Francesco Bagnaia proposes a change in MotoGP scoring: is it feasible?

The two-time MotoGP champion believes the competition should ponder over awarding additional points

Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati suggests that MotoGP consider revising the scoring system to incorporate bonus points within the existing sprint/grand prix structure.

Since the inception of the four-stroke era in MotoGP, the scoring structure has stayed consistent, allocating 25 points for a win in a grand prix and decreasing incrementally to award points down to the 15th place.

In 2023, the introduction of sprint races brought about an increase in the total points a driver could earn during a grand prix weekend, with up to 12 extra points available. A victory in these races awarded 12 points, followed by nine for the runner-up and seven for third place, decreasing down to one point for the ninth-place finisher.

Now that there are 37 points up for grabs each weekend, maintaining consistent performance has become increasingly crucial for a rider aiming to secure the championship title.

In 2024, Bagnaia claimed victory in 11 grand prix events, yet failing to score in eight races resulted in him trailing by 10 points behind Jorge Martin. Despite Martin, a Pramac team rider, securing victory in only three races on Sundays, his regular appearances on the podium in nearly every sprint were crucial for his success, missing the podium in just three instances.

"Adapting to the existing rules is essential, especially since the current system enabled me to contend for the championship until the final stages, despite experiencing eight failures," Bagnaia remarked during last year's Campioni in Pista event hosted by Ducati.

"Sprint races impact multiple aspects, adding an additional element. This has definitely altered the method of accumulating points over a weekend significantly."

"Adapting is key. However, with sprint races being introduced, there might be a thought to include additional rewards, maybe for securing victories in both events or achieving the quickest lap time."

In 2024, Bagnaia achieved a combination of sprint and grand prix victories on five occasions. If we consider an additional point for each of these achievements, this brings him an extra five points nearer to Martin in the overall championship race. Moreover, securing the quickest lap in six grand prix races contributes an additional six points to his score. Despite this, Martin securing two points for the fastest laps over the season or achieving just one combination of sprint and grand prix wins would still secure him the championship title.

Since 2019, Formula 1 introduced a system that awards points for the fastest laps, but it's only applicable to drivers who finish in the top 10. The rationale was to add an element of thrill and motivate those trailing to strive for an additional point, which could prove crucial.

However, it didn't quite achieve the intended impact, as the bonus frequently went to a driver who had such a significant lead or lag that they could comfortably pit for a new soft tire on the second-to-last lap and aim for the fastest lap.

This regulation will be abolished starting with the 2025 season.

In MotoGP, awarding a point for the fastest lap could function as Formula 1 initially intended. Due to the brevity of the races, the competitors are not as widely spaced out as they are in F1. Additionally, the competitive nature of the equipment across the field means that a larger number of riders could potentially earn a point, with the decision being based on sheer speed rather than the specifics of the race situation.

IS A MOTOGP REGULATION ADJUSTMENT FEASIBLE?

During the 2024 season, an impressive variety of eight riders each achieved the quickest lap time in a grand prix event. Pedro Acosta accomplished this twice; Bagnaia led the pack with six; Martin also did it twice; Enea Bastianini succeeded three times; Maverick Vinales, Aleix Espargaro, and Fabio Di Giannantonio each did it once; while Marc Marquez reached this milestone four times.

Although this change wouldn't have drastically changed the championship's final standings, it would have elevated Acosta to a tie for sixth place with his teammate Brad Binder, securing the spot over Binder due to having more podium finishes.

One could argue that the mere possibility of gaining an additional point entirely shifts the dynamics of a race. A competitor might be more inclined to get back into the race after a minor crash if they stand to earn two points for coming in 15th place, rather than a single point. Introducing a point for the fastest lap in sprints could also inject more thrill into the positions beyond the leading scorers.

Marc Marquez, who is set to join Bagnaia at Ducati, expressed a differing opinion, stating, "I'm content with the current setup. It's a well-balanced system that keeps the championship competitive right up to the final stages, so I have no complaints about it as it stands."

