KTM, undeterred by financial challenges, is set to commence the construction of their 2025 MotoGP motorcycles. The company plans to kick off the production of these bikes next week.

KTM's head of technical operations, Wolfgang Felber, has stated that the preparations for the 2025 MotoGP season are proceeding as expected.

The Austrian company is dealing with an unclear future in MotoGP, as it works through a financial crisis that has led to a restructuring effort.

A report from the initial creditors' meeting indicated that KTM is "intending" to exit grand prix racing, but will continue participating in 2025 as usual.

KTM's racing department is implementing a comprehensive 100-step strategy aimed at reducing expenses due to the company's ongoing financial difficulties, which involves decreasing its participation in several racing categories.

In 2025, KTM plans to have four factory bikes competing in MotoGP. These will be divided between its official team and Tech3, with riders Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, and Enea Bastianini.

In a discussion with the German magazine Speedweek, Felber shared encouraging news about KTM's plans for 2025.

He mentioned that all preparations for the upcoming season are proceeding as usual.

"In the past few years, we have streamlined every procedure to ensure that we complete the construction of the new machines by the third week of the year."

"In 2025, the situation will remain unchanged. We will begin the process of reconstructing all the motorcycles starting next Monday."

"All activities are scheduled in such a way that by the conclusion of the third week, we prepare the boxes for the significant test in Sepang."

"After that point, the bikes will remain on the road for an extended period. They won't return to Munderfing until the European season kicks off in Jerez."

Speculation has emerged suggesting that KTM might halt the development of its 2025 motorcycle because of its current financial difficulties.

Although Felber does not explicitly acknowledge this, he mentions that the 2025 prototype "functioned as anticipated" during tests conducted last year and has been "established" as the foundational model for the bike.

He mentioned that what they're discussing is undeniably an evolutionary model for the year 2025.

Adopting a completely new strategy was not an option. We had already undergone our real trial phase in the tests conducted in 2024.

"The 2025 model functioned as expected, establishing a solid foundation. The current strategy involves constructing all machines using updated components."

"There are variations in the ergonomics tailored to each rider, along with distinct methods for controlling the rear brake."

"We can also utilize some of the current components that have minimal usage. Discarding a handlebar piece that's barely been used for a few kilometers seems impractical."

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Mercedes has been accused of securing a backup plan involving Valtteri Bottas in case Kimi Antonelli underperforms in his first season. An F1 legend claims this strategy provides a "safety net" for the team.

Renowned F1 figure Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that Mercedes' choice to rehire Valtteri Bottas provides them with a backup plan in case Andrea Kimi Antonelli doesn't meet expectations.

Antonelli is set to enter Formula 1 for the first time this year with the Mercedes team, moving up from Formula 2 to take over from Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli is the first newcomer to advance to a leading team since Hamilton joined McLaren in 2007.

Antonelli and George Russell will be supported by Bottas, who is returning to Mercedes to take on the role of test and reserve driver for the 2025 season.

Valtteri Bottas was not able to obtain a permanent racing position for the next season, which resulted in him taking on a reserve driver role with his previous team.

In an interview with CasasDeApuestas.bet, Montoya shared his thoughts on the driver lineup at Mercedes.

According to Montoya, Kimi Antonelli finds himself in a contrasting situation, being a prominent figure in a top-tier team alongside a teammate who is performing exceptionally well.

"You are being promoted as the next Max Verstappen, and if you don't meet those expectations, that's unfortunate."

In my opinion, Mercedes is playing it safe by having Valtteri Bottas on their team.

"He's a backup option if things don't pan out with Antonelli, and he's aware of this."

Mercedes' Bold Move for F1 2025

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made the daring choice to select Antonelli instead of Carlos Sainz, leading to Sainz moving down the ranks to join Williams.

Wolff opted for the Italian because he regretted not signing Max Verstappen when he initially joined the sport.

The Verstappen family opted not to team up with Mercedes because the team was unable to provide a permanent racing position.

