Examination: The Challenges in Rescuing KTM’s MotoGP Squad

The team delves into KTM's present circumstances in the newest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast.

The financial difficulties currently faced by KTM and their potential effects on the company's MotoGP initiative have been a major focus in the news this winter.

The company's reorganization efforts are proceeding, and there is a sense of guarded hope regarding its prospects. However, significant skepticism surrounds its grand prix initiative.

Under the current restructuring plans, there is a scheduled departure from MotoGP in 2026. However, Pit Beirer, the motorsport head, recently discussed the interest shown by Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion in Formula 1, in making an investment.

"Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash.net, remarked that it was quite intriguing to read the Speedweek interview with Pit Beirer, where he mentioned having concrete discussions with his management."

This isn't the first occasion where Lewis Hamilton has been associated with a MotoGP team, for instance.

"In 2024, we witnessed it with Gresini, and there were claims that Hamilton didn’t exactly refute."

He has consistently expressed an interest in potentially acquiring or investing in a MotoGP team at some point in the future.

"I find it thrilling to see Lewis Hamilton's name mentioned; he is the top F1 driver."

"While some individuals may not appreciate it, he is considered the best Formula 1 driver of all time. Seeing his name associated with KTM, especially given their current circumstances, is thrilling, particularly when Pit Beirer is the one making the statement."

Veteran journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash remarked, "I believe those who aren't thrilled about this don't truly grasp the potential we have with Lewis Hamilton stepping into MotoGP."

He's really passionate about motorcycles. He's a big fan of MotoGP and owns a unique edition of an MV Agusta. He's participated in Superbike track days alongside the Yamaha World Superbike team. He also once swapped rides with Valentino Rossi.

"He is truly passionate about bikes and absolutely adores them. Moreover, he is an avid enthusiast of motorsports."

Some individuals have unjustly accused him of being involved solely for the Hollywood ties and the business aspects, dismissing his intentions with remarks like "blah, blah, blah."

"Drivers have the freedom to engage in activities outside their main profession, and racing represents just one aspect of their lives. Typically, a racing career at the top level spans around 10 years for most individuals. Lewis Hamilton, however, has already been in the sport for 15 years and is likely to continue for a few more years at the very least."

"Additionally, he's only in his 40s and has many years ahead of him. He's taken steps to secure his future, which deserves respect."

Should he decide to engage with KTM, the exact nature of his involvement remains uncertain. However, his association alone could potentially attract investors who might not have previously considered investing.

"We should remember that this is the individual who managed to build a fairly successful team in Extreme E and holds part ownership of the Denver Broncos NFL team. He undertakes these ventures not just to enhance his business interests, but with a genuine desire to create a meaningful impact."

Though the idea of Hamilton teaming up with KTM in MotoGP is thrilling, Peter McLaren, the editor at Crash MotoGP, cautions that joining forces with a factory team is a significant undertaking.

He mentioned that Red Bull and KTM have a very strong connection, something that Pit Beirer has recently highlighted.

Red Bull and KTM are inseparable in the racing world, and they have no plans to end their collaboration.

"Although Red Bull has not publicly commented on the matter, it is likely that they are intensely observing and analyzing the situation behind closed doors."

"It's logical that they might be an investor or among those who would show interest in it. Naturally, they also possess the technical expertise."

"A number of prominent individuals are keen on investing and joining a MotoGP team."

"However, there's a significant distinction between an independent team, which anyone could essentially take charge of and start competing with immediately by leasing bikes and other necessities, and a factory team. In a factory setup, you are the manufacturer and must have a comprehensive technical team supporting you to design, maintain, and conduct research and development on the bike, along with having a dedicated testing team and more."

"That's a huge task, but Red Bull is well-equipped to handle it. They have the financial resources, a keen interest in motorsports, and the technical expertise from their Formula 1 team."

"Picture a scenario where KTM emerges from this situation with a new agreement, resulting in increased involvement from Red Bull and possibly Lewis Hamilton too."

"It would be amazing if they managed to combine all those elements. And who can say for sure? I believe the challenge right now is that KTM is a manufacturer, and not just anyone can enter the scene."

"There have been ongoing discussions about BMW entering the market, but they have been hesitant and indecisive, often retreating from their plans."

"They're a firm that has extensive experience in manufacturing bicycles and clinched the Superbike championship title this year."

"Therefore, it emphasizes the significance of achieving the status of a constructor in MotoGP. I believe it's something that should not be taken lightly."

