Aleix Espargaro expressed his deep affection for Jorge by saying, "I care for Jorge as if he were my own child." He is "completely certain" that he has a chance to bid farewell to Aprilia with a victory. Espargaro emphasized that his main concern is Jorge's ability to achieve the championship.

Aleix Espargaro envisions an ideal outcome for the upcoming Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP final: achieving victory in his last race with Aprilia and witnessing Jorge Martin secure the world championship title.

Following a two-decade-long career in grand prix racing, local favorite Espargaro will step away from full-time competition on Sunday. He is set to embark on a new journey as a test rider with Honda.

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Espargaro could still compete in Catalunya as a wild-card entry, but this weekend marks the end of his eight-year tenure with Aprilia. It will likely be his last opportunity to secure a spot on a MotoGP podium.

Having clinched victories in three out of the past four races held in Barcelona, Espargaro is completely confident in his ability to contend for first place in both the Sprint and Sunday races.

"The previous time I visited, Thursday in Barcelona was quite an emotional day due to my retirement announcement during a press conference. However, starting Friday, everything felt like a typical weekend. This time, though, the weekend will be anything but ordinary," Espargaro stated.

The upcoming weekend holds significant importance. Clearly, this home track is my favorite place in the world. I am optimistic that we can gather substantial funds for the Valencia community and put on a great performance this Sunday.

The severe floods have led to the cancellation of the Valencia event, prompting a return to the track where Espargaro, back in May, established a new lap record to secure pole position, triumphed in the Sprint race, and finished fourth in the grand prix as the highest-placed non-Ducati rider.

He stated, "I've put more effort into preparing for the Grand Prix than ever before. My goal is to be competitive right from the start and to contend for the win."

Earlier this year at the first Barcelona Grand Prix, I was extremely focused, but this time around, it's a bit of a different story. This will be my final race riding the Aprilia, and I want to leave with no regrets. My goal is to enjoy the experience and keep a smile on my face. I'm going to give it my all to win, and regardless of the outcome, you'll see me smiling. I am aware that soon I'll be missing my mechanics and my Aprilia, so I want to make the most of it and have a good time.

Do you believe it is feasible to strive for a win?

"Absolutely, without a doubt."

This also applies to the Sunday race, despite Espargaro finishing ten seconds behind Francesco Bagnaia, who won the race in May.

Espargaro is more hopeful because the cooler weather allows him to use softer tires during the race.

"I feel assured since we competed using the hard tires back in May, and I anticipate we won't need them this weekend due to the cooler temperatures. I plan to opt for softer tire compounds."

"I was incredibly quick, setting a new lap record using the soft tire, and Michelin believes this tire can last an entire race. This gives me more confidence and makes me feel that our chances are better."

"Regardless, it will be incredibly challenging as the Ducatis have been performing exceptionally well over the past three months."

Among the airborne Ducatis is Espargaro's close friend and current world championship frontrunner Martin, who currently leads reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia by 24 points.

Martin has the opportunity to secure his inaugural MotoGP championship by either winning the Saturday Sprint or earning two more points than Bagnaia. If he doesn't achieve this, the championship decision will be postponed to the final grand prix on Sunday.

Espargaro expressed his deep affection for Jorge, saying he cares for him as if he were his own child and that his main concern is ensuring Jorge's success.

"Clearly, if he manages to perform well on Saturday, he might be able to assist me slightly on Sunday by not pushing as hard as they did in the previous races, where he and Pecco pulled away, leaving no opportunity for the others."

"If he secures the championship on Saturday, their team can approach Sunday's race with less pressure, giving us a better opportunity."

Imagine it comes down to Sunday, and Espargaro ends up in a battle against Martin.

"If I get the chance to contend for a win this Sunday, it would be incredible. However, considering that he's competing for the championship, my approach will have to be completely different."

"We'll have to wait and see. However, I really hope this turns out to be the issue!"

Next season, Martin is set to replace Espargaro and may carry the #1 plate, which gives Aprilia a strong incentive to support Martin's bid for the championship.

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

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Marc Marquez hints at his strategy for the season's final race by stating, "I don’t receive a bonus." Currently, Marquez is in fourth place as he approaches the Barcelona round.

