EXCLUSIVE – Joan Mir Reflects: "My 2019 ICU Stay Deserved a Documentary!"

"Toprak's Achievement Was Undoubtedly Spectacular"

A competitor who deeply admires Toprak Razgatlioglu's remarkable success in defeating a severe lung injury to clinch the previous year's WorldSBK championship is Joan Mir, a one-time adversary in the Red Bull Rookies competition.

An often overlooked incident in Mir's professional journey occurred when the would-be MotoGP titleholder was admitted to the hospital following a severe testing crash at Brno in August 2019, during his first season at the top level.

A malfunction led to Mir's Suzuki going out of control at a speed of 300km/h, heading into Turn 1. This incident resulted in his GSX-RR flying beyond the trackside barriers, prompting immediate response from ambulance crews to assist Mir.

Mir was flown to a nearby hospital where doctors identified a ‘lung bruise’ as the cause of his condition. After he went back to Spain, he was immediately moved to a different medical facility in Barcelona to receive additional care.

"In the ICU, I recall it took me a whole week before I could stand up again," Mir, who currently rides for factory Honda, shared with Crash.net.

"The issue is that our production was quite limited, and the cameras didn't capture the actual events as they unfolded."

"We didn't produce a documentary! However, that doesn't imply it was easy," he said with a smile.

Following an absence from two races, Mir made a comeback to MotoGP competition and subsequently achieved his highest finish of his debut season, securing fifth position at Phillip Island.

However, the recovery process, both physical and mental, was prolonged.

He went on to say, "The difficulty was immense. My energy was completely drained since staying in the hospital for a week or two means you cease all activities and end up losing weight."

"Additionally, returning to cycling proved difficult due to my mishap being caused by a technical issue."

"Thus, you must regain confidence in the motorcycle. It posed a significantly tough obstacle."

"Even after two months, traces of blood remained"

"Even after two months, there were still traces of blood and air bubbles present in the lungs.

"It was challenging. An extremely brutal accident. Likely one of the most severe I've witnessed."

"It would have been wise to create a documentary [to capture everything]! However, when you're in the midst of it, events unfold rapidly."

"Reflecting on the past often reveals the challenges you faced."

Merely a season after, Mir clinched the title of MotoGP champion in 2020.

"A year on, that's incredible," he said with a smile.

Razgatlioglu's accomplishment last year was also described as 'fantastic'.

The Turkish racer was on his way to securing BMW’s inaugural WorldSBK championship title when he encountered a severe crash against a barrier at Magny-Cours, which resulted in a punctured lung. This incident broke his impressive 13-race winning streak and sidelined him for two events.

Nonetheless, Razgatlioglu made a comeback to seize the championship.

"Mir expressed admiration for Toprak's incredible achievement in securing the championship despite the heightened challenges."

"I sincerely extend my congratulations to him. He emerged as the most formidable competitor in the previous season."

"I'm truly delighted on his behalf. We've been acquainted since our days at the Rookies Cup back in 2014, and he's genuinely a good person."

Defending MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin clinched the 2014 Rookies Cup, edging out Mir, while Razgatlioglu secured a victory in one of the races, finishing sixth overall.

In 2015, Martin entered the Moto3 global championship during the same period Mir was securing victories in the CEV Junior series and marked his Grand Prix debut through a wild-card entry.

In the meantime, Razgatlioglu embarked on a unique journey that culminated in securing two World Superbike championships, starting with a victory in the European Superstock 600 Championship.

Razgatlioglu's name keeps popping up in connection with MotoGP, and should BMW decide to enter the top tier, he may rejoin the lineup with Martin and Mir.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's health struggles.

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Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez's perspective on competing for the championship emphasizes the urgency of contention. "If you're not battling for the title, someone else will claim your spot!"

Historically, Marc Marquez greeted newcomers to the Repsol Honda MotoGP team with a clear message that success was anticipated.

Upon Jorge Lorenzo joining to create a highly anticipated 'dream team' in 2019, Marquez clarified, "A dream team is defined by winning the triple crown."

At Marquez's last Honda unveiling, where he appeared with a new teammate and past champion, Joan Mir, Marquez made a statement:

"Each of us must succeed in races – it's obligatory when you don these hues."

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The dynamics have shifted, as Marquez joins the Ducati Lenovo squad as the fresh face, teaming up with the equally accomplished Francesco Bagnaia in what's being called a 'dream team' for the 2025 season.

When questioned about the potential of competing against Marquez for the championship at Monday's team introduction, Bagnaia found that the Spaniard was able to complete his thought before he could.

Bagnaia started by saying, "Donning the red suit means you must – he [Marquez] is aware that this year…"

Marquez, sporting a playful grin, interjected, "You have to battle for the title! Otherwise, someone else will snatch your ride!"

Elaborating further, two-time champion Bagnaia, who came close to securing a third title but was edged out by Jorge Martin in the previous season, concurred that Marquez is likely to be his primary rival, yet he remained open to the possibility of an unexpected challenger.

"Identifying the competitor each season can be challenging."

"However, considering the bike's capabilities and based on last year's performance, Marc is undoubtedly going to be a tough competitor, indeed the primary challenger."