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Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera has introduced his new team for participation in the Enduro World Championship.

Kalle Rovanpera, who has won the World Rally Championship two times, has revealed his latest venture, the KR69 World Enduro Team. This team is set to start participating in the EnduroGP World Championship starting this season.

Rovanpera's squad is set to provide a Husqvarna FE 250 for fellow Finn, Roni Kyttonen, whom Rovanpera also backed in 2024.

Due to a hand injury sustained at the EnduroGP event in Wales in August, Kyttonen had to pull out of the second half of the 2024 season in both the EnduroGP and the Finnish Championship.

The Finnish motorcyclist boasts three European Enduro Championship victories and also secured the 2020 EnduroGP Junior 1 world championship.

Kalle Rovanpera is taking a significant leap in his motorsport journey with the introduction of the KR69 WET, a name that reflects his initials and racing number in the World Rally Championship. This venture marks his debut as a team owner.

The 24-year-old is set to take on managerial responsibilities in addition to his usual driving tasks as he makes a comeback to full-time World Rally Championship (WRC) competition in 2025 with the official Toyota team. This follows a partial season in 2024, where he managed to secure three rally victories. One of these notable wins occurred at Rally Poland, where he and co-driver Jonne Halttunen were unexpectedly called in to substitute for Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais after they were involved in a collision with a civilian vehicle during the reconnaissance phase.

Kalle Rovanpera's enduro team isn't the first instance of a Finnish four-wheel World Champion venturing into dirt bike racing. Back in 2014, Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion, established his IceOne Racing motocross team, which initially served as the factory team for Husqvarna in the Motocross World Championship. In 2022, the team transitioned to represent Kawasaki.

In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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KTM unveils detailed strategy to rescue its racing initiatives

“We implemented actions quite some time back”

KTM is implementing a comprehensive 100-step strategy to reduce expenses within its racing department. This initiative aims to maintain its racing activities despite facing a financial crisis.

The Austrian company is currently undergoing a reorganization to avoid going bankrupt, as its liabilities are believed to exceed €3 billion.

The initial gathering of creditors was promising, as KTM received approval to maintain its operations and proceed with its reorganization. Additionally, external investors have shown interest amounting to €700 million.

Lewis Hamilton, who has won the Formula 1 world championship seven times, is an investor showing interest. His management team has had "substantial" talks with KTM.

A section of the creditors' report mentioned that KTM's exit from MotoGP had been "planned."

The event is scheduled for 2026, but KTM has already announced that it will be participating on the grid this year.

In a conversation with Speedweek, Pit Beirer, the head of motorsports at KTM, discussed the brand's comprehensive 100-point strategy designed to reduce expenses in its sports department.

"We implemented actions quite some time back," he stated.

"When contracts came to an end, it was simpler to make changes than it is now, as contracts are filed in various places at this time of year."

"A straightforward yet distressing problem is that we've cut back on our global program by 12 racers, and each one of them supports two, three, or four staff members."

The choice to dissolve specific racing teams or eliminate certain drivers in various categories has had a significant impact, particularly on the drivers themselves. However, it has also led to a substantial loss of jobs behind the scenes.

"Whenever a project is discontinued, it typically results in two trucks becoming redundant, along with various other vehicles and cars."

"The resources required by the drivers are no longer necessary. These reductions are prompt actions that have a visible impact."

Beirer mentioned that KTM has ceased to be the main sponsor for the Hard Enduro World Championship.

In the realm of grand prix racing, KTM has removed the GASGAS brand from the lineup, and Husqvarna is no longer present either.

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Former grand prix team owner passes away at 87 Bob MacLean, who led the Red Bull WCM team to victory in five 500cc grand prix races, has died.

Bob MacLean, who led his independent team to victory in five 500GP races while racing under the Red Bull Yamaha WCM name, passed away at 87.

In 1992, MacLean established the independent WCM team and brought Peter Clifford on board as the team manager.

Following their use of ROC chassis powered by Yamaha engines, WCM received an offer for factory-spec YZR500s for the 1997 season and secured a primary sponsorship agreement with Red Bull.

In 1998, Simon Crafar secured the team's inaugural win at Donington Park, and the subsequent year, Regis Laconi achieved another victory for the team in Valencia.

The year 2000 marked the highlight of WCM's racing season, as Garry McCoy, known for his sliding technique, achieved three wins and secured fifth place in the world championship standings.

