 2024 season, and thus, when a switch in motorcycle impeded his advancement, he found it challenging to handle those expectations.

He mentioned, "Reflecting on a misstep from the previous year, particularly before the Silverstone race, we were on the cusp of breaking into the top 10," he elaborated. "We ranked 11th, 12th in the standings. We saw some promising outcomes and were competitive in several qualifying rounds.

"The start of the year kicked off well, but subsequently, my focus shifted heavily towards achieving outcomes with the arrival of the new bike, which made navigating the rest of the year quite challenging. Reflecting on this towards the year's end, I recognized the necessity to enhance my approach moving forward into the new year."

In 2025, Fernandez kicks off the season using identical equipment as the official Aprilia team. He remains the sole unchanged member in the Italian brand's lineup, which introduces the current MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and the Moto2 champion Ai Ogura at Trackhouse.

In the latter part of the previous year, Aprilia increasingly relied on Fernandez to guide the progression of the RS-GP 25, yet he does not see himself as the top figure among the manufacturers while the rest of the riders are catching up.

"He declared, 'Jorge holds the global title. Indeed, he's set to pilot the Aprilia for his inaugural race in Thailand. Currently, he sets the standard in MotoGP. Having the top competitor, it's incredibly obvious to me."

"Indeed, my goal is to give it my all and concentrate on my own growth. Yes, there's much for me to understand about them, especially with Marco and Ogura, who is arriving as a world champion, joining us. Clearly, there's a wealth of knowledge for me to acquire, yet my primary aim will be to stay focused on my personal development."

"I'm not going to dwell on who Aprilia considers their benchmark. Like my fellow riders, my goal is to give it my all, strive for enhancement in every session, and avoid fixating on outcomes. That's our secondary objective for the season. My aim is to stay in top shape, maintain concentration, and consistently perform to the best of my ability."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes exclusives, interviews, and special offers from the circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing text, photos, or illustrations fully or partially is strictly prohibited in any format.

Website Map

Crash.Net

The MotoGP newcomer showing promise

Ai Ogura anticipates his first season

Trackhouse Racing newcomer in MotoGP, Ai Ogura, mentioned that Fermin Aldeguer is appearing promising after his initial test, whereas the current Moto2 titleholder needs to adjust slightly more.

Ogura joins the ranks of three newcomers advancing to the MotoGP's top tier in 2025, with Aldeguer moving to Gresini Ducati and Somkiat Chantra joining LCR Honda.

Discover more: Could he be Japan's upcoming MotoGP sensation?

In their first track appearance, which took place during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, Aldeguer led the pack, finishing nearly four tenths of a second ahead of Ogura.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether he saw any qualities in his fellow newcomers that would translate well to MotoGP, Ogura shared his thoughts during the Trackhouse 2025 unveiling: "To begin with, it's comforting to be among other rookies like myself, as it assures me that I'm not the only one transitioning from Moto2, and there are three of us making the move.

"It's pleasant to witness. They serve as solid standards. Thus, it's always delightful to be in the company of such riders."

"Fermin appeared impressive while riding a MotoGP motorcycle in Barcelona."

"Somkiat and Ai need to adjust slightly more, yet I believe the three of us are essentially on par during the Barcelona trial."

"Thus, time will tell. However, I am optimistic that the three of us will succeed."

Ogura appeared calm following his initial test in November, observing that the velocity of a MotoGP motorcycle and the braking capability of the carbon brakes didn't surprise him significantly.

Discover more: Strategies of MotoGP's latest team to differentiate itself from established manufacturers

Ogura points out that for newcomers in today's MotoGP, adjusting to the sprint-style races presents a distinct obstacle, noting it's not the most favorable setup for rookies.

"He mentioned that particularly for them, the way the weekend unfolds, starting from Friday, feels akin to qualifying rounds."

"Thus, perhaps the newcomers require additional time to adjust and comprehend. So, it seems it's not about us, but that's just how it is."

Ogura has inked a contract for two seasons to compete with Trackhouse in the top tier, teaming up with Raul Fernandez, who is making a comeback for his fourth year in MotoGP.

