Pursuing Shadows: Video Analysis in MotoGP

"Identifying the precise points of advantage or disadvantage, measuring the distance gained or lost, is the ultimate goal for every racer and their lead engineer."

In the most recent edition of the official MotoGP publication, GPMag, Peter Bom, a data acquisition expert and ex-crew chief for Moto3 and Moto2 world champions, delves into the clandestine realm of videometry.

The individual from the Netherlands describes how teams have historically utilized TV broadcasts accessible to the public to improve their performance. This practice has advanced to the point where images are layered or a 'ghost mode' is used to depict two cyclists on the same part of the track simultaneously.

Bom notes that within the MotoGP paddock, the implementation of the 'ghost' feature is referred to as 'videometry'.

Every team now has dedicated videographers who capture footage from key locations around the track.

The focus is on highlighting the distinction between their cyclists and those from rival teams, especially emphasizing the speed of riders using different bike brands.

Leveraging advanced software, two video feeds are accurately aligned. This allows riders and their support teams to pinpoint the specific differences in their rider's performance at certain sections of a turn (during braking, the middle of the turn, and upon acceleration) when compared to, for instance, the quickest rider on the circuit.

"Every rider and chief engineer dreams of precisely identifying the discrepancies and quantifying the distance in terms of meters lost or gained."

Bom subsequently unveils that integrating video footage with the squad's telemetry information aids in optimizing motorcycle configurations. Meanwhile, ex-Grand Prix competitor, World Supersport titleholder, and victor in WorldSBK races, Chaz Davies, shares his utilization of videometry in his role as a rider mentor for Ducati.

However, the most astonishing revelation comes when Bom demonstrates the ability to obtain telemetry information for a competing vehicle solely through the use of video and audio recordings aired by Dorna.

"Bom notes that experts are able to transform these in-vehicle recordings into data, which can then be examined using the existing software that teams and manufacturers currently employ for their data analysis."

"The technician who provided me with this backstage insight mentioned that it wouldn't shock him if some of the existing MotoGP producers were currently engaging in this video-to-data translation."

To demonstrate its effectiveness, Bom presents telemetry data on gear selection, RPM, velocity, braking, and throttle position, all derived from video of Francesco Bagnaia's leading lap at Assen!

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

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Communication Devices in MotoGP – A Risky Novelty or a Crucial Advancement?

Insights Surface on the Utilization of Communication Devices During the Barcelona Trial

In early November, MotoGP conducted further experiments with radio communication in Barcelona, where Ducati's Michele Pirro was the first to showcase a bi-directional system.

During the testing session following the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, Ducati's test rider, Pirro, and the team's principal, Davide Tardozzi, were observed exchanging messages through a walkie-talkie.

MotoGP has been exploring radio communication for some time now, initially experimenting with a system that allows for one-way communication, enabling the broadcast of pre-set messages from race control to riders during the race.

Crash.net discovered during the post-season test in Barcelona that all messages from the race direction had been comprehensively documented. Additionally, discussions were in progress to broaden the scope of recorded messages to encompass the notifications sent to riders' dashboards, like alerts regarding track boundaries.

This could have been advantageous for the 2024 world champion Jorge Martin during the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. A notification about exceeding track boundaries caught his attention during a series of quick turns at the rear of the Misano circuit, resulting in an error at Turn 13. This error allowed Francesco Bagnaia to overtake him and ultimately secure the win.

Pirro has served as a test subject for Dorna in their exploration of radio systems, thus becoming the most adept with the technologies under examination. For Pirro, this progression mirrors the ongoing advancements observed in motorcycle development over time.

"He mentioned in Barcelona that they have been conducting trials on the system for some time. "In today's session, we spent the entire day testing. It reminds me of the early stages of bike development; we're at the start of our journey and we'll use the upcoming year to further our research and enhance this system with a solid database," he explained.

"I believe this development holds potential significance for the future, and I'm pleased to have played a part in these recent months. Today, our goal was to gather as much data as we could. Starting in 2026, this will become compulsory, making it crucial for us to be well-prepared."

