The new leader of KTM's MotoGP team emphasizes the need for "patience" as they approach the crucial year of 2025.

"Maintaining patience in some way remains crucial"

Newly appointed KTM team leader Aki Ajo emphasizes that “the upcoming two years are crucial,” however, he has called for “patience” from the Austrian MotoGP producer.

Veteran team owner of the lower grand prix categories, Ajo, steps in to take over from Francesco Guidotti as the manager of the factory KTM team for the 2025 season.

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He steps into his role during a period where the parent company faces financial difficulties, and the racing team has not secured a grand prix win since 2022.

KTM secured the runner-up position in the 2024 constructors' championship, thanks to podium finishes by Brad Binder and newcomer Pedro Acosta, despite trailing the leading Ducati team by 395 points.

Ajo has emphasized the significance of the upcoming two seasons for the brand, especially since it needs to bridge the competitive distance with Ducati, in light of the rules overhaul expected in 2027.

"He emphasized the significance of the upcoming two years, describing them as crucial, during his conversation with MotoGP's global broadcast at the Barcelona trial."

"However, as I often emphasize, maintaining patience is crucial: proceed gradually and comprehend your actions."

In response to inquiries about his contributions to the KTM team, Ajo mentioned, "Certainly, my aim would be to apply my expertise in fostering open and frequent communication among team members, always striving for a unified goal, and maintaining a level of patience towards further progress.

"It's essential that we place confidence in one another regarding our tasks and maintain our composure."

"However, as I mention, the key is to communicate and naturally, always keep our eyes peeled to constantly be aware of our needs."

Unlike its competitors who have garnered attention for securing top engineering talents for 2025, KTM will not appoint an exclusive technical director.

Rather, it plans to form a specialized technical team, and Ajo is confident that KTM has the necessary personnel to enhance the motorcycle's development.

"Our project is staffed with many highly experienced individuals, and the crucial aspect is their strong leadership and comprehensive analysis," he further stated.

"The guidance applies to all. Naturally, by maintaining and perceiving it as straightforward, it encompasses both the manufacturing advancements and the efforts of the racing and testing teams."

"We should always strive to ensure effective coordination and communication."

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Morbidelli discusses the "honor" and "expectations" associated with competing for Valentino Rossi's VR46 MotoGP squad

He mentions that being part of the VR46 team "raises the standard significantly"

Franco Morbidelli admits feeling an increased level of pressure as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP squad for the 2025 season, yet he expresses that this responsibility brings him a great sense of honor.

At 29 years old, he stands out as a notable figure within the VR46 Academy, achieving distinction as the academy's initial world champion in Moto2 during 2017 and marking another milestone as its first victor in a MotoGP race with his triumph at the San Marino GP in 2020.

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Before committing to the VR46 Ducati team for the 2025 season, Morbidelli had not previously competed under the banner of the MotoGP icon Rossi's squad.

The Italian rider initiated his tenure with the squad, competing in the 2024 season aboard the GP24 for Pramac, during the post-season test in Barcelona, where he secured the seventh position after completing 52 laps.

Familiar with the team dynamics, Morbidelli expressed post-test that they need to leverage the "special" bond among them to come together as a cohesive group.

Competing under Rossi's banner carries a distinctive stress for an Italian racer, yet Morbidelli is welcoming this challenge.

"It instills a sense of pride in me and adds an additional layer of pressure," he expressed.

"Being part of Valentino Rossi's team really raises the standards, in my view, and we aim to live up to those [expectations] moving forward."

"I maintain a sense of balance, as my bicycle remains constant. The individuals in my surroundings might shift, yet I'm familiar with them, making the transition manageable, albeit minor."

Morbidelli's switch to Ducati, racing for Pramac in 2024, marked his comeback as a regular contender in the top 10, following a challenging two-year period with Yamaha's official team.

He secured a top-three finish in the San Marino GP sprint, but found it challenging to match the pace of the other GP24 competitors throughout the season.

Looking back at 2024, he commented, "I'll recall all the enhancements we implemented in each session, every weekend, every moment we realized there was something beyond what we had in the prior grand prix."

This year has offered a delightful journey and sights to behold.

"We've climbed to the peak of our group. There's just one final step left, but our progress has been significant."

Morbidelli's preparations for the season were impeded due to a concussion he sustained during a training mishap in Portimao.

He was absent from the entire winter testing period, and later in the year, he confessed to experiencing a two-week period of amnesia following the accident.

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"Max Bartolini: Exclusive Insights – How Aerodynamics Affect Horsepower"

Max Bartolini discusses the challenging balance between aerodynamics, engine power, and engine characteristics.

One of the challenges Yamaha faces in its effort to return the M1 to the forefront of MotoGP involves finding the perfect equilibrium between top speed, engine performance, and aerodynamics.

Even though Fabio Quartararo clinched the championship in 2021, he faced difficulties in passing other competitors because his top speed was insufficient.

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The circumstances deteriorated in 2022 when a scheduled enhancement to the power system was canceled over doubts about its dependability.

Lin Jarvis informed Crash.net that throughout 2022, their focus was on creating a new engine for that season, aiming to achieve improved horsepower performance.

"Ultimately, if you cannot ensure complete reliability, it's important to proceed with caution."

