Marc Marquez shares initial impressions on testing Ducati's latest model

"I experienced the complete 2025 setup: Chassis, motor, and various aspects"

In a repeat of his performance from his Gresini debut a year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his inaugural MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team rider in fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he made his first appearance on a Desmosedici riding a satellite bike at Valencia. This year, his attention shifted to testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting an eye-catching bright red paint job, the eight-time world champion found himself primarily within the bottom half of the top ten throughout the day.

A final push elevated him to fourth place, trailing behind the session's top performer, his younger sibling and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda from 2013 to 2023, trailed closely by just 0.056 seconds behind his new teammate, the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 model, moving directly from the year-old GP23 to the upcoming 2025 model for the next season.

"Marquez acknowledged spending the majority of the day, approximately 90% of it, utilizing the GP25. He mentioned, "Most of my time was dedicated to assisting the engineers with their work."

"Joining the official team signifies adherence to a stringent strategy, outlining all the necessary experiments and tasks, where the rider becomes a vital asset under the engineers' guidance, essentially serving the engineering team's objectives."

Indeed, the bicycle possesses certain advantages that perform slightly better. However, ultimately, it remains a bicycle, and your riding skills are crucial. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The sensation was incredibly positive, especially when interacting with the team. This is the most crucial aspect when forming an initial impression, and we collaborate effectively."

When asked which experience is more satisfying, Marquez responded:

"The performance of the engine has improved on straight paths, which is a significant advancement over last year's model. Additionally, it appears that the bike behaves differently when entering corners. I still need to figure out the maximum capabilities in that aspect."

"He explained that he experimented with the entire set, including the frame, engine, and various other components. As a result, it's unclear which specific parts contributed to the distinct feel."

"Pecco then took a slightly different approach in his work. However, what mattered most was that our observations were very much alike. We identified the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things significantly for the engineers."

Ducati's test pilot Michele Pirro indicated that the GP25 is particularly favorable for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At this moment, Marquez is holding off on forming an opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend because, in Pecco's case, we expressed similar observations. Indeed, it performs exceptionally well in certain areas, yet it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"Thus, it's time for assessment, as it's essential to maintain a 'steady' motorcycle throughout all 22 races. Not just quick on one type of circuit."

Was it odd to switch to riding in red, having spent years competing against the Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Actually, it was delightful," Marquez remarked. "Particularly joining a team that has shown superior performance in the recent years.

"Being part of the top team on the track comes with the obligation to perform quickly. Thus, it was delightful to be a part of that team in the garage."

Indeed, it was odd to find Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering my numerous clashes with Dovizioso!

"However, our relationship has always been strong and courteous. This is beneficial, especially since we are already acquainted."

Marquez's next opportunity to ride the GP25 will come in February at Sepang.

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 and Marc Marquez's health complications.

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Francesco Bagnaia Expresses Relief at Skipping Post-Title MotoGP Test in Barcelona

Bagnaia Shares Thoughts on Forgoing Barcelona Test After Race

Francesco Bagnaia mentioned that not participating in testing following the season's last race, as the MotoGP world champion, was advantageous for him because it allowed him to concentrate more on refining the GP25.

The two-time world champion relinquished the top spot to Jorge Martin in the final race of the Solidarity GP in Barcelona last weekend.

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This signifies that for the first time since 2021, Bagnaia started the subsequent year's testing without being the reigning champion.

Explore further: The lasting legacy of Bagnaia as an exceptional MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia clocked the third quickest time after 58 laps aboard his Ducati, mainly focusing on testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting his testing on Tuesday held any extra meaning as he aims to reclaim the championship, Bagnaia stated, "I must admit, not being the reigning world champion made me concentrate more on the motorcycle.

"Being a world champion certainly brings happiness and a sense of improvement, but it also makes me focus less on getting better."

The progression from the GP23 to the GP24 model this year has been significant, with Bagnaia commenting on Tuesday that the foundation of the 2025 motorcycle is more robust than at any comparable stage in past years.

"Does the GP25 stand out? It's worth mentioning that after conducting various tests today, the GP25 has shown to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he remarked.