Red Bull was ready to place Verstappen in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso at the start of 2015, and then they promoted him to the main Red Bull team in early 2016.

Wolff was not willing to take the chance of letting Antonelli slip away to a competing team by choosing a seasoned driver such as Sainz.

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Maverick Vinales advised Yamaha to leave the bike unchanged during his unsuccessful championship season. "I advised them not to make any adjustments to the bike," he stated.

Maverick Vinales has implied that he could have won the MotoGP world championship in 2017 while riding for Yamaha, had they not altered the 2016 M1 model he first tried out.

After spending slightly more than one season with Suzuki, Vinales committed to a two-year contract to become part of the factory Yamaha team for his third year in the top-tier racing category in 2017.

In 2016, Vinales led the pack in the Valencia test riding that year's M1. He then went on to secure victories in the opening two races of 2017 and clinched another win at the French Grand Prix following a duel with his teammate, Valentino Rossi.

After that moment, the Spanish rider had a 17-point lead in the rankings. However, Vinales did not secure another victory until the Australian Grand Prix in 2018, ultimately finishing third in the 2017 standings.

Vinales stayed with Yamaha until the middle of 2021, at which point his relationship with the company deteriorated beyond repair. As a result, he was swiftly dismissed after it was discovered that he had intentionally pushed the engine of his M1 beyond its limits during the Styrian Grand Prix.

In a DAZN documentary focused on him, Vinales expressed his belief that he had the potential to secure the championship with the M1 bike he tested at the close of 2016. He urged Yamaha to refrain from making any changes to it during the winter.

"When I started at Yamaha, I arrived with a lot of energy and enthusiasm," he mentioned.

"I came with a specific vision and goal, which was the sole request I made to Yamaha: 'I aim to become the world champion.'"

"I have no desire to change who I am; please don't pressure me to be different because I'm content with being myself and have no interest in anything else."

During the test session in Valencia, I immediately took a liking to the Yamaha. I requested that no modifications be made to it because I specifically wanted the same bike that Jorge Lorenzo had used.

"[I said to Yamaha] 'deliver this motorcycle to Qatar, and I'll secure the world championship with it. However, when I arrived at Sepang for the pre-season testing, I was left wondering, 'Where is that motorcycle?'"

"I claimed victory in the initial race, followed by another win in the next, and triumphed at Le Mans. It was among the most memorable days of my life, as I overcame my hero, Valentino Rossi, in a competition."

"However, Barcelona experienced a series of transformations that left me perplexed."

"I advised them against handling the bicycle."

In the closing rounds of 2021, Vinales became part of the Aprilia team and stayed with them through to the conclusion of 2024, during which he secured a victory in one grand prix.

In 2025, he will become a part of the KTM team, collaborating with the Tech3 group. Reflecting on this decision, he remarked, "I've realized there are two options: either you become the contender or you choose the alternative path."

"You have the choice to either join KTM or become part of Ducati."

"Winning at Ducati is a tough challenge. How can one surpass the performance of the factory team?"

"It's quite complex; although the bike is the same, the equipment isn't identical. Therefore, my only choice was to join KTM and become the competitor."

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Who is the new CEO of Liberty Media? The owner of Formula 1 has announced Derek Chang as the successor to Greg Maffei.

Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, has named Derek Chang as the new president and CEO.

The news follows Greg Maffei's exit last year. Maffei, known for assisting Liberty in finalizing its acquisition of Formula 1 in 2017, announced in November that he would be leaving his role.

Chang, who has experience in the fields of media, sports, and entertainment, is set to take on the role of president and CEO starting February 1st.

His latest position was with EverPass Media, a firm that provides live sports broadcasts, such as NFL games in the U.S. and Premier League soccer in the UK, to businesses and commercial venues.

Chang's work history also features periods of employment at DIRECTV and NBA China.

Chang is set to establish a three-member executive board for Liberty, which will include Chase Carey and Dob Bennett. F1's president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, will report directly to this board.

