Pecco Bagnaia points out the unique aspect of Marc Marquez's riding style compared to others. Both Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez discuss the remarkable skills they each possess on the track.

Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, who are now teammates at Ducati and the only riders on the current MotoGP grid with multiple championships, have highlighted the riding abilities they most admire in each other.

During the 'Pecco & Marc Face to Face' interview on Ducati's YouTube channel, Bagnaia, who ended last season just ten points behind Jorge Martin and missed out on his third MotoGP title, expressed:

Marc possesses two remarkable abilities, in my opinion. The first is his impressive knack for navigating a slippery track and quickly developing an excellent sense of control.

"Last year at Aragon, it was evident that he faced some challenges, yet he outpaced everyone significantly. During the qualifying rounds, he was ahead by eight-tenths of a second, which was quite remarkable."

"In addition, his technique for handling left-hand turns is unique when compared to others. I've attempted it myself, but each time I end up losing some control of the front! I need to figure out how to master this skill."

Marquez, well-known for his achievements on tracks that run counterclockwise like COTA, Sachsenring, Aragon, and Phillip Island, is now confronted with a different kind of challenge.

The eight-time world champion expressed admiration for his ability to navigate the fast right-hand corners, an area where he personally struggles. He remarked that his colleague is exceptionally quick in those types of turns.

"He also has an excellent ability to brake effectively."

"Having those two qualities is a great mix that helped him become a two-time world champion with Ducati, so I aim to learn from his experience."

Last year, Frankie Carchedi, who is Marquez's crew chief for Gresini, informed Crash.net that the Spanish rider had already made significant strides in narrowing the gap on the right-hand side.

According to Carchedi, all riders possess their own unique set of strengths and shortcomings. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in tackling fast right-hand turns towards the year's conclusion.

During the Catalunya race, our average pace was the quickest in the final sector, which consists entirely of fast right-hand turns. Similarly, in Sector 1 at Sepang, we excelled at the high-speed third corner.

"To have reached such a high level by the end, especially in an area he probably still considers a weakness… He's definitely set up well for what lies ahead!"

Data Sharing: A Double-Edged Sword

Ducati's approach to allowing its MotoGP riders to freely exchange data, which will see a reduction in their number from eight to six by 2025, enables the quick identification of both strengths and weaknesses.

There is a belief that Ducati creates a detailed report after each race for its riders, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to aid in their development.

Bagnaia mentioned that he typically examines the data of all the Ducati riders who are competitive. He noted that each rider has unique techniques that can be very effective. Observing how these riders achieve their lap times is both important and intriguing.

"Take Jerez last year as an example: over the course of the weekend, I gained significant insights from Marquez about how to handle corners 7 and 8. During the race, when he caught up to me, I focused on enhancing my performance in that section."

"From the moment he first passed me, I started performing better in the third sector. Observing his techniques there was incredibly helpful."

Marquez concurred, stating, "Naturally, you focus on all the leading Ducati racers. Last year, particularly in the early part of the season, I paid close attention to Pecco and Martin's performances, as they were the quickest competitors. I focused more on Pecco since he was part of the official team, to grasp their configuration."

"In the latter half of the season, things changed for me as I began to follow my own approach. I gained a better understanding of the bike and my requirements. Ducati's strategy of sharing information among all the riders is effective. This way, it becomes easier to make improvements."

Although every Ducati rider has the opportunity to gain insights from their peers, those who stand to gain the most are the ones who are lagging behind, as they can swiftly identify the techniques of the quicker riders.

In Bagnaia's view, sharing data, which has become a standard practice among various manufacturers, can be both beneficial and detrimental.

Bagnaia explained that the reason they were so successful last year, only losing one grand prix, was because of their dominant performance.

"If you're aiming to enhance your skills and boost your potential more quickly, sharing information is key. This approach is also evident in Moto2, where Kalex has adopted a similar strategy. By doing this, you can progress more effectively and efficiently, as it allows for observation and experimentation with various elements."

"For a rider, it has both advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. On one hand, you might be engaging in a unique and highly competitive activity, but on the other hand, you are aware that everyone can observe what you're doing."

"When I first joined Ducati, I embraced it right away. However, it's a situation that cuts both ways."

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Supercross champion Jett Lawrence has parted ways with his agent following allegations of financial misconduct. Jett and Hunter Lawrence have both decided to sever their professional relationship with manager Lucas Mirtl.

Jett Lawrence and his sibling, Hunter Lawrence, have revealed that they are parting ways with their manager of many years, Lucas Mirtl.