"We opted for a cautious approach to performance to ensure that reliability would be maintained."

However, Yamaha's victories dwindled in 2022, and by 2023, their appearances on the

Following the engine troubles experienced in 2022, Yamaha initiated a collaboration with Marmotors.

When questioned about the instructions provided to Luca Marmorini, a former engine designer for Ferrari and Toyota F1, Jarvis humorously replied, "More power, if you would!"

The rise to the top for the M1 was slow, but eventually, it achieved high speeds. Despite this, the team's performance frequently declined.

During the Sepang test this year, Quartararo achieved a remarkable top speed, only 2.1 km/h behind Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati and 3.1 km/h slower than Brad Binder's KTM.

However, the French driver recorded the 11th quickest lap time.

At Mugello, known as the speediest track in MotoGP, the narrative remained unchanged: Quartararo achieved the third-fastest speed during the race but ended up in 18th position.

In MotoGP, straightforward solutions are rarely found.

Motorcycle test rider Cal Crutchlow cautioned that achieving high top speeds is not the only important factor. He emphasized that Yamaha must focus on restoring its engine's smoothness to improve corner exits.

Quartararo grew more worried as the motorcycle continued to fall short in aerodynamic downforce when compared to competing bikes.

In 2024, enhancements in those two aspects led to a drop in Yamaha's top speed, yet their performance on the track got better. This was highlighted by Quartararo's sixth-place finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix, even though he ranked 19th in terms of speed over the weekend.

"Aero demands horsepower!"

Max Bartolini, the technical director for Monster Yamaha who came on board earlier this year, discussed the balancing act required between aerodynamics, engine power, and the nature of the engine.

According to Bartolini in an interview with Crash.net, the Yamaha initially had impressive top speed at the beginning of the season. However, as they progressed, they made advancements in aerodynamics, which has a tendency to reduce horsepower.

"If you possess power, you can utilize aerodynamics. However, lacking sufficient power means you cannot enhance aerodynamics."

"Initially, the engine was very strong, but we also worked on improving the aerodynamics to enhance handling and increase cornering speed."

"Certainly, we utilized power. No matter how efficient the aerodynamics are, generating downforce or lateral force without some drag is unachievable."

"The speed on the straight has decreased somewhat because the aerodynamics have enhanced, and we've also adjusted the engine's characteristics to suit Fabio's preference for handling."

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently deeply involved in covering Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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Aprilia's head cautions against undervaluing a new MotoGP rider's potential for progress

“Having a newcomer is beneficial as they bring a fresh perspective”

Aprilia's chief executive, Massimo Rivola, has cautioned against undervaluing the potential contributions to development that newcomer Ai Ogura could offer to MotoGP in 2025.

The Italian company had a successful beginning to 2024, securing a win in America thanks to Maverick Vinales, yet ultimately finished third in the constructors' rankings.

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The latter part of the season posed significant challenges for Aprilia, as they faced difficulties in overcoming the myriad of problems plaguing the RS-GP.

Discover further: Initial indications of optimism during Jorge Martin's first trial with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The upcoming year's bicycle innovation faces challenges due to an entirely fresh lineup for Aprilia, with the exception of Raul Fernandez. Additionally, Fabiano Sterlacchini has taken over as technical director, succeeding Romano Albesiano.

Aprilia's team now includes Moto2 world champion Ogura, who had his first experience with the Aprilia during the post-season test in Barcelona.

Rivola has faith that, although it's not anticipated for Ogura to immediately advance motorcycle innovation, his new outlook might turn out to be beneficial.

"Simultaneously, having a newcomer is beneficial because they arrive with a fresh perspective, devoid of any preconceptions," Rivola shared with MotoGP's global broadcast during the Barcelona trial.

"Therefore, I believe he has the potential to offer extra worth."

"Having a rookie as talented and quick as Ai on board should not be overlooked, as it significantly boosts our performance."

"Our team strikes a solid balance between skill and youthfulness. Despite our relatively young average age, it suggests promising prospects ahead."

Rivola sees the introduction of a new team as a chance for growth instead of an obstacle.

"He views it more as a chance," he continues.

"I prefer to view it as extra encouragement. I'm excited about the upcoming season."

"We're not close to perfection, yet we believe that with the mix of riders in our team, we can secure positive outcomes."

Bezzecchi's exceptional talents poised to elevate Aprilia

Marco Bezzecchi, who secured second place in the 2023 rankings, is set to team up with 2024 world champion Jorge Martin at Aprilia's premier racing team.

Rivola believes Bezzecchi possesses unique attributes and reiterated remarks made by Aleix Espargaro earlier this year, suggesting the ex-VR46 Ducati racer's technique is a good match for the RS-GP.

"Rivola mentioned that Marco is an exceptionally pleasant person."

"He demonstrated some exceptional talents last year, according to his performance. I concur with Aleix that his skills and the motorcycle's features are likely a good fit."

"Marco initially had a positive impression, which is crucial. However, the journey to the peak remains extensive, and we're observing numerous rivals progressively improving."

"This will greatly benefit the championship."

"The Japanese manufacturers are quickly making their mark, alongside the emergence of three newcomers. I'm particularly pleased with the progress Ai has made. It's shaping up to be an exciting season."