"Since he has an additional year of familiarity with our bicycle, the latest model will definitely be a better fit for him as it marks an upgrade over last year's version."

"Last year, he was excelling, consistently securing spots on the podium and clinching victories in three races."

"I believe he's going to be the primary competitor, and as the season progresses, we'll identify who the other challengers are."

"It's possible there's another, yet I believe the primary contenders are ourselves."

Marquez: "Primary goal is to be among the top three for the championship"

Marquez, while recognizing the importance of competing for the championship under the factory banner, maintains that achieving a position within the top three of the world championship, similar to last year's accomplishment, would be fulfilling.

"Clearly, my colleague has consistently secured either the first or second spot over the past four years, indicating his exceptional strength. It's only natural to expect him to lead, particularly in the initial races," Marquez stated.

He emerged victorious in eleven competitions. True, he had his share of errors, but victory in eleven races doesn't come without taking risks. Ultimately, it boils down to finding a balance.

"However, as I've mentioned, my goal is to absorb knowledge from him, to grasp how I can elevate my performance to its peak within the Ducati Lenovo team using my unique riding approach. From there, we'll see what happens."

"Aiming for a spot among the top three by the championship's conclusion is our primary goal. Naturally, our sights are set on clinching the title, but securing a position in the top three remains our foremost objective."

Marquez, the victor of six top-tier championships between 2013 and 2019, also stated:

The goal of the team is to attempt victory. Should Pecco be unable to secure a win, I will make an effort to do so. Conversely, if I cannot clinch a victory, he will strive to achieve it.

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Marc Marquez Warns Against Underestimating Ducati's Competitors

He affirms, "We view the other competitors as equals."

Ducati Lenovo's leading riders, Francesco Bagnia and Marc Marquez, have cautioned not to overlook their competitors in 2025.

Bagnaia and his new teammate Marquez, who together hold eight top-tier MotoGP championships, are now the main point of attention for a manufacturer that experienced just a single race loss last season.

Thus, the spotlight is on a showdown between Bagnaia and Marquez for championship dominance, a situation both competitors recognize as anticipated.

VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio will stand as the sole competitor piloting a factory-spec Desmosedici.

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Nonetheless, three ex-Ducati competitors, with the current titleholder Jorge Martin among them, have departed to bolster the rosters of European contenders Aprilia and KTM.

Up-and-coming talent Pedro Acosta brings a year of experience to the table, and Pramac's move to Yamaha has decreased the Ducati lineup from eight to six.

Bagnaia expressed that having fewer Ducati teams might make it challenging to dominate the podiums as they did previously. He mentioned that the KTM competitors, particularly Acosta, are extremely strong. However, he noted that the actual scenario still needs to be observed.

Currently, it's challenging to predict. Aprilia has secured a world champion and brought in Bezzecchi, adding two fresh faces to their lineup. Bezzecchi is aiming to surpass his previous performances, while Jorge is determined to keep his number 1 status. Therefore, it seems Aprilia could be a strong contender.

"Honda and Yamaha are challenging to assess. However, I believe Yamaha made significant progress last year, especially in the final races where they showed improvement, so I anticipate they will continue to advance."

"Honda, I believe, will find it challenging to maintain their current stance, so I anticipate they will make a significant advancement."

"Currently, the primary ones are Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. Let's find out."

Marquez cautioned that it would be risky to predict Ducati's victory in the championship, pointing out that Andrea Dovizioso, who was fifth in 2016, fiercely contested the championship with the Repsol Honda rider the next year.

"The eight-time world champion expressed that believing Ducati is guaranteed to win the championship could create a risky environment."

"However, within our group, we view other producers as being on an equal footing."

"In MotoGP, it's understood, for example, that Yamaha made progress last year. However, they could show up in Malaysia with an updated motorcycle, and they've got Quartararo, who is an exceptionally talented rider."

"KTM remains consistent. Aprilia, Honda… Our arena is MotoGP.

"In my experience battling Dovizioso back in 2017, the key takeaway was the importance of being mindful of all competitors, as circumstances can shift drastically from one season to the next."

Last year, Ducati dominated by securing the first four positions in the rankings, with Martin, Bagnaia, Marquez, and Enea Bastianini leading the pack. The closest competitors were Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta, both riding for KTM, followed by Maverick Vinales from Aprilia.

Among the leading seven, only Bagnaia and Marquez are set to compete under the Ducati banner in 2025.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and Marc Marquez's battles with injuries.

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Honda is eager to make a move in MotoGP before 2027

Honda's team leader, Alberto Puig, implies the company is not solely relying on the rule changes anticipated in 2027

Honda MotoGP team leader Alberto Puig has expressed urgency in enhancing the team's performance, emphasizing that they cannot afford to delay until 2027 to address the struggles they've faced with the RC213V in recent years.

Honda is currently experiencing one of its most challenging periods in its Grand Prix history, with three of the past five seasons passing without a single victory.

In 2024, it ended up at the bottom of the constructors' rankings, accumulating only 75 points. The highest-placed rider from the team, LCR's Johann Zarco, secured the 17th position in the standings.

Amid its ongoing challenges, there is widespread speculation that Honda might channel all its efforts into the new project due to the significant regulatory shift happening in 2027 with the launch of the 850cc engines.

