Gigi Dall'Igna's assessment of Marc Marquez's remarkable return to victory

Gigi Dall'Igna discusses Marquez, Martin, Bagnaia, and Di Giannantonio

Gigi Dall'Igna commended Marc Marquez on his outstanding victory at the Australian MotoGP.

The rider from Gresini dropped from the second to the 13th position following an odd incident at the start – a bug collided with his helmet's face shield, and upon pulling off his visor strip, it wedged under his motorcycle, causing the wheel to spin uncontrollably.

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However, Marquez made a strong comeback to surpass Jorge Martin, who started in pole position, securing his third grand prix victory on a Ducati.

This served as additional validation for Ducati leader Dall’Igna’s choice to select Marquez over Martin for the upcoming season’s primary team position.

Dall'Igna reflected on the Australian MotoGP, expressing his enthusiasm: "Our sixteenth victory this season! It's the first time we've had six of our motorcycles leading the top 6 spots – a monumental achievement we should all rejoice in. This is an excellent moment to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the vast Ducati Corse team.

Marc Marquez secures his third victory of 2024, emphatically proving, as if any doubt remained, that he has returned to the pinnacle of MotoGP.

"He achieves this in his unique style, after an astonishing recovery that quickly brought him within striking distance of the leaders, before engaging in a tense showdown with Martin."

An authentic gem on a track perfectly suited for him. He unleashed his full potential, as is his custom when victory seems within reach, holding nothing back. Unstoppable.

"His genuine power and distinct significance are fully realized through his rapid rebound from an initially unfortunate beginning, asserting dominance across the board as the ultimate victor in a 'winner-takes-all' scenario."

"Indeed, regarding Martin, who, frankly, faced greater risks compared to Marquez."

Despite his efforts, Jorge remained determined to succeed, valuing his efforts highly but not recklessly; he began strongly and maintained his lead position up until the final stages, refusing to shy away from a tense battle with Marc, yet thoughtfully acknowledging, after putting in his utmost, the significance of securing the most crucial points.

Quickly and with appropriate experience, he advances by +20 on Pecco.

Pecco faced a weekend that didn't meet expectations, constantly lacking something on a circuit that proved challenging for him: he never truly connected with the bike or the track.

"Friday's weather played a crucial role too, creating circumstances that hindered his ability to conduct the planned experiments aimed at fine-tuning the configuration on a circuit that featured freshly laid asphalt. This also affected his ability to internalize the automatic responses necessary for him to perform at his peak."

He competed with a defensive strategy, giving his utmost effort and contending with the front-runners for as long as possible before slowly falling behind, particularly in the final stretch of the race.

"In such scenarios, it's exactly when the qualities of a warrior emerge prominently, showing someone who can mitigate harm even when all odds appear to be stacked against them."

"He performed impressively, securing a significant podium position: despite the fact that not much more could have been achieved, he was eager to make his presence felt, standing alongside the leaders prepared to contest for it.

Hats off to [Fabio di Giannantonio] for his outstanding performance, hopefully, it's a good sign for his future challenges. He delivered an impressive race, moving up from the 12th starting position to finish in an encouraging 4th place.

Among the top competitors, swift and relentless, boasting superior qualifications, who knows… Last year, I recall him achieving his initial podium finish in the premier class here.

Barely having a moment to reflect on the Australian Grand Prix, we're already shifting focus to the tracks in Thailand, poised to add another chapter and looking forward to an ending that promises to be memorable.

"Let's go, Ducati!"

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Toprak Razgatlioglu expresses desire for MotoGP; clarifies he doesn't seek an arrangement similar to Marc Marquez's. Razgatlioglu reveals intentions regarding MotoGP transition.

Toprak Razgatlioglu is aiming to transition to MotoGP by 2026, but he's not interested in agreeing to a deal similar to the one Marc Marquez secured this year.

Marquez parted ways with his longstanding agreement with factory Honda to join the Ducati satellite squad Gresini this season, opting for better equipment – a move that has subsequently led to his advancement to the official team the following year.

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However, the World Superbike titleholder, Razgatlioglu, is seeking an immediate factory contract with MotoGP upon deciding to transition to the championship.

"Kenan Sofuoglu, the manager, has expressed their ambition to participate in the MotoGP by the year 2026, as reported by GPOne."

"We will assess every possibility presented to us."

"If we don't come across a suitable offer, we might remain in this league."

"Currently, BMW is our main focus, yet it remains uncertain what the future holds beyond 2025."

"We need to examine the options available before deciding on a course of action."

"We desire a manufacturing deal and an agreement with the plant similar to the arrangement Jorge Martin has with Pramc."

"We don't have an inclination towards an agreement similar to the one Marc Marquez has with Gresini."

"I mention this because Marc benefits from strong backing and support, whereas here in Turkey, we lack any form of sponsorship or significant support."

Razgatlioglu clinched the WSBK title this year, transitioning from Yamaha to BMW.

