Brad Binder: "This year has been packed with obstacles" – Exclusive Interview

"Considering how events have unfolded, you wouldn’t anticipate being in 5th place in the championship."

Brad Binder shone brightly at the start of the MotoGP season in Qatar, but struggled to maintain that success throughout the next 19 races.

Two near wins at Lusail hinted that 2024 could finally be the season where Binder and KTM make a strong bid for the championship.

However, in the subsequent 38 races, the South African competitor did not secure another podium finish.

The RC16 fell behind the Ducatis, while Binder experienced a challenging season marked by a personal high of 19 crashes and some difficult qualifying sessions, such as starting from the last position at Le Mans.

Despite the challenges, he persevered and secured fifth place in the world championship, which was only one position lower than the previous year. Once more, he was the top performer among riders not using Ducati bikes.

Nevertheless, his point total was 76 less compared to his performance in 2023.

"Honestly, it's obvious that this season hasn't met our expectations," Binder stated in an exclusive interview with Crash.net.

In truth, we've been facing more challenges than we had anticipated.

"Nobody is really thrilled about our current situation, that's certain."

"The whole team, along with everyone at the factory, is putting in a tremendous amount of work, which provides me with a great deal of reassurance."

"I strongly believe that we won't be staying here much longer."

A mystery this season has been the impressive performance of Binder and KTM in Qatar, where they stood out amidst the competition between future title contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, only to lose their edge afterward.

Following his impressive performance in Lusail, where he earned 29 out of a possible 37 points, Binder's next strongest showing was in Aragon, where he secured 17 points.

According to Binder, one reason was that the Ducatis were affected by vibrations caused by the updated Michelin rear tire at Lusail. While his RC16 didn't seem to have this issue initially, the circumstances quickly changed.

"Frankly speaking, I noticed during the race in Qatar that the other riders were experiencing significant chatter, while we didn't have any," stated Binder, who was the sole KTM rider to finish among an all-Ducati top seven at Lusail.

"It seems they were definitely losing some time in certain areas. I managed to close the gap, particularly in a couple of corners where they were struggling with chattering. That really worked in our favor, I would say."

"Following that, it became apparent that they managed to make a minor advancement."

The MotoGP racer, who has won two races, also highlighted that he hasn't reached his full potential this year.

He mentioned that there were some races where they performed exceptionally well, but unfortunately, he hasn't had a remarkable year overall. He admitted to experiencing setbacks, encountering difficulties, and even qualifying last at Le Mans, of all places.

The past year has been filled with obstacles, yet being in fifth place in the championship standings is surprising considering the difficulties faced, including my numerous setbacks and crashes.

"It's not only us facing challenges; many others have experienced a tougher season than they expected."

Certainly, similar to Ducati's competitors, KTM struggled to completely master the updated rear tire.

"We're still figuring things out," Binder admitted. "We've discovered a few elements that appear to be more effective."

"The main focus right now is figuring out precisely what we require to increase our speed."

As part of that procedure, the final stages were utilized to collect information for the year 2025.

On the day before the Sepang event, he mentioned that they plan to experiment with a slightly altered downforce setup to determine if it can address any of their issues.

A challenge identified by Binder is the insufficient speed maintained through the corners.

He admitted that they are indeed experiencing a slight decline in mid-corner roll speed compared to previous times.

"That's one area we need to focus on improving. However, the situation is quite complicated and can't be resolved by simply identifying the issue and applying a quick fix."

Binder, who recorded the sixth-fastest time during the post-race testing in Barcelona, is set to return to the 2025 KTM prototype at Sepang in February.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Six key races in the battle for the 2024 MotoGP championship

These were the six pivotal races where Jorge Martin outpaced Francesco Bagnaia by at least ten points, ultimately securing his championship victory…

At the end of this year's world championship, Jorge Martin, the new MotoGP champion, had a narrow lead of just ten points over his competitor Francesco Bagnaia, out of a possible 740 points for the season.

In these six races, Martin, who became the first satellite team rider to win a title in the 'MotoGP' era, surpassed the current double champion Bagnaia by at least that margin…

1. In the second round of the Portimao Grand Prix, Martin secured first place, earning 25 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, receiving no points.