Marquez's observation is accurate. The existing structure has resulted in the championship being decided in the final stages for two consecutive years. However, MotoGP might consider taking inspiration from British Superbikes to creatively celebrate a rider achieving a weekend sweep.

In the past few years, the British Superbike Championship introduced a Spring Grand Slam competition that spanned two rounds, offering a £50,000 prize to any rider who managed to secure wins in all six races. Although replicating this exact model might be too ambitious for MotoGP, the series could consider experimenting with a comparable concept.

Should a racer manage to secure both a sprint and race victory, and also record the quickest lap in a grand prix, they stand to earn an extra three points, elevating their maximum points for the weekend to 40. However, if they fail to achieve this triple feat, they receive no bonus points.

This boosts the motivation for each session, as a rider facing off against their top competitor for the championship might exert extra effort to claim the fastest lap, thereby preventing their rival from securing an additional three vital points.

Traditionalists often resist such modifications, labeling them as synthetic and 'contrary to the essence of MotoGP'. However, the implementation of sprint races has effectively dispelled this idea, showing that significant alterations to the format can be integrated smoothly and become a natural element of the sport.

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Isle of Man TT celebrities received warmly in Tavullia for the start of Valentino Rossi's competition

Valentino Rossi's 100km of Champions kicks off with open trials today

Cyclists have taken to the course at Valentino Rossi's farm for his yearly gathering.

Once more, the Doctor has summoned an impressive lineup of motorcycling's elite to Tavullia, featuring several newcomers.

Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop were among the victors at the Isle of Man TT race, joining the familiar faces in Rossi's hometown.

Todd's online posts (mentioned below) expressed his amazement at receiving an invitation to Rossi's home.

The Champions' 100-kilometer event is set to kick off on Friday, January 10, and will extend through

On Thursday, cyclists reached the farm, and the initial bicycles embarked on a trial ride.

Valentino Rossi and Michael Dunlop together at the farm 🤝 See the picture here: pic.twitter.com/ITlCET9wt3— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 9, 2025

"Rossi announced on Thursday night, 'The initial day at the ranch has been completed.'"

"It was excellent. Every participant enjoyed themselves."

"We conducted complimentary test runs. All participants are prepared and quick."

This Friday evening, the yearly Americana race is scheduled to take place. Luca Marini emerged as the winner of this event last year.

This time, Marini and Rossi team up with regulars Pecco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, and Franco Morbidelli.

Pedro Acosta continues to draw significant attention, and Ryan Vickers stands out as another prominent participant.

Complete roster of participants:

Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Lasse Kurvinen, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.

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Isle of Man TT celebrities received a warm reception in Tavullia as Valentino Rossi's event kicks off

Practice sessions offered today prior to Valentino Rossi's 100km of Champions

Motorcycles have already hit the course at Valentino Rossi's ranch for his yearly gathering.

Once more, the Doctor has gathered a distinguished group of motorcycle racing stars in Tavullia, featuring some fresh participants.

Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop, who have both clinched victories in the Isle of Man TT races, were among the familiar faces gathering in Valentino Rossi's hometown.

Todd expressed his amazement on social media about receiving an invitation to Rossi's home.

The Champions' 100km event is set to kick off on Friday, January 10, and will extend into Saturday.

However, by Thursday, participants reached the ranch, and the initial group of motorcycles set off for a trial ride.

On Thursday evening, Rossi announced that they had completed their initial day at the ranch.

"The event was highly enjoyable, with all the drivers having a great time."

"We conducted complimentary tests. All participants are prepared and quick."

The yearly Americana race is set to take place on Friday evening. In the previous year's event, Luca Marini emerged as the winner.

On this occasion, Marini and Rossi are accompanied by the regulars, Pecco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, and Franco Morbidelli.

