Honda is informed that revival isn't solely a financial matter as Aleix Espargaro spearheads testing resurgence

Pol Espargaro outlines strategies for Honda's resurgence

Former racer Pol Espargaro has cautioned Honda that financial investment alone will not be sufficient to return them to the top of MotoGP.

Aleix Espargaro, the sibling of racer Pol, is set to end his racing career and will join Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as a test rider in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience to the

Honda has been in a prolonged slump, underscored by the departure of Marc Marquez.

Pol Espargaro, who teamed up with Marquez at Honda for two years, stated, "They are making efforts. I'm aware they are putting in the work.

"However, it's not solely focused on labor, materials, or the financial capacity available to achieve the outcome."

"This isn't the issue at hand!"

"Everything is interconnected – the way you operate, the structure of the organization, and the approach to testing, which has become a crucial element in this sport today."

"Participants compete in two races every weekend, leaving them no opportunity for testing during the event. This might have been possible in previous years."

"Hence, the significance of a robust testing team cannot be overstated. From my observation, it plays a crucial role in advancing the capabilities of manufacturers."

"The standard is elevated, and the technology is incredibly sophisticated."

'Hard to fathom the stress'

Aleix Espargaro has concluded his extensive MotoGP journey, leaving Aprilia behind, to dedicate his efforts to Honda's testing program.

"Pol mentioned that Aleix had been searching for something of that nature."

"It's truly challenging to comprehend the daily stress these individuals face to excel."

"They strive for improvement not only during race weekends but also in their daily lives, constantly asking themselves, 'how can I improve?' to achieve excellence every day."

Aleix found himself at a juncture, overwhelmed with thoughts about his future aspirations.

"He desires to spend time with his loved ones. Additionally, he enjoys biking and aims to achieve something while he still can."

"He desires to pursue varied interests in life, a sentiment that's reasonable given his extensive time spent in the paddock."

"Setting the objective to bring Honda back to a winning position or to the forefront is an incredible aim, an astonishing pursuit, and a fantastic journey."

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For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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EXCLUSIVE: The Resistance to Valentino Rossi's Move to Yamaha Explained

Crash.net sits down with Davide Brivio for an exclusive interview commemorating two decades since Valentino Rossi clinched his inaugural MotoGP championship with Yamaha.

In 2024, MotoGP marked its 75th year since the inaugural grand prix season in 1949, a period highlighted by numerous pivotal events. Among these was the significant achievement 20 years earlier in 2004, when Valentino Rossi secured his fourth title in the top class.

At that stage, Rossi had become the leading figure in motorcycle racing. Clinching the last championship of the 500cc era in 2001 riding for Honda in merely his sophomore year, Rossi embarked on the dawn of the four-stroke MotoGP era, dominating on the factory Honda RC211V.

In 2002, Rossi claimed victory in 11 grand prix events and secured second place in all other races, except for one in which he didn't score. This performance led him to his second top-tier championship, and he continued his winning streak by securing a third title in 2003, achieving nine wins with comparable dominance.

While the global community celebrated Rossi's brilliance, this view wasn't shared at Honda's headquarters in Japan. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) attributed Rossi's victories entirely to the capabilities of the RC211V. Such an attitude is often at odds with the significant pride that is typical among professional motorcycle racers.

Throughout 2003, Rossi's team initiated confidential negotiations with Yamaha, making substantial efforts to maintain secrecy. Davide Brivio, the then team manager, disclosed years later that he and Lin Jarvis had to conceal themselves under a table during a meeting, fearing someone was about to come into the tent where they were situated.

After much negotiation, Rossi secured a move to Yamaha for the 2004 season. However, Honda enforced the full term of Rossi's existing contract with them, preventing him from conducting any M1 test rides until the early part of 2004.

Yamaha and Rossi's team needed to iron out details regarding the financial terms of their agreement and decide which team members would accompany the Italian racer. Additionally, a mindset within the Japanese brand, similar to Honda's approach, threatened to derail this groundbreaking partnership.

"In our conversation with Valentino," Brivio recounted to Crash.net while reflecting on Rossi's 2004 championship, "Yamaha had a varied perspective internally, as some opposed Valentino's inclusion, arguing, 'he's a multi-world champion: should he join Yamaha and we fail to secure a victory, the blame would fall on Yamaha.

"Should we emerge victorious, it will be credited to Valentino, leaving our brand with no tangible benefit." This represented one perspective. The prevailing belief within the organization emphasized the significance of the motorcycle itself. There was a sentiment among some at Yamaha which posited, 'Valentino isn't essential for our success; we're capable of engineering a motorcycle so superior and powerful that any rider could secure a win with it.'"

The issue with this perspective was Yamaha's inability, up until that point, to construct a motorcycle robust enough to clinch the championship in the four-stroke period. Indeed, as of the conclusion of 2003, Yamaha had not secured a championship victory since their 1992 500cc victory with Wayne Rainey. Following that, Suzuki emerged victorious on two occasions – in 1993 and 2000 – whereas Honda dominated the championship scene, with Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, and Rossi taking home the majority of the titles.