Marc Marquez has expressed that securing third place in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship holds "no significance" for him, and he added that he "doesn't receive any extra compensation" for achieving that position.

As the season wraps up this weekend with the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, Marquez holds a narrow lead of one point over Enea Bastianini for the third position in the rankings.

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The competition is set to continue until the grand prix on Sunday. Bastianini, who is preparing for his final race with Ducati, mentioned on Thursday that securing third place in the rankings is "important" to him.

However, when Marquez was questioned about his viewpoint on Thursday, he stated, "Trust me, the third place doesn't matter at all."

"No, I don't receive any extra reward for finishing in third place. It doesn't matter to me at all. Perhaps there is something for Enea, but I'm not familiar with the details of his contract."

"For me, it doesn't matter at all. Can you recall who came in third place in 2022? Or in 2015? I took the third spot, yet no one seems to remember."

"Honestly, finishing in third place isn't going to have any impact on my life."

"The achievements I reached this year have transformed my life. In the most recent two races, I indeed had the speed, as I observed. I decided to take greater risks, thinking, ‘Alright, let's push the limits and see the outcome’."

"I took too many chances and ended up losing two races, falling in both consecutively."

"Let's find out what we can accomplish this weekend, though I've already met my objectives. It's more crucial to end things on a positive note for the team rather than focusing on myself."

This weekend's race, marking the 20th round of the season, will be Marquez's final appearance with the Gresini team. He is set to join the factory Ducati team next, taking over the spot left by Bastianini, who is moving to KTM.

After a challenging conclusion to his stint with Honda, Marquez found success again with Gresini, describing it as the "ideal family" that revitalized his MotoGP career.

"Last night, we had a heartfelt dinner, as Gresini has quickly become a crucial team in my career after just one season," he stated.

"I discovered an ideal environment for a fresh start, as people often mention on social media, to reignite my sense of competitiveness. I found the perfect family-like atmosphere, with my brother as a teammate and a team that consistently maintained their approach."

"The ideal way to express gratitude is by aiming for a successful race weekend and striving to conclude it on a positive note."

"However, as I mentioned to them last night, the future is always uncertain. This group is incredibly professional, and with them, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to."

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Honda outlines expectations for various track conditions in Barcelona.

"The extended right-hand turns result in significant wheel spin…"

This weekend's final MotoGP event in Barcelona is expected to have atypical conditions, yet Honda rider Luca Marini believes the circuit will remain "challenging" in terms of tire wear.

During this year's Catalan Grand Prix, which took place earlier in May, the ambient temperature reached 26°C. However, this weekend, temperatures are predicted to be in the mid to high teens.

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Marini commented that, in his view, the only difference the cooler temperatures make is that the track offers better grip.

"However, the track is quite tough on the tires due to its design; the lengthy right-hand turns cause a significant amount of spinning."

"However, having slightly better traction, easier braking, and increased speed on the straightaway with reduced temperature would be beneficial."

The question arises: Will this weekend mirror the events of the Catalan Grand Prix held in May?

"I'm not sure," Marini remarked. "It's hard to determine at the moment. What is certain is that it will improve grip for everyone, as many people are having significant issues with rear grip."

"In my view, this could work in our favor, particularly for Honda and Yamaha. We'll have to wait and see."

"Since the Grand Prix in Barcelona, our motorcycle has undergone significant changes. We'll evaluate whether we're making progress and assess the extent of the bike's improvements."

Due to severe flooding at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, the final round of the 2024 season had to be relocated from Valencia to Barcelona at the last minute. As a result, Michelin faced a delay in choosing the tire compounds for this race.

Marini expressed that it makes no difference to him. He stated, "It's not an issue whether they have to select the tires at the start of the season or not."

"I believe they did an excellent job this year, with the exception of the allocation for Sepang, which was unusual and not ideal. However, the arrangements for all the other races were flawless."

He mentioned, "I believe the weather outlook is excellent, and it seems we've been fortunate. In my view, Michelin has provided us with a great selection."

"We plan to utilize the dual compound for the front tire, as the left-hand turns—particularly turns two and five—tend to pose a challenge here."

