MotoAmerica standout shares hospital update following unusual face-plant accident

Former Moto2 competitor and current MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly is hospitalized after a training crash.

Sean Dylan Kelly, who previously competed in Moto2 and has achieved victory in MotoAmerica Superbike races, is currently in the hospital following an accident that occurred while he was training.

Last year, Kelly secured his inaugural victory in a MotoAmerica Superbike race at the Circuit of the Americas, competing for the TopPro BMW team. Unfortunately, last Thursday, he was involved in a crash while riding his supermoto bike.

The American was fitted with a neck brace and transported to the hospital, later providing an update through an Instagram post on Sunday, January 19.

"On Thursday, I experienced a significant and unusual crash while riding my supermoto, which left me quite disoriented."

"Fortunately, I was surrounded by incredible individuals who helped things gradually fall into place for me."

"I'm feeling fine, but I'll have to relax for a few more days. It's probably time to concentrate on different activities since I've been riding quite a lot."

In 2022, Kelly transitioned to Moto2 after winning the MotoAmerica Supersport championship in 2021. His peak performance that year was securing 11th place at the Thai Grand Prix.

In mid-2023, he suffered an injury that caused him to miss four consecutive races, ultimately resulting in his mid-season exit from the American Racing team, with which he had entered the Grand Prix paddock.

At the San Marino Grand Prix, Kelly rejoined the Forward team, but throughout the rest of the 2023 season, he managed to earn just a single point at the race in Indonesia. In 2024, he went back to the United States to compete with the TopPro BMW team, where he secured a fourth-place finish in the Superbike category.

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

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Unforeseen Support from F1 Could Assist Lewis Hamilton in MotoGP Investment

New Development in Lewis Hamilton's Alleged MotoGP Interest

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who is stepping down from his role as managing director and spokesperson for the Sauber Formula 1 team, is reportedly connected to Lewis Hamilton's efforts to put money into a MotoGP team.

For nearly a year, there have been rumors about Hamilton possibly investing in a MotoGP team following Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, purchasing Dorna Sports last spring.

Despite the rumors about a potential Gresini acquisition being false, ex-Liberty CEO Greg Maffei verified that Hamilton had shown interest in joining a MotoGP team following its recent change in ownership.

In an interview with Speedweek that took place in December, Pit Beirer, the head of KTM motorsport, disclosed that substantial discussions had occurred with Lewis Hamilton's management regarding the possibility of him investing in the financially struggling Austrian racing team.

KTM is presently experiencing financial difficulties and its future in MotoGP is uncertain. Meanwhile, recent discussions about Hamilton possibly joining the team have subsided.

The future actions of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion regarding his potential involvement in MotoGP are still uncertain. However, Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that his ambitions might receive a boost with assistance from Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

Alunni Bravi has revealed that he will be stepping down from his position with the Sauber F1 team after dedicating seven years to the Swiss organization in multiple capacities.

After his stint with Sauber, his path forward is uncertain as he takes on fresh challenges.

He lacks any obvious connection to Hamilton or MotoGP, making it unclear how he might be involved if Hamilton decides to invest in a team.

Hamilton's plans to invest in a MotoGP team are paused as they await the outcome of an EU investigation into Liberty Media's purchase of the series.

Despite Liberty and Dorna's earlier optimism about finalizing their €4.2 billion agreement by the end of last year, the European Commission's anti-competition board decided to investigate the deal further due to concerns it might create a monopoly over television broadcasting rights.

Liberty is the current owner of F1, as well as Formula 2 and Formula 3, with an affiliated company holding Formula E. If Liberty successfully acquires Dorna, it would gain ownership of the rights to MotoGP, World Superbikes, and all other championships linked with Dorna.

The European Union's investigation might postpone the completion of the acquisition until May, assuming it receives regulatory approval.

This season, Hamilton has become part of the Ferrari team. He previously expanded his interests in the sports world by acquiring a stake in the NFL's Denver Broncos in North America several years back.

He was also the proprietor of a team that participated in the Extreme E off-road racing series for electric sport utility vehicles.

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Exclusive: Valentino Rossi's Pursuit of His Coveted 10th World Championship

Crash.net's Lewis Duncan interviews WRT team leader Vincent Vosse regarding Valentino Rossi's journey in car racing up to now and the prospects for 2025.

Just after turning 46, Valentino Rossi is set to kick off the 2025 World Endurance Championship as an official BMW driver for WRT in the LMGT3 category. This year also signifies ten years since he almost claimed a world championship title, falling short of the 2015 MotoGP championship to his Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo.

The current year signifies the fourth year that Rossi has dedicated himself to being a full-time car racer. He transitioned from motorcycle racing to car racing upon retiring from MotoGP at the conclusion of 2021. Rossi joined forces with the WRT team, led by Vincent Vosse, for his inaugural season in GT Racing.

