The Emergence of a New Alliance: Harley-Davidson Joins Forces with Dorna Sports in MotoGP

Legendary U.S. bike maker Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports have initiated a strategic collaboration focused on expanding MotoGP's presence in the United States and enhancing the global footprint of the Harley brand.

On the Monday after the conclusion of the 2024 MotoGP season, Harley-Davidson held a news briefing alongside Dorna's executives to unveil their collaboration, as the brand's motorcycles made their debut on the Barcelona track for the first time.

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On Monday, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was filled with the roaring sounds of Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles competing in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series.

Debuting on the MotoAmerica lineup in 2020, the King of the Baggers series has swiftly risen to become possibly the most favored competition within the US-based championship.

This year marked the inaugural appearance of the class at the US Grand Prix.

Rumors circulating in the MotoGP paddock in Barcelona during the Solidarity GP weekend hinted at the possibility of introducing a new Baggers-style racing series to the grand prix lineup, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Nonetheless, Harley's Chief Executive Jochen Zeitz hinted to Crash.net that this was indeed the goal.

As of now, it seems that for 2025, Harley is only scheduled for trial runs akin to the track evaluation in Barcelona. However, Zeitz is eager for Harley to quickly secure a lasting spot in MotoGP.

"Let's wait and see the outcome," he remarked.

"Our goal is to proceed as quickly as possible, yet such processes require some time, and initially, we aim to gauge the level of enthusiasm for this."

"Introducing our bicycles to Barcelona represents a significant move for us as we begin to explore the possibilities."

"Thus far, the response has been remarkable, with plenty of commendation and encouragement directed at our racers and mechanics. From what we've observed, it's a promising indicator that there's a significant enthusiasm for establishing a new arena beyond the successful realm of MotoGP."

The company, based in Milwaukee, boasts a storied tradition in motorcycle racing, with a special emphasis on off-road competitions.

Harley has also achieved victories in Grand Prix championships. In 1975, riding for the brand, Walter Villa secured the 250cc championship, and he repeated this feat in 1976, additionally claiming the 350cc championship during the same year.

Harley is confident that the success of the King of the Baggers series can be duplicated in Europe.

"Zeitz mentions, 'Harley enjoys a global fanbase, with numerous enthusiasts worldwide. Initiating the concept in 2021, where we brought our signature motorcycles to tours and race tracks, has been a tremendous success, continuing through to our current involvement with MotoAmerica in the US.'"

"However, we believe there are greater opportunities worldwide to achieve this, and MotoGP could be an excellent collaborator. That's why we see this as a potential mutual benefit and are keen to investigate the possibilities."

MotoGP weekends are often packed with action, featuring the main MotoGP races, alongside Moto2, Moto3, and occasionally MotoE competitions, in addition to several Talent Cups. However, all these events are organized by Dorna and might appear quite similar to the average viewer.

Introducing a Baggers competition to the MotoGP schedule could be an ideal strategy for Dorna to attract a fresh viewership, especially from the United States. With Liberty Media, a US-based company, poised to become the primary owner of Dorna starting in 2025, Harley sees a significant opportunity on the horizon.

"Zeitz highlights that the brand's emblematic status and its extensive heritage in racing present a significant chance to reach audiences beyond the United States. This is the driving force behind our collaboration with Dorna, aiming to tap into that potential. Concurrently, Dorna and MotoGP are keen on expanding their presence within the American market."

"Clearly, the involvement of Liberty Media aligns with a common goal we all share."

"Hence, our decision to collaborate stems from a mutual desire to achieve something significant. With our legendary product and brand, our aspiration to participate in racing aligns with Dorna's expansion goals, and we're both keen on innovation. We believe that King of the Baggers presents the perfect opportunity for this."

The partnership with Harley is viewed by MotoGP as a strategy to enhance its presence in the United States, which is a fundamental aspect of the new owners' strategic vision. According to Crash, there was initially some hesitation from MotoGP about including the King of the Baggers event in this year's US Grand Prix lineup. However, the activities on the Barcelona track on Monday have clearly shown that MotoGP has since fully embraced the idea.

