Bagger racing, led by a former Superbike champion, is slated to arrive in Europe in 2025.

Debut of Bagger category anticipated in Europe.

Ex-MotoGP and World Superbike competitor Ruben Xaus plans to introduce Bagger racing to Europe in 2025 by establishing the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The popularity of bagger racing surged when it was initially introduced in the United States as part of the MotoAmerica lineup, under the title 'King of the Baggers.'

Over time, it has evolved into one of the fiercest motorcycle racing series in the United States and has gained significant popularity among fans.

The excitement surrounding this development prompted Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports to form a fresh strategic alliance, which was announced following the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in November.

Although no arrangements have been made so far, Harley intends to compete with its Bagger motorcycles during the grand prix events.

The establishment of the Bagger Racing European Cup means that bagger racing in Europe is expected to become a reality in 2025, independent of this collaboration.

The series is being led by Xaus, who finished as the runner-up in the 2003 World Superbike Championship and has also secured a podium finish in MotoGP. This year, he competed in and won the Bagger Racing League in North America.

Few details about the Cup have been disclosed so far, including its schedule.

According to a press release regarding the Cup, it will be accessible to any machine "capable of being equipped with market-available bags." This allows brands such as Harley, Honda, Triumph, Ducati, and others to participate.

The event series will be coordinated by Xaus, supported by the Andorran Federation, and officially approved by FIM Europe.

Xaus expressed his thoughts on the Cup, stating, "I discovered a receptive environment for this project within FIM Europe, which welcomed it with great enthusiasm."

I believe that this championship has the potential to enhance the events it will be part of, boosting both their entertainment quality and overall appeal.

"We are currently working on finalizing the schedule, which we plan to officially announce soon. This schedule will feature the major countries in Europe."

"The rules will be straightforward and accessible to everyone. Our aim is for the participants in the championship to enjoy themselves and have a great time."

The Cup will include two races each round, taking place on Saturday and Sunday. The schedule for the weekend is structured around a free practice session, which is then followed by a qualifying session.

The organization of race events will be handled by Sh Services and Gestion A L Instant sl.

"I always feel a great sense of satisfaction whenever we successfully expand our range of sports titles," stated Alessandro Sambuco, the Secretary General of FIM Europe.

Introducing a new title reflects the vitality of our organization and shows that there is trust in the services provided by FIM Europe.

"What sets us apart from other sports entities outside the global sports framework is what we provide: clear sporting regulations, safety in athletic activities, insurance protection, and organizations equipped to handle any scenario."

"The Baggers will provide riders of all ages, from the young to the elderly, with the chance to compete in a secure and lively setting. Additionally, due to the new promoter, there will be engaging entertainment that complements the race."

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The "honor" and "expectations" associated with competing for Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP team

Morbidelli mentions that being a part of the VR46 team "demands top-level performance."

Franco Morbidelli acknowledges that taking on a role with Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team for the 2025 season comes with added pressure, yet he also feels a sense of pride in this opportunity.

At 29 years old, this individual is among the most notable figures from the VR46 Academy. They made history as the academy's first world champion in Moto2 in 2017 and also became its inaugural MotoGP race winner with a triumph at the San Marino Grand Prix in 2020.

Before committing to the VR46 Ducati team for the 2025 season, Morbidelli had never previously competed for the MotoGP icon Rossi's team.

The Italian racer participated in his first event with the team on the GP24 during the post-season test in Barcelona, where he completed 52 laps and secured the seventh position.

After the test, Morbidelli, who is familiar with the team, emphasized the importance of harnessing the "magical" atmosphere they share to become a cohesive group.

Competing for Rossi presents a distinct kind of pressure for an Italian rider, yet Morbidelli is welcoming this challenge.

"It makes me proud and adds additional pressure," he remarked.

In my view, being part of Valentino Rossi's team establishes a high standard, and we aim to fulfill those expectations moving forward.

"I experience consistency because the bicycle remains constant. While the individuals around me may differ, I am familiar with them, so it's a transition, albeit a minor one."

In 2024, Morbidelli switched to Ducati, joining the Pramac team, which marked his comeback as a regular contender in the top 10. This followed a challenging two-year period with the Yamaha factory team.