In 2022, Rossi had a promising beginning with several top-six finishes in both the Endurance and Sprint Cups of the GT World Challenge Europe, driving an Audi R8. In 2023, Rossi transitioned to driving a BMW for WRT, achieving his first podium finish by securing second place at the opening round of the Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch.

At his cherished Misano circuit, where the VR46 Academy regularly practices and where he has triumphed three times in MotoGP, he once again claimed victory on the podium, this time with his Le Mans-winning co-driver, Maxime Martin. The duo also secured a win at Misano the previous year.

In 2024, Rossi made a comeback to the world championship scene in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He participated as an FIA silver-level driver, having been reclassified from gold to meet the series' status regulations, and joined WRT in the newly introduced LMGT3 category for GT vehicles.

Teaming up with Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy, the three drivers took their #46 BMW M4 GT3 to a fourth-place finish at the opening race in Qatar. They then secured a second-place finish, part of a WRT 1-2, at the next event in Imola, which was affected by rainy conditions. Unfortunately, they faced consecutive retirements at Spa and Le Mans, and more problems prevented strong performances at COTA and Bahrain. The team achieved their second podium of the season with a third-place finish at Fuji. Rossi concluded the season in sixth place overall in the standings.

"Initially, Vale competed in the GT World Challenge within the pro category and achieved victories at Misano," WRT team principal Vosse revealed in an exclusive conversation with Crash.net. He also mentioned that Vale stood on the podium in several races, contending fiercely in the pro category, which Vosse described as quite remarkable. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Vale is performing exceptionally well as a silver-ranked driver, now entering his fourth season.

"Reflecting on last year's WEC season, it was challenging overall, particularly in the LMGT3 category, though this wasn't related to Vale. The season was tough, and our only victory at Imola, where we secured first and second, was under unique circumstances. Vale, as a driver and athlete, approaches everything he does with the right attitude and seriousness. He doesn't participate in races merely for enjoyment or to casually drive around the track."

"He does it to stay competitive, and that's what keeps him motivated. It's in those moments when he realizes he can compete at a high level that he feels most alive. The happiness he experiences when winning a race isn't just about the victory itself; it's about matching the competitiveness of his peers. As he approaches his 46th birthday, it becomes clear that when athletes like him decide to pursue something, they commit fully. They don't do it just for fun or to try something new, but to excel and remain competitive. This dedication is what sets great champions apart, and he truly is one of them."

Rossi has already solidified his status as a motorsport legend, with nothing more to demonstrate in his illustrious career. However, he has never been one to do things partially or without full commitment. Even when he tested Ferrari's Formula 1 cars in the mid-2000s, he approached it with a serious consideration of possibly joining the series.

In the previous year, Rossi participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe competitions. With two children now and a strong desire to return to MotoGP in 2025, Rossi was confronted with a tough decision during the winter regarding his plans for this year. This week, WRT revealed that his attention will be directed towards the WEC.

Vosse explained that they chose WEC instead of GTWCE because they believed it would be an excellent opportunity for him. Vosse also informed Crash that they are in talks with Rossi regarding the possibility of participating in some GT endurance races that the Italian still enjoys, outside of the WEC. An announcement on this matter is anticipated in the next few weeks.

WRT has made changes to the driver roster for its #46 car in the WEC's LMGT3 category. Martin has been substituted by Kelvin van der Linde, a seasoned GT driver known for his victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours and finishing second in the DTM in 2024.

From an external perspective, it might seem that WRT is heavily prioritizing the #31 car. In the 2025 season, this vehicle will be spearheaded by star BMW driver Augusto Farfus, Timur Boguslavskiy, and Le Mans victor Yasser Shahin, who is making the switch from Porsche. However, Vosse perceives this situation differently.

"We've never participated in a championship just for the sake of competing," he remarked. "Last year, we demonstrated that both of our vehicles have the capability to win races and contend for titles. Many assumed that car #46 would be the standout, but ultimately, it was car #31 that shone, which is also a positive outcome for me. We possess two competitive cars. Naturally, having Vale in one of them makes the prospect of him securing his tenth world title exciting. It would be a personal achievement. However, our primary objective is to elevate both vehicles to a competitive standard, not just focus on one."

In November of last year, Rossi participated in the WEC rookie test held in Bahrain, where he drove a BMW M8 Hybrid LMDh car, which competes in the series' premier Hypercar category. True to his style, Rossi approached this with serious intent rather than just to satisfy a curiosity.

Is it possible that this might develop into something greater later on?

Vosse expressed that Vale aims to be a strong contender, whether it's in the Hypercar class or GT racing. His goal is to compete at a high level and achieve victory. If they decide to enter the Hypercar category at this point, they would initially be at a disadvantage and need to work hard to catch up. During the Bahrain test, Vale showcased remarkable speed and skill, proving himself to be outstanding.