Martin, representing Sprint, and Bagnaia, racing for GP, each secured a victory in the season's first race in Qatar. As they headed to Portugal, only three points separated them in the standings.

The duo finished in third and fourth positions during the Portimao Sprint. However, Martin managed to secure an unexpected 25-point lead against his key competitor by clinching victory in the grand prix. Meanwhile, Bagnaia faced difficulties and ended up crashing towards the end of the race after a clash with Marc Marquez while they were vying for fifth place.

Round 4 of the Jerez Sprint saw Martin clinching first place, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race, resulting in zero points for him

During the wet Jerez Sprint, Bagnaia experienced his second race of the season without earning points. The incident occurred on the third lap at Turn 1 when he was caught between Marco Bezzecchi and Brad Binder, leading to his crash and exit from the race.

Martin secured victory in the Sprint race; however, the next day saw a dramatic shift as Bagnaia claimed an impressive win in the Grand Prix, outperforming Marc Marquez, while Martin unfortunately crashed and did not finish.

Le Mans Sprint, Round 5: Martin finishes in first place, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia did not finish and receives 0 points.

Bagnaia did not complete his second consecutive Sprint and experienced his third race without points out of six attempts, owing to a technical problem at Le Mans.

Bagnaia stated that the bike was acting unpredictably, which forced him to withdraw.

Martin achieved his sole 37-point maximum weekend of the season by securing victories in both French races, while Bagnaia came in a close third behind Martin and Marc Marquez in the grand prix.

Round 12 of the Aragon Grand Prix saw Martin finish in second place, earning him 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish and received zero points.

Despite Bagnaia's fall during the Sprints at Catalunya and Silverstone, which were the 6th and 10th rounds respectively, Martin managed to earn only six points from Catalunya and nine from Silverstone.

The Spanish rider committed errors during the Mugello Sprint and, more prominently, at the Sachsenring Grand Prix, which was the ninth round. It was at this event that Bagnaia claimed the championship lead for the first time since the Qatar race.

Martin regained the lead at Silverstone, but it wasn't until the 12th round at Aragon that the Spaniard managed to widen his lead over Bagnaia by more than 10 points in one race. He secured second place behind Marc Marquez, while his main competitor, Bagnaia, suffered a crash following a crucial late-race collision with Alex Marquez while battling for third place.

With only a single point and difficulties maintaining traction during the Sprint, the Aragon weekend turned out to be Bagnaia's most challenging of the season.

Round 14 of the Grand Prix took place in Misano, located in Emilia Romagna. Martin secured second place, earning 20 points, while Bagnaia did not finish the race and received no points.

At the San Marino round, Bagnaia managed to reduce Martin's lead in the championship by 16 points, capitalizing on Martin's significant error of pitting when it started to drizzle during the Grand Prix. Bagnaia further narrowed the gap by an additional three points by clinching victory in the Emilia Romagna Sprint, during MotoGP’s second stop at his home circuit.

Approaching the Grand Prix, Bagnaia trailed Martin by only four points. However, he faced his seventh non-finish of the season after crashing during a braking maneuver as he attempted to catch up with Martin and Enea Bastianini.

The sole positive outcome for Bagnaia was Bastianini's victory over Martin, achieved through a contentious maneuver on the final lap.

6. Sepang Sprint, Race 19: Martin finishes first, earning 12 points, while Bagnaia does not finish and receives 0 points.

The sixth and last significant shift benefiting Martin occurred during the second-to-last round at Sepang, and it was undoubtedly the most expensive.

Bagnaia maintained his chances for the championship by securing a victory in the rainy conditions at Buriram the weekend before, reducing Martin's advantage to 17 points.

There were 74 points up for grabs, and Bagnaia was considered the more formidable competitor at Sepang. He made an impressive start by securing pole position ahead of Martin, setting a new lap record in the process.

In the concluding surprise of what Bagnaia described as a 'season filled with errors,' due to the non-finishes both he and Martin experienced, the Ducati Lenovo racer lost control and fell from second place behind the Pramac competitor during the Sprint. This incident marked his eighth and last non-finish of the season.

As Bagnaia clinched victory in the last three races, Martin secured podium finishes each time, ultimately securing the championship title during the 40th and last race of the season in Barcelona. It was here that Bagnaia also achieved his fifth flawless 37-point score of the year.

