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

The Spanish motorcyclist discussed the trials of the V4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Gresini's MotoGP Team, Reminiscent of Moto2, Was Vital for Marc Marquez

The eight-time global champion shares how Gresini significantly propelled him forward in 2024

Marc Marquez expressed that his season with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's ambiance to that of a Moto2 squad.

In a bold career move, the Spanish rider decided to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023, opting instead to join Gresini's team and race with a GP23 Ducati last season as his performance started to decline.

Marquez decided to see if he could maintain his speed in MotoGP and still find joy in it, following a challenging four-year period starting in 2020 due to a significant arm injury that impacted his career.

The eight-time global champion secured triumphs in three grand prix events, achieving his initial wins since 2021, and subsequently landed a factory Ducati deal for 2025.

In a conversation with the press, which included Crash.net, during the season's last race, Marquez mentioned that collaborating with Gresini reignited his "love" for the sport.

"Being part of a satellite team reignited my enthusiasm for motorcycles," he shared.

Certainly, at Honda, as you're aware, I was fortunate to have companions and a truly excellent team of people.

"However, the reality is that being part of a factory team entails a more serious commitment."

"This version feels more relaxed and approachable, evoking memories of a time with a Moto2 team in a different sense, particularly in how you'd communicate directly with the team leader."

"Therefore, those in charge of making the ultimate choices, in this instance, you can approach Nadia [Padovani] and have a conversation with her. You can express your thoughts, and she'll respond, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"

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

"With a competent satellite team and a high-quality motorcycle, impressive achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, similar to what other racers accomplished in past years with Gresini."

"They possess an extensive background and considerable expertise in handling a variety of circumstances."

Last week, Marquez announced his decision to join the factory Ducati team, which will result in the termination of his individual sponsorship deal with Red Bull. However, he does not plan to become a sponsored athlete of Monster Energy.

Recently, Crash.net had a discussion with Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief for Marquez's team in 2024, in a unique episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, accessible below.

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Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia’s Odd Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons

‘Grasping It Was Challenging’

Maverick Vinales has shared insights into an odd aspect of his time racing for Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the latter half of the season consistently posed challenges for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider teamed up with Aprilia towards the end of the 2021 season after parting ways with Yamaha under tense circumstances. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, concluding at the close of 2024.

Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory at the Grand Prix level aboard the RS-GP during the 2024 Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior round held in Portugal.

Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia were puzzled by their unexpected speed during that stage of the championship.

Vinales pointed out that it wasn't just in America where he felt at his peak with the Aprilia; he mentioned that during his tenure, the performance of the RS-GP consistently dipped in the latter part of the season.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of achievement during several races."

"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I'm confident that race could have been another victory for me, without a doubt. There were also several other races where I had a very positive vibe."

"The motorcycle demonstrated considerable promise during certain segments of the competition, yet from my experience over the years with Aprilia, a recurring challenge was the latter half of the season, which proved to be quite tough for all Aprilia riders."

"It's challenging to grasp since we usually perform well on these tracks. However, when we enter the latter half of the season, it consistently becomes tough."

During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, the Aprilia factory team secured three sprint race victories, one grand prix win, and finished in the top five in four of the Sunday races.

Over the past 10 races, it achieved only two top-three finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a Grand Prix, dropping to third place in the team rankings, behind KTM – the team Vinales will be joining in 2025 through the Tech3 squad.

Vinales suggests that Aprilia started each season at the peak performance of their bike, whereas their competitors improved and performed better as the year progressed.

"When questioned about the reasons behind this pattern, he replied, 'I'm not sure, as we've attempted every possible solution.'"

"We altered the swingarms, the chassis, and everything else in an attempt to comprehend the issue at hand."

"However, my perspective is that we began at our peak while others initially faced some difficulties adapting to the new bike, and then they progressed further."

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Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia's Unusual Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons

'Grasping it was challenging'

Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time at Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the "latter half of the season always proved to be quite challenging" for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider switched to Aprilia toward the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha, completing three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer through to the conclusion of 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his maiden grand prix victory on the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following a commendable performance in the preceding Portugal round.

Later on, he conceded that both he and Aprilia were at a loss to explain their exceptional speed during that stage of the competition.

Vinales observed that his peak performance on the Aprilia wasn't exclusive to his time in America, mentioning that during his tenure, the RS-GP consistently experienced a decline in performance as the year progressed into its latter half.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of satisfaction during several races."

"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I firmly believe that race had the potential for a win. There were also several other races where I felt particularly confident.

