Miguel Oliveira makes his Trackhouse swan song at the Barcelona MotoGP

For their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse, Miguel Oliveira along with team manager Wilco Zeelenberg prepare to bid farewell.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make a comeback in MotoGP, participating in his final race with Trackhouse Aprilia at the Solidarity Barcelona season-ending event this weekend.

Portimao has been absent from the past five races because of wrist injuries sustained from a traction control malfunction while training in Mandalika.

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Oliveira, securing a historic podium finish for Trackhouse at the Sachsenring Sprint, will have his last ride on an RS-GP ahead of his initial test with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.

"Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to MotoGP racing."

"I don't have very high hopes because the true extent of my wrist's limitations won't be clear until I'm riding again. It's definitely a Grand Prix that evokes mixed emotions, but my goal is to end my time with the Trackhouse team on a positive note.

"Clearly, we will be making a swift effort to collect both optimism and financial support for the victims of the devastating occurrences in Valencia, so in general – I'm eager to participate!"

Oliveira's exit, along with the introduction of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi as the brand-new factory team, leaves Raul Fernandez as the sole rider staying on with Aprilia in 2025.

Fernandez captured attention during the May Barcelona race, impressively securing a front-row start with his 2023-spec motorcycle and remarkably leading the Sprint race, only to unfortunately crash later on.

The Spanish rider, who was recently upgraded to the RS-GP24, subsequently secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"Fernandez stated, “Initially, our race will be in honor of everyone impacted in Valencia. The incident there remains startling, so our competition will be dedicated to them.

"Barcelona proves to be a favorable circuit for our team, and while our main focus remains on preparing for the upcoming year, I'm keen on ending the final race of the season on a high note."

"The outcome we achieved last time in Barcelona fills me with hope. Nonetheless, I prefer to remain composed, approach it step by step, and aim to perform at my peak."

Oliveira's substitute, current Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura, is set to have his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.

This weekend marks not only the departure of the Portuguese from Trackhouse, but also the exit of team manager Wilco Zeelenberg, who is also saying goodbye.

"Indeed, we're optimistic that the event in Barcelona will be remarkable, primarily due to the challenging circumstances that bring us there. We aim to offer all the support we can to those in Valencia," Zeelenberg remarked.

According to the MotoGP organization, the sentiment isn't that we're racing in Valencia, but rather we're racing for Valencia. This perspective truly adds a unique significance to the second round taking place in Barcelona.

"For our squad, this event holds particular significance as Miguel makes his return following an injury, and Raul took the lead in the Sprint race at his local event earlier in the summer."

"Our bicycle performed admirably in that location previously, so we'll find out if we can replicate our previous racing successes.

"I'm excited about attending the upcoming MotoGP race, which marks not only the end of this season but potentially the last one in my career as well."

An ex-Grand Prix competitor, who clinched the 1990 West German 250GP title, Zeelenberg achieved his initial significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship riding for Yamaha.

The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the newcomer Jorge Lorenzo. Interestingly, he operated in a garage that was physically split, sharing the space with Valentino Rossi.

Until 2015, the Yamaha factory squad maintained a distinct team manager for each of its riders. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's position was officially updated to 'Rider Performance Analyst', signaling a shift towards a greater emphasis on rider coaching.

By the time Lorenzo departed for Ducati in 2017, he and Zeelenberg had secured three world championships and triumphed in 43 races.

The individual from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha and collaborate with newcomer Maverick Vinales, who secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1. However, more than a year passed, and Vinales hadn't won another race, clearly leading to noticeable strain.

Zeelenberg and Ramon Forcada, who played a significant role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the newly established Petronas Yamaha team in 2019, with Zeelenberg taking on the position of team manager once again.

The Sepang initiative unveiled the potential of Fabio Quartararo, marking him as a future star, achieved six victories, and recorded the maiden wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, while Franco Morbidelli secured the second place in the 2020 championship.

Following Valentino Rossi's last season in MotoGP, the departure of Petronas led to a more streamlined team being reestablished by Razlan Razali as RNF, initially partnering with Yamaha before switching to Aprilia equipment.

Zeelenberg played a pivotal role in navigating the team through turbulent times, including a failed partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued as team manager into the beginning of this year's Trackhouse period.

There is no expectation for a replacement for Zeelenberg, indicating that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities typical of a team manager.

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

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Davide Tardozzi cautioned that Ducati is at risk of a public relations setback. "Certainly, that's going to hurt, there's no question about that…"

Davide Tardozzi has been warned that Ducati could be overshadowed in public relations if Aprilia reveals a #1 plate on their 2025 motorcycle.

Heading into this weekend's final MotoGP race in Barcelona, Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin is ahead by 24 points in the championship standings.