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Jorge Martin: ‘Ducati is likely regretting their decision to release me’

MotoGP world title holder discusses leaving Ducati

Jorge Martin, the new MotoGP world champion, thinks that Ducati might be second-guessing its choice not to elevate him to its factory team for 2025.

Earlier this year, Martin received confirmation from Ducati that he would be moving up from Pramac to team up with Francesco Bagnaia in the factory team of the Italian brand for the upcoming season.

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However, when Marc Marquez turned down the opportunity to join Pramac with a factory motorcycle and hinted that he might switch to a competing brand, Ducati reversed its plan to elevate Martin.

In the end, he agreed to a two-year contract with Aprilia's factory team. He joins them as the world champion, having defeated Bagnaia in the season's last race in Barcelona.

In an interview on Spanish TV, Martin commented on Ducati's decision to part ways with him, stating, "At the time this decision was made, I hadn't yet achieved champion status."

"Understanding this situation is challenging. However, it's apparent that they might be feeling remorse at the moment."

"You'll need to ask them about that. Ultimately, I prioritize my own well-being. Life often leads you to unexpected destinations."

Davide Tardozzi from Ducati spoke to Crash.net following the last race of 2024, stating that the company had to make challenging choices regarding their team for 2025.

After joining Aprilia, there was a general expectation that Ducati might reduce its backing for Pramac and Martin, in an effort to prevent the top championship title from being claimed by a competitor's bike.

Nevertheless, Ducati honored its commitment to providing equal support by halting the development of the 2024 bike in the latter part of the season, maintaining fairness for all.

Martin highly praises Ducati for their choice, even though he acknowledges that it seemed as if there were "about a dozen people on my side compared to a couple of hundred" when facing off against the official team.

"My gear was identical to Pecco's, I have to admit." he stated.

"However, the situation at the factory is entirely distinct. As an official rider, you have a whole team dedicated to helping you succeed and ensuring you come out on top."

"I felt as though I had a dozen teammates going up against a few hundred opponents, which added to the challenge."

"I appreciate Ducati for not taking any action against us."

"No one saw it coming, as there was an anticipation of unusual events occurring in the final races. However, they have conducted themselves with great integrity, which is truly commendable."

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Marc Marquez emphasizes the significance of the pre-season period as crucial before the 2025 MotoGP engine regulations are solidified. He notes that any errors made in the 2025 engine design will persist into the 2026 season.

Marc Marquez, who has joined Ducati as a factory rider, states that his main focus before the season starts is to choose the right engine design for the 2025 MotoGP season.

Starting from the first race of the upcoming season, there will be a two-year halt on changes to 1,000cc engines, in preparation for the new 850cc technical regulations set to take effect in 2027.

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To put it differently, the engine specifications approved by Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia at the Buriram event next February will remain unchanged until the end of the 2026 season.

Yamaha and Honda don't have to follow the same rules right now because they hold a D concession ranking. "This pre-season is crucial, especially since the engines will remain unchanged in 2025 and 2026," Marquez mentioned during a gathering for Estrella Galicia 0,0, the sponsor.

"If errors occur in the engine design for 2025, those issues will persist into 2026, making it crucial to get it right."

Marquez recorded the fourth fastest time, trailing slightly behind his new teammate Francesco Bagnaia, during his first appearance with the factory Ducati team at the recent Barcelona MotoGP Test.

Marquez commented on the transition from the 2023 Gresini bike to the GP25, noting that there was a significant improvement. However, he emphasized the importance of testing its performance across various tracks. Looking ahead, Marquez mentioned that their focus remains on 2025, as the Ducati team aims to continue progressing.

The Spanish rider will have to wait until February for another opportunity to ride the GP25, which will take place in Sepang.

Following a three-day testing period in Malaysia and an additional two days in Buriram, the engine designs for European manufacturers will be finalized before the start of practice for the Thai Grand Prix on February 28. "The time off can feel either lengthy or brief, depending on your perspective. However, it's crucial to recuperate from the season, particularly after the demanding Asian tour, and allow the body some rest," Marquez stated.

As soon as February arrives, the races are scheduled in quick succession. Therefore, it's important to take this time to relax, enjoy the holiday season with loved ones, and choose a vacation spot that, rather than just being picturesque, allows for true relaxation and mental detachment.

"Starting in January, you fully commit to pre-season training, focusing on achieving peak physical condition."

The world champion, who has claimed the title eight times, secured his first grand prix victories since 2021 this season by winning races at Aragon, Misano, and Phillip Island, ultimately finishing third in the world championship standings.

For two decades, Peter has been a prominent figure in the paddock, witnessing 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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2025 MotoGP final test schedule announced

Three tests during the season scheduled for 2025

The upcoming 2025 MotoGP championship is set to include three mid-season testing events in addition to two scheduled pre-season sessions and the customary single day of testing after the season concludes.

The 2025 racing season's testing schedule commenced on Tuesday, after the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona.

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Racing activities will recommence in Malaysia from February 5-7 next year, featuring a three-day preliminary trial at Sepang from January 31 to February 2, specifically for test riders and newcomers.

The last round of pre-season trials is scheduled for February 12-13 at Buriram, preceding the start of the 2025 season, which kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix on February 28.

