Aprilia's new technical chief, Fabiano Sterlacchini, sheds light on departure from KTM: "Compatibility issues emerged"

Sterlacchini takes on the role of technical director at Aprilia

Fabiano Strelacchini, the newly appointed technical director at Aprilia, stated that his departure from his MotoGP position at KTM was a "joint decision," following a realization of "diminished compatibility."

Sterlacchini, who had a long tenure at Ducati, made the move to the KTM team in June 2021.

By the time summer arrived this year, Sterlacchini had departed from his role at the Austrian brand, and it was during the weekend of the Japanese Grand Prix that his appointment as Aprilia's new technical director was made public.

He takes over from Romano Albesiano, who is moving to Honda after guiding Aprilia from the rear of the field upon its return in 2015 to achieving their first race victories in MotoGP.

In a conversation with TG Regione Marche, Sterlacchini mentioned that his departure from KTM was influenced by logistical reasons, acknowledging that he was aware of this factor from the beginning.

"Thus, there were underlying factors; as soon as the significant compatibility ceased to exist, it was a choice made together."

Sterlacchini embarked on his journey with Aprilia as the season concluded, marking his involvement in the extensive transformation happening at the Italian brand, encompassing an updated roster of riders.

Aprilia has announced that Jorge Martin, the 2024 world champion, will join its official team, partnering with Marco Bezzecchi, as newcomer Ai Ogura gets promoted to compete for Trackhouse.

Following the initial trial of the fresh squad in Barcelona the previous month, Sterlacchini observed, "Things are progressing satisfactorily.

"The initial strategy employed by both Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi was quite optimistic."

"They displayed several impressive features of the bicycle.

"Clearly, there are certain areas that require improvement, and by addressing the challenges presented by these two riders, we will gain a clearer understanding of our current standing and identify the specific areas that need enhancement."

"Both of them are emerging from an extremely speedy motorcycle, and specifically, Jorge holds the title of the current world champion."

In 2024, Aprilia became the sole brand apart from Ducati to secure a grand prix victory, thanks to Maverick Vinales' triumph in the United States.

However, a decrease in performance of the RS-GP during the latter part of the season resulted in Aprilia falling to third place in the manufacturers' rankings, trailing behind KTM.

Vinales, who is set to switch to KTM in 2025, was the team's top performer in the championship, finishing seventh.

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Exploring why the Spanish Grand Prix is considered the top race of MotoGP in 2024

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the crew shares their insights on which race stood out as the finest in 2024

The 2024 MotoGP championship was filled with unforgettable events, yet a single race distinguished itself as particularly noteworthy.

Throughout the season, which spanned 20 rounds and included 40 races, Ducati led the pack, securing the majority of victories on its journey to clinching the world championship.

At the Jerez Spanish Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia continued his success, securing another victory to bring his total to 11 wins on Sundays in 2024.

However, he faced stiff competition throughout from Gresini's Marc Marquez. Riding a Ducati model designed for 2023, Marquez was in the midst of getting accustomed to the new bike following his significant switch from the factory Honda team after the last season concluded.

Marquez and Bagnaia entered the Spanish Grand Prix with heightened tension from a previous encounter at the Portuguese Grand Prix, which had taken place just a couple of weeks earlier, intensifying the atmosphere in the closing laps.

For Jordan Moreland, the social media manager at Crash.net, the Spanish Grand Prix of 2024 stood out as the season's most unforgettable race.

"In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, he mentioned, 'everyone will be yelling 'it's clearly Sepang'."

"Those were the initial four laps. Ideally, you'd want that excitement towards the finale. In my opinion, the most memorable races historically are those where the action unfolds closer to the conclusion."

"I believe the event that really stood out this year, and also provided a glimpse into what the future might hold, is Jerez."

"I believe the moment Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia faced off was truly a highlight of the season for me. Sitting there, watching that showdown, I couldn't help but get incredibly thrilled. The suspense was palpable even through the screen."

Marquez is on his tail, executing a pass, Bagnaia retaliates by slipping beneath him, their bikes touch, Marquez attempts another pass on the following lap. And then they’re neck and neck all the way to the finish.