Liberty, having already acquired F1, has made an offer to purchase MotoGP, the leading motorcycle racing series, for an estimated £3.2 billion. This deal is still awaiting the green light from the European Commission.

The U.S.-based media giant aims to attract fresh viewership to MotoGP and enhance the championship's visibility, aspiring to mirror the recent surge in popularity experienced by Formula 1.

Chang has promised to aid in the development of our appealing operational assets, such as F1 and MotoGP, following their acquisition, to maintain their progress and invest in future growth.

John Malone, the chairman of Liberty Media, expressed his excitement about Derek taking over as CEO. He highlighted Derek's expertise in management and investments, his deep knowledge of the industries they operate in, and his previous experience with Liberty, all of which make him the perfect choice to lead the company into its future.

Having collaborated with Derek for more than 25 years, I am continually amazed by his way of leading, extensive knowledge, and international outlook. I am eager to assist him and the Liberty management team as they keep pushing to enhance shareholder value.

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Max Verstappen criticizes social media users for distorting his relationship with Lando Norris

Max Verstappen has taken aim at those on social media, labeling them as "idiots" for blowing his relationship with Lando Norris out of proportion amid their championship rivalry.

Max Verstappen has criticized those who exaggerated his relationship with Lando Norris during their 2024 F1 championship rivalry, calling them "idiots."

Throughout their careers in Formula 1, Verstappen and Norris have maintained a positive friendship. However, their bond faced challenges last year when they became rivals in the battle for the world championship.

Incidents on the track in Austria, Austin, and Mexico City put a strain on their friendship and created tension. However, Verstappen and Norris managed to keep their relationship intact, even amidst the competition, as the Red Bull driver secured his fourth consecutive world championship title.

During an episode of Red Bull’s podcast, Talking Bull, Verstappen criticized individuals on social media for making over-the-top statements during the previous season.

Max Verstappen commented that social media tends to amplify negativity, noting that many individuals on these platforms frequently voice their complaints and criticisms.

"There are many optimistic individuals, although there are also a few who are quite foolish. In my opinion, it's best to simply disregard all of it."

Lando and I had a good relationship. Naturally, there were moments of tension during races, but that didn't affect our off-track interactions. Our main goal was always to perform at our best during races to achieve the best results possible.

"Competing for the World Championship can lead to situations like this, which I believe is quite expected. However, everything between us is fine."

Verstappen stated that he would not want to experience the 2021 finale again, even saying he would 'die' if he had to relive it. During a turbulent and rainy race in Brazil, Verstappen showcased an impressive comeback by climbing from 17th place on the starting grid to secure a victory, bringing him close to clinching the world championship title.

Norris, beginning the race from the lead position, faced challenges and ended up in sixth place, allowing Verstappen to secure the championship in the upcoming Las Vegas event, with two races still left in the season.

Verstappen drew parallels between the pressure he endured during last year's Sao Paulo Grand Prix and the feelings he encountered at the final race of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi, where he secured his inaugural championship title amid contentious conditions.

He explained that he wouldn't want to go through the experience in Brazil again because it was so emotionally exhausting. He compared it to the day he won his first title, saying it was so overwhelming that he felt like he would die if he had to relive it.

"On that particular day, those who saw me, including my girlfriend Kelly Piquet, noticed a difference. Kelly visited me in my room prior to the race, and while I usually don't get very anxious, I was feeling a bit more on edge than usual. Typically, you're ready for the event, though there can be some nerves due to the desire to perform well."

"But she mentioned that my hands felt like ice. These types of experiences are better appreciated from a distance rather than going through them again."

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Father of Jorge Lorenzo provides a fascinating update on their complicated relationship

Chico Lorenzo discusses his son, Jorge Lorenzo

Lorenzo Chico has addressed the current state of his relationship with his son.

Jorge Lorenzo has candidly discussed the challenges in his relationship with his father.

The MotoGP champion, who has won the title twice, gained his initial experience at his father's motorcycle racing school in Majorca.

However, even though the son became a champion, it negatively affected his personal relationship with his father.