However, during a conversation with Autosport, Puig mentioned that currently, this is not a viable choice for Honda.

"He mentioned in reply to an inquiry regarding the 2027 regulations that companies will continually seek methods to increase the speed of bicycles."

"Regardless of the reduction in controls or devices, the situation remains challenging to address at this moment. However, Honda cannot afford to delay action until 2027, which is why I must consider the upcoming year."

In recent months, Honda has undergone significant changes in its staff, notably bringing on board Romano Albesiano, the ex-technical head of Aprilia, to lead its motorcycle development.

Regarding this, Puig commented, "At the moment, our sole focus is on enhancing the motorcycle."

"This marks the beginning. To accomplish this goal, Honda is dedicating every available resource and its technological capabilities."

"I'm referring not only to monetary assets but also to the workforce."

"This is the reason we chose to bring Romano on board. The primary objective is to enhance the motorcycle."

"We're improvising and putting in our best efforts daily, acknowledging that our current performance isn't up to par."

In recent times, Honda's initiatives in MotoGP and Formula 1 have been grouped under the HRC label, a move that Puig indicates the motorcycle sector is attempting to benefit from.

"He emphasized the need for a distinction, affirming that while Honda is indeed achieving success in Formula 1, it's crucial to recognize that a car and a motorcycle are fundamentally different."

"Honda provides the engines, while Red Bull boasts an impressive team responsible for designing the car."

"In this instance, Honda is responsible for the complete management of the motorcycle. This approach is distinct, yet both fall within the scope of HRC."

"We're making efforts to leverage the opportunities presented by F1, exploring how we can establish connections with what it has to offer."

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Motorcycle racing icon Valentino Rossi will compete in the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour race

Rossi makes a comeback to the renowned Australian endurance race

The WRT BMW team has revealed that renowned MotoGP star Valentino Rossi will participate in the Bathurst 12 Hour race as part of his 2025 motorsport schedule.

Rossi announced earlier this month his intention to concentrate his BMW factory efforts on the LMGT3 category in the World Endurance Championship.

Last season, he participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe with the WRT team. However, he found the number of races overwhelming, especially considering his family obligations and his intention to increase his involvement in MotoGP this year.

Discover more: A closer look at Valentino Rossi's pursuit of his elusive tenth world championship

Last year, Rossi announced his plans to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, which is a segment of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, although it hadn't been officially confirmed.

WRT has officially announced that Rossi will be making a comeback to the race, driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. He will be teaming up with Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weertz.

Previously, Rossi participated in the event as a member of the WRT team during 2023 and 2024. His highest achievement came in the previous year, securing a fifth-place finish overall. At that time, he was co-driving a BMW alongside Marciello and Maxime

In a one-on-one conversation with Crash.net, WRT team leader Vincent Vosse revealed that talks are currently in progress with Rossi regarding participation in several GT races beyond the eight-event WEC schedule.

"He mentioned that there are a few concepts and proposals in consideration, but nothing has been finalized yet."

"However, there are certainly specific races that he finds particularly enjoyable. On those weekends, he's really passionate about participating."

Rossi entered the World Endurance Championship for the first time last year, securing two top-three finishes in the #46 vehicle alongside Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy.

In 2025, he is set to join forces again with Al Harthy, as Kelvin van der Linde, a two-time Nurburgring 24 Hours champion, steps in to take Martin's place in the team.

Vosse, in a statement to Crash, regarding Rossi's decision to prioritize the World Endurance Championship (WEC) over the GT World Challenge Europe, explained: "This choice stems from various factors such as his age, personal life, and career status. Additionally, his business and MotoGP team, VR46, are expanding."

"This year, it seems like they'll require some extra focus since they're welcoming a new member to the squad [Franco Morbidelli], marking what could be considered a fresh chapter for the team."

Vale has also embarked on a new chapter in his life with the arrival of his second child just a few days ago.

"Likely, he believes that the previous year he overextended himself with the number of racing events he participated in."

"Thus, he aimed to decrease the amount of weekends, and it was up to us to determine the most suitable option for him."

"After having a conversation, we concluded that WEC would indeed be an excellent opportunity for him."

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Might 2025 herald the rise of MotoGP's lesser-known Marquez?

While Marc Marquez's move to factory Ducati grabs headlines, his sibling could emerge as an unexpected contender.

It's surprising to think that by the 2025 season, Alex Marquez will have completed his sixth year competing in MotoGP.

In 2020, he was recruited into the top division, taking over for Jorge Lorenzo in the factory Honda team. This move was quickly overshadowed by the chaos brought on by the COVID pandemic, and further turmoil ensued when his teammate, who is also his elder brother, Marc Marquez, suffered a severe arm injury during the first race of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.

When the former 2019 Moto2 and 2014 Moto3 world champion advanced to MotoGP, expectations for his performance were low. His entry into the competition was confirmed shortly after Lorenzo declared he would be retiring, having completed only one year of a two-year agreement with Honda. Moreover, the revelation in February 2020 of Marc Marquez’s major four-year deal implied that Honda Racing Corporation's acquisition of his younger sibling was a condition tied to the contract of the eight-time world champion.