"Indeed, it's part of a broader plan," remarked Carlos Ezpeleta, the top sports executive at Dorna, in response to a question from Crash about whether the Harley collaboration represented a step towards increasing MotoGP's presence in the US.

Last night, we unveiled our latest brand identities, which we're extremely proud of. Part of our goal with these is to increase our presence in unexpected locations.

"Harley has the potential to significantly support our efforts, not just in the United States but around the world as well. They boast a vast network of enthusiasts worldwide, which is a resource we aim to leverage."

"We keep emphasizing how crucial the United States is to our strategy. Our anticipation is that the new ownership will be finalized by year's end, and we're eager to pursue this venture, among numerous others, in the U.S."

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How does Marc Marquez perceive the pressure from the factory Ducati team following his initial MotoGP test?

Marquez stated, "I would not have opted for this path if I wasn't ready to handle the pressure."

Marc Marquez acknowledges that being a factory Ducati MotoGP rider will bring increased pressure, but he remains calm and embraces this challenge.

The rider, who has claimed the world championship title eight times, took to the track with the factory Ducati team for the first time on Tuesday during the post-season test in Barcelona.

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During the testing session, Marquez took both the GP24 and GP25 motorcycles for a spin, completing 49 laps. He secured the fourth quickest time, just 0.056 seconds behind his team-mate Francesco Bagnaia.

Nearly a year after his initial experience with the Ducati during the 2023 post-season test, this trial took place, although the expectations at that time were not the same.

After securing victory in three grand prix races in 2024 with the GP23, Marquez is anticipated to rejoin the factory team and become a strong contender for championship titles once again.

When questioned by Crash.net about whether he experienced any increased pressure on his inaugural day with the factory team, Marquez responded, "No, I'm feeling at ease. I'm relaxed."

"Naturally, there will be pressure, but ultimately, I embrace it. Had I not been willing to embrace it, I wouldn't have made the decision to switch to Ducati two years ago."

"I enjoy feeling the pressure. It's important to handle it well, but I'm aware that being part of the top team means I have the duty to compete for podium finishes in every race."

"Whether one becomes a champion or not can vary, as demonstrated this year when Pecco secured 11 race victories but ended up in second place overall. Nonetheless, he had an outstanding season and delivered exceptional performances."

This year, Marquez received some backing from the factory while with Gresini, but it wasn't as extensive as the support he'll receive now with the main team.

However, he feels that he hasn't acquired any additional understanding of Ducati's dominance, pointing out that his experience with them at Gresini had already given him clarity.

He mentioned that he realized this year how Ducati operates, noting that it's not just focused on the factory team.

"The satellite teams receive information that holds the same importance as the data provided to the factory team."

"Attending to those details is crucial for ensuring you're on the right path."

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Jack Miller Shares Thoughts on His Last Race with KTM

Jack Miller has competed in his ultimate race for KTM.

Jack Miller achieved a modest improvement in the season's last MotoGP race, concluding his tenure with KTM by scoring points.

Miller got off to a strong beginning in the race, yet he was unable to advance beyond the 13th position as he found it challenging to overtake Miguel Oliveira. Oliveira is set to join him as a team member at Pramac Yamaha next year.

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"Miller expressed satisfaction, stating, 'I gave it my all.'"

Began fairly well, staying right behind Miguel [Oliveira] but truthfully, wasn't able to advance beyond that point.

"Moments scattered here and there, all around. We succeeded in crossing the finish line, not quite achieving our desired outcome, but content to return to scoring points and ending it in such a manner."

"It feels great to return to the team, perform a burnout, and conclude in such a manner. It's definitely more satisfying than ending up in the gravel."

"Anticipating Tuesday, eager to begin a new phase and explore our possibilities with it."

Miller encountered substantial problems with rear traction during Saturday's Sprint. However, by switching from a medium-compound to a hard-compound rear tire, there was noticeable progress, even though the Australian experienced some decline in performance later.

"Today, I opted for the hard [compound rear tyre]," he mentioned.

My performance weakened on the left side, with Miguel showing a clear advantage in strength there compared to me.

"Initially, I experienced an intense feeling of strength, but gradually, it diminished."