"The motorcycle demonstrated significant promise during certain stages of the championship, yet from my experience with Aprilia over the years, the latter half of the season consistently proved to be a challenging period for all the Aprilia bikes.

"It's perplexing because we usually perform well on these tracks. However, entering the latter half of the championship season, challenges always seem to arise."

During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, Aprilia's official team secured victories in three sprints, triumphed in one grand prix, and finished among the top five in four Sunday races.

Over the previous 10 races, it secured only two podium finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a grand prix, dropping to third place in the constructors' rankings, behind KTM. Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025 with the Tech3 squad.

Vinales suggests that the explanation lies in Aprilia starting each season at the peak of the bike's performance, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.

"When questioned about the reasons behind this trend, he expressed uncertainty, stating, 'We've attempted every possible solution.'"

"We modified the swingarms, the frame, and all other components in an effort to grasp the root of the issue."

"Perhaps my perspective is that we began at our peak performance, while the others initially found it challenging to adapt to the new bike, before they eventually made progress."

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Title: The Significance of the Gresini MotoGP Team for Marc Marquez, Comparable to Moto2

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez discusses the pivotal support he received from the Gresini team in 2024.

Marc Marquez expressed that his time racing with Gresini Racing in MotoGP rekindled his enthusiasm for motorcycles. He compared the team's environment to that of a Moto2 team.

The Spanish rider made a significant career gamble as his performance started to decline, deciding to leave the factory Honda team one year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023. He switched to a GP23 Ducati with the Gresini team last season.

Marquez decided to test if he could still perform at high speeds in MotoGP and find joy in the sport, following four challenging years since his significant arm injury in 2020.

The rider, who has claimed the world championship title eight times, secured three grand prix wins, marking his first triumphs since 2021, and secured a deal with the Ducati factory team for the 2025 season.

During the season's final round, Marquez shared with reporters, such as those from Crash.net, that partnering with Gresini reignited his "passion" for racing.

He compared being part of a satellite team to his enthusiasm for motorcycles.

Certainly, during my time at Honda, I had close friends there and worked with an excellent team of people.

"However, being part of a factory team means that everything becomes a bit more serious."

"In this situation, everything feels more laid-back and familiar. It brings to mind, albeit differently, my time with a Moto2 team, where I would have direct conversations with the team leader."

"The individuals responsible for making the ultimate decisions should approach Nadia Padovani. You can express your opinion to her, and she will respond with something like, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"

"Naturally, having the bicycle is the crucial aspect."

"A well-equipped satellite team can accomplish impressive results, as I experienced this year, similar to what other riders achieved in past years with Gresini."

"They possess extensive history and substantial experience in handling various situations."

Last week, Marquez announced that by joining the factory Ducati team, he will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull, but he has no plans to sign with Monster Energy as a sponsor.

Crash.net recently had an interview with Frankie Carchedi, who will be Marquez's crew chief for 2024, to talk about the upcoming season. This conversation is featured in a special episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, which is available below.

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Vinales sheds light on an unusual aspect of Aprilia's recent MotoGP efforts

‘Comprehending it was challenging’

Maverick Vinales has commented on an unusual aspect of his time with Aprilia in MotoGP, observing that the RS-GP consistently faced significant challenges during the latter half of the season.

In the final part of the 2021 season, the Spanish rider became part of Aprilia after a contentious departure from Yamaha. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian company, continuing until 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his solitary grand prix victory riding the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior race held in Portugal.

Nonetheless, he later confessed that both he and Aprilia are unsure about the reasons behind their high speed during that particular stage of the championship.

Vinales mentioned that the United States wasn't the only place where he felt at his peak with Aprilia. However, he observed that during his tenure, the RS-GP's performance consistently declined in the latter part of each year.

He mentioned in Barcelona last month that there were several races where he felt fantastic.

"In the 2023 Le Mans race, I had an accident. However, I believe that this race had the potential to be another victory for me. There were also other races where I felt really confident."

"The motorcycle demonstrated impressive capabilities during certain segments of the championship. However, a recurring issue throughout my time with Aprilia was that the latter half of the season proved to be quite challenging for all the Aprilia bikes."

"It's challenging to comprehend since these tracks usually work well for us. However, when we reach the latter half of the championship, things consistently become tough."

During the initial 10 rounds of the 2024 season, the factory Aprilia team secured three wins in sprint races, clinched a grand prix victory, and achieved top-five finishes on four Sundays.