Pedro Acosta continues to be a major draw, and Ryan Vickers is another significant participant.

Complete list of participants: Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Kurvinen Lasse, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.

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Francesco Bagnaia proposes a change to MotoGP's points system: is it feasible?

The two-time MotoGP world champion believes the series should explore the idea of awarding bonus points.

Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati thinks that MotoGP should consider revising the points system to incorporate bonuses within the existing sprint and grand prix structure.

Since the beginning of the four-stroke era, MotoGP's scoring system has stayed unchanged. A win in a grand prix earns a rider 25 points, with points decreasing incrementally to 1 point for those finishing in the top 15 spots.

In 2023, the introduction of sprint races increased the total possible points a driver could earn during a grand prix weekend by 12. Winning the sprint race grants 12 points, finishing second earns nine points, and third place receives seven points, with the points decreasing incrementally down to one point for the ninth-place finisher.

As there are now 37 points up for grabs each weekend, maintaining a steady performance is more crucial than ever for a rider aiming to secure the championship title.

In 2024, Bagnaia secured victory in 11 grand prix races. However, he failed to score points in eight events, which ultimately led to a 10-point deficit behind Jorge Martin. Martin, racing for Pramac, only clinched three Sunday race wins. Nonetheless, his steady performance was crucial, as he managed to finish on the podium in all but three sprint races.

Bagnaia expressed that adapting to existing rules is necessary, especially since the current system enabled him to remain in contention for the championship until the final stages, despite having eight non-scoring races. These remarks were made at Ducati's Campioni in Pista event last year.

"Nonetheless, sprint races have an impact on various aspects, adding an extra dimension. They have definitely altered the method of earning points over the course of a weekend."

"You need to adapt to it. With sprint races now in play, they might want to think about adding some incentives, like rewards for winning both races or for achieving the fastest lap."

In the 2024 season, Bagnaia achieved five sprint and grand prix victories in the same weekend. If he earned an extra point for each of these feats, it would bring him five points nearer to Martin in the championship standings. Additionally, Bagnaia secured the fastest lap in six grand prix races, adding another six points to his score. Nonetheless, Martin would still clinch the championship, thanks to his two fastest lap points throughout the season or by achieving just one sprint and grand prix double.

Since 2019, Formula 1 has implemented a system where drivers can earn points for recording the fastest laps, but this is only applicable to those finishing within the top 10 positions. The purpose of this rule was to add an extra layer of excitement to the races and motivate drivers who are not leading to strive for an additional potentially crucial point.

However, it rarely produced the intended outcome, as the fastest lap point frequently went to a driver who had such a significant lead and buffer behind them. This allowed them to make a secure pit stop on the second-to-last lap for new soft tires and aim for the fastest lap.

This regulation will be eliminated for the 2025 season.

In the world of MotoGP, awarding a point for the fastest lap could function more similarly to how it was originally intended in Formula 1. Due to the shorter race durations in MotoGP, the gap between competitors isn't as wide as in F1. The competitive nature of the machinery in MotoGP ensures that more riders have an opportunity to earn a point based on sheer speed, rather than being influenced by the conditions of the race.

IS A MOTOGP RULE ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVE?

In the 2024 season, eight distinct racers achieved the quickest lap times in various grand prix events. Pedro Acosta clocked the fastest lap twice, while Bagnaia accomplished it six times. Martin also achieved this feat twice, Enea Bastianini did it three times, and Maverick Vinales, Aleix Espargaro, and Fabio Di Giannantonio each did it once. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez recorded the fastest lap four times.

Although this wouldn't have drastically changed the championship result, it would have moved Acosta up to tie for sixth place in points with his teammate Brad Binder, with Acosta securing the spot due to having more podium finishes.

One could argue that the mere consideration of earning an additional point can significantly alter the dynamics of any racing scenario. Knowing they could earn two points for finishing in 15th place instead of just one, a racer is more inclined to continue competing after a minor crash. Introducing a point for the fastest lap in sprint races could also generate more interest beyond the usual top positions that score points.