"It was precisely what he required to be fast. He was thrilled, and his expression as he stepped out of the car resembled that of someone who had just won a race, simply because he was performing so well. He found himself in a leading position, which is exactly where he aims to be. For an athlete like him, not seeing his name at the top is quite challenging."

The thought of Valentino Rossi driving a prototype sports car at Le Mans is an exciting possibility that the World Endurance Championship (WEC) would likely welcome enthusiastically. Over the years, the series has seen participation from many renowned figures, but the level of fan devotion that Rossi brings is unique, as Vosse discovered in the GT World Challenge Europe series a few years back.

He acknowledges, "Our initial race as a team was at Imola in 2022, and it was a disaster." He continues, "We didn't anticipate such a situation in a series that typically doesn't attract a large number of Rossi supporters. However, Rossi enthusiasts aren't just limited to MotoGP; they are dedicated to Vale himself and will follow him to any event he participates in."

"Naturally, after the initial race, adjustments were necessary. We had to modify some aspects and ensure we were highly organized to manage the fans effectively. This kind of situation is unique. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), there have been renowned figures like Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, and Robert Kubica. While they are major names in WEC, their fan following doesn't compare to that of Vale."

Despite Rossi reducing his racing schedule in 2025, he remains as determined as ever, preparing for another campaign in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Securing a tenth championship, officially called the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Drivers, will be a formidable challenge, yet Rossi has consistently demonstrated that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.

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Francesco Bagnaia on Marc Marquez: "I'll maintain my gentlemanly conduct."

"I intend to remain consistent in my behavior and won't alter it."

Francesco Bagnaia, who last season chose to uphold his values by not participating in unsportsmanlike slow-racing strategies against his MotoGP competitor Jorge Martin, has announced his intention to continue being 'a gentleman' in his interactions with Marc Marquez in 2025.

In the last season, Bagnaia, who was the champion in both 2022 and 2023, narrowly missed surpassing Pramac’s Martin by only ten points.

A new documentary that offers a glimpse behind the scenes featured Ducati's team manager, Davide Tardozzi, advising Bagnaia to be more aggressive and less courteous during races.

During the Ducati team launch today, Jack Appleyard from MotoGP.com raised a question while interviewing Bagnaia.

Facing you in the box is Marc, arguably one of the least sportsmanlike competitors on the circuit. Marc is known for his relentless pursuit of victory. Will Pecco Bagnaia adopt a similar no-holds-barred approach this year?

Bagnaia responded by saying, "He can take on the role of the 'ungentleman.' I'll stick to being a gentleman. That's just who I am and I have no plans to change that."

However, in the two instances when the future teammates faced off last season, at Portimao and Jerez, it could be said that the Italian took the more aggressive approach…

In the meantime, after securing victories in more than half of the 20 grand prix races last year, Bagnaia plans to make just one adjustment: he aims to learn from the errors that led to his eight did-not-finish results.

"It's hard to feel down about our performance last year," Bagnaia stated. "However, ending up in second place in the championship was somewhat disappointing since we secured victories in more than twice the number of races compared to any other competitor."

Without a doubt, it was an excellent season. I need to learn from my errors, and as a team, we need to work on areas where we made mistakes last year.

The Marquez-Bagnaia duo, boasting eight top-tier titles between them, represents MotoGP's most formidable pairing since Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo teamed up at Yamaha back in 2016.

"It's incredibly thrilling. They are undoubtedly the most powerful team on the circuit, so I believe we can benefit from this and aim to gain insights from Marc," stated Bagnaia.

"I believe he will fit into the team exceptionally well. In the initial phase during testing, we'll collaborate to enhance the bike and aim to be fully prepared for the first race. After that, we'll see how things unfold."

Bagnaia appeared to support Luca Marini's recent statement to Crash.net, where Marini mentioned that both Bagnaia and Marquez have the potential to contend for victories in every race this season.

Bagnaia expressed his certainty and confidence that their potential could consistently result in first and second place finishes in every race, with the bike enabling them to achieve this.

"And ultimately, whoever triumphs will do so. The potential exists."

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Why conflict seems unavoidable in Ducati's MotoGP dream team

Are Ducati's riders destined to encounter issues similar to those experienced by Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo?

Since the announcement last June, conversations and guesses about Marc Marquez's integration into the factory Ducati MotoGP team have been at the forefront of news. Up to this point, the process has been quite amicable, a tone that persisted during the team's official launch event on Monday in Madonna di Campiglio.

Appearing for the first time in full factory Ducati gear, after having previously ridden in plain red without any logos during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, there is now a clear feeling that this marks a significant new chapter in Marquez's career, whether it leads to triumph or challenges.