Trackhouse initiated the 2025 MotoGP season launch on Tuesday from its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Aprilia team is set to unveil their season on January 16th, followed by Aldeguer who will kick off Gresini's campaign on January 18th.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the content, images, or illustrations either wholly or partially is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Map

Collision.Net

Aleix Espargaro had a strong dislike for Marc Marquez at the start of his MotoGP journey

Former MotoGP victor unveils significant details about his past dynamics with Marc Marquez

Aleix Espargaro confessed that during the initial years of his MotoGP career, he had a strong dislike for Marc Marquez due to the competitive tension between Marquez and his sibling, Pol Espargaro.

Marquez and Pol Espargaro once intensely competed against each other in the junior levels of grand prix racing, but their rivalry mellowed when they moved up to MotoGP.

Upon Espargaro's commitment to Honda for the 2021 season, there was speculation that conflicts might reignite.

Persistent injury problems for Marquez and performance challenges faced by Espargaro throughout his two-year tenure meant that the competition between them never reignited.

In a DAZN documentary focusing on the Espargaro siblings, Aleix described Marquez as the greatest talent MotoGP has ever seen, despite confessing an early aversion to him.

"He mentioned, 'As a kid, my hero was Valentino Rossi.'"

"I have more years on me than Marc Marquez. Marc was not around, so getting the chance to compete alongside Valentino was remarkable.

Marc and I swapped helmets, and I shared with him how I had endured hardships and chased after him throughout my career.

"It's unlikely that the championship has ever seen a rider with more talent."

"Initially in my career, I found him unbearable due to his negative impact on my brother!"

Pol Espargaro retired from professional racing at the conclusion of 2023 after enduring significant injuries following an accident during the season's first race, transitioning to a position as a test rider for KTM.

Aleix Espargaro concluded his racing career following the 2024 season, having secured three grand prix victories. For 2025, he has taken up a role as a test rider with Honda.

Espargaro reflected on his racing career, stating, "What I take pride in is my sincerity and not pretending to be someone I'm not."

"I've managed to stay true to myself, consistently revealing both my strengths and weaknesses."

"Throughout my athletic journey, I've always been quite emotional."

"Perhaps I'm slightly more passionate. There are times of stress that can be tough to handle, and it's one of my shortcomings."

"I've consistently taken out my anger and frustrations on those closest to me, the ones I have the best relationships with and care about deeply."

"That faith, whether for good or bad, has resulted in errors on my part and will forever linger with me."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Discover Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP news, unique insights, interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

No form of duplication, whether complete or partial, of text, images, or illustrations is allowed.

Website Index

Collision.Net

Information on Trackhouse MotoGP's intentions to modify their 2025 team colors

Team leader Davide Brivio clarifies the reasons behind the initial launch design not being permanent

Davide Brivio, the team leader of Trackhouse MotoGP, mentioned that the team's 2025 livery, unveiled on Tuesday, featured a "corporate" look due to ongoing negotiations with possible sponsors.

On Tuesday, the American-led squad unveiled its campaign for the 2025 MotoGP season at their headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, showcasing an entirely different paint scheme from what was seen in the previous year.

However, the notable lack of significant sponsors, except for a Gulf logo on the front wheel cover, sparked inquiries regarding the "corporate colors" Trackhouse eventually revealed.

In the team's introductory content, Brivio hinted at potential alterations to the paint scheme throughout the 2025 season.

For further details: The significance of outcomes being "the secondary priority" for a Trackhouse MotoGP competitor

In a media briefing covered by Crash.net on Wednesday, Brivio provided further clarification on his statement and disclosed that the team plans to test a new layout during the off-season trials.

"Initially, you can expect to see a different paint scheme for the winter test," he mentioned in response to a query from Crash.net about the team's color scheme strategies for 2025.

"The design we unveiled yesterday showcased our Trackhouse signature color scheme. Both the motorcycle and the [NASCAR team] vehicle featured this coordinating design."

"Thus, these represent our shades. We've crafted a single design for the winter trial. Furthermore, we're currently in talks with possible allies for what lies ahead."

"Hence, should everything proceed smoothly, we could be greeting new partners. This would inevitably mean we'll need to reevaluate our branding once more."

"In the previous year, for example, we updated the team's colors mid-season."

"There isn't a specific strategy in place for 2025, however, we aim to think outside the box, and you can anticipate witnessing a variety of unique paint schemes throughout the year."

Starting the 2024 season, Trackhouse introduced a motorcycle adorned with the American flag in its design, later switching to a blue and silver scheme from the Austrian Grand Prix onwards.

Brivio highlighted that the team was behind schedule in securing significant sponsorships. He pointed out that teams typically finalize their sponsor partners for the next season within the first six months of the current season, indicating that they were running late.