Marc Marquez, who is set to join Ducati and will be partnering with Bagnaia, expressed a different opinion. He stated, "I'm content with the current system. It's well-balanced and keeps the championship competitive until the very end, so I'm satisfied with the way things are."

Marquez's remark holds some truth. The existing setup has led to the championship being decided in the final moments for the last couple of years. However, MotoGP might consider taking a cue from British Superbikes to add excitement by highlighting a rider who dominates all the races in a single weekend.

In the past few years, the BSB organized a Spring Grand Slam event that took place over two rounds, offering a prize of £50,000 to any rider who managed to win all six races. Although this concept might be a bit much for MotoGP, the series could consider experimenting with a comparable concept.

In the event that a rider achieves both a sprint and race victory along with recording the quickest lap in a grand prix, they have the opportunity to earn an extra three points, increasing their possible total for the weekend to 40 points. However, if they are unable to achieve all three, they will receive no additional points.

This increases the motivation for each session, as a competitor whose main rival in the championship is on the verge of completing a hat-trick might exert extra effort to achieve the fastest lap, thereby preventing the rival from securing three vital points.

Traditionalists often oppose any sort of modification, labeling it as unnatural and contrary to the essence of MotoGP. However, the addition of sprint races has largely debunked this belief, demonstrating that significant format changes can be implemented and swiftly become a regular aspect of the event.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I advised them against handling the bicycle."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chico Lorenzo discusses his son, Jorge Lorenzo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"He experienced an excellent year."

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KTM's stock price rises in anticipation of new funding

Progressive moves toward ensuring KTM's sustainability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Undoubtedly, this is the greatest motorcycle ever…"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Who might emerge as the 2025 MotoGP's next Pedro Acosta?

Lewis Duncan from Crash evaluates the three new entrants and their potential.

In a significant development for the first time since the 2022 season, the MotoGP lineup will be refreshed with the introduction of three newcomers: Fermin Aldeguer, Ai Ogura, and Somkiat Chantra.

The talent pipeline for MotoGP has been consistently strong, but over the past two years, only a single newcomer has ascended to the top tier. Augusto Fernandez made his move to Tech3 in 2023 after securing the Moto2 championship title, and Pedro Acosta, who took over the Moto2 crown, made his entry into the premier league in 2024.

Naturally, there was a lot of excitement about Acosta's first season, during which he secured nine podium finishes in various races and grand prix events with the Tech3 GASGAS team.

The enthusiasm seen in previous years hasn't fully extended to the new group of racers in 2025. However, Ogura enters as the current Moto2 champion, and Aldeguer's impressive performance in Moto2 during 2023 persuaded Ducati that he was prepared to step up to MotoGP at the beginning of the previous year.

Chantra's entry into the MotoGP circuit has surprised many, considering he has only two grand prix victories in 106 races. However, he marks a significant milestone as the first Thai racer to compete in the top tier, and his first appearance will be met with overwhelming enthusiasm at the season's start in Buriram.

Naturally, newcomers will be measured against past newcomers who raised the bar. In this scenario, Acosta's achievements in 2024 will be (unjustly) compared to the performances of Ogura, Aldeguer, and Chantra this year.

Instead, Crash has chosen to ponder over how each of the three newcomers of 2025 measures up as first-year racers within their respective teams, considering the standards previously established.

Ai Ogura – Joins Trackhouse Racing, Replacing Darryn Binder

Surprising many during the 2024 off-season, the current Moto2 world champion's move to Trackhouse Racing quickly proved to be a brilliant decision as the partnership with the Japanese racer showed significant promise.

Ogura has been close to making his MotoGP entrance for a while now, but chose not to take a certain opportunity with Honda and LCR, opting instead for a project that seems more fitting for him, especially when looking at the present performance of the RC213V compared to the RS-GP.

