Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura felt "anxious" while riding alongside MotoGP legends during his first test run. "I thought it would be more astonishing than it actually was," he admitted.

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed that he felt "nervous" when he participated in his inaugural test with Trackhouse Racing, sharing the circuit with MotoGP's elite riders on Tuesday in Barcelona.

During the summer, the Japanese racer inked a two-year contract with the Aprilia satellite team, setting the stage for his MotoGP debut in 2025. This agreement has proven to be an excellent move, especially after his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP session during the post-Solidarity GP test, where he rode 86 laps on the RS-GP model designed for the 2024 season.

He concluded the day as the second-fastest among the three newcomers, finishing in 21st place. However, during the initial hours of the session, he experienced a minor incident at Turn 2.

Reflecting on his inaugural experience riding a MotoGP bike, Ogura remarked, "Naturally, seeing all these riders out on the track, along with a few cameras, made me feel anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the most significant contrast between Moto2 and MotoGP, he highlighted the necessity to master throttle control to stabilize the bike as the primary challenge he faces.

He mentioned that his main challenge right now is entering corners.

"Perhaps the most challenging aspect for me was managing the throttle to maintain the bike's stability and achieve smooth acceleration. It's somewhat different."

"My initial focus is on improving the braking process. I need to enhance my understanding of everything from the moment I start braking to when I accelerate. This area is my top priority for improvement."

Newcomers frequently mention that the strength of MotoGP engines and the effectiveness of carbon brakes are surprising aspects when they transition from Moto2 for the first time.

Contrary to what might be expected, Ogura expressed that the experience was satisfactory. He stated, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more surprised, but after completing a couple of laps, I had already adjusted to the speed."

"There isn't much of a difference between steel brakes and carbon brakes. It's not a significant issue for me."

Ogura mentioned that he plans to enhance his fitness regimen during the winter months to prepare for the transition to MotoGP. Despite completing 86 laps on Tuesday, he reported not feeling overly fatigued.

He stated, "I completed 86 laps today, with the longest stretch being approximately 10 laps."

"For this song, I was feeling fine and had no issues with my physical condition."

"I didn’t manage to do 20 consecutive laps today, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm feeling alright, though, and plan to train harder this winter compared to last year."

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MotoGP 2025: A Look at the Rider and Crew Chief Partnerships

An overview of the rider and crew chief duos for the 2025 MotoGP season

The 2025 MotoGP lineup has undergone significant changes, as many riders have either moved to different teams or are making their debut in the series.

When a team undergoes changes, it often means getting a new crew chief for some members, while others remain in place and greet new technicians in their pit areas.

The list below details the pairings of crew chiefs and riders for each team in the year 2025.

Ducati's official racing team includes Marc Marquez, paired with Marco Rigamonti, and Francesco Bagnaia, who works alongside Cristian Gabarrini.

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez is joining the factory Ducati team, marking his third different crew chief in three seasons.

At the conclusion of 2023, Marquez departed from Honda and Santi Hernandez to join forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the Ducati factory team did not maintain that partnership, as the Italian team decided to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who previously worked as Enea Bastianini’s crew chief.

Rigamonti has had past experience collaborating with Andrea Iannone during their time together at Ducati and Suzuki, and has also worked with Johann Zarco while he was part of the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the crew chief for Francesco Bagnaia during his time as MotoGP champion. Previously, he has also collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Honda's official racing team includes Joan Mir paired with Santi Hernandez, and Luca Marini teamed up with Christian Pupulin.

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of last year, Joan Mir assumed leadership of Hernandez, his crew chief.

Luca Marini's team has seen a change in leadership with Christian Pupulin stepping in as the new crew chief, replacing Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved on to join Pramac, where he will be working alongside Jack Miller. Before this shift, Pupulin was part of the KTM team, collaborating with the Australian rider.

Factory Racing Team of Aprilia Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

Jorge Martin, the newly crowned MotoGP champion, is joining the factory Aprilia team and will be accompanied by Daniele Romagnoli, who is also making the move from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from collaborating with Matteo Flamigni at VR46. He is now teaming up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia, who previously served as the performance engineer for Maverick Vinales this year.