According to a report by motocross journalist Lewis Phillips in the U.S. on January 23, a statement from the Lawrences disclosed that Mirtl's "misappropriation of funds" led to the separation.

According to the statement, suspicions arose over the past two weeks regarding possible fraudulent actions connected to one of our business accounts.

After conducting a preliminary investigation, we discovered evidence that our agent, Lucas Mirtl, was misusing and misappropriating our personal funds for his own advantage. As a result, we terminated his employment as of 9:00 AM EST today.

Moreover, Wasserman, the agency employing Mirtl and representing both Lawrence brothers, has also terminated his employment. We are committed to continuing our investigation and will soon hand over all the gathered evidence to the appropriate authorities.

Jacob Hayes and Travis Clarke will assume management responsibilities, while Wasserman will still serve as our representative.

I have obtained a statement from the Lawrence brothers about updates to their management team. You can view it at pic.twitter.com/jUo8rwWrT5— Lewis Phillips (@LewisPhillips71) January 23, 2025.

I have obtained a statement from the Lawrence brothers about updates to their management team. You can view it at pic.twitter.com/jUo8rwWrT5

In 2019, Mirtl played a key role in relocating the Lawrences from the MXGP circuit in Europe to the United States so they could compete in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross events.

After relocating to the United States, the Lawrence brothers have each secured championships in the AMA Supercross 250SX category, in addition to winning titles in the 250MX Pro Motocross division.

In 2023, Jett Lawrence made history as the third person ever to achieve victory in every race of an AMA Pro Motocross season. He also became the first newcomer since Jeremy McGrath in 1993 to secure the top class championship in AMA Supercross, claiming the title in May.

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Marc Marquez draws a foreboding parallel between "young people" and Lewis Hamilton, saying, "You can liken us to being red, just like both Ducati and Ferrari…"

Marc Marquez's decision to join Ducati for the 2025 MotoGP season, along with Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari for the next Formula 1 season, seem to have been perfectly timed.

The parallels are evident: Marquez ranks as the fourth most successful rider in the annals of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, whereas Hamilton holds the record as the most triumphant driver in the extensive history of Formula 1.

However, Marquez himself is cautious about these comparisons.

"I can't draw a comparison like that, but both of us are seasoned riders," Marquez remarked in an interview with Sky Sport Italy.

"The older generation matters, but the younger crowd is also coming in, pushing forward and moving quickly. You could say it's like how both Ducati and Ferrari share the color red."

The parallels between Hamilton's start with Ferrari and Marquez's with Ducati extend beyond just their team colors, experience levels, and how their ages compare to those of their teammates. On the same day that Marquez participated in the launch event for the Ducati Lenovo Team in Madonna di Campiglio, Hamilton had his inaugural day at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello.

Actually, Marquez's collaborative interactions with Ducati's engineers began towards the end of 2023. This was when he first tested a bike from the Bologna-based manufacturer as he commenced his journey as a rider for Gresini Racing.

At this point, Marquez has gotten used to how the factory operates, so he's adjusting more to the Ducati Lenovo Team instead of Ducati Corse. According to the Spaniard, the relationship is progressing positively.

"Excellent," he remarked, "right now, everything is accurate. It's not possible to compare people you've known for a decade with those you've only known for a few months, but I'm quite pleased."

"Last year with the Gresini team was ideal, but this year joining the factory team was essential to advance further. When you have the bike and are part of the main team, everything depends on you."

Bagnaia "is sure to lead the pack" Unlike Hamilton's situation, Marquez's switch to Ducati involves a different dynamic. Charles Leclerc may be a skilled driver and has won a Grand Prix, but Francesco Bagnaia stands out as a three-time World Champion and the most accomplished MotoGP racer over the last five years.

Although the eight-time World Champion is confident he will be a key player in the next season, he is not ready to consider himself superior to his new teammate, who has been the central figure of the team since his arrival in 2021.

Marquez expressed his belief that Pecco, also known as Francesco Bagnaia, will definitely lead, noting that in the past four years, Bagnaia has claimed two World Championships and secured second place twice.

"He was known for battling tirelessly until the very end, which makes him the standard to follow as he secured second place in the championship. I am considered the next reference point in the team, having achieved third place in the standings."

As the championship showdown is anticipated to heat up and potentially strain relations later in the year, Marquez is presently satisfied with the friendly rapport he shares with Bagnaia.

Marquez expressed that his current relationship with his new teammate should be described as beautiful.

In my opinion, your mindset at 20 is not the same as it is at 32. With age, you gain maturity and your perspective changes.