He mentioned that Trackhouse's in-house marketing team is assisting with the MotoGP project in addition to their NASCAR responsibilities, as the team explores possible partnerships within the US series.

"Securing sponsorship in MotoGP is challenging," Brivio emphasized.

"In the MotoGP circuit, there are several prominent names. Trackhouse, on our part, is a newcomer to this scene."

"In the previous year, we initiated and established a commercial division. Currently, this division, which typically serves NASCAR, has shifted its focus to MotoGP."

"We are exploring whether there are any NASCAR brands eager to expand their reach across the globe, and to achieve this, MotoGP could serve as an ideal platform."

"For our team, progress is gradual. We've considered this year as a period of learning, especially in terms of understanding and developing our commercial strategies."

"The worlds of NASCAR and MotoGP are vastly different. As such, we also had to explore what opportunities exist within MotoGP."

"We're experiencing a slight setback. Typically, in MotoGP operations, sponsorships are secured around August or September of the preceding year."

"Subsequently, you arrange everything. In our case, the period of August and September came just six months after we commenced."

"Negotiation talks have begun, with several discussions taking place, opening up various potential outcomes."

"However, nothing is certain until a contract is finalized. It's a challenging situation, but we are currently engaged in some negotiations."

"Essentially, we couldn't finalize any deals during September, October, or November."

"Therefore, having unveiled our company's branding, we stand prepared to modify it whenever necessary throughout the season."

"The business division was given several months for execution, and currently, there's ongoing activity."

Brivio stated that the MotoGP team, which falls under the umbrella of Trackhouse Entertainment Group, is currently "sustainable," yet the goal is for the team to achieve financial independence in the future.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, unique stories, conversations, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP insights, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing text, photos, or illustrations, whether wholly or in part, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Index

Crash.Net

Brivio is looking forward to the 2025 Aprilia model, expressing enthusiasm for its potential.

"There's a lot of anticipation for the 2025 motorcycle. It appears to hold great promise."

—

Brivio finds the prospects of Trackhouse's capabilities promising, citing the presence of "good ingredients."

Trackhouse team leader Davide Brivio is of the opinion that the American team possesses the right elements for its sophomore season in MotoGP.

Brivio, previously responsible for guiding Yamaha (with Valentino Rossi) and Suzuki (with Joan Mir) to MotoGP championships, shifted to Formula One before the allure of the fresh Trackhouse initiative enticed him to return to the motorcycle racing scene a year earlier.

The season was difficult for Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, who finished 15th and 16th in the world championship standings, respectively. Their team, Trackhouse, only managed to surpass Honda in the team rankings.

Brivio is optimistic that by 2025, with Fernandez and new partner Ai Ogura, the team will be on more solid ground, equipped with the most up-to-date factory-spec machines right from the beginning of the year.

"Brivio mentioned that the initial year served as a period of significant learning, particularly for Trackhouse as an entity."

"As the 2025 season approaches, there's a lot to look forward to, particularly with Aprilia leading the charge. The anticipation around their '25 model is high, and it appears to hold a lot of potential."

"The fresh technical lead at Aprilia, Fabiano Sterlacchini, is infusing the team with renewed vigor and a novel approach. Consequently, we're eager to discover the potential heights we can reach with the 2025 bike."

An additional indirect advantage comes from Aprilia securing the services of the new world champion, Jorge Martin.

"Undoubtedly, having the current MotoGP world champion's factory team as a competitor is quite motivating. It serves as an excellent reference point for us to gauge our position and assess the bike's performance."

"A rejuvenated Raul Fernandez"

In 2024, Trackhouse saw some notable moments including Fernandez momentarily taking the lead in Catalunya and achieving a double front row position in Sachsenring, with Oliveira securing a second-place finish in the Sprint.

Trackhouse achieved its top grand prix finish with Fernandez securing fifth place, after being switched to the upgraded '24 spec RS-GP over the summer break, during the rain-soaked Buriram race.

Brivio emphasized their decision to renew Fernandez's contract, citing his exceptional talent. He believes that Fernandez holds significant potential and acknowledged that the current challenge lies in harnessing that potential.

"Raul is experiencing a unique winter this season, altering his training regimen. It's a time for him to reflect on potential improvements."

"What went wrong last year? How can improvements be made? What was effective? Thus, we're engaging in discussions, conversations, and dialogues, and I'm optimistic that we'll see a rejuvenated Raul Fernandez in MotoGP."