Additionally, he faced the challenge of riding the motorcycle that essentially concluded the career of three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo and resulted in Dani Pedrosa's first season without a victory during his last race in 2018. Alex Marquez found himself in a less than desirable position.

After Honda's designated test rider was out due to an injury, he had to quickly adapt without much guidance. Impressively, he performed well, managing to secure podium finishes at both the French GP and Aragon GP. He stood out as the only Honda competitor to make it to the podium that year.

In 2020, despite a reduced calendar, he managed to rack up 74 points. However, over the next two seasons with LCR Honda, struggles with the bike's performance often left him unable to reach those levels. By 2022, he opted to leave and pursue a fresh opportunity with the Gresini Ducati team.

Switching teams turned out to be a brilliant strategy, as he clinched two victories in sprints and landed on the podium twice in grands prix, propelling him to an all-time high of ninth place in the rankings with 177 points. Nevertheless, the GP23 bike he competed on the previous year presented challenges in terms of adjustment and was noticeably inferior to the GP24. As a result, Marquez secured just a single podium finish but still finished eighth in the overall standings, amassing 173 points.

Despite a slight dip, his average points per race merely decreased from 8.85 to 8.65 in 2024. Moreover, in the 16 races he completed last season, he only placed outside the top 10 on two occasions. His reliability has been a significant advantage for Gresini, helping the team to secure a sixth-place finish in the team rankings in 2023 and climb to third in 2024, benefitting from a surge in performance under Marc Marquez's leadership.

Is it Alex Marquez's Moment in the Spotlight?

As his elder sibling grabbed the spotlight in a year focused on reviving his career, Alex Marquez acknowledges he faced significant pressure but didn't falter because of it.

"He mentioned at Gresini's 2025 unveiling last weekend that it isn't a matter of Marc going excessively far, as he will be merely one garage down from us, either on our left or right, yet it signifies a change."

"I've mentioned repeatedly that Marc's presence in the garage brings both advantages and disadvantages. At the start of last year, the atmosphere in the garage was tense due to elevated expectations."

"However, Marc contributed significantly with his vast experience, and from the outset, he emerged as a guiding force. He enlightened us on numerous aspects. The lessons he imparted are something we must leverage this year, as he propelled us forward as a team."

The excitement surrounding Gresini is expected to diminish in 2025 following Marc Marquez's move to the official Ducati team. However, under Nadia Padovani's leadership, the team views Alex as the right person to take the helm. With a deal lasting until the close of 2026, he will be responsible for fast-tracking Fermin Aldeguer's transition into MotoGP as a newcomer.

It might be tempting to dismissively label Alex as merely a remnant of the Marquez legacy at Gresini, but he has productively utilized his tenure with his sibling. Moreover, it's important to acknowledge that Marc's self-described 'comeback' season could not have been achieved without the influential encouragement from his junior brother.

"He acknowledged gaining substantial knowledge from Marc and expressed confidence in gaining insights from Fermin too," he remarked. "However, since he's new to the team, I embrace the role of being the team's guiding figure, the person expected to deliver performance. For a standalone team, achieving results every weekend is crucial for television exposure and sponsor visibility. This role is something I enjoy and it significantly drives my motivation."

However, it shouldn't be assumed that Alex Marquez will attempt to emulate Marc entirely in 2025, now that he has returned to lead Gresini. Although he values the support from his brother, Alex mentioned to the author previously that he had to limit Marc's guidance during his first season, as it started to overwhelm him.

Gresini has set high goals for the GP24 this season, aiming for top-five finishes in every race. Alex Marquez has begun to consistently achieve these impressive results in the final stages of a challenging 2024 season.

Securing fifth position in the Thai GP sprint, he continued his strong performance with two fourth-place results in Malaysia, and matched his efforts with a fifth in the sprint and a fourth in the main race at the season's conclusion in Barcelona. This achievement signified his first entry into the top five since securing a third-place finish at the German GP the previous July, where he stood on the podium just behind Marc Marquez, marking the first time in 27 years that brothers shared a MotoGP podium.

The late-season rally occurred because they focused on their tasks and their space without any pressure, which has left him optimistic about securing his initial MotoGP grand prix victory in 2025, believing there are "numerous opportunities" ahead.

At this point, it's uncertain how significant the improvements will be with Ducati's GP25 model. However, Marquez's initial experience with the GP24 during the Barcelona test in November was exceptionally promising, as he led the field in timing.

He mentioned that each time he pushed the GP24, it improved significantly, unlike the GP23, which was hindered by issues with entering corners.

The beginning of the 2025 campaign is set to be a pivotal moment for Gresini and Marquez. Armed with a fully developed and finely-tuned GP24, they will have their best opportunity to outperform their factory competitors during the initial rounds of the season.

As attention focuses on his sibling's transition to Ducati and the anticipated rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez is set to deliver his most impressive season so far in MotoGP…

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Is 2025 the year for MotoGP's other Marquez to shine?

While Marc Marquez's move to the factory Ducati team is grabbing headlines, his brother might emerge as an unexpected contender.

It's astonishing to think that the 2025 season will be Alex Marquez's sixth year in the MotoGP.