"It will be intriguing to observe the performance of the soft compound front tomorrow morning. During practice, the hard compound with the double compound might prove to be an excellent choice for the race. This, in my opinion, is the most fascinating aspect."

Regarding the rear tyres, they are providing an exceptionally soft compound, which is the softest available throughout the season. It feels somewhat unusual to have such a soft tyre at the Barcelona track, known for being tough on tyres. However, achieving fast lap times with this setup is certain to be incredibly enjoyable.

Marini mentioned that he previously proposed that manufacturers be given greater flexibility in selecting their tyre allocations for each race.

He mentioned that he occasionally wonders whether it might be ideal for manufacturers to select their own tires.

"For instance, consider the volume or quantity, if that's feasible."

"The situation with the compounds is challenging. In my opinion, having only five medium compound fronts available is insufficient. This is the tire we know performs best or is the most manageable with just one compound. If the double compound doesn't perform well, we're forced to compromise FP1 by using a suboptimal tire, just to preserve more medium options. These medium tires are undoubtedly the most suitable for the current temperature conditions."

"From my perspective, this could be an effective solution, but they are resistant to making changes."

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

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Aleix Espargaro reflects on his departure from Aprilia in MotoGP, noting, "In recent times, we've claimed victory in three out of the last four races at this venue." As he prepares for his final race with Aprilia, Espargaro is determined to secure a podium finish, stating, "Our performance here has been remarkable."

Aleix Espargaro is aiming to recreate his impressive performance at Montmelo one last time as he prepares for his final race with Aprilia in MotoGP.

On Sunday, the well-known racer will officially conclude a 20-year career in grand prix racing at the rescheduled season finale in Barcelona. Following this, they will embark on a new phase as a test and wild-card rider for Honda.

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Since joining Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has been the standout rider on the RS-GP, achieving significant milestones like securing its first pole position, podium finish, race victory, and even leading the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's teammate, will put a stop to Espargaro's streak in 2024. Vinales will enter the final round with a 43-point lead over Espargaro, making it impossible for Espargaro to catch

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to have outpaced Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his flawless performance at the Circuit of the Americas. On the other hand, Espargaro might have posed a tighter challenge had he not been hindered by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

When looking at their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro holds the upper hand. Last season, he achieved flawless victories in both races. This year, in May, he secured the pole position and won the Sprint race, finishing fourth in the grand prix, 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Expectations are soaring for Espargaro to enhance his record with Aprilia, which currently includes 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint race victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, all as he gears up for his final weekend 'in black'.

Espargaro expressed that the Barcelona circuit feels like home to him, highlighting his fondness for it and its compatibility with both his and Aprilia's racing style.

"We've seen remarkable success recently, clinching victory in three of the past four races and setting a new track record. These achievements suggest that we have the potential to remain in the lead."

"I am eager to complete my final race with Aprilia in a strong position, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I plan to concentrate completely from the beginning and we'll put in our utmost effort to achieve a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team's director, commented that it would be a memorable moment to watch Aleix conclude his Aprilia journey at his local circuit in Montmeló, the place where he recently secured a pole position and a sprint race victory.

The positive development for Espargaro and Aprilia is that the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP in Sepang will not be a concern in Barcelona's cool autumn weather.

In contrast, the 2024 aerodynamic package seems to be less effective in the quicker turns at the Circuit de Catalunya. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez attracted attention while riding the 2023 model bike back in May.

In addition to his race this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin closely. Martin, who will be riding for Aprilia in 2025, has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati this Saturday.

In the meantime, the Barcelona MotoGP event, organized in support of solidarity, will serve as Vinales' last appearance with Aprilia before he moves to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following victories in the first three rounds, which included Sprint races, Vinales has not secured a podium finish since then. As a result, he has fallen behind Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder's KTMs in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

Vinales expressed his fondness for the Montmeló circuit, highlighting it as one of his favorite venues due to its proximity to his home. He noted that competing in his home Grand Prix always fills him with enthusiasm.

"The forecast indicates that the weather will be erratic, featuring cooler temperatures."

