Former grand prix team owner passes away at 87 Bob MacLean, who led the Red Bull WCM team to victory in five 500cc grand prix races, has died.

Bob MacLean, who led his independent team to victory in five 500GP races while racing under the Red Bull Yamaha WCM name, passed away at 87.

In 1992, MacLean established the independent WCM team and brought Peter Clifford on board as the team manager.

Following their use of ROC chassis powered by Yamaha engines, WCM received an offer for factory-spec YZR500s for the 1997 season and secured a primary sponsorship agreement with Red Bull.

In 1998, Simon Crafar secured the team's inaugural win at Donington Park, and the subsequent year, Regis Laconi achieved another victory for the team in Valencia.

The year 2000 marked the highlight of WCM's racing season, as Garry McCoy, known for his sliding technique, achieved three wins and secured fifth place in the world championship standings.

In 2001, McCoy achieved three additional podium finishes and managed to surpass his teammate Noriyuki Haga in points, even though he was absent from several races because of an injury.

In 2002, as the new four-stroke era began, McCoy and his new teammate, John Hopkins, kept using two-stroke engines because there weren't enough of Yamaha's new M1 engines available.

At the conclusion of the season, Red Bull transitioned to KTM. Meanwhile, WCM focused on developing its own four-stroke prototype, utilizing a modified R1 engine and a frame constructed by Harris.

Disagreements between MotoGP and WorldSBK created obstacles for the project, and a later proposal to develop a V6 engine bike with support from Blata failed to come to fruition, resulting in the team's absence from the 2006 world championship.

An announcement released by Road Racing World stated:

Bob MacLean, a beloved husband, father, and teacher, died peacefully at his residence in Wilson, Wyoming, on December 14, 2024, at 87. He was born on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California, to parents Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Bob's life was distinguished by his strong dedication to education, athletics, and community service.

Having spent numerous years as a motorcycle racer, Bob went on to establish World Championship Motorsports in 1991. He served as the co-owner and operator of this organization until 2005. WCM participated in the prestigious FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series, representing the pinnacle of International Motorsports. Bob's entrepreneurial drive, coupled with his dedication to education and sports, showcased his exceptional leadership abilities.

Bob played a significant role in his community, particularly as a member of the South Kent School Board from 1990 to 1999. He held the position of President from 1995 to 1999, during which his guidance and benevolence were influential in directing the school's path forward. Additionally, Bob was a dedicated participant on the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary board for more than 20 years and was involved with the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.

In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob discovered tranquility and contentment through his passion for fly fishing and enjoying life on his ranch. As an advocate for community initiatives, he donated to groups like the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, demonstrating his profound respect for the area's natural splendor.

Bob found his deepest happiness in his family. His legacy includes his wife, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. The couple raised three sons in Waccabuc, New York, before dividing their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida, and their residence in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also remembered by his three sons: Chris MacLean, married to Cathryn Kishbaugh; Ian MacLean; and Mark MacLean, who is married to Marsha Yamaykina, as well as his five grandchildren.

Bob's zest for life, his humor, and his optimistic attitude will be cherished by those who knew him, including his friends and family.

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Peter has spent two decades in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely following the developments of Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Max Bartolini: "Mastering the rear grip can boost your speed" – An Exclusive

"Focus on the most durable of the tyres"

Max Bartolini, the technical director for Monster Yamaha, has highlighted the importance of optimizing rear tyre performance as a crucial factor for achieving success in MotoGP.

In motorsports where the front and rear tires have varying specifications or dimensions, one end—either the front or the rear—will typically have more grip than the other.

During the Bridgestone tire period from 2009 to 2015, the front tires were considered the most robust. However, with Michelin's entry in 2016, the focus shifted entirely to the rear tires.

Although it may appear reasonable for MotoGP designers to concentrate on enhancing the performance of the 'weaker' tyre to improve lap and race times, Bartolini clarified that it is more crucial to take advantage of the stronger tyre.

“The Italian, who became part of Yamaha's team from Ducati a year ago, explained to Crash.net that typically, when considering the front and rear tyres, the focus is usually on the more robust tyre.”

According to Bridgestone, the front tire performed exceptionally well. Meanwhile, the rear tire maintained a consistent level of performance throughout the race without any significant decline.