There's no doubt that Ducati has put together its most powerful team ever, and it ranks among the legendary squads in MotoGP history. Riding the motorcycle that triumphed in 19 out of 20 grand prix races in 2024, the team includes six-time premier class winner Marquez and possibly Ducati's greatest rider, two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia. Altogether, their careers boast a total of 11 world championship titles.

Lurking behind the scenes as the real architect is the engineering whiz Gigi Dall’Igna, the individual who has revolutionized Ducati and spearheaded MotoGP motorcycle innovation over the past ten years. Many anticipate that Ducati's official team will be contenders for the win in each race. Triumph appears assured.

Marc Marquez has joined the official Ducati team in MotoGP. #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 20, 2025

Marc Marquez has joined the official Ducati team in MotoGP. #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN

Possible Rossi and Lorenzo Rivalry Again?

During a recent discussion, Davide Tardozzi, the team manager, compared his team's current roster to the dynamic duo of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha during the periods from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2016. This comparison seems quite accurate, but it also serves as a reminder that the strongest teams in history often experience significant internal conflicts.

Yamaha had secured deals with Lorenzo while he was still racing in the 250cc class, preparing for his 2008 MotoGP debut. They saw him as the potential heir to Rossi, anticipating either Rossi's retirement or his much-discussed move to Formula 1. However, Rossi chose to remain in MotoGP and did not retire until the end of 2021.

Right from the beginning, there were underlying tensions. A physical barrier was put up in the Yamaha garage, supposedly to prevent the exchange of tire information between the two racers, as Rossi was using Bridgestone tires in 2008 and Lorenzo opted for Michelin. This division persisted even after Bridgestone became the exclusive tire provider in 2009, a period when their rivalry truly intensified. By 2010, the friction between them became unbearable, leading to Lorenzo compelling Rossi to make an unfortunate switch to Ducati for the 2011 season.

Throughout 2013 and 2014, the atmosphere between the two remained tense yet calm when they came back together at Yamaha. However, the situation heated up once more in the following two years until Lorenzo transitioned to Ducati, where he found somewhat greater success.

Since entering the MotoGP scene, Marquez has certainly caused quite a stir. His exceptional skills on the track are matched by his intense psychological tactics. He understands exactly how to unsettle his competitors and uses this knowledge strategically. Although he is still recovering from a career hiatus caused by a severe arm injury in 2020, Marquez's influence in MotoGP was clear last year.

Marquez Takes a Stand

In a bold move, Marquez turned down a factory Ducati at Pramac and presented the manufacturer with two choices: either move him to the main team or provide him with a GP25 at Gresini. Ducati, perhaps unwisely, claimed the second option was off the table, insisting it was Pramac or nothing. As a result, Marquez threatened to leave altogether, a prospect that alarmed CEO Claudio Domenicali.

Ducati reversed its original plan to elevate Jorge Martin, who later became the world champion, opting instead to support Marquez. Marquez's strategic move has considerably diminished Ducati's strength as a manufacturer.

Ducati experienced the departure of Jorge Martin, and Pramac, considered the top satellite team on the grid, switched allegiance to Yamaha. This indirectly caused race victors Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi to leave the team. Additionally, Ducati reduced the number of factory bikes it offers from four to three and decreased its total presence from eight bikes to six.

By this stage, Marquez and Bagnaia had already experienced two significant clashes on the racetrack. The initial incident occurred during the Portuguese Grand Prix, where the two riders had a tense confrontation in the stewards' office following their collision. Notably, Marquez openly told the press that he held Bagnaia responsible for the crash, whereas Bagnaia described it as simply an unfortunate event that happens in racing.

Bagnaia avenged himself in a direct showdown at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, this may not be very significant when they face off again in 2025. Crash has learned that the GP23 model Marquez used was an early version, not the one from the end of the season. The gap between the GP23 and GP24 models widened as the season progressed. Therefore, we still haven't fully witnessed Marquez's potential competitiveness on the Ducati, even though he secured three victories last year.

An undeniable issue is the significant presence of Rossi in the situation. Marquez’s strategic moves last summer clearly caused unrest in the VR46 team. This was particularly problematic as it immediately undermined Bagnaia’s position within his own manufacturing team.

In 2025, it will mark a decade since the significant rift between Rossi and Marquez unfolded during the 2015 season—a dispute that continues to impact the series even now. Just last year, Rossi launched a public relations offensive, expressing to L'Equipe his confusion over Ducati's choice for 2025.

Interestingly, Rossi has reduced his involvement in car racing for the year 2025 and has expressed a desire to attend more MotoGP events this season. In the event that tensions rise between Bagnaia and Marquez, Bagnaia won't need to speak much as Rossi is more than willing to speak on his behalf.