Bagnaia’s Top Five Key Races…

These are the five races, listed in the order they occurred, where Bagnaia managed to significantly reduce Martin's lead in the world championship standings by at least ten points, thereby sustaining his chances for the title.

Jerez GP, 4th Round: Bagnaia secured victory and earned 25 points, while Martin did not finish. Mugello Sprint, 7th Round: Bagnaia again took first place, gaining 12 points, with Martin failing to complete the race. Sachsenring GP, 9th Round: Bagnaia clinched another win with 25 points, as Martin did not finish. San Marino GP, 13th Round: Bagnaia finished in second place, collecting 19 points, and Martin came in 15th. Mandalika Sprint, 15th Round: Bagnaia was victorious once more, adding 12 points to his tally, and Martin finished in 10th place.

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MV Agusta is set to be sold as KTM faces financial difficulties, leading to an investigation. The administrator is placing KTM's shares in the renowned Italian company on the market.

The administrator is overseeing the sale of KTM's majority share of 50.1% in MV Agusta, as the Financial Market Authority has initiated an investigation into the Pierer Mobility Group.

The Austrian company is currently experiencing a significant financial crisis, prompting it to initiate self-management measures to avoid going bankrupt.

Over the past few weeks, KTM has dismissed hundreds of employees, and more job cuts are anticipated. Additionally, the company's workers will not receive their salaries during the Christmas period.

Recent speculation has surfaced regarding the potential sale of KTM's majority ownership in MV Agusta. The Austrian company initially acquired shares in the Italian motorcycle brand in 2022.

This week, a regional court in Austria revealed that plans are in motion for the administrator to sell PMG's 50.1% controlling interest in MV Agusta.

MV Agusta is facing similar overproduction challenges as KTM, as reported by Autosport. There are currently 2,000 unsold units from the brand stored in an Austrian warehouse. Meanwhile, employees in Italy have consented to reductions in their salaries.

KTM is under scrutiny from Austria’s Financial Market Authority to determine if PMG adhered to disclosure requirements.

As reported by the Austrian Press Agency, the focus of the investigation will be on the period between May and November when PMG revised its business projections and experienced changes in its leadership.

At the beginning of this year, the number of members on KTM's board was reduced from six to two, due to the fact that the extent of the company's financial difficulties had not been completely uncovered.

A gathering of the creditors is scheduled for Friday, where they will decide whether KTM can remain in business.

Recently, KTM has not provided much information on how this scenario might impact its MotoGP plans. However, several individuals mentioned back in November that the 2025 schedule will proceed as intended.

Subsequently, there were media speculations suggesting a halt in development. Despite this, KTM participated in a private testing session at Jerez last week, featuring Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa.

KTM's monetary problems have affected its other grand prix endeavors, leading to the disappearance of the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands from the Moto2 and Moto3 lineups for the 2025 season.

The Tech3 MotoGP team, which operated under the GASGAS name during 2023 and 2024, is set to revert to the KTM brand in 2025.

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Aspar provides aid to those affected by floods in Valencia

The Moto2 and Moto3 teams persist with their support initiatives this week

The Aspar team has initiated the distribution of essential home appliances to those affected by the floods in Valencia, as a component of its continuous aid initiatives in the city where the team is headquartered.

At the end of October, catastrophic floods in Spain's Valencia region resulted in the tragic loss of more than 200 lives.

The floodwaters inflicted extensive damage on the area's infrastructure, affecting residences as well.

Severe harm to the entry routes at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit resulted in the cancellation of the Valencia Grand Prix. Subsequently, the MotoGP event was relocated to Barcelona and was renamed the Solidarity GP of Valencia.

The Aspar team, which manages teams in both Moto2 and Moto3, has played a leading role in MotoGP's initiatives to offer assistance to Valencia.

A GoFundMe page was initially created and has successfully collected over €150,000. The funds are currently being utilized to supply essential household appliances to more than 2300 individuals impacted by the flooding.

A short announcement from the team mentioned that the assistance the motorcycling community is offering to flood victims in Valencia is starting to show positive results.

The Aspar Team has started handing out essential home appliances and furniture to residents in the towns of Algemesí and Guadassuar, located in the Ribera Alta area.