During the years 2002 and 2003, Rossi secured back-to-back MotoGP championships, while Yamaha managed to clinch victory in only two grand prix races. Yamaha's performance was so lackluster that when Rossi came on board, the team was coming off a winless 2003 season. Their best finish was a third-place podium at the French GP, thanks to Alex Barros. Carlos Checa was Yamaha's highest-ranking rider in the championship standings, trailing Rossi by a whopping 234 points.

The prospect of Rossi contending for the championship in 2004 appeared unlikely. However, Jeremy Burgess, his crew chief, leveraging the expertise that contributed to the success of the RC211V, pinpointed the enhancements required for the M1. Masao Furusawa, Yamaha's head of technology, developed a novel 'big bang' inline-four engine. Meanwhile, Burgess made adjustments to the bike's dimensions and fine-tuned the electronics to enhance braking efficiency and optimize the M1's performance in corners.

At the start of the 2004 season in South Africa, Yamaha, alongside Rossi, arrived with a significantly upgraded M1. They successfully secured the pole position and triumphed in the race, with Rossi emerging victorious over his main competitor, Max Biaggi, who was riding a Honda operated by Pons, in a captivating contest. Indeed, Rossi led the pack, outperforming a fleet of RC211Vs led by Biaggi, with Sete Gibernau, Barros, and Nicky Hayden trailing behind.

During the victory lap, Rossi paused to spend a moment with his new motorcycle, contemplating the significant achievement he had just accomplished. Afterwards, he focused on his next tasks. He secured eight additional victories in 2004 and clinched the championship one race before the season ended in Australia. This made him the first competitor since Eddie Lawson in 1989 to win consecutive championships on motorcycles from two distinct manufacturers, with Lawson having switched from Yamaha to Honda to achieve this feat.

In 2005, Rossi and his Yamaha team outperformed their competition significantly. Securing victories in 11 races and missing the podium in only one, they left Honda's Marco Melandri trailing by 147 points. This performance solidified the M1 as the premier motorcycle in MotoGP. However, Brivio emphasized that Yamaha's success also highlighted the indispensable role of a skilled rider alongside a capable bike.

Brivio reflects on the prevailing attitude during the early 2000s, emphasizing that the focus was primarily on the motorcycle, often overlooking the significance of the rider. By recruiting Valentino Rossi to Yamaha, they demonstrated the critical role both the bike and the rider play in the sport. Brivio expresses pride in this achievement, believing it restored some recognition to the athletes. Despite his affiliation with a manufacturing company, he feels they were instrumental in reevaluating the balance between the value of the motorcycle and the rider's contribution during that period.

"This brings back a fond memory. We shared many moments of joy and laughter, akin to imagining a scenario where Pecco Bagnaia leaves Ducati due to dissatisfaction, only to join a less successful team and clinch the championship the following year. That's how remarkable the situation was back then. It was a significant and delightful experience. The fun we had was immense, and the lessons learned were invaluable. I must acknowledge that Valentino revolutionized the mindset and culture within Yamaha, particularly in terms of racing strategy."

Certainly, the Yamaha competitor closest to Rossi in the 2005 rankings was his team-mate from the same factory, Colin Edwards, who secured fourth place but trailed by 188 points and had only achieved three podium finishes. The year prior in 2004, the Yamaha rider following Rossi closely was Carlos Checa, lagging by 187 points and having attained only a single podium placement.

Indeed, between 2004 and 2007, Valentino Rossi was the sole Yamaha racer to achieve victories on the M1. It was not until 2008, with the debut of Jorge Lorenzo, that Yamaha witnessed a shift in dynamics, having two competitors able to secure wins on its bikes.

Brivio believes that without Rossi joining in 2004, Yamaha would have continued to prioritize the motorcycle's development, hoping that this strategy would eventually attract a leading rider to the team.

"Brivio suggests that had Valentino not joined the team in 2004, Yamaha might have eventually developed a competitive bike, but it would likely have taken more time. Without Valentino, the journey might have involved building a better bike first to gain the trust of leading riders, potentially taking a couple of years before they could attract a top rider to the team and achieve a victory. This could have delayed the arrival of someone like Jorge Lorenzo or another similar talent, possibly pushing back success by two to four years."

Certainly, if Rossi had not joined the team, Burgess wouldn't have been present to identify the shortcomings that limited the M1's performance. The year 2003 was consistently challenging for Yamaha, sparking speculation that the company might exit MotoGP. Looking back, it's difficult to imagine Yamaha's situation getting better with someone other than Rossi in charge.

The collaboration between Rossi and Yamaha resulted in additional championship victories in 2008 and 2009. However, the emergence of Lorenzo as a dominant force led to his securing the championship title three times from 2010 to 2015. The escalating tension between Rossi and Lorenzo culminated in Rossi's departure from Yamaha at the conclusion of 2010, followed by a challenging period with Ducati during 2011 and 2012.

Rossi and Burgess's success at Yamaha was not mirrored at Ducati, primarily due to the rigidity of its racing team. However, the tide began to turn with Gigi Dall'Igna stepping in as general manager in 2014, setting Ducati on a trajectory towards becoming the contemporary leaders of MotoGP.

In 2013, Rossi made his way back to Yamaha and nearly secured his fifth championship with the company in 2015. He continued to compete for Yamaha until he concluded his MotoGP career at the end of the 2021 season.