He secured a podium finish in the San Marino GP sprint but had difficulty keeping up with the other GP24 competitors throughout the year.

Looking back on 2024, he remarked, "I'll recall the progress we achieved during each session and every weekend, noticing each time that there was something more than what we had seen in the grand prix before."

"This year has been wonderful to witness and be a part of."

"We've progressed to lead our category. Although there's one more step to take, we've made significant advancements."

Franco Morbidelli's efforts to get ready for the season were disrupted due to a concussion he sustained during a training mishap at Portimao.

He was absent from all the winter testing sessions and revealed later in the year that he experienced memory loss for a period of two weeks following the accident.

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Pursuing Shadows: The Role of Videometry in MotoGP Racing

"Every racer and head engineer dreams of pinpointing the precise spots where time is lost or gained and measuring the exact distance involved."

In the most recent edition of the official MotoGP publication, GPMag, Peter Bom, a data acquisition expert and former crew chief who led teams to victory in the Moto3 and Moto2 world championships, explores the hidden realm of videometry.

The Dutch expert describes how teams have historically utilized accessible TV recordings to boost their competitive edge. This strategy has developed into the use of overlay images, or 'ghost mode,' which allows viewers to see two cyclists navigating the same part of the track simultaneously.

In the MotoGP paddock, the feature known as the 'ghost' function is referred to as 'videometry,' according to Bom.

Each team currently hires its own videographers to capture footage from key locations around the track.

The focus lies in highlighting the distinction between their riders and those from competing brands, especially the speediest riders using other bike brands.

By employing advanced software, two video clips are meticulously aligned. This allows riders and technicians to pinpoint the exact differences in a rider's performance in specific sections of a track, such as braking, navigating the middle of a corner, and accelerating, in comparison to the quickest rider on the circuit.

"The aspiration of every cyclist and lead engineer is to pinpoint the exact variations and measure the meters that are either lost or gained."

Bom highlights the use of video footage in conjunction with the team's telemetry data, which assists in optimizing bike configurations. Meanwhile, Chaz Davies, a former grand prix competitor, World Supersport champion, and WorldSBK race victor, discusses his application of videometry in his role as a rider coach for Ducati.

The most unexpected revelation comes when Bom demonstrates that one can obtain telemetry data from a 'competing' motorcycle solely by utilizing the video and audio recordings provided by Dorna.

Bom explains that experts can transform these onboard recordings into data, which can then be examined with the software that teams and manufacturers currently utilize for their own data analysis.

The engineer who provided me with this insight mentioned that he wouldn't be shocked if some of the existing MotoGP manufacturers are now implementing this method of converting video into data.

To demonstrate its effectiveness, Bom presents telemetry data—covering gear shifts, RPM, speed, braking, and throttle position—sourced from a real pole position lap by Francesco Bagnaia at the Assen circuit.

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For two decades, Peter has been immersed in the racing world, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career unfold and eventually conclude. He is currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Yamaha Finds Optimism After Challenging MotoGP Season

Japanese Manufacturer Sees Progress Amid Difficulties

Yamaha's team leader, Massimo Meregalli, mentioned that the Japanese company, facing difficulties, began to notice improvements following the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix during what he described as "the most extended season to date."

In 2023, Yamaha experienced a significant drop in their standings, shifting from being strong competitors for the championship to only securing podium finishes sporadically. The year 2024 marked their most challenging period in the contemporary MotoGP era.

For the first time in the four-stroke era, it was unable to secure a podium finish, earning only 124 points in the constructors' championship, a significant drop from the 196 points it scored in 2023.

However, Meregalli is of the opinion that Yamaha began to change its fortunes starting with the Aragon Grand Prix.

This argument gains validity when considering Yamaha's top performance in a grand prix this year, which occurred during the second-to-last race of the season in Malaysia. In that event, Fabio Quartararo achieved an impressive sixth place on the M1.

Meregalli expressed to MotoGP’s official website that, although this has been the lengthiest season on record, he truly appreciates the dedication everyone has shown throughout it.

"After Aragon, we began noticing the outcomes of our efforts, and we never lost hope."

"It's fulfilling because when you put in a lot of effort but don't see any outcomes, everything feels even more challenging and difficult to manage."

"However, beginning with the Aragon event, we began to notice some promising signs that we could sustain."