"I believe our team, along with our engineers, will be putting in significant effort this winter, as there's a need to enhance the foundation we've experimented with."

Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same sentiment regarding the motorcycle, which is crucial for aligning our efforts in its development, and that's fantastic.

Regarding control, the GP24 remains superior when it comes to braking.

"This year, I made significant progress with the GP24, especially in the braking department. Thus, I believe we should continue to pursue this path."

"The GP25 exhibits excellent handling around sharp turns, and its performance remains commendable even on worn tires. This is a positive aspect. Additionally, the upgraded engine possesses significant power."

"Typically, we don't begin from this stage with a new bike; some adjustments are usually necessary. However, the foundation is solid, and I'm pleased about that."

He mentions, "I believe the gap between 24 and 25 is significant, and I don't foresee a major advancement for Malaysia since I feel we've already made that leap."

"We must organize it, and in terms of configuration, we have to adjust it for the new bicycle."

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Aprilia Praises Jorge Martin's Initial Test: Describes Him as a Blend of a Champion and a Leader

Aprilia's New Technical Director Showers Martin with Compliments Following His First Test Session

Aprilia's MotoGP technical chief, Fabiano Sterlacchini, describes Jorge Martin as an incredible blend of a champion and a leader after his initial trial run on the RS-GP, calling his performance "astonishing."

Merely two days following his victory in the 2024 MotoGP championship, Martin transitioned from Pramac Ducati to join the official Aprilia team during the post-season test in Barcelona on Tuesday.

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The Spanish rider put both the 2024 and 2025 models of the RS-GP bikes through their paces, covering a total of 77 laps and finishing 11th in the timings. However, he experienced a minor mishap towards the end of the session, resulting in a crash.

Because of obligations in his contract, Martin couldn't communicate with the press after his initial trial of the RS-GP.

Sterlacchini, stepping in for Romano Albesiano as the new technical director at Aprilia, had the opportunity to assess Martin's initial test session with the company.

"Having Jorge join us, coming straight from winning the world title and being a champion rider, presents a significant chance for us. It gives us a clear benchmark and helps us identify the key areas we need to focus on,” he shared with the press, including Crash.net, on Tuesday.

"In the brief period we've collaborated, essentially half of yesterday and today, I've perceived him as a blend of both a winner and a guide."

"Frankly, it's quite impressive how he's tackling his responsibilities. Truly commendable."

Sterlacchini has joined Aprilia after two years at KTM in 2022 and 2023, following a lengthy 17-year tenure in Ducati's engineering team.

Despite having limited time to familiarize himself with the project and the motorcycle, he declined to engage in discussions about where the RS-GP requires enhancements.

"He expressed his view, saying, 'In my opinion, it's unachievable. It's not about having a good person; it's about needing divine intervention to grasp everything so quickly.'"

"Truthfully, certain elements began to emerge with more clarity, making the situation less ambiguous, yet it's decidedly too early to make any definitive judgments at this point."

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"Speed is to be expected": Alex Marquez shines in GP24 debut at Barcelona MotoGP Test

“With each attempt, there was continuous improvement”

Alex Marquez highlighted that the frontrunners of the MotoGP World Championship, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, had an exceptional season and displayed incredible speed under every circumstance.

Following his impressive performance in Tuesday's Barcelona test, where he led the timesheets on his first outing with the previous GP24 Ducati model, the Gresini team member experienced a noticeable improvement compared to the year-old motorcycle he raced with throughout this season.

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It came as no surprise that the GP24 was built to accommodate the updated Michelin rear tyre introduced this year, a change that, while increasing grip, led to front-end problems on the GP23.

"Marquez explained, “In the morning, I took the 23 bike out for a spin to get a sense of the traction and the state of the track, before switching over to the 24. Initially, it felt odd, quite a departure from what I'm used to, yet despite the worn tires, our lap times remained consistent.”

"Subsequently, it became a bicycle that improved progressively with each attempt I made to enhance its performance further and further."

The primary distinction I experienced was during the entry into corners, where we encountered significant difficulties with the 23 model. Additionally, Pirro mentioned that he had adapted to the 24 model, and when he returned to using the 23 model here, it felt somewhat unstable.