"Exceptional skill" Ai Ogura

Teaming up with Fernandez is the 23-year-old from Japan, Ai Ogura, who justified the confidence placed in him by Brivio and Trackhouse by clinching the Moto2 championship last year.

"Brivio mentioned that they made a choice to opt for a newcomer and believes Ai Ogura is an exceptional talent. He highlighted that Ogura proved his capabilities last year by securing the Moto2 championship."

We're genuinely thrilled to welcome him on board. His dedication to racing and his serious attitude towards it are truly impressive. I'm eager to embark on this journey with him.

"We're looking at a pair of promising, skilled cyclists. With some luck, the 2025 Aprilia will bring an improved motorcycle to the table."

"I'll share more in a couple of competitions, but it seems there are promising elements in play to attempt something notable. We're going to focus on this…"

As a newcomer, Ogura qualifies to participate in the Sepang Shakedown test, scheduled to begin at the close of this month.

Fernandez, along with the entire lineup of racers for 2025, will proceed to compete on the Malaysian circuit in the next scheduled trial

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and delving into the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Collision.Net

Trackhouse MotoGP Team's Strategy to Change 2025 Livery

Team Principal Davide Brivio Discusses Why the Initial Livery Will Not Be the Last Version

Davide Brivio, the head of the Trackhouse MotoGP team, mentioned that the 2025 livery unveiled on Tuesday features a "corporate" theme. This is due to the fact that talks with possible sponsors are still underway.

On Tuesday, the team managed by the United States unveiled its plans for the 2025 MotoGP season at its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, showcasing a brand-new design compared to the one they used in the previous year.

However, the noticeable lack of significant sponsors, aside from a Gulf logo on the front wheel cover, led to inquiries about the "corporate colors" that Trackhouse eventually introduced.

In the team's promotional content, Brivio hinted that the livery might be altered at some point during the 2025 season.

Explore further: Why performance ranks as "the second priority" for a Trackhouse MotoGP rider

In a press briefing on Wednesday, which included Crash.net, Brivio provided further explanation of his earlier statement and disclosed that the team plans to implement a new design for winter testing.

"Initially, you can expect to see a different livery design for the winter test," he stated when Crash.net inquired about the team's livery strategy for 2025.

"Yesterday, we unveiled a livery that reflects the corporate colors of Trackhouse. This design was featured on both the bike and the [NASCAR team] car, showcasing a consistent look."

"Here are the colors we have chosen. We've designed a special livery for the winter testing phase. Additionally, we're currently in talks with potential future partners."

“If everything proceeds positively, we could bring in some new partners. As a result, we would need to reassess our branding once more.”

"Take last year as an example; we altered the design of the vehicle mid-season."

"We haven't set a strategy for 2025 yet, but we're aiming to be innovative, and I anticipate you will notice a variety of liveries throughout the year."

Trackhouse kicked off the 2024 season featuring a bike with a US flag as part of its design. However, starting with the Austrian Grand Prix, they switched to a new look featuring blue and silver colors.

Brivio pointed out that the team faced challenges in obtaining significant sponsorships because the typical schedule for teams to finalize sponsor agreements for the next season is just six months into their initial season. This situation has left them "behind schedule."

He mentioned that Trackhouse's in-house commercial team is assisting with MotoGP responsibilities in addition to its NASCAR tasks, as the team explores possible collaborations within the U.S. racing series.

Brivio mentioned that securing sponsorship in MotoGP is challenging.

"If you notice, there are several major brands in MotoGP. At Trackhouse, we are newcomers to this field."

"Last year, we initiated the development of a commercial department. Currently, the commercial team that typically handles NASCAR is now also focusing on MotoGP."

"We are exploring whether any NASCAR brands have an interest in expanding internationally, and MotoGP could serve as an effective platform for this purpose."

"However, our progress is gradual. This year has been educational for us, both in terms of understanding and business aspects."

"NASCAR and MotoGP operate in distinct environments. Therefore, we had to explore and comprehend the opportunities available within MotoGP."

"We're currently experiencing a slight delay. Typically, when involved in MotoGP events, sponsorship deals are usually finalized by August or September of the preceding year."

"You get everything ready. For us, August and September were just six months after we began."

"We have initiated talks, engaged in some conversations, and identified a few opportunities."

"You can never be sure until a contract is signed. Although it's challenging, we are engaged in some ongoing discussions."