This week, the team started handing out these essential items, made possible by the support.

You can still contribute to Aspar's fundraiser, which is accessible at this link.

During the Solidarity GP weekend, MotoGP's fundraising activities, which encompassed ticket sales and unique auctions, successfully generated over €1.5 million.

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit was given a donation of €50,000 from the Assen circuit, the location of the Dutch Grand Prix, to assist with the costs of repairing equipment that was damaged during the flooding at the track.

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Joan Mir states: "My circumstances are entirely distinct from Marc's" – Exclusive Interview

"If I switch brands at this point, it would seem like these past two years have been pointless."

The similarities are clear to see. In 2023, two past MotoGP titleholders are competing with the Repsol Honda team, which is currently facing difficulties.

Marc Marquez, having secured six top-tier championships with his previous team, decided to leave early to sign with Gresini Ducati. There, he rejuvenated his racing career by achieving three victories and secured a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025.

In the meantime, Joan Mir, who was once a teammate and clinched the 2020 championship with Suzuki, remained in his second year with HRC. However, he unexpectedly extended his contract to last until 2026, even though both his performance and the RCV's have continued to decline this season.

During an exclusive interview with Crash.net as the season was drawing to a close, Mir brought up a comparison with Marquez on his own accord.

When asked about a season where he accumulated only 21 points—a figure surpassed by Francesco Bagnaia's 31 points, Brad Binder's 29, and Jorge Martin's 28 during just the first weekend in Qatar—Mir shared his thoughts:

"Certainly, it was surprising to have so many difficulties with this motorcycle."

"I thought we would see better outcomes quickly, but for some reason, our performance hasn't improved. We are currently lagging behind the other manufacturers, and that's the situation we are facing right now."

"We're improving and making progress, yet it's still insufficient. This is what we observe."

"We haven't yet reached our desired position. However, I remain confident in the project, and I think it's only a matter of time before we get to where we aim to be, given the effort we're putting in."

According to Mir, Honda's strategies were effective in a different time period. He noted significant changes this year and acknowledged that Honda realized their previous methods were suited to a past MotoGP era. However, the current situation is entirely different, requiring increased assistance from Europe and more engineering expertise.

"The Japanese excel at crafting motorcycles, particularly in terms of quality. If you examine the intricacies of a Honda MotoGP bike, you'll find them astonishing and arguably the finest. However, when it comes to performance, we are lagging."

"We require assistance."

"We require assistance from individuals in Europe, specifically those from Italy and Spain who are employed by European manufacturing companies."

Whenever there is an announcement about someone joining Honda, it brings a sense of relief for riders. This is because it indicates that the company is taking actions that align with what they believe is the right path.

"We require contributions from the Japanese and Europeans; having that blend will be our source of strength."

These comments naturally transitioned to discussing Romano Albesiano, who is joining HRC from Aprilia to take on the role of MotoGP technical director.

Was Mir aware of Albesiano's involvement when he renewed his contract with HRC?

"Not at all. However, I noticed that Honda was making progress and I understood their goals. I also have a unique connection with Alberto Puig, who has always been straightforward with me from the beginning. I continue to have faith in this team."

"I find myself in a totally different position from Marc," Mir stated, addressing the comparison to Marquez. He elaborated on his decision to remain with Honda instead of pursuing a move to a proven bike with a satellite team, as Marquez had done with bike number 93.

Joan Mir expressed that his circumstances differ greatly from those of Marc when he departed from Honda. Mir acknowledged that Marc had proven himself fully with the company, whereas Mir admitted he has yet to demonstrate his capabilities.

The speaker expressed that switching manufacturers at this point would mean starting over entirely, making the past two years seem pointless. The joy they would experience if things succeed with Honda is immense, so they are determined to make it work.

After Marquez's departure, Mir relocated to the opposite side of the Repsol garage to collaborate with the former team of number 93, led by Santi Hernandez this year.

The outcomes of the races, with the highest being a ninth-place finish in a Sprint and an eleventh-place in a grand prix, weren't exactly remarkable. However, Mir had nothing but admiration for his team.

"They were excellent. From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection with them," he remarked. "Their technical expertise is impressive, and their strategic skills are outstanding. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with them, even under the current circumstances—so just think how great it will be when we start nearing our objectives!"