"Thus, my approach is to examine the information, though it's not necessary. Instead, we'll embark on a new beginning this Tuesday, which I'm eagerly anticipating."

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

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"Brake issues thwart Pedro Acosta's prime KTM ambition at Barcelona

"Tackling a challenging race is one thing; dealing with brake malfunctions at 350 km/h is entirely another"

A narrow margin of just two points and under two seconds denied newcomer Pedro Acosta the fifth spot and the position of the highest-ranked rider not on a Ducati in the overall 2024 MotoGP World Championship rankings.

The rider from GASGAS Tech3 entered the season's last Grand Prix holding a slim lead of two points ahead of Brad Binder from Red Bull KTM, this despite having to withdraw from the Sprint because of damage to the fairing caused by an early collision with Marc Marquez on the first lap.

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For the 13th occasion this season, Acosta hasn't managed to find the back of the net, which counts the game in Australia where he didn't make the

Despite Binder being positioned 18th on the starting grid and Acosta beginning from sixth, the 20-year-old remained the top contender to secure his aim of clinching fifth place in the championship standings.

Yet, his advantage was lost when Binder surged ahead with an outstanding move to sixth place, as Acosta dropped to tenth due to a problem with the brakes.

"After the race, Acosta reflected, mentioning, “There’s a big difference between navigating a challenging race and dealing with brake issues while speeding at 350 km/h.”

"I lost control over the brakes right from the start. It was challenging to handle from the very first lap. Initially, I had some traction at the back, but once that traction disappeared, it became impossible to maintain speed."

During the 12th lap, my time was 40.8 seconds, which was quite decent. Then, as the laps progressed, my times increased to 41.4, 41.6, and into the 42-second range! Surprisingly, I don’t usually clock times in the 42s even during the first free practice session (FP1).

"This is the situation as it stands. Please don't misunderstand me, it's hard to grasp the reason why."

"I'm managing because it seems I'm not alone in facing challenges throughout the season, as Marc has frequently pointed out. However, this situation shouldn't be considered acceptable."

It remains unclear whether the problem with the brakes was linked to the damage resulting from Acosta's severe crash during the warm-up.

Acosta might not have led the final rankings among RC16 competitors, yet he outperformed all with the highest number of KTM podium finishes (five) and the most laps leading the race (13).

"He mentioned that the season was a mix of ups and downs, including both commendable outcomes and some disappointing instances due to errors. Overall, however, he described the season as largely favorable."

Starting from the Barcelona test on Tuesday, Acosta is set to team up with Binder at the Red Bull KTM factory squad.

"I'm excited to begin a new chapter, albeit close by since I'm staying within the family. However, I will be parting ways with some individuals," he expressed.

"From the moment I arrived, I felt a warm reception, and the technicians along with everyone involved treated me kindly. Thus, my initial season in MotoGP with Tech3 will always hold a special place in my heart."

With Augusto Fernandez also leaving, likely for a role as a Yamaha test rider, Tech3 will feature MotoGP champions Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini in the upcoming season.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the motorsport landscape evolve, including Valentino Rossi's career from its peak to its end. Currently, he's leading the narrative on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Maverick Vinales is excited for an appealing fresh challenge in MotoGP with KTM

“In my view, [the KTM] aligns better with how I ride”

As the sole competitor to outpace Ducati in a race this year, Maverick Vinales transitions from Aprilia to KTM, making his first appearance on the RC16 at the Barcelona test on Tuesday.

Having clinched victories in the MotoGP on ten occasions with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia teams, Vinales concluded his tenure with the RS-GP by finishing in a disappointing 15th position at the Barcelona race this past Sunday.

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The Spanish rider, after securing a win in the Portimao Sprint and achieving back-to-back victories at COTA earlier in the season, pointed out that his downfall was due to opting for the hard rear tire.

"We made the wrong decision regarding the tires, particularly the rear one… There's nothing more to add.

Clearly, numerous improvements can be made, but I'll pass that responsibility to the successors.

"Embrace the outcome and proceed. Looking forward to what's coming next with great anticipation."

The forthcoming phase in Vinales' career involves him moving to the Tech3 KTM squad, with the objective of being the inaugural racer to secure victories on four distinct MotoGP manufacturer bikes.

Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder surpassed Vinales, securing positions just behind the top four Ducati riders in the championship standings. However, KTM has not tasted victory in a MotoGP race since their win in Thailand in 2022, and they failed to secure a win in any Sprint race throughout the current season.

Vinales expressed excitement about his new venture, describing it as an attractive opportunity. "Clearly, it won't be straightforward. The bike is quite distinct. However, I believe it aligns better with how I ride, which should be advantageous," he stated.

"Regardless, there's a significant amount of effort required, and having not tested the bike myself, I can't make any definitive statements. However, judging from the outcomes, it's clear that to compete with the likes of Ducati, enhancements are necessary."

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, who brought Vinales over from Yamaha to team up with Aleix Espargaro, stated:

A significant phase is ending as Maverick, who played a crucial role in the development of our bike, moves on.

"The close of a chapter comes with Aleix, a rider whose resilience and determination have been a beacon for everyone."

Following the retirement of Espargaro and the exit of Vinales, Pramac Ducati's freshly titled champion, Jorge Martin, alongside VR46's Marco Bezzecchi, are set to be the new faces of the Aprilia factory team in 2025.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Ducati Anticipates Smooth Feedback from Marc Marquez Following Initial Factory Bike Trial

Marquez Undertakes First Factory Ducati Ride on Tuesday in Barcelona

Ducati's chief Gigi Dall’Igna does not anticipate any major issues following Marc Marquez's initial reactions to testing the Italian manufacturer's premier MotoGP motorcycle during Tuesday's session in Barcelona.

Twelve months following his initial appearance on the 2023-version Ducati with Gresini during the post-Valencia Grand Prix testing, the eight-time global champion Marquez is set to experience the Italian manufacturer's top-tier factory motorcycles for the first time on Tuesday in Barcelona.

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Marquez is set to test the GP24 and the GP25 prototype during Tuesday's session, providing Ducati with their initial chance to gauge his impressions on a bike he hasn't yet contributed to in terms of development.

Peeking into 2025! 🐜 A warm welcome to @marcmarquez93 as part of our team! It's time to familiarize yourself with your new environment! 💪🏼 #GoDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/h0hZ8Xsczq— Ducati Racing (@ducaticorse) November 18, 2024

Dall'Igna acknowledges the possibility that Marquez might have critical views on the GP25 motorcycle but isn't worried about it.

"When questioned by Crash.net on Monday about concerns that Marquez's input might significantly deviate from that of other Ducati riders, he responded, 'This is a possibility, and undoubtedly, we must strive to enhance the motorcycle should the trial outcomes suggest so.'"

"To be frank, we've collaborated with Marc for a duration of one year at this point, and we've become acquainted with each other."

"I'm not anticipating major issues with the test tomorrow, however, there's always a chance of the unexpected."

On Sunday, Crash.net revealed that Marquez is set to pilot a factory Ducati bike in Tuesday's test session, however, his bike and racing suit will not feature any sponsor logos.

The leap from the GP23, which Marquez rode to three Grand Prix victories this year, to the GP24, aboard which Jorge Martin clinched the championship, was considerable.

Dall'Igna has emphasized that the performance improvement from the GP24 to the GP25 will not be markedly significant.

"To be frank, currently, the 25 hasn't made the same progress," he further stated.

"Frankly, the current standard of the GP24 is quite elevated, and introducing significant variations between the two motorcycles necessitates embracing certain risks."

"Currently, I believe it's not required."

Dall’Igna has highlighted enhancing top speed and boosting mid-corner grip as key areas for improvement.

Enhancing engine performance will be particularly vital this winter, given that once the Ducati engine is locked in before the 2025 Thai Grand Prix, there won’t be an opportunity for further development until the end of 2026, just before the start of the new 850cc era in 2027. “In my view, we need to slightly boost our bike's straight-line speed, as I believe some of our rivals have a bit of an edge over us in that area,” he mentioned.

"Additionally, I'm aiming to enhance the spin slightly when rounding the corner."