"Back in 2016, when we began collaborating with Michelin, the rear tires were quite robust, while the front ones posed significant handling challenges. There were numerous crashes during the initial testing phase."

"Michelin has significantly improved the front, making it vastly better than it was initially."

"However, the back end remains extremely powerful, which is why riders frequently discuss the traction of the rear."

"Anyone who can fully utilize the rear grip has the potential to increase their speed."

Bartolini was swift to debunk the misconception that rear grip is solely important during acceleration.

"Every corner involves phases of braking, entering, maintaining corner speed, and accelerating," he stated.

"Maintaining speed while entering and navigating through a corner is more challenging than accelerating."

"[Furthermore], without achieving entry and corner speed, acceleration cannot be achieved."

Yamaha, which hasn't achieved a podium finish in 2024, is working on a V4 engine project in addition to its traditional Inline4 engine. This development aims to enhance the performance of their rear tyres.

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Carchedi on Marquez Joining Ducati Lenovo: “I Have a Clear Idea of the Outcome…”

“I prefer not to reveal too much, but I have a clear idea of how it will unfold,” said Carchedi.

Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief at Gresini, is unlikely to accompany Marc Marquez to the official Ducati team in 2025. However, Carchedi, who hails from England, suggested that he anticipates impressive performances from rider #93.

Marquez earned a spot on the official Ducati team, surpassing the eventual world champion Jorge Martin, because he was the sole GP23 rider who could compete with the factory-spec GP24s in the previous year.

His achievements comprised three grand prix victories, a sprint race win, and securing two pole positions, culminating in a third-place finish in the world championship standings.

However, in 2025, the Spaniard will confront a challenging rival, Ducati's two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia, as his teammate.

In a recent episode of the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi was questioned about his expectations for Marquez with the factory team.

"Sure… we'll discuss it when the year wraps up!" Carchedi grinned.

The speaker refrained from revealing too much but expressed confidence in predicting the outcome. They mentioned that with a second year on the Ducati, essentially benefiting from a two-year improvement in equipment, the individual in question managed to achieve 20 podium finishes in 2024. The speaker concluded by leaving their statement at that.

In contrast, the other three GP23 riders collectively secured only two podium finishes last season, with Marco Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez each earning one.

Throughout last season, a major topic of discussion was the performance gap between the GP24 bikes used by the Lenovo and Pramac teams and the older GP23 models at Gresini and VR46. This issue was predictably brought up to Carchedi during the podcast.

The Englishman chuckled as he remarked, "I was wondering what questions you all might have, and I figured this would surely be one of them!" He had previously led Joan Mir to a MotoGP championship with Suzuki back in 2020.

The speaker mentioned that they have frequently addressed this topic and will reiterate their usual response: their focus was on comparing their performance to other GP23 models and striving to be the leader among them.

Marc achieved similar feats at Honda when competing against other Honda bikes. During that time, it was not possible to measure his performance against riders on Yamahas, Ducatis, or bikes from other manufacturers. The situation was the same this year.

"Ending the year by outperforming both GP24 riders, Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli, was truly remarkable."

The Ducati engineering team is on an impressive streak. Just when you believe they have reached the pinnacle of their capabilities, they manage to enhance the motorcycle even more with each passing year.

Every bicycle comes with its own set of pros and cons. We encountered a few specific challenges that made it difficult for us to stay competitive.

"Certainly, when it comes to a single lap, it might be more related to familiarity with the Ducati. It's uncertain. We are discussing a rider, Marquez, who is on the bike for the first time competing against racers who have been riding it for four or five years."

"Looking back, I believe we managed to qualify with ease. During the year, we secured two pole positions and ended up in third place in the BMW Award's qualifying championship. This result was unexpected for me, as it didn't seem like we were performing at that level!"

Motegi nearly achieved pole position on his own, but the lap was ultimately invalidated.

"There are distinctions between the models from 2023 and 2024. The Ducati engineers are highly skilled and consistently manage to improve the bikes. Each year brings unique changes. Occasionally, the difference is just a fraction of a second, while at other times, it is more significant. Whether the gap between the factory and satellite teams widens or narrows each year is somewhat unpredictable."

"In conclusion, Alex might be the ideal person to consult since he seemed to really enjoy the GP24 bike in Barcelona!"