"I understand that on the racetrack, each person plays their role, and both of us aim for victory. As Gigi Dall’Igna, the general manager of Ducati Corse, mentioned, our goal is to secure the Championships for Riders, Constructors, and Teams."

"If one doesn't come out on top, the other must emerge victorious."

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EXCLUSIVE – Brad Binder examines Pedro Acosta's unique approach to racing

"Having him on the team will be exciting. There are specific aspects of his technique that he excels at."

In his sixth season in MotoGP, Brad Binder will be joined by a fresh face on his team, as Pedro Acosta, the standout newcomer from last year, moves up to the main Red Bull KTM team, taking over from Jack Miller.

Acosta is set to become Binder's fourth team-mate in MotoGP, following Pol Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Miller. Notably, he'll be the first among them to have a considerable age gap with Binder, being nine years younger at 20, while Binder is

"In past divisions, I was accompanied by team members who were younger, but stepping into MotoGP marks a first for me," Binder explained to Crash.net. "Pol had an age advantage of three or four years, whereas Jack and Miguel are roughly my contemporaries."

"Regardless, I'm genuinely excited about it."

"Undoubtedly, Jack has been a fantastic colleague, and I've thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with him over the past few years. However, I believe Pedro introduces a fresh dynamic to our team."

"His approach to riding is quite unique and everything he does is exceptionally tidy. Therefore, it will be awesome to have him as a part of the team."

In his third race, Binder achieved a historic victory for KTM by winning their first MotoGP race, paving the way for Acosta who emerged as a newcomer and clinched the Moto3 championship in 2021.

Last season, Acosta's ascent to the factory KTM team for 2025 became almost inevitable after he secured five podium finishes and four Sprint rostrum positions while at Tech3, marking the point where their careers intersected on the circuit.

Binder achieved his sole podium finishes during the initial Qatar race but managed to surpass Acosta, securing his position as KTM's leading racer with a fifth-place finish in the global championship.

When questioned about his description of Acosta’s 'unique' approach to racing, Binder elaborated:

He excels in specific areas, notably in braking. He has a knack for applying brakes right up to the limit without exceeding it, managing to bring the bike to a halt at the exact same spot every time!

"One aspect that stands out about his approach to riding is truly remarkable. Additionally, his skill in maneuvering the bike is commendable."

"I'll bid farewell to Jack beyond the racing circuit"

Binder's uncompromising approach on the racecourse is a stark contrast to his relaxed demeanor away from it.

Similar to numerous competitors, the racer from South Africa resides in Andorra throughout the European season, counting Miller as one of his local counterparts.

"Binder mentioned that although he won't be spending as much time with Jack at the MotoGP circuit, he believes their relationship off the track will remain unaffected by the Australian's move to Pramac Yamaha."

"We dedicate a considerable amount of time to each other's company while we're out, particularly in Andorra. Our homes are incredibly near, just 300-400 meters apart, which is really convenient. I believe this will be an exciting venture for him as well, a fresh endeavor."

Beyond the dazzle of a MotoGP race weekend, the daily life of a rider is ruled by a rigorous schedule of continuous training.

"According to Binder, the simplest activity to engage in while in Andorra is cycling," he explained regarding his preferred mode of transportation. "There's a quaint cafe just a short distance away, and virtually every day you'll find a group of four or five individuals eager to go for a bike ride.

"Out of the blue, a text flashes in the group chat: 'Should we meet at 8 or 9?' That's the usual drill. The ascents are insanely challenging. It's breathtaking. You spend about an hour and a half climbing and then just 20 minutes to return!"

"Racing walks a razor's edge; you're either part of it or you're not."

Binder, who kicked off his global career as a teenager, mentioned he has never pondered over an alternative career path outside of being a professional motorcycle racer.

"He expressed, 'There's a 95% chance I would have pursued a career in engineering alongside my father.'"

Growing up, we were always hands-on with our bicycles, and I continue to handle basic maintenance tasks such as swapping tires, replacing brake pads, and changing the oil by myself at home.

"It's the greatest pleasure I find outside of the race circuit."

"Definitely, at some point in my career, once my journey in racing concludes, that will become my primary focus."

Regarding a similar subject, what, in Binder's opinion, sets apart riders who ascend to MotoGP from other skilled young riders who eventually disappear from the spotlight?

"Indeed, the distinction is quite narrow," he responded.

Over time, it's a common sight to witness young talents burst onto the scene, dominating their peers with ease. However, in a puzzling turn of events, these same individuals can seemingly fade into the background for a few seasons, never to recover their initial momentum.