Dorna Sports has officially declared that a trio of in-season testing sessions will occur in 2025.

The inaugural event is scheduled for April 28, immediately succeeding the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, with an additional day of activities set for Monday, June 9, following the Aragon Grand Prix.

The last test during the season is scheduled for September 15, following the San Marino Grand Prix. This event has traditionally been the moment when manufacturers debut their next year's prototypes on the circuit.

The final exam of the year is scheduled for the Tuesday following the Valencia Grand Prix conclusion, which also signifies the initial test for 2026.

The scheduled test sessions during the season represent the sole chance for Ducati's Michele Pirro to join the existing lineup on track, unless he steps in as a substitute rider. This limitation arises because Ducati's concession status prohibits them from entering any wildcard entries.

The Moto3 category will conduct exclusive pre-season trials from February 10th to 11th, succeeded by the Moto2 division's testing session on February 12th and 13th, all taking place at Portimao.

The formal pre-season examination for both groups is scheduled to take place from February 18th to 20th in Jerez.

The scheduled dates for Moto2 races include May 13th at Le Mans and July 21st at Brno. Meanwhile, Moto3 races are set for May 12th in France and July 22nd in Czechia.

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Marc Marquez discusses mental resurgence in the 2024 MotoGP season

"A year back, my mind was filled with uncertainties, I harbored numerous doubts…"

In 2023, Marc Marquez nearly decided to retire from motorcycle racing, however, a move to better equipment rekindled his passion to keep racing.

Following his triumph in securing six MotoGP championships over a span of seven years, Marquez faced ongoing issues with injuries from 2020 to 2022. During the times he was able to compete, he noticed that the Honda RC213V, a bike he had been riding since 2013, was progressively falling behind its competitors in performance.

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In 2024, Marquez's move to the Gresini satellite team and his transition to using last year's Ducati equipment led to a resurgence in his competitive edge, a fight for podium positions, and eventually securing a first-place finish.

"Marquez confirmed in his discussion with MotoGP.com that the decision he made to move last year has proven successful, stating that otherwise, he would have been announcing his retirement this year."

A year back, my mind was filled with uncertainties and numerous questions. However, as time passed, all those uncertainties vanished, and I found myself returning to a competitive stance.

"We won't reference the benchmarks set in 2019; instead, we'll focus on achieving a competitive standard that ensures we keep striving forward, persist in our efforts, and, most importantly, maintain the unique essence of MotoGP."

"We savor once more that triumph, that pinnacle, that unique fervor which, when you're competing at the highest level, stands apart."

Marquez shared that the period he went through without victories — despite his history of numerous wins since joining the premier class in 2013, and tracing back to 2010 with his successes in the 125cc category — allowed him to adopt a new outlook on achieving success in MotoGP.

"He mentioned, 'When it's been a while since you've experienced victory, you begin to lose touch with that sensation.'"

"However, experiencing it once more, following triumphs in Aragon and Misano, leaves you craving additional success. It becomes addictive, with the desire for further victories growing stronger and stronger."

"I appreciated it [doubly], given that victories were once commonplace, but now we recognize that triumphs aren't the usual occurrence.

"Triumphs instill a great deal of self-assurance in you. This is crucial, especially after enduring several challenging years, undergoing four arm surgeries, and facing continuous disappointing outcomes. It leads to a loss of confidence and begins to raise doubts: 'Could it be the motorcycle, is it my own doing, or is it my physical state?'"

"Gradually, you must address those queries and restore that assurance through achieving podium finishes, strong race performances, pole positions, Sprint wins, and ultimately, securing victories in the main races, which was incredibly crucial."

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

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Michelin provides an update on the progress of the postponed MotoGP front tire

The tire manufacturer conducted additional testing on the new front tire in Barcelona

Michelin has revealed its strategy for developing the new front tire construction for MotoGP, originally intended for a 2025 launch, which has now been postponed to 2026 or later.

The tire company from France has been developing a new front tire option aimed at better handling the heightened impact of aerodynamics, especially concerning tire pressure.

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Initially, the plan was to launch this tire in 2025. However, due to limited testing on the new design throughout the 2024 season, the decision was taken to postpone its introduction until 2026.

At the post-season test in Barcelona, Michelin introduced a new front tire that several riders tested and gave positive feedback on.

In Barcelona, Luca Marini from Honda mentioned that the new front tire gave him a similar impression to what he felt at Misano.

As you ride out of the garage, the bike initially seems very heavy. However, as you begin to warm up the tire, the sensation becomes more comfortable.

"In my opinion, they are performing well with the front tire, particularly during braking when entering."

"The boundary seems even more distant at this point, but you won’t truly grasp where it lies until you hit a breaking point."

"When it's time to accelerate with this tire, it seems you can apply the brakes more as you enter. There aren't any drawbacks."

In a conversation with it.motorsport.com, Piero Taramasso, who leads Michelin’s motorsport division, described the upcoming stage in the creation of the new front tire.

He mentioned that they plan to bring it back to Sepang and Buriram for the winter testing sessions, possibly implementing some additional modifications.