Following the event, the jubilant mood was evident, with both parties participating in celebrations. Marquez was thrilled to return to the podium.

"It somewhat introduced Marquez's fresh approach for 2024. Bagnaia really demonstrated his resilience when facing Marquez, especially considering their past encounter at Portimao. To me, it felt like a classic MotoGP race, echoing the vibes of races from years past."

Crash Senior Journalist Lewis Duncan shares Moreland's views, stating: "My issue with Sepang lies in the initial three laps, which were indeed thrilling. However, the remainder of the race was tedious, utterly disappointing. It hardly justified staying awake for.

"Should anyone feel the need to raise objections with me, they're welcome to. Winning a race isn't determined in the initial few laps; it's about who crosses the finish line last. Reflect on the historic confrontations like the one in Barcelona in 2009, the numerous thrilling encounters in Austria between Marc and Dovi [Andrea Dovizioso], and the Silverstone race in 2019."

"The initial three laps at Sepang were fantastic, but the remainder left much to be desired. I'm not a fan of having all the excitement confined to the beginning."

"It's disappointing to sit through a movie where the highlight is the initial 10 minutes, followed by two hours of uneventful content."

Therefore, in my opinion, Jerez truly deserves it because it epitomized MotoGP at its peak, reminiscent of those classic clashes and recent fights that we continue to passionately discuss.

"Clearly, when considering Marc's use of an older motorcycle, the limitations of that bike may not have been as noticeable at the time, especially when compared to the GP24."

"Even then, the GP23 wasn't considered an impressive setup. Considering it was only his fourth weekend riding it and he was competing with someone many believed would clinch the world championship, Marc truly deserves a lot of praise for his performance."

"As you mentioned, Jordan, it's a glimpse into what we're anticipating for next year, following on from Portugal's example."

"It contained all the necessary components: the syringe from Portugal, the uncertain future at that moment, and the anticipation of whether Marc would return to a leading position.

"I believe Jerez met all those expectations."

MotoGP Editor at Crash, Peter McLaren, believed a number of races warranted recognition while looking back at the standout events of 2024.

"Challenging, wouldn't you agree?" McLaren remarks.

Sepang is notably remembered due to all that was on the line, including the intense competition. However, the excitement was short-lived, only lasting until the initial phases. The common problems, such as tyre pressure among others, played a role.

In my opinion, the Misano races were highly dramatic, both of them, especially if you were in search of excitement. Reflecting on COTA, it might stand out as the event that interrupted Ducati's flawless season, considering how Maverick Vinales clinched that victory from 11th position, which was truly impressive.

"Another moment worth mentioning would be the Catalunya sprint. The event was filled with suspense, featuring five different leaders within just 12 laps, and at one point, three distinct motorcycle brands were at the forefront. However, Bagnaia experienced a fall, and shortly after declaring his retirement, Aleix Espargaro triumphed on his local circuit."

"Another moment that stands out to me comes to mind. However, I'd say it applies to all of those situations. I guess the competition at Le Mans was quite intense among the leading contenders and Marc Marquez too.

"We were somewhat let down by the mid-season races due to the lack of exciting moments, although there were instances of decent competition."

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Jorge Martin acknowledges three MotoGP competitors who improved his performance in the 2024 championship race. He remarked, "If it wasn't one of them winning, it was the other who had the chance to take the victory…"

Jorge Martin has acknowledged that his top three competitors in the MotoGP championship have played a significant role in improving his skills as he clinched the 2024 world title.

Martin clinched his inaugural premier class championship in a fiercely contested battle that stretched to the final moments, ultimately securing victory by a margin of 10 points over his rivals. The former Pramac team member emerged as the champion.

The Spanish racer made history by being the first rider from an independent team to clinch the championship in the current era, marking Ducati's third world champion following victories by Francesco Bagnaia and Casey Stoner.

Report: Initial Indications of Promise in Jorge Martin's First Aprilia MotoGP Test

During the final part of the 2024 season, Martin and Bagnaia stood out as the leading contenders. Bagnaia clinched victory in 11 grand prix races, while the rider who ultimately became the world champion secured three wins throughout the season.