KTM's official racing team

Racers: Pedro Acosta with crew chief Paul Trevathan, and Brad Binder with crew chief Andres Madrid

Pedro Acosta is a fresh addition to the factory KTM team, and he is joined by crew chief Paul Trevathan, who previously worked with him at Tech 3. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his collaboration with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini Team

Fermin Aldeguer – Frankie Carchedi

Alex Marquez – Donatello Giovanotti

MotoGP newcomer Aldeguer is set to collaborate with Frankie Carchedi, who previously served as Marc Marquez's crew chief, this season. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his partnership with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha Racing Team

Fabio Quartararo – Diego Gubellini

Alex Rins – David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues to collaborate with Diego Gubellini, his crew chief since he entered MotoGP in 2019. Meanwhile, David Munoz, who previously worked with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, joins Alex Rins, taking over from Patrick Primmer.

VR46 Team

Franco Morbidelli – Matteo Flamigni

Fabio Di Giannantonio – Massimo Branchini

Veteran mechanic Matteo Flamigni, who worked closely with Valentino Rossi and previously served as Marco Bezzecchi's crew chief, is set to collaborate with Franco Morbidelli as he transitions to VR46. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio teams up with Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth crew chief partnership in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini served as the crew chief for Morbidelli at Pramac.

Tech3 Team

Riders: Enea Bastianini, Maverick Vinales

Crew Chiefs: Alberto Giribuola, Manuel Cazeaux

Next year, Enea Bastianini will join the Tech3 KTM team, where he will once again work with Alberto Giribuola, who was his crew chief at Gresini in 2022.

Maverick Vinales has taken Manu Cazeaux along from Aprilia.

Pramac

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomi Guidotti

In 2025, Pramac will introduce a completely new team for its first appearance with Yamaha, including the addition of two fresh crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will collaborate with Luca Ferracioli, who was previously partnered with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti is parting ways with Honda to collaborate with Jack Miller in the upcoming year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, who previously served as the crew chief for Miguel Oliveira. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez will maintain his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR Team

Johann Zarco – David Garcia

Somkiat Chantra – Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco is staying with David Garcia for his second season at LCR Honda. Meanwhile, Somkiat Chantra, a newcomer to MotoGP, will work with Klaus Nohles, who was previously Takaaki Nakagami's crew chief.

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Franco Morbidelli discusses his first appearance with VR46, saying, "There's something special we possess, and it's important for us to make the most of it."

Franco Morbidelli is enthusiastic about making the most of his 'special' connection with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team for the 2025 season.

The Italian rider, who became the VR46 Academy's inaugural world champion in the Moto2 category in 2017 and clinched a MotoGP race victory in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac team.

Alongside being in a well-known environment, Morbidelli is among the select riders who will retain the same model of motorcycle for the 2025 season.

This year, Morbidelli rode a factory Desmosedici GP24 for Pramac, the same model his teammate Jorge Martin used to clinch the championship. Unfortunately, Morbidelli missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha title contender secured a spot on the podium during the Sprint race at Misano, achieved fourth place in the Indonesian Grand Prix, and finished ninth overall in the championship rankings.

He made his first appearance with Pertamina VR46, finishing in seventh position, just 0.762 seconds behind, during Tuesday's test in Barcelona.

"Morbidelli mentioned that it was crucial to meet the individuals he will collaborate with in the upcoming year."

This group features Matteo Flamigni, who was previously the chief of Marco Bezzecchi's team and used to work as Valentino Rossi's electronic engineer.

Morbidelli expressed that it is a significant privilege to collaborate with team members he has been acquainted with for several years.

"I have admired Matteo since my childhood. He left a mark in history alongside Vale while working as his electronics engineer, and we shared a great connection."

Morbidelli expressed: "I deeply respect everyone on the team, and the understanding we share among ourselves is truly special. We must harness this remarkable synergy to its fullest potential."