Pirro's statement regarding the compulsory implementation of radios by 2026 has yet to receive formal verification.

Crash recognizes that advancements in radio technology within racing are expected to progress through 2025, yet there won't be a mandatory rollout at the races at this stage. Riders interested in experimenting with a system, which is anticipated to initially be a one-way system delivering pre-recorded messages, followed by a potential future upgrade to a two-way communication system linking riders with race officials, can do so on a voluntary basis. Any adoption of this technology must receive unanimous consent from the riders, with the main concern at present being its impact on safety.

Riders such as Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Vinales have shown interest in implementing radios after testing the one-way communication system. However, some believe that the one-way system still needs improvement, not to mention the idea of introducing two-way communication.

Francesco Bagnaia, speaking in Barcelona, expressed his frustration, stating, "I tried it out, but it's not yet fit for use. During my trial, it failed to function properly. I couldn't make out any sound, and frankly, it was somewhat bothersome. Additionally, the connecting cable is overly large, posing a potential hazard. Therefore, it's not up to par, and I plan to give it another go once it's been refined."

Bagnaia has made it clear that he opposes the introduction of radios. He voiced his opinion following the San Marino GP, stating his disapproval by saying, "I'm not in favour" and arguing that "we already have every input possible around the track, on the pitboard and on our dashboard."

For Pirro, however, he is of the opinion that riders will simply need to acclimate to whichever radio system is implemented.

Referring to the dual-direction system, he mentioned, "I had previously experimented with the single-direction system in different trials. This time, I gave the dual-direction system a go. It's a novel concept, unfamiliar at first, but in my opinion, it's all about acclimating to it.

"It's evident that it was a trial, and they kept communicating with me throughout, which wasn't ideal. However, when there are crucial updates or adjustments needed on the motorcycle, you can anticipate potential issues before heading back to the pit. Regardless, I view it as a promising area for development, especially since we're just getting started. There's still time."

As the development of the initial systems for enhancing safety progresses, MotoGP's endgame is to establish continuous ship-to-shore communication between the riders and their teams, similar to the setup in Formula 1. This addition is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to live broadcasts. Should Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP receive approval by the year's end, the new proprietors are anticipated to eagerly advance this initiative as part of their expansion strategy.

The discussion on whether MotoGP should incorporate radios dives into the heart of the sport's authenticity. At the Misano event in September, Marc Marquez shared his perspective, acknowledging their potential to enhance the spectacle but questioning their alignment with the core spirit of MotoGP.

A significant portion of the hesitation from social media and the media regarding introducing radios in MotoGP stems from concerns that it might make it resemble Formula 1 too closely. Although part of this apprehension is due to a lack of openness to change, the introduction of radio communications has somewhat diminished the perception of F1 drivers as the world's elite. Looking at it from a strict sports perspective, is there really a desire to listen to drivers grumble to their teams whenever they face a minor setback in a race?

Radios diminish the reliance on drivers' intuition. When faced with unpredictable weather conditions, drivers are continuously informed about the impending rain and its intensity. The choice to pit is usually made based on the insights of team strategists who monitor the lap times of competing cars. Rarely do drivers nowadays make on-the-spot, risky decisions.

Could this extend to such lengths in MotoGP?

Implementing a unilateral communication system for race control alerts is a positive move towards enhancing safety measures. This approach is already utilized in the World Endurance Championship, enabling race officials to notify drivers about upcoming Virtual Safety Cars. Naturally, the experience of getting these messages while sitting in a car versus being hunched over on a motorcycle varies significantly. Moreover, riders have voiced the need for a mechanism that allows them to alert race control about potential hazards that may justify a red flag. In this context, adopting a two-way radio system appears to be a logical solution.

The capability of teams to communicate with their riders, and the riders to communicate back, will transform MotoGP.

With the implementation of this system, Jorge Martin's tactical misstep during the San Marino GP, under flag-to-flag conditions, might have been avoided, as his Pramac team could have informed him that the rainfall was merely short-lived.

Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini probably wouldn't have paid attention to any communications from their crew, understanding that the distinctive scent from the Misano track would have signaled whether it was time to switch motorcycles due to wet conditions. However, ultimately, it was Martin who was in the saddle, and had he deemed it too dangerous to delay for the rain to lighten, he would have opted to pit regardless.

Certainly, team leaders might attempt to guide cyclists, advising them on areas for speed improvement, for instance. However, they lack the physical experience of being on the motorcycle, which significantly reduces the likelihood of their advice being heeded.

In a scenario where two-way radios were commonplace, Honda's miscalculations during the 2013 Australian Grand Prix would probably have persisted, resulting in Marc Marquez not pitting to switch bikes at the required time for tyre safety, ultimately still resulting in his disqualification.

F1 racers often respond with irritation when their engineers communicate with them during high-pressure situations. Considering that a MotoGP race is typically shorter and doesn't usually feature the same level of separation between competitors as seen in an F1 grand prix, it's a common occurrence for riders to request complete silence from their teams throughout the race.

MotoGP might actually benefit from the absence of radio communication. However, as is often the case, changes evolve over time and the actual effect on the races might not be as significant as the pessimists currently suggest.

Initially, there was significant doubt about the introduction of sprint races, yet they've seamlessly integrated into the norm. Similarly, MotoGP's updated emblem will soon be widely accepted. Moreover, once the use of radios becomes common, the initial uproar will swiftly subside, as is the case with such developments eventually.

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Cyclist receives a 17-hour penalty for FaceTiming with his mom

A concerned mother's strange tale unfolds during a renowned competition

The off-season in motorcycle racing has uncovered an odd, unnoticed story.

A motocross enthusiast successfully finished a notoriously challenging race, all the while keeping his anxious mother updated via continuous FaceTime.

"Ben Hunter expressed his deep desire to compete in the Baja 1000, however, his participation is hindered by his mother's concerns due to his Type 1 diabetes."

"She stated that the sole condition for me to participate in the race was to broadcast it live throughout."

And that's precisely what he accomplished.

IN THE NEWS: At this year's Baja 1000, motorcyclist Ben Hunter was spotted crossing the finish line sporting a @Starlink Mini affixed to his helmet. "My biggest wish was to compete in the Baja 1000, but my mother was against it due to my Type 1 diabetes. She agreed on the condition that I remain live-streamed throughout the race…" pic.twitter.com/VnLOptNP3c

Hunter arrived sporting a Starlink Mini attached to his helmet, connected to a power source.

His mom was broadcasted live on FaceTime, attached to him with tape.

The Baja 1000 stands as a premier global event in off-road motorsport, taking place on the Baja California Peninsula.

Hunter's efforts to alleviate his mother's worries were commendable.

However, in the realm of sports, his performance was less than impressive.

According to Motosprint, Hunter received a 17-hour penalty for choosing a route that was not permitted.

This resulted in a formal removal from the competition.

Likely, a scolding from his mom who observed the entire incident.

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

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KTM leader reveals significant revelation about Lewis Hamilton

In-depth conversations took place between Lewis Hamilton and KTM

KTM's chief executive has claimed that Lewis Hamilton engaged in serious discussions regarding an investment in the company.

KTM is grappling with a significant financial crisis that has emerged following the end of the MotoGP season.

They maintain that even with a substantial number of creditors and debts reaching into the billions, it won't hinder their racing program in 2025.

However, they have embraced discussions with prospective investors, among them Formula 1 icon Hamilton.

"Pit Beirer revealed to Speedweek that their conversations with his management team were quite engaging."

Lewis Hamilton has shown a keen interest in MotoGP, considering the possibility of creating his own team.

"In this area, discussions are well underway."

Throughout his time with Mercedes, Hamilton had a strong connection with his sponsor, Monster, which will conclude as he prepares to join Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a competing energy drink brand, significantly supports KTM.

Yet, Bierer made it clear, stating: "It's well-known among those looking to collaborate with us that Red Bull and KTM are closely linked. This hasn't posed a problem during any discussions to date.”

He further stated, "There's a distinct difference between an investor and a sponsor."