Primarily, I must acknowledge that the aerodynamics team put in considerable effort, and the cyclists began to grasp the principles of aerodynamics as we conducted consecutive tests.

"When we revisited the foundational principles of aerodynamics, they truly grasped the advantages brought by the most recent advancements in the field."

Even though Yamaha hasn't seen many results, it appears to be reinforcing its position as a manufacturer in 2024.

The organization successfully signed a new two-year deal with 2021 world champion Quartararo and extended Alex Rins' contract through to the conclusion of 2026.

In 2025, Yamaha successfully secured a partnership with Pramac, the world champion team, previously affiliated with Ducati, to become its satellite partner. Meanwhile, the company's newly appointed technical director, Max Bartolini, has influenced the Japanese manufacturer to change its development strategy.

It has become evident with the news that Yamaha is developing a V4 engine for the very first time.

Looking ahead to 2024, Meregalli expressed high admiration for Quartararo.

"Fabio is among those individuals who work hard and have made an effort to adjust," he mentioned.

"Altering your biking technique can be challenging."

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Ducati anticipates a highly challenging 2025 MotoGP season, calling it "impossible"

The team acknowledges that consistently dominating the podium as they have in the past will become more difficult.

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, thinks it will be "impossible" for the brand to dominate all top five spots in MotoGP races as it did in 2024.

In the 2024 season, Ducati experienced overwhelming success, securing victory in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races and easily clinching the constructors' championship.

Jorge Martin achieved the title of world champion, becoming the third rider for the brand to do so. He secured his first premier class championship by riding his Pramac-managed GP24, following a season-long competition with Francesco Bagnaia.

In the year 2024, Ducati managed to fill all three podium positions in 14 different races. Over the course of the season, six out of their eight riders collectively secured 53 podium

During the sprint race in Thailand, Ducati riders dominated by securing all of the top eight positions. Similarly, in the Japanese Grand Prix, Ducati solidified its strong performance by capturing the top five spots, and they continued this success by taking the top six positions at the Thai Grand

Despite a halt in development for all non-concession brands leading up to the 2027 regulations change and the reduction of its lineup by two bikes, Ducati is not anticipated to fall in ranking.

However, Dall'Igna expects that maintaining its dominance will become more challenging.

According to Dall’Igna, achieving top-five results similar to Japan and Australia will be unattainable next year, as reported by Australian MCN.

"However, dominating the top positions as we have recently will become more challenging. Ducati, particularly from a sports perspective, benefits greatly from these outcomes."

"The benefits that other teams, particularly Honda and Yamaha, enjoy due to concessions are significant, so I anticipated experiencing more challenges this season."

"We decided to take extra risks at the beginning of the year because we anticipated that other teams might improve throughout the season, while we wouldn't have that opportunity. Fortunately, our gamble was successful."

Whenever I notice even a small drop in performance or see that the distance between us and our competitors is narrowing, I strongly encourage my team to step up their efforts.

"The success of these championships is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Ducati Corse."

In the upcoming year, Marc Marquez will join Bagnaia at Ducati's factory team, as the number of their official racing bikes decreases from four to three.

VR46 racer Fabio Di Giannantonio is set to receive the last GP25.

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MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin Drops Hint About Race Number for Title Defense

Future Aprilia Rider Suggests Possible Race Number for the 2025 Season

MotoGP's new world champion, Jorge Martin, has hinted at the number he'll choose to race with in 2025 as he prepares to defend his title with Aprilia.

Throughout the 2024 season, which spanned 20 rounds, the Spanish racer engaged in a fierce competition with Francesco Bagnaia, who also rides for the factory Ducati team. Their rivalry was intense and lasted until the very end of the season.

In the final race in Barcelona, Martin clinched the championship title with a 10-point lead, even though he had only secured three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11 wins.

The victory secured Martin his second grand prix world championship, adding to his 2018 Moto3 title, and marked him as the first rider from an independent team in the modern era to clinch the premier class championship.

Martin was originally scheduled to join the factory Ducati team in 2025 alongside Bagnaia, but the brand reversed its decision and opted for Marc Marquez instead.

Check out this Instagram update featuring a shared post from Jorge Martin Almoguera, who goes by the handle @89jorgemartin.