"In the world of racing, it's black and white. You're either all in, excelling, or you're on your way out, searching for a different career path."

"It's crucial to ensure that any obstacles or challenges you face are overcome quickly, as everyone encounters them at some point."

"If they extend over a prolonged period, it's uncertain where you could ultimately find yourself."

Brad Binder, who clinched the Moto3 World Championship in 2016 and secured second place in the Moto2 category in 2019, kicks off his 14th year of competing in grand prix motorcycle racing with the season opener in Thailand, slated for

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Francesco Bagnaia dedicated numerous hours to scrutinizing his errors and most challenging races.

"I lack something on the turns to the left"

11 Grand Prix victories. 8 races without scoring. 10 points total.

In Francesco Bagnaia's 2024 MotoGP season, he secured more Grand Prix victories than any other competitor combined. Despite this impressive feat, he fell short by ten points to Jorge Martin in the fight for the championship title.

"Double champion Bagnaia revealed during this week's Ducati Lenovo team unveiling that he has dedicated countless hours to scrutinizing and repeatedly viewing his poorest performances and errors from the previous year."

Bagnaia concluded that one of the reasons for his lack of scoring was the necessity for more patience in certain circumstances.

"My goal is to always be at the forefront as much as I can. However, I've realized that there are moments when it's wiser to hold back slightly. This is because the championship stretches over a long period," he explained.

Indeed, it's possible to earn and drop numerous points each weekend. It's also accurate to say that not all instances were due to my own errors.

"In various instances, by adopting a patient approach and not making rash decisions, securing approximately 13 points proved sufficient for clinching the championship."

In scenarios like the confrontations with the Marquez siblings at Portimao (Marc) and Aragon (Alex), showing restraint might have been beneficial. However, there were also instances where Bagnaia crashed independently even though he was riding 'serenely'.

"Forecasting can be challenging, especially since there have been instances where I've unexpectedly lost the lead despite being composed. This happened during the final lap of the Barcelona Sprint, and similarly in Malaysia. It's a complex issue, but I'm determined to figure it out."

“Then, it’s not about individual members of the team needing enhancement, but rather, we must collectively enhance our performance in certain circumstances.

"It's essential that it feels effortless, simply fulfilling our duties without any stress, operating as usual, and then everything will become smoother."

Bagnaia pointed out that throughout the season, he experienced only nine falls, placing him at 17th for the highest number of falls last year.

The issue, as indicated by the title, is that out of those incidents, seven occurred during actual racing events (he had to withdraw from the Le Mans Sprint because of a mechanical problem).

"He clarified that the aim is not to alter the overall strategy but to make adjustments throughout the races."

"Given the situation, I stand as one of the riders who had fewer crashes last year. However, it's worth noting that seven out of those nine incidents occurred during actual races, which is something I need to work on improving."

"In the left corners, there's something lacking for me."

When it came to displaying superior performance, last season Bagnaia was frequently unparalleled, securing overwhelming consecutive wins at Assen, Austria, and Barcelona.

Nonetheless, the Italian disclosed one aspect where he could enhance his abilities even more.

"Altering one's riding technique significantly is a challenging and lengthy endeavor. However, my goal from the initial test is to enhance my performance in left-hand turns to match my proficiency in right-hand turns," he explained.

"This is already a positive aspect because I feel extremely confident on the right-hand turns. However, I find myself lacking something on the left-hand turns. So, I'll make an effort to improve in that area."

This stands in stark contrast to his new team-mate, Marc Marquez, who is notably dominant in left-hand turns and on tracks that run counter-clockwise like COTA, Sachsenring, Aragon, and Phillip Island.

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VIDEO: Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia Share Insights in Their Debut Interview as Ducati Colleagues

Together for the first time, the duo engages in a conversation as team members of the Ducati MotoGP squad.

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia recently participated in their inaugural joint interview as teammates under the factory Ducati MotoGP banner, available for viewing below.

On Monday, January 20, the Ducati factory team unveiled its 2025 season lineup during an event held in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Discover more: The unavoidable consequences within Ducati's elite MotoGP squad

For the first time, eight-time world champion Marc Marquez was seen donning the complete factory Ducati outfit, alongside his teammate Bagnaia, as they unveiled the brand's 2025 color scheme.

On Tuesday, the duo competed against each other for the first time in a downhill skiing event, followed by a one-on-one interview with TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett.

See it here.

Initially, Ducati intended to elevate Jorge Martin to its main team to partner with two-time world champion Bagnaia during the previous summer.