On several occasions, Martin found himself in direct competition with Gresni's Marc Marquez and Enea Bastianini, a factory Ducati racer, both of whom finished in the top four of the standings, just behind the leading pair.

"Martin expressed that Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and Enea Bastianini have all contributed to his improvement as a rider, pushing him to put forth his maximum effort."

"When one wasn't on the brink of victory, the other was, and I was always in the mix, which ultimately made the difference."

"The title was extremely challenging to secure, as we set a new historic points record, indicating just how competitive the event was, making our victory over them truly remarkable."

Martin has stated that after his world championship victory, he defeated "the best version" of both Bagnaia and Marquez in 2024.

In 2025, the current champion will switch to Aprilia for his attempt to defend his title. This move comes after Ducati reversed an earlier decision this year, opting to elevate Martin to its main team instead of choosing Marquez.

So far, Martin has not announced whether he will use the number one plate.

During last month's post-season test in Barcelona, when Martin first rode the RS-GP, he used his usual number 89 on his bike.

In 2025, Bastianini will depart from Ducati as he accepts an opportunity to join KTM, where he will compete for the Tech3 team alongside Maverick Vinales, who previously rode for Aprilia.

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New Aprilia Technical Director Clarifies Departure from KTM: “Compatibility Issues Arose”

Fabiano Sterlacchini appointed as Aprilia's technical leader

Fabiano Strelacchini, the newly appointed technical director at Aprilia, stated that his departure from his MotoGP position at KTM was a decision reached by both parties. He noted that the move came after realizing there was no longer strong alignment between them.

Having spent a significant amount of time at Ducati, Sterlacchini departed to become part of the KTM initiative in June 2021.

By the summer of this year, Sterlacchini had departed from his position with the Austrian company and was introduced as Aprilia's new technical director during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

He takes over the position from Romano Albesiano, who is moving to Honda after playing a crucial role in guiding Aprilia from their return to MotoGP in 2015, when they were at the back of the pack, to achieving their first race victories.

In an interview with TG Regione Marche, Sterlacchini discussed his choice to part ways with KTM, mentioning that logistics played a role in his decision, although he was aware of this factor from the beginning.

"There were reasons behind the decision; once it became clear that there was no longer significant compatibility, both parties mutually agreed to it."

At the conclusion of the racing season, Sterlacchini took on his new position with Aprilia, marking a significant shift for the Italian company. This change is accompanied by a new roster of riders.

Aprilia is excited to have 2024 world champion Jorge Martin join their factory team, partnering with Marco Bezzecchi. Meanwhile, newcomer Ai Ogura advances to compete for Trackhouse.

Following the initial trial with the new team in Barcelona last month, Sterlacchini remarked, "Things are progressing quite smoothly."

"The first strategies adopted by Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi were quite promising."

"They demonstrated several impressive features of the bicycle."

"Clearly, there will be areas that require improvement, but interacting with these two riders will provide us with a benchmark to assess our current standing and identify the areas that need our attention."

"Both riders hail from extremely fast bikes, and notably, Jorge is the current world champion."

In 2024, Maverick Vinales secured a grand prix victory in America for Aprilia, making it the only other manufacturer besides Ducati to achieve such a feat that year.

However, a decline in performance for the RS-GP during the latter part of the season led Aprilia to fall to third place in the manufacturers' rankings, trailing behind KTM.

The rider who achieved the best position in the championship for the team was Vinales, who will transfer to KTM in 2025, finishing in seventh place.

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Why the Spanish Grand Prix Stands Out as MotoGP’s Top Race of 2024

In the newest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the team shares their thoughts on why the Spanish Grand Prix was the standout event of the 2024 season.

The 2024 MotoGP season was filled with unforgettable events, yet there was one race that truly captured everyone's attention.

Throughout a schedule comprising 20 rounds, a total of 40 races took place, with Ducati emerging as the dominant force, ultimately clinching the world championship.

Francesco Bagnaia clinched yet another victory at the Jerez circuit during the Spanish Grand Prix, increasing his tally to 11 Sunday wins in the 2024 season.

However, he faced strong competition throughout from Marc Marquez of the Gresini team. Marquez, riding a 2023 model Ducati, was still getting accustomed to the new bike following his significant transition from the factory Honda team at the conclusion of last season.

Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Marquez and Bagnaia carried the tension of their recent confrontation at the Portuguese Grand Prix, which had occurred only weeks earlier, into the closing laps of the race.

According to Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash.net, the Spanish GP in 2024 became an unforgettable event due to a series of perfect circumstances.

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, he mentioned that people will undoubtedly be saying, "It has to be Sepang."

"The initial four laps have been completed. Ideally, such excitement would occur in the final stages of the race. Historically, the most thrilling races have featured significant events unfolding at the conclusion."

"In my view, the race that truly exemplified this year's excitement and provided a glimpse into potential developments for the next year was the event in Jerez."

"There was a moment in the season that truly captivated me—when Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia faced off. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling the palpable tension as I watched."

Marquez is chasing closely behind and successfully overtakes him, but Bagnaia quickly regains his position. The two riders collide, and Marquez attempts another move on the following lap. They remain neck and neck until the finish.

"The mood following the event was electric, with both individuals joining in the celebrations. Marquez was particularly thrilled to find himself back on the podium."

"It provided a fresh perspective on Marquez's 2024 approach. Bagnaia demonstrated his determination when competing against Marquez, especially after their earlier encounter at Portimao. In my opinion, it was a classic MotoGP race, reminiscent of those from years past."

Experienced journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash shares a similar opinion to Moreland, stating: "The issue I have with the race at Sepang is that while the initial three laps were indeed thrilling, the remainder was incredibly boring. It was such a letdown that it wasn't even worth staying awake for."

"Feel free to express any complaints to me. A race is not determined by the initial three laps; it’s the final stretch that truly matters. Consider those legendary duels from history: Barcelona in 2009, the intense confrontations in Austria featuring Marc and Dovi [Andrea Dovizioso], and the thrilling Silverstone race in 2019."

"The initial three laps at Sepang were exciting, but I wasn't impressed with the remainder of the race. I prefer not to have all the action concentrated at the beginning."

"You wouldn't enjoy a movie if the most exciting part is at the beginning and then you're left with two hours of dull content."

"That's the reason I believe Jerez should host it, as it epitomized MotoGP at its finest. It reminded me of those classic duels and more recent contests that we still passionately discuss."

"Clearly, you also consider the factor of Marc riding an older model of the bike, which perhaps didn't show its shortcomings as much back then as it does now compared to the GP24."

At that stage, the GP23 wasn't considered an outstanding piece of machinery. Despite this, during just his fourth weekend on the bike, Marc managed to compete closely with the rider widely expected to clinch the world championship. This achievement certainly deserves a great deal of recognition for Marc.

"Indeed, Jordan, as you mentioned, it served as a glimpse of what might come next year, ideally building on the outcome from Portugal."

"The situation had several components: there was the uncertainty surrounding Portugal, an unclear future scenario, and anticipation about whether Marc could return to leading the pack."

"In my opinion, Jerez provided all of those elements."

Crash MotoGP's editor, Peter McLaren, believed that a number of races should be highlighted when looking back at the standout events of 2024.

"It's challenging, right?" McLaren remarks.

"Sepang is memorable due to the high stakes and the intense competition. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the race was cut short by typical problems like tyre pressure and other related issues."

"If you were seeking excitement, the Misano races delivered on that front, both of them were quite dramatic. When we reflect on the season, we might recall the COTA race as the one that disrupted Ducati's flawless run. Maverick Vinales' victory from the 11th position was an impressive performance."

"Another notable event to mention is the Catalunya sprint. It was filled with excitement and racing drama, featuring five different leaders over the course of 12 laps. At one point, there were three different motorcycle brands in the lead. Then, Bagnaia crashed, and Aleix Espargaro, just days after announcing his retirement, secured a victory at his home track."

"Another memorable moment comes to mind, but honestly, any of those could be highlighted. Le Mans also stood out as an exciting clash involving the two championship contenders and Marc Marquez."

"We felt somewhat let down by the races during the middle of the season as the excitement was lacking, although there were still some moments of good competition."