"We should utilize it to quickly build relationships and establish connections to reach our goals efficiently."

The launch on Tuesday went smoothly and successfully.

"It was an excellent start to the day," Morbidelli remarked. "We made several adjustments to the motorcycle to gain insights and enhance the understanding between myself and the team."

"That will be the key factor next year. The more we understand each other during these challenging times, the more effectively we will perform and respond during race weekends."

"The environment is enjoyable, and all the necessary elements for success are present. We put in a lot of effort, and I chose not to use the soft tire at the end because it was too cold to enhance our lap time. All in all, it's been an excellent beginning."

What about the unique types of leather?

"Stunning. I'd love to see additional pictures since they were truly delightful."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is on the same team as Morbidelli, was absent from the test because he recently underwent surgery on his shoulder.

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Driver evaluations from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lando Norris demonstrates his ability to thrive under stress. Who stood out as the top performer at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi event?

Lando Norris – 9.5

Norris's performance in Abu Dhabi might be considered his most remarkable win in Formula 1, especially considering the significant pressure he faced. With McLaren relying entirely on him for their constructors' championship ambitions after his teammate, Piastri, was spun out at the first turn, Norris remained composed and secured his fourth victory of the season.

Carlos Sainz – 9

In contrast to his teammate, Carlos Sainz successfully reached Q3 and emerged as the leading contender behind the McLarens during the qualifying session. During the race, Ferrari was missing that crucial extra speed to effectively compete with Norris, resulting in them securing second place in the constructors' championship.

Lewis Hamilton – 9

During the Q1 segment at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton was not to blame for his elimination, which occurred after he accidentally drove over a bollard. In the race, he impressed with an exceptional final run on medium tires, highlighted by an incredible overtake of his teammate Russell, ultimately finishing in fourth place.

Pierre Gasly – 9

Gasly showcased his skills once again with a strong performance in Abu Dhabi. He began the race from fifth position and concluded it as the top driver among the midfield competitors, securing seventh place. It was a commendable way to wrap up the season.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8.5

Similar to Gasly, Hulkenberg had an impressive performance in the F1 midfield over the weekend. The sole downside was a grid penalty he received for passing another car while exiting the pit lane. Other than that, his driving remains exceptional.

Charles Leclerc – 8.5

Starting from 19th position, Leclerc made an impressive climb to eighth place by the end of the first lap in Abu Dhabi. Nevertheless, he is likely to lament the error he made during qualifying, which resulted in his elimination in Q2.

Fernando Alonso – 8.5

Alonso had another weekend that flew under the radar. He secured a spot in the top 10 during both qualifying and the race. Given the current circumstances, Aston Martin couldn't really expect more from him.

George Russell earned a score of 7.5 for his performance. He once again led the Mercedes team during the qualifying rounds, showcasing his consistent Saturday form. Despite this, Hamilton appeared to have the upper hand in Abu Dhabi, managing to close a 14-second gap during the final phase of the race and ultimately finishing in front of Russell.

Alex Albon – 7

Albon was positioned within the top 10 with about 12 laps remaining, but ultimately got overtaken by Alonso and Piastri. Williams didn't have the speed necessary to secure points during this weekend's race.

Yuki Tsunoda – 6.5

Yuki Tsunoda had a rough beginning, which immediately put him at a disadvantage. The driver from Japan suggested that a problem with the clutch might have caused his sluggish start, an issue that also impacted his initial pit stop. Nevertheless, considering the drivers who ended up in the top 10, earning points was a challenging goal for VCARB this weekend.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Magnussen found himself on the less effective two-stop strategy, which ultimately failed to deliver good results. His race took a turn for the worse when Bottas collided with him at Turn 6, effectively destroying his chances.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri was not at fault for the incident with Verstappen at the first corner. If not for an unnecessary collision with Colapinto following the Virtual Safety Car, he likely would have secured at least a seventh-place finish.

Max Verstappen – 6

Verstappen had a tumultuous weekend. He erred on his initial Q3 attempt and later attempted an ambitious move on Piastri, resulting in both drivers spinning.