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He's the leading contender to secure his inaugural championship, yet he's set to join Aprilia in 2025. This implies that Ducati's competitor might showcase the prestigious #1 plate on Martin's motorcycle the following year.

Ducati team leader Tardozzi emphasized that they will be satisfied as long as Martin secures the championship riding a Ducati, no matter how next year's Aprilia looks.

Michael Laverty from TNT Sports expressed, "That's definitely going to hurt, there's no question about that."

Despite attempts to gloss over it by highlighting his status as a Ducati champion in the historical records, they will fall short in the public relations battle next year.

"Aprilia is set to achieve it. They'll definitely place the #1 plate on the Aprilia, without a doubt!"

"You would take advantage of it."

Francesco Bagnaia, the champion for the last two years, faces the huge task of staging a remarkable recovery in Barcelona if he wishes to keep his title.

He seemingly has limited support on the track – his teammate, Enea Bastianini, has no obligation to Ducati after being replaced for the 2025 season, and will be moving to KTM.

Marc Marquez is set to be Bagnaia's upcoming team partner, however, he is not expected to engage in the championship battle.

Laverty communicated to Ducati, stating, "It's not possible to compel action. They cannot make Enea assist. Martin has shown greater consistency with fewer errors.

"They have a two-time world champion, yet this year hasn’t favored Pecco."

Pramac is on the verge of an impressive achievement by securing the championship ahead of their main manufacturing team.

This marks an extraordinary conclusion to their partnership, as Pramac has committed to joining forces with Yamaha as a satellite project starting in 2025.

Neil Hodgson remarked, "It's significant. Being a satellite team, they lack the equivalent number of staff members.

"Moving to the main factory team is a significant advancement."

"For the first time in history, a satellite team has secured the MotoGP championship. This is a groundbreaking achievement, as previously, only those riding top-tier factory bikes, like Valentino Rossi in 2001, have clinched the title."

"However, we haven't experienced it, particularly to this extent."

For a satellite team to outperform a factory team? That's a significant achievement.

"Should it occur, being with Pramac? They're the approachable squad, always known for their warm demeanor.

"Paolo Campinoti, the team's manager, has dedicated 25 years and invested millions of personal funds into this racing circuit."

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

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Aleix Espargaro bids adieu to Aprilia MotoGP with high hopes: "We secured victories in three out of the last four contests"

Espargaro aims for the top in his final Aprilia MotoGP appearance: "Our performance here has been outstanding."

Aleix Espargaro aims to conjure up some more Montmelo magic in his last outing with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The hometown hero will conclude his two-decade long Grand Prix journey on Sunday, at the postponed Barcelona season ender, prior to embarking on a fresh role as a test and wild-card racer for Honda.

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Since teaming up with Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has consistently outperformed as the leading RS-GP competitor, achieving significant accomplishments including the team's inaugural pole position, podium finish, race victory, and leading position in the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's team-mate, will halt Espargaro's streak in 2024, entering the last race with a lead of 43 points over his compatriot, placing him in an unreachable eighth place.

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to outperform Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his impeccable performance over the COTA weekend. Nonetheless, Espargaro could have presented a stronger challenge had he not been sidelined by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

Regarding their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro leads, having secured flawless victories in both races last season, then achieved pole position and won the Sprint race in May, before finishing fourth in the grand prix, a whole 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Accordingly, expectations are elevated for Espargaro to enhance his Aprilia achievements, which include 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, in his final weekend 'dressed in black'.

"Barcelona feels like home turf to me. I really enjoy it, and it complements both my style and the Aprilia perfectly," Espargaro remarked.

"We've secured incredible outcomes in this competition. Out of the recent four races, we've clinched victories in three and currently possess the fastest lap time on this circuit. These accomplishments suggest that we have what it takes to maintain our leading position.

"I am eager to conclude my final race alongside Aprilia on a competitive note, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I'll aim to remain completely concentrated right from the start, and we'll put in our maximum effort to secure a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team director, expressed his excitement about Aleix concluding his tenure with Aprilia at his local circuit in Montmeló, highlighting the significance of his achievements there, including securing the fastest qualifying time and a victory in the sprint race this season.

Espargaro and Aprilia can breathe a sigh of relief as the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP during its last outing in Sepang are not expected to recur in the cooler autumn temperatures of Barcelona.

Conversely, the aerodynamic setup for 2024 seems to have diminished in performance during the high-speed turns at the Circuit de Catalunya, where Raul Fernandez captured attention riding the 2023 model bike in May.

Beyond his own showing this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin, who will be joining Aprilia in 2025, as he has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati come Saturday.

In the meantime, the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP will mark Vinales' last race with Aprilia, as he is set to move to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following a strong start with victories in the first three races, encompassing the Sprints, Vinales has failed to secure a podium spot thereafter. This has resulted in him falling behind the KTM riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

"Montmeló is a circuit that holds a special place in my heart; it's practically in my backyard and it's my local Grand Prix," Vinales expressed. "Being there always fills me with a lot of motivation."