Following this, Martin entered into a long-term contract with Aprilia to become part of its official team for the 2025 season.

After securing the championship title in Barcelona, Martin has frequently faced questions regarding which number he intends to display while riding the RS-GP.

After the final event of the season, he commented on the issue by asking, "What are your thoughts?"

"In my opinion, this is a moment to be celebrated. I prefer not to focus on what the next year might bring."

"Currently, we hold the top position and aim to secure victory in today's championship event as well. I'm not focusing on the upcoming year at the moment."

"We can take some time to consider this and then evaluate it."

During the end-of-season testing session in Barcelona, Martin maintained his usual number 89 on his vehicle.

During the latest TT-Christmas event held at Rocco’s Ranch, Martin participated in the motocross competition, sporting the number one.

Aprilia is set to kick off its 2025 season on January 16, featuring riders Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. During the event, Martin is expected to announce if he plans to race with the number one plate.

Should he decide to do so, he will continue the tradition begun by Bagnaia, who has used the number one after securing his inaugural championship in 2022.

Before him, Joan Mir used the number one after winning the 2020 championship, just as Casey Stoner did in 2012.

The gathering at Rocco’s Ranch, located close to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, included prominent grand prix figures such as Aleix Espargaro and Fermin Aldeguer. It successfully raised €20,000 to support Aspar's flood relief efforts in Valencia.

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Joan Mir gives a bleak evaluation of the impact MotoGP concessions have had on Honda. He stated, "We need to figure out how to obtain quality components for the motorcycle."

Joan Mir believes that the development concessions given to Honda for its underperforming MotoGP bike will not provide any benefit in 2024.

In recent years, Yamaha and Honda have faced difficulties, leading MotoGP to implement a revised concessions framework aimed at helping both teams enhance their competitiveness on the grid.

These changes were implemented for the 2024 season, allowing unlimited engine development and testing with the race riders.

However, neither Yamaha nor Honda secured any podium finishes by the end of the year, and both manufacturers earned fewer points in the constructors' championship compared to their 2023 performance.

In 2024, Honda failed to score at least 100 points with its team of four riders, only reaching a total of 75 points, which is a significant drop from the 185 points it collected in 2023.

Mir faced a challenging season, managing to score points only seven times, which left him with five points less than his total of 21 in 2023. Additionally, he experienced 17 crashes throughout the season.

When questioned about Honda's potential position in 2024 without any concessions, Mir responded with a hint of sadness, saying, "Next year, we're likely to be in the same situation as we are now."

"I trust that this will benefit us in the future. However, in the immediate term, we didn't gain any benefit."

"The outcomes clearly show that no progress was made."

"We need to figure out how to obtain quality components for the bike that will enhance our speed. Currently, we haven't been able to achieve this goal."

In 2024, Mir has emerged as the most vocal critic from Honda's camp, expressing his frustration over what he perceives as insufficient advancements with the RC213V.

During the post-season testing in Barcelona, he appeared disheartened as he informed reporters that Honda had failed to introduce any new components that he hadn't previously tested.

Honda utilized its testing allowance to conduct private sessions during the intervals between races in 2024. According to Mir, this approach was somewhat harmful to the riders due to the pressure it imposed on them.

"The factory riders having more opportunities to test isn't necessarily an advantage, because if the bike were improved, I would naturally ride faster," he commented.

“This is the reason we have a dedicated testing team. When we conduct tests and spend entire days doing so over the course of multiple weeks, it takes a mental toll on us without any psychological break.”

"We alternate between testing and racing, but sometimes it leads to poorer performance instead of improvements."

"We are strengthening our testing team to ensure they effectively produce quality results."

"They test what they believe works on general practitioners to determine if there's an improvement."

Honda has made a notable advancement with its 2025 test team by recruiting Aleix Espargaro, a former racer who has clinched three grand prix victories and retired last season.

Takaaki Nakagami will assist him, having transitioned to a development position at Honda following his replacement by Somkiat Chantra at LCR.

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Radios in MotoGP: Are They a "Perilous" Gimmick or a Crucial Advancement?

New insights reveal the use of radios during the Barcelona test session.