In 2001, McCoy achieved three additional podium finishes and managed to surpass his teammate Noriyuki Haga in points, even though he was absent from several races because of an injury.

In 2002, as the new four-stroke era began, McCoy and his new teammate, John Hopkins, kept using two-stroke engines because there weren't enough of Yamaha's new M1 engines available.

At the conclusion of the season, Red Bull transitioned to KTM. Meanwhile, WCM focused on developing its own four-stroke prototype, utilizing a modified R1 engine and a frame constructed by Harris.

Disagreements between MotoGP and WorldSBK created obstacles for the project, and a later proposal to develop a V6 engine bike with support from Blata failed to come to fruition, resulting in the team's absence from the 2006 world championship.

An announcement released by Road Racing World stated:

Bob MacLean, a beloved husband, father, and teacher, died peacefully at his residence in Wilson, Wyoming, on December 14, 2024, at 87. He was born on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California, to parents Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Bob's life was distinguished by his strong dedication to education, athletics, and community service.

Having spent numerous years as a motorcycle racer, Bob went on to establish World Championship Motorsports in 1991. He served as the co-owner and operator of this organization until 2005. WCM participated in the prestigious FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series, representing the pinnacle of International Motorsports. Bob's entrepreneurial drive, coupled with his dedication to education and sports, showcased his exceptional leadership abilities.

Bob played a significant role in his community, particularly as a member of the South Kent School Board from 1990 to 1999. He held the position of President from 1995 to 1999, during which his guidance and benevolence were influential in directing the school's path forward. Additionally, Bob was a dedicated participant on the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary board for more than 20 years and was involved with the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.

In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob discovered tranquility and contentment through his passion for fly fishing and enjoying life on his ranch. As an advocate for community initiatives, he donated to groups like the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, demonstrating his profound respect for the area's natural splendor.

Bob found his deepest happiness in his family. His legacy includes his wife, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. The couple raised three sons in Waccabuc, New York, before dividing their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida, and their residence in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also remembered by his three sons: Chris MacLean, married to Cathryn Kishbaugh; Ian MacLean; and Mark MacLean, who is married to Marsha Yamaykina, as well as his five grandchildren.

Bob's zest for life, his humor, and his optimistic attitude will be cherished by those who knew him, including his friends and family.

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Peter has spent two decades in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely following the developments of Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Max Bartolini: "Mastering the rear grip can boost your speed" – An Exclusive

"Focus on the most durable of the tyres"

Max Bartolini, the technical director for Monster Yamaha, has highlighted the importance of optimizing rear tyre performance as a crucial factor for achieving success in MotoGP.

In motorsports where the front and rear tires have varying specifications or dimensions, one end—either the front or the rear—will typically have more grip than the other.

During the Bridgestone tire period from 2009 to 2015, the front tires were considered the most robust. However, with Michelin's entry in 2016, the focus shifted entirely to the rear tires.

Although it may appear reasonable for MotoGP designers to concentrate on enhancing the performance of the 'weaker' tyre to improve lap and race times, Bartolini clarified that it is more crucial to take advantage of the stronger tyre.

“The Italian, who became part of Yamaha's team from Ducati a year ago, explained to Crash.net that typically, when considering the front and rear tyres, the focus is usually on the more robust tyre.”

According to Bridgestone, the front tire performed exceptionally well. Meanwhile, the rear tire maintained a consistent level of performance throughout the race without any significant decline.

"Back in 2016, when we began collaborating with Michelin, the rear tires were quite robust, while the front ones posed significant handling challenges. There were numerous crashes during the initial testing phase."

"Michelin has significantly improved the front, making it vastly better than it was initially."

"However, the back end remains extremely powerful, which is why riders frequently discuss the traction of the rear."

"Anyone who can fully utilize the rear grip has the potential to increase their speed."

Bartolini was swift to debunk the misconception that rear grip is solely important during acceleration.

"Every corner involves phases of braking, entering, maintaining corner speed, and accelerating," he stated.

"Maintaining speed while entering and navigating through a corner is more challenging than accelerating."

"[Furthermore], without achieving entry and corner speed, acceleration cannot be achieved."

Yamaha, which hasn't achieved a podium finish in 2024, is working on a V4 engine project in addition to its traditional Inline4 engine. This development aims to enhance the performance of their rear tyres.