Liam Lawson – 6

Lawson faced a challenging weekend, as he was once again outpaced by Tsunoda in qualifying for the sixth consecutive race. His race took a turn for the worse due to an improperly secured front-left tire, leading to a 10-second stop-and-go penalty.

Zhou Guanyu received a rating of 5.5. His issues with single-lap performance resurfaced, resulting in his exit during the Q1 session. During the race, he delivered a steady but unremarkable performance and incurred a five-second time penalty due to a false start.

Lance Stroll – 5.5

Stroll began the race on a strong note, but his chances of scoring points gradually diminished. He received a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits.

Franco Colapinto – 5.5

In his last race with Williams, Franco Colapinto did not finish because of an engine failure. Prior to this, he was involved in a collision with Piastri, which resulted in a tire puncture.

Sergio Perez – 5.5

Perez's season concluded fittingly with a Did Not Finish (DNF) during the race's initial lap. He got involved in the chaos at the start, and a crash with Bottas forced him to bow out early.

Jack Doohan – 5.5

Jack Doohan's first Formula 1 race was less than impressive. He lacked speed but managed to avoid any incidents. This race provided valuable experience for the Australian as he looks forward to next season.

Valtteri Bottas – 4.5

Bottas shone during the qualifying rounds, reaching Q3 for only the second time this year. However, the race was chaotic, despite an impressive beginning. An incident with Perez led to a 10-second penalty, and a collision with Magnussen ended his race prematurely. He also received a grid penalty, which he might not have to face if he doesn't come back to Formula 1.

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Current Status of Michael Schumacher: Insights on the F1 Icon

Renowned as one of the top racing drivers in history, Michael Schumacher has cemented his legacy in Formula 1.

However, Schumacher's existence took a drastic turn after he was involved in a terrible skiing accident on December 29, 2013.

The seven-time world champion has remained away from public view since then, with his family providing only infrequent updates about his health, which they have kept confidential.

What occurred with Schumacher?

Michael Schumacher found himself in a severe condition following a skiing accident with his son Mick at the Meribel ski resort in France on December 29, 2013.

At the age of 44, he had recently retired from Formula 1 for the second time after the conclusion of the previous season. His comeback to the racing world was with Mercedes, where he competed from 2010 to 2012.

Schumacher sustained severe brain injuries after falling and striking his head on a rock, despite wearing a helmet. He was in a coma when he was brought to a hospital in France.

He had emergency surgery right away, followed by another procedure later that night.

According to a report by Germany’s Bild newspaper, Schumacher's situation deteriorated, leading doctors to perform a procedure involving drilling holes in his skull to alleviate brain pressure.

Reports indicate that Schumacher managed to leave the scene of the accident on his own, mentioning only that he felt somewhat unsettled.

In September 2014, Schumacher was transferred to a larger facility in Grenoble and later taken back to his home in Switzerland to further his recovery.

What is Schumacher's current condition?

The Schumacher family has chosen to stay silent regarding the 54-year-old's health, respecting his desire for privacy.

In 2014, The Telegraph published a report stating that Schumacher was unable to move and confined to a wheelchair.

In September 2021, the family offered an uncommon update coinciding with the debut of a Netflix documentary detailing the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna Schumacher, the wife of the legendary racer who has won 91 grand prix events, mentioned that he is "not the same, but he is present."

Corinna expressed that he continues to demonstrate his strength daily. "As a family, we're striving to move forward," she added.

She mentioned, "We share a residence and participate in therapy sessions."

"We are doing all we can to improve Michael's condition and ensure his comfort. Our goal is to make him feel the strength of our family connection and love."

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am committed to doing everything possible. We all share this commitment. Meanwhile, we are moving forward with our lives."

According to reports from the German press, as the 10th anniversary of his skiing accident approaches in late 2023, Schumacher is under constant care provided by a team that could include as many as 15 caregivers. To help trigger brain activity with recognizable sounds, he has been taken for drives in a Mercedes road car and exposed to audio from Formula 1 races.