In the post-race testing session in Barcelona this November, Marc and Bagnaia started testing the GP25 prototype. Meanwhile, Alex, who is Marc's brother and used to be his teammate, recorded the fastest time while riding the GP24 for the first time.

Carchedi was also questioned about his opinions on what the newly crowned champion, Martin, can achieve with Aprilia.

He stated that achieving a world championship requires effort and isn't handed out freely. He added that having a leading rider with a different manufacturer benefits MotoGP, aligning with the desires of everyone involved.

"While it's great for us at Ducati right now, the goal is to have all manufacturers competing at a high level with top riders. Therefore, it's not just about Martin; Enea's move to KTM is also excellent for the championship. It will add a bit of variety."

"I'm confident that he'll be somewhere around."

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For two decades, Peter has been involved in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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Debunking of 2015 conspiracy theory involving Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez

Assertions by fans of Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez disproved

Claims of conspiracy theories surrounding the notorious 2015 feud between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have been refuted.

Danilo Petrucci has shed light on his viewpoint regarding the ongoing MotoGP dispute that persists.

This year, Rossi reignited their rivalry by once again accusing Marquez of intentionally sabotaging his chances at the championship.

Petrucci, a competitor in the 2015 racing season, has clarified the facts regarding two outrageous assertions.

He dismissed the idea of obstructing Lorenzo, even amid fervent appeals from Rossi's Italian supporters.

"Absolutely not, not even for a moment," Petrucci conveyed to MOW Mag.

"A motorist is passionate about this activity and would never engage in such behavior.

"I wholeheartedly concur with the viewpoint that a competitor with nothing at stake should not become a nuisance to those competing for significant gains.

"This applies both to excessive blocking of an opponent trying to pass and intentionally moving to the lead in an unsporting manner. No one desires to achieve victory through such means."

Petrucci commented on the Italian supporters' hopes for him to support Rossi, stating: “That year, before the Valencia race, it appeared to me they were being playful, using it as a means to make the atmosphere lighter: to me, they were just memes on social networks suggesting that I, Iannone, or another rider, would take Lorenzo out of the final race.

"I never imagined there were individuals genuinely interested in it."

Petrucci humorously remarked, "I might have been hailed as the ruler of the world if I had accomplished it! Compliments would have come from all sides.

"The thought of doing it never once occurred to me."

"I am certain that even those who stood to gain from it would have been appalled."

"It's illogical to act as a mediator between two cyclists."

Petrucci refuted another accusation from Marquez's supporters—that he gave in by making it too simple for Rossi to overtake him in Valencia.

"He firmly stated, 'I did not move out of the way.'"

"However, when a rider is evidently speeding up, they pass you without difficulty, and that was the case in this instance. There's a lot of chatter, but you can't pay attention to it all."

'The incident will eternally linger'

"I believed it would come to a close," Petrucci noted.

"Yet now it's clear to me that the incident involving Valentino and Marc in 2015 is far from over."

"It's logical for both parties involved, yet it doesn't resonate with the audience.

Only they are privy to the true events, to the occurrences that unfolded prior, to the words exchanged or left unspoken between them throughout the entire season.

"Whenever either of the two discusses the matter, they introduce a new detail previously unknown to all of us, even those who shared the same enclosure."

"Both individuals are utterly certain of their correctness, which is why, nearly a decade later, the discussion continues."

"However, I must emphasize again: only they are aware of the true events."

"Undoubtedly, the events that unfolded thereafter and surrounding it did not highlight a proud moment in sports. For many of us from my generation, Valentino stands as a hero, and to encounter him as a rival on the track is an experience that's indescribable on an emotional level."

"His accomplishments in racing have been etched into the annals of sports history. He was worthy of a tenth victory, yet it remained elusive."

"Jorge Lorenzo was equally deserving, and he emerged victorious. It's all part of the sport. That particular season started off rocky for Marquez, yet he might have believed that his initial confrontation with Vale was what ultimately sidelined him from contending for the world championship."

"I'm honestly unsure of the details and lack sufficient data to form a definitive stance, particularly given that nearly a decade has passed."