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Guide to Streaming Today's MotoGP Postseason Trial Live

Details on viewing and keeping up with today's test in Barcelona

Today marks the MotoGP offseason trial in Barcelona. Here's the agenda, viewing options, and methods to stay updated.

MotoGP racers are set to transition to their updated motorcycles and join their new teams for the 2025 season starting Tuesday in Barcelona.

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Marc Marquez is set to don the official Ducati red colors for his inaugural appearance.

Jack Miller pilots a Yamaha, while Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini switch to KTM, among other updates.

Today marks the debut of the initial previews of the 2025 equipment.

Schedule for Barcelona Testing (UK Time)

Viewing Options for the Barcelona Test

The post-season Barcelona test can be watched live through MotoGP's Video Pass.

The coverage will feature live broadcasts of the motorcycles on the circuit, along with conversations with the riders and the heads of the teams.

Simon Crafar is set to share his expertise on the latest technological advancements at 1pm via MotoGP's social media platforms.

Crash.net is set to provide real-time updates with a live blog throughout the day, including immediate feedback as Marquez tests out the '25 Ducati.

Feedback from the riders after the postseason trial will be available at Crash.net.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, covering a wide range of events from American sports and soccer to Formula 1 racing.

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Jack Miller describes Cal Crutchlow as "not the best source of advice" regarding his 2025 move to Yamaha in the MotoGP series.

"Anyone who's familiar with Cal understands that he has a tendency to overstate things occasionally…"

Jack Miller, the incoming Pramac Yamaha rider, believes that Cal Crutchlow is not the ideal individual to consult for guidance on adjusting to the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP motorcycle.

Crutchlow, having stepped away from regular MotoGP competitions following the 2020 season, has served as Yamaha's designated MotoGP test rider starting in 2021.

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Miller, who made his MotoGP debut alongside Crutchlow at LCR Honda in 2015, expressed skepticism about Crutchlow's insights on the YZR-M1's traits, suggesting they might not be fully reliable.

"Cal [Crutchlow] isn't the best person to get information from because those familiar with him understand he often tends to stretch the truth a bit, for better or worse," Miller commented after the recent Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona.

"I've been in contact with Fabio [Quartararo] and Alex [Rins] and the guys, but obviously, Cal has extensive experience with the M1."

"It's wise to approach his statements skeptically. In my opinion, it's more effective to inquire with Lucy [Crutchlow, Cal Crutchlow's spouse] about his views on the Yamaha. I believe she's the sole person he's completely honest with."

Miller is set to rejoin Pramac on Tuesday (19 November), coming back just two days after the team's 2024 rider, Jorge Martin, made history as the first 'Independent' rider to clinch the World Championship in the four-stroke era of the premier class.

"Big kudos to the team," Miller expressed. "It's a testament to Paolo [Campinoti] and everyone involved, for a private team to secure the championship is remarkable.

"This highlights the competitive nature of the MotoGP lineup in 2024."

"Big congratulations to Jorge [Martin] for his incredible performance throughout the championship, and equally, big kudos to Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] too — securing 11 [race wins] is no easy achievement."

"I'm eagerly anticipating 2025. Clearly, I'm not thrilled about competing with these creatures, but I'm hopeful we can give those guys a run for their money."

In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he focused on news related to both consumer motorcycles and racing.

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Live Coverage of MotoGP Barcelona Testing

Catch up on the MotoGP off-season testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The MotoGP Barcelona Testing goes on until 4pm UK time.

This marks the initial chance to witness several racers debuting on their fresh motorcycles and showcasing their new team affiliations.

Marc Marquez donning Ducati's crimson hues, KTM welcoming fresh faces, Jorge Martin joining Aprilia, and Jack Miller taking the helm at Yamaha…

Throughout the day, we will be updating this space with images and timing records.

Marini has returned to the pit area as well. Marquez has just gone out for a practice launch, and that's all for now. The race is officially over with the waving of the chequered flag, and Alex Marquez leads the pack, with Fabio Quartararo and Pecco Bagnaia following closely behind.

2024 Official Barcelona MotoGP Test Results as of 5PM (FINAL)

Bagnaia engages in start drills; Marini remains the only one continuing laps.