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Alex Rins Unveils Fascinating Detail About Yamaha's V4 MotoGP

The Spanish racer discussed testing the V4 configuration

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha had intended to conduct trials of its latest V4 MotoGP engine within the month, but the plan was scrapped because the engine was not prepared in time.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced its plans to develop a V4 engine, marking its first departure from the inline-four engine it has consistently used throughout the contemporary period of MotoGP.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, although there has not been a specific timeline provided for when the engine might be deployed in competition.

Nonetheless, during his appearance on the Spanish version of the motorsport.com podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggested the progress level of the new V4.

"Rins mentioned that the plan was to evaluate it during KTM's private testing session in Jerez, which took place in Spain at the beginning of December."

"Ultimately, it was unprepared and testing was not possible."

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to test the V4 in Jerez, provided the unit was prepared.

Yamaha won't have another chance to test its new V4 until the Sepang shakedown, as there are no more testing sessions scheduled until the end of January.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Yamaha's head of technology, Max Bartolini, detailed the objectives behind the company's decision to transition to a V4 configuration.

"Regarding the V4, everyone's focus is primarily on the engine," he started.

"However, I believe the most significant benefit stems from the bike's design, rather than its engine."

"Regarding sheer strength, truly, based on what our engine team says, there shouldn't be a significant discrepancy."

"However, there are certain strategies for configuring the motorcycle's layout that become somewhat simpler with the V4 engine. Moreover, it allows for better alignment with the tires, as it all boils down to optimizing tire performance."

Yamaha performed impressively alongside Bridgestone. Undoubtedly, they've also experienced numerous successful races with Michelin. However, with Michelin, there's a greater focus on leveraging the rear tyres over the front.

"The [V4] engine configuration plays a significant role here; it allows for the motorcycle to be designed around the engine, focusing on the direction of the [rear tyre]. That's the main challenge."

"Truly, creating the V4 engine presents challenges, yet I believe it's more crucial to design the motorcycle with the V4 engine in mind."

Bartolini noted that there's no certainty of competing with the V4 in the upcoming season at any stage.

As manufacturers with concessions, Yamaha and Honda have the privilege to unveil new engine designs in the 2025 season, a benefit not available to their competitors.

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Trevathan: Acosta’s performance on his KTM MotoGP bike is unmatched by other riders

“He manages to find that additional 10% when others are only pushing 90%”

Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, is of the opinion that other KTM MotoGP competitors would struggle to replicate what the Spanish rider achieves on his motorcycle.

Acosta quickly stood out in the MotoGP circuit during his inaugural season in 2024, securing nine top-three finishes in both sprints and grand prix races.

The 20-year-old rider, previously with Tech3, finished the season just two points shy of KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, securing seventh place in the rankings. This achievement represents the best performance by a newcomer in the series since Fabio Quartararo's debut in 2019.

Explore Further: A Deep Dive into Pedro Acosta's First Year on the

In 2025, Acosta is set to join Binder in racing for KTM's official team.

Throughout 2024, Acosta consistently outperformed his KTM counterparts on the RC16, with Trevathan highlighting his ability to adapt as a significant characteristic of the Spanish rider.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stands out from the rest of the KTM riders. He explained, "Take, for instance, if other riders were to use his motorcycle, with the identical configuration, they still wouldn't be able to replicate his performance on it.

"Subsequently, he might be able to hop on their bicycle and effortlessly accomplish the same task, given his remarkable ability to adapt."

Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer above all, which leads him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycling disciplines.

"He's really into biking, which I admire since he doesn't consider himself an athletic person; instead, he identifies as a motorcycle enthusiast," he explained.

"Thus, his interest isn't in competing in marathons or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in motorcycle racing. Therefore, his preparation and knowledge are focused on mastering speed while riding a motorcycle."

"He continuously subjects himself to a variety of training methods while cycling, enabling him to constantly evolve. This ability to adapt is then transferred to the race track, where it's not necessary for the bike to be flawless."

"He believes the bicycle will never reach perfection. Thus, he continuously finds ways to enhance it."

"This section is truly remarkable. From a technician's perspective, having this at your disposal means you only need to reach 90% efficiency; it will effortlessly cover the remaining 10%."