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For two decades, Peter has been an active presence in the racing community, witnessing the entire career of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the narrative of Suzuki's departure and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Carchedi on Marquez Joining Ducati Lenovo: “I Have a Clear Idea of the Outcome…”

“I prefer not to reveal too much, but I have a clear idea of how it will unfold,” said Carchedi.

Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief at Gresini, is unlikely to accompany Marc Marquez to the official Ducati team in 2025. However, Carchedi, who hails from England, suggested that he anticipates impressive performances from rider #93.

Marquez earned a spot on the official Ducati team, surpassing the eventual world champion Jorge Martin, because he was the sole GP23 rider who could compete with the factory-spec GP24s in the previous year.

His achievements comprised three grand prix victories, a sprint race win, and securing two pole positions, culminating in a third-place finish in the world championship standings.

However, in 2025, the Spaniard will confront a challenging rival, Ducati's two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia, as his teammate.

In a recent episode of the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, Carchedi was questioned about his expectations for Marquez with the factory team.

"Sure… we'll discuss it when the year wraps up!" Carchedi grinned.

The speaker refrained from revealing too much but expressed confidence in predicting the outcome. They mentioned that with a second year on the Ducati, essentially benefiting from a two-year improvement in equipment, the individual in question managed to achieve 20 podium finishes in 2024. The speaker concluded by leaving their statement at that.

In contrast, the other three GP23 riders collectively secured only two podium finishes last season, with Marco Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez each earning one.

Throughout last season, a major topic of discussion was the performance gap between the GP24 bikes used by the Lenovo and Pramac teams and the older GP23 models at Gresini and VR46. This issue was predictably brought up to Carchedi during the podcast.

The Englishman chuckled as he remarked, "I was wondering what questions you all might have, and I figured this would surely be one of them!" He had previously led Joan Mir to a MotoGP championship with Suzuki back in 2020.

The speaker mentioned that they have frequently addressed this topic and will reiterate their usual response: their focus was on comparing their performance to other GP23 models and striving to be the leader among them.

Marc achieved similar feats at Honda when competing against other Honda bikes. During that time, it was not possible to measure his performance against riders on Yamahas, Ducatis, or bikes from other manufacturers. The situation was the same this year.

"Ending the year by outperforming both GP24 riders, Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli, was truly remarkable."

The Ducati engineering team is on an impressive streak. Just when you believe they have reached the pinnacle of their capabilities, they manage to enhance the motorcycle even more with each passing year.

Every bicycle comes with its own set of pros and cons. We encountered a few specific challenges that made it difficult for us to stay competitive.

"Certainly, when it comes to a single lap, it might be more related to familiarity with the Ducati. It's uncertain. We are discussing a rider, Marquez, who is on the bike for the first time competing against racers who have been riding it for four or five years."

"Looking back, I believe we managed to qualify with ease. During the year, we secured two pole positions and ended up in third place in the BMW Award's qualifying championship. This result was unexpected for me, as it didn't seem like we were performing at that level!"

Motegi nearly achieved pole position on his own, but the lap was ultimately invalidated.

"There are distinctions between the models from 2023 and 2024. The Ducati engineers are highly skilled and consistently manage to improve the bikes. Each year brings unique changes. Occasionally, the difference is just a fraction of a second, while at other times, it is more significant. Whether the gap between the factory and satellite teams widens or narrows each year is somewhat unpredictable."

"In conclusion, Alex might be the ideal person to consult since he seemed to really enjoy the GP24 bike in Barcelona!"

In the post-race testing session in Barcelona this November, Marc and Bagnaia started testing the GP25 prototype. Meanwhile, Alex, who is Marc's brother and used to be his teammate, recorded the fastest time while riding the GP24 for the first time.

Carchedi was also questioned about his opinions on what the newly crowned champion, Martin, can achieve with Aprilia.

He stated that achieving a world championship requires effort and isn't handed out freely. He added that having a leading rider with a different manufacturer benefits MotoGP, aligning with the desires of everyone involved.

"While it's great for us at Ducati right now, the goal is to have all manufacturers competing at a high level with top riders. Therefore, it's not just about Martin; Enea's move to KTM is also excellent for the championship. It will add a bit of variety."

"I'm confident that he'll be somewhere around."

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For two decades, Peter has been involved in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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Debunking of 2015 conspiracy theory involving Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez

Assertions by fans of Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez disproved

Claims of conspiracy theories surrounding the notorious 2015 feud between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have been refuted.