"This weekend is going to be quite unique: we'll be competing in Valencia, and it's also going to be my final race with Aprilia, so I'll put in my maximum effort."

Vinales has participated in 64 races with Aprilia, during which he secured one MotoGP victory, achieved wins in two Sprint events, reached the podium 13 times, and earned 2 pole positions.

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 challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes the sprint race setup: "MotoGP is not challenging enough"

Casey Stoner shares his opinion on the current MotoGP weekend structure.

Former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format, arguing that it artificially alters the dynamics of the grand prix races.

Last year, MotoGP implemented a new format featuring a sprint race on Saturdays at each event, and Francesco Bagnaia emerged as the 2023 champion.

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As we approach the season finale this weekend, Bagnaia is currently 24 points behind Jorge Martin. Despite this, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 Sunday races, while Martin has only managed to win three.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprint races might play a vital role in securing his inaugural championship title, provided he maintains his substantial lead. His victory in the Saturday sprint in Barcelona would officially crown him as the champion.

However, Stoner, who has won the championship twice, expressed to GPOne: "Motorsport is meant to showcase top riders on the most challenging vehicles to operate, but currently, MotoGP isn't challenging enough."

"The riders lack sufficient command over the motorcycle, largely due to the engineers having too much influence."

"They scheduled the sprint race, which cuts down the time available for drivers to focus on preparations for the longer race."

"It is not intended for a world championship to involve small-scale models; instead, it should be a test of endurance."

"It's similar to announcing a marathon and then declaring that running 10 laps isn't enough because a marathon is 43 kilometers long!"

"It is extremely demanding and challenging work. Therefore, we require consistency because the world championship is intended to be a long-distance competition."

"You need to consider the entire race distance rather than just rely on participants who excel briefly using the soft tyre."

“It is important to note that points should not be awarded for sprint races, as the main race on Sunday is when points are traditionally earned.”

"Preparing a bike for a race is quite challenging. It's essential to ensure that you can maintain concentration for the duration of the event."

"Currently, our emphasis is on a single lap, as it's crucial to advance past Q2 right from the initial practice session."

"This prevents everyone from focusing on race preparations and completing those tasks."

"I believe this explains why, on Sundays, there's often a significant gap between the riders, as not everyone is prepared to match the race pace."

Considering the advancements in electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated: "Overall, I believe that MotoGP bikes have become some of the simplest motorcycles to handle globally."

Casey Stoner claimed the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 while racing with Honda.

His win with Ducati turned out to be misleadingly hopeful for the brand. Over the following 15 years, they faced difficulties and failed to secure a championship title, even after bringing on board Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

In 2022, Bagnaia broke that streak, while Stoner has frequently criticized the modern technology used in MotoGP bikes.

He has criticized the format that's been in place for two years, which might help Martin win the championship over Bagnaia.

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

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Jorge Lorenzo's decisive opinion on the rivalry between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia

A detailed examination of the competition between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin by the two-time champion

Jorge Lorenzo has shared his thoughts on the championship showdown involving Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.

Pramac's Martin is ahead of factory Ducati rider Bagnaia by 24 points as they head into the final race of the season this weekend in Barcelona.

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Martin has the opportunity to claim his first title by defeating reigning champion Bagnaia, provided he secures victory in Saturday's sprint.

"Considering the current rankings, Martin has a stronger opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed until the very end," stated Lorenzo, a two-time MotoGP champion, in an interview with Motosprint.

Jorge would need to make numerous errors to lose the championship. He worked diligently with a sports psychologist to manage his enthusiasm, yet he still committed errors, similar to Bagnaia.

The world championship was marked by numerous errors, yet it appears to be Martin's season. I would be delighted if this turns out to be true, as he is an intelligent and gifted young man who certainly deserves to secure at least one MotoGP title.

"I can relate somewhat to Martin, as well as to Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo."

"Pecco and Jorge both have a tendency to lean significantly off their bikes, and Jorge, in particular, shares a burst of energy akin to mine, allowing him to accelerate quickly and distance himself from competitors."

"Martin and Pecco both maintain a steady and smooth performance once they take the lead, similar to how I used to be."