"The forecast indicates that the weather conditions will be erratic, accompanied by cooler temperatures."

"This upcoming weekend promises to be extraordinary: we're heading to Valencia for a race, and it marks my final event competing with Aprilia, so I'm committed to putting in my utmost effort."

Vinales has competed in 64 events with Aprilia, securing one MotoGP victory, two Sprint wins, 13 podium finishes, and two pole positions.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the evolution of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes sprint race setup: "MotoGP lacks challenge"

Casey Stoner shares his opinions on the current MotoGP weekend structure

Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format in MotoGP, arguing that it unfairly influences the outcomes of the main races.

MotoGP launched a fresh race format in the previous year, featuring a sprint race every Saturday of each event, and Francesco Bagnaia clinched the 2023 championship title.

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Heading into the final race weekend of the season, Bagnaia is 24 points behind Jorge Martin in the standings. However, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 races held on Sundays, compared to Martin's three wins.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprints may play a key role in clinching his first championship, should he manage to transform his significant advantage into a victory. Securing a win in Barcelona's Saturday sprint will officially crown him as the champion.

Former champion Stoner expressed to GPOne, "The essence of motorsport is to showcase the top athletes competing on the most challenging vehicles to operate, yet currently, MotoGP has become too simplistic."

Riders lack sufficient mastery over the motorcycle. The contribution of engineers is becoming excessively influential.

"Subsequently, they introduced the sprint race, which diminishes the total track time available for focusing on the longer race."

"The concept of a world championship isn't meant to revolve around brief showcases; it's designed to be a test of stamina."

"Essentially, it's akin to declaring ‘alright, we’re setting up for a marathon, but now 10 laps doesn't cut it, it’s 43 kilometres!’"

"It's an exhausting and demanding task. Therefore, we require stability as the world championship is meant to be a marathon event."

"It's not feasible to rely on individuals who excel briefly, capable of handling the soft tyre. Consideration must be given to the entire race length."

"Additionally, earning points from these brief races isn't advisable as points are traditionally awarded on Sunday during the primary race."

Setting up a bike is quite challenging, ensuring you maintain concentration for the whole race.

"Currently, our attention is intensely centered on a single lap, emphasizing the significance of advancing through Q2 from the initial practice session."

"This halts everyone from focusing on preparing for the race, ensuring all preparations are complete."

"Consequently, it appears that the notable difference in performance among competitors on Sundays can be attributed to not all racers being adequately prepared for the speed of the race."

Taking into account electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated, "Overall, I believe the MotoGP motorcycle has become one of the simplest bikes to ride globally."

Stoner secured the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 with Honda.

His triumph with Ducati turned out to be a misleading sign of success for the company. For the following 15 years, they found themselves unable to clinch a championship, even after bringing on board renowned riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

In 2022, Bagnaia finally broke that curse, however, Stoner has consistently criticized the use of advanced technology in MotoGP bikes.

He has now strongly criticized the two-year-old system that might help Martin snatch the championship away from Bagnaia.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, his coverage spanning diverse areas including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Twelve months following Marc Marquez's impactful grin, he sheds light on adjusting to Ducati

Marc Marquez outlines his journey of adapting to the GP23

Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin brightened the MotoGP universe.

Following his initial ride on the Ducati during the Valencia test after the season ended, his physical demeanor clearly conveyed a profound message, sharply differing from his recent demeanor while riding for Honda.

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This weekend, Marquez is set to compete in Barcelona with the Desmosedici from last year for his final race before he transitions to Ducati's factory-level equipment in their premier team in 2025.

Marquez shared with Motosan that his smile from the previous year marked the beginning of his adventure with Ducati, explaining, "It was essentially about finding tranquility within myself, as choosing something so significant naturally comes with its share of uncertainties."

"After a decade of using the same bicycle, I was skeptical about my ability to handle the Ducati."

"This doesn't imply that I doubted my abilities; if that were the case, I wouldn't have chosen to do it."

"I was taken aback, as I felt quite confident from the outset."

Adjusting to the present circumstances is one of my strengths as a cyclist.

"Subsequently, the potential for enhancement varies, as I favor achieving the peak swiftly."

Marc Marquez showcased exceptional skill in Catalunya during May, securing podium finishes twice despite starting from 14th position 🤯#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/NQ0BZC7tPW

Marquez described how he transitioned from a substandard Honda to the championship-winning GP23 Ducati, which was last year's victor and currently ranks just below the GP24.

"The initial step involves mastering the operation of the motorcycle and making adjustments to accommodate it," he explained.