Nonetheless, Marquez's open rejection of a factory Ducati ride with the Pramac team led the leadership of the Italian brand to reverse their decision.

This eventually resulted in Martin, who later clinched the 2024 world championship, also joining the Aprilia factory team.

Pramac has decided to switch from Ducati to team up with Yamaha starting in the 2025 season.

The presence of Ducati bikes in the race lineup has decreased from eight riders to six, leading to only three GP25 models being raced by Bagnaia, Marquez, and VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

In the previous season, Ducati reached unprecedented levels of success in MotoGP, clinching victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix events. This remarkable performance propelled them to a commanding lead of 395 points in the constructors' championship.

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Gigi Dall'Igna mentions having the "top riders," yet acknowledges surpassing last year's performance could be "potentially unattainable." He also disclosed plans for introducing a new swingarm, chassis, and fairing in the forthcoming MotoGP trials.

Gigi Dall'Igna, the general manager of Ducati Corse, acknowledges that despite boasting top-tier talents like Francesco Bagnaia and newcomer Marc Marquez in their MotoGP lineup, matching the previous season's exceptional performance will be challenging.

Yet, his priority lies in securing victory in the overall conflict rather than every single skirmish.

Dall'Igna expressed during this week's team unveiling that improving upon last year's performance seems complex and potentially unattainable.

"Undoubtedly, we have the capability to enhance our performance in order to successfully attain our primary objectives of securing victories in both the riders’ and constructors’ championships."

"Thus, surpassing last season's performance is not the priority. The primary goal is securing victories in both championships."

Last year, Ducati experienced defeat in only a single grand prix, with its riders regularly dominating the podium spots and securing the first four places in the global championship rankings.

The manufacturing team clinched the constructors' championship, outpacing their closest competitor, KTM, by a vast gap of 395 points, effectively doubling their score.

The official squad is welcoming six-time top-tier champion Marquez and two-time winner Bagnaia to their ranks. However, Ducati faces the departure of the freshly minted champion Jorge Martin, as well as race victors Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi.

Pramac's transition to Yamaha will also decrease the number of Desmosedicis on the grid to six.

However, the pair from Ducati Lenovo are evidently the front-runners for the championship title before the season starts

"Dall'Igna stated, 'In my opinion, we possess the two foremost riders on the grid for 2025, making them champions in their own right.'"

"Pecco has proven to be an exceptional motorcyclist, propelling us to the forefront of the riders' championship in 2022. He managed to maintain his standing in the subsequent year, consistently contending for the global title until the very end."

"Marc is regarded as not just a leading figure in contemporary MotoGP, but potentially one of the greatest in the sport's history."

"He sustained a significant injury. Following that, he joined us at Gresini last year and achieved wonderful results. It's truly an honor to have him as part of our team."

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Jorge Martin's representative asserts "ego issues are not a concern for us"

Responses come from Jorge Martin's team regarding statements made by Ducati

Albert Valera, the manager of the 2024 MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, asserts that Martin is unaffected by ego issues and remains unbothered by remarks concerning Ducati's roster for 2025.

Martin was on course to be part of Ducati's official team this year, but the company decided to change its plans, opting to elevate Marc Marquez to the position after he declined a top-tier motorcycle at Pramac and hinted at moving to a competitor.

As a consequence of joining Aprilia, Martin subsequently secured the 2024 championship while riding for Pramac-operated Ducati.

Ducati acknowledged that parting ways with Martin was a difficult choice, and in recent times, Gigi Dall’Igna has referred to Marquez as “a superior rider”.

In reply to this, Valera conveyed to Motorsport.com, “Ego issues aren't a concern for us.

Having an excessive ego can cloud your judgment and disrupt your sleep, leading to wasted time spent in anger over remarks such as this.

"However, if there's a cyclist who remains unaffected by such matters, it's Jorge, and this fact brings me a lot of peace."

"We stand above such remarks."

"When Ducati turned us down, Jorge didn't react with fury but with tranquility, and this mindset enabled him to approach the remainder of the season in the manner that he did.

"Understanding his racing path for the upcoming years, ensuring his contentment, securing his future, and concluding his tenure with Ducati, whether positively or negatively, were the true keys to his championship victory in 2024."

Valera mentions that his rider hasn't requested the role of team leader, despite Martin being anticipated to helm Aprilia's factory team this year.

"He further mentioned that Jorge is an individual who carries himself with a high level of respect and completely lacks any issues related to ego."

"He has never sought acknowledgment as the primary rider for Aprilia; instead, he understands the importance of having a capable teammate to jointly advance the project."