A rare bright spot for Mir this year was that he thankfully experienced fewer accidents and injuries compared to his 2023 record.

The 2017 Moto3 world champion indicated that this was due to a combination of better aerodynamics, which made the boundaries of the RCV more apparent, along with a deliberate choice to prevent crashes that could hinder the collection of valuable development data.

Joan Mir stated, "Naturally, we always put forth our full effort, but there's a development journey that must be acknowledged. I've come to terms with our current position." He added, "Additionally, understanding the aerodynamic aspects slightly aids in identifying the current limitations."

"We're working on improving, but constant crashes don't aid that progress. It's essential to approach things with the right attitude and ensure we're in good shape for optimal bike performance."

Luca Marini, who is now teammates with Mir, was the only regular competitor to rank lower than the Spanish rider in the overall standings, accumulating a total of 14 points. Johann Zarco from LCR emerged as the leading Honda rider, earning 55 points and securing his highest race finish in eighth place.

Similar to Yamaha, Honda will maintain its eligibility for technical concessions in 2025. These concessions will grant benefits like exclusive testing sessions for their race riders, exemption from restrictions on engine design changes, and additional allowances for aerodynamic enhancements.

Next season, the factory Honda motorcycles will sport a different look as their long-time title sponsor, Repsol, is concluding its partnership, following a year after Marquez left the team.

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For two decades, Peter has been a familiar presence in the paddock, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Information unveiled about the upcoming 2025 MotoGP season opener

MotoGP has disclosed information about a new event marking the start of its 2025 season, an expansion to the series' schedule.

Information about the inaugural MotoGP season kickoff has been released.

Scheduled for 9 February 2025, the occasion will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, at the One Bangkok location. This is happening three days prior to the last preseason trial at Buriram International Circuit, and 21 days before the kickoff of the 2025 season, which is planned to unfold at the same location from 28 February to 2 March.

Speculation had suggested that the season launch would be a comprehensive team unveiling event. However, according to a post on MotoGP.com, it will occur following the revelation of "most of the 2025 colours".

Rather, the occasion will serve as an opportunity for enthusiasts to catch a preview of the elite talents of 2025, featuring the stellar pair from the factory Ducati team, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, alongside Pedro Acosta sporting his fresh Red Bull KTM hues, and certainly not forgetting the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin as he gears up for his debut season with Aprilia.

The occasion will be broadcasted live on MotoGP's various social media platforms, and the organizers promise, "This is an opportunity for enthusiasts, whether attending in person or tuning in globally, to witness the entire lineup together before the start of yet another thrilling season."

Participants are scheduled for a 'Hero Walk' event, during which they will make stage appearances from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM local time to engage in interviews and display their 2025 team liveries, as per the information on MotoGP.com.

Extra leisure activities will feature chances to take pictures across the city all day with MotoGP motorcycles cruising through Bangkok. There will also be a DJ set starting at 15:30, followed by a live music performance at 18:45. According to MotoGP.com, this event will showcase a famous local musician, with details to be announced shortly.

Ultimately, the participants will make their way to the rooftop for an exclusive gathering starting at 8:30 PM.

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

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Liberty Media faces a new challenge from the EU in its acquisition of MotoGP

The European Union plans to initiate an investigation into the planned acquisition

The European Union is poised to investigate Liberty Media's intended acquisition of the MotoGP World Championship.

According to information from Bloomberg & Reuters, the European Union's newly appointed antitrust head, Teresa Ribera, along with her staff, have expressed concerns that the acquisition valued at 3.5 billion euros might hamper competitive practices in the broadcasting and streaming sectors. This apprehension arises from the potential consolidation of the MotoGP and F1 franchises under a single proprietorship.

Earlier in the year, the American corporation that holds ownership of Formula 1 disclosed its purchase of an 86% majority stake in Dorna Sports, the entity behind MotoGP. Following this announcement, Liberty Media has successfully navigated the required regulatory steps to finalize this acquisition by the end of the year target.

In August, it was revealed that Liberty Media intended to offload Formula 1 shares valued at $825 million as part of financing its proposed purchase of MotoGP.

In November, Chief Executive Officer Greg Maffei announced that the acquisition of MotoGP by the company had been officially submitted to the European Commission.