During the launch event, Ducati's sporting director Mauro Grassili emphasized that "harmony" would be his focal point for the upcoming season. This statement was a bit more subtle compared to Tardozzi, who directly stated that his "challenge" would be "managing this garage."

The competition between Marquez and Bagnaia is shaping up to be one of MotoGP's most exciting rivalries, potentially matching the intensity of the legendary Rossi and Lorenzo showdown.

Ducati is well aware that a conflict between its top riders is very likely in the future. However, the company has struggled to handle tense situations with its leading racers in the past, as evidenced by experiences with Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner. The upcoming rivalry between Marquez and Bagnaia is expected to be the most challenging one for Ducati so far.

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Marc Marquez commits to supporting his team, stating, "The focus is on the team, not individual victories." He is determined to secure podium finishes, achieve wins, and play a leading role in the World Championship.

Marc Marquez has described the 2025 MotoGP season as "the most thrilling challenge I've faced in my career."

He has vowed to work collaboratively with others as he embarks on this new journey.

The Spanish racer has been elevated to Ducati Lenovo, MotoGP's leading team, following a revitalizing season with Gresini Ducati.

This involved ending a 1,000-day period without a victory as he secured third place in the world championship.

With a comeback to full factory status and teaming up with two-time champion and current title runner-up Francesco Bagnaia, Marquez is likely setting his sights on finally achieving his seventh premier-class championship.

Marquez expressed his enthusiasm at today's team launch in Madonna di Campiglio, stating that he was thrilled to kick off a new MotoGP season, which he believes represents the most significant challenge of his career.

This winter, I've had the opportunity to unwind somewhat, but I also dedicated time to intense training. Now, I feel prepared to tackle the upcoming year, which promises to be both challenging and thrilling.

"I am eager to pick up where we left off at the Montmeló test last November and return to riding the bike in Sepang and Buriram."

"My immediate objective is to take pleasure in cycling, as I believe that once I achieve this, everything else will naturally come into place."

"I've often mentioned that being part of an official team means striving to compete in every race, aiming for podium finishes and wins, and seeking to play a key role in the World Championship."

Despite the fact that Marquez's impressive streak of six Honda championships in seven years was abruptly halted due to difficulties arising from a broken arm at Jerez in 2020, he emphasized that he remains committed to being a key contributor to the team.

"Our goal is to collaborate and succeed as a unified group. It's not about individual victories; it's about the entire Ducati team achieving success. Ultimately, we'll find out our position in the rankings."

He mentioned, "In the time I've spent with the team up until now, I've noticed that the work environment is excellent, and I'm excited to get back on the Desmosedici GP."

"I want to express my gratitude to Claudio Domenicali, Gigi Dall’Igna, Mauro Grassilli, and Davide Tardozzi for their confidence in me and for the warm and friendly reception they provided."

"There are plenty of enjoyable activities we can do during this time of year."

For the first time, Marquez will don the complete Ducati red attire during the Sepang test scheduled from February 5 to 7.

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For two decades, Peter has worked closely in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career unfold and eventually conclude. He is deeply involved in covering Suzuki's departure and the challenges surrounding Marc Marquez's injuries.

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Gigi Dall'Igna shares his thoughts on Jorge Martin's decision to bring the #1 to Aprilia, as the current world champion.

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, expressed that he has no issue with Jorge Martin placing the #1 on his Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle, stating that "in this situation, it's merely a number."

Last year, Martin clinched the 2024 championship title for Ducati while racing with the Pramac team. However, he had already committed to a factory contract with Aprilia for the upcoming two years, as he was passed over for a factory position at the Bologna-based brand.

During Aprilia's event held last week, Martin unveiled the RS-GP motorcycle featuring the #1 plate.

During Ducati's 2025 factory team unveiling on Monday, Dall’Igna commented on the topic by saying, "Having the number one on the bike is not an issue."

"The challenge was to secure the championship title, and we accomplished that goal last year."

"The top priority here is clear. The primary focus is simply a numerical value, and without a doubt, I want to see this featured on our bike."

"However, the main goal is to secure the championship title."

As the 2025 season kicks off, Ducati boasts the most formidable team in the competition, featuring the six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez alongside two-time premier class winner Francesco Bagnaia.

The duo revealed the colors for their 2025 design during an event held at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

In the 2024 season, Ducati displayed overwhelming superiority by clinching victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races and winning the constructors' championship with a lead of 395 points.

As Dall’Igna discussed the upcoming tests for the GP25, he observed that the motorcycle's performance was already so advanced that there was no immediate need to introduce new improvements.

"The goal is simple, but the journey to reach it will definitely be challenging," he mentioned.

"In any case, we understand the situation well. There are numerous aspects that need to be tested. We should remember that the bike from last year was, to be honest, quite impressive."