In a discussion with Crash.net, set to air this weekend, Trackhouse team leader Davide Brivio revealed that what attracted the American-owned team to Ogura was not just his quickness but also his racing mindset and toughness.

As the reigning Moto2 champion, Ogura will set the standard for this year's newcomers. When comparing teammates, he faces the most straightforward challenge among them. Darryn Binder was the most recent newcomer to compete for the team under its RNF branding.

The move of the South African rider from Moto3 to MotoGP, joining the Yamaha satellite team at the time, was primarily driven by the financial support he provided. During his stint in Moto3, he managed only a single race victory and was known for his contentious aggressive approach on the track.

Like many ambitious young racers, he grabbed the opportunity to join MotoGP with both hands. However, in 2022, while riding an outdated Yamaha, he managed to finish in the points only three times. His top performance came with a 10th-place finish at a rain-soaked Indonesian GP. Following RNF's switch from Yamaha to Aprilia in 2023, Binder found himself relegated to Moto2, where he has yet to leave a significant mark.

Overall, Binder accumulated only 12 points during his single year in MotoGP. Even though this was before the introduction of sprints, Ogura is expected to easily equal or surpass this score in his debut season.

Fermin Aldeguer has been chosen to join Gresini Racing, taking over from Fabio Di Giannantonio. Among the newcomers of 2025, Aldeguer stands out due to his unique path to the world of grand prix racing. Despite this, he made a significant impact by leading the CEV Stock600 series in 2020 and the CEV Moto2 category in 2021.

In 2021, he took part in the MotoE series before transitioning to a permanent position in Moto2 in 2022. The next season, riding on a Boscoscuro frame, he secured victories in five grand prix events – notably clinching the final four races of the season – which earned him a third-place finish in the championship rankings and significantly boosted his chances for a MotoGP seat by 2025.

Before the start of the 2024 season, Ducati had already clinched Aldeguer's commitment, a timely move given his erratic performance throughout the season. Despite achieving three wins, he only managed to finish fifth overall, using the same bike model that Ogura rode to championship victory.

Aldeguer encountered some doubts regarding his career path. Initially, after securing a contract with factory Ducati, it was anticipated that he would join Pramac. However, the situation changed when Marc Marquez's factory deal came into play, influencing Pramac to switch their allegiance to Yamaha starting in 2025. Consequently, Ducati managed to secure a spot for Aldeguer with Gresini, though he would be riding a bike from the previous year.

For Aldeguer, the newcomer standard at Gresini is set by Fabio Di Giannantonio, who embarked on his first MotoGP season with the squad in 2022.

Di Giannantonio faced challenges in his debut season, failing to earn any points until the season's seventh race in France and achieving just a single top-10 finish, securing eighth place in Germany. However, his luck took a positive turn in 2023 when he teamed up with crew chief Frankie Carchedi, leading to his maiden victory in Qatar that same year.

The Italian rider will be joining forces with VR46, piloting a factory Ducati in 2025

Di Giannantonio amassed a total of 24 points in 2022. Over the past few years, the Gresini team has established a genuine familial environment and has shown a willingness to explore every possible method to support a rider's performance.

Di Giannantonio's experience could also serve to alleviate some of the stress on Aldeguer should he face challenges in the initial season of his two-year agreement.

Somkiat Chantra Takes Over LCR Honda From Takaaki Nakagami

Following Ogura's commitment to Trackhouse for the 2025 season, many anticipated that this move would secure Takaaki Nakagami another year with LCR.

However, LCR and Honda envisioned a different plan, opting for Chantra instead. The Idemitsu-sponsored section of LCR's team, deliberately established for an Asian rider, welcomed Chantra's inclusion, supported enthusiastically by Thailand's fervent MotoGP fanbase.

Buriram has been chosen to kick off the season for the upcoming two years, and the championship will initiate with an official event in Bangkok on February 9. Given the profitable nature of the Thai market, Chantra greatly benefited from holding a Thai passport.