Over the past ten races, the team only achieved two sprint podium finishes and secured a top five position in just one grand prix. This decline resulted in the team dropping to third place in the constructors' championship, falling behind KTM. Notably, Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025, aligning with the Tech3 team.

Vinales suggests that this was because Aprilia started each season with their bike already performing at its peak, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.

When questioned about the possible reasons behind this trend, he responded by saying, "I'm not sure, as we've exhausted all options."

"We modified the swingarms and chassis, among other components, in an effort to figure out the issue."

"Perhaps what I think happened is that we began at our peak performance, while others were having some difficulties with their new bikes, and then they improved."

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Vinales uncovers an unusual trend in Aprilia's latest MotoGP efforts

‘It was hard to comprehend’

Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time with Aprilia in the MotoGP series, pointing out that the "second half of the season was consistently challenging" for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider became part of the Aprilia team towards the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha. He completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, continuing until the conclusion of 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory on the RS-GP at the Americas Grand Prix, following an impressive performance in the prior race in Portugal.

Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia are unsure about the reasons behind their impressive speed during that stage of the championship.

Vinales mentioned that the United States wasn't the sole instance where he felt at his peak on the Aprilia. He also observed that during his time there, the performance of the RS-GP typically declined in the latter half of each year.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned that there were several races where he felt really good."

"In the 2023 Le Mans race, I unfortunately had a crash. However, I believe that could have been another victory for me, definitely. There were also other races where I felt really positive."

Throughout the championship, the bike demonstrated significant promise in certain sections. However, a recurring theme during my time with Aprilia has been the challenging nature of the latter half of the season for all Aprilia motorcycles.

"It's challenging to comprehend since these tracks usually favor us. However, once we reach the latter half of the championship, things consistently become tough."

During the initial 10 rounds of the 2024 season, the factory Aprilia team secured three wins in sprint races, clinched a grand prix victory, and finished in the top five on four Sundays.

Over the past 10 races, the team only achieved two podium finishes in sprint events and secured just one top-five finish in a grand prix, causing it to drop to third place in the constructors' championship, falling behind KTM. Notably, Vinales is set to join KTM's Tech3 team in 2025.

Vinales suggests that the reason for this trend is that Aprilia starts each season with their motorcycle performing at its peak, whereas their competitors improve as the year progresses.

"I'm not sure, as we've attempted all possible solutions," he replied when questioned about the reason behind this trend.

"We modified the swingarms, chassis, and other components in an effort to figure out the issue."

"Perhaps my thought is that we began at our peak performance while others initially faced challenges with their new bikes, and then they advanced to the next level."

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'Quest for Glory' Jorge Martin 'Surpasses Top Competitors Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez'

2024 world champion commends his rivals in the MotoGP championship

Jorge Martin claims he overcame the peak performances of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez en route to securing the 2024 MotoGP championship.

The departing Pramac competitor was involved in a year-long contest with Ducati’s main team contender Bagnaia, which reached its climax at the last race in Barcelona.

Despite securing just three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11, Martin's steady performance throughout the season enabled him to clinch his inaugural premier class championship by a margin of 10 points.

During a conversation on the official MotoGP site after securing his championship win, Martin lauded both Bagnaia and Marquez. Marquez triumphed three times in 2024 riding the previous year's Ducati managed by Gresini.

"Martin expressed amazement at his victory over the top-performing Pecco, who had claimed victory in 11 races."

"Indeed, Pecco was at his finest. I believe Marc too was at the peak of his performance. Perhaps his motorcycle wasn't the top of the line; it seemed he lacked a bit in that department."

"Truly, he was the finest Marc out there. I can guarantee he pushed himself to the edge. And I still managed to outdo the both of them.

"Definitely, I must enhance my performance as, despite my consistency, I only secured victories in three Sundays."

"I had two accidents at the front, so there's definitely space for enhancement, and I'll aim to achieve that."

During the same conversation, Martin expressed his career aspirations, stating, "My goal is to become a legendary figure in MotoGP."

"I aspire to be commemorated as an exceptional motorcyclist alongside legends such as Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez."

Reflecting on his victory in Barcelona, Martin shared that his mind immediately went back to the accident in Portugal during his first season in 2021, which resulted in several injuries.

"It remains hard to believe," he commented about his championship.

Following the race, I was overwhelmed with emotions and truly amazed.

Before drifting off to sleep, tears were streaming down my face as I lay alone in bed. Maria was already asleep when the tears began to flow.

"I recall vividly the challenging times, the difficulties we faced."