"We're not in any hurry to add many features to the new bike."

"We have numerous options available to us, and we need to decide which will serve as the foundation for the beginning of the season."

Dall’Igna observed that during last year's Barcelona test, Marquez and Bagnaia shared similar feedback regarding the GP25 prototype. However, the brand is open to exploring separate paths for each rider if necessary.

"In all honesty, during the initial test in Barcelona, both individuals provided identical feedback regarding the new version of the bike," he stated.

"I'm rather taken aback by this, but it's not a significant issue for us to pursue separate directions if the riders request it."

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EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia unveil the 2025 Ducati MotoGP design

Marc Marquez has been officially introduced as a rider for Ducati Lenovo, joining forces with Francesco Bagnaia during the unveiling of the factory team's 2025 lineup.

Ducati's star duo, Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, revealed their 2025 MotoGP design in an event held on Monday in the picturesque setting of Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Continuing its partnership with Lenovo as the title sponsor, Ducati's 2025 classic red design features just slight modifications compared to last year's model.

The major update is that Marquez, wearing number 93 and considered the top star among current competitors, is now in attendance.

Marquez expressed his wish for 2025 to be a year filled with enjoyment and triumphs.

Bagnaia expressed his eagerness to begin once more.

For the last five years, Ducati has consistently secured the MotoGP manufacturers' championship. On the current roster of riders, only Marquez, with six titles, and Bagnaia, with two, have claimed more than one premier-class championship.

Including the victories in the lower categories, they have secured a total of eleven world championship titles.

At today's launch event, Gigi Dall’Igna expressed his belief that they have the top two riders, whom he considers the best on the grid.

Last season, Bagnaia came close to securing his third consecutive MotoGP title, but ultimately lost to Jorge Martin of Pramac Ducati, despite achieving victory in eleven races.

During his first season with Ducati, riding a year-old Gresini bike, Marquez experienced a resurgence, securing three victories and finishing third in the world championship.

Even before Marquez secured a victory on a Desmosedici, Ducati made the decision to select him instead of Martin for their factory team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Ducati's CEO, Claudio Domenicali, admitted that bringing Marquez on board is a controversial decision, particularly in Italy, because of his riding style and previous incidents involving Valentino Rossi. However, Domenicali emphasized that Marquez's talent is beyond doubt.

At the age of 31, Marquez has joined the official team with a clear goal of securing a seventh top-tier championship. Achieving this would match him with his longtime competitor, Valentino Rossi, who serves as a mentor to Bagnaia.

Even though the factory Ducati pair are the leading contenders before the season starts, Bagnaia has an opportunity to make history by being the first teammate to surpass a fully healthy Marquez, no matter who wins the title.

Following the announcement that Marquez would be his teammate, Bagnaia made a memorable statement last season, remarking: "It could turn out to be incredibly positive, or it might end in disaster!"

In 2024, their racing confrontations on the track sometimes escalated into physical altercations. One such incident involved both of them crashing following a chaotic clash at Portimao. Additionally, Bagnaia made contact with Marquez's shoulder with his front wheel during a gripping win at Jerez.

"A proud Rossi remarked afterward, 'Bagnaia quickly countered every move, and that's crucial. If Marc senses any weakness, he'll pounce on it.'"

However, Marquez appeared to be restraining his typical aggressive approach while competing against Bagnaia, possibly because he was already considering the prospect of a factory contract.

Despite the difficult maneuvers executed by Marquez on both Joan Mir and Miguel Oliveira as he advanced through the pack following his fall in the Jerez Sprint, it was evident that #93 still possesses the ability to be merciless when necessary.

“He forced me off the track!” Mir commented regarding the aggressive maneuver by his ex-Honda teammate.

Marquez faces a significant hurdle as he integrates into what is considered 'Bagnaia's team' and establishes a good working relationship with his new crew chief. He has taken over Marco Rigamonti, who was previously Enea Bastianini's trusted assistant.

Marc Marquez recently discussed his current position, describing it as an unprecedented experience for him. He explained that upon joining the pit box, there is technically no hierarchy labeling someone as first or second. However, it's clear that Pecco holds the dominant role within the team. This development comes after Marquez had to conclude his long-term personal sponsorship with Red Bull because of the team's agreement with Monster, as he mentioned earlier this winter.

"Why? Because Pecco is the rider who secured two world championships for Ducati and claimed victory in eleven races last year. Naturally, he should be the one leading the way during the pre-season and the initial races."

"I plan to approach him since he is the benchmark—the rider responsible for Ducati's recent championship victory and who is currently performing exceptionally well."

During the Barcelona test held in November, Bagnaia and Marquez achieved the third and fourth fastest times while testing the prototype GP25. Meanwhile, Marquez's younger sibling and ex-team-mate, Alex, recorded the quickest time on his first outing with the GP24.