Earlier in November, MotoGP conducted additional radio trials in Barcelona, where Ducati's Michele Pirro showcased a new two-way communication system for the first time.

During the post-Solidarity Grand Prix testing session in Barcelona, Ducati's test rider Pirro and the factory team manager, Davide Tardozzi, were observed using two-way radios to talk to one another.

MotoGP has been exploring the concept of radio communication for a prolonged period. The initial trials centered around a one-way system that allowed pre-recorded messages from race direction to be transmitted to the riders during the race.

During the post-season test in Barcelona, Crash.net discovered that every race direction message had been completely documented. Additionally, discussions were in progress to expand the list of messages to feature alerts received by riders on their dashboards, including warnings about track limits.

This information could have been beneficial for Jorge Martin, the world champion of 2024, during the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. While navigating the rapid sequence of corners at the rear of the Misano circuit, Martin was distracted by a dashboard alert regarding track limits. This distraction caused him to make an error at Turn 13, allowing Francesco Bagnaia to seize the lead and ultimately secure the win.

Pirro has served as a test subject for Dorna's radio trials, which has led to him becoming the most at ease with the systems under evaluation. He views this as a natural progression akin to the advancements observed in motorcycle technology over the years.

"It's fascinating; we've been evaluating the system for some time," he mentioned while in Barcelona. "Today, during the testing phase, we conducted trials throughout the day. I believe it's similar to how bikes are developed; it's the start of a journey, and we have the entire next year to refine and establish a comprehensive database to integrate this system."

"It's a development that could be both intriguing and significant in the coming years. I'm pleased to have played a role over these past months. Today, we focused on gathering as much information as we could. Starting in 2026, it will become compulsory, so it's crucial to be fully prepared."

As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding Pirro's remark that radios will become compulsory starting in 2026.

Crash has learned that the progress of radio systems will persist until 2025, though there won't be a mandatory, large-scale implementation at races in the immediate future. Riders interested in trying out a system can do so on their own accord, with the likely option being a one-way system featuring pre-recorded messages. In the future, a two-way communication setup between riders and race officials might be considered as the next significant advancement. However, the system must receive complete endorsement from the riders, as safety remains the primary concern at this stage.

A number of racers, such as Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Vinales, have shown enthusiasm for the implementation of radios after experiencing the one-way communication system in earlier trials. However, some believe that even the one-way system is not yet fully developed, let alone a two-way system.

In Barcelona, Francesco Bagnaia expressed his frustration, saying, "I tried it, but it's still not prepared." He explained that during his test, the device failed to function, leaving him unable to hear anything. Additionally, he found it somewhat bothersome. Bagnaia also noted that the connecting cable is quite large, posing a potential safety risk. He concluded by stating that he will conduct another test once the device is fully operational.

It's important to mention that Bagnaia has expressed his opposition to the implementation of radios. Following the San Marino Grand Prix, he stated, "I do not support this idea" since "we already receive all the necessary information from the track, the pitboard, and our dashboard."

According to Pirro, he thinks that riders will simply need to adapt to any radio system introduced.

Focusing on the two-way system, he mentioned, "Previously, I experimented with the one-way system during other tests. This time, I decided to give the two-way system a try. It's a novel experience, and initially unfamiliar, but in my view, it's just about adapting to it."

"It's evident that it was a trial, and they kept communicating with me throughout, which made it less than ideal. However, when there are crucial updates or adjustments needed for the bike, you can anticipate potential issues prior to arriving at the pits. Nonetheless, I view it as an intriguing opportunity for development, as we are just starting out. Fortunately, there's ample time ahead."

The first systems are being created for safety purposes, but MotoGP's long-term aim is to establish constant communication between riders and the pit wall, similar to what is seen in Formula 1. This development would introduce a new aspect to the live coverage. If Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP is confirmed by the end of the year, the new owners will likely be eager to advance this initiative as part of their expansion strategy.

There is ongoing discussion regarding the introduction of radios in MotoGP, with some questioning their impact on the sport's purity. In September, during the Misano event, Marc Marquez expressed that while radios might enhance the entertainment aspect, they do not align with the fundamental nature of MotoGP.