Marc Marquez, as an example, may not always be the most precise, but he possesses different strengths. He tends to be more detached, dynamic, and aggressive.

The final event of this weekend has been moved to Barcelona due to the deadly floods that hit Valencia.

Bagnaia stated that he would refrain from participating in Valencia due to the calamity, even if it meant losing the championship.

Lorenzo commended the champion's perspective, saying, "In the face of a disaster like what happened in Valencia, sports take a backseat."

"Expressing myself like Bagnaia did? I believe his message was well-received, and I think I could have done the same. Hats off to him, though, as he has shown himself to be quite a gentleman."

Bagnaia and Marquez will compete against each other for the last time before they come together as teammates for the factory Ducati squad in 2025.

Lorenzo mentioned that the outcome will be determined by the events that unfold during the race.

"If tension exists in that area, it will also affect things externally. However, if one is significantly quicker than the other, the issue won't occur."

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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One year after Marc Marquez's influential smile, he discusses how he has adjusted to riding a Ducati. Marc Marquez outlines the process of getting accustomed to his GP23.

Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin illuminated the MotoGP scene.

During the post-season test in Valencia, when he tried out the Ducati for the first time, his demeanor was incredibly telling and noticeably different from his recent behavior while riding his Honda.

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This weekend in Barcelona, Marquez will compete on the year-old Desmosedici for the final time before transitioning to Ducati's factory equipment as part of their official team in 2025.

Marquez shared with Motosan that the smile he had last year marked the beginning of his journey with Ducati. He explained, "It was more about finding inner peace, as making such a significant decision naturally comes with some uncertainties."

"Having ridden the same bicycle for a decade, I was uncertain about my ability to handle the Ducati."

"However, it's not that I doubted my abilities; if I had, I wouldn't have chosen to proceed."

"I was taken aback, as I was already feeling great from the first round."

"One of my key strengths as a cyclist is adjusting to the current circumstances."

"The potential for improvement varies, but I like to achieve peak performance as soon as possible."

In May, Marc Marquez showcased two of his finest performances of the MotoGP season at the Catalunya circuit. Astonishingly, he secured podium finishes twice, despite starting from 14th position. #MotoGP

Marquez described the process he underwent to transition from riding an underperforming Honda to mastering the GP23 Ducati. This particular Ducati model had clinched the championship the year before and is currently ranked just after the GP24.

He mentioned that the initial step is learning how to operate the motorcycle and then adjusting to it accordingly.

"There comes a time when you can no longer adjust, and you begin to focus on what is necessary to feel more at ease or identify where you are at the greatest disadvantage."

"Upon reaching that point, the technician and the rider start to establish a connection. This marks another shift in the process."

"When you approach those competitive times, you'll encounter your initial barrier, which is not very high and can be easily overcome."

"After that, you bypass it and begin focusing on more technical adjustments. I mentioned this in both Jerez and Austin."

"However, with each attempt, the barrier becomes taller; you keep trying to return, repeating this process until you find the solution and progress."

This season, Marquez has made a comeback to winning grand prix races, achieving three victories on Sundays.

With just one round remaining in the championship, he holds the third position, leading Enea Bastianini by a mere point.

Marquez has undoubtedly been the quickest among the four GP23 racers, securing him a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.

The next phase in his impressive ability to adapt involves getting used to improved Ducati machinery.

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

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Johann Zarco: 'Significant Progress in Rankings, It's Never Too Late'

"It might have taken some time, but it's better to be late than never."

After a longer wait than anticipated, Johann Zarco finally managed to accomplish his 2024 goal by placing the RC213V within the top ten of MotoGP. The LCR Honda rider concluded the flyaway rounds on a high note with this achievement.

Poised to end the season as the leading Honda rider, the French competitor improved his highest grand prix placement from 12th in the first half of the year to ninth in Mandalika and then secured eighth place in Buriram during the flyaway races.

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

In recent qualifying sessions, Zarco showed strong performance, most recently reaching Q2 at Sepang. He came close to securing another top ten finish in the grand prix there.

"I'm quite pleased with this outcome, as it validates the significant progress I made in the rankings during the international races," Zarco remarked.

"I have achieved the roles I set as goals at the start of the year."