"We still require additional time for comprehension because, as Marquez noted, Pecco made similar observations: While the GP25 excels in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others."

"We must assess the situation, as it's important to have a 'reliable' bike for all 22 races, rather than just being quick on a specific type of track."

A halt in development lasting two years, which precedes the start of the 850cc era, highlights the importance of choosing the best engine design.

Marquez is set to appear on the track wearing the complete Ducati outfit for the first time, joining Bagnaia, during the Official Sepang test scheduled from February 5 to 7. Following this, the Buriram test will occur on February 12 and 13, with the Thai season kicking off on February 28.

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For two decades, Peter has been a regular presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently closely involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Marc Marquez is now displaying Monster logos instead of Red Bull at Ducati Lenovo. Marquez will part ways with Red Bull starting in 2025.

Marc Marquez has debuted as an official Ducati MotoGP racer, now under Monster's sponsorship, after parting ways with Red Bull.

The racer, who has won the grand prix world championship eight times, has consistently been associated with Red Bull during his MotoGP career. Even when he transitioned to the Gresini Ducati team, the brand continued to support him.

When he agreed to a contract with the official Ducati team for the 2025 season, it was widely believed that this move would lead to the loss of his individual sponsorship from Red Bull because of the team's existing partnership with Monster Energy.

In his last event with Red Bull, held at the brand's Hangar 7 facility in Austria, he announced that he will not extend his sponsorship with them beyond 2025.

On Monday, Marquez appeared in public for the first time as a Ducati factory team rider in Italy, showcasing Monster Energy branding on his racing suit.

Marquez is set to part ways with his status as an official Monster athlete in 2025, which might pave the way for a potential comeback to Red Bull down the line.

The Estrella Galicia logo now appears on Marquez's helmet, taking the place of the previous Red Bull branding.

Marquez is set to join forces with Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP world champion, at Ducati's factory team for the upcoming two-year period.

During his debut season riding the Desmosedici, Marquez achieved victory in three grand prix races while competing for Gresini, ultimately securing third place in the overall rankings.

At the conclusion of the season, Bagnaia secured the second-place position, finishing 10 points behind Pramac's Jorge Martin, who clinched the championship in the final race in Barcelona.

Martin has joined the Aprilia factory team for the 2025 season.

In the 2024 season, Ducati showcased remarkable performance by claiming victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix races. They also captured the constructors’ championship with a significant lead of 395 points ahead of KTM.

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Surprise at Aprilia as newcomer Jorge Martin delivers an inspiring leadership address. Jorge Martin is described as "a blend of a champion and a leader."

One potential drawback to Jorge Martin being recognized as the first Independent world champion in the 'MotoGP' era is that he has yet to prove himself as a leader in a factory team setting.

He will take on the position by becoming a member of Aprilia's official team in 2025.

The Spanish rider had spent the last four years racing in MotoGP with the Pramac satellite team. During his time there, he played a role in the development of the Desmosedici by riding a bike with factory specifications. However, he was not the main focus of the factory team's initiatives.

The CEO of Aprilia, Massimo Rivola, is confident that Martin, the current world champion, is fully prepared to take charge of the RS-GP project.

"Rivola mentioned that Jorge aspires to lead, and he recognizes that his status as world champion already places him in a leadership role."

"In challenging situations, his demeanor reflects that of a person who has put in significant effort and determination to reach this point. I believe he understands the importance of not squandering such hard-earned progress. In my opinion, he demonstrates strong leadership qualities."

"I also value many of Marco Bezzecchi's remarks, especially when he mentioned having a strong benchmark in Martin. I'm certain Marco is eager to surpass him!"

"I was somewhat surprised," remarked Aprilia's new technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini. Having previously collaborated with Martin during his tenure at Ducati, Sterlacchini confessed to being "surprised" by the 26-year-old's motivating speech following the conclusion of his first Aprilia test in Barcelona last November.

"On Monday in Barcelona, right after securing the title, I noticed right away that he was both a champion and a leader."

"After the test concluded, he called everyone together following the technical meeting and delivered a speech."

"I was somewhat surprised: Is this a prime minister or a cyclist! Considering the enthusiasm and message he was conveying."

"Hats off to him, as he is just 26 years old after all."

"He is undoubtedly a leader, and the final milestone he reached was likely clinching the championship on Sunday in Barcelona."

For the first time, Martin will sport the #1 plate on his Aprilia RS-GP during the Official MotoGP test in Sepang, scheduled from February 5th to 7th.

Text:

Statements given by journalist Alex Whitworth from Crash.net.