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Former colleague expresses sole concern regarding Marc Marquez's potential fit within the Ducati team

"The combination of such a powerful motorcycle alongside two incredibly talented riders hasn't been witnessed in quite some time"

Marc Marquez has outperformed all of his MotoGP teammates to date, but the competition will intensify in 2025 when he teams up with Pecco Bagnaia.

Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Marquez (who teamed up with Marquez at both Honda and Gresini), Pol Espargaro, and Joan Mir have shared the garage with Marquez.

This year, the dynamics of his relationship with Bagnaia will come under close observation.

Espargaro, after sharing two years at the factory Honda team with Marquez, is closely watching the developments.

"Definitely," he stated. "It's undeniable!"

"They are both highly renowned figures. Their team's area is filled with an extensive array of wins and numerous championships."

"It has been some time since we witnessed a bicycle of this caliber paired with two riders of immense talent."

Similar to a football scenario, despite boasting big-name players this season, Real Madrid has struggled to achieve top results due to issues with team cohesion.

"In MotoGP, the workload is divided in half, creating two mini teams within a single team."

"The sole question in my mind is whether they can collaborate effectively as a unit during their quest for the championship. I'm fully confident, however, that they'll make it to that point."

Bagnaia has emerged as Ducati's leading figure by clinching their first MotoGP championship in 15 years, an achievement Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi were unable to secure.

Despite Bagnaia not being able to retain his championship this season, as Pramac's Jorge Martin took the crown, the factory Ducati team's confidence in Bagnaia remained unshaken.

Marquez’s recruitment marks a departure from Ducati's recent strategy of nurturing talent within their own ranks.

For Marquez, this represents his ultimate opportunity to clinch a ninth world championship.

This suggests potential rivalry among team members, both of whom will have access to the top-performing motorcycle in the lineup, as they each aim to secure the championship title.

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Gigi Dall'Igna possesses the mindset of a racer; defeat angers him.

"Were he 20 or 30 years younger and a competitor himself…"

Several prominent individuals from within Ducati have underscored the pivotal contribution of Gigi Dall’Igna.

The Italian producer has led the MotoGP field for three seasons, ending 2024 with its riders occupying the first four positions in the rankings.

This year, Ducati is anticipated to play a leading role again, especially with Marc Marquez moving from Gresini to their main team.

However, the real standout could be the team's general manager and aerodynamics wizard, Dall’Igna.

Marquez mentioned to DAZN that for him, the critical aspect of Ducati was bringing Gigi Dall'Igna on board.

I would describe Gigi Dall'Igna as embodying the spirit of a motorcyclist, possessing a mindset that is entirely dedicated to riding.

"When he fails to secure victory, his frustration becomes evident. His drive and determination are essential traits for success in a competitive environment."

"If he were two or three decades younger and a racer himself, he'd be among the competitors you'd dread facing on the circuit."

Loris Capirossi noted, "Currently, every rider is eager to get on a Ducati."

Double World Superbikes winner Alvaro Bautista commended Dall’Igna, stating, "I believe that's the key."

An effective engineer is one who pays attention to the feedback from riders, and is skilled not just at analyzing data, but also at understanding the data in conjunction with what the riders say.

He transformed Ducati from a challenging motorcycle that was largely avoided and criticized, into the most sought-after ride in recent years.

Jorge Martin clinched the 2024 MotoGP championship while riding for Pramac, a team originally associated with Ducati but transitioned to using Yamaha motorcycles for the season.

"Everything began at Gigi," Martin explained.

"The bike became a formidable competitor when Gigi assembled numerous bikes on the circuit, accompanied by highly skilled, fresh talent, turning the whole situation into an explosive success."

Dall'Igna expressed his opinion, stating, "In my view, aerodynamics has been significantly overlooked in the world of motorcycle racing."

"However, I have to express that in this place, I've discovered the ideal individuals who can tackle the complexities of aerodynamics related to bicycles, which are significantly more intricate than those associated with cars."

This year, Ducati is set to encounter fresh obstacles, as their representation in the MotoGP lineup will decrease from eight to six motorcycles.

The number of factory motorcycles has been cut down from four to three, designated for Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

VR46 steps in as Ducati's leading satellite team, replacing Pramac, while Gresini continues its partnership with them.

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Casey Stoner gives a one-word summary for each MotoGP competitor

Casey Stoner provides his assessment of 10 MotoGP figures

Casey Stoner was tasked with describing his MotoGP competitors using just a single word.