Ultimately, the goal is to avoid mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar aspects, there can be challenges. This is similar to the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual has the capacity to elevate things to a level unattainable by others.

"Following this, the capability is lost and suddenly the bicycle appears quite ordinary. This situation presents a significant challenge for the company to fully comprehend."

"However, this aspect of his character truly stands out as exceptionally rare in today's world. Additionally, his composed demeanor, especially within the penalty area, is noteworthy for never once showing agitation."

"Undoubtedly, there have been moments of frustration and expletives from him during his in-laps, given his straightforward nature. However, his professionalism within the team is exceptional."

"He never blames anything. There's this narrative that we hardly ever modify the bike significantly, and it holds truth. However, it's important to note that on numerous occasions, I've expressed, 'listen buddy, I'm present'."

"He mentioned, 'sure, but I'll reach out when I require assistance. First, let me try on my own.' This represents a growth opportunity for our organization and for me personally as a technician. It raises the question: if there's a performance improvement after a session because of adjustments made, is it due to the motorcycle or my own input?"

Therefore, ultimately, you're merely neutralizing one another's efforts. Hence, it's wiser to suggest, 'Alright, go ahead with your plan, and once you find yourself in trouble, inform me.'

"We're operating in this manner, and it's truly wonderful."

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Why Ducati MotoGP Competitors Feel Highly Confident with Gigi Dall’Igna

“He offers us riders substantial and straightforward backing”

Alex Marquez expresses that Ducati's General Manager, Gigi Dall'Igna, instills great confidence within the team, attributing this to his thorough involvement and oversight concerning the brand's MotoGP motorcycle.

In late 2013, technical genius Dall’Igna took over as general manager of Ducati, during a time when the Italian brand was experiencing its lowest point in the premier class.

Over the following years, Dall’Igna played a pivotal role in transforming Ducati into consistent contenders for the podium and victors in races, eventually leading the brand to become the dominant power in MotoGP.

Over the past three seasons, Ducati has clinched the riders' titles, and in 2024, the brand achieved unparalleled success by securing victories in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races.

Alex Marquez, who transitioned to the Ducati team by way of Gresini from Honda in 2023, has shared insights into why Dall’Igna has been a significant support for the team's riders.

"Marquez stated at a recent Estrella Galicia event that having him as a direct support for the riders boosts their confidence significantly."

"He's incredibly supportive. Regardless of the issue's size, he promptly addresses it and ensures the right individuals are dispatched to assist."

"You receive numerous references addressing issues related to the brand's team members or the tyres they utilize."

"They fully utilize all that others have accomplished."

"They don't directly instruct you on your actions, but they provide you with the necessary insights on what has proven effective for others. From there, it's the responsibility of each individual and their crew chief to determine their unique approach."

Ducati's participation in the 2025 MotoGP championship will see a decrease from eight to six motorcycles, as Pramac has opted to switch to Yamaha starting from the upcoming season.

Three GP25 factory bikes will also be entered for racers Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Alex Marquez is set to compete in the GP24, joining forces with Fermin Aldeguer at the Gresini team and Franco Morbidelli at VR46.

Dall'Igna recently mentioned that decreasing the number of Ducati motorcycles won't significantly impact the team, but he acknowledged that the improved teams at competing brands will present a greater challenge in 2025.

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Why Gigi Dall’Igna Instills Confidence in Ducati MotoGP Riders

"He provides straightforward backing for us riders"

Alex Marquez has expressed that Gigi Dall’Igna, the general manager of Ducati, instills a significant amount of confidence in them due to his thorough oversight of all aspects concerning the brand’s MotoGP motorcycle.

At the close of 2013, Dall’Igna, known for his technical expertise, was appointed as the general manager of Ducati. At that time, the Italian brand was experiencing its lowest point in the top-tier racing category.

In the years that followed, Dall’Igna played a key role in transforming Ducati into a consistent presence on the podium and a frequent race victor, ultimately turning the brand into a dominant power in MotoGP.

Ducati has claimed victory in the last three riders' championships, and in 2024, it reached peak dominance by securing 19 out of 20 grand prix wins.

Since switching from Honda to Gresini in 2023, Alex Marquez has been associated with Ducati. He shared insights on why Dall’Igna has become a valuable supporter for the riders.