"It might have taken some time, but it's always preferable to be late than not to show up at all."

"We should feel pleased as this is a significant advancement. I believe I am now handling the motorcycle more effectively than I was earlier in the year, and my feedback has become more precise."

"I have the ability to be accurate, and we find the solutions we need, indicating that I'm heading in the correct direction."

Zarco attributed his progress to a mix of the newest aerodynamic features from Honda and enhancements in his own braking techniques.

"We've made significant progress in handling fast corners. The bike's ability to turn has enhanced, thanks to improvements in aerodynamics, which was a key factor in our advancement," he stated.

Braking is truly an art and a talent that few riders possess. I make an effort to hone this ability because it holds significant importance. When you grasp this concept, it allows you to truly enjoy riding.

"It's not just about applying more force; it's about balancing lean angle with sliding and pressure. That's what sets things apart."

The continuous series of races was beneficial as well.

"I focused on practicing my braking skills using the supermoto and my CBR. However, I haven't been riding much since I'm seven weeks out from returning. It's great that when you have back-to-back races, you can treat them as the ultimate training session."

Zarco is currently in 17th place in the world championship standings, having accumulated 53 points, as he approaches the final race of the MotoGP season at the Solidarity Barcelona event this weekend.

Takaaki Nakagami, a fellow Honda rider, ranks next with 31 points, placing him in 19th position. He is trailed by Joan Mir, who has accumulated 21 points and sits in 21st place, while Marini follows with 14 points, landing him in 22nd position.

For two decades, Peter has been immersed in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Aleix Espargaro expressed concern over Jorge Martin transitioning from Ducati to Aprilia, stating, "The switch after such an extended period with Ducati's victorious motorcycle won't be simple."

Aleix Espargaro has expressed his support for Jorge Martin to clinch the MotoGP title, though he shares his concerns about the upcoming season.

Heading into the final race in Barcelona this weekend, Pramac's Martin is ahead by 24 points over reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia.

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In 2025, Bagnaia is set to continue with the top equipment in the sport, whereas Martin will transition from Ducati to Aprilia.

"Espargaro expressed great delight," he shared with Motosprint regarding Martin taking over his spot in the Aprilia team.

"The thought also intimidates me since transitioning from Ducati, where I've gotten accustomed to a victorious motorcycle, to Aprilia, which operates on an entirely distinct design, will undoubtedly be challenging after such a lengthy period."

"It's going to be tough, yet he's my closest pal, and entrusting my bike to him feels like a dream come true."

Experienced MotoGP rider Espargaro is set to retire following the race this weekend, now rescheduled to take place in Barcelona, his hometown, instead of the flood-affected Valencia.

Martin's Aprilia might sport the #1 if he secures the championship title this weekend.

Espargaro firmly believes his buddy, who didn't make it on the last day of 2023, will secure his inaugural championship.

"He announced Jorge as the winner."

"He holds a strong edge, demonstrating his speed in the recent competitions."

The distinction in skill that Pecco and Jorge hold over their counterparts is remarkable, echoing the iconic rivalries from historical racing periods.

"Each of them is worthy of this distinction."

Martin is determined to demonstrate that Ducati made a mistake by choosing Marquez over him for the 2025 factory ride, by clinching the championship title this weekend.

As soon as Ducati confirmed their choice of Marquez, he promptly inked an agreement to join Aprilia.

Martin has been bypassed for the Ducati factory team selection on three occasions.

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

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Pedro Acosta outlines his primary goal for the MotoGP season finale. He stated, "The primary aim is to conclude the season as the top-performing Pierer Mobility motorcycle."

Pedro Acosta, concluding his first MotoGP season at the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP this weekend, has a clear primary goal in mind.

This season, Acosta has achieved five podium finishes on Sundays and four in Sprint races. In contrast, the next-best KTM rider, Brad Binder, has managed one grand prix podium and one in a Sprint race.

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Acosta enters Barcelona holding a slim three-point advantage over his upcoming factory teammate as they compete for fifth place and the highest-ranking non-Ducati rider in the overall standings.

After traveling through a significant portion of Asia, we finally got some rest, and it felt wonderful to return home!" Acosta expressed.