The hesitation from both social media and traditional media regarding the use of radios in MotoGP largely stems from a fear that it might make the sport too similar to Formula 1. Some of this reluctance is simply due to a lack of open-mindedness; however, the constant radio communication in F1 has arguably lessened the perception of its drivers as the world's elite. From a sporting perspective, is there truly an audience for listening to drivers grumble to their teams whenever a close race doesn't favor them?

Car radios diminish drivers' reliance on their instincts. When weather conditions are unpredictable, drivers receive timely updates on potential rainfall and its intensity. Typically, choices about whether to make a pit stop are based on the observations of team strategists who analyze the lap times of other vehicles. Nowadays, drivers rarely take spontaneous risks based purely on their own judgment.

Could MotoGP reach this level?

The concept of implementing a one-way communication system for race control messages is a positive move towards enhancing safety. A comparable system is already in place in the World Endurance Championship, where race officials can notify drivers about upcoming Virtual Safety Car periods. Naturally, the experience of getting messages while seated in a car differs significantly from receiving them while riding a motorcycle. Additionally, riders have shown interest in having a system that allows them to alert race officials about hazards that might necessitate a red flag. For this reason, a two-way radio system seems logical.

The introduction of communication between teams and riders in MotoGP is expected to transform the sport.

If the system had been available at the San Marino Grand Prix, Jorge Martin might have avoided his tactical mistake during the flag-to-flag race. His Pramac team could have informed him that the rain was only a short-lived shower.

Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini were probably set on disregarding any communications from their team, relying instead on the distinct scent of the Misano track to determine if the conditions were wet enough to warrant a bike change. Similarly, Martin, being the rider, had the final say; if he believed that staying on the track would be too dangerous while waiting for the rain to subside, he would have chosen to head to the pits regardless.

Team leaders might attempt to guide bikers by advising them on areas where they should increase their speed. However, since they lack the firsthand experience and feelings that a rider has while on the motorcycle, it's unlikely that the bikers will pay much attention to these directives.

Despite having two-way radios, Honda probably would have still made errors in their calculations during the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. As a result, Marc Marquez might not have swapped bikes at the required limit for tire safety, causing him to be disqualified with a black flag.

During intense situations, Formula 1 drivers often become irritable if their engineers communicate with them. In contrast, MotoGP races are typically shorter and less spread out than an F1 grand prix, leading to instances where riders may instruct their teams to remain silent altogether.

It seems that MotoGP might actually benefit from not having radio communication. However, it's important to remember that change is inevitable, and the effects on the sport may not be as drastic as some pessimists are predicting.

Initially, sprint races faced a lot of doubt, yet they've now become a regular fixture. The new MotoGP logo will likely follow a similar path. Likewise, once radios are commonly used, any initial backlash will likely fade swiftly, as is often the case with such changes.

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Cyclist Receives 17-Hour Penalty for Video Calling His Mother

The curious case of a concerned mom during a major competition

The off-season for motorcycle racing has revealed an unusual and largely unnoticed story.

A motocross enthusiast managed to finish a notoriously challenging race, all while continuously video calling his anxious mom.

Ben Hunter expressed his strong desire to compete in the Baja 1000, but mentioned that his mother refuses to allow it due to his Type 1 diabetes.

"She mentioned that I would only be allowed to participate in the race if I continuously broadcasted it live."

That's precisely what he went ahead and accomplished.

This year's Baja 1000 featured dirt bike rider Ben Hunter, who completed the race with a @Starlink Mini attached to his helmet. Hunter expressed his strong desire to compete in the Baja 1000, but his mother initially refused due to his Type 1 diabetes. She eventually agreed, provided that he could be monitored live during the race. pic.twitter.com/VnLOptNP3c

Hunter arrived wearing a helmet to which he had attached a Starlink Mini, and it was connected to a power source.

During a live stream on FaceTime, his mother was seen secured to his body with tape.

The Baja 1000 ranks among the world's most esteemed off-road racing events and takes place on the Baja California Peninsula.

Hunter's effort to calm his mother's worries was commendable.

However, his performance in sports was not particularly successful.

According to Motosprint, Hunter received a 17-hour penalty for using a prohibited route.

This resulted in the participant being formally removed from the competition.

It seems likely that his mother, who observed everything, gave him a scolding.