Though his victories became scarce towards the end of his MotoGP career, Rossi's legendary status remains unshakeable. This is largely attributed to his groundbreaking switch to Yamaha two decades ago…

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2025 MotoGP Roster: The Full Line-Up

Details on the contract status of every rider in MotoGP for the 2025 campaign.

Here is the complete list of MotoGP riders set to compete in the 2025 global championship.

Ducati acted quickly to secure a long-term agreement with key rider Francesco Bagnaia, yet the speculation surrounding who will be his team-mate in 2025 took center stage in the initial discussions of the rider market.

Ultimately, Marc Marquez secured the position, following an unexpected reversal by Ducati, who initially seemed to favor championship frontrunner Jorge Martin.

VR46 is set to take over from Pramac, who is moving to Yamaha, as the newly endorsed satellite team backed by the factory. Fabio di Giannantonio will continue with VR46, though now he has inked a deal directly with Ducati and will be equipped with machinery of factory specification.

Franco Morbidelli is set to join Diggia as a new team member, transitioning from Pramac to assume control of Marco Bezzecchi's bike from the previous season.

In 2025, Ducati is set to introduce Fermin Aldeguer, a young prodigy from Moto2, to the top tier of racing. Aldeguer will team up with Alex Marquez at Gresini, taking over the spot from Marc Marquez.

KTM has secured Brad Binder with an extended contract through 2026, while newcomer sensation Pedro Acosta is set to transition from Tech3 GASGAS to the primary team.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Tech3 team announced a fresh duo of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales for their roster, alongside a switch from GASGAS branding to the Red Bull KTM livery.

Consequently, this situation leaves KTM racers Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez without a team. Subsequently, rumors quickly spread about their potential move to Yamaha for the upcoming season, with Miller being associated with the Pramac initiative and Fernandez possibly stepping in as a test rider.

Aprilia

The Aprilia factory team is set to undergo significant transformations by 2025, with Aleix Espargaro planning to retire after this season, and Maverick Vinales moving to KTM Tech3.

Jorge Martin is set to take over the bike previously ridden by his close friend Espargaro. This opportunity comes following Martin's departure from Ducati. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi is transitioning from VR46 to fill the spot left by Vinales.

The makeover of the Trackhouse team, supported by the US, had Moto2 victor Joe Roberts rumored to be joining his 'home' squad. However, the contract was ultimately awarded to Moto2 championship hopeful Ai Ogura.

Ogura is set to team up with Raul Fernandez, who stands as the sole Aprilia competitor with previous racing knowledge of the RS-GP.

Yamaha has resolved a significant aspect of the 2025 rider market by securing Fabio Quartararo with a new contract, reportedly establishing him as the top-earning rider in MotoGP.

Alex Rins will also continue to be his teammate.

The manufacturing entity achieved a significant victory by attracting the current team champions, Pramac, to their side with a reported seven-year contract for factory bikes starting the next season, after missing out on securing VR46, moving them away from Ducati.

Miguel Oliveira has inked a two-year contract with Yamaha to pilot a Pramac bike built to factory specifications, alongside Jack Miller who has been secured as his partner for the team on a one-year agreement.

Luca Marini has agreed to a two-year deal to fill in for Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda, while Johann Zarco has secured his position at LCR through to the close of 2025.

Joan Mir subsequently reached an agreement on a fresh two-year contract with Repsol Honda during the middle of 2024, even though he had voiced dissatisfaction regarding the absence of technical advancements in the RC213V.

LCR's Takaaki Nakagami's contract has ended, and although Ogura's agreement with Trackhouse relieved some tension, his spot will be filled by Thailand's Moto2 sensation Somkiat Chantra.

Nakagami is set to take on test riding responsibilities for HRC in Japan and will also 'compete in select MotoGP events as a wild-card entry'.

In 2025, Aleix Espargaro is set to take on roles as both a test and wild-card rider for HRC.

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Peter, with two decades of experience in the paddock, has witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from its rise to its conclusion. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure as well as Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Specialists are divided on the top MotoGP performance of 2024

Here's what our specialists think – though it's a difficult decision

Selecting the premier MotoGP motorcycle for 2024 is a challenging task.

From astonishing triumphs to unforeseen comebacks, to competitors who outperformed on motorcycles that lacked competitive capabilities.

Our specialists embarked on determining the standout MotoGP performance of 2024, with multiple contenders in consideration…

Peter McLaren: A tough decision! I'll go with Maverick Vinales' victory at COTA.

It was the sole occasion Ducati faced defeat in the 20 Grand Prix races, with him making his way up from the eleventh position to secure the win.

Unfortunately, Vinales was unable to duplicate his previous performance with the RS-GP.

Lewis Duncan: Francesco Bagnaia has delivered several remarkable performances throughout the 2024 season. However, his victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix shines as the most exceptional of them all.

Securing his 10th victory out of 11 Grand Prix races in 2024, this win occurred at a critical moment. After failing to finish the sprint race the previous day, he found himself 29 points behind Jorge Martin in the championship standings, leaving his aspirations nearly dashed.