"The entrance is notably a strong move… This bicycle is designed specifically for that back tire."

"The day went well. Truly, consistently strong throughout with the lap times."

Instead of focusing on a singular, attention-getting performance on soft tyres, Marquez topped the leaderboard five separate times.

The Spanish rider crossed the finish line with a lead of 0.396 seconds ahead of Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo and 0.595 seconds in front of Bagnaia. Bagnaia's latest team partner, Marc, who is also Alex's sibling, secured the fourth spot while the team focused on developing the GP25 for the upcoming season.

"Alex remarked, 'It was only a single day at a circuit that I'm quite fond of, so I wouldn't attribute their victory to the [GP24 bike] alone! Pecco and Jorge had an incredible season too. They showed remarkable speed under every condition.'"

"It's premature to say much at this point, but it marks progress from the [GP23]. My goal is to test it on a circuit that doesn't particularly suit my riding technique. However, our next stop is Malaysia, a place where I excel. Following that, we'll head to Thailand, where I'm also quick."

"Therefore, it's essential for us to hold off, especially to observe the extent of enhancements from other makers, as well as the progress made by the 25 Ducati. Following that, we'll have a clearer understanding of our precise position."

Alex further commented, “It's expected [to be quick] given that you're handed a bike that's already ‘complete.’ This means there's no need to gather data for the manufacturer; your attention can solely be on fine-tuning.

"It's understandable that we were quicker since we didn't have much work on our plate."

Fermin Aldeguer, the new addition to Alex's rookie team, ranked 20th in the timing charts.

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 the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Pramac aims to maintain its approach during the transition from Ducati to Yamaha

"Our goal is to preserve our current framework and mindset as we transition from Ducati."

Pramac is potentially trading their championship-winning Desmosedicis for Yamahas that haven't seen a podium, yet the team is keen on maintaining the same approach and mindset that propelled Jorge Martin to victory in this year's MotoGP championship.

As Martin transitions to a role with Aprilia at their factory location, Pramac embarks on a fresh journey by teaming up with Yamaha as their satellite ally starting in 2025.

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On Tuesday in Barcelona, Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller marked their first appearances on the Pramac-operated M1s.

The beginning was humble, with Oliveira ranking 17th and Miller finishing 22nd in what essentially served as an initial test.

However, Yamaha's factory competitor, Fabio Quartararo, delivered an impressive performance by securing the second position in the rankings.

"Pramac's team manager, Gino Borsoi, expressed to MotoGP.com their intention to maintain their current approach and mindset, similar to when they were with Ducati."

"I believe this mindset will benefit Yamaha."

"Furthermore, receiving insights from the riders is greatly beneficial for quickly grasping our responsibilities and what actions they need to take on the motorcycle."

"Certainly, time is essential for us. It's clear that we require time. There are numerous concepts we wish to implement. We possess extensive expertise to share with Yamaha."

"Winter presents the perfect opportunity to get everything set up. Let's find out if we can kick things off successfully in Malaysia [next year]."

"However, as is widely recognized, a mere handful of months won't suffice."

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the ongoing concerns regarding Marc Marquez's injuries.

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How does Marc Marquez view the stress from Ducati's factory team following his initial MotoGP trial?

"I wouldn't have taken this path if I wasn't willing to embrace the pressure."

Marc Marquez acknowledges that joining the factory Ducati MotoGP team will increase the pressure on him, yet he remains calm about the situation and is willing to embrace it.

On Tuesday, during the post-season Barcelona test, the athlete who has clinched the world championship title eight times, made his first appearance in the Ducati team garage.

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Marquez tested both the GP24 and GP25 motorcycles during the trial, securing the fourth quickest time over 49 laps, just 0.056 seconds behind his teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

Nearly a year after his initial outing on the Ducati during the 2023 post-season test, this trial had a different set of anticipations compared to the first.

Securing three grand prix victories in 2024 while riding the GP23, Marquez's transition to the factory team is anticipated to place him back in contention for championship titles.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether joining the factory team on his first day brought extra pressure, Marquez stated, "No, I'm at ease. I'm calm."