Despite sometimes finding it hard to stick to just one word, the insights provided by the double MotoGP winner into his perspectives on riders from both the past and present were incredibly intriguing…

Fabio Quartararo? "Unyielding!"

Dani Pedrosa? "Gifted!"

Andrea Iannone? "How should I put this… I have a term in mind but it's eluding me… not 'unrestrained', rather 'liberated', I guess, when he's racing."

Check out this Instagram post from Moto.it (@motoit)

Mick Doohan? "Obstinate!"

Jack Miller? "Somewhat liberated, I would say…"

Andrea Dovizioso? "Strategic!"

Pecco Bagnaia? "Reminiscent of Dovi yet more contemplative."

Marc Marquez? "Much like Dani, he's exceptionally skilled!"

Valentino Rossi? "Sly!"

Casey Stoner? "Well, if you think about it, perhaps, in addition…"

Australia's Stoner has cemented his status as a MotoGP icon by securing two top-tier championships.

Looking back, his inaugural victory with Ducati in 2007 appears even more impressive, considering that despite having talents like Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi on their team, the manufacturer didn't secure another win for the next 15 years.

In 2011, Stoner clinched his second championship title while riding for Honda.

He famously stepped away from his career at the young age of 27 in 2012 and seldom appeared in public thereafter.

Towards the latter part of the previous year, he unexpectedly showed up at Rossi's VR46 ranch in Tavullia, reconciling with a former adversary.

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Casey Stoner provides single-word descriptions for MotoGP racers and gives his opinions on ten notable names in the MotoGP world.

Casey Stoner faced the task of describing his MotoGP competitors using just a single word.

The two-time MotoGP champion sometimes found it challenging to condense his thoughts into just one word. However, his responses still provided a captivating glimpse into his perspective on both former and current riders.

Fabio Quartararo? "Determined!"

Dani Pedrosa? "Gifted!"

Andrea Iannone? "There's a specific word I'm trying to find… It's on the tip of my tongue. It's not exactly 'loose'; perhaps 'free' better captures his style on the track."

Check out this Instagram post from Moto.it (@motoit), shared by Moto.it (@motoit).

Mick Doohan? "Headstrong!"

Jack Miller? "I guess you could say he's somewhat liberated…"

Andrea Dovizioso? "Strategic thinker!"

Pecco Bagnaia? "Comparable to Dovi, yet more contemplative."

Marc Marquez? "Much like Dani, he's exceptionally gifted!"

Valentino Rossi? "Shrewd!"

Casey Stoner? "I guess you could say he's analytical and…"

Australia's Stoner has solidified his status as a MotoGP icon by winning two championships in the top category.

His initial success with Ducati in 2007 seems even more impressive when viewed in retrospect, as the company struggled to secure another victory for 15 years, even with riders like Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

In 2011, Stoner secured his second championship while racing for Honda.

In 2012, at the age of 27, he made headlines by retiring early and subsequently kept a low profile.

However, near the close of the previous year, he unexpectedly showed up at Rossi's VR46 ranch in Tavullia, reconciling with a former adversary.

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Gigi Dall’Igna possesses a mindset similar to that of a racer; he becomes frustrated when he doesn't come out on top. If he were two to three decades younger and had taken up racing…

Several important individuals from Ducati have highlighted the significant contribution of Gigi Dall’Igna.

For three consecutive years, the Italian company has been leading MotoGP, concluding the 2024 season with their riders occupying the top four positions in the rankings.

This year, Ducati is anticipated to take center stage once again, especially with Marc Marquez moving from Gresini to the official team.

However, the standout figure could be the general manager and aerodynamics expert, Dall’Igna.

Marquez stated to DAZN that the pivotal moment for Ducati was bringing Gigi Dall'Igna on board.

"I would describe Gigi Dall'Igna as someone who embodies the spirit of a rider. His mindset is completely aligned with that of a rider."

"When he doesn't come out on top, he becomes frustrated. He possesses the drive essential for thriving in competitive environments."

"If he were two or three decades younger and still competing, he would be one of those riders that others would dread facing on the racetrack."

Loris Capirossi commented, "At present, every racer is eager to compete using Ducati bikes."