To maintain his chances in the championship race, securing a victory in the grand prix was essential. He achieved precisely this, engaging in an intense battle with Martin during the initial three laps. After the initial skirmish, he managed to create a gap, finishing more than three seconds ahead by the time they reached the finish line.

Deducting just five points from Martin wasn't enough to prevent the Spaniard from securing the championship title.

However, it guaranteed that Bagnaia remained in contention heading into the last round, while also showcasing his remarkable ability to perform under pressure.

Jordan Moreland: Marc Marquez at Phillip Island.

From 2nd to 13th position going into the first turn due to his unfortunate beginning, as his visor strip got jammed beneath the back tire.

To make a remarkable recovery and clinch victory in the race, overcoming Jorge Martin. Truly one of the most impressive comeback performances you could witness.

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Specialists are at odds regarding the top MotoGP ride for 2024. Our panel shares their opinions, yet the decision remains challenging.

Choosing the best MotoGP performance for 2024 is quite challenging.

From remarkable wins to surprising comebacks, and to cyclists who excelled on machines that weren't competitive enough.

Our specialists began evaluating which performance stood out as the MotoGP ride of 2024, though there are numerous contenders…

Peter McLaren: That's a tough decision! I'll go with Maverick Vinales taking the victory at the Circuit of the Americas.

In the 20 Grands Prix races, Ducati was defeated just once, and he accomplished this by battling his way up from the eleventh position.

Unfortunately, Vinales was unable to match that performance on the RS-GP once more.

Lewis Duncan reports that Francesco Bagnaia has delivered several impressive performances throughout the 2024 season. However, his race at the Malaysian Grand Prix is considered his most exceptional achievement.

Securing his 10th victory out of 11 grand prix races in 2024, this win arrived at a crucial moment. After a crash in the sprint race the previous day, he faced a 29-point gap behind Jorge Martin, making his championship aspirations seem nearly unattainable.

He had to secure a victory in the grand prix to stay in the running for the championship. He accomplished this by fending off Martin in an intense duel during the initial three laps, and then pulling away to finish more than three seconds ahead when he crossed the finish line.

Martin lost just five points, but it didn't prevent the Spanish competitor from securing the championship victory.

However, it guaranteed that Bagnaia remained in contention for the last round and showcased his capabilities when he faces intense pressure.

Jordan Moreland: Marc Marquez, Phillip Island.

Positions 2 through 13 heading into Turn 1 after a disastrous start, caused by a tear-off becoming lodged under the back tire.

In an impressive display, he managed to work his way up through the ranks and clinch victory in the race, triumphing over Jorge Martin. It's undoubtedly one of the most remarkable comeback performances you'll

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2025 MotoGP Team Roster: The Full Line-Up

An overview of the contract status for each MotoGP rider as they gear up for the 2025 season.

Here is the complete list of MotoGP racers set to compete in the 2025 World Championship.

Ducati acted quickly to secure a long-term contract with their standout rider, Francesco Bagnaia. However, the main focus in the early stages of the rider market was the uncertainty surrounding his teammate for the 2025 season.

After what seemed to be a change in decision from Ducati, who initially seemed to favor championship front-runner Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez ultimately secured the position.

The VR46 team is set to take over as the factory-supported satellite squad, succeeding Pramac, which is moving to partner with Yamaha. Meanwhile, Fabio di Giannantonio is remaining with VR46; however, he has secured a direct contract with Ducati and will now race with factory-spec equipment.

Franco Morbidelli will join Diggia as his new team-mate, transitioning from Pramac to ride the bike that Marco Bezzecchi used last year.

In 2025, Ducati plans to introduce Fermin Aldeguer, a young and promising Moto2 racer, to the top-tier racing category. Aldeguer is set to join forces with Alex Marquez at the Gresini team, taking over the spot previously held by Marc Marquez.

KTM secured Brad Binder with a contract that extends through 2026, while rookie sensation Pedro Acosta has been confirmed to transition from Tech3 GASGAS to join the main factory team.

In an unexpected move, the Tech3 team announced a completely new roster featuring Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales. Additionally, they will replace the GASGAS branding with Red Bull KTM colors.

This development indicates that KTM's current racers, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, will not have positions next season. There were strong rumors connecting Miller with Yamaha's upcoming Pramac initiative, while Fernandez was speculated to become a test rider for the team.

Aprilia is gearing up for significant changes in 2025, as Aleix Espargaro plans to retire by the end of this year, and Maverick Vinales has decided to join KTM Tech3.

Jorge Martin is set to take over the bike previously ridden by his close friend Espargaro, following his unsuccessful bid at Ducati. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi will be joining from VR46 to take Vinales' place.

The US-supported Trackhouse underwent a rebranding, which led to Moto2 race victor Joe Roberts being associated with a potential transfer to his 'home' team. However, the agreement was ultimately secured by Ai Ogura, a contender for the Moto2 championship.

Ogura will team up with Raul Fernandez, who will be the sole Aprilia racer with previous experience competing on the RS-GP.

Yamaha made a significant move in the 2025 rider market by securing a new contract with Fabio Quartararo. It is speculated that this deal positions him as the highest-paid rider in MotoGP.

Alex Rins will also continue to be his teammate.