Mick Schumacher, son of the renowned racer, has embarked on his Formula 1 career with Haas in 2021, following his victory in the F2 championship.

The young driver, aged 23, had a two-year stint in Formula 1 racing with the Haas team, achieving his top result with a sixth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2022. Presently, he serves as the reserve driver for Mercedes, the same team where his father concluded his racing career.

In March 2017, Mick spoke openly for the first time about his father, referring to him as "my idol" and "my role model."

In the Netflix documentary about Schumacher, Mick expressed that he "would sacrifice anything" just to have the opportunity to discuss racing with his father, Michael.

Who stops by to see Michael Schumacher?

Jean Todt, who used to lead Ferrari and previously served as the president of the FIA, disclosed that he is among the limited number of people permitted to visit Schumacher and that they watch Formula 1 races together.

"I don't feel Michael's absence because I visit him," Todt shared with German broadcaster RTL. "However, I do long for the activities we once enjoyed together."

Indeed, it's correct—I watch the races alongside Michael.

Eddie Jordan, the former team principal who provided Schumacher with his first significant opportunity in Formula 1, is not permitted to visit but supports the family's choice.

He described it to The Sun as an extremely terrible ordeal for Mick and Corinna.

For almost a decade, Corinna has been unable to attend social events, whether it's a gathering, a meal, or anything else. She feels trapped because people constantly want to discuss Michael with her, even though she doesn't need to be reminded of it all the time.

What information is available on Michael Schumacher?

In 2023, Felix Damm, the attorney representing Schumacher, clarified the reasons for the absence of a conclusive update regarding the health status of the Formula 1 icon.

He mentioned that their main focus was on safeguarding personal matters. They thought about whether releasing a comprehensive report on Michael's health would be an appropriate method to achieve this.

"However, that wouldn't have concluded the situation, as there would have been a need for regular updates on 'water level reports.' Additionally, the family wouldn't have had control over when the media stopped being interested in the story."

He mentioned that the media might repeatedly revisit such a report, asking questions like, "How does the situation appear now?" several months or even years later. He further remarked that if there was any desire to challenge this kind of coverage, it would necessitate addressing the issue of voluntary self-disclosure.

When private details are revealed by friends or acquaintances rather than the individual in question, it does not count as the person willingly sharing their own private information.

At the end of 2024, Lewis Hamilton penned an introductory tribute for a book focusing on Schumacher.

The book titled "World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher" delves into the various vehicles that the legendary F1 driver, Michael Schumacher, used during his racing career.

In his book, Hamilton stated: "Michael is one of the iconic figures in our sport. For those who grow up with a love for motorsport, certain individuals always stand out, and Michael was undeniably an inspiration for aspiring drivers."

His quickness, strong work ethic, unwavering determination, and consistency throughout his lengthy career and outstanding performance are truly commendable.

Hamilton remarked, "Regarding Michael's legacy, I choose to concentrate on him as an individual rather than as a rival."

The essence lies not in accolades or awards, but in the family that he and Corinna built together.

"Their exceptional qualities, modest nature, and genuine character speak volumes about Michael's principles far better than I could express."

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Martin Brundle reveals his top grid walk moment in Formula 1.

Martin Brundle described his conversation with Mika Hakkinen before one of Hakkinen's Formula 1 championship wins as the highlight of his grid walk experiences.

Beginning in the late 1990s, Brundle's grid walk has become a well-known and beloved segment among fans and viewers globally.

The British individual regularly converses with both race car drivers and various famous personalities on the track prior to the playing of the national

In 2024, Brundle is still conducting his well-known grid walks for Sky Sports in the UK.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle shared his thoughts on his extensive broadcasting career, with a particular focus on his experiences conducting grid walks.

Brundle described his conversation with Hakkinen as the highlight of his time on the grid.

Mika Hakkinen secured his two Formula 1 championships at the Suzuka circuit, defeating Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Eddie Irvine in 1999.

"In that regard, he mentioned that he would invariably begin with the drivers."