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

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura admits feeling apprehensive about racing alongside MotoGP legends during his initial test run

He anticipated being more astonished than he actually was…

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "anxious" as he joined the ranks of MotoGP's elite riders during his initial trial with Trackhouse Racing at the Barcelona circuit on Tuesday.

The rider from Japan inked a contract for two years with the Aprilia satellite team during the summer to advance to MotoGP by 2025, an agreement that has significantly appreciated in value following his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, during the test following the Solidarity Grand Prix, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP race, finishing 86 circuits aboard the 2024 model RS-GP.

He finished the day as the second-best rookie out of three, landing in the 21st position, despite experiencing a minor crash at Turn 2 during the early hours of the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentioned, "Naturally, seeing the other riders on the track, along with a few cameras, does make me a bit anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the primary distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized the necessity of mastering throttle control to stabilize the motorcycle as his main challenge.

He also mentioned that currently, his greatest challenge is entering corners.

"Perhaps managing the throttle to maintain stability on the bike and ensure smooth acceleration was the most challenging aspect for me. It feels somewhat distinct."

"Initially, my focus is on improving the braking aspect, specifically the entire sequence from the moment I start braking until I begin to press on the accelerator. It's this phase I aim to comprehend better and prioritize for adjustments."

Newcomers frequently mention the overwhelming force of MotoGP engines and the efficiency of carbon brakes as a significant surprise upon their initial transition from Moto2.

However, Ogura had a different experience, noting, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished than I actually was, but by the second or third lap, I had adjusted to the pace."

"There's not much of a difference between steel and carbon brakes. It's not a big deal for me."

Ogura plans to enhance his physical conditioning during the winter months to prepare for his move to MotoGP, and mentioned that he wasn't overly fatigued following his 86 laps on Tuesday.

"Today, I completed 86 laps with my longest stretch being, I believe, about 10 laps," he mentioned.

"For this course, I felt fine; I didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"However, I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so it remains to be seen. Nonetheless, I'm fine after today's session, and I plan on increasing my training intensity this winter compared to last year."

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MotoGP 2025: Identifying Each Rider's Chief Mechanic

Complete list of rider-chief mechanic combinations for the 2025 MotoGP campaign

The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season has undergone significant changes, featuring many racers who have either moved between teams or entered the class for the first time

A shift in teams often brings about a change in crew chiefs for some, whereas others who remain may greet new trackside technicians in their garages.

Here are the team-wise chief and rider combinations for the year 2025.

Ducati racing team

Marc Marquez paired with Marco Rigamonti, and Francesco Bagnaia teamed up with Cristian Gabarrini.

Marc Marquez, who has clinched the world championship eight times, is joining the Ducati factory team, marking his third consecutive season with a new crew chief.

Exiting Honda and parting ways with Santi Hernandez following the 2023 season, Marquez joined forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the official Ducati team meant he wouldn't continue working with Carchedi. Instead, Ducati chose to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who previously worked as Enea Bastianini's crew chief.

Rigamonti has experience collaborating with Andrea Iannone during their time at Ducati and Suzuki, and also with Johann Zarco, working together in the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the chief mechanic for Francesco Bagnaia during his tenure as a MotoGP champion, and has previously collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Team Honda

Joan Mir paired with Santi Hernandez

Luca Marini teamed up with Christian Pupulin

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of the previous year, Joan Mir became the new leader of Hernandez's crew, taking over the role.

Luca Marini will now have Christian Pupulin as his new crew chief, taking over from Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved to Pramac to work alongside Jack Miller, whereas Pupulin comes from a previous position with KTM where he was paired with the Australian rider.

Aprilia Racing Team

Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli

Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

The recent MotoGP victor, Jorge Martin, has transitioned to the official Aprilia team, taking Daniele Romagnoli along from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from Matteo Flamigni at VR46 to team up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia, who served as Maverick Vinales' performance engineer this season.

KTM Factory Racing Team

Pedro Acosta and Paul Trevathan

Brad Binder alongside Andres Madrid

Pedro Acosta, though a newcomer to the KTM factory team, has brought along Paul Trevathan from Tech 3 to serve as his crew chief. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his partnership with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini Racing

Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi

Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti

In his debut MotoGP season, Aldeguer is teaming up with Frankie Carchedi, who previously served as Marc Marquez's chief mechanic, for the year's campaign. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his collaboration with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha racing team

Fabio Quartararo paired with Diego Gubellini, and Alex Rins teamed up with David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues his collaboration with Diego Gubellini, his partner since his MotoGP introduction in 2019, whereas David Munoz, previously associated with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, teams up with Alex Rins, stepping in for Patrick Primmer.