We also maintain a robust collaboration with our sponsors. Having sponsors on board who financially support a significant project means they become actively engaged. This involvement should indeed be seen as beneficial.

"When capable allies gather and collaborate, effective solutions emerge. Thus, it's evident that these individuals will hold significant influence."

Earlier this season, there were connections made between Hamilton and a monetary stake in the Gresini Ducati team.

Despite it not leading to any concrete outcomes, the Formula 1 celebrity revealed his fascination with MotoGP and the possibility of backing a team.

Hamilton has already put money into a sports franchise – the Denver Broncos.

KTM asserts that their appeal to investors is heightened by Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP.

The acquisition is still pending regulatory clearance.

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

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Joan Mir offers a bleak evaluation of the extent to which MotoGP concessions have benefited Honda

"We need to figure out how to secure valuable components for the motorcycle"

Joan Mir states that Honda's permission for concessions to help improve its underperforming MotoGP motorcycle provides 'no benefit' for the 2024 season.

In response to the struggles faced by Yamaha and Honda over the past few years, MotoGP has implemented a revised concessions system aimed at enhancing their performance and restoring competitive balance within the field.

Starting in the 2024 season, the new regulations allowed for unrestricted engine development and testing using race riders.

Yamaha and Honda concluded the year without securing a single podium finish, and both earned fewer points in the constructors' championship compared to their achievements in 2023.

In 2024, Honda failed to accumulate even 100 points among its four riders, securing only 75 points, a significant decline from the 185 points it garnered in 2023.

Mir experienced a challenging season, managing to score points in only seven events, totaling 16, which is five less than his tally of 21 in 2023. Additionally, he encountered 17 crashes throughout the season.

When inquired about Honda's position in 2024 without any allowances, Mir responded pessimistically, stating, "This year, likely in the same position we find ourselves."

"I trust this will benefit us for the upcoming event. However, in the immediate future, we didn’t gain any edge."

"The outcomes demonstrate that there was no enhancement."

"We need to discover methods to acquire quality components for the bike that will increase our speed. Currently, we haven't been able to achieve this."

In 2024, Mir emerged as the most vocal detractor from within Honda's ranks, expressing his dissatisfaction over what he perceives as the stagnant development of the RC213V.

At the post-season Barcelona test, he appeared disheartened as he shared with the press that Honda hadn't introduced any new updates he hadn't previously experienced.

Mir pointed out that Honda's decision to utilize its test slots for private practice runs in the intervals between the 2024 races had a downside, as it added to the riders' burden.

"He mentioned that the ability of factory riders to conduct more tests doesn't necessarily translate to an advantage, reasoning that if the motorcycle was improved, his performance would naturally increase."

"This is the reason we maintain a testing team. When we undertake testing activities and find ourselves working continuously from one week into the next without taking a break, it doesn't allow us any mental rest."

"Our pattern is alternating between a test, a race, another test, and another race. At times, it seems to deteriorate rather than improve."

"That's the reason we possess a testing team which is currently being strengthened, and we need to ensure they are actively engaged to produce quality materials."

"The strategies they believe are effective, we implement with general practitioners and observe improved results."

Honda's 2025 trial squad has made a major advancement by incorporating Aleix Espargaro, a victor of three Grand Prix races, who concluded his racing career last season, into the Japanese brand's lineup.

Takaaki Nakagami will take on a development position at Honda, transitioning from his former spot at LCR, which has now been filled by Somkiat Chantra.

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MotoGP champion Jorge Martin hints at his racing number for his 2025 title defense

New Aprilia team member suggests potential race number for the 2025 season

Newly crowned MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has hinted at the number he plans to use when he competes with Aprilia in 2025 to defend his title.

The Spanish rider engaged in a fierce competition with his factory Ducati rival Francesco Bagnaia throughout the 20 races of the 2024 season, with the contest between them remaining undecided until the very end.

Despite securing only three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11, Martin clinched the championship title by a margin of 10 points with his triumph in the Barcelona finale.

This achievement crowned Martin as a two-time Grand Prix world champion, adding to his 2018 Moto3 championship, and marked him as the first rider from an independent team to win the premier class championship in recent history.