"Marquez mentioned during a recent Estrella Galicia event that he provides strong guidance for the riders, which boosts their confidence significantly."

"He's incredibly helpful. Regardless of how minor the issue may be, he addresses it promptly and connects you with the right people to assist."

"You receive numerous references concerning the issues faced by brand colleagues or the types of tires utilized."

"They fully utilize the work and efforts of others."

"They provide the necessary insights to help you see what strategies are effective for others, but they don't dictate your actions. It's then up to each individual, along with their crew chief, to choose their own path forward."

Ducati will have fewer motorcycles on the 2025 MotoGP grid, decreasing from eight to six, after Pramac decided to switch to Yamaha starting next year.

Just three factory GP25 motorcycles will be available for Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, and VR46 team member Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Alex Marquez is set to ride a GP24, joining forces with Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, while Franco Morbidelli will be part of the VR46 team.

Dall’Igna recently mentioned that having fewer bikes won't significantly impact Ducati. However, he acknowledged that the more competitive teams from rival manufacturers will present greater challenges in 2025.

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Trevathan: No other KTM MotoGP competitors can match Acosta's capabilities on his motorcycle.

"While others settle for 90% effort, Acosta pushes himself to achieve that additional 10%."

Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, expressed his opinion that other MotoGP racers from KTM would not be able to replicate the performance Acosta achieves on his motorcycle.

In his debut season in 2024, Acosta quickly stood out on the MotoGP circuit by securing nine podium finishes in both sprint and grand prix races.

Last season, a 20-year-old racer for Tech3 narrowly missed surpassing KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, finishing just two points behind and securing sixth place in the standings. This achievement represents the best performance by a rookie in the championship since Fabio Quartararo's impressive debut in 2019.

Explore further: A deeper look into Pedro Acosta's first year as a

In 2025, Acosta is set to join KTM's official team, where he will compete alongside Binder.

During the year 2024, Acosta consistently succeeded in getting better performance from the RC16 package compared to other KTM riders. Trevathan highlighted the Spaniard's adaptability as one of his main strengths.

In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stacks up against the other KTM riders. He responded by saying, "Take other riders, for instance; even if they used his bike with the identical setup, they wouldn't be able to replicate his performance."

"He could likely hop onto their bike and do the same thing with ease, thanks to his adaptability."

Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer instead of a general athlete, leading him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycle sports.

"He frequently rides, and I value that because he views himself not as an athlete but as someone who rides motorcycles," he mentioned.

"He’s not interested in marathon running or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in riding motorcycles, focusing his training and knowledge on how to achieve speed on a bike."

"He engages in a variety of disciplines while riding, constantly adjusting to new challenges. This flexibility translates to the race track, where he can perform well even if the bike isn’t flawless."

He believes the bike will never reach perfection, which allows him to continuously make improvements to it.

"This aspect is amazing. For a technician, it's great to have this tool handy; you only need to put in 90%, and he'll manage to extract the remaining 10%."

Ultimately, it's crucial to avoid making mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar areas, you might encounter obstacles. This is exemplified by the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual's unique talent can elevate things to a level others cannot reach.

"Once you lose that skill, the bike starts to appear ordinary. This situation is challenging for the company to comprehend fully."

"This aspect of him is truly one-of-a-kind in the current world. Additionally, his composure in the penalty area is remarkable; he has never appeared flustered."

"I'm certain that during his in-laps, there's been quite a bit of cursing and swearing, as he's known for being quite expressive. However, his level of professionalism in the garage is truly exceptional."

"He never blames anyone for anything. There's this narrative that we rarely adjust the bike, and it's accurate. However, the reality is that I've often mentioned, 'Hey, I'm present and ready to go.'"

"He mentioned, 'Sure, but I'll ask for your help when I need it. Let me try handling things on my own first.' This highlights the learning experience we face as a company, and it's something I've encountered personally as a technician. It's about figuring out whether the improvements, like gaining half a second between sessions, are due to changes I've made or if they're a result of the rider's efforts."

Ultimately, you're just opposing one another. It's more effective to say, "Alright, go ahead with your plan, and if things go wrong, come back and inform me."