Stepping into the top tier in 2020 with the factory Honda team as Jorge Lorenzo’s successor, he faced an upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was further complicated when his teammate and older brother, Marc Marquez, suffered a severe arm injury during the season-opening Spanish Grand Prix.

The 2019 Moto2 and 2014 Moto3 world champion was not expected to achieve much upon entering MotoGP. His recruitment occurred shortly after Lorenzo revealed his retirement, only one year into a two-year contract with Honda. Meanwhile, in February 2020, it was announced that Marc Marquez had signed a major four-year contract, implying that Honda Racing Corporation's decision to sign his younger brother might have been a condition set by the eight-time world champion.

Moreover, he was riding the motorcycle that had essentially marked the end of three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo’s career and led to Dani Pedrosa experiencing his first season without a victory in 2018, which was also his last. Alex Marquez faced a difficult challenge.

When Honda's test rider was unable to participate due to an injury, he had to independently navigate the challenges of the racing season. Impressively, he handled the situation well. Achieving podium finishes at both the French Grand Prix and the Aragon Grand Prix, the younger Marquez sibling stood out as the sole Honda competitor to reach the podium that year.

In the condensed 2020 season, he achieved 74 points. However, during the next two years at LCR, he struggled with the challenging Honda bikes and failed to replicate that performance. In 2022, he chose to pursue a fresh opportunity by joining the Gresini Ducati team.

In a brilliant strategic decision, he secured two victories in sprint races and finished on the podium twice in grand prix events, achieving his highest-ever ranking of ninth place with 177 points in the standings. Nonetheless, the GP23 motorcycle he used last year was challenging to adjust to and notably less advanced compared to the GP24. As a result, Marquez achieved only one podium finish and ended up eighth in the rankings with 173 points.

Despite a slight dip in his average points per round from 8.85 to 8.65 in 2024, he maintained strong performance by finishing outside the top 10 only twice in the 16 grands prix he completed last season. His reliability has become a significant advantage for Gresini, as the team secured sixth place in the standings in 2023 and climbed to third in 2024, largely benefiting from the leadership of Marc Marquez.

Could this be Alex Marquez's moment in the spotlight? As his elder sibling dominated the news with a significant comeback season, Alex Marquez managed to hold his own despite acknowledging the considerable stress he faced in the circumstances.

During Gresini's 2025 launch event last weekend, he mentioned that Marc wouldn't be too far away, just one garage over to either the left or right, yet it will still feel different.

"I have mentioned on multiple occasions that Marc's presence in the garage brings both advantages and challenges. At the start of last year, there was significant pressure in the garage due to the high expectations."

However, Marc contributed significant experience and instantly took on a leadership role, helping us grasp numerous concepts. The insights we gained from him should be leveraged this year, as his influence helped us progress as a team.

As excitement about Gresini diminishes in 2025 following Marc Marquez's move to the official Ducati team, the team managed by Nadia Padovani seems confident in Alex's leadership abilities. He is under contract until 2026 and will play a key role in helping Fermin Aldeguer adjust to MotoGP as a newcomer.

Some might cynically suggest that Alex is merely an afterthought at Gresini now that he's teaming up with Marquez. However, he has made productive use of the time spent with his brother. It's important to remember that Marc’s so-called ‘rebirth’ year wouldn't have happened without the encouragement from his younger sibling.

He mentioned, "Marc has taught me quite a bit, and I anticipate gaining some knowledge from Fermin too. However, since Fermin is new, I take on the duty of being the team's main figure, the person expected to deliver outcomes. An independent team requires consistent results each weekend to maintain their presence on TV and ensure their sponsors receive visibility. This challenge is something I enjoy, and it fuels my motivation significantly."

However, it's important not to assume that Alex Marquez will attempt to mimic his brother Marc when he returns to lead the Gresini team in 2025. Despite valuing Marc's guidance, Alex shared with me a couple of years ago that he had to limit his brother's advice during his first season as it started to overwhelm him.

Gresini is aiming high with the GP24 this year, targeting top-five finishes at each race weekend. Alex Marquez began consistently achieving these results during the final rounds of a challenging 2024 season.

In the Thai GP sprint, he secured fifth place, which he then improved upon with two fourth-place finishes in Malaysia. His performance continued with fifth in the sprint and fourth in the grand prix during the final race in Barcelona. This series of results represented his first entry into the top five since last July's German GP, where he finished third, just behind Marc Marquez, marking the first time in 27 years that two brothers shared a podium in MotoGP.

The late-season performance boost was due to "operating without pressure, simply focusing on our tasks and observing our garage." This has given him the sense that there are "numerous opportunities" for his inaugural grand prix victory in MotoGP to occur in 2025.

At this point, it's unclear how significant the improvements on Ducati's GP25 will be. However, Marquez had an extremely favorable experience during his initial encounter with the GP24 at the Barcelona test last November, where he achieved the fastest time.

At that moment, he mentioned that the GP24 motorcycle improved consistently whenever he tried to push its limits. Additionally, the issues with entering corners that troubled the GP23 were absent.

The beginning of the 2025 season will be pivotal for Gresini and Marquez. With the GP24 fully developed and ready, they will have their best opportunity to outperform factory competitors in the initial races of the season.