"Obviously, there will be pressure, but ultimately, I'm on board. Had I not been willing, I wouldn't have opted to switch to Ducati two years ago."

"I enjoy facing pressure because it requires management, but I'm aware that with the new role in the top team on the grid, my objective is to contend for podium spots in every race.

"Subsequently, regardless of winning the championship, this year demonstrated that with Pecco securing victories in 11 races yet finishing second, he truly had an outstanding season and showcased his best performance."

This year, Marquez received a certain degree of backing from the factory team at Gresini, but not to the extent he will experience now with his move to the official works team.

However, he's convinced that he hasn't acquired any fresh understanding regarding Ducati's dominance, observing that his experience with them at Gresini had already provided him with clarity.

"He further mentioned that from what he has observed this year, Ducati's operations extend beyond just the factory team."

"The approach taken also involves collaboration with satellite teams, where the data they receive is considered equally valuable as that of the main factory team."

"They manage those specifics, and it's what sets you on the right path."

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Toto Wolff Clarifies Remarks on Lewis Hamilton, Says They Were Misinterpreted

Mercedes team leader Toto Wolff emphasized that his comments were not suggesting that Lewis Hamilton's best days in F1 are behind him.

Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff mentioned that his comment regarding Lewis Hamilton was "slightly misinterpreted".

In the recently published book, Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane, team leader Wolff expressed his view that "everyone has an expiration date," while discussing Hamilton's surprising move to join Ferrari.

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Some interpreted those remarks as hinting that Hamilton, a seven-time world champion who is now 39, might be beyond his peak years, especially as he gets ready to depart from Mercedes when the season concludes.

In a conversation with BBC Radio 4 before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Wolff clarified that his previous comments were misunderstood.

He clarified, "What I meant to say is that aging affects everyone, regardless of whether they're driving, playing sports, managing a team, or running a business."

"This is my objective, to figure out if I'm transitioning from being outstanding to merely satisfactory, since being satisfactory no longer has a place in Formula 1."

"Despite my initial evaluation, it's evident with Lewis that he truly excels when the car is in optimal condition, something we've failed to provide for him to showcase his best performance. This situation is a source of disappointment both for our team and for him personally."

"However, he's incredibly astute. He has changed from his days as a 20-year-old, that much is obvious, but his expertise and skill in racing are outstanding."

This season, Hamilton has secured victories in two major races, yet he's facing challenging times as his remarkable period with Mercedes comes to a close—a team that has been instrumental in his achievement of six out of his seven global championships.

Mercedes has chosen to fill the empty spot left by Hamilton with their young talent and Formula 2 sensation, 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will team up with George Russell for the 2025 season.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Reporting directly from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Francesco Bagnaia reveals: "I understand the reason for my defeat"

Ex-MotoGP titleholder contemplates how the championship eluded him

Francesco Bagnaia has stated that he feels no resentment about not securing the 2024 MotoGP championship, as he understands the reasons behind his loss.

Last weekend in Barcelona, Jorge Martin defeated the two-time world champion at the conclusion of the 2024 Solidarity Grand Prix season.

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After extending the championship battle to the last race and securing victories in both events in Barcelona, Bagnaia eventually fell short to Martin by a margin of 10 points.

The two-time MotoGP world champion acknowledged before the weekend that making up a 24-point gap after eight DNFs this season was always going to be a challenging task. He accepted his loss to Martin with humility.

After Tuesday's testing session in Barcelona, where Bagnaia finished third after completing 58 laps, he discussed why he's not upset about his defeat and how he managed to move past the challenges of the weekend.

When asked if he felt any irritation about not securing a third premier class title, he responded, "Honestly, no. I'm not the kind of person who gets frustrated over such matters."

"I understand the reasons behind my defeat, and I will not offer any justifications for the outcome."

"After the Malaysia race, I mentioned that coming into the final Grand Prix with a 24-point deficit made it hard to envision a victory."

"Jorge performed exceptionally well. This arrangement works fine. To be honest, I did a lot of walking in Barcelona yesterday, on Monday."

After waking up in the paddock, I decided to head to a seaside restaurant for lunch.