"We're heading to Barcelona for the last round, a track I enjoy and where I feel confident and capable of performing well."

In May, when MotoGP made its stop in Catalunya, Acosta secured fifth place in the qualifying round. He went on to finish third in the Sprint race and was in contention for the lead during the grand prix before he unfortunately crashed.

In the Sprint race, Binder suffered a crash, but managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the main grand prix.

Acosta mentioned that the primary goal is to end the season as the top-performing bike from Pierer Mobility, and securing a podium finish at home would be a great bonus.

"We're committed to putting on a great performance and striving to collect as much as possible for the Valencia community. Let's do this!"

Should Acosta maintain his grip on fifth place, he would outperform the championship standing of Johann Zarco, another rookie for Tech3 MotoGP, back in 2017.

Augusto Fernandez, who is currently a teammate of Acosta, is set to participate in his last race as a regular MotoGP competitor in Barcelona, as he is anticipated to transition to a role involving Yamaha testing.

"In light of the events in Valencia, we are dedicating this weekend's race to them,” Fernandez commented, alluding to the severe floods that led to the relocation of the season's final race to Barcelona.

"In my opinion, following our top 10 finish in Malaysia, we can look forward to a promising weekend, particularly as we head to Barcelona, which is one of my favorite tracks!"

In 2025, the GASGAS brand will no longer be featured on the grid as Tech3 will revert to the Red Bull KTM colors with a completely new team of riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

"This weekend marks our final appearance in red, so let's give it everything we've got one last time!" stated team manager Nicolas Goyon.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Michelin reveals an 'exceptional' set of tires for the MotoGP championship showdown in Barcelona. Competitors will have a choice of seven distinct tire types for the newly scheduled final race of the season in Barcelona.

The venue for the final race of the MotoGP season has been switched from Valencia to Barcelona at the last minute. As a result, Michelin will supply what it describes as a 'special tyre package' for this crucial championship event.

Due to the severe flooding in Valencia, the circuit switch will result in Michelin providing a combination of the tyres that were used in Barcelona back in May, along with additional compounds that are better suited for the significantly cooler weather expected this weekend.

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The outcome is a selection of seven distinct tire choices. This includes four options for the front: an asymmetric Soft, a symmetrical Medium, a symmetrical Hard compound, and an asymmetric Hard. Additionally, there are three asymmetric rear tire options available in Soft, Medium, and Hard. Notably, the Medium and Hard rear tires were previously classified as Soft and Medium in May.

"From May to November, the variations in temperature required us to make adjustments," stated Piero Taramasso, who manages two-wheel racing at Michelin.

The circuit's setup doesn't significantly alter the conditions, yet this challenging track is infamous for offering minimal traction. Additionally, it features an asymmetrical design that exerts considerably more pressure on the right side of the tires.

"In line with the guidelines for these situations, we will supply extra rubber mixtures for both the front and rear."

"We began with the setup utilized in May and introduced a softer rear tire option for potentially cooler track conditions. This addition will enhance the existing Soft and Medium compounds, which will now serve as Medium and Hard. These configurations proved highly effective in both the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix events."

The trio of rear tires will feature an asymmetrical design, with extra reinforcement on the right side. As for the front tires, the decision was made not to include the Hard compound Michelin Power Slick that was available in May, as it is believed it would not be utilized.

"We will retain the Soft and Medium tire options and introduce two asymmetrical designs typically used in Valencia, the Sachsenring in Germany, or Phillip Island in Australia. However, these will feature additional reinforcement on the right side."

"Our goal is to provide our partners with a range of solutions for optimal tire temperature management, ensuring the final stages of the championship are as thrilling as the exciting races witnessed throughout the season."

Jorge Martin enters the final race of the weekend with a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia. The race offers a maximum of 37 points.

On the final lap of the Barcelona Sprint in May, Bagnaia lost his leading position by falling, but he managed to secure a win against Martin in the grand prix.