As attention shifts to his brother's transition to the factory Ducati team and the likely rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez is set to deliver his most impressive MotoGP season to date.

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Marc Marquez remains tight-lipped following Ducati's announcement

Podcast discusses reactions to Ducati's 2025 launch

The Ducati factory team showcased their 2025 MotoGP paint scheme at a ceremony in Italy, featuring riders Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

Ducati is entering the upcoming season aiming to solidify its supremacy after an impressive performance last year, where it claimed victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix races. The team secured both the riders’ and constructors’ championships, as well as the team title alongside Pramac.

Ducati's factory team has brought together a highly impressive MotoGP roster by teaming up two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia with Marc Marquez, who has won the premier class title six times.

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Although the launch proceeded in a friendly manner, there is a prevailing feeling that tensions between the two will eventually escalate.

According to Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager and podcast host for Crash.net, it is challenging for Ducati to foresee both what they desire and what the actual outcomes will be.

"Marquez is once more being discreet and not revealing much."

"He remained tight-lipped. During a press conference, someone questioned him, 'Is this the most significant year in your career?' He responded by saying, 'No, 2024 was, as it marked my return.'"

"You can feel that he's truly prepared for this moment as he mentioned focusing on the championship from the very first round, something he hasn't talked about doing since 2020. This is a new version of Marquez, and I can tell he's returning to his previous approach."

Veteran journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash supported Moreland’s views, stating: "This is the initial occasion we’ve heard Marc discuss the championship since he joined the factory Ducati team. Previously, he focused on moving the team forward, acknowledging that Pecco would be the top rider and the benchmark."

This is the initial occasion where we've openly acknowledged, with Pecco Bagnaia also within hearing distance, that the aim is to contend for the world championship starting from the very first race.

"That's intriguing. We're beginning to notice a gradual shift from Marc."

"He spent a year riding the Gresini bike, achieved race victories, and has returned to his previous performance level. He came extremely close to defeating Bagnaia while riding a less advanced Ducati at Jerez."

"This year, we can expect those moments of tension between the two to become more pronounced and scrutinized."

A possible storyline for the 2025 season could focus on the extent to which Marquez's longtime competitor, Valentino Rossi, engages in an off-track championship contest involving the duo from Ducati.

Rossi expressed disapproval of Ducati's choice to elevate Marquez last year, reviving a conflict that neither Marquez nor Bagnaia seem eager to acknowledge at this point.

Crash MotoGP's editor, Peter McLaren, believes that Marquez typically ignores remarks made about him. When questioned about the interview and the related comments, Marquez simply laughed them off without giving a direct response.

"He stays out of it. If those remarks are made, Marquez might interpret them as Rossi being concerned about Bagnaia, which is why he's commenting."

For Marquez, he might perceive this as a morale booster, interpreting it as a sign that his rivals are concerned about facing him. Meanwhile, Pecco could appear even more confident if he chooses to remain uninvolved for as long as possible. Pecco is known for letting his performance on the track speak for itself. If the issue arises, it will simply add another layer to the situation.

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Marc Marquez showcases Monster Energy logos, leaving out Red Bull, in his appearance for Ducati Lenovo. Marquez has ended his partnership with Red Bull as of 2025.

Marc Marquez has debuted as a factory Ducati MotoGP rider with Monster endorsement after parting ways with Red Bull.

Throughout his MotoGP career, the athlete who has claimed the grand prix world championship title eight times has consistently been sponsored by Red Bull. This partnership persisted even when he transitioned to the Gresini Ducati team.

Yet, upon agreeing to a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025, it was widely believed that this move would lead to the loss of his individual sponsorship from Red Bull, given the team's association with Monster Energy.

In his last event at Red Bull's Hangar 7 venue in Austria, he announced that his sponsorship deal with the company would not extend into 2025.

On Monday, during his debut appearance in Italy as a Ducati team member, Marquez was seen wearing leathers adorned with Monster Energy branding.

Nonetheless, Marquez won't be officially sponsored by Monster in 2025, potentially paving the way for a future comeback with Red Bull.

The Estrella Galicia insignias have taken the place of the Red Bull emblems on Marquez's racing helmet.

Marquez is set to join forces with two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia at the official Ducati team for the coming two seasons.

During his initial season riding the Desmosedici, Marquez claimed victory in three grand prix races under the Gresini team and secured a third-place finish in the overall rankings.

Bagnaia concluded the season in second place, falling short of the championship by 10 points to Pramac's Jorge Martin in the final race in Barcelona.

Martin will be joining the Aprilia team at the factory level for the 2025 season.

Ducati took the lead in the 2024 season, clinching victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix events and capturing the constructors' championship with a 395-point lead ahead of KTM.

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The Unavoidable Clash within Ducati's MotoGP Powerhouse

Could Ducati's Pair Encounter Similar Issues to Those of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo?

Ever since its revelation last June, the conversation and conjecture surrounding Marc Marquez's integration into the official Ducati MotoGP team have been at the forefront of the news. To date, interactions have remained friendly, a trend that persisted into Monday during the team's formal unveiling ceremony in Madonna di Campiglio.