"After that, I continued walking for another hour, covering a total of about 10 kilometers throughout the day, which was beneficial."

After the Solidarity GP on Sunday, Bagnaia shared an image on social media showing him tearing off the number one decal that had adorned his Ducati for the past two years.

He stated, "I preferred to take it out on my own rather than have someone else do it for me."

"I placed the number one on the initial fairing, which meant I had to take off the number one from the final fairing of the season."

"In my opinion, it was the right decision."

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Lewis Hamilton stands out as a unique figure amid a "band of antagonists," when contrasted with Max Verstappen

"When I mention Lewis, I specifically highlight Lewis because he has achieved his success in a manner that's notably free from controversy."

Ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has labeled Lewis Hamilton as an exception among the legends of racing.

Max Verstappen's assertive racing tactics against Lando Norris in the 2024 F1 season drew parallels with legends such as Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

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Over the years, Schumacher and Senna found themselves at the center of several contentious events, gaining notable infamy.

Nonetheless, Coulthard believes Hamilton isn't quite in the same league as Verstappen, Senna, and Schumacher due to one specific reason.

On The Red Flags podcast, Coulthard commented, "This is the reason Max is worthy of being placed in the same tier as legends like Ayrton [Senna] and Michael [Schumacher].

"I reference Lewis, adding Lewis in parentheses because Lewis has indeed accomplished it in a manner that's, let's put it, without controversy.

"I'm aware that there was an incident involving Max during his initial championship year [2021] at Silverstone, which represents the most borderline aggressive interaction I've observed from Lewis. He is known for his fair racing style, often steering clear of major controversies throughout his career, making him somewhat of an outlier among those you might consider the 'bad guys' in racing."

Coulthard was then questioned on whether Hamilton's image as a clean driver is a result of Mercedes' era of supremacy, during which he might have been able to minimize risks.

He replied, "You're exactly right. Lewis experienced a phase where they benefited from a better car, and given he's an outstanding driver, it doesn't take away from his achievements."

Certainly, when they've competed directly on the track, Max usually ends up ahead because of his unparalleled competitive drive.

"The discussion on the merits and demerits will continue for generations, extending its relevance beyond just this sport into others as well."

Regarding Verstappen, Coulthard views the Dutch driver as stretching boundaries in a manner similar to how Senna and Schumacher once did.

"He elaborated that there will consistently be individuals perceived as somewhat unconventional."

"However, what they've managed to do is reshape the current understanding of boundaries. Michael achieved this. Ayrton accomplished it too."

"Max is taking action. This is rooted in the belief that each generation should surpass the previous one. However, 'better' in this context doesn't imply being more pleasant. It simply means they achieve more."

Connor, keenly attuned to the disputes and narratives within F1, serves as the core of our impartial news coverage.

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Examination: Initial Indications of Optimism in Jorge Martin’s Aprilia MotoGP Test Debut

Evaluating Jorge Martin's inaugural laps on an Aprilia, authored by Lewis Duncan in Barcelona

On a chilly Tuesday morning in November, Jorge Martin enjoyed a warm reception from a relatively sizable audience at Barcelona, considering it was a test event. Unlike the tense demeanor he displayed throughout the Solidarity Grand Prix weekend, Martin appeared calm and at ease.

In all honesty, it was completely reasonable for him to feel that way, as he was confronting his last opportunity to secure his first MotoGP world championship. Remarkably, he achieved this dream during the season's concluding grand prix last Sunday, where he secured a third-place finish even though Francesco Bagnaia clinched the race victory.

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There was little opportunity for celebration, however. By Monday, all Ducati and Pramac logos were removed from his racing equipment as he had his initial formal interaction with the Aprilia factory team, which he is set to compete with in 2025.

On Tuesday, Martin entered the garage clad in his leather gear, beaming with joy. His happiness remained intact when he came back to the pit area following his initial five-lap session on the 2024 model RS-GP.

In certain aspects, it was similar to when Marc Marquez first rode the Ducati during the post-season test in Valencia last year. Although the situations surrounding their transitions are quite distinct, a great deal of attention was focused on Martin.