"After conducting tests across four or five different tracks and under various conditions during these two sessions, we will implement the final adjustments needed. Once those modifications are made, the design will be finalized and will not undergo further changes."

Following that, we plan to reintroduce it throughout 2025 during both official and private testing sessions. This will allow the teams to familiarize themselves with it and begin optimizing their chassis and suspension configurations to fully utilize its potential.

"We believe that by doing this, they will be prepared for its eventual launch."

As mentioned in Misano, we decided against implementing it right away in 2025. This decision allows us to continue testing and provides some stability for the teams. It's important to note that we've already brought in new compounds for both the front and rear this year.

Addressing Marini's remarks regarding the sensation of heaviness experienced with the new front tire, Taramasso notes that this is a perplexing matter for Michelin, especially given that its construction is actually 1 kilogram lighter than the 2024 model.

He explained, "We need to grasp why some cyclists say the bike feels heavier and less nimble, particularly when making turns, even though it is 1kg lighter than the earlier version."

"We must determine whether the issue is linked to the environment or possibly to the stresses involved, which might necessitate adjusting certain parameters."

"Nevertheless, I have to acknowledge that nearly everyone in Misano made this kind of remark, whereas in Barcelona, it was somewhat less common."

"We are examining the data to determine the cause, but overall, we find the tire meets our anticipated standards."

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2024 MotoGP dark horse aims high, aspiring to match Marquez/Bagnaia's performance

"I prefer to set objectives based on tangible outcomes"

Fabio Di Giannantonio has set an ambitious goal to reach “the same level as Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia” while riding the GP25 Ducati MotoGP motorcycle.

The former grand prix champion's career in MotoGP was rescued at the eleventh hour by VR46 as the 2023 season came to a close, yet he seized the chance he was given.

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Throughout 2024, Di Giannantonio consistently outperformed all other GP23 riders, with the exception of Marc Marquez, maintaining his superior position. Additionally, he managed to finish ahead of his VR46 teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, in the overall standings, even though he had to sit out the final two rounds for a surgical procedure on his shoulder, which he had dislocated

Di Giannantonio's performance was so remarkable that Ducati has decided to allocate the last GP25 it plans to enter in next year's grid to him, where he will join the team's leading riders, Marquez and Bagnaia.

Di Giannantonio, who is recovering from surgery more swiftly than anticipated, is not setting specific performance goals for himself. Instead, he aims to match the competitive standards of Marquez and Bagnaia.

"When questioned about the upcoming season, Di Giannantonio expressed a preference for not setting objectives based on outcomes."

"I prefer to set objectives based on tangible actions."

"My goal is to expand my skills, enhance my abilities, and gain knowledge from them, aiming to reach their level of expertise."

"Then what this stage offers us, or the place it can take us to, remains uncertain to me."

"The outcomes stem from numerous factors including injuries, performance outcomes, accidents, and decisions."

"It's challenging to predict the outcome. However, my aim is to match the performance of Marc Marquez and Bagnaia in the upcoming year."

Membership in the Ducati team has provided Di Giannantonio with the opportunity to analyze the performance data from riders such as Bagnaia, Marquez, and Jorge Martin, the 2024 world champion.

He mentions that the data indicates his performance "wasn't too poor" in comparison with Ducati's top racers, yet it also highlights aspects where he has room for enhancement.

"When asked about the unique strengths of each Ducati rider, he remarked, 'Each rider brings something special to the table.'"

Marc excels at navigating the left corners. He truly shines there, yet he often falls short when it comes to the right corners.

"Pecco excels in braking, arguably outperforming other Ducati riders in this aspect."

"Bastianini excelled at preserving tire condition towards the race's conclusion."

"Martin's performance in the qualifiers has the potential to greatly impact the qualifying rounds."

"I aimed to delve deeper into studying Martin and Pecco, and occasionally Marquez as well, due to us having the same motorcycle model."

"Frankly, and fortunately, this year my performance wasn't too poor, so the gap wasn't significant. Indeed, there are numerous aspects we need to work on, and I definitely plan to keep analyzing them."

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Honda team racers conclude 2024 with private testing in Jerez

HRC conducted tests in Jerez

The Honda MotoGP team concluded its season with a last private testing session at Jerez.

The 2024 season marked Honda's poorest performance in contemporary times, as it struggled to make it into the top five of any grand prix and recorded its third season without a victory in five years.

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Honda secured the last position in the constructors' rankings, accumulating a total of 75 points. This left them 49 points behind their Japanese competitor Yamaha and a significant 647 points away from Ducati.

HRC achieved its highest performance of the year with Johann Zarco of LCR clinching an eighth-place finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix, representing its sole top-eight result of the year during a Sunday race. Additionally, the French rider secured an eighth-place position in the Indonesian GP sprint race.

Among the Honda competitors, Zarco led the pack by securing the 17th position, followed by Takaaki Nakagami in 19th, Joan Mir in 21st, and Luca Marini, who ended up at the bottom of the full-time roster in 22nd place.

Throughout 2024, Honda has taken advantage of its concession manufacturer privileges by engaging in several private tests during the season.

Advancements were sluggish, with a major breakthrough occurring following the San Marino GP, marked by the rollout of an enhanced aerodynamics package that bettered maneuverability.