Last week, Aprilia kicked off its 2025 season, with Martin revealing the #1 plate on the RS-GP he's set to compete with this year.

At its unveiling, Ducati downplayed the significance, with Dall’Igna remarking that "in this instance, it's merely a figure".

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KTM's prospects look increasingly optimistic with an impending investment approaching €1 billion. Rumors suggest KTM backers are playing a major role in ensuring the brand's continuity.

KTM's prospects for attracting new investment appear to be on the rise, with reports suggesting potential funding could reach €900 million.

The Austrian production company initiated a process of self-management at November's close, aiming to avert insolvency during a severe economic downturn.

Several measures have been implemented to secure continued operation, such as halting production temporarily until February, decreasing the number of employees, and cutting down on racing events in 2025.

A preliminary meeting with creditors held in December determined that KTM's financial reorganization efforts could proceed. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding its ongoing participation in MotoGP, with rumors circulating in Austrian news outlets that a departure is "scheduled" to occur by 2026.

KTM has announced that its MotoGP initiative will proceed as scheduled in 2025, despite its GASGAS and Husqvarna labels no longer being present in the grand prix lineup.

In the past few weeks, it's been reported that KTM has attracted considerable attention from external investors, aimed at securing the funds required to settle 30% of its outstanding debts, which are officially reported to be €1.8 billion.

A new report from GPOne suggests that investors in KTM have committed approximately €900 million.

Bajaj Auto and CFMoto, who already own shares, are expected to boost their financial contributions, with GPOne indicating that numerous private equity entities may also participate.

In recent weeks, KTM has seen an improvement in its circumstances, leading to a rise in its stock prices.

KTM is set to confront its creditors during a gathering on February 25, where there will be a vote on its plan for financial reorganization.

During the unveiling event of Aprilia's latest model last week, the CEO of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer emphasized that KTM's recent challenges serve as a cautionary tale for MotoGP, highlighting the ongoing issue of high costs within the racing series.

Rivola conveyed his belief that KTM's ongoing financial struggles would not compel the team to withdraw from the MotoGP lineup.

Earlier this month, Pit Beirer, the head of KTM's motorsport division, disclosed the company's strategy to rescue its racing operations, which involves implementing a comprehensive 100-point plan. Part of this strategy includes cutting down the number of factory riders to 40 by the year 2025.

The company commenced its 2025 campaign by clinching the win at the Dakar Rally.

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Insight: The excitement around Lewis Hamilton and Marc Marquez will significantly boost motorsport in 2025

In 2025, two of the biggest stars in global motorsport are set to undertake major career moves in an effort to solidify their legendary status.

As I compose this message, today marks Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This off-season has been notably more challenging than usual, a marked change from the norm. Talk to any individual involved in motorsport, and the majority will share that the winter break often feels too short.

Indeed, this remains the case. The MotoGP season concluded officially on November 19 after the test in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Formula 1 continued until the second week of December. The MotoGP season is set to kick off in a little over a month in Thailand, with Formula 1 starting its season a few weeks afterwards in March. Together, the two premier global motorsport series have planned a total of 46 races for the year 2025.

Discover further: The unavoidable repercussions within Ducati's elite MotoGP squad

However, as we approach 2025, there's a level of anticipation we haven't felt in quite some time.

It's undeniable that Formula 1 hasn't witnessed a truly captivating fight for the drivers' championship since the 2021 season's chaos, with Red Bull and Max Verstappen securing four consecutive titles. Although they faced some competition in the latter part of the previous year, their early success in clinching seven out of the first 10 races made the final result foreseeable.

The excitement of MotoGP's championship fights has stretched to the final races for three consecutive years. However, the anticipation surrounding these contests has often been underwhelming. The 2022 championship fight between Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo didn't live up to expectations, primarily because Bagnaia took advantage of Yamaha's dwindling performance. Furthermore, the recent showdowns between Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are unlikely to be remembered as some of the most thrilling championship duels in the sport's history.

Without diminishing the accomplishments of others, the allure of a star athlete plays a crucial role in the story of any championship. Valentino Rossi's initial quintet of top-tier championships saw him winning with ease, yet it was his charisma that stole the show. His character, competitive clashes, and victory celebrations enthralled fans everywhere.

In his early career, he secured three out of his initial five MotoGP championships with a lead exceeding 100 points. For the other championships, he maintained a significant lead as well. Throughout this time, both his actions on the racetrack and his activities away from it garnered significant attention, becoming iconic. His move in 2004 from Honda to the then-underdog Yamaha team, where he continued his winning streak, only further solidified his status as a motorsport legend.