"In essence, we couldn't finalize any deals in September, October, or November."

"We have unveiled our company's new design and are prepared to update it at any point during this season."

"The team in charge of our commercial operations had several months to make progress, and currently, there is an ongoing project."

Brivio stated that the MotoGP team functions as part of the Trackhouse Entertainment Group and is currently "sustainable." However, the aim is for the project to eventually achieve financial independence.

Sign up for our MotoGP Email Updates

Receive the most recent news, special features, interviews, and offers from the world of MotoGP directly in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Get the Latest on Crash MotoGP

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

Website Map

Crash.Net

Brivio is eager to witness the 2025 Aprilia and believes there are strong components at Trackhouse. "We're really looking forward to the 2025 model. It seems to hold a lot of potential."

Davide Brivio, the team principal of Trackhouse, is confident that the American team possesses the right components for their second season in MotoGP.

Brivio, known for managing MotoGP championships with Yamaha's Valentino Rossi and Suzuki's Joan Mir, transitioned to Formula One. However, the recently established Trackhouse project lured him back to the world of motorcycle racing last year.

The season was tough for Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, who ended up in 15th and 16th place in the world championship standings. Meanwhile, Trackhouse finished just ahead of Honda in the team rankings.

However, Brivio believes that the team will be on much more solid ground by 2025. At that time, Fernandez and his new teammate Ai Ogura will begin the season with the newest factory-spec equipment.

"The initial year served as a period of learning, both for Trackhouse as a company and for us," Brivio remarked.

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, there are many fresh developments, beginning with Aprilia. We're eager to see the new 2025 bike, which seems to hold a lot of potential.

The recently appointed technical director at Aprilia, Fabiano Sterlacchini, is bringing fresh enthusiasm and a new perspective to the table. We are eager to discover the potential of the 2025 bike under his guidance.

A secondary advantage comes from Aprilia bringing on board the newly crowned world champion, Jorge Martin.

Naturally, working alongside the factory team that includes the current MotoGP world champion is quite motivating. It serves as a valuable standard for us to gauge our progress and assess the bike's performance.

"An Energized Raul Fernandez"

In 2024, Trackhouse experienced significant moments, such as Fernandez taking the lead momentarily in Catalunya and achieving two front row starts in Sachsenring, where Oliveira secured second place in the Sprint.

Trackhouse achieved its top performance in a grand prix with Fernandez securing fifth place. Fernandez received an upgrade from the 2023 to the 2024 RS-GP model over the summer break, which helped him succeed in the rainy race at Buriram.

Brivio emphasized that they renewed Fernandez's contract due to his exceptional talent. He expressed confidence in Fernandez's abilities and acknowledged that the current task is to harness and make the most of his potential.

Raul is likely having a different winter experience than in previous years. He is altering his training methods and used this winter as an opportunity to reflect on areas that could be enhanced.

"What errors occurred last year? How can we improve? What strategies were effective? We're having conversations and discussions, and I am optimistic that we'll see a rejuvenated Raul Fernandez in MotoGP."

Talented Athlete Ai Ogura

Joining Fernandez is the 23-year-old Japanese racer Ai Ogura, who justified the confidence of Brivio and Trackhouse by clinching the Moto2 championship last year.

Brivio stated, "We decided to choose a rookie rider, and I believe Ai Ogura is exceptionally talented. He proved this last year by securing the Moto2 championship."

"We're thrilled to have him on board. His attitude is fantastic. He's deeply dedicated to racing and approaches it with great seriousness. I'm really looking forward to beginning this journey with him."

"We have two promising, skilled riders, and we're optimistic about having an improved bike with the 2025 Aprilia."

"I'll let you know after a few more races, but it seems like we have some promising elements to work with. We plan to focus on that…"

As a newcomer, Ogura will have the opportunity to participate in the Sepang Shakedown test, commencing later this month.

Fernandez, along with all the competitors for the 2025 season, will participate in the official test session at the Malaysian circuit afterward.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

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

Stay Updated

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

Copying any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner is prohibited.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Aleix Espargaro once found Marc Marquez unbearable early in their MotoGP careers. A former MotoGP race winner has unveiled significant insights into his past interactions with Marc Marquez.

Aleix Espargaro confessed that during the initial years of his MotoGP career, he found it difficult to tolerate Marc Marquez because of the competitive tension Marquez had with his brother, Pol Espargaro.