After the last race of 2024, opinions were divided among Honda's team regarding their experience at the Barcelona trial.

Mir expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of novelty in the things he experimented with, a sentiment that was challenged by his colleague Marini.

Zarco mentioned that the 2025 chassis he tested did not mark an improvement, yet he didn't see a reason to be overly concerned about it.

Marini mentioned in Barcelona that during a private test at Jerez, Honda was set to experiment with new and more captivating updates.

On Tuesday, Marini and HRC's test rider Aleix Espargaro hit the Jerez track, with Mir and Zarco taking their turns on Wednesday.

Honda's testing session overlapped with the World Superbike trials happening at the same location.

Espargaro transitions to a test rider position with Honda upon concluding his active racing career after the 2024 season.

He will collaborate with Honda's ex-technical director Ken Kawauchi, who transitioned to the test team this year, as former Aprilia employee Romano Albesiano steps into the role within the factory race team.

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EXCLUSIVE: Unveiling Pedro Acosta's "supernatural" performance

Crash.net's Lewis Duncan engages in an in-depth conversation with Pedro Acosta’s chief technician, Paul Trevathan, to uncover the secrets behind the exceptional performance of MotoGP's standout newcomer…

On this Thursday, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Paul Trevathan finds himself sipping coffee in an empty Tech3 hospitality area, just before the concluding race of the 2024 MotoGP season.

Throughout the year, attention has largely focused on the 20-year-old competitor seated beside him. However, the straightforward New Zealand crew chief has emerged as Pedro Acosta's key supporter.

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Since the announcement of his elevation to the MotoGP category with the support of KTM through the Tech3 team last year, there has been a significant amount of anticipation surrounding the 2021 Moto3 and 2023 Moto2 world champion. Some predicted he would secure victories in his first year in MotoGP, while there were those who believed he could contend for the championship.

The excitement reached its peak on November 28, 2023, as he took the RC16 out for its first spin during the Valencia test, which followed the end of the season.

"Trevathan, reflecting on the remarkable year of 2024, mentioned to Crash.net that there was significant media attention and similar matters at that time, when inquired about his first thoughts on Acosta following their initial test."

"However, what truly astonished us was his capacity for absorbing a vast amount of information quickly and efficiently applying it. Comparable to the numerous controls on a bicycle, or the buttons on a Playstation, he meticulously went through all the instructions and feedback we provided. He had an incredible ability to process and execute these in a remarkably short span of time, impressively turning theory into action almost immediately."

At that moment, we started calling him "the sponge" due to his remarkable ability. Considering his youth and limited experience, having only spent three years in the paddock before joining us, it was truly astonishing how quickly he grasped everything. His time with us wasn't extensive, yet his understanding was profound.

"The readiness to embrace fearlessness, questioning 'what is the purpose of these things, will they enhance my speed? Alright, let’s dive right in.' This aspect was notably remarkable."

'An extraordinary motorcycle experience'

Acosta's learning pace was so rapid that during the Sepang test in February, he managed to hit the lap time goal Trevathan deemed achievable after three days, all within the very first day.

Starting from the eighth position in his debut race in Qatar, Acosta managed to score in the sprint race and aggressively made his way into contention for a podium position during the grand prix. However, he dropped to ninth place by the end of the race. Despite this, the experience was seen as a valuable part of his development, and it did little to diminish the high hopes that the international community has for the Spanish racer.

Acosta climbed to the podium for the first time during the subsequent grand prix in Portugal, securing third place after Maverick Vinales' Aprilia encountered a problem towards the end and then he crashed out.

He followed it with another victory in the United States in his next appearance, then secured a second-place finish in the Jerez sprint race. At this point, his momentum appeared unstoppable.

However, while the outcomes documented were outstanding, Trevathan uncovers the aspects that genuinely set them apart.

"Trevathan, who also mentioned that he hadn't discussed performance goals with Acosta throughout the year, stated, 'These aero bikes are hardly impressive pieces of equipment.'"

Riding them is unlike riding a typical motorcycle. Observing individuals who haven't ridden them in some time, you notice the change in both effort and comprehension. The complexity of the current situation stems from factors like the aerodynamic setup, issues with the tires, and temperature management, making it an unnatural experience.

"Hence, it's necessary to understand it, and this aspect truly astonishes me about him."

"Securing a spot in the top five would have already exceeded my expectations. It was quite extraordinary for him to position himself in a way that a podium finish became achievable, considering that requires being within the first two rows."

"Accomplishing that feat currently, given the format we're working with, where you must secure that exceptional single-lap performance early in every circuit we've visited, is truly outstanding."

"Seeing the number of instances we didn't make it to Q2 underscores the magnitude of our accomplishment. In fact, this might be a greater feat than securing a few podium finishes, given that laying the groundwork for a podium position starts as early as Friday."

"He is essentially focused on deciphering what truly matters to have the bike in optimal condition before the practice session begins."

"After that, tackling the race conditions comes next. It's incredibly complex and challenging, but he's managed to handle it quite effectively."

In recent times, MotoGP has witnessed several impressive newcomers ascend through its levels. Marco Bezzecchi made waves by achieving podium finishes with VR46 in 2022, whereas Jorge Martin captured a grand prix victory during his initial year in 2021. Back in 2019, Fabio Quartararo emerged as the successor to Valentino Rossi at Yamaha and positioned himself as a strong contender to challenge Marc Marquez directly for the championship title.