The victory in 2008 was also a commanding one, yet the competitors he faced were becoming more formidable, adding to the excitement and intensity. This was especially evident in his 2009 victory over his Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo. While he might have secured a seventh championship, the certainty of such achievements was waning, and the intrigue of his response to these challenges was a compelling reason to continue following his journey.

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, Formula 1 experienced some of its most competitive championship fights, notably in the years 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012, which stand out as particularly

For numerous fans, the overwhelming success of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes during the latter half of the 2010s, specifically from 2014 to 2020, holds significant importance in Formula 1 history. This period mirrors the impact of Rossi's victories, as Hamilton's increasing wins not only elevated his celebrity status but also attracted global attention. Similarly, Michael Schumacher's era of supremacy in the previous decade is equally noteworthy.

Despite his immense talent and popularity in racing, Max Verstappen simply doesn't exude the same legendary presence as Rossi or Schumacher.

Lewis Hamilton has become a Ferrari driver

The events of this week have unmistakably demonstrated that, beyond their desire for competitive races, fans are deeply captivated by the achievements of iconic figures. The excitement has reached a peak with Marc Marquez stepping into his role as a Ducati factory team rider, and Lewis Hamilton's first time behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car at Maranello on Wednesday has set the internet ablaze. The official Formula 1 Twitter account's post about Hamilton's Ferrari debut has rapidly garnered 1.7 million views in a matter of hours, and his inaugural Maranello photo has become the most liked post on Formula 1's Instagram account. Moreover, his first trial laps attracted a large audience to Maranello, eager to witness the moment firsthand.

There's no denying it: we are currently experiencing a thrilling era in motorsport, largely due to developments that appeared almost impossible not so long ago.

The trajectories of Marquez and Hamilton in their respective racing domains share notable similarities. Hamilton had already made a name for himself upon entering Formula 1 in 2007, closely followed by Marquez's own impressive debut in the 125cc World Championship in 2008. Their ascent to the top was both swift and captivating, mirroring each other's progress in their early careers.

In 2013, Marquez entered the MotoGP for the first time, coinciding with Hamilton's much-debated transfer from McLaren—where he secured the world championship in 2008—to Mercedes, a team that had managed only one grand prix victory since acquiring the erstwhile Brawn GP team in 2010. Nonetheless, that year signaled the beginning of a dominant era for both athletes.

Naturally, Marquez claimed the world championship title in his debut season. With the introduction of F1's hybrid engines in 2014, Hamilton secured his second championship as Marquez also clinched his second title. Hamilton went on to win his third championship in 2015, with Marquez following suit in 2016. Between 2017 and 2019, both Hamilton and Marquez dominated their respective sports. It's probable that this trend would have continued into 2020 if not for Marquez suffering a severe arm injury in the first race of the season.

Both have experienced similar trajectories in their careers, facing downturns around the same time. The introduction of new ground effect regulations in F1 for the 2022 season left Mercedes at a disadvantage, leading to a two-season victory drought for Hamilton. After making a comeback in 2021 with three victories, Marquez had to take a significant break in 2022 to undergo his fourth surgery, which involved repositioning the bone in his arm to its original alignment.

Entering 2023 in top form, Honda supplied him with an underperforming motorcycle, resulting in only a single podium finish. Faced with slim prospects of improvement from Honda for 2024, he terminated his contract with the team ahead of schedule to move to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season. Similarly, at the beginning of the previous year, Hamilton chose to conclude his extensive agreement with Mercedes before the season began, opting to secure a contract with Ferrari for 2025.

In 2024, Marquez triumphed in races once again, marking his first victories since 2021, while riding a Ducati from the previous year. Similarly, Hamilton ended his winless streak that had persisted since that same time.

In 2025, both athletes will don red gear – Hamilton will join Ferrari, while Marquez will be part of the official Ducati team – as they aim to further their illustrious careers after bouncing back into top form last season.

The completion of Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP is currently delayed due to an investigation by the European Union. However, the potential victories of Marquez and Hamilton, both competing in red, will undoubtedly delight the corporation as it seeks to benefit from owning some of the most significant assets in motorsport.

Achieving victory is uncertain for both competitors. Hamilton, being eight years senior to Marquez, is nearing the conclusion of his Formula 1 journey, in contrast to Marquez, who still has considerable time left in MotoGP. They will encounter formidable challenges, including from teammates such as Charles Leclerc for Hamilton and Francesco Bagnaia for Marquez, as well as from other competitors.