"We're collaborating in this manner, and it's incredibly pleasant."

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Alex Rins shares fascinating details about Yamaha's V4 MotoGP testing

The Spanish motorcyclist discussed the trials of the V4.

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha intended to trial its new V4 MotoGP engine this month; however, they had to scrap these plans because the engine was not prepared.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced that it was developing a V4 engine for the first time during its time in MotoGP, after having consistently used an inline-four engine throughout the current era.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, but there is currently no specific schedule for when this engine might compete in races.

During an appearance on the Spanish version of motorsport.com's podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggests the current development phase of the new V4.

Rins mentioned that the plan was to try it out during the private test conducted by KTM in Jerez earlier in December.

“Ultimately, it was incomplete and unavailable for testing.”

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to conduct tests on the V4 at Jerez, provided the unit was prepared in time.

Yamaha's upcoming chance to experiment with their new V4 engine will be during the Sepang shakedown, as no further testing is scheduled until late January.

In a one-on-one discussion with Crash.net, Max Bartolini, Yamaha's head of technical operations, detailed the specific objectives the Japanese company aims to achieve by transitioning to a V4 engine.

"Starting with the V4, the engine is what everyone typically considers," he stated.

"However, I believe the primary benefit comes from the bike's design rather than its engine."

According to our engine team, there shouldn't be a significant difference when it comes to sheer power.

"There are certain methods to adjust the bike's setup that will be somewhat simpler with the V4. Additionally, it's about aligning more with the needs of the tyres, as ensuring the tyres perform well is always crucial."

According to reports, Yamaha performed well when paired with Bridgestone. They have also had several successful races using Michelin tires. However, Michelin tends to focus more on utilizing the rear tires rather than the front ones.

The V4 engine configuration offers an advantage by allowing the motorcycle to be designed with a focus on the rear tire's alignment. This presents a particular challenge.

"Frankly, creating the V4 engine is a challenging task, yet I believe it's even more crucial to design the motorcycle to complement the V4 engine."

Bartolini mentioned that there is no certainty about racing the V4 at any time next season.

As a company with concession status, Yamaha, along with Honda, has the ability to implement new engine designs in the 2025 season, which their competitors are not permitted to do.

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Marc Marquez credits the Gresini MotoGP team for playing a pivotal role in his career

The eight-time world champion highlights the significant impact Gresini had on his 2024 season

Marc Marquez mentioned that his season spent with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's spirit to the vibe found in a Moto2 team.

The Spanish racer made a significant gamble with his career by choosing to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule, at the close of 2023, in order to join Gresini's team and ride a GP23 Ducati in the previous season.

Marquez shifted gears to see if he still had the speed for MotoGP and if he could find joy in it again, following four challenging years since 2020, when an arm injury significantly impacted his career.

The eight-time global champion secured victories in three Grand Prix races, his first wins since 2021, and subsequently clinched a factory Ducati deal for the 2025 season.

In a conversation with journalists, among them Crash.net, during the season's last event, Marquez shared that his experience with Gresini reignited his love for the sport.

"He mentioned that being a part of a satellite team somewhat reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycles."

"Obviously, during my time at Honda, I was fortunate to have comrades and an excellent team of people around me."

"However, the reality remains that being part of a factory team adds a layer of seriousness to the situation."

"This version is definitely more relaxed and friendly. It brings to mind, albeit differently, the atmosphere of a Moto2 team I was part of – where conversing with the team leader was the norm."

Therefore, for those in charge of making the ultimate choices, you have the option to approach Nadia Padovani. You can discuss with her, expressing your thoughts, and she will respond, 'Alright, we can proceed'.

"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."

"With a capable satellite team and a strong motorcycle, remarkable achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, mirroring the success of riders in prior years with Gresini."

"They possess a vast history and extensive experience in handling various types of scenarios."

Last week, Marquez announced his transition to the factory Ducati team, which will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull. However, he is not expected to join forces with Monster Energy.

Recently, Crash.net had the opportunity to speak with Frankie Carchedi, Marquez's crew chief for 2024, in an exclusive episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, available for listening below.

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