Danilo Petrucci has shed light on his viewpoint regarding the ongoing MotoGP dispute that persists.

This year, Rossi reignited their rivalry by once again accusing Marquez of intentionally sabotaging his chances at the championship.

Petrucci, a competitor in the 2015 racing season, has clarified the facts regarding two outrageous assertions.

He dismissed the idea of obstructing Lorenzo, even amid fervent appeals from Rossi's Italian supporters.

"Absolutely not, not even for a moment," Petrucci conveyed to MOW Mag.

"A motorist is passionate about this activity and would never engage in such behavior.

"I wholeheartedly concur with the viewpoint that a competitor with nothing at stake should not become a nuisance to those competing for significant gains.

"This applies both to excessive blocking of an opponent trying to pass and intentionally moving to the lead in an unsporting manner. No one desires to achieve victory through such means."

Petrucci commented on the Italian supporters' hopes for him to support Rossi, stating: “That year, before the Valencia race, it appeared to me they were being playful, using it as a means to make the atmosphere lighter: to me, they were just memes on social networks suggesting that I, Iannone, or another rider, would take Lorenzo out of the final race.

"I never imagined there were individuals genuinely interested in it."

Petrucci humorously remarked, "I might have been hailed as the ruler of the world if I had accomplished it! Compliments would have come from all sides.

"The thought of doing it never once occurred to me."

"I am certain that even those who stood to gain from it would have been appalled."

"It's illogical to act as a mediator between two cyclists."

Petrucci refuted another accusation from Marquez's supporters—that he gave in by making it too simple for Rossi to overtake him in Valencia.

"He firmly stated, 'I did not move out of the way.'"

"However, when a rider is evidently speeding up, they pass you without difficulty, and that was the case in this instance. There's a lot of chatter, but you can't pay attention to it all."

'The incident will eternally linger'

"I believed it would come to a close," Petrucci noted.

"Yet now it's clear to me that the incident involving Valentino and Marc in 2015 is far from over."

"It's logical for both parties involved, yet it doesn't resonate with the audience.

Only they are privy to the true events, to the occurrences that unfolded prior, to the words exchanged or left unspoken between them throughout the entire season.

"Whenever either of the two discusses the matter, they introduce a new detail previously unknown to all of us, even those who shared the same enclosure."

"Both individuals are utterly certain of their correctness, which is why, nearly a decade later, the discussion continues."

"However, I must emphasize again: only they are aware of the true events."

"Undoubtedly, the events that unfolded thereafter and surrounding it did not highlight a proud moment in sports. For many of us from my generation, Valentino stands as a hero, and to encounter him as a rival on the track is an experience that's indescribable on an emotional level."

"His accomplishments in racing have been etched into the annals of sports history. He was worthy of a tenth victory, yet it remained elusive."

"Jorge Lorenzo was equally deserving, and he emerged victorious. It's all part of the sport. That particular season started off rocky for Marquez, yet he might have believed that his initial confrontation with Vale was what ultimately sidelined him from contending for the world championship."

"I'm honestly unsure of the details and lack sufficient data to form a definitive stance, particularly given that nearly a decade has passed."

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

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Former colleague expresses sole concern regarding Marc Marquez's potential fit within the Ducati team

"The combination of such a powerful motorcycle alongside two incredibly talented riders hasn't been witnessed in quite some time"

Marc Marquez has outperformed all of his MotoGP teammates to date, but the competition will intensify in 2025 when he teams up with Pecco Bagnaia.

Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Marquez (who teamed up with Marquez at both Honda and Gresini), Pol Espargaro, and Joan Mir have shared the garage with Marquez.

This year, the dynamics of his relationship with Bagnaia will come under close observation.

Espargaro, after sharing two years at the factory Honda team with Marquez, is closely watching the developments.

"Definitely," he stated. "It's undeniable!"

"They are both highly renowned figures. Their team's area is filled with an extensive array of wins and numerous championships."

"It has been some time since we witnessed a bicycle of this caliber paired with two riders of immense talent."

Similar to a football scenario, despite boasting big-name players this season, Real Madrid has struggled to achieve top results due to issues with team cohesion.

"In MotoGP, the workload is divided in half, creating two mini teams within a single team."

"The sole question in my mind is whether they can collaborate effectively as a unit during their quest for the championship. I'm fully confident, however, that they'll make it to that point."