"At a certain juncture, the capacity to adjust hits its limit, prompting a shift towards focusing on enhancing personal comfort or addressing the areas of greatest deficiency."

"As you delve into that aspect, the connection between the technician and the rider starts to form. This marks another pivotal moment in the process."

"When you approach the benchmark times of competition, you encounter the initial barrier, but it's short enough to leap over."

"Then you bypass it, and begin focusing on refining the technical aspects. I mentioned this in Jerez and Austin.

"However, with every attempt, the obstacle grows taller; now, you attempt to retreat and continue this cycle until you discover the solution and progress ahead."

Marquez has made a triumphant return to winning form in grand prix racing this year, securing three victories on Sundays.

Currently, he ranks third in the championship standings, with just one more race remaining, holding a slender lead of one point over Enea Bastianini.

Marquez has distinctly outpaced the other three GP23 competitors, securing himself a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.

Transitioning to superior Ducati gear marks the next phase in his impressive adjustment journey.

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

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Johann Zarco: 'Significant Progress in Rankings, Better Late Than Never'

"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better late than never."

Johann Zarco's journey to meet his goal took more time than anticipated, yet as the flyaway races concluded, the LCR Honda competitor successfully reached his 2024 objective by placing the RC213V among the top ten in MotoGP.

Heading towards ending the season as the leading Honda competitor, the rider from France improved his highest grand prix finish from 12th in the first half of the year to ninth in Mandalika and subsequently eighth in Buriram throughout the overseas races.

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Zarco secured a ninth-place finish in the dry Indonesian race, marking his nearest position to the lead, with a gap of 15.151 seconds.

Zarco's performance in the qualifying rounds has been noteworthy, making it into Q2 once again during the recent event in Sepang, where he came close to finishing within the top ten in the grand prix.

Zarco expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting it as a positive affirmation of his significant progress in rankings during the international races.

"I currently hold the roles I identified as goals at the start of the year."

"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better to arrive late than not at all."

"It's a significant milestone for us, and that brings joy. My ability to handle the bike has greatly improved since the year started, and my feedback has become far more precise."

"I am able to be accurate and keep the responses aligned, indicating that I'm heading in the correct direction."

Zarco attributed his progress to the newest Honda aerodynamics along with enhancements he made to his braking technique.

"We've made significant progress in handling fast turns. I believe our motorcycle's enhanced cornering ability, thanks to the aerodynamics, played a key role in our advancement," he stated.

"Mastering braking is an art and a capability that few cyclists possess, and I focus on honing this talent because there's a crucial aspect to grasp. When you do, it opens up a whole new level of enjoyment while riding."

"It's not about exerting extra force, it's about finding the balance between tilting, sliding, and applying pressure. That's what makes it stand out."

The continuous series of competitions proved beneficial as well.

"I've been focusing on improving my braking skills, both on the supermoto and my CBR. However, my riding time has been limited as I'm just seven weeks out! It's pretty exciting, though. When you're racing back-to-back, you've got to view it as the ultimate training experience."

Zarco is currently ranked 17th in the world championship standings, having accumulated 53 points, as we approach the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season-ending race this weekend.

Takaaki Nakagami leads the Honda contingent in the standings, sitting in 19th place with 31 points, ahead of Joan Mir who has 21 points in 21st position, and Marini who is 22nd with 14 points.

For two decades, Peter has experienced the ebb and flow of the paddock, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Francesco Bagnaia: “Our opportunity is still alive, and we will fight with all our might until the last moment.”

Is it possible for Francesco Bagnaia to achieve the most significant comeback in a title race in MotoGP history?

Throughout the MotoGP era, there have been only two instances, in the years 2006 and 2015, where the rider who was at the top of the world championship rankings before the final race of the season did not end up securing

In both instances, Valentino Rossi experienced the championship slipping from his grasp, as he let go of an 8-point lead to Nicky Hayden in 2006 and a 7-point lead to Jorge Lorenzo in 2015.

This weekend, Francesco Bagnaia, a protégé of Rossi's VR46 Academy, faces a significant challenge in trying to prevent Jorge Martin from winning the 2024 title.

Ducati's reigning two-time champion heads into the final race in Barcelona trailing the Pramac racer, Martin, by 24 points. With only 37 points left to be won—12 from the Sprint and 25 from the Grand Prix—the competition remains fierce.

With ten grand prix victories this year compared to Martin's three, Bagnaia would claim the championship in the event of a tie-breaker.

If Martin secures a win in the Sprint, it would be sufficient for him to clinch the world championship title. Meanwhile, Bagnaia's main task is to ensure that the competition continues until the season's last day.

Bagnaia expressed his contentment with the choice to compete in the season's final Grand Prix in Barcelona rather than Valencia.