Alvaro Bautista, who has won the World Superbikes championship twice, commended Dall’Igna by saying, "I believe that's the key."

An effective engineer pays attention to the feedback from riders and understands how to not only analyze data but also integrate it with the riders' observations.

"He transformed Ducati from a challenging motorcycle that riders were hesitant to choose, with many saying 'No, not Ducati,' to the highly sought-after bike it has become in recent years."

Jorge Martin claimed the 2024 MotoGP championship riding for Pramac, the Ducati-affiliated team that has transitioned to Yamaha for the current season.

"According to Martin, everything began at Gigi's."

"The bike became highly competitive when Gigi assembled numerous bikes for the track, each paired with exceptionally skilled new riders, leading to an explosive outcome."

Dall’Igna expressed his opinion: "In my view, aerodynamics has been largely overlooked in the world of motorcycle racing."

"However, I have to acknowledge that I have encountered the right experts here who can tackle the complexities of bike aerodynamics, which are significantly more intricate than those related to cars."

This year, Ducati is set to encounter fresh obstacles as the number of their bikes on the MotoGP grid decreases from eight to six.

The number of factory bikes has been decreased from four to three, now designated for Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

With Pramac no longer in the picture, VR46 has become Ducati's primary satellite team. Ducati will also continue their partnership with Gresini.

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Former teammate expresses the "sole concern" regarding Marc Marquez's fit within the Ducati team

"We haven't witnessed such a powerful motorcycle paired with two equally skilled riders in quite some time."

Marc Marquez has outperformed all his MotoGP teammates to date, but the competition will intensify in 2025 when he partners with Pecco Bagnaia.

Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Marquez (who has teamed up with Marquez both at Honda and Gresini), Pol Espargaro, and Joan Mir have all been Marquez's teammates in the garage.

This year, people will closely examine how he interacts with Bagnaia.

Espargaro, after having raced alongside Marquez for two years at the official Honda team, is closely monitoring the developments.

“Absolutely,” he remarked. “There’s no way to deny it!”

"They are both highly prominent figures. Their pit box holds numerous wins and a multitude of titles."

"It's been some time since we've observed a bike of this caliber with two riders of such high skill."

Similar to a football scenario, Real Madrid this season boasts a roster filled with star players, yet their performance hasn't been optimal due to issues with teamwork.

"In MotoGP, the tasks are divided, creating two smaller groups that function within a single team."

"The one thing I'm uncertain about is whether they can cooperate effectively as a team while competing for the championship. I have no reservations about their presence in the competition."

Bagnaia has emerged as Ducati's leading racer, breaking their 15-year MotoGP championship drought—a goal that even Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi couldn't achieve.

Despite Bagnaia not being able to retain his championship this year, as Jorge Martin from Pramac took the victory, the official Ducati team remained steadfast in their confidence in Bagnaia.

Adding Marquez to the team marks a departure from Ducati's usual strategy of nurturing riders internally.

For Marquez, this represents his last opportunity to claim a ninth world championship.

This suggests potential conflict between teammates, as they both aim for the championship while riding the top-performing bike on the track.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Allegations of a conspiracy involving Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez in 2015 have been definitively dismissed. The assertions made by supporters of both Rossi and Marquez have been discredited.

Two speculative theories concerning the notorious 2015 rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have been debunked.

Danilo Petrucci has explained his viewpoint on the ongoing MotoGP dispute that seems to persist.

This year, Rossi stirred up controversy once more by accusing Marquez of intentionally sabotaging his chances of winning the championship.

Petrucci, a competitor in the 2015 racing season, has clarified the truth regarding two outrageous assertions.

Two Propositions Rejected

He did not entertain the idea of obstructing Lorenzo, even though Rossi's Italian supporters fervently begged him to do so.

Petrucci stated to MOW Mag that he never considered it, not even for a moment.

"A person who drives professionally is passionate about the sport and would never engage in such behavior."

"I completely concur that a cyclist not competing for anything significant shouldn't be a nuisance to those who have a lot at stake."

The statement holds true when someone blocks overtaking excessively, as well as when someone intentionally heads for the door. Winning in such a manner is undesirable to anyone.

Petrucci commented on the hopes of Italian fans regarding his support for Rossi, stating, "Leading up to the Valencia race that year, I thought they were joking, using humor to ease the tension. To me, it was just online memes suggesting that I, Iannone, or another rider might take out Lorenzo in the final race."