Bagnaia returns to the track, experimenting with the rumored radio communication technology set to debut in 2025.

Luca Marini is making his way back onto the track with his 2024 motorcycle. It appears that Bagnaia is also preparing to return to the track shortly.

With under 10 minutes remaining, a 15-minute practice session will follow shortly after.

Marquez has returned to the pit area. He's sporting a fairly good smile, suggesting his activities for the day have likely concluded.

With 13 minutes remaining, Fernandez, Binder, Zarco, Vinales, and Pirro continue to race on the circuit.

Marc Marquez recently achieved a personal best, initially clocking in at 1:39.598 to move up to ninth, then improved further with a time of 39.454, catapulting him to fourth place. He is now just slightly more than a tenth of a second slower than his teammate Bagnaia.

Currently, the majority of racers have returned to the pit area, however, Raul Fernandez has recently ascended to fourth place, clocking in at 1:39.471

Recently, Alex Marquez experienced a fall, but fortunately, he's unharmed.

A halted beginning for the latest rider from Ducati Lenovo.

After spending 15 minutes in the garage making adjustments, Marquez has returned to the track. He is now ranked 8th in the current timings.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 4pm

Following a thorough cleanup at turn five, the circuit is now clear for racing. With 1 hour and 38 minutes remaining.

A caution signal has been raised due to the chaos at turn five. We're optimistic that the cleanup won't take much time. There's still 1 hour and 40 minutes remaining.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 3pm

The track at turn five was quite chaotic following Bastianini's accident. Martin was seen passing through that area, gesturing with his hand as if to suggest the need for a red flag to be issued. However, no such action has been taken so far.

Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia were seen having a conversation in the pit area following Bagnaia's most recent track session. Those anticipating any dramatic interactions between the two will be disappointed today, as there seems to be none in sight.

Enea Bastianini experienced a fall at turn five. Bastianini appeared to be in good condition, however, his RC16 sustained significant damage.

He has reverted to a more conventional design recently, but earlier today, Pedro Acosta was experimenting with an extremely slim fairing.

Slight modifications made to the front fairing of Quartararo's Yamaha factory bike.

Luca Marini pursues his HRC teammate Somkiat Chantra along the primary straightaway at the Barcelona circuit.

Fabio Quartararo connects with Yamaha's new secondary team member, Jack Miller.

🏍️ Jorge Martin's day hits a rough patch as he crashes at the notorious Turn 5 during the afternoon session 🚨 #BarcelonaTest 📸 MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) November 19, 2024

The inaugural accident for the world champion on the Aprilia.

He is doing fine.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 2pm

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INITIAL GLIMPSE: Marc Marquez dons red, Jorge Martin joins Aprilia, fresh KTMs unveiled…

The Barcelona trials have offered an initial glimpse into several riders with their new squads and aboard their new motorcycles.

Here are the most recent images of MotoGP competitors showcasing their new liveries and motorcycles at the Barcelona test following the season's end.

Marc Marquez hits the circuit riding the official Ducati 🔴🐜 #MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

Marc Marquez takes to the track aboard the official Ducati 🔴🐜 #MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd

Marc Marquez made his first appearance sporting the factory Ducati team's red colors on Tuesday.

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He was dressed in red leathers, as shown at the beginning of this document, that mostly lacked prominent brand logos or significant sponsorships.

Franco Morbidelli began racing for the VR46 Ducati squad following his switch from Pramac.

Fermin Aldeguer made his first appearance with Gresini, stepping in for Marquez.

Jorge Martin, the newly crowned MotoGP champion, debuted his Aprilia team colors for the first time.

Marco Bezzecchi is set to join as the new team member for the factory Aprilia squad.

Ai Ogura makes his first appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle, joining forces with the Trackhouse team and Raul Fernandez.

Pedro Acosta joins the factory team for his inaugural season, alongside Brad Binder at KTM.

The revamped Tech3 KTM squad combines the talents of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales.

Yamaha's official team continues to feature Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, yet the brand is set to introduce a pair of new motorcycles.

The Pramac squad has transitioned from Ducati to Yamaha, and has chosen Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira as their team riders.