However, Chico has provided a glimmer of optimism for improved times ahead.

Moto.it inquired whether their relationship is currently "very good."

"It's not great, but it's adequate," he replied.

"While he attended the EICMA exhibition in Milan, I accompanied him, including during his time in Lugano."

"This holiday season, he is spending time in Majorca."

Chico was questioned about the moment he first noticed his son's abilities.

When I was a child, I built my first motorbike at the age of three, and Jorge was already showing great skill.

"Absolutely, he was always eager to come out on top."

He has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, time and time again…

"From a young age, he was exceptionally well-prepared, exhibiting a level of professionalism that far surpassed his peers."

Chico expresses his feelings about his son's successful career by saying, "it's satisfaction, satisfaction."

He mentioned his son's grand prix victory as his personal favorite.

"The initial victory I had in Brazil back in 2003 was a significant milestone for me, and later achieving my first win with Ducati at Mugello was also memorable."

In 2003, Jorge Lorenzo secured his inaugural victory in the 125cc category at the Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix.

However, the memory of the championship that his father cherished the most was also the most infamous.

In 2015, Lorenzo claimed victory over Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez to win the top award.

Chico mentioned that he spent the entire year with him and witnessed firsthand the tremendous effort he put into securing victory in that intensely competitive world championship.

"He experienced an excellent year."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he provided coverage on a variety of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Did concerns about his reputation lead Red Bull to pass over Yuki Tsunoda?

Yuki Tsunoda admits there might be a reason why Red Bull didn't choose him for their 2025 F1 team.

Yuki Tsunoda acknowledged that his first year in Formula 1 resulted in a perception issue, potentially causing him to be passed over for a spot with Red Bull.

A 24-year-old racer from Japan was overlooked by Red Bull, who opted to choose Liam Lawson, a fellow teammate from Racing Bulls, to partner with world champion Max Verstappen in 2025 after deciding to part ways with Sergio Perez.

Lawson was chosen even though he had only participated in 11 grand prix races over two seasons and did not significantly outshine Tsunoda while they were teammates at Red Bull's affiliated team.

Tsunoda, entering his fifth season with Racing Bulls, believes that his prospects for advancing to the main team were negatively affected by his emotional reactions during team radio communications, a notable aspect of his debut F1 season in 2021.

Yuki Tsunoda admitted to Motorsport that he believes some of the responsibility lies with him, as he wasn't able to deliver strong performances immediately in his first year, which may have contributed to perceptions about his abilities.

In 2024, despite my strong performance, I believe I wasn't recognized as much as other drivers. However, that's just how things are. I plan to continue working hard and delivering results to prove any doubters wrong.

"I aim to reduce the number of excuses or reasons for not being present. Therefore, I concentrate on what is within my control and simply accept the circumstances beyond that. I am confident that I can perform better than their current expectations."

Tsunoda thinks he has put in significant effort to effectively enhance his temperament over the past few years.

He mentioned that his communication skills have gotten better, particularly his radio chatter. He also noted that he has become calmer, offering more precise technical feedback and staying more concentrated.

"I can certainly sense the progress I've made over the year, and I'm really pleased with it. However, I still need to work on providing better technical feedback, particularly during races. I believe I have the capacity to offer more insights, as my feedback is sometimes inconsistent."

"It was more challenging for us to consistently demonstrate our performance. Despite performing well personally, the car's performance wasn't always aligned with that. Nonetheless, I'm quite satisfied with the level of consistency we've maintained up to now. I often mention that I could have executed a few races more effectively, but I have proven that I am quite consistent."

"I began the season on a strong note and was regularly scoring points, largely because the car was performing well. However, as time went on, we couldn't enhance our car with upgrades, and teams like Haas and others began surpassing us in terms of car performance."

Marko's comments on Tsunoda being overlooked

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, suggested that Yuki Tsunoda's emotional reactions played a role in the choice to elevate Lawson instead.