"The key point is that I didn't quit. Reflecting on the time in Portimao, I was bedridden with nine injuries, unable to walk for a month. Yet, here I am now. It's unbelievable."

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KTM permitted to proceed as employment cut predictions decrease in pivotal court session

Austrian company facing difficulties receives significant support on Friday

Following a hearing on Friday, the Ried Regional Court has allowed KTM to proceed with its operations, and the initially anticipated number of staff reductions has been decreased.

The motorcycle maker from Austria is facing a severe financial downturn, as KTM is reported to owe upwards of €1.8 billion, based on information from associations that protect creditors.

In recent months, numerous employees have been dismissed, and it is anticipated that there will be additional layoffs. Moreover, wages for November and December remain unpaid to date.

Nonetheless, after a court session at the Ried Regional Court in Austria on Friday, KTM received permission to proceed.

As reported by the Austrian broadcaster ORF, KTM's reorganization efforts will continue as scheduled, with the company deemed to have "adequate financial reserves" until its forthcoming review session.

The anticipated figure for job cuts has been reduced from 500 to 300, and it is expected that workers will receive their wages for November and December by the end of January.

The compensation will be sourced from the fund set aside for insolvency wages.

According to ORF, KTM's chief Stefan Pierer was absent from the Regional Court proceedings, with Gottfried Neumeister, the Co-CEO, stepping in to represent the company.

KTM's revamp strategy might receive a financial uplift from three entities considering an investment via the Pierer Mobility Group, reportedly amounting to as much as €700 million.

The halt in production by the manufacturer, initiated last week, is set to continue through the end of February due to an excess inventory of 130,000 units that remain unsold in a warehouse.

KTM is scheduled for a creditors review on January 24, followed by a decision on its reorganization proposal on February 25, where creditors are presented with a two-year plan to receive 30% repayment.

As of now, there has been no formal announcement regarding the effect of this recent progress on KTM's MotoGP initiative.

Several leaders have maintained since November that plans for 2025 will proceed as scheduled.

Nonetheless, there are circulating reports suggesting that KTM plans to halt progress on its 2025 motorcycle model due to the firm's current financial difficulties.

KTM has yet to verify this information.

This week, it was revealed by the management that they will be divesting the 50.1% controlling interest in the Italian marque MV Agusta, previously held by KTM. Concurrently, Jeremy McWilliams, a veteran test rider for KTM, has been let go from his position.

Austria's financial sector is currently investigating KTM to determine if the Pierer Mobility Group adhered to this year's disclosure rules.

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Ducati's MotoGP leader highlights the main issue facing the team in 2025

Gigi Dall’Igna focuses on the hurdles Ducati will face in 2025

Ducati's chief executive, Gigi Dall’Igna, has disclosed that the primary challenge facing Ducati for the 2025 MotoGP season stems from competing manufacturers employing increasingly skilled riders.

The Italian brand led the charge in the 2024 season, as its competitors clinched victories in 19 out of the 20 major races, securing both the manufacturers’ and riders’ championships for Ducati.

For the 2025 racing season, Ducati will have fewer bikes competing, with the number dropping from eight to six. This change comes as Pramac decided to switch to Yamaha following Marc Marquez's move to the main team. Additionally, there will be only three of Ducati's GP25 factory models on the track, down from four.

Dall'Igna doesn't view the decrease in Ducati's motorcycle count as an issue, pointing out that other brands have expanded their presence on the grid without seeing significant improvements in their performance lately.

The concern for Ducati in 2025 lies in the departure of formidable competitors such as Jorge Martin, the 2024 world champion, and Enea Bastianini, who have both inked deals with competing teams.

"Frankly, no," Dall'Igna responded last month to inquiries about whether Ducati's diminished role in 2025 would pose an issue.

"However, the main issue appears to be that competing brands may have superior riders. Historically, when observing certain brands, like Aprilia, which expanded its lineup from two to four bikes, the outcomes remained largely unchanged."

"Hence, I believe that having merely six bikes, six riders on the grid, won't actually be the main issue for us."

"The core issue here is that Martin is transitioning to a different firm, and the same applies to Enea. It appears this is what distinguishes the years 2024 and 2025."

Initially, Ducati intended to elevate Martin to its official team by 2025, but Marquez's refusal to accept a factory bike at Pramac led to a change in plans.

Despite Martin's championship victory with Pramac, Dall’Igna insists that there are no second thoughts regarding Ducati's choices for 2025.

"Definitely, we gave it considerable thought before making this choice," he further stated.