However, he is also among the pair of ex-Asia Talent Cup competitors slated to race in 2025, having outperformed Ogura to clinch the series title in 2016. With two Moto2 Grand Prix victories under his belt, Chantra can counter any claims of being selected solely for diversity purposes.

In 2025, Chantra is undertaking the most challenging assignment among the three newcomers. He will be riding the least competitive motorcycle on the lineup and is succeeding a relatively impressive predecessor from LCR, Nakagami.

In 2018, during his first season, the rider from Japan regularly finished races within the points, concluding the season with a total of 33 points. His top performance came with a sixth-place finish at the highly unpredictable and rainy Valencia GP final. Following this, Nakagami proved to be a significant asset to Honda, especially in the area of motorcycle development.

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Who might be the 2025 MotoGP's fresh talent akin to Pedro Acosta?

Crash's correspondent Lewis Duncan evaluates the three new entrants and their potential impact.

In a notable development for the MotoGP series, the racing grid will introduce three fresh participants – Fermin Aldeguer, Ai Ogura, and Somkiat Chantra – marking their debut since the 2022 season.

MotoGP's pipeline for developing talent has been consistently strong, yet over the past couple of years, only a single newcomer has progressed to the top-tier category. In 2023, Augusto Fernandez, the Moto2 champion at the time, was welcomed into the Tech3 team, and the following year, Pedro Acosta, who took over the Moto2 championship title, made his entry into the premier class in 2024

Naturally, there was a lot of excitement about Acosta's first season, during which he achieved nine podium finishes in both sprint races and grand prix events with the Tech3 GASGAS team.

The enthusiasm surrounding the newcomers of 2025 hasn't fully caught on, yet Ogura enters as the current Moto2 champion, and Aldeguer's impressive performance in Moto2 during 2023 persuaded Ducati that he was prepared for MotoGP at the beginning of the previous year.

Chantra's entry into the MotoGP circuit has caused some surprise considering his track record so far – winning two grand prix out of 106 races. Nevertheless, he makes history as Thailand's inaugural star in the premier class, and his first appearance is set to be met with enthusiastic cheers at the season's kickoff in Buriram.

Naturally, newcomers will be measured against past newcomers who established a new standard. Here, Acosta's achievements in 2024 will be (unjustly) juxtaposed with the performances of Ogura, Aldeguer, and Chantra in the current year.

Instead, Crash has chosen to examine how the three newcomers of 2025 measure up as first-year riders within their teams, considering the standards previously established.

Ai Ogura Joins Trackhouse Racing, Replacing Darryn Binder

The current Moto2 world champion became one of the most surprising acquisitions of the 2024 silly season. However, Trackhouse Racing's deal with the Japanese sensation has proven to be exceptionally beneficial over time.

Ogura has been close to making his debut in MotoGP for a while, but chose not to take a sure opportunity with Honda and LCR in favor of a project that seems to be a better fit for him, especially when considering the present performance of the RC213V in comparison to the RS-GP.

In a discussion set to be published this weekend on Crash.net, Trackhouse team leader Davide Brivio shared that what drew the US-based team to Ogura was not only his quickness on the track but also his racing mindset and toughness.

As the reigning Moto2 champion, Ogura is set to be the standard bearer for this year's newcomers. When it comes to comparing teammates, he faces the most straightforward challenge among them. Darryn Binder was the most recent newcomer to compete for the team under its RNF branding.

The elevation of the South African rider from Moto3 to MotoGP within the former satellite Yamaha team was primarily driven by the monetary support he provided. Throughout his tenure in Moto3, he secured a single race victory and garnered a negative image due to his forceful racing technique.

Eager like most newcomers, he grabbed his opportunity to enter MotoGP. However, in 2022, competing on an outdated Yamaha model, he only managed to earn points three times, achieving his peak performance with a 10th place finish at a rain-soaked Indonesian GP. With RNF's switch from Yamaha to Aprilia in 2023, Binder found himself relegated to Moto2, where he has yet to leave a significant mark.