He mentioned, "Briefly touching on MotoGP; we have submitted to the European Commission for regulatory clearance and anticipate being on schedule to obtain that by the end of the year."

The European Commission is facing a decision-making deadline on Liberty's acquisition of MotoGP, set for December 19th. Recent developments suggest that authorities are gearing up for a secondary phase of investigation by this same date, based on information from a Bloomberg report. It was also noted that the decision is presently in a preliminary stage and could be altered.

In the same vein, the acquisition of Formula 1 by CVC Capital in 2006 led to regulatory intervention, requiring the firm to divest its stake in MotoGP due to antitrust concerns. Regulators viewed this as creating a motorsport monopoly. Consequently, MotoGP was transferred to its present owners, Bridgepoint.

As early as October of this year, Pascal Arimont, a Member of the European Parliament from Belgium, called upon the European Commission to conduct an inquiry into Liberty Media due to concerns about the company potentially monopolizing global motorsport by owning both Formula 1 and MotoGP.

Nonetheless, from the outset, Liberty has maintained a strong belief that the situation will not repeat itself this time. When Reuters contacted Liberty Media seeking a statement, they did not provide a response at this moment.

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Marc Marquez reveals his genuine perspective on maintaining their rivalry to Valentino Rossi

Marc Marquez reacts to Valentino Rossi's fury

Marc Marquez has replied to Valentino Rossi's latest outburst, sharing his own perspective on their ongoing dispute.

Recently, Rossi reignited the contentious issues from their 2015 clash, criticizing Marquez for lacking sportsmanship and holding him responsible for his inability to secure the MotoGP championship during that controversial year.

Rossi's harsh comments were made as Marquez was getting ready to join the Ducati team, working closely with VR46's rising star, Pecco Bagnaia.

However, Marquez has now given a response.

"Marquez expressed the sentiment that a fight cannot happen without mutual consent, as reported by Marca."

His efforts to dampen the flames ignited by Rossi could be the perfect strategy leading up to 2025.

Marquez is required to adjust to the current factory edition of the Ducati, having spent the previous season on an older model of the bike.

At last, equipped with machinery on par with Bagnaia, and with titleholder Jorge Martin adjusting to the Aprilia, Marquez is in clear sight of securing another MotoGP title.

Marc Marquez expressed his eagerness to move forward, stating, "I didn't question it; I simply asked, 'where do I sign?'" Looking back on a triumphant 2024, Marquez saw it as a significant rebound from the series of falls and injuries that marked his last period with Honda.

He managed to remain a contender for the championship title until the final stages of the series, and he found his way back to victory by choosing to switch from Repsol Honda to Gresini Ducati.

"He mentioned that when you suddenly encounter the negative aspects of sports, it transforms you in ways you didn't anticipate."

"Suffering from an injury can lead to a downward spiral, and from there, the consequences can be unpredictable."

"Returning from an injury, even while still feeling discomfort, one realizes that winning isn't the default outcome. Instead, being second, third, or even lower is more typical, as victories are rare, often coming after numerous losses."

"This is the reason I find more joy in winning now than I did previously."

This season, I've discovered the ideal setting for a fresh start, a place where I can thrive without stress and truly enjoy myself. Gresini, a team deeply rooted in passion, originally led by Fausto and currently managed by his spouse alongside long-standing members, operates as a satellite team. It seamlessly blends enthusiasm with expertise.

In sports, the focus is on the current moment; your value is determined by your recent performances. I was beginning to shine, adjusting to the Ducati and continually improving my performance.

Upon being informed that I had been selected, I didn't question their choice. Instead, I simply inquired, "Alright, where's the contract?" and that was all.

Gigi Dall'Igna shared the news with me, and I responded with gratitude. I'm committed to proving it was the correct choice.

Marquez likened his move to Bagnaia's team to a football transfer.

"Vinicius is the key figure present; he's the focal point," he commented on the Real Madrid soccer player.

"Following this, Mbappé will undergo a period of adjustment."

"Pecco sets the standard within the Ducati team, having secured 11 race victories this season. He remained a contender for the World Championship until the final race and has claimed the world champion title twice within that team."