He swapped the top-performing bike in the lineup for a model that ranked third among manufacturers in 2024. However, it was noteworthy as the only brand to interrupt Ducati's streak of grand prix wins, thanks to Maverick Vinales' triumph at the Americas Grand Prix.

Jorge Martin takes the 2024 Aprilia RS-GP for a spin 👀#MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hmPjoghThg— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

The performance of the RS-GP in the latter half of 2024 likely didn't sit well with Martin. Factory riders Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro accumulated a total of 137 points and secured only two sprint podium finishes from the British GP to the season's conclusion. In contrast, Jorge Martin alone surpassed that point total in just five rounds.

Martin chose to join Aprilia after seven rounds of races. During this period, Aprilia had managed to secure a victory at the Americas GP and won two sprint races. Although Aprilia's performance didn't match that of Ducati, the brand was not struggling as much as it did in the latter half of the season.

During his initial day riding, Martin divided his sessions between the 2024 RS-GP and the 2025 RS-GP, completing a total of 77 laps. Only Marco Bezzecchi, his teammate, and Ai Ogura, a newcomer with Trackhouse Aprilia, surpassed his lap count. As the newly crowned world champion, Martin placed 11th in the standings, trailing Gresini's Alex Marquez by 1.056 seconds.

Although it may not be very significant, there is a slight sense of pride in being the leading rider who switched manufacturers for the test.

Due to his contract with Ducati, Martin was prohibited from giving interviews to the media until the year's end, so we'll have to wait until February to hear his opinions on the RS-GP. During the test, his performance varied; sometimes he appeared at ease, while at other times, he didn't seem as comfortable. His initial experience with the 2025 RS-GP included a minor crash at Turn 5 during the last three hours of the session. Additionally, he did not complete any significant long-distance runs to gather substantial insights.

Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, mentioned that Jorge Martin's impressions of the RS-GP were "more favorable than anticipated" and that "he really enjoys the bike." For the time being, we have to trust Rivola's statement, particularly at a track where Aprilia usually performs well. However, Martin's demeanor seemed to support Rivola's remarks.

The media had the opportunity to hear from Aprilia's newly appointed technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini. Although he refrained from making definitive statements about the RS-GP due to his recent involvement with the project, he did provide some insights into the team's atmosphere following Martin's initial experience with the motorcycle.

During a media briefing on Tuesday, which included Crash.net, he expressed that having Jorge on board, a rider with a world title background, presents a significant opportunity. Jorge serves as a benchmark, allowing them to better comprehend the areas they need to focus on.

"In the brief period we collaborated, which included half a day yesterday and today, I've observed that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader. Frankly, his approach to the role is quite remarkable. It's truly impressive."

The Aprilia initiative for 2025 presents significant changes from the 2024 plan. Except for Raul Fernandez, who couldn't try out an RS-GP 25 due to a shortage of components, the Aprilia team has a fresh roster. Martin will be accompanied by Bezzecchi and Ogura.

Romano Albesiano, who has overseen the development of the RS-GP motorcycle throughout its existence, has left his role as technical director to join Honda. Aleix Espargaro, who also played a key role in transforming Aprilia into an appealing option for top-tier riders like Martin, has followed him.

Aprilia is facing an important winter season as it aims to adjust its approach for 2024 with fresh technical guidance and a new lineup of riders. The addition of Martin to the team only intensifies the pressure. Despite this, CEO Massimo Rivola observed on Monday that the team appeared cohesive, as if they had been collaborating for a long time.

This year, Martin's display of maturity has been instrumental in securing the championship, effectively preparing him mentally for the upcoming Aprilia challenge.

After Ducati declined to advance him to their main team, Martin signed with the Noale brand, sparking discussions about the possibility of him taking the top spot at Aprilia. The absence of a prominent number one on the front of his RS-GP during the Barcelona track session might reveal his current mindset.

When questioned by Crash.net before the weekend about whether he felt any disappointment regarding the championship situation, given that Ducati had chosen Marc Marquez over him for the factory team, his answer revealed a rider driven by factors other than revenge.