For the first time, appearing in a complete Ducati factory outfit, after previously riding in a plain bright red ensemble with no logos during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, there's now a strong feeling that this marks a significant moment in Marquez's career, with potential major implications, whether positive or negative.

Undoubtedly, Ducati has put together its most formidable team ever, which also ranks as one of the greatest in MotoGP history. With a motorcycle that triumphed in 19 out of 20 Grand Prix events in 2024, they will have a rider who has won the premier class championship six times, Marquez, and possibly the greatest Ducati rider of all time, Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time world champion. Together, they boast a combined total of 11 world championship titles.

Lurking behind the scenes as the brilliant architect is Gigi Dall’Igna, the visionary who has revolutionized Ducati and paved the path for MotoGP motorcycle innovation over the past ten years. Many anticipate Ducati's leading pair to contend for the top spot in each contest. Triumph appears to be a foregone conclusion.

Marc Marquez has joined the ranks of Ducati's official team 🏍️ #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 20, 2025

Marc Marquez is now a part of Ducati's professional squad 🏍️ #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN

A Repeat of Rossi vs. Lorenzo?

During a recent conversation, team principal Davide Tardozzi drew comparisons between his current team composition and the iconic duo of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha during the periods of 2008-2010 and 2013-2016. This comparison seems accurate, yet it also echoes the notion that highly competitive team pairings often result in significant tension.

Yamaha had established contracts with Lorenzo when he was competing in the 250cc class, well before his first MotoGP race in 2008, considering him as the potential replacement for Rossi in anticipation of either Rossi's retirement or his frequently discussed move to Formula 1. Naturally, Rossi remained in MotoGP and did not retire until the conclusion of 2021.

From the very beginning, strains were evident. In the Yamaha team space, a physical barrier was put up, purportedly to prevent the sharing of tyre information as Rossi chose Bridgestone tyres in 2008, whereas Lorenzo opted for Michelin. Even after Bridgestone became the exclusive tyre supplier in 2009, the barrier stayed up, marking the period when their rivalry intensified. By 2010, the friction had escalated to a breaking point, leading Lorenzo to push Rossi towards a regrettable switch to Ducati in 2011.

The atmosphere remained relatively calm between the duo during their time together at Yamaha in 2013 and 2014. However, the situation heated up once more over the following two years, leading Lorenzo to eventually make a moderately more fruitful transition to Ducati.

Marquez has certainly stirred up a lot of controversy since joining the MotoGP ranks. His skill on the racetrack is matched by his aggressive mental game. He has a knack for getting under his opponents' skins in a strategic manner. Despite being in the process of making a comeback after a major arm injury halted his momentum in 2020, Marquez's influence in MotoGP remained unmistakable last year.

Marquez emerges as a dominant force

In a bold move, Marquez declined a factory Ducati position with Pramac, putting forward an ultimatum to the manufacturer: either elevate him to the main team or equip him with a GP25 at Gresini. Ducati, arguably making an unwise decision, claimed the second option was off the table, leaving him with Pramac as the only choice. This led Marquez to consider leaving altogether, a prospect that alarmed CEO Claudio Domenicali.

Ducati reversed its initial plan to elevate Jorge Martin, who ultimately secured the world championship title, opting instead for Marquez. This move by Marquez greatly diminished Ducati's strength as a bike maker.

The departure of Ducati Martin, along with Pramac, the top-performing independent team, switching to Yamaha, had several ripple effects. This shift indirectly caused victors like Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi to make exits. Furthermore, Ducati reduced its factory motorcycle availability from four to three and decreased its total presence from eight to six.

By this stage, Marquez and Bagnaia had experienced two major incidents during races. Their initial clash occurred at the Portuguese Grand Prix, leading to an intense argument between them in the stewards' office afterward. Notably, Marquez publicly accused Bagnaia of being at fault for their collision, whereas Bagnaia dismissed it as a typical racing event.

Bagnaia managed to even the score during their duel at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, this victory may not be very significant when they compete again in 2025, according to Crash, because the GP23 Marquez was riding was a preliminary model, not the final version used at the end of the season. The difference between the GP23 and the GP24 models only expanded as the season progressed. Therefore, Marquez's full potential on the Ducati, despite his trio of victories last year, remains to be fully demonstrated.

There's also the significant issue concerning Rossi that cannot be ignored. It's well-known that Marquez's strategic maneuver last summer did not sit well with the VR46 team, primarily because it immediately diminished Bagnaia's position and influence within his own brand.

In 2025, Rossi and Marquez will mark a decade since their significant rift in the 2015 season, a conflict that continues to influence the series. Last year, Rossi launched a public relations offensive, expressing to L’Equipe his confusion over Ducati's choices for 2025.

By coincidence, Rossi has decided to reduce his involvement in car racing for the year 2025, expressing a desire to attend more MotoGP races this season. In the event of any disputes arising between Bagnaia and Marquez, Rossi is ready to step in and speak on Bagnaia's behalf, relieving him of the need to comment extensively.

During the unveiling event, Ducati's sports director, Mauro Grassili, emphasized "harmony" as his focal point for the upcoming season. This was a subtler approach compared to Tardozzi, who openly stated that his primary obstacle would be "managing the dynamics within the garage".