Additionally, we believed that this year could be the one where Martin secures the championship title.

"After consideration, we made the decision."

"Thus, my opinion remains unchanged currently, and I am firmly of the belief that we're offering the Ducati riders the optimal solution available."

Regarding Ducati's choice to decrease its number of factory bikes from four to three, Dall'Igna commented, "This move is financially the most advantageous."

"By rotating three bicycles into the subsequent season, you enhance economic efficiency."

"From a technical perspective, having four factory bikes instead of three doesn't actually offer a significant benefit."

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KTM remains determined despite economic turmoil

KTM provides an update following the decision of the Regional Court last Friday

KTM affirms its commitment to maintaining momentum through 2025 despite facing a financial crunch, following the Regional Court's Friday decision which allows the company to proceed as is.

According to a Friday report by ORF, the Austrian producer has accumulated debts surpassing €1.8 billion, after opting for self-administration in the previous month to avoid insolvency.

Numerous employees have been dismissed, and an additional 300 job cuts are anticipated, which is less than the initially projected 500 by KTM.

Manufacturing is on pause until the end of February, and employees must wait until the end of January at the earliest to receive their wages for November and December.

On Friday, during a hearing at the Regional Court, KTM received approval to maintain its existing structure. Meanwhile, three entities have shown a willingness to inject as much as 700 million euros to support its ongoing restructuring efforts.

A meeting with creditors is scheduled for January 24, followed by a vote on its reorganization strategy at the end of February.

There hasn't been much formal communication regarding KTM's MotoGP initiative set for 2025, however, top officials from the company have previously stated that the project is expected to proceed without any changes.

Subsequently, there were media speculations about a halt in the development of the 2025 RC16.

KTM has issued a communication regarding the ongoing scenario, indicating its dedication to continue its involvement in racing activities by 2025, without explicitly referencing MotoGP.

The complete declaration reads as follows:

"'READY TO RACE' transcends a mere catchphrase for KTM; it encapsulates our very purpose. The competitive arena is a mix of triumphs and setbacks, courage and disillusionment, as well as wins and losses. The year 2024 has brought a series of triumphs alongside hurdles for the organization.

"As we move towards 2025 and beyond, numerous challenges and obstacles await us – yet, we remain undeterred and continue to push forward with full force."

2024 stands out as an exceptional year for KTM, characterized by daring advancements, exhilarating triumphs, and steadfast commitment to our customers. Although obstacles inevitably arise in any significant endeavor, we view them as chances to hasten our progress towards a more promising future.

There's no hiding the fact that KTM AG is dealing with changes in the economic environment. Yet, in line with our 'READY TO RACE' slogan, we're taking this opportunity to adjust, recharge, and rejuvenate.

"KTM is wholeheartedly dedicated to providing outstanding experiences for both existing and prospective customers. We are determined to excite and navigate our path back to the forefront of victory."

"Racing is the stage where we display our brand's identity, showcase our engineering prowess, and express our zeal for competition. Throughout the last year, our motorsport teams have consistently reached new heights of success. We kicked off the season holding an impressive tally of 341 FIM World Championship titles."

Throughout their extensive international schedules, they participated in over 1,480 races, securing 246 podium finishes and 150 victories in a range of competitions. Despite facing challenges and sustaining injuries—a common aspect of the sport—KTM remarkably clinched an additional 11 hard-earned championships to their tally.

Away from their usual competitive tracks, KTM has had a bustling year with numerous activities. The company introduced 59 fresh models, organized three global media events attended by 152 partners from the media, executed three events for customers that drew in 283 attendees, and made a significant comeback to EICMA, the biggest motorcycle expo globally, featuring a vast booth spanning 1,635 square meters and showcasing 17 new products from KTM.

KTM is actively promoting these latest motorcycles and is focused on keeping progress on track in key sectors. The company is also embracing a proactive strategy while going through this period of reorganization.

"In the coming three months, our aim is to secure the company's stability while laying the groundwork for continuous growth and prosperity."

During this time frame, KTM commits to maintaining the supply of motorcycles via our Certified KTM Dealer network. This commitment also extends to our spare parts, technical accessories, customer service support, and warranties, all of which will continue without alteration, providing consistent and steadfast assistance throughout this duration.

"The pursuit of cutting-edge, thrill-seeking motorcycles continues unabated. KTM is gearing up for the unveiling of several eagerly awaited new models, set to hit dealership floors in the early months of 2025. This move reaffirms our commitment to maintaining our status as a premier motorcycle brand in Europe for years to come."

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