He expressed, "In my opinion, it's not about me lacking the necessary skills for them. I am certain they have confidence in my abilities; that's evident from the contract I've been given. The issue was different, and perhaps their focus was elsewhere. I don't believe they were discussing in meetings that I wasn't capable of handling a factory bike."

"I'm pleased with their choice, as long as they believe it's the right one, and I'm content with what lies ahead for me. I believe we are maintaining a positive relationship. It's impossible to predict what might occur in two years during the next contract period. The key thing is to preserve the good relationship we have."

Undoubtedly, defending his title will be a challenging task for Martin. The RS-GP doesn't match the performance level of the Ducati and might not reach that standard by the beginning of 2025, if at all throughout the season. Despite having the opportunity to stay with Ducati at Pramac following Marquez's advancement, Martin chose to embark on a different path. Regardless of the outcome, his courage to venture independently deserves commendation.

During the Barcelona weekend, Ducati's head, Davide Tardozzi, commented that if Aprilia intends to acquire the top spot, it will be interesting to see if they can maintain it next year.

The statement doesn't fully explain the reasons behind Aprilia's decision to have Martin join them. Nonetheless, the impression he made on his initial day with the team seems to justify the investment completely.

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F1 Championship Scenarios: Max Verstappen's Path to Victory in Las Vegas

Detailing the ways in which Max Verstappen can clinch his fourth F1 world championship title in Las Vegas.

Max Verstappen is close to securing the 2024 Formula 1 world championship title, a victory that could be his as soon as the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.

The driver from Red Bull is on the brink of achieving a rare feat in F1 history, potentially joining Sebastian Vettel, who from 2010 to 2013, as only the second driver to secure his initial four world championships in a row. This comes after his impressive recovery win from 17th position in a chaotic and rain-soaked Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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Verstappen's exceptional performance in Brazil has widened his lead in the championship to 62 points ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. With just three grand prix and one sprint race left until December 8, there are still 86 points available for drivers to earn.

In essence, if Verstappen manages to exit Las Vegas with a lead of 60 points or more over Norris, he will secure his fourth consecutive world championship at the first attempt.

The simplest outcomes leading to Verstappen securing the championship title in Las Vegas involve him either claiming victory in the race for a consecutive year, or crossing the finish line before Norris. In both scenarios, the competition for the title would conclusively end.

Verstappen could secure the championship title if…

The championship battle could extend to Qatar if…

To keep his championship hopes alive until Qatar, Norris needs to reduce his deficit to Verstappen to 59 points, which means he needs to score at least three more points than the Dutch driver. The most effective strategy for Norris would be to clinch victory in Las Vegas, as this would eliminate any other complex scenarios.

Nevertheless, should Norris manage to extend the competition to the season's second-to-last round, the chances remain slim for the British driver.

Unless Verstappen had an unusual poor performance in Las Vegas – something uncommon in F1 currently – he was expected to have a chance to clinch the title again in the Saturday sprint race in Qatar, making it two years in a row.

The championship victory is seemingly reserved for the powerhouse teams, yet key figures such as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, along with Red Bull's Sergio Perez and McLaren's Oscar Piastri, could still influence the outcome of the title race.

How does the constructors' championship stand?

While it seems the drivers' championship outcome is nearly guaranteed, the battle for the constructors' championship title remains unpredictable.

McLaren is at the forefront with just three competitions remaining, holding a 36-point advantage over Ferrari in their pursuit of their initial world championship since 2008 and their first constructors' victory since 1998.

Defending world champions Red Bull remain in contention to retain their title, provided they can overcome a 49-point gap behind McLaren.

The constructors' championship remains up for grabs in Las Vegas, as there are still 103 points to be earned.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Maverick Vinales expressed excitement about the speed of the KTM during his MotoGP debut, stating he felt comfortable right from the initial lap. He described the experience as perfectly suited to his riding style.

Maverick Vinales has started his journey to make history as the first MotoGP racer to achieve victories on four different motorcycle brands, beginning with his debut on a KTM during the Tuesday test in Barcelona.

The Spanish rider, who has achieved ten victories in races with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia bikes, was also experiencing his initial laps as a satellite team member at Tech3.

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The initial reaction was favorable.