When discussing Red Bull's decision not to sign Tsunoda, despite his being "faster" than Lawson, Marko explained to Sport that while Tsunoda currently has an edge in speed, he falls short in terms of consistency and still makes errors.

The 81-year-old Austrian mentioned that while his bouts of anger have significantly gotten better, they are still a problem. "He still loses his temper," he noted.

"We think that Tsunoda would face considerable emotional difficulties if he found himself next to Max and discovered he couldn't outperform him or even get near his level, especially if the situation didn't unfold as he had hoped."

The future of Tsunoda after 2025 is unclear, as Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has acknowledged that he might be let go from the team's roster of drivers.

"Frankly, I'm not too concerned about the chatter on social media, as those users aren't fully aware of the situation," Tsunoda remarked.

"What truly counts is the opinion of my team, and I genuinely feel their strong support. They grasped the circumstances of every race, and I have certainly earned their trust. This is what has always been important to me, and I am very grateful for their dedication."

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KTM's stock price rises in anticipation of new funding

Progressive moves toward ensuring KTM's sustainability

KTM's prospects of overcoming its financial difficulties have received a lift from a surge in optimism among potential investors regarding the brand's reorganization efforts.

The leading motorcycle producer in Europe, based in Austria, initiated a self-administration process just before Christmas 2024, aiming to avoid insolvency while grappling with confirmed debts amounting to €1.8 billion.

During the initial meeting with creditors on December 20th, there was an optimistic view regarding the company's future prospects. However, the report also mentioned a deliberate exit from MotoGP was on the agenda.

KTM has announced its commitment to remain in the racing scene until 2025, with an anticipated departure scheduled for 2026. However, it's important to note that these plans are subject to change at this moment.

Several actions have been implemented including a temporary halt in production, the dismissal of more than 700 workers, and the decision to sell its controlling interest in MV Agusta.

Based on information from GPOne, KTM is in search of a €540 million investment ahead of a crucial creditors' vote on its restructuring plan, scheduled for February 25.

Nonetheless, KTM is witnessing a resurgence of optimism as notable investors are starting to show interest, alongside a nearly 70 percent increase in its stock price over the previous month.

According to GPOne, existing stakeholders Bajaj Auto and CFMoto are considering boosting their investment in KTM in an effort to support the brand. Additionally, there is reported interest from FountainVest, a company based in Hong Kong.

Last month, Stefan Pierer, the CEO of KTM, announced his intention to personally finance the brand's restructuring efforts, which will involve the sale of several assets.

However, although the substantial influx of investment has offered a glimmer of hope for KTM, it may also result in Pierer relinquishing a portion of his control over the company he established.

KTM might also need to scale back on several of its additional ventures, including its bike division and the KTM XBow automobile operations.

KTM's racing team has been implementing a strategy based on a 100-point agenda to secure its future, and the head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, disclosed that substantive discussions were conducted with the team representing Lewis Hamilton regarding potential investment opportunities.

In MotoGP, KTM has reduced its participation by withdrawing the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands from the top-tier category, as well as from the Moto2 and Moto3 lineups.

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Lewis Hamilton shares insights into his readiness for the 2025 F1 season with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has commenced his preparations for his 2025 debut with Ferrari in Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude to fans on social media for their birthday greetings, mentioning that he is "already diligently preparing" for the 2025 F1 season.

On Tuesday, Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday while gearing up for the upcoming Formula 1 season with Ferrari.

In 2025, Hamilton will enter a new chapter in his career by competing for the most successful team in Formula 1 following his departure from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion aims to achieve a historic feat with the Scuderia, as no driver over the age of 40 has claimed victory in an F1 Grand Prix since Nigel Mansell did so in 1994.

Hamilton expressed his gratitude to fans for their birthday wishes through his Instagram story.

He shared a photo of himself snowboarding and wrote in the caption: “Another year completed. Appreciate all the birthday wishes. Already busy with work. Catch up later.”

Later this month, Hamilton is anticipated to make his unofficial debut with Ferrari, driving an older model car.