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

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Outgoing KTM leader identifies precise reasons for this year's failures

KTM chief evaluates below-average performance in 2024

Francesco Guidotti has openly pinpointed the precise missteps KTM made this season.

At the beginning of the season, many expected KTM to be Ducati's primary competitors, but they failed to secure a victory throughout the year.

Brad Binder, who came in fifth, and Pedro Acosta, who finished sixth, were the highest-placed riders not on Ducati motorcycles in the MotoGP rankings. However, their team was unable to provide them with a motorcycle capable of winning races.

In contrast, Aprilia facilitated victories in sprint races for both Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. Additionally, Vinales claimed victory in the grand prix at COTA.

Despite Acosta's initial flashes of genius, the forecast of him securing a race victory never materialized.

"According to the departing team leader Guidotti, they had a strong start with various riders achieving podium finishes, setting high expectations."

We initiated our journey with a substantial goal in mind. Up until the halfway point of the season, we were performing quite well.

"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some challenges. Our chosen path turned out not to be the most suitable for us."

The leading competitors achieved slight progress, further widening the existing disparity.

"There was an unusual instance halfway through the season."

"This marked the point where we missed the opportunity to remain close to the leading position."

"The conduct of the riders was appropriate; they persisted without surrendering. Similarly, the technicians maintained their efforts. However, in truth, we weren't truly competing."

Acosta's second-place finish in Texas was filled with hope, but afterward, he endured a tough stretch of eight races without securing a spot on the podium.

Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez consistently trailed behind their team members.

"Guidotti mentioned they had to go back and begin the movie from the start."

Toward the season's finale, it was clear that KTM led the pack. The period was marked by several mishaps and occurrences.

"In general, it's acceptable. It might not be our ideal choice, but it's what's currently available to us."

"At the beginning of the year, we failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities, which ultimately led to our defeat in the game."

Guidotti is set to step down, with Aki Ajo taking over as the team boss for KTM in 2025.

"Definitely, there have been numerous modifications," Guidotti stated.

"Typically, alterations provide additional inspiration."

"As a result of these transformations, we also forfeit expertise and a bond."

"However, I'm confident that Aki will guide the team in his own way."

The composition of the riders appears considerably more robust.

Acosta has advanced to join the factory team, partnering with Binder.

The updated Tech3 KTM squad will feature Enea Bastianini and Vinales.

Concerns for KTM could stem from their financial troubles, aside from their involvement in MotoGP.

The announced €3 billion launch indicates that the company has entered into self-management.

They maintain that their MotoGP ambitions for 2025 remain on track, with scheduled tests set to jumpstart their development, aiming for a strong start in the upcoming year.

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James spent ten years as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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KTM's departing leader identifies specific failures of the year

KTM's chief evaluates the below-average performance in 2024

Francesco Guidotti has openly pinpointed the mistakes KTM made this year.

At the beginning of the season, KTM was widely regarded as Ducati's primary competition, yet they failed to secure a single race victory throughout the year.

Brad Binder, who came in fifth, and Pedro Acosta, ranking sixth, were the highest-placed riders not on Ducati motorcycles in the MotoGP rankings, yet their team was unable to provide them with a motorcycle capable of winning races.

In contrast, Aprilia facilitated victories in sprint races for both Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. Additionally, Vinales secured a win in the grand prix at COTA.

Despite Acosta's initial exceptional performances, the expectation that he would secure a race victory never materialized.

"Guidotti, the departing team leader, mentioned, 'We kicked off impressively, achieving several podium finishes with various riders. The anticipation was significant.'"

We began with a significant goal in mind. Up until the middle of the season, we were performing quite well.

"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some challenges. Our chosen path didn't turn out to be the most advantageous for us."

The leading competitors achieved slight progress, further widening the existing disparity.

"During the middle of the season, we experienced an odd period."

"This marked the moment we missed the opportunity to remain close to the peak."

"The conduct of the riders was commendable; they consistently persevered. Similarly, the technical team maintained their efforts without surrendering. However, the truth is we were never truly contenders in the competition."

Acosta's second-place finish in Texas was a hopeful moment, but it was followed by a challenging stretch of eight races without making it to the podium.

Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez consistently trailed behind their team members.

"Guidotti mentioned that we needed to backtrack the film and begin anew."