"The situation is tragic, and we sincerely wish that the funds raised from this event will offer significant assistance to those impacted by the floods."

Bagnaia emphasized that their team plans to tackle the weekend in their typical manner. He acknowledged that they still have an opportunity, and although it will be challenging, they are committed to giving it their all until the last moment.

"No matter the result, it's a privilege to be competing in the season's last race, vying for the world championship. I'm eager to return to the track!"

As Bagnaia finds that merely securing victories isn't sufficient anymore, discussions around strategy are expected to become a major focus. The possibility of Martin transferring the top spot from Ducati to Aprilia in the upcoming season adds even more intrigue to the situation.

Bagnaia has stated that he will not use slow-riding strategies to involve other competitors, although such tactics have been used previously. Notably, in 2013, Jorge Lorenzo deliberately slowed the pace to help eliminate Marc Marquez's 13-point lead.

During that event, Dani Pedrosa excelled as a supportive team-mate by aggressively challenging Lorenzo, which pushed Lorenzo to increase his speed. This strategic move allowed Pedrosa to secure a victory, closing the gap to just four points behind Marquez.

This weekend, the assistance of team-mates might prove crucial once more, as Bagnaia is counting on Enea Bastianini to perform well. Additionally, Bagnaia hinted that he might aid fellow competitors by providing a slipstream during practice and qualifying sessions.

Among the possible contenders for a podium finish this weekend are Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, who won the 2024 Barcelona Sprint for Aprilia, and Pedro Acosta from KTM.

On the other hand, Bastianini is focused on competing with Marquez for the third spot in the world championship standings. Meanwhile, Ducati has limited influence over him as he is set to move to KTM next season.

Bastianini expressed his eagerness to make amends at Montmelo, a track where he struggled earlier in the year. During the spring race, he ended up in 18th place, missing out on points after receiving penalties for not taking a Long Lap and subsequently a Ride Through.

"I've consistently been quick on this track, but the penalty of long laps I got due to my collision with Alex Márquez in the previous race clearly impacted how I performed."

"We're currently in fourth place, trailing Marc Márquez by just a single point. Our aim is to put in maximum effort to earn a position on the World Championship podium."

Apart from Bastianini, Bagnaia has the support of his VR46 Academy peers, though Franco Morbidelli, who is a teammate of Martin, might be an exception.

Ultimately, with Bagnaia and Martin frequently outperforming their competitors, as demonstrated at their recent performance in Sepang, the Italian racer could benefit from an unexpected twist or unpredictable factor, which the weather in Barcelona might offer.

Due to the last-minute cancellation of the event in Valencia, the temperatures in autumn are likely to be about half of the mid-20s Celsius that were recorded during the weekend in Catalunya this past May.

Consequently, Michelin has introduced a total of seven distinct slick tire choices, although there is still a possibility of rain.

Given that there's minimal benefit in gearing up for the last laps on Sunday if the championship is already out of reach by Saturday, it's probable that Bagnaia will focus more on refining his time attacks this weekend.

By adopting a strategy similar to his Sepang tactic, where he used a fresh soft tire towards the conclusion of FP1, he could maintain pressure on Martin right from the beginning of the final contest.

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

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Francesco Bagnaia: "Our opportunity remains, and we'll fight with full effort until the last moment."

Is Francesco Bagnaia capable of achieving the most remarkable comeback in MotoGP title history?

In the history of MotoGP, there have been only two instances, in the years 2006 and 2015, where the rider at the top of the championship standings before the final race did not secure the championship title.

In two separate instances, Valentino Rossi experienced the disappointment of losing the championship, first in 2006 when Nicky Hayden overcame his 8-point lead, and again in 2015 when Jorge Lorenzo surpassed his 7-point advantage.

This weekend, Francesco Bagnaia, a protégé from Rossi's VR46 Academy, must pull off an even greater surprise to prevent Jorge Martin from claiming the 2024 title.

The reigning double champion from Ducati enters the final race in Barcelona trailing the Pramac rider, Martin, by 24 points. With only 37 points available in total—12 from the Sprint and 25 from the Grand Prix—the competition remains fierce.

With ten grand prix victories this year, compared to Martin's three, Bagnaia would secure the championship on a tie-breaker.

However, if Martin secures a win in the Sprint, it would suffice to clinch the world championship title. Bagnaia's primary significant hurdle will be to extend the competition's outcome to the very last day of the season.

Bagnaia expressed his satisfaction with the choice to participate in the final Grand Prix of the season in Barcelona rather than Valencia.

The incident was dreadful, and we sincerely wish that the funds raised from this event will offer significant assistance to the flood victims.

Bagnaia emphasized that their weekend plans remain unchanged. He stated, "We still have an opportunity, and although it won't be easy, we are committed to putting in our maximum effort until the last moment."