Ferrari is eager for Hamilton to drive their 2022 car to ensure he is ready for the pre-season testing scheduled in Bahrain next month.

Hamilton was not able to participate in the Ferrari post-season test in Abu Dhabi because of his existing contractual obligations with Mercedes.

This implies that Hamilton is at a slight disadvantage as he kicks off the year, needing to get accustomed to Ferrari’s procedures, familiarize himself with the steering wheel, and build connections with his new team of engineers.

Questions Arise Over Hamilton's Switch to Ferrari

Hamilton's performance in 2024 has led to doubts about Ferrari's choice to swap out Carlos Sainz.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced numerous challenges and found it difficult to perform consistently throughout most of the racing calendar.

Despite Hamilton breaking his losing streak at the British Grand Prix, George Russell outperformed him for most of the season.

Hamilton’s performance was so lacking that he confessed he no longer feels fast enough.

In the off-season, Flavio Briatore, who serves as an advisor for Alpine, and former Formula 1 team principal Eddie Jordan expressed that they would have chosen to keep Sainz partnering with Charles Leclerc instead of bringing Hamilton on board.

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Lewis Hamilton provides a sneak peek into his preparations for starting with Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season. Hamilton is already gearing up for his debut with the Ferrari team in the 2025 Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude to fans on social media for their birthday messages, sharing that he is "already busy preparing" for the 2025 F1 season.

On Tuesday, Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday while getting ready for the upcoming Formula 1 season with Ferrari.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to begin a fresh chapter in his career by joining the most accomplished team in Formula 1 history, following his departure from Mercedes.

The driver, who has claimed the world championship title seven times, aims to achieve a historic victory with the Scuderia team. This feat would mark the first time a driver aged 40 or older has won a Formula 1 Grand Prix since Nigel Mansell's triumph in 199

Through his Instagram story, Hamilton expressed gratitude to his fans for their birthday wishes.

He shared a photo of himself snowboarding and wrote in the caption: "Another year completed. Grateful for all the birthday wishes. Already back to work. Catch up later."

Hamilton is anticipated to make his unofficial debut with Ferrari in an older model vehicle later this month.

Ferrari is eager to have Hamilton drive their 2022 car to ensure he's ready for the upcoming pre-season testing in Bahrain next month.

Hamilton could not participate in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi with Ferrari because of his existing contract obligations with Mercedes.

This indicates that Hamilton is at a minor disadvantage at the start of the year as he familiarizes himself with Ferrari's methods, gets accustomed to the steering wheel, and builds connections with his new engineering team.

Doubts Arise Over Hamilton's Switch to Ferrari

Hamilton's performance in 2024 has led to skepticism regarding Ferrari's choice to substitute Carlos Sainz.

Hamilton faced challenges throughout his last year with Mercedes, as he found it difficult for most of the season.

Although Hamilton managed to break his streak without a win at the British Grand Prix, George Russell held the advantage for most of the season.

Hamilton's performance was so lackluster that he confessed he no longer has the speed he once did.

In the off-season, former F1 team leader Eddie Jordan and Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore expressed that they would have chosen to retain Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc instead of bringing Hamilton on board.

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Jorge Martin expresses a somber outlook on defending his MotoGP championship in 2025, stating, "The challenge is immense."

Current MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is setting his sights on the 2026 season as a more viable time for him to contend for the championship with Aprilia.

Following Ducati's reversal on advancing him to its top team in preference for Marc Marquez, Martin secured a two-year agreement with Aprilia.

Discover further: Indications of optimism following Jorge Martin's initial trial with the Aprilia

After securing the championship title with the Pramac team for Ducati last season, Martin will embark on his year of defending the title aboard an RS-GP, a bike that fell to third place in the constructors' standings in 2024.

Aprilia recognized that the feedback on the motorcycle from his initial test in Barcelona last November was surprisingly positive. However, Martin has sought to manage anticipations, suggesting it might be too soon to consider him a contender for the championship in 2025.