The showdown between Marquez and Bagnaia is shaping up to be one of the most captivating rivalries in MotoGP history, rivaling the excitement of the Rossi versus Lorenzo era.

Ducati is well aware that a confrontation between its two leading riders is inevitable. However, the company has historically struggled to handle conflicts among its top racers, something that Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner can confirm. The upcoming showdown between Marquez and Bagnaia is expected to be its most challenging situation yet.

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Marc Marquez pledges his commitment to teamwork: "The focus isn't on individual triumph, but on the success of the team…"

Marc Marquez sets his sights on achieving 'top finishes, wins, and playing a key role in the World Championship'

Marc Marquez has described the 2025 MotoGP season as "the most thrilling challenge of my career."

He has vowed to collaborate effectively with others as he embarks on his new journey.

The Spanish rider has ascended to MotoGP's premier squad, Ducati Lenovo, following a revitalizing season with Gresini Ducati.

This achievement also involved ending a winless streak of over 1,000 days, culminating in a third-place finish in the global championship.

A comeback to complete factory status, together with two-time champion and current second-place titleholder Francesco Bagnaia, indicates that Marquez is likely eyeing his much-anticipated seventh top-tier championship.

"Being here in Madonna di Campiglio today to kick off a new MotoGP season is thrilling. This marks the beginning of what I believe to be the ultimate challenge in my career," Marquez expressed during the team's unveiling today.

"Over the winter period, I managed to take some time off while also dedicating ample time to rigorous training. Now, I feel prepared to tackle the upcoming year, which promises to be both demanding and thrilling."

"I'm eagerly anticipating picking up where we left off with our work from the Montmeló test last November, and I can't wait to get back on the bike in Sepang followed by Buriram.

"My initial immediate objective is to find joy in biking, as I'm convinced that mastering this will naturally lead to everything else falling into place."

"As I've repeatedly emphasized, being part of a professional team means aiming to excel in every competition, striving for top positions and wins, and aiming to play a leading role in the World Championship."

Despite his streak of six championships in seven years with Honda coming to a harsh halt due to issues stemming from an arm injury at Jerez in 2020, Marquez affirmed his commitment to being a collaborative team member.

"Our goal is to succeed collectively. The focus isn't on individual victories but on the collective achievement of everyone at Ducati. We'll assess our overall performance in the standings when the time comes."

He further mentioned, "In the time I've spent with the team, I've observed that the working environment is excellent, and I'm eagerly looking forward to getting back on the Desmosedici GP."

"I want to seize this moment to express my gratitude towards Claudio Domenicali, Gigi Dall’Igna, Mauro Grassilli, and Davide Tardozzi for their confidence in me and the incredibly kind reception they offered me."

"This season offers us numerous opportunities for enjoyment."

Marquez is set to debut in complete Ducati red during the Sepang trials, scheduled from February 5th to 7th.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the health challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Gigi Dall'Igna shares his thoughts on world champion Jorge Martin's move to Aprilia with the #1 plate

Ducati's chief Gigi Dall'Igna commented that he doesn't see an issue with Jorge Martin sporting the #1 on his Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle, stating, "in this instance, it's merely a digit."

Last year, Martin secured the 2024 championship for Ducati while racing for the Pramac team. However, he achieved this feat after he had already committed to a two-year contract with Aprilia, following his omission for a factory position at the Bologna-based brand.

At the unveiling hosted by Aprilia last week, Martin showcased the number 1 plate on his RS-GP.

During the unveiling of Ducati's 2025 racing team on Monday, Dall’Igna responded to inquiries by stating, "Having the number one on the motorcycle is not an issue for us."

"The challenge is securing the championship title, which we accomplished last year."

"This is the primary concern. Therefore, in this instance, being number one is merely a figure, but certainly, I'd want it displayed on our motorcycle."

"However, the main goal is to secure the championship title."

For the 2025 season, Ducati boasts the most formidable team in the competition, with Marc Marquez, who has clinched the MotoGP championship six times, teaming up with Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time winner of the premier class titles.

The duo unveiled their 2025 color schemes during a gathering at the Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

Ducati reigned supreme in the 2024 season, clinching victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix races and capturing the constructors' championship with a lead of 395 points.

Looking forward to the GP25's evaluation, Dall'Igna pointed out that the motorcycle is already performing so well that there's no immediate need to push for further advancements.

"He emphasized that while the goal is straightforward, the journey to reach it is anything but simple."

"In any case, we possess a solid understanding of the circumstances. There are numerous aspects to evaluate. It's important to remember that, frankly, last year's motorcycle performed quite well."

"Therefore, there's no urgency to load the new bike with numerous features."

"Thus, we possess numerous options at our disposal and must decide on the foundational element to kick off the season."

Dall'Igna observed that Marquez and Bagnaia shared similar feedback regarding the GP25 prototype during last year's Barcelona trial. However, he indicated that the brand is open to pursuing separate paths for each rider if necessary.

"Frankly, during the initial trial in Barcelona, both riders shared identical feedback regarding the latest bike upgrade," he mentioned.

"I'm a bit taken aback by it, but it's really not an issue for us to take separate routes if that's what the riders request."

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