The factory achieved another significant victory by managing to entice Pramac, the current teams' champion, away from Ducati. This came after they missed out on VR46. Reports indicate they secured a seven-year agreement to provide factory bikes starting next season.

Miguel Oliveira has entered into a contract lasting two years with Yamaha, allowing him to race on a factory-spec Pramac motorcycle. Jack Miller has also been announced as his teammate, having agreed to a one-year contract.

Honda

Luca Marini has agreed to a two-year deal to take over Marc Marquez's position with Repsol Honda, while Johann Zarco will remain with LCR through 2025.

In the middle of 2024, Joan Mir accepted a new two-year contract with Repsol Honda, even though he had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the RC213V's slow technical advancements.

Takaaki Nakagami from LCR is no longer under contract. Although the agreement with Ogura's Trackhouse eased some tension, Thai Moto2 standout Somkiat Chantra is set to fill his position.

Nakagami is set to take on the role of an HRC test rider in Japan and will also join a few MotoGP races as a wild-card entry.

In 2025, Aleix Espargaro is set to take on the roles of a test rider and a wild-card competitor for

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For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the developments concerning Suzuki's withdrawal and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Honda has been advised that the situation is "not solely about finances" as Aleix Espargaro spearheads a testing resurgence. Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro outlines strategies for Honda's revitalization.

Former rider Pol Espargaro has cautioned Honda that financial investment alone won't bring them back to the top in MotoGP.

Pol's sibling, Aleix Espargaro, is set to step away from competitive racing and take on the role of a test rider for HRC in 2025, bringing significant expertise to the team.

Honda has been experiencing difficulties for a number of years, as shown by Marc Marquez's decision to leave.

Pol Espargaro, who teamed up with Marquez at the factory Honda team for two years, expressed, "They are putting in the effort. I am aware of their dedication."

"It's not solely about the effort, the resources, or the financial means you possess to achieve the outcome."

"It's not related to that!"

"It's the combination of all aspects – how do you operate? How is the team structured? What is the approach to testing? Testing has become a crucial element in this sport today."

"The competitors participate in two races each weekend, leaving them with no opportunity to conduct tests during the race weekend. This might have been possible in the past."

"It is crucial to have a robust testing team. I've observed that this plays a significant role in the advancement of manufacturing companies."

"The standards are elevated, and the technology is highly sophisticated."

"Hard to fathom the stress"

Aleix Espargaro has concluded his long MotoGP career and departed from Aprilia to concentrate on testing for Honda.

Pol, Aleix's brother, mentioned that Aleix had been searching for something similar.

"It's quite challenging to fathom the daily pressure these individuals face to deliver results."

During race weekends and in their daily lives, they constantly strive to excel, regularly challenging themselves with the question, 'What can I do to improve?'

Aleix found himself overwhelmed with thoughts about his future plans and decisions.

He desires to spend time with his family. Additionally, he enjoys cycling and wishes to accomplish something before age becomes a limiting factor.

"After spending numerous years in the paddock, he desires to explore new pursuits in life, which is quite reasonable."

"Joining Honda with the aim of bringing them back to victory and success, reaching the pinnacle once more, is an incredible objective and an exciting journey."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a variety of events, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Reflecting on Valentino Rossi's Groundbreaking Yamaha MotoGP Championship Two Decades Later

Crash.net engages in a conversation with Davide Brivio to commemorate two decades since Valentino Rossi clinched his inaugural MotoGP championship with Yamaha.

In 2024, MotoGP marked its 75th year since the inaugural grand prix season began in 1949. Over the decades, the world championship has been influenced by numerous significant events. A notable instance occurred two decades ago in 2004, when Valentino Rossi secured his fourth title in the top class.

At that stage, Rossi had become a dominant figure in motorcycle racing. In only his second season, he secured the last championship of the 500cc era in 2001 while riding for Honda. As the MotoGP transitioned to four-stroke engines, Rossi continued his winning streak on the factory Honda RC211V.

In 2002, Rossi secured victories in 11 grand prix races and claimed second place in all the others, except for one race where he did not score. This impressive performance led him to easily clinch his second premier class championship. The following year, in 2003, he continued his dominance by achieving nine wins, which earned him his third title in a similar

While Rossi's brilliance was celebrated globally, the enthusiasm wasn't echoed at Honda's headquarters in Japan. According to HRC, Rossi's achievements were attributed entirely to the RC211V motorcycle. Understandably, this perspective didn't resonate with the large egos that motorcycle racers typically possess.

Throughout 2003, Rossi's management team started secretively negotiating with Yamaha. To maintain confidentiality, they went to extreme measures. Former team manager Davide Brivio recounted an incident from years ago where he and Lin Jarvis had to hide under a table, fearing someone was about to come into the tent where they were meeting.

An agreement was finally secured for Rossi to join Yamaha in 2004. However, Honda was not willing to make the transition smooth for the Italian rider. They enforced his HRC contract until it officially ended, preventing him from testing the M1 motorcycle until the beginning months of 2004.

As Yamaha and Valentino Rossi's team negotiated the financial terms of their agreement and decided which team members would accompany the Italian racer, there was also a cultural mindset within the Japanese company. This approach was similar to Honda's thinking and had the potential to prevent this significant move from happening.