"Sticking with Ducati, my objective would have remained unchanged – to put in my utmost effort and strive for victory," he shared on the Tengo Un Plan podcast.

"Now, I'm clueless since I'm uncertain about the bike's features."

"The task ahead is daunting, as I transition to a bike barely making the top 10, moving away from one that was among the leading contenders."

"Starting in fifth position and then ending up either winning races or securing a second place would make me extremely proud. However, the key is to keep improving."

"Taking the Aprilia into contention for the championship will be a tough task, so the goal for the upcoming season is not quite that ambitious."

"The chance might arise possibly by 2026, but at the moment, all I can do is strive to perform at my peak."

Martin has become the inaugural world champion to switch manufacturing teams for their title defense since Valentino Rossi in 2004, who made a move from Honda to Yamaha.

Rossi continued his dominance throughout the 2004 season, securing his fourth premier class world championship title.

Aprilia is set to kick off its 2025 campaign on January 16 in Milan, amid widespread anticipation that Martin will announce his decision to race with the number one plate on his RS-GP this season.

Throughout the winter, he has frequently hinted at the possibility on his various social media platforms.

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EXCLUSIVE: Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia have the potential to "compete for a win in each race"

"Undoubtedly, this is the greatest motorcycle ever…"

Defeated in only one of the 20 MotoGP races last year, the team dominated the Sunday podium 14 times, achieved a flawless top-eight finish in the Buriram Sprint, and secured their fifth constructors' championship along with their third consecutive riders' title.

These were a few of the figures from Ducati's history-making 2024 season.

Luca Marini, who has ridden a Ducati during his first three seasons in MotoGP with VR46, told Crash.net that it is undoubtedly the greatest bike ever made, praising the excellent work done.

Although the number of bikes will decrease from eight to six in 2025, and the reigning champion Jorge Martin will be moving to Aprilia, Marini cautioned that the new factory team, consisting of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, might result in even more dominance by Ducati.

When questioned about whether he believed that Ducati's dominance in MotoGP would reach its height in 2024, Honda's factory rider, Marini, responded:

"I doubt it. If Pecco and Marc are on the same team, they'll motivate one another to get better."

Honda acknowledges that they won't be able to compete with Ducati in the upcoming year. Instead, their goal is to outperform the other manufacturers.

However, if Aprilia and KTM cannot match Ducati's performance, it might result in only Bagnaia and Marquez competing for the win in each race.

"It seems possible that we haven't reached the highest point yet…"

In 2024, Ducati achieved a level of success that surpassed Honda's impressive performance during the 2003 MotoGP season when the RC211V secured victory in 15 out of 16 races, with Valentino Rossi, Marini’s brother, claiming nine of those wins.

In that year, the sole additional victor was Loris Capirossi, who secured Ducati's inaugural MotoGP win at the Catalunya circuit.

Honda achieved an impeccable record in 1997. During the 500cc era, Honda secured victories in every one of the 15 grand prix races held that year.

Could riders such as Bagnaia, Marquez, and the factory-supported Fabio di Giannantonio achieve an undefeated record in 2025?

Last season, the Circuit of the Americas was the only grand prix where the Desmosedicis didn't come out on top. In Texas, it was Maverick Vinales from Aprilia who took the victory, followed by Pedro Acosta from KTM.

Enea Bastianini secured third place riding for Ducati, while Marc Marquez experienced a fall shortly after moving into the lead, which was caused by a problem with his brakes.

In last year's Sprints, Ducati faced defeat on three occasions, once again at the hands of Aprilia, as Vinales secured two victories on Saturdays and Aleix Espargaro clinched one.

Vinales has joined the Tech3 KTM team, while Espargaro has stepped away from racing full-time to take on a role as a test rider for HRC.

Marco Bezzecchi, who previously raced with Marini in the VR46 team and has won three MotoGP races, will be teaming up with Martin in the new Aprilia squad. Meanwhile, Acosta is moving up to the factory KTM team, where he will race alongside Brad Binder.

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Peter has spent two decades in the paddock and witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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