VR46

Franco Morbidelli paired with Matteo Flamigni, and Fabio Di Giannantonio teamed up with Massimo Branchini.

Veteran mechanic of Valentino Rossi and previous chief for Marco Bezzecchi's crew, Matteo Flamigni, will accompany Franco Morbidelli as he transitions to VR46. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio will collaborate with a new crew chief, Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth different chief in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini served as the chief mechanic for Morbidelli’s team at Pramac.

Tech3

Enea Bastianini paired with Alberto Giribuola

Maverick Vinales teamed with Manuel Cazeaux

Enea Bastianini's transition to the Tech3 KTM team next season marks a reunion with Alberto Giribuola, who previously served as his crew chief in 2022 while they were at Gresini.

Maverick Vinales has teamed up with Manu Cazeaux, moving together from Aprilia.

Pramac Racing Team

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomo Guidotti

Pramac is introducing a fresh roster for its Yamaha introduction in 2025, which includes the addition of two new crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will team up with Luca Ferracioli, previously partnered with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti parts ways with Honda to collaborate with Jack Miller in the coming year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, previously Miguel Oliveira's crew chief, as Raul Fernandez maintains his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR Teams

David Garcia and Johann Zarco – Somkiat Chantra alongside Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco continues his partnership with David Garcia into his second season at LCR Honda, as newcomer to MotoGP, Somkiat Chantra, steps into the role alongside Takaaki Nakagami's previous chief mechanic, Klaus Nohles.

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Franco Morbidelli discusses VR46 introduction: "There's something special about it"

"There's something special about it, and we must take advantage of it"

Franco Morbidelli is excited to utilize his exceptional bond with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP squad in 2025.

The Italian racer, who was the inaugural world champion for the VR46 Academy in Moto2 in 2017 and also clinched a MotoGP race victory in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac squad.

Morbidelli stands out as one of the select riders in the lineup who will continue using the same model of motorcycle in 2025, offering him the advantage of a familiar setup.

This year at Pramac, Morbidelli was equipped with a Desmosedici GP24, identical to the one Jorge Martin used to clinch the title. However, he missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha championship contender secured a Sprint podium finish at Misano, placed fourth in the Indonesian Grand Prix, and ended the season ninth in the overall rankings.

In his first appearance for Pertamina VR46, he secured a seventh-place finish, trailing by 0.762 seconds, during the Barcelona test on Tuesday.

"Today was significant for becoming acquainted with my colleagues for the upcoming year," Morbidelli stated.

This encompasses former Marco Bezzecchi team leader Matteo Flamigni, who previously served as Rossi's electronics engineer.

"Morbidelli stated, 'Having the opportunity to collaborate with team members whom I've had relationships with for years is truly an immense privilege.'"

"Since my childhood, I've tracked Matteo's career. He became a legend alongside Vale during his tenure as an electronics engineer, and we shared a strong connection."

Morbidelli stated: "My respect for everyone within the team and our mutual understanding is something special. We must leverage this incredible bond to our advantage."

"It's essential for us to leverage it as a means to rapidly forge connections and bonds to accomplish our goals."

The presentation on Tuesday went smoothly, indicating a positive start.

"Morbidelli described the initial day as outstanding," he remarked. "We made adjustments to the motorcycle to grasp the ongoing developments, aiming to foster a deeper understanding between myself and the team.

"This will be the key factor in the coming year. The more we understand each other during these challenging times, the more effectively we'll perform and respond during race weekends."

"I'm fond of the environment here; it has all one requires to excel. We put in a lot of effort, and I chose not to go with the soft tire towards the end because it was too chilly to make any lap time better. All in all, it's been a fantastic beginning."

What about the unique leather materials?

"Gorgeous. I'm eager to see additional pictures since it was truly delightful."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is part of Morbidelli's team, was unable to participate in the test because he had recently undergone surgery on his shoulder.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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