The advancement of each will undoubtedly become a weekly topic of discussion throughout the season, enticing even the occasional viewers to watch more frequently. If both manage to secure their titles, they'll be celebrated as significant revival tales – each for distinct reasons – making 2025 an unforgettable year in the history of motorsport.

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Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia Face Off in Unique Opening Race of 2025

"Before the alarm even went off, I knew I was going to be defeated in the race!"

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia have already faced off in their inaugural race of the season.

The latest addition to the Ducati racing team competed directly with their teammate on the ski slopes in Italy.

🎿 A key 2025 race for the #DucatiLenovoTeam stands out 😂#ChampionsOnTrack #Ducati #GoDucati #madonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/ujQxYUVOpC— Ducati Racing (@ducaticorse) January 21, 2025

🎿 A pivotal 2025 competition for the #DucatiLenovoTeam is highlighted 😂#TrackChampions #Ducati #PowerToDucati #madonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/ujQxYUVOpC

Bagnaia grinned during a shared interview in the mountainous area, stating, "We had a great time skiing."

Marquez mentioned, "Before the alarm went off, I knew I was going to lose the race!"

Typically, skiing isn't something I do! I've hit the slopes around 10 times throughout my life.

"I began learning to ski at a relatively older age, around 23 or 24, purely as a pastime."

Marquez humorously revealed details about his latest agreement with Ducati Lenovo.

"In fact," he pointed out, "the agreement explicitly prohibits skiing!"

"However, everyone is okay, so feel free to speak up!"

"We had a great time participating in a sort of race, which we found immensely enjoyable. As it went on, we noticed we were improving significantly."

At the unveiling of the 2025 motorcycle in Italy, the atmosphere was light-hearted between Ducati's leading rider Bagnaia and the much-anticipated new addition, Marquez.

Attention will focus on if the atmosphere in the workshop remains as agreeable.

Bagnaia and Marquez are anticipated to compete for the 2025 championship title, each having access to comparable equipment.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez share the backstory of a notable photo

They first encountered each other in 2010

Francesco Bagnaia has shared the backstory of a widely circulated photo featuring himself and Ducati MotoGP colleague Marc Marquez, taken during their initial meeting in 2010.

Two-time MotoGP winner Bagnaia will team up with Marquez at Ducati's official team in 2025, where they introduced the team's new livery in Italy this week.

Discover further: The unavoidable discord within Ducati's MotoGP powerhouse in 2025

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In their initial joint media appearance, the two racers maintained a friendly demeanor, despite having previously encountered on-track disputes during the 2024 season, including a contentious incident at the Portuguese Grand Prix and a direct competition for the win at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Held at the Madonna di Campiglio and led by TNT Sport commentator Gavin Emmett, Marquez and Bagnaia discussed various subjects.

One of the highlighted moments involved a popular photo of the duo from 2010, during a time when Marquez was competing in the 125cc category and Bagnaia had not yet entered into the realm of grand prix racing.

"Bagnaia recalled, "That day remains vivid in my memory."

"The period marked his inaugural championship victory. That day is etched in my memory. At that point, we had attended perhaps the second or third trial of the season alongside the Monlau Competicion squad in Barcelona, and Marc was present, engaged in his supermoto training exercises."

"He simply dropped by to greet. That year, I was using the garage alongside Lorenzo Baldassarri."

"I simply requested a photo because he was an emerging Spanish rider who had performed exceptionally well with KTM the previous year. My crew chief had mentioned that we should keep an eye on him this season, believing that he would succeed. And indeed, he did."

Discover more: The impact of Lewis Hamilton and Marc Marquez on motorsport's popularity in 2025 will be significant.

In his third year competing in the 125cc category, Marquez clinched the championship riding a Derbi, achieving this feat with 10 wins under his belt. Following this success, he ascended to the Moto2 class in 2011.

In response to inquiries about the photograph, Marquez stated, “I couldn’t recall the specific day in question, but I am aware that he was competing under Monlau, and I shared a close bond with Monlau Competicion.

"I couldn't recall the specific day."

Marquez attended the event to back his younger sibling, Alex Marquez, who was participating in trials with the Monlau Competicion squad.

In 2013, the same year Marquez entered the MotoGP class and clinched his first premier class championship, Bagnaia made his entrance into grand prix racing.

It wasn't until 2016 that Bagnaia achieved his first grand prix wins, clinching two victories riding a Mahindra, prior to advancing to Moto2, where he secured the championship title in 2018.

He commenced his MotoGP career in 2019, joining Pramac Ducati, before transitioning to the official Ducati team in 2021, where he clinched the championship in both 2022 and 2023.

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