Luca Marini and Joan Mir remain the official riders for the Honda team.

Somkiat Chantra has joined Johann Zarco as the latest addition to the LCR Honda team.

Today marks the first day Aleix Espargaro is serving as a test rider for HRC.

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

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PREVIEW: Marc Marquez sports red, Jorge Martin debuts with Aprilia, fresh KTMs unveiled…

The Barcelona trials have offered an initial glimpse of several racers with their new squads and astride their latest motorcycles.

Check out the newest photos of MotoGP racers sporting their updated team liveries, as they take their latest motorcycles for a spin during the offseason test in Barcelona.

Marc Marquez hits the circuit riding the official Ducati 🏍️🐜#MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

On Tuesday, Marc Marquez made his first appearance donning the factory Ducati team's red colors.

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He was dressed in red leather attire (refer to the beginning of this page) that mostly lacked significant brand logos or major sponsor affiliations.

Franco Morbidelli made his first appearance for the VR46 Ducati team following his transfer from Pramac.

Fermin Aldeguer made his first appearance with Gresini, stepping in for Marquez.

In his debut appearance, Jorge Martin showcased his Aprilia team colors, marking his entry as the latest MotoGP champion.

Marco Bezzecchi has been announced as the new team member for Aprilia's factory team.

Ai Ogura makes his first appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle, teaming up with Raul Fernandez under the Trackhouse banner.

Pedro Acosta joins the factory team, partnering with Brad Binder for his inaugural season.

The revamped Tech3 KTM squad unites Enea Bastianini with Maverick Vinales.

Yamaha's official team continues with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, but the brand is set to introduce two new motorcycles.

The Pramac squad has transitioned from Ducati to Yamaha and has chosen Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira as their racing duo.

Luca Marini and Joan Mir remain as the lead racers for the Honda team.

Somkiat Chantra has teamed up with Johann Zarco at LCR Honda as his latest teammate.

Today marks the first day Aleix Espargaro is participating as a test rider for HRC.

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

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The widely anticipated MotoGP rider transfer has been revealed

Projected 2025 rider change under discussion

Yamaha has not yet made an official statement regarding Augusto Fernandez becoming their new MotoGP test rider, but the Spanish rider has personally confirmed that he will be taking on this position.

Fernandez is set to become Yamaha's official test rider for the 2025 season. The Spanish motorcyclist is anticipated to begin riding the bike by the close of 2024.

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Fernandez expressed his happiness, a sentiment he has shared recently in other races, regarding his upcoming move to Yamaha. He mentioned this in a conversation with MotoGP.com during the Barcelona test, although the official announcement is still pending.

"We were on the verge of achieving it, and now we're finally going to make it happen."

Despite having a guaranteed future, Fernandez is unsure about when he will have the opportunity to get on the YZR-M1 for the first time. He missed the chance to participate in the post-race test in Barcelona due to the Pramac team's entry into Yamaha's MotoGP lineup.

"It's challenging because the Pramac team is busy with a new team and project planned for 2025," Fernandez explained.

"We aim to have a test ride by December. While it's not yet finalized, we're making significant efforts to conduct the initial bike test before the year concludes."

Fernandez is aware that he will participate in six races for Yamaha next year, as he plans to take part in all of their wildcard opportunities.

"I plan to participate in every wildcard event available — there are six in total, and I'll be competing in all of them," he stated.

"Prepared to take on this new project, which involves a different role. Watching the bikes go by without being on the track myself is challenging."

The Spanish rider mentioned that they will talk about the schedule for the wildcard entries over the upcoming weeks. He also confirmed that he is still uncertain about where his first wildcard will take place.

In conclusion, Fernandez mentioned the opportunity to communicate with fellow riders participating in Yamaha’s testing program, specifically Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso, and how he gains from their extensive experience in MotoGP.

"Fernandez mentioned that it's beneficial since Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso both bring a wealth of experience."

"It's really great to work alongside them, given their extensive MotoGP experience, now in their role as a test rider."

"I’m eager to collaborate with them, share rides, and make comparisons without the pressure of race weekends. I look forward to experiencing the MotoGP bike and understanding their feedback and daily strategies."

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

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