During our conversation with Brivio for Crash.net about Rossi's 2004 championship, he revealed, "When discussions were underway with Valentino, Yamaha had a distinct mindset. There were individuals within Yamaha who opposed bringing Valentino on board, arguing that as a multiple world champion, if Valentino joined and Yamaha failed to secure a victory, the blame would fall on Yamaha."

"If victory is ours, the credit goes to Valentino, leaving us with no advantage as a brand." This was one perspective. Reflecting on the organization's mindset at the time: the emphasis was on the motorcycle's significance. An insider at Yamaha expressed the belief that they didn't require Valentino, as they were confident in creating a bike so exceptional and powerful that it could secure wins with any rider."

The issue with that perspective was that Yamaha had not yet developed a powerful enough motorcycle in the four-stroke era to secure a championship victory. By the conclusion of 2003, Yamaha hadn't claimed a title since Wayne Rainey's success in the 1992 500cc season. Following that, Suzuki captured two championships in 1993 and 2000, while Honda dominated the remaining titles with victories by Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, and Valentino Rossi.

During the 2002 and 2003 MotoGP seasons, Rossi clinched back-to-back championships, while Yamaha struggled significantly, managing only two grand prix victories. Yamaha's performance was so lackluster that Rossi signed with the team for 2004, despite them not securing any wins in 2003. Their sole podium finish that year was a third place at the French Grand Prix, achieved by Alex Barros. In the overall standings, Carlos Checa was the highest-ranked Yamaha rider, trailing Rossi by a substantial 234 points.

In 2004, it appeared unlikely that Rossi would come close to competing for the championship. However, crew chief Jeremy Burgess, utilizing the expertise that enhanced the RC211V's performance, pinpointed the necessary improvements for the M1. Masao Furusawa, Yamaha's technical head, developed a new 'big bang' inline-four engine, while Burgess adjusted the bike's dimensions and fine-tuned the electronics to enhance braking and optimize the M1's cornering capabilities.

At the inaugural race of the 2004 season in South Africa, Yamaha and Rossi arrived with a significantly enhanced M1 motorcycle. They successfully secured both the pole position and victory in the race, with Rossi triumphing over his fierce competitor Max Biaggi, who was riding a Honda managed by Pons, in an exciting duel. Rossi emerged victorious, leading a group of RC211V riders, with Biaggi at the forefront, followed by Sete Gibernau, Barros, and Nicky Hayden.

During the cooldown lap, Rossi paused to sit beside his new motorcycle and contemplate the challenges he had just overcome. After this brief reflection, he focused back on his task. In 2004, he went on to secure eight additional victories and clinched the championship with one race remaining in Australia. This achievement made him the first rider since Eddie Lawson in 1989 to win consecutive championships with different brands, as Lawson had switched from Yamaha to Honda to accomplish this feat.

In 2005, Rossi and Yamaha demonstrated overwhelming superiority. Rossi claimed victory in 11 races and secured a podium finish in all except one, decisively outpacing Honda’s Marco Melandri by 147 points. It was evident that the M1 had become the premier motorcycle in MotoGP. However, Brivio contends that Yamaha also showed that even the best motorcycle needs an exceptional rider to truly shine.

Brivio explains that back in 2002 and 2003, the prevailing mindset was that the motorcycle was the most crucial component, regardless of who was riding it. However, by bringing Valentino to Yamaha, they demonstrated that both the bike and the rider play vital roles in the sport. He expresses pride in this achievement, as he believes it helped restore some value to the human element in racing. Although he acknowledges that, as someone working for a manufacturer, he might not be supposed to say this, he feels that their actions at that time helped level the playing field between the importance of the bike and the rider.

"This stands out as a great memory. We really had a lot of fun and enjoyment. It was a situation similar to imagining Pecco Bagnaia leaving Ducati due to dissatisfaction, joining a struggling manufacturer, and then clinching the title the following year. That was the scenario back then, making it a significant event. It was truly wonderful. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, and I gained a lot from the experience. I must acknowledge that Valentino transformed the mindset and culture within Yamaha regarding racing."

In 2005, the Yamaha rider closest to Rossi in the rankings was his teammate from the factory team, Colin Edwards, who finished in fourth place. Edwards trailed by 188 points and only managed to secure three podium finishes. Similarly, in 2004, the next Yamaha rider behind Rossi was Carlos Checa, who was 187 points behind and had only one podium finish.

Between 2004 and 2007, Valentino Rossi was the only Yamaha rider to secure victories with the M1. It was not until 2008, when newcomer Jorge Lorenzo joined the team, that Yamaha had two competitive riders vying for wins on their bikes.

Brivio believes that if Rossi had not joined in 2004, Yamaha would have continued with its traditional approach, focusing heavily on the motorcycle itself with the expectation that this strategy would eventually attract a leading rider.

Brivio suggests that if Valentino hadn't joined the team in 2004, Yamaha likely would have still attempted to develop a competitive bike. However, this process might have been more prolonged, as they would have needed to build trust with top riders first. In such a scenario, they might have tried to attract a leading rider to Yamaha over the next few years to secure a win. This could have delayed successes, potentially bringing in someone like Jorge Lorenzo later, or another top rider, possibly achieving victory two, three, or even four years down the line.