"No matter how it ends, it's a privilege to compete in the season's final race and contend for the world championship. I'm eager to return to the track!"

With race victories no longer satisfying Bagnaia's ambitions, the focus on strategy is expected to dominate discussions. The possibility of Martin transferring the number one spot from Ducati to Aprilia in the upcoming season adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Bagnaia has stated that he will not use slow-riding strategies to involve other competitors in the race, although this has happened in the past. A notable instance is when Jorge Lorenzo deliberately slowed down the pack in 2013 in an attempt to reduce Marc Marquez's lead of 13 points.

During that event, Dani Pedrosa excelled as a supportive team member by challenging Lorenzo, compelling him to increase his speed. This strategic move allowed Pedrosa to clinch the win, leaving him only four points behind Marquez.

This weekend, the involvement of teammates might prove crucial once more. Bagnaia is counting on Enea Bastianini to elevate his performance and hinted that he might assist fellow riders by providing a slipstream during practice and qualifying sessions.

Possible contenders for the podium this weekend include Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, who won the 2024 Barcelona Sprint for Aprilia, and Pedro Acosta from KTM.

Meanwhile, Bastianini is focused on his battle with Marquez for the third spot in the world championship standings. At the same time, Ducati has limited influence over him as he is set to move to KTM for the next season.

Bastianini expressed that coming back to Montmelo after the spring race offers him an opportunity to make amends. In May, he ended up in 18th place and failed to score points because he received a post-race penalty for not complying with a Long Lap requirement, followed by a Ride Through penalty.

"I've typically been quick on this track, but the extended laps I had to complete following my collision with Alex Márquez in the previous race certainly impacted how well I performed."

"We currently hold the fourth position in the rankings, trailing Marc Márquez by just a single point. Our goal is to put forth our best effort to ensure a place on the podium for the World Championship."

Apart from Bastianini, Bagnaia has the support of his VR46 Academy colleagues, though Franco Morbidelli, who is Martin’s teammate, might be an exception.

Ultimately, when Bagnaia and Martin frequently outperform the competition, as they did recently in Sepang, the Italian rider requires a surprising turn of events or some unpredictability, which the weather in Barcelona could potentially bring.

In a sudden change following the cancellation of the Valencia event, it is likely that the autumn temperatures will be approximately half of the mid-20s Celsius that were recorded during the Catalunya weekend in May.

Consequently, Michelin is providing as many as seven distinct slick tire choices, even though there is still a chance of rain.

Given that there's not much advantage in getting ready for the final laps on Sunday if the championship is already out of reach by Saturday, Bagnaia is expected to focus more on refining his time attack strategies during this weekend.

By employing the same strategy he used in Sepang, which involves using a fresh soft tire towards the end of the first practice session, he would maintain pressure on Martin right from the beginning of the competition.

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

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Jack Miller experienced a terrifying incident at Sepang where he was "pulled into the tire" by his midsection. He expressed feeling "incredibly fortunate" to have emerged from the situation unscathed.

Following a remarkable escape from a potentially serious injury during a race-stopping crash at Sepang, Jack Miller is set to make his final appearance as a KTM rider in MotoGP at the Barcelona event this weekend.

In the opening corner of the Malaysian race, a series of events involving Alex Marquez, Brad Binder, and Fabio Quartararo resulted in the Australian rider being thrown off his bike.

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Dramatic photos captured the moment when Miller became entangled in the back wheel of Quartararo's Yamaha. His helmet was twisted by the tire, and then his legs were run over by Joan Mir's Honda.

Addressing the situation publicly for the first time on Thursday, Miller stated:

"I genuinely feel fine. I'm fortunate to have come out of that situation relatively unscathed, especially after seeing pictures of my hand caught in the rear tire of Fabio's bike and Joan using my legs as a sort of double jump!"

"I consider myself fortunate to have emerged from the situation mostly unharmed."

"I experienced a severe hangover on Monday, but otherwise, things were pretty smooth. By Tuesday, I was back to cycling again. Spending a pleasant weekend at home with my family, enjoying much warmer weather than we have here, was beneficial for me."

"I'm prepared to start and aim to conclude my time with KTM on a positive note."

According to Miller, in these situations, it's a matter of "closing your eyes and wishing for a favorable outcome."

"As the saying goes, 'tuck and roll,' but judging by the photos, it seems there was more rolling involved than tucking!"

"However, you are unable to take any action. I was unaware of what the future held. I had no idea what was about to occur."

"You can really feel how adhesive those Michelin tires are. They gripped me tightly, pulling me into the tire, and then managed to yank my head back through the tire again."

"This gives you a hint of the quality of these tires, as they can lift a helmet off the ground and move it around effortlessly."

"As I mentioned earlier, it's mainly a matter of luck. I'm simply glad to be present, injury-free, and approaching the weekend with a clear mind."