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Rossi shares how two unexpected figures assisted him during his initial 500cc class trial

Motorcycle racing icon Valentino Rossi disclosed that his initial test on a 500cc bike in 1999 nearly ended in calamity, if not for the unexpected assistance of two individuals who were relatively unknown at the time.

Rossi joined Honda to compete in the MotoGP series starting in the 2000 season, representing what appeared to be a secondary team, after securing the 125cc and 250cc championships in 1997 and 1999, respectively.

Explore further: Reflecting on Valentino Rossi's transformative Yamaha MotoGP switch

He first got a taste of the NSR500, which he would compete with in 2000 and 2001 during the final years of MotoGP's 500cc class, during trials at Jerez following his championship victory in the 250cc category.

In a conversation on Andrea Migno’s podcast last year, Rossi's manager confirmed that they had struck a deal with Aprilia for Rossi to wear their racing suits for a test. However, he forgot to bring them along and also realized he didn't have a helmet to wear.

"He started off by saying, 'The initial 500cc trial was splendid.'"

Upon my arrival in Jerez at the close of 1999, I was in possession of two Honda suits. My manager had previously arranged with Aprilia for me to wear their suit.

Upon arriving in Jerez, I brought along two brand-new suits from Honda, but ended up not being able to wear them. Instead, I inadvertently left my Aprilia suit behind at home.

"I took Marcellino Lucchi's outfit on loan. I reached out to a buddy in Tavullia and told them, 'we're going to fly you out here, get the Aprilia outfit to us!'"

I unzipped my backpack and found eight shields inside, yet the helmet was missing! Panic had already set in earlier when I realized I'd left the suit behind.

Rossi and his close associates devised a minor falsehood to extricate themselves from a difficult situation.

He explained, "A stroke of brilliance occurred – 'my helmet was taken!' That's how I was rescued, even though I lacked a helmet.

During my initial 500cc trial, I donned the racing suit of Marcellino Lucchi and the helmet belonging to Gregorio Lavilla, a Kawasaki Superbike racer known for his personalized helmet.

"I asked Lavilla if I could use a helmet since mine had been taken."

The initial experience of handling a 500cc is an unforgettable milestone in the journey of any rider. The sensation when you rev the engine…

"I recall the sensation of the track becoming more compact and confined, a pleasant experience. The velocity becomes familiar over time.

"On day two, as soon as I received my racing gear and helmet, I accelerated my pace. Similarly, at Phillip Island, my speed was noteworthy."

Lucchi participated in grand prix races between 1982 and 2004, achieving a single win at the 250cc Italian Grand Prix in 1998.

In 2005, Lavilla clinched the British Superbike title riding for Ducati and currently serves as the Executive Director of World Superbikes for Dorna.

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Enea Bastianini offers a glimmer of hope amidst KTM's financial troubles

New Tech3 recruit acknowledges a "difficult off-season" due to KTM's instability

Enea Bastianini has described the off-season as challenging because of the continuing doubts surrounding KTM's MotoGP endeavor, yet he has indicated that "things are becoming more stable."

The rider, who has triumphed in seven MotoGP races, inked a contract with KTM the previous year to become part of the Tech3 team under a factory agreement starting in 2025

A monetary turmoil has cast doubts over the continuity of the Austrian company's racing initiatives, with a creditors meeting held before Christmas indicating that KTM's withdrawal from MotoGP is being considered as a strategy to reduce expenses.

KTM has officially announced its continuation in racing until 2025, but has not made any commitments past that point as of yet.

Bastianini has secured a long-term agreement with KTM, though current circumstances cast doubt on his future in MotoGP.

In a fresh interview with Sky Sports Italy, Bastianini provided a new update.

"The winter season has been challenging, but I've devoted myself to training and maintaining a focused mindset," he mentioned.

"I strive daily to prepare myself for the championship, doing all I can to be at my best."

Currently, the situation is becoming more stable, leading to a noticeably calmer atmosphere.

"I'm fully committed and always ready."

Bastianini has been reserved in setting specific goals for himself for the year 2025, given that he has only participated in a single test session with the KTM as of last November.

"He emphasized that establishing a goal right now is impractical."

"I've only completed 50 circuits on the KTM, making it challenging to envision a potential goal."

"I believe the motorcycle has promise, though I might not fully tap into its capabilities right from the initial races."

"I'm confident that with each event, we'll reach our goal."

Last week, Bastianini competed in Valentino Rossi's 100Km of Champions race in Tavullia, teaming up with Matteo Casadei.

The duo ended up in 15th place in the competition, with Diogo Moreira and Thomas Chareyre taking the victory.

Last week, Bastianini disclosed that he had parted ways with his long-standing manager Carlo Pernat, opting instead to sign a new agreement with the London-based agency MSM.

In an interview with GPOne, Pernat revealed that health issues, preventing him from attending races, were the cause behind their separation.

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