Certainly, if Rossi hadn't joined the team, Burgess wouldn't have been present to identify the issues that limited the M1's performance. Throughout 2003, Yamaha faced persistent challenges, leading to speculation about its potential withdrawal from MotoGP. Looking back, it's difficult to imagine how Yamaha could have turned things around without Rossi leading the charge.

The collaboration between Rossi and Yamaha resulted in two additional championships, achieved in 2008 and 2009. However, the era of Lorenzo began, leading him to claim the championship title three times from 2010 to 2015. At the conclusion of 2010, Rossi parted ways with Yamaha due to escalating tensions with Lorenzo. The Italian rider then embarked on an unsuccessful tenure with Ducati in 2011 and 2012.

Rossi and Burgess achieved success at Yamaha that could not be duplicated when they moved to Ducati. At that time, Ducati's race department was resistant to change. However, this changed in 2014 with the appointment of Gigi Dall’Igna as their general manager. His leadership marked the start of a transformation for Ducati, ultimately leading them to dominate the modern MotoGP scene.

In 2013, Rossi made a comeback to Yamaha and nearly clinched a fifth championship with the team in 2015. He continued to ride for Yamaha until he retired from MotoGP at the close of the 2021 season.

Although victories became scarce during the latter part of his MotoGP career, Rossi's status as a legend remains firmly established. A significant factor contributing to this enduring legacy is his monumental switch to Yamaha two decades ago.

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Fabio Quartararo discusses Yamaha's major transformation in MotoGP for 2024

The 2021 world champion shares insights on a transformative year for Yamaha

Fabio Quartararo highlights that the most significant progress for the underperforming Yamaha MotoGP team in 2024 was a shift in mindset.

Yamaha is currently undergoing a period of reconstruction, transitioning from competing for the championship as late as 2022 to experiencing consecutive seasons without a single victory.

Yamaha's adoption of a revised concessions framework enabled ongoing engine enhancements throughout the season. Quartararo observed that the brand demonstrated a greater readiness to deploy fresh engines immediately upon their completion.

This marked a departure from Yamaha's usual method, and the common practice among Japanese makers, of waiting to release new components until they were completely perfected.

A crucial element of this transition was the introduction of Max Bartolini as the technical director.

"Indeed, I anticipated some improvement in speed, but what truly made a difference in the early part of the season wasn't just the bike's upgrade. It was crucial how we shifted our approach and mindset," he mentioned.

"The concessions were beneficial too. As soon as one engine performed well, we immediately had it for the following race."

We didn't need to postpone for the bicycle to undergo testing to ensure its safety. If it operates correctly, we install it.

"In the initial phase, it went one way, but as we moved into the latter half, I believe we achieved significant progress in certain aspects, notably within the electronics sector."

In response to Crash.net's inquiry about whether Yamaha has shed its previous mindset, he confirmed, "Definitely. As long as I'm involved, it will remain that way."

"If it doesn't, it won't be able to keep up. However, we've made adjustments this year. Therefore, it will be able to keep up in the upcoming years since we believe we've progressed slightly."

Yamaha's motorcycle innovation is set to accelerate for the 2025 season, thanks to a collaboration with Pramac that will see an additional two factory M1 motorcycles enter the competition.

For the first time since the conclusion of the 2022 season, when RNF transitioned to Aprilia, Yamaha will once again support a satellite team.

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Ducati's Unprecedented Success in 2024 MotoGP, By the Numbers

In 2024, Ducati set new benchmarks by leading the pack in MotoGP competition.

The 2024 MotoGP championship will go down in history for Ducati's complete supremacy, as it surged ahead to clinch yet another global title.

Since its introduction to MotoGP in 2003, amidst a period of Japanese supremacy in the sport, Ducati has experienced a rollercoaster of significant triumphs and challenges over the past twenty years.

In 2003, it kicked off its inaugural year with a victory, and by 2007, Casey Stoner had secured the Italian brand's initial world championship.

As Stoner kept achieving victories in the following years, capturing the championship became increasingly challenging due to the Desmosedici's complexities. Ducati reached its lowest point when Stoner departed in 2011.

The much-anticipated acquisition of Valentino Rossi only resulted in three podium finishes over two seasons, after which the MotoGP icon made his comeback to Yamaha in 2013.

As the year came to a close, Ducati hired Gigi Dall’Igna away from Aprilia to serve as general manager, aiming to revitalize the brand. Although progress took time, by 2016 Ducati had returned to winning races, contended for the championship until the last race in 2017, and consistently remained at the forefront of competition up through 2022.

Francesco Bagnaia made a remarkable comeback, erasing a 91-point gap halfway through the season to clinch the 2022 championship. He continued his impressive performance by securing the runner-up position in 2023, during which Ducati emerged as the leading powerhouse in MotoGP.

In 2024, it secured victories in 19 out of 20 Grand Prix races, establishing a new historical benchmark in MotoGP.

Ducati riders secured all three top spots on the podium 14 times during Sunday races, setting a new record.