In a conversation with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, we recalled a funny incident that happened in Brazil. One of the standout moments for me occurred at Suzuka, where I was at the front of the starting grid. Mika Hakkinen was in pole position with an opportunity to clinch the world championship, and I arrived just as he was putting on his balaclava.

"We used to be teammates at McLaren and are still quite familiar with each other. He glanced at me, as if urging me on, so I asked him, 'Mika, is it possible for you to clinch the world championship today?' He confidently replied, 'Yes, I can.'"

"The balaclava is pulled down, the helmet is put on, he enters the car, and secures the world championship title."

"In my view, this is a one-of-a-kind chance for broadcasting content. What other sport allows for this?"

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Michael Schumacher was an expert at playing mind games, which left me feeling inadequate. In that environment, kindness was not an option; you had to take advantage of any vulnerability.

Damon Hill has shared insights into his intricate relationship with Michael Schumacher.

Three decades ago, Schumacher secured his inaugural Formula 1 title while driving for Benetton.

In a well-known incident in Australia in 1994, Schumacher and his championship competitor Hill collided and had to withdraw from the race. As neither driver scored any points, Schumacher clinched the championship.

However, many within the Formula 1 community held the future German legend accountable for the incident, which is now seen as a minor detail in the narrative of his notoriously aggressive driving style.

Hill mentioned to Bild that despite having a good relationship with Michael off the track, they had a strong rivalry when racing.

"If you aim to become a Formula 1 world champion, there was and still is no alternative."

"There was no space for politeness. One must take advantage of every vulnerability in their adversary and exhaust them."

Michael excelled at playing mind games. He caused me to doubt my abilities and feel inadequate.

"He informed the media as well. Given his numerous victories at the time, there was every reason to trust his words."

Hill mentioned about his former competitor: "Michael was not only highly competitive, but also a very kind-hearted individual."

Schumacher achieved a historic seven Formula 1 world titles following his legendary period with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has equaled the record and is set to move to Ferrari in 2025, with the ambition of surpassing Schumacher to achieve the highest record of all time.

Hill clinched the F1 title in 1996, two years following his notable clash with Schumacher in Australia.

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

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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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A £30 million payout is being suggested, however, Adrian Newey is considered a "steal" as he’s deemed "underpaid."

"Martin Brundle constantly refers to Newey as being shamefully undercompensated."

It has been asserted that Adrian Newey's substantial paycheck from Aston Martin will be fully justified.

The chief technology officer of Red Bull is set to begin his tenure at Aston Martin in a few months, taking on the role of managing technical partner and becoming a shareholder.

Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire proprietor of Aston Martin, is set to offer Newey a salary higher than what 18 out of the current 20 F1 drivers earn, in his quest for success.

"Among the numerous figures available publicly, the one I have the most faith in is a fundamental annual salary of $25 million, which amounts to just below £20 million," Craig Slater from Sky Sports revealed.

The additional bonuses might increase it by 50%, taking it to £30 million.

The contract spans a duration of five years, yet due to his status as a shareholder, its term might extend indefinitely.

"These conditions are superior to what any other party proposed."

"Eddie Jordan played a forceful role on behalf of Newey during the negotiations. Initially, the bids opened at $50 million, but Lawrence Stroll managed to reduce that amount, according to what I've heard."

Martin Brundle consistently refers to Newey as shockingly undercompensated.

Ted Kravitz remarked, "It’s a steal. Stroll mentioned he was a great deal."

"Shifting from fifth to fourth place in the constructors' rankings can net you £15m. Climbing from fifth to first over a few years could bring in around £50m."

Slater mentioned, "He'll be working here on a full-time basis. While at Red Bull, he was engaged in various other initiatives."

"He indicated his willingness to put forth a solid, strenuous effort. The emphasis is on Formula 1; any project related to production cars is considered for the future.

"The main focus is on ensuring the Formula 1 team secures victories."

Newey is set to join the team based in Silverstone starting in March.

The most celebrated Formula 1 car designer will be available to supervise the development of Aston Martin's 2026 vehicle, possibly providing them with a significant edge as the new rules come into effect.

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

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