"I began the day without any preconceived notions, aiming to be quite open-minded. Immediately, however, during the initial lap, I noticed a positive feeling. Everything felt very instinctive," Vinales remarked.

"Clearly, there are numerous aspects of my riding technique that I still need to grasp and incorporate. However, the experience was positive. We didn't conduct extensive testing. I simply requested Pedro's setup to give it a try and get a sense of the bike."

During the day's mid-session, Vinales reached fourth place on the timing charts, but eventually dropped to 12th position.

He trailed test leader Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini Ducati, by one second and was only 0.3 seconds slower than the fastest KTM rider, Brad Binder.

Vinales mentioned that he currently doesn't notice any issues, but he hasn't yet pushed the bike to its full potential. He expressed a preference to remain reserved for the time being, focusing on reaching the bike's limits before assessing what might be lacking.

"I never encountered a 'wall.' Each time I ventured out, I picked up more speed."

Vinales, the sole competitor to outpace Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his triumph at COTA, mentioned:

One aspect of the bike that appeals to me, particularly in how it suits my riding style, is its performance when exiting a corner. Essentially, the sooner you lift the bike upright, the sooner you can accelerate.

"This suits my way of riding perfectly. I get the bike going early on, and there's always power helping me accelerate out of the corner."

"I'm still trying to fully grasp how the bike handles, particularly with the brakes. It appears to be quite stable overall. However, when I attempt to make it slide, I'm still figuring out the extent to which I can utilize the front brake during various stages."

Prior to the test, my main worry was the high-speed corners, as I've always been quick on other bikes. However, theoretically, those bikes were designed to handle fast corners well.

"I really enjoy this one because the quick turns, such as 13-14, feel very smooth and allow for high cornering speed."

As Vinales discovered, the RC16, which secured second place in the constructors' rankings behind Ducati this season, outperforming Aprilia’s RS-GP, is not just fast when it comes to cornering.

During the test, the Spanish racer achieved the fastest top speed, reaching 354 km/h while riding solo. This was slightly higher than Aprilia's top speed of 352.9 km/h during the grand prix weekend.

"It's quick. That's the initial impression I had!" Vinales remarked. "The exit performance is impressive, with good traction, and like I said, as soon as you accelerate, the bike propels itself out of the corner. But it's quick: in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear, it's really fast."

One notable feature of the orange machine is its excellent start-up capability.

Vinales commented on Tuesday, after completing three practice starts, that he finally grasps the reason for his numerous setbacks this season. He expressed optimism, saying, "It's alright; I'll get another chance next year, which is wonderful."

In contrast to the RS-GP's substantial downforce, the KTM seemed "quite light. While it's still a physical ride, it's not as demanding. It's simpler to change directions with it."

One distinguishing characteristic of the KTM is its chassis made from carbon fiber instead of aluminum, and its suspension system utilizes WP components instead of those from Ohlins.

"The initial braking felt great. Honestly, I thought I might be on the fence about it, but the suspension gets a thumbs up," he commented.

The rear mechanism is quite impressive. It operates in a very smooth manner, which prevents the tire from spinning, and that is excellent.

Following over a decade as a factory rider, Vinales is optimistic about enjoying the close-knit environment at Tech3. This team is where newcomer Pedro Acosta achieved five podium finishes and was in the lead for 13 laps during grand prix events this season.

"A positive vibe and atmosphere are present. I believe we have the potential to form a solid team," Vinales expressed. "This feels like a family to me. That's the sense I get from the interactions among the mechanics. It's likely the feeling I've been seeking."

"We made only minor tweaks to the bike. Simple changes. However, I was eager to try out Pedro's bike and keep riding it until I increased my speed," Vinales stated.

"I collaborated with Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro to figure out the areas where I should apply more force on the bike and where I should handle it with more care. It was a great experience working alongside them."

Enea Bastianini, who has recently switched to Vinales' team from Ducati, recorded the 16th quickest time, trailing by 1.269 seconds. This performance came after he made a comeback from a significant crash at Turn 5.

The upcoming sanctioned MotoGP test is scheduled to take place in February at Sepang.

For two decades, Peter has been a prominent figure in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is also closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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