In 2024, Ducati's team, consisting of eight riders, six contributed to earning 53 podium finishes and securing 16 pole positions, with a streak of 66 races where they consistently finished on the podium.

Ducati made certain that at least one of its riders finished in the top three in every sprint race.

By the close of 2024, Ducati has achieved a total of 106 grand prix wins, marking it as the sole European brand in MotoGP history to exceed 100 victories.

In the previous season, Ducati celebrated its fifth consecutive victory in the constructors' championship, with its affiliate team, Pramac, securing the teams' championship.

Jorge Martin secured his position as the brand's third global champion, achieving his initial top-tier championship following his tenure with the Pramac team.

"Ducati's supremacy, showcased through its motorcycles, racers, and technical team during the 2024 MotoGP season, will be eternally cherished by enthusiasts of the sport," stated Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati.

"I'm truly delighted for Jorge, an exceptional rider who developed alongside Ducati and achieved his childhood dream with our support."

"Following the wild excitement of 2022 and the 'achievement of enlightenment' in 2023, today we are here to honor the success of a framework: the 'Ducati System'."

A methodology influenced by the principles of Galileo Galilei, who is credited with founding the scientific method and contemporary science.

"A methodology that has propelled us to the forefront of track-racing contests, and is likewise utilized in our product research, design, and development, allowing us to showcase Italian engineering globally with pride."

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Johann Zarco Believes He Can Elevate His Performance in MotoGP

The French Rider Expresses Confidence in His Ability to Adjust

Johann Zarco is confident that he can continue to improve in MotoGP despite being further along in his career, as he always maintains a mindset that his past actions were not necessarily correct.

The two-time Moto2 world champion has been competing in the top division since 2017, starting his journey with the Tech3 Yamaha team.

Discover More: How Honda Identified Its Genuine MotoGP Champion in 2024

After enjoying a somewhat consistent presence on the podium for two years, Zarco faced a challenging 2019 season with KTM, which nearly brought his career to a halt. However, he managed to revive his fortunes by joining Ducati in 2020.

In 2023, Zarco clinched his inaugural MotoGP victory riding for Pramac Ducati. The following year, he transitioned to the LCR Honda team, quickly establishing himself as the top competitor for the Japanese brand.

Zarco secured Honda's top result of the year with an eighth-place finish at the Thai GP, consistently showcasing impressive speed in single laps.

As the 2024 season concluded, Zarco reflected on his ability to adjust to the RC213V, focusing on enhancing his riding strengths and addressing areas where the Honda excels to reduce time.

In response to a question about maintaining flexibility throughout his career, Zarco stated: "I prefer to maintain this mindset and I believe that keeping this perspective will assist me in achieving the pinnacle, or returning to it, as I've observed that there are certain riders who have the capability to accomplish things that others do not.

"This is the reason I'm hesitant to convince myself that my actions or past behaviors were justified."

"It was correct, yet perhaps not sufficiently so in the current context."

"Thus, I'm confident that certain insights will resonate strongly with both my mind and body. And when they do, I'm certain I will rise to the occasion."

Zarco is set to continue his partnership with Honda until the conclusion of 2025 under his existing contract.

He concluded the previous season ranked 17th in the standings, holding a 24-point advantage over the next highest-placed Honda rider, his LCR teammate Takaaki Nakagami.

The Honda factory team members, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, ended up at the lowest positions in the standings.

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Fabio Quartararo discusses the major transformation at Yamaha for MotoGP 2024. The 2021 world champion shares his thoughts on a year marked by significant changes at Yamaha.

Fabio Quartararo believes that the most significant advancement for Yamaha's underperforming MotoGP team in 2024 was a shift in their mindset.

Yamaha is currently undergoing a restructuring period, having transitioned from being a strong contender for the championship as recently as 2022 to experiencing two consecutive seasons without any victories.

Yamaha implemented a new concessions system that enabled ongoing engine updates throughout the season. Quartararo observed that the brand was more open to deploying new engines as they became ready.

This marked a departure from Yamaha's usual strategy, as well as the typical method of Japanese manufacturers, who typically wait to launch new components until they are completely perfected.

An important element of this transition has been the appointment of Max Bartolini as the technical director.

He stated that he anticipated the performance improvements to occur a bit more quickly. However, during the early part of the season, the crucial aspect wasn't just the bike's enhancement but the shift in our work approach, which significantly helped in altering our mindset.

"The adjustments made a difference, in my opinion. As soon as we had one engine functioning properly, we had it ready to use in the following race."

"We didn't need to delay testing the bike for safety reasons. As long as it functions, we implement it."

"In the first half, things unfolded in a certain way, but in the second half, we succeeded in making significant improvements, particularly in the electronics sector."

When questioned by Crash.net about whether Yamaha's previous mindset has finally changed, he responded, "Yes. At least as long as I'm involved, that's how it will be."

"If it doesn't, it won't be able to keep up. However, we only made the switch this year. Therefore, it will align in the coming years since we believe we've made some minor progress."

Yamaha's motorcycle advancements are set to accelerate in 2025, thanks to a collaboration with Pramac that will introduce two additional factory M1 bikes.

This marks Yamaha's return to having a satellite team for the first time since the conclusion of the 2022 season, following RNF's move to partner with Aprilia.

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