Trevathan highlights that the current competitors are unique in facing the present schedule, where their weekend's outcome depends on their performance on Friday afternoon, followed by the need to qualify and then participate in two races each round.

In the span of 20 races, Acosta started from a position outside the top 10 on just three occasions. He secured a pole position during the Japanese Grand Prix, and his average starting position over the 20 races was seventh. His teammate from KTM, Brad Binder, who ended the season just two points ahead of Acosta, had an average qualifying position of 10th throughout the year.

'Challenging the laws of science'

Despite a less than stellar performance in qualifying, Acosta's knack for passing other racers in a time when it's notably difficult, allowed him to consistently make his way up from the back. This is a phenomenon that even KTM has yet to fully grasp.

"Trevathan mentions that they continue to explore the query due to his unique approach to riding. He emphasizes how the rider’s ability to carve out unconventional paths and execute them appears to almost challenge the laws of physics, yet he remains swift."

"He's executing maneuvers that seem erroneous and unlikely to be beneficial. Yet, he succeeds. I believe it's an element inherent to the KTM team, which probably explains why it's challenging for our peers to grasp. It's about his physical control, his ability to halt the motorcycle, and his adjustments.

In every scenario, he produces a solution that's completely unconventional. It's akin to managing an extraordinary basketball player who goes off-script, leaving you wondering, 'what on earth is enabling you to do that?'

"Right now, he's essentially operating solo out there. It's quite pleasant for me because I can observe it without stressing over the methodology. However, if you're competing against him and you catch a glimpse of his performance metrics, you're left wondering 'how on earth?'"

"Following that, you need to devise a solution, which is not a simple task. Data alone won't provide the solution. It merely presents an account of what occurred, essentially a recapitulation through lines."

"However, the method he used remains a significant mystery surrounding numerous aspects that we must acknowledge."

Trevathan notes that Acosta's riding technique is so proficient that the motorcycle only has to be at "90%" efficiency because he is capable of extracting the remaining "10%" through his skills. This means the team must avoid errors, and Acosta will handle the rest. However, this could potentially become a challenge for KTM's motorcycle development in the future, similar to the difficulties Honda encountered during Marc Marquez's prime years, but that concern is for another time.

"If I require your assistance, I'll reach out"

Check out this Instagram post from Pedro Acosta (@37pedroacosta)

See this Instagram share by Pedro Acosta (@37pedroacosta)

From this viewpoint, it's clear that Acosta, remarkably young as he may be, demonstrates a composure uncommon even among seasoned riders when faced with issues with his bike.

"Trevathan notes his composure in the saddle, highlighting that he has never shown excessive excitement, when discussing how he stacks up against other riders on KTM's team."

"I'm confident that during his in-laps, there's been a fair share of expletives and strong language, given his forthright personality. However, when it comes to his professional demeanor in the pit, he's exceptional. He also never places blame elsewhere."

"There's a narrative that we hardly ever modify the bike significantly, and it's accurate. However, the reality is that on numerous occasions, I've stated 'listen, buddy, I'm present'."

"He mentioned, 'sure, but I'll reach out when I need your help. Just let me try to handle it on my own first'."

"This represents the educational journey we're on as an organization, and personally for me as a mechanic, to grasp that if I make an adjustment between sessions and subsequently there's a half-second improvement, is it due to the motorcycle or my own actions?"

Ultimately, you're just neutralizing each other's efforts. Therefore, it's more effective to say, 'Alright, go ahead with your plan, and if you run into trouble, come and tell me.' We've adopted this approach, and it's working out wonderfully for us.

'Adverse Living Habits'

Trevathan describes Acosta as having the wisdom of an aged individual despite his youth, attributing this perspective to his background. Raised by a fisherman father, Acosta learned early on the importance of dedicating himself to cycling or else facing the reality of seeking traditional employment similar to his father's. It's not just his rapid pace on the track, but also his modesty that has established a fresh standard for newcomers in MotoGP.

"Trevathan has disclosed that he openly admitted the lifestyle is quite detrimental to one's health."

"The environment of the MotoGP racing world, along with the immense pressure we subject ourselves to, is genuinely detrimental. It's not a situation anyone would desire for their child or wish to be a part of for an extended period."

"He declared his intentions and goals, stating, 'This is my purpose and what I aim to accomplish, so this is the path I'm taking.' Hearing such determined words from someone who's only 20 years old is astonishing."

"For a newcomer making his debut, he's really raised the standards significantly. The performance of Augusto [Fernandez] was remarkable, truly embodying what one anticipates in the current era of acclimating to the motorcycles and the division. However, this young guy [Pedro] has truly surpassed that, reaching an entirely new height."

Those events turned out to be crucial midway through the season. After scoring podium finishes in the sprints at the Spanish, Catalan, and Italian Grands Prix, the pace began to decline starting with the Dutch GP. The situation reached a critical point during the Austrian GP, where he only managed to qualify in 14th place on KTM's own turf, ended up without any points in 10th place in the sprint, and found it challenging to secure 13th place in the grand prix.