"I never imagined that there would be individuals who genuinely desired it."

Petrucci quipped, "If I had done that, I might have ended up as the ruler of the world! Everyone would have been singing my praises."

"It never occurred to me to consider doing it."

"I'm certain that even those who stood to gain from this would have found it appalling."

"Acting as a mediator between two cyclists is illogical."

Petrucci refuted another accusation from Marquez’s supporters, insisting he did not give up by letting Rossi overtake him effortlessly in Valencia.

He firmly stated, "No, I did not move out of the way."

"If a cyclist is obviously moving at a higher speed, they pass you without difficulty, which is what occurred in that situation. Many people have different opinions, but you can't pay attention to all of them."

‘The events that occurred will persist indefinitely’

"I believed it would come to a conclusion," Petrucci remarked.

"However, I've come to understand that the events involving Valentino and Marc back in 2015 are never going to be fully resolved."

"Their decision is logical to them, but it doesn't resonate with the fans."

"Just the pair of them are truly aware of the events that unfolded, the incidents leading up to it, and the conversations they exchanged or chose not to exchange throughout the entire season."

"Each time either of them discusses the situation, new information emerges that surprises everyone, even those of us who were present in the same paddock."

Both individuals are absolutely certain of their correctness; otherwise, we wouldn't still be discussing this nearly a decade later.

"However, I must emphasize that they are the only ones who truly understand what took place

The events that unfolded before and after this moment were not the best for the world of sports. Valentino is a hero to everyone from my generation, and facing him as a rival on the track is an experience that words cannot fully capture from an emotional perspective.

His achievements in racing are etched into the annals of sports history. Although he was worthy of a tenth win, it never came to fruition.

Jorge Lorenzo earned his victory, and he achieved it. That's the nature of racing. During that season, Marquez didn't have a strong start, but he might have believed that his initial conflict with Vale was what took him out of contention for the championship.

"I'm unsure about what occurred and lack sufficient details to form a definite opinion, particularly after nearly a decade."

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Uncanny resemblance between Jorge Martin and Valentino Rossi suggests a possible first victory?

Experienced MotoGP insider shares his perspective from both sides

Jorge Martin becomes the first rider to switch manufacturers right after winning a MotoGP championship since Valentino Rossi did in late 2003.

In 2024, Martin claimed the championship riding for Pramac Ducati, but in 2025, he will be racing for Aprilia's official team.

He becomes just the sixth top-tier champion to start the following season with a different manufacturer.

In 1966, Mike Hailwood made the switch from MV Ag

In 1976, Giacomi Agostini made the switch from Yamaha to MV.

In 1982, Marco Lucchinelli switched from Suzuki to Honda.

In 1989, Eddie Lawson switched from Yamaha to Honda, and then returned to Yamaha in 1990.

Renowned racer Rossi made a bold move by leaving Honda, with whom he clinched the 2003 championship, to sign a contract with Yamaha, a team that wasn't widely acclaimed back then.

Honda prevented Rossi from trying out the Yamaha during the 2003 postseason test, causing him to postpone his eagerly awaited first appearance.

Rossi celebrated his first victory with Yamaha at Welkom and secured the 2004 championship with his new team.

Davide Brivio, who played a pivotal role in Rossi's move to Yamaha in 2004, currently serves as the boss of Trackhouse Aprilia, coinciding with Martin's transition to the brand's official racing team.

"Brivio noted that there appear to be parallels between Rossi and Martin's transitions."

"Valentino departed from Honda during their MotoGP reign, and now, as Ducati leads in MotoGP, Jorge is making his exit."

"Who can say?"

Is there a chance that Martin could triumph in his first race with Aprilia in Thailand, similar to Rossi's victory with Yamaha

Brivio responded, "Certainly, it's challenging, but why shouldn't we try?"

Brivio, who brings a wealth of experience, commented, "Ducati has an excellent alternative in Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

"Thus, it's clear they will be a challenging team to defeat."

"As we approach 2025, it appears the playing field among manufacturers might become more even."

"The leading competitors are more evenly distributed, which enhances the entertainment value."

"Hopefully, Ducati did well in the entire MotoGP event."

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