Towards the season's end, it was clear that KTM led the pack. This period was marked by several accidents and unexpected events.

"In summary, it's acceptable. While it doesn't fully meet our expectations, it's currently what we have to work with."

"At the beginning of the year, we failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities, leading to our defeat in the game."

Guidotti is set to step down, with Aki Ajo taking over as the team boss for KTM in 2025.

"Definitely. The transformations are numerous," Guidotti remarked.

Typically, alterations provide additional inspiration.

"Amidst these transformations, we also forfeit expertise and a bond.

"However, I'm confident that Aki will guide the team in his own way."

The roster of riders appears considerably more formidable.

Acosta has advanced to join the factory team, partnering with Binder.

The updated lineup for the Tech3 KTM squad consists of Enea Bastianini and Vinales.

Concerns for KTM could center around their monetary troubles, separate from their MotoGP operations.

The announced launch of €3 billion signifies that the manufacturer has entered into self-management.

They maintain that their MotoGP strategies for 2025 remain on track, with scheduled tests set to propel their development efforts forward, beginning with significant momentum next year.

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For ten years, James dedicated his career to sports journalism at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sporting events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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MotoGP has announced information about its new season kickoff event for 2025, marking a fresh entry on the championship's schedule.

The inaugural MotoGP season launch event details have been released.

The gathering is scheduled to occur in Bangkok, Thailand, at the One Bangkok location on February 9, 2025. This is just three days prior to the last preseason trial at Buriram International Circuit and approximately three weeks before the 2025 season starts at the same location from February 28 to March 2.

According to a post on MotoGP.com, the anticipated all-in-one team launch event for the season will occur after the majority of the 2025 designs have already been unveiled.

The occasion will serve as an opportunity for enthusiasts to catch a preview of the elite riders of 2025. This lineup features the renowned duo from the factory Ducati team, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, Pedro Acosta sporting his new Red Bull KTM attire, and the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin, who is gearing up for his debut season with Aprilia.

The occasion will be broadcast live on MotoGP's social media platforms. The organization guarantees that "this is an opportunity for fans, whether attending in person or tuning in globally, to witness the entire lineup before the start of another exciting season."

According to MotoGP.com, the participants will engage in a 'Hero Walk' and will be on stage from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM local time. During this period, they will participate in interviews and display their 2025 colors.

The event will also offer various entertainment options, such as chances to take photos with MotoGP bikes being driven around Bangkok all day long. There will be a DJ playing music starting at 3:30 PM, followed by a musical performance beginning at 6:45 PM. According to MotoGP.com, this show will highlight a prominent local artist, whose identity will be announced shortly.

In the end, the participants will make their way to the roof for an exclusive gathering starting at 8:30 PM.

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

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Aleix Espargaro transitions to professional cycling

Former MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro has revealed his new venture into professional cycling with the Lidl-Trek team.

Aleix Espargaro has transitioned to the Lidl-Trek pro cycling squad after wrapping up his MotoGP career on a full-time basis.

Espargaro is set to officially start his tenure with the Lidl-Trek team as an ambassador on January 1, 2025.

Espargaro will also participate with the Lidl-Trek team in some of the calendar's most celebrated events, according to a statement from the team.

"I'm excited to become a part of the Lidl-Trek team, renowned for having some of the top cyclists globally," Espargaro expressed.

"I'm thrilled at the opportunity to gain insights from top-tier cyclists and team members, challenge my boundaries, and bring fans along for this extraordinary adventure."

Espargar, a dedicated fan of cycling for many years, announced his decision to end his MotoGP racing career "sooner than expected" in order to become a part of the Lidl-Trek squad.

"I've had a deep love for cycling for many years, and I made the decision to leave MotoGP ahead of schedule to be part of a program that fits perfectly with my interest," he mentioned.

"I'm profoundly thankful to Lidl-Trek for embracing me into their fold and offering their support. I'll dedicate all my efforts."

Espargaro revealed his decision to retire from regular MotoGP competition during his local Grand Prix event in Catalunya this year.

Espargaro's obligations with Lidl-Trek will be complemented by a fresh role as a test rider for HRC's MotoGP initiative, a duty he embarked on during the official Barcelona test last month, after the season-ending Solidarity Grand Prix.

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