Trevathan acknowledges that his team believed they could enhance the motorcycle's braking capabilities through electronic adjustments. However, this approach inadvertently diminished a unique skill that Acosta had mastered, contributing to his difficulties.

To realign with success, all that was required was an extended road trip from Spielberg to Misano, participation in a WP Moto2 trial, and a mutual comprehension between Acosta and Trevathan. Ultimately, this journey served to fortify Acosta's skills as a motorcyclist.

"He emphasizes that the dip in performance midway through the season wasn't solely his responsibility. "It involved our collective effort to identify areas for enhancement. The focus wasn't really on the bike's physical configuration or its geometry. Instead, we delved into the electronic settings and similar aspects, aiming to advance our approach based on what we believed was necessary. We pursued this direction in our attempts to make improvements.

Reflecting on the past, enduring that experience arguably turned out to be the most beneficial decision we made. It allowed him to confront his vulnerabilities, admitting, 'I'm at a loss here, I'm confused, I'm unable to perform as I wish to on the ride'.

"Following that, we circled back to a few topics post-Spielberg, during a period that was an absolute low point for us, marked by a particularly dreadful weekend. It was then that we chose to conduct a WP test and take the Moto2 motorcycle for a spin in Misano."

"Thus, Pedro and I made our way by car from Spielberg to Misano. During the drive, we began conversing. Additionally, my strategy engineer had plans to join us in Misano, aiming to spend a few days alongside Pedro as well."

"The timing couldn't have been better. We had a 12-hour car ride where we chatted about everything under the sun. The following day, he got to ride the Moto2 bike, having a great time, before we paused and once again delved into discussing the matter at hand."

"At that juncture, we began to identify potential missteps, particularly concerning his preferred approach. It was then, I believe, we decided to recalibrate and revert to a methodology we felt was mutually beneficial, prompting us to revisit previous strategies."

"Thus, it wasn't solely his decision to veer off course. The entire group did. It wasn't out of preference, but rather a collective mistake in our direction."

Starting at the Aragon round, Acosta returned to peak form, securing two podium finishes from a second-place start, indicating the break had been beneficial. His momentum continued through the Misano events, although errors prevented him from capitalizing on his top five speed. In the Indonesian GP, Acosta pushed Jorge Martin to the limit, finishing in second place. He was in a prime position to claim his first victory after securing pole position in Japan, but unfortunately, he didn't finish either race due to crashes. He added another podium finish under challenging wet conditions at the Thai GP, bringing his total number of podium finishes for the season to five.

Throughout the racing season, starting from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and concluding with the Thailand sprint, Acosta experienced five instances where he did not earn any points due to crashes. These incidents, in addition to earlier errors, prevented him from finishing the season as the highest-ranked KTM rider in the overall standings. By the midpoint of the season, Acosta had amassed 110 points, narrowly leading over Binder's 108 points. However, from the British Grand Prix to the season's conclusion, Acosta managed to accumulate only 105 points, while Binder slightly outperformed him, securing 109 points.

This significantly clarifies why, when questioned at the Barcelona finale, he gave his debut season a modest score of 6 out of 10. Although this evaluation might seem strict upon a comprehensive examination, Trevathan points out that this is simply characteristic of Acosta’s nature.

"He believes the most important aspect is honesty and clarity – avoiding any deception," he points out. "Residing in the Netherlands, he appreciates the Dutch for their forthrightness and candor. Similarly, Pedro is notably frank and straightforward."

"You're straightforward, focusing on the essentials without blaming others. You present your thoughts and justifications, then proceed to reevaluate and introspect, thinking, 'I'm not really fond of what I'm observing in myself.'"

The crucial aspect is understanding that we're not trying to undermine one another. We're collectively aiming for the same objectives, and the more effectively we can communicate—being direct and transparent—the easier it becomes to navigate those situations.

2025 marks Acosta's entry into the KTM factory team

In the upcoming season, Acosta is set to join the ranks of the factory KTM team. Despite the pressure that comes with the move, the 20-year-old has shown remarkable composure throughout 2024. His readiness to compete at the same level as Binder has been evident, and all KTM needs to do is ensure their motorcycle is competitive enough for Acosta to lead them to victory.

Trevathan remains committed to staying alongside him, as Acosta has left a lasting impact on the team's lead this season, ensuring that the entire team within the number 37 KTM garage is operating at full capacity.

"Trevathan sums it up by saying Acosta is 'even more determined' now compared to how he was during his initial test a year ago."

This is evident and even more concentrated. It's an improved set of tools for gaining the necessary knowledge to truly excel in the course. That, I believe, is likely the most accurate way to put it.

"Whenever he mounts a motorcycle, he astonishes me. The passion he injects into his own performance, and into the team, inspires us all to strive for excellence."

No matter how driven or competitive you are, if your counterpart isn't equally motivated towards the same goal, your performance will be limited to what that person can achieve on the track.

"When there's a person of this caliber… I've always maintained that if a rider commits fully, I'll go beyond, giving 120%. Conversely, if a rider puts in 90%, my input drops to 60%. But encountering someone eager to give 120%, it's astonishing!"

"Thus, it evolves into a lifelong passion to assist the child, as that is the direction in which he propels you…"

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