"I consider myself very fortunate."

The 29-year-old emphasized that it will not be a concern for him.

"It's not a mental issue. Ultimately, I'm approaching 30 and have been involved in this since the age of four, experiencing numerous falls along the way."

"You can essentially forget about it almost immediately after it occurs. Of course, our primary focus is to continue cycling."

"It's the activity I'm passionate about. It's something I excel at, or at least somewhat proficient on certain days, you could say! Thus, it's relatively simple to set aside distractions and return to my tasks."

The final event of this weekend has been relocated on short notice from Valencia to Barcelona because of the severe flooding.

"Clearly, the circumstances are somewhat different from our usual visits. I'm dressed in two jackets and longer shorts! However, I'm excited about it; I believe the weather will add another unexpected twist, promising an intriguing weekend," Miller remarked.

"Heartbroken not to be competing in Valencia. My thoughts are with everyone impacted by the flooding. Watching the images from afar this week, it's heartbreaking to see what those families are enduring. We extend our deepest sympathies to all of them."

"Let's hope that this weekend offers 50 minutes for them to momentarily escape their current troubles and relish what promises to be an incredible weekend of racing."

"It's great to be competing again, especially in this part of the globe, close to what can be considered the heart of MotoGP and just a few hundred kilometers from where we ideally belong. It's exciting to return here, and I believe the weekend promises to be quite intriguing."

Due to the chilly weather, Michelin has introduced an extraordinary selection of seven distinct types of tires.

"There are seven tires available, but I believe not all of them are practical for use," stated Miller. "The one with the 'H' marking on the front is almost unsuitable for race conditions. During the summer, it takes about three laps for it to become effective on the left side, so I doubt it will be mounted on a rim. It's likely just a reserve option, more than anything else."

"The remaining tires appear to be in fairly decent condition. Ultimately, Valencia presents a similar challenge with numerous left-hand turns followed by right-hand ones, unlike other tracks that feature more right-hand turns leading into left-hand ones."

"I believe they have the capability to design the tire to meet our needs, so we should be fine in that area."

"They've clearly prepared various alternatives since the temperature conditions are uncertain. Despite the limited time they had, I believe they've effectively chosen a tire that they anticipate will be suitable for this track."

"We'll observe the traction conditions. Typically, the track temperatures here exceed 60 degrees, but over the weekend, we might experience temperatures dropping to around 6 degrees. It will be intriguing to evaluate the performance of the rear tire under these conditions."

Earlier this year, I took a ride on the Panigale at this location. Typically, the grip improves somewhat when the weather is cooler. The temperature often poses challenges, especially with these long stretches that require intense acceleration.

"I believe we'll witness some incredibly quick lap times all weekend long."

Miller holds the 14th position in the world championship standings, maintaining a 13-point lead over Miguel Oliveira, who will join him as a teammate at Pramac Yamaha in the

For the first time, Miller and Oliveira are set to test ride an M1 on Tuesday.

Peter has spent two decades in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely involved in the developments regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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"For Marc Marquez, it's insignificant – but for me, it holds significance!"

The contest for third place in the championship doesn't matter to Marc Marquez.

Enea Bastianini has the opportunity to match his career-high of securing third place in the MotoGP championship during the final race this weekend.

Heading into the Barcelona round, he trails Marc Marquez by just one point, with Marquez currently in third place.

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In 2022, Bastianini secured third place while riding for Gresini, but he believes that matching that performance this year would be an even more significant accomplishment.

"It's about motivation. While it doesn't mean much to Marc, it's significant for me," Bastianini emphasized.

"Since I have secured just one championship, while Marc has claimed eight."

"I'm looking forward to competing against him. He's incredibly quick on this track, but I'm prepared for the challenge."

"This race could be more significant compared to 2022 since I'm competing against one of the top figures in the sport, Marc."

"We are on the verge of reaching the lead and securing victory in this battle."

Bastianini is gearing up for his last MotoGP event as a member of Ducati's factory team.

His tenure, which has lasted two years, is set to conclude on Sunday as he prepares to move to the Tech3 KTM team in 2025. This change comes as Marquez takes his spot in Ducati's factory team.

Following his championship showdown with Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin is set to depart from the Ducati team and make the switch to Aprilia.

This suggests that Martin and Bastianini might realistically surpass Bagnaia and Marquez, with the less favored duo potentially outperforming the more favored pair.

Bastianini grinned and remarked, "It will likely feel unusual for the team…"

What are his fondest recollections while wearing

Bastianini dismissed his challenging first year in red due to injury, saying, "2023 doesn't count! But other years? They all brought me unique motivation."

Back in 2021, I had challenges with a tough bike, but I managed to secure a podium finish in Misano.