Initially, Martin was set to join the factory Ducati team in 2025, partnering with Bagnaia, until the company decided to go in a different direction, opting for Marc Marquez.

Check out this Instagram post shared by Jorge Martin Almoguera (@89jorgemartin).

Following this, Martin inked a long-term agreement with Aprilia to become part of its official team starting from the 2025 season.

Following his victory in Barcelona, Martin has consistently faced questions regarding his choice of racing number for the RS-GP.

Following the season's last episode, he commented on the issue, asking, "What's your opinion?

"I believe it's the right moment to revel in our current success. I prefer not to ponder on what the next year may bring."

"Currently, we hold the top position and our aim is to secure victory at today's championship event as well. I prefer not to consider what next year might bring."

"We need to take a moment to consider this and then decide."

During the off-season trials in Barcelona, Martin persisted in using his customary number 89.

During the latest TT-Christmas at Rocco's Ranch, Martin competed in the motocross race, bearing the number one.

Aprilia is set to kick off its 2025 campaign with Martin and Marco Bezzecchi on January 16, during which it is anticipated that the former will announce his decision on using the number one plate.

Should he proceed, he'll take over from Bagnaia, who has been racing with number one ever since he clinched his initial championship in 2022.

Before him, Joan Mir held the number one spot following his 2020 championship victory, and Casey Stoner also carried the number one in 2012 after his win.

The gathering held at Rocco's Ranch, in proximity to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, attracted several leading figures from the grand prix circuit including Aleix Espargaro and Fermin Aldeguer, and succeeded in generating €20,000 in support of Aspar’s fund to aid flood relief efforts in Valencia.

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Ducati foresees a challenging MotoGP season in 2025

Achieving consistent podium finishes as in the past will be tougher

Ducati's chief executive, Gigi Dall’Igna, is of the opinion that it would be "unfeasible" for the brand to dominate the first five places in MotoGP races as it managed to do in 2024.

In the 2024 racing season, Ducati completely overshadowed its competitors, securing victories in 19 out of the 20 grand prix events and easily clinching the constructors' championship title.

Jorge Martin emerged as the brand's third global champion racer by steering his Pramac-operated GP24 to his initial top-tier title, following a season-long contest with Francesco Bagnaia.

In 2024, Ducati secured all three podium positions 14 times and garnered 53 podium finishes across six out of its eight riders.

During the quick-paced race in Thailand, Ducati riders dominated by securing the first eight positions, whereas in the Grand Prix in Japan, they solidified their prowess by filling the first five positions, and in Thailand's Grand Prix, they achieved the top six spots.

Despite being subject to a development halt (alongside all other non-concession brands) in anticipation of the 2027 regulatory adjustments and having to part with two of its motorcycles, Ducati is not anticipated to fall in the rankings.

However, Dall'Igna expects its dominance to face tougher challenges.

"Dall'Igna informed Australian MCN that achieving outcomes similar to Japan (among the top five) and Australia next year will be unattainable."

"However, maintaining our dominance on the podium as we have recently will become harder. Ducati particularly shines from a competitive standpoint with these outcomes."

"The benefits enjoyed by others, particularly Honda and Yamaha due to the concessions, are significant, leading me to anticipate facing greater challenges this season."

"This is the reason we embraced greater risks at the beginning of the year, aware that our competitors might advance as the season progressed, and we might not. Clearly, our bold strategy was successful."

Whenever I notice a minor dip in our performance or feel that the distance between us and our competitors is narrowing, I strongly motivate my team to step up their efforts.

"These tournaments serve as a huge appreciation for everyone at Ducati Corse."

In the upcoming season, Marc Marquez will team up with Bagnaia at the official Ducati team, as the total of factory-supported motorcycles is reduced from four to three.

The last GP25 spot will be taken by VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

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Yamaha glimpsed hope after enduring what they described as the "longest season ever" in MotoGP. The Japanese brand appears to be on the correct path after facing challenges.

Yamaha's head, Massimo Meregalli, expressed optimism for the underperforming Japanese team, noting an improvement following the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix, during what he described as "the longest season in history."