Bagnaia has emerged as Ducati's leading figure by clinching their first MotoGP championship in 15 years, an achievement Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi were unable to secure.

Despite Bagnaia not being able to retain his championship this season, as Pramac's Jorge Martin took the crown, the factory Ducati team's confidence in Bagnaia remained unshaken.

Marquez’s recruitment marks a departure from Ducati's recent strategy of nurturing talent within their own ranks.

For Marquez, this represents his ultimate opportunity to clinch a ninth world championship.

This suggests potential rivalry among team members, both of whom will have access to the top-performing motorcycle in the lineup, as they each aim to secure the championship title.

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For ten years, James served as a sports reporter with Sky Sports, where his beat included a wide array of athletics, ranging from American sports and soccer to Formula 1 racing.

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Gigi Dall'Igna possesses the mindset of a racer; defeat angers him.

"Were he 20 or 30 years younger and a competitor himself…"

Several prominent individuals from within Ducati have underscored the pivotal contribution of Gigi Dall’Igna.

The Italian producer has led the MotoGP field for three seasons, ending 2024 with its riders occupying the first four positions in the rankings.

This year, Ducati is anticipated to play a leading role again, especially with Marc Marquez moving from Gresini to their main team.

However, the real standout could be the team's general manager and aerodynamics wizard, Dall’Igna.

Marquez mentioned to DAZN that for him, the critical aspect of Ducati was bringing Gigi Dall'Igna on board.

I would describe Gigi Dall'Igna as embodying the spirit of a motorcyclist, possessing a mindset that is entirely dedicated to riding.

"When he fails to secure victory, his frustration becomes evident. His drive and determination are essential traits for success in a competitive environment."

"If he were two or three decades younger and a racer himself, he'd be among the competitors you'd dread facing on the circuit."

Loris Capirossi noted, "Currently, every rider is eager to get on a Ducati."

Double World Superbikes winner Alvaro Bautista commended Dall’Igna, stating, "I believe that's the key."

An effective engineer is one who pays attention to the feedback from riders, and is skilled not just at analyzing data, but also at understanding the data in conjunction with what the riders say.

He transformed Ducati from a challenging motorcycle that was largely avoided and criticized, into the most sought-after ride in recent years.

Jorge Martin clinched the 2024 MotoGP championship while riding for Pramac, a team originally associated with Ducati but transitioned to using Yamaha motorcycles for the season.

"Everything began at Gigi," Martin explained.

"The bike became a formidable competitor when Gigi assembled numerous bikes on the circuit, accompanied by highly skilled, fresh talent, turning the whole situation into an explosive success."

Dall'Igna expressed his opinion, stating, "In my view, aerodynamics has been significantly overlooked in the world of motorcycle racing."

"However, I have to express that in this place, I've discovered the ideal individuals who can tackle the complexities of aerodynamics related to bicycles, which are significantly more intricate than those associated with cars."

This year, Ducati is set to encounter fresh obstacles, as their representation in the MotoGP lineup will decrease from eight to six motorcycles.

The number of factory motorcycles has been cut down from four to three, designated for Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

VR46 steps in as Ducati's leading satellite team, replacing Pramac, while Gresini continues its partnership with them.

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Casey Stoner gives a one-word summary for each MotoGP competitor

Casey Stoner provides his assessment of 10 MotoGP figures

Casey Stoner was tasked with describing his MotoGP competitors using just a single word.

Despite sometimes finding it hard to stick to just one word, the insights provided by the double MotoGP winner into his perspectives on riders from both the past and present were incredibly intriguing…

Fabio Quartararo? "Unyielding!"

Dani Pedrosa? "Gifted!"

Andrea Iannone? "How should I put this… I have a term in mind but it's eluding me… not 'unrestrained', rather 'liberated', I guess, when he's racing."

Check out this Instagram post from Moto.it (@motoit)

Mick Doohan? "Obstinate!"

Jack Miller? "Somewhat liberated, I would say…"

Andrea Dovizioso? "Strategic!"

Pecco Bagnaia? "Reminiscent of Dovi yet more contemplative."

Marc Marquez? "Much like Dani, he's exceptionally skilled!"

Valentino Rossi? "Sly!"

Casey Stoner? "Well, if you think about it, perhaps, in addition…"

Australia's Stoner has cemented his status as a MotoGP icon by securing two top-tier championships.

Looking back, his inaugural victory with Ducati in 2007 appears even more impressive, considering that despite having talents like Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi on their team, the manufacturer didn't secure another win for the next 15 years.