In May's races, the medium front tire was the preferred choice, paired with soft rear tires for the Sprint race and medium rear tires for the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the era of Valentino Rossi. He is now closely covering the developments surrounding Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Miguel Oliveira is making his comeback for a farewell performance with Trackhouse at the Barcelona MotoGP. Both Oliveira and team manager Wilco Zeelenberg are preparing for their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make his comeback in MotoGP for his final appearance with Trackhouse Aprilia during the season-ending Solidarity Barcelona event this weekend.

Portimao has been absent from the past five races after sustaining wrist fractures, which occurred because of a traction control malfunction while practicing in Mandalika.

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Oliveira, who marked a significant milestone for Trackhouse by securing its first-ever top-three position during the Sachsenring Sprint, is set to ride his last laps on an RS-GP ahead of his inaugural test session with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.

Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to compete in MotoGP.

"I'm not setting high expectations since I'm unsure of my wrist's limitations until I actually get back on the bike. This Grand Prix brings a mix of emotions, but my goal is to finish strong with the Trackhouse team."

"Clearly, our goal is to quickly raise both hope and money for those impacted by the disastrous occurrences in Valencia, and I'm genuinely excited about it!"

With Oliveira's exit and the introduction of a completely new factory team consisting of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, Raul Fernandez will be the sole rider staying with Aprilia in 2025.

In May, during the Barcelona round, Fernandez captured attention by securing a front-row start on his 2023-spec bike and impressively taking the lead in the Sprint race, although he eventually crashed.

After being advanced to the RS-GP24, the Spanish rider secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"To begin with, our race will be dedicated to all those impacted in Valencia," Fernandez stated. "The events that occurred there are still very distressing, so we aim to compete on their behalf."

"Barcelona is a favorable circuit for us, and even though our primary focus will be on preparations for the next year, I hope to conclude the final race of the season on a positive note."

"The outcome we achieved in Barcelona previously gives me a lot of hope. However, I prefer to remain composed, focus on each session individually, and put forth my best effort."

Reigning Moto2 champion Ai Ogura, who is stepping in for Oliveira, is set to make his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.

This weekend marks the departure of more than just the Portuguese member from Trackhouse; team manager Wilco Zeelenberg is also saying goodbye.

"Naturally, we hope that the event in Barcelona will be extraordinary, especially given that the circumstances prompting our visit aren't ideal. We should make every effort to support the people in Valencia however possible," stated Zeelenberg.

According to the MotoGP organization, the focus is not on racing in Valencia, but rather racing for it. This sentiment is beautifully expressed and adds a unique significance to this second event in Barcelona.

"For our team, this event holds significance as Miguel is returning from an injury, and Raul had taken the lead in the Sprint race at this local event earlier in the summer."

"We previously had good performance with our bike at that location, so we're hopeful we can replicate those past race results."

"I'm excited about attending the last MotoGP race of this season, which could also be the final race of my career."

Ex-grand prix competitor Zeelenberg, who claimed victory in the 1990 West German 250GP, achieved his first significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship for Yamaha.

The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the new team member, Jorge Lorenzo, in a garage that was physically split with Valentino Rossi.

Until 2015, the Yamaha factory team assigned a manager to each rider. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's title was changed to 'Rider Performance Analyst' to better describe his growing emphasis on coaching the riders.

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

The rider from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha to collaborate with Maverick Vinales, a newcomer who impressively secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1 motorcycle. However, more than a year passed without Vinales achieving another win, leading to clear frustration.

Zeelenberg, along with crew chief Ramon Forcada, who played a vital role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the new Petronas Yamaha initiative in 2019. Zeelenberg resumed his position as a team manager with this move.

The Sepang initiative unearthed future star Fabio Quartararo, achieving six victories, marking the inaugural wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, and secured the runner-up position in the 2020 championship with Franco Morbidelli.

Following Valentino Rossi's last MotoGP season, the departure of Petronas led to a restructured team emerging under the leadership of Razlan Razali. This new iteration, known as RNF, initially partnered with Yamaha and later switched to Aprilia bikes.

Zeelenberg guided the team through turbulent times, which included an unsuccessful partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued to be the team manager as the new Trackhouse era began this year.

There are no plans to replace Zeelenberg, which indicates that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities as the team manager.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently at the center of the unfolding saga regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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