In the lower divisions of grand prix racing, Marquez and Pol Espargaro were intense competitors. However, their rivalry became less heated once they moved up to MotoGP.

When Espargaro joined Honda for the 2021 season, there were concerns that conflicts might arise once more.

Nevertheless, Marquez's persistent injury problems and Espargaro's difficulties in performance throughout his two seasons meant that their rivalry was never reignited.

In a DAZN documentary centered on the Espargaro brothers, Aleix described Marquez as the most gifted MotoGP rider of all time, although he confessed that he initially had a strong aversion to him.

"As a child, I looked up to Valentino Rossi as my hero," he stated.

"I'm older than Marc Marquez. Back then, Marc wasn't even around, so getting the chance to compete alongside Valentino was remarkable."

Marc and I swapped helmets, and I mentioned to him that I had endured challenges and chased after him during my entire career.

"I believe no competitor in the championship has displayed as much skill."

"Early in my career, I really couldn't tolerate him, as he was the one who always seemed to be my brother's weakness!"

At the conclusion of the 2023 season, Pol Espargaro decided to withdraw from competitive racing after enduring significant injuries in an accident during the first race of the year. He transitioned into a new position as a test rider for KTM.

At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Aleix Espargaro stepped away from his racing career, having secured three grand prix victories. In 2025, he took on a new role with Honda, serving as a test rider.

Looking back on his time in racing, Espargaro expressed: "What I take pride in is not being a hypocrite."

"I have consistently stayed true to myself and openly displayed both my strengths and weaknesses."

"During my entire time in sports, I've always had a fiery temperament."

"I might be a little more passionate. There are times when stress is hard to control, and it's one of my weaknesses."

I've consistently taken out my anger and frustration on the people I care about the most and with whom I have the closest relationships.

"My reliance on that trust, whether beneficial or detrimental, has caused me to err, and it will be something I constantly regret."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, 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

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to copy the text, images, or drawings in whole or in part in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

The new MotoGP competitor who is "already showing promise"

Ai Ogura anticipates his inaugural season.

Ai Ogura, a newcomer to Trackhouse Racing's MotoGP team, commented that Fermin Aldeguer is showing promising performance following his initial test. Meanwhile, the current Moto2 champion needs to make some adjustments.

In 2025, Ogura will join the top tier of MotoGP as one of three newcomers. He will compete alongside Aldeguer, who will ride for Gresini Ducati, and Somkiat Chantra from LCR Honda.

Explore further: Could this be Japan's upcoming MotoGP star?

The trio first appeared on the track during the post-season test held in Barcelona last November. Among them, Aldeguer stood out as the quickest, leading by nearly four-tenths of a second ahead of Ogura.

When questioned by Crash.net about whether he observed any qualities in his fellow rookies that would be beneficial in MotoGP, Ogura responded after the Trackhouse 2025 launch event. He commented, "To begin with, it's encouraging to have other rookies like myself, as it means I’m not the only one, and there are three of us advancing from Moto2."

"It's pleasant to observe. They serve as excellent standards, and having such riders is always a positive thing."

In Barcelona, Fermin was already performing impressively on a MotoGP motorcycle.

"Somkiat and Ai need to make some additional adjustments, but I believe that during the Barcelona test, the three of us are performing at a fairly similar level."

"We'll have to wait and see, but I'm optimistic that all three of us will perform successfully."

After his initial test last November, Ogura appeared at ease, commenting that he wasn't particularly surprised by the speed of a MotoGP bike or the braking effectiveness of the carbon brakes.

Find out more about how the latest team in MotoGP aims to distinguish itself from the major manufacturers. A distinct hurdle that new riders face in today's MotoGP is getting used to the sprint format, which Ogura believes is not the best for those who are just starting out.

He mentioned that for them, the weekend's format feels like it begins with qualifications as early as Friday.

"Therefore, it might take us newcomers a bit longer to adjust and comprehend everything. So, while it might not be intended for us, that's just the way it is."

Ogura has committed to a two-year contract to compete with Trackhouse in the top-tier category and will be teaming up with Raul Fernandez, who is entering his fourth year in MotoGP.