Overall, Binder accumulated only 12 points during his single year in MotoGP. Despite the era lacking sprint races, Ogura is expected to easily equal or surpass this score in his debut season.

Fermin Aldeguer, stepping in for Fabio Di Giannantonio at Gresini Racing, stands out as the most captivating newcomer in the 2025 lineup. His journey to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing deviates from the norm. Despite this, he showcased his prowess by clinching titles in the CEV Stock600 series in 2020 and CEV Moto2 in 2021.

Before joining Moto2 on a permanent basis in 2022, he had participated in MotoE during the 2021 season. In the subsequent year, riding a Boscoscuro frame, he secured victories in five grand prix events, notably clinching the final four races of the season, which propelled him to a third-place finish in the overall rankings. This impressive performance significantly boosted his prospects of landing a MotoGP ride for the 2025 season.

Ducati finalized a deal with him before the start of the 2024 season, a move that proved timely given Aldeguer's erratic performance. Despite achieving three wins, he finished the season in fifth place, competing on the same model that Ogura rode to championship victory.

Aldeguer experienced some doubts regarding his career path. Initially, it seemed he would join Pramac after securing a contract with Ducati. However, following the unexpected signing of Marc Marquez by the factory, Pramac decided to partner with Yamaha starting in 2025. This change of plans led Ducati to place Aldeguer with Gresini, though he would be riding a bike from the previous season.

For Aldeguer, a newcomer at Gresini, his standard of comparison is Fabio Di Giannantonio, who embarked on his MotoGP journey with the squad in 2022.

Di Giannantonio faced challenges in his debut season, with his first points only coming in the season's seventh round in France, along with a single top-10 finish where he secured eighth place in Germany. However, 2023 marked a turning point for Di Giannantonio after teaming up with crew chief Frankie Carchedi, leading to his inaugural race victory in Qatar that year.

The Italian racer will be riding a factory Ducati under the VR46 team banner for the 2025

Di Giannantonio amassed a total of 24 points in the year 2022. Over recent years, the Gresini team has established itself as having a genuine family-like environment, demonstrating a willingness to explore every possible avenue to support their riders in enhancing their performance.

Di Giannantonio's experience could also play a crucial role in alleviating stress for Aldeguer should he face challenges during the initial season of his two-year contract.

Somkiat Chantra Steps into LCR Honda, Replacing Takaaki Nakagami

The move of Ogura to Trackhouse for the 2025 season was widely seen as a measure that would secure Takaaki Nakagami's position at LCR for an additional season.

However, LCR and Honda had a different plan in mind, choosing Chantra for the role. Given that the Idemitsu-sponsored section of the LCR team was specially created for an Asian rider, Chantra's recruitment is supported by the enthusiastic MotoGP fanbase in Thailand.

Buriram has been chosen to kick off the season for the upcoming two years, and an official inauguration event for the championship will be held in Bangkok on February 9. In a market as profitable as Thailand, having Chantra's nationality certainly played in his favor.

However, he is also among the pair of ex-Asia Talent Cup competitors set to race in 2025, with Chantra having clinched the series title in 2016, surpassing Ogura. Chantra's resume boasts a pair of grand prix victories in Moto2, countering any claims that his selection was solely for diversity purposes.

In 2025, Chantra is confronted with the most challenging assignment among the three newcomers. He will be riding the grid's least competitive motorcycle, succeeding Nakagami, who had a reasonably successful stint as a rookie with LCR.

In his inaugural year of 2018, the rider from Japan frequently finished races within the scoring positions, closing the season with 33 points and achieving his highest placement of sixth during the chaotic and rainy Valencia GP final. Naturally, Nakagami would later prove to be a significant asset to Honda, especially in the area of motorcycle development.

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