"I achieved my first victory in Qatar while racing with Gresini, marking an exceptional championship season, the finest of my career."

"In 2024, I have consistently been at the forefront, striving for positive outcomes."

"However, I lacked that burst of energy. I need to work on being more dynamic going forward."

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

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Maverick Vinales has offered his championship-winning Moto3 motorcycle for an auction in Valencia. "This bike holds a special place for me as I secured my title with it. However, it's important to assist those in need."

Maverick Vinales is set to participate in his last MotoGP race with Aprilia this weekend. In a generous gesture, he has contributed his Moto3 championship-winning motorcycle to a charity auction, with the proceeds intended to support those affected by the floods in Valencia.

Due to severe flooding, MotoGP has decided to relocate its scheduled season finale from Valencia to Barcelona this weekend. Additionally, an online auction is being organized as part of efforts to raise funds.

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In 2013, Vinales secured his debut and, to date, sole world championship in the Moto3 category. However, his commitment to aiding individuals affected by the Valencia tragedy surpasses his sentimental connection to the KTM RC250GP bike.

"This is what it means to be human. If we don't support one another, who else will come to our aid?" Vinales remarked on the day before the newly named 'Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP' finale this weekend.

"For several years, I've been making an effort to focus less on material possessions and more on emotions. While I do have a unique connection with this bike, given that I won my championship with it, I realized that there are others who are in need of assistance."

A few friends recently traveled to Valencia to offer assistance and work there. They mentioned that the situation is extremely dire. It seems the media hasn't fully captured the extent of the problem, but according to them, it's very severe.

"Any assistance we can offer is beneficial. If a fan is willing to contribute by purchasing this bike at a fair price, I'm truly pleased that the funds will reach those in need."

Next season, Vinales is set to ride a KTM again, marking his first time with the brand since 2013, as he joins the Tech3 team.

At present, the sole competitor who has managed to overcome Ducati in a grand prix this year holds a slim possibility of surpassing KTM's current racers, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, to secure fifth position in the world championship standings.

"I aim to conclude this season positively," stated Vinales. "We are still battling for positions 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the championship standings, so it would be great if we could surpass some of the KTMs."

"Naturally, I'm thrilled about making my KTM debut next week. It's a fresh journey with a completely different motorcycle."

Although Vinales achieved an impressive double victory at COTA and previously secured a Sprint win in Portimao, he frequently perceives the 2024 Aprilia as a significantly different machine compared to the 2023 model, which was dominant during last year's Catalunya event.

He mentioned that it's clear the 23 bike is well-suited for tracks such as Montmelo, Silverstone, and Assen.

This year, the primary problem centered around the engine brake.

"I'm feeling very optimistic and driven. This is an excellent opportunity to prove ourselves. Returning to a familiar track is always a challenge, but historically, we've improved our speed on our second visit."

During the MotoGP event in Catalunya in May, Vinales secured 8th and 12th place finishes. Meanwhile, his team-mate Aleix Espargaro achieved pole position, claimed victory in the Sprint, and finished fourth in the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been part of the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Fabio Quartararo stated that cooler weather conditions are advantageous for Yamaha, but he has "no expectations" for the Barcelona MotoGP. He mentioned that the reduced temperatures improve their performance since the track is known for having very low grip.

The final event of the 2024 MotoGP season is set to take place this weekend in Barcelona. Fabio Quartararo believes that the cooler weather conditions might benefit Yamaha.

Earlier this year, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted the MotoGP event during the Catalan Grand Prix, which took place from May 24th to 26th.

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At that time, the air temperature during the Grand Prix was 26°C, while the track itself reached 47°C. However, for this weekend, it appears improbable that the air temperature will rise above 20°C.

This is expected to affect the track surface, as reduced heat may result in improved grip levels. This is particularly important at Barcelona, where the track is known for its low grip.

"There seems to be no definite expectations for this weekend," remarked Fabio Quartararo, who secured the 17th position in May, with Yamaha struggling significantly in the warm weather and low traction conditions.

The main goal for this weekend is to advance to Q2 after the Practice sessions. We anticipate that the cooler temperatures will work in our favor, given the notoriously low track grip.

"In terms of our current performance, things aren't going as well as we'd like. However, Tuesday's event will be a significant indicator of whether we've actually made progress."

Quartararo mentioned that he anticipates cooler November temperatures, contrasting with the warmer conditions of the Catalan Grand Prix in May, to enhance Yamaha's performance.

He stated, "I believe it will be advantageous for us because the track's grip significantly decreases in extremely hot conditions, leading to much slower lap times."

"In 2020, we competed under very cold conditions, which weren't too unfavorable for us. It's crucial to monitor the front tire, as it's the one that poses the biggest challenge to heat up, particularly during the morning. Overall, I believe the situation is slightly improved."

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

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