On Tuesday, Trackhouse began the launch season for MotoGP 2025 at its headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The official Aprilia team is scheduled to proceed on January 16, followed by Aldeguer who will kick off Gresini's season on January 18.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Track of Crash MotoGP

Reproducing any part of the text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is prohibited in all formats.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Title: Trackhouse MotoGP Racer Prioritizes Developments Over Results

Subtitle: Raul Fernandez Anticipates Significant Prospects in 2025

In the world of MotoGP, one rider from Trackhouse emphasizes that results come second in his list of priorities. Raul

Raul Fernandez is gearing up for his fourth season in MotoGP, marking his second year with the Trackhouse Aprilia team. The Spanish rider is set to begin the season equipped with factory equipment.

In 2022, Fernandez started his career with the Tech3 KTM team, but after a challenging season, he moved on to the RNF Aprilia team.

The first year on the RS-GP wasn't particularly notable, with the rider accumulating only 51 points and finishing 20th in the rankings. However, a fifth-place result at the final race in Valencia suggested more promising prospects ahead.

For further details: Discover how the latest team in MotoGP intends to differentiate itself from major factory teams.

Fernandez did not score any points in the initial two races of 2024 as Trackhouse began its MotoGP journey. However, he managed to secure points in Austin and consistently increased his score leading up to the summer break.

The pinnacle of his season occurred in Barcelona. During a tumultuous sprint race, he took the lead but unfortunately crashed. Despite this setback, he maintained his confidence and finished sixth in the grand prix. By the end of the season's first half, he stood 16th in the rankings, surpassing his 2023 total with 66 points.

Starting with the British Grand Prix, Fernandez transitioned to the 2024 RS-GP, which led to a downturn in his season's performance. He failed to earn any points until the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and only managed to accumulate a total of 20 points for the remainder of the year.

On Tuesday, after Trackhouse unveiled its 2025 vehicle design, Fernandez commented, "I was really concentrating on myself." He explained that he put significant effort into improving his physical condition. "In the past two years, I've undergone two surgeries on my arm," he acknowledged, "but somehow, I wasn't in the best shape and made sure to thoroughly assess everything over the winter."

"I decided to switch personal trainers, opting for a new one to focus on my fitness. This change was part of my effort to improve my mental approach. I aimed to relieve some of the pressure I tend to place on myself due to my ambitious nature during certain times."

"I put a significant amount of effort into that. Together with Davide Brivio, we'll be entering the season under different circumstances. In MotoGP, I've never begun a season with a factory bike. Additionally, it's the first time we're starting with a well-defined mindset for the team, unlike last year when we began with Trackhouse."

"Trackhouse wasn't fully prepared at the beginning of the season. Davide joined just before the season kicked off. Personally, it was a unique start for me, and I aimed to be mentally ready at my best. I believe this year presents a great chance for me to perform at my peak and demonstrate my capabilities."

Fernandez acknowledges that his high aspirations took over following an impressive start to the 2024 season. Consequently, when a bike change disrupted his momentum, he found it difficult to adjust his expectations accordingly.

He mentioned that one error he made last year involved the initial months leading up to Silverstone. During this period, they were almost breaking into the top 10, holding positions of 11th or 12th in the standings. They achieved some promising outcomes and were competing for strong positions during the qualifying rounds.

At the start of the year, everything was going great. However, once the new bike came in, I began to focus too much on achieving results. This mindset made the rest of the year challenging to handle. By the year's end, I realized that this was a crucial lesson, and I needed to work on this issue for the upcoming year.

In 2025, Fernandez kicks off the season with equipment identical to that of the official Aprilia team. He remains the sole unchanged member of the Italian brand’s lineup, which introduces MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and Moto2 champion Ai Ogura at Trackhouse.

In the latter half of last year, Aprilia relied more heavily on Fernandez to guide the development of the RS-GP 25. However, he does not see himself as the lead figure for the manufacturer as other riders continue to improve their performance.

"Jorge holds the title of world champion," he stated. "Indeed, he will be racing with the Aprilia for the first time in Thailand. He is currently the benchmark in MotoGP. Having the number one spot makes it very obvious to me."

The speaker expressed their intention to give their utmost effort and concentrate on themselves. They acknowledged that there is a significant amount to learn about others, as Marco and Ogura, both notable figures, are coming in, with Ogura being a world champion. Despite this, the speaker emphasized their commitment to maintaining focus on their own development.

When asked about being the benchmark for Aprilia, I won't dwell on that. I consider myself an equal to the other riders and will strive to perform at my best. My focus will be on improving with each practice session, without putting too much emphasis on the outcome. This year, my priorities are to stay in good shape, remain concentrated, and give my all.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Crash.Net