In 2023, Yamaha experienced a significant decline from contending for the championship to only sporadically finishing on the podium. This downturn reached its nadir in 2024, marking Yamaha's most challenging period in the contemporary MotoGP scene.

For the first time since the introduction of the four-stroke era, it didn't secure any podium finishes, and it only amassed 124 points in the constructors’ championship, a significant drop from the 196 points it garnered in 2023.

However, Meregalli is of the opinion that starting from the Aragon Grand Prix, Yamaha has begun to make a comeback.

There's validity in considering Yamaha's top performance of the season, which occurred in Malaysia during the second-to-last race of the series, where Fabio Quartararo achieved a commendable sixth-place finish on the M1.

"Without a doubt, this has been the most extended season we've had, but I genuinely appreciate the hard work everyone contributed this season," Meregalli expressed to the official MotoGP website.

"We remained determined, particularly following Aragon, as we began to witness the outcomes of our efforts up to that point."

"It feels fulfilling because when you exert effort and don't witness any outcomes, challenges become increasingly burdensome and difficult to manage."

"However, beginning in Aragon, we began to notice a glimmer of hope that we could sustain as well."

Primarily, it's worth mentioning that the engineers specializing in aerodynamics put in a lot of effort, and the riders began to grasp the principles of aerodynamics more deeply during our consecutive trials.

"When we revisited the initial stages of aerodynamics, they truly grasped the advantages of the most recent advancements in the field."

Even though it hasn't shown much success, Yamaha appears to be a company that is bolstering its presence for 2024

The team successfully renewed the contract of 2021 world champion Quartararo for another two years and also prolonged Alex Rins' agreement until the conclusion of 2026.

Yamaha successfully secured Pramac, the reigning team world champions, away from Ducati to become their satellite ally in 2025. Additionally, under the guidance of their new technical director, Max Bartolini, Yamaha has modified its strategy towards development.

It has been distinctly highlighted through the disclosure that Yamaha is venturing into the development of a V4 engine for the first time.

Looking ahead to 2024, Meregalli showered Quartararo with compliments.

"Fabio is among those who invest a great deal of effort and also attempts to adjust himself," he further mentioned.

"Adjusting your biking technique can be challenging."

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Marc Marquez reveals significant news regarding his sponsorship with Red Bull

Throughout his time in MotoGP, Marc Marquez has been backed by Red Bull

The sponsorship agreement between Marc Marquez and Red Bull has officially concluded.

On Thursday, the six-time MotoGP champion declared the end of a long and highly successful collaboration.

Marquez expressed that from 2008 to 2024, it has been a remarkable adventure filled with obstacles, triumphs, and memorable experiences.

"I am grateful to Red Bull for supporting me throughout my journey and helping me soar in my career."

"I look forward to meeting again someday."

Throughout his entire MotoGP career, Marquez has consistently been associated with Red Bull as an athlete. This partnership has remained intact even this year, despite his transition from Repsol Honda to Gresini Ducati.

During Marquez's successful years with Honda, the energy drink brand was associated with him.

However, before he transitions to the Ducati factory team in 2025, the sponsorship will conclude.

The Ducati factory team has a partnership with Monster Energy, which is a major competitor of Red Bull in the industry.

During the postseason test, Marquez's motorcycle was devoid of any sponsor logos, providing scant information about the branding he will showcase in the upcoming season.

Earlier this month, during a Red Bull event, Marquez announced that he has to part ways with the sponsor as he is transitioning to the factory Ducati team.

He emphasized that he would not have an individual sponsor in 2025, stating that this decision was made as a sign of respect towards Red Bull.

The financial gains from Marquez's sponsorship deals are substantial.

As the most prominent figure in MotoGP, partnering with Marquez is a significant opportunity for companies.

Significant changes are expected in 2025, including the color and competitive edge of Marquez's motorcycle. Additionally, there remain uncertainties regarding the sponsors he will have.

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

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

Debut of Bagger category anticipated in Europe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pursuing Shadows: The Role of Videometry in MotoGP Racing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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