In 2011, Stoner clinched his second championship title while riding for Honda.

He famously stepped away from his career at the young age of 27 in 2012 and seldom appeared in public thereafter.

Towards the latter part of the previous year, he unexpectedly showed up at Rossi's VR46 ranch in Tavullia, reconciling with a former adversary.

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Casey Stoner provides single-word descriptions for MotoGP racers and gives his opinions on ten notable names in the MotoGP world.

Casey Stoner faced the task of describing his MotoGP competitors using just a single word.

The two-time MotoGP champion sometimes found it challenging to condense his thoughts into just one word. However, his responses still provided a captivating glimpse into his perspective on both former and current riders.

Fabio Quartararo? "Determined!"

Dani Pedrosa? "Gifted!"

Andrea Iannone? "There's a specific word I'm trying to find… It's on the tip of my tongue. It's not exactly 'loose'; perhaps 'free' better captures his style on the track."

Check out this Instagram post from Moto.it (@motoit), shared by Moto.it (@motoit).

Mick Doohan? "Headstrong!"

Jack Miller? "I guess you could say he's somewhat liberated…"

Andrea Dovizioso? "Strategic thinker!"

Pecco Bagnaia? "Comparable to Dovi, yet more contemplative."

Marc Marquez? "Much like Dani, he's exceptionally gifted!"

Valentino Rossi? "Shrewd!"

Casey Stoner? "I guess you could say he's analytical and…"

Australia's Stoner has solidified his status as a MotoGP icon by winning two championships in the top category.

His initial success with Ducati in 2007 seems even more impressive when viewed in retrospect, as the company struggled to secure another victory for 15 years, even with riders like Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

In 2011, Stoner secured his second championship while racing for Honda.

In 2012, at the age of 27, he made headlines by retiring early and subsequently kept a low profile.

However, near the close of the previous year, he unexpectedly showed up at Rossi's VR46 ranch in Tavullia, reconciling with a former adversary.

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Gigi Dall’Igna possesses a mindset similar to that of a racer; he becomes frustrated when he doesn't come out on top. If he were two to three decades younger and had taken up racing…

Several important individuals from Ducati have highlighted the significant contribution of Gigi Dall’Igna.

For three consecutive years, the Italian company has been leading MotoGP, concluding the 2024 season with their riders occupying the top four positions in the rankings.

This year, Ducati is anticipated to take center stage once again, especially with Marc Marquez moving from Gresini to the official team.

However, the standout figure could be the general manager and aerodynamics expert, Dall’Igna.

Marquez stated to DAZN that the pivotal moment for Ducati was bringing Gigi Dall'Igna on board.

"I would describe Gigi Dall'Igna as someone who embodies the spirit of a rider. His mindset is completely aligned with that of a rider."

"When he doesn't come out on top, he becomes frustrated. He possesses the drive essential for thriving in competitive environments."

"If he were two or three decades younger and still competing, he would be one of those riders that others would dread facing on the racetrack."

Loris Capirossi commented, "At present, every racer is eager to compete using Ducati bikes."

Alvaro Bautista, who has won the World Superbikes championship twice, commended Dall’Igna by saying, "I believe that's the key."

An effective engineer pays attention to the feedback from riders and understands how to not only analyze data but also integrate it with the riders' observations.

"He transformed Ducati from a challenging motorcycle that riders were hesitant to choose, with many saying 'No, not Ducati,' to the highly sought-after bike it has become in recent years."

Jorge Martin claimed the 2024 MotoGP championship riding for Pramac, the Ducati-affiliated team that has transitioned to Yamaha for the current season.

"According to Martin, everything began at Gigi's."

"The bike became highly competitive when Gigi assembled numerous bikes for the track, each paired with exceptionally skilled new riders, leading to an explosive outcome."

Dall’Igna expressed his opinion: "In my view, aerodynamics has been largely overlooked in the world of motorcycle racing."

"However, I have to acknowledge that I have encountered the right experts here who can tackle the complexities of bike aerodynamics, which are significantly more intricate than those related to cars."

This year, Ducati is set to encounter fresh obstacles as the number of their bikes on the MotoGP grid decreases from eight to six.

The number of factory bikes has been decreased from four to three, now designated for Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

With Pramac no longer in the picture, VR46 has become Ducati's primary satellite team. Ducati will also continue their partnership with Gresini.

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