Last year, he had the opportunity to try out a Yamaha MotoGP motorcycle, but it didn't result in a switch of series. Since then, he has parted ways with the Japanese company.

Every MotoGP team will undoubtedly monitor Razgatlioglu's availability closely, given his exceptional skills in the WSBK.

The roster of riders for the 2025 MotoGP season has seen significant changes, notably with the Pramac satellite team switching from Ducati to Yamaha.

What the situation will be like in 2026, the year Razgatlioglu intends to make his move, is yet to be determined.

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Alberto Puig: "Honda's progress isn't tied to riders' departures or arrivals"

"Adjustments are possible, yet Honda's essence remains unchanged."

Alberto Puig has delivered a passionate message regarding Honda's gradual return to the pinnacle of MotoGP competition.

The floundering Japanese maker has consistently remained at the bottom this season, even though they've taken advantage of additional allowances.

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Marc Marquez's choice to leave and join Ducati has been vindicated.

"Honda's leader, Puig, stated, 'We're a team that's accustomed to victory.'"

"Occasionally, enduring a difficult procedure is necessary, and that's exactly what we're experiencing."

"Honda's ethos is rooted in perseverance. For decades, racing has been at the core of Honda's identity, and the passion for motorsport is something they will always embrace."

"Our sole aim is to achieve victory once more."

"It's clear that this season has been challenging. We welcomed a fresh face, Luca Marini."

"For about half a year, we experimented with various approaches in an effort to gain insight."

"The journey has been challenging. The outcomes reveal the truth."

"At last, we discovered something in Misano, a kind of guidance. From that point on, we feel that we can begin our journey.

Despite appearances suggesting a lack of advancement, primarily due to our outcomes, there's an internal transformation happening.

"Honda, a veteran in the racing scene, plans to undergo even further transformation."

"Each firm operates with its own set of procedures – they might evolve, but the core principles remain constant."

"Alterations are possible, but Honda will invariably remain Honda."

Aleix Espargaro is set to become a test rider for Honda in 2025 following his retirement from competitive racing.

They are optimistic that he will contribute to progress, much like he did with Aprilia's advancement.

"Puig mentioned that they will increase the number of test riders from one to three."

"Our approach isn't to target individuals specifically. However, in Aleix's situation, he chose to retire. We saw this as an opportune time to bring him on board due to his vast experience."

"He's the brains behind the Aprilia; he's aware of his contribution, and it was significant. Sharing information in the racing world is essential."

"It's essential to stay ahead in technology, which means gathering information from all available sources."

Romano Albesiano is set to become Honda's new technical director, following his tenure at the helm of Aprilia's project.

"Delving into an alternative perspective promises to be enlightening."

"Puig expressed enthusiasm."

Saying goodbye to a winner is always tough

Marquez ended his lucrative contract with Honda a year early to pilot a previous-season Ducati.

This year, he triumphed in three grand prix events, justifying his choice to part ways with the manufacturer that helped him secure all of his championship titles.

"Puig remarked, 'Marc isn't simply a rider; he's a rider of a unique kind.'"

"His involvement with a team brings a significant influence."

"He reached a conclusion, and we accepted it reasonably well."

In his view, his actions were justified. He's achieving many positive outcomes.

"From our perspective, it was something we had to come to terms with. The team moves forward.

Honda will continue regardless of whether a rider departs or arrives.

"Though we weren't pleased, we held respect for him since his victories brought much success to Honda, making it a just situation."

"Losing a champion is always hard, but life moves on and so will we."

"Our endeavors are not merely for presence or participation. Our aspirations require us to undertake various phases, and currently, this is our position."

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Fabio Quartararo: Yamaha plans to introduce a new MotoGP engine specification "before the season concludes."

"We're not considering 2025 due to the concessions…"

Yamaha's MotoGP team is expected to introduce a new engine specification for their bike before the season concludes. However, this weekend in Thailand, Fabio Quartararo will continue to deal with the same lack of straight-line speed he has been struggling with in recent races.

In previous years, Quartararo has performed well in Thailand, especially in 2019. During that race, he competed fiercely against Marc Marquez all the way to the last corner in a battle for the win. This race concluded with Marquez securing his sixth championship title in the top category.

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The French cyclist is anticipating a solid showing this weekend, particularly during the qualifying rounds.

"The track should be fairly decent for us," he mentioned, "particularly when it comes to a single lap. Our main objective is to make it into Q2 by tomorrow afternoon and strive for an impressive outcome."

Fabio Quartararo mentioned that the more robust rear tire design provided by Michelin for the Thailand race helps Yamaha. This is due to the need to handle the tropical heat and numerous straight-line acceleration areas at the Buriram circuit, which limits the capabilities of competing motorcycles.

He mentioned that the new tire doesn't make much of a difference for them.

"However, I believe that the other competitors have a lower potential with this tire. Therefore, I think this will be significant."

"It's clear that we're lacking grip, particularly when it comes to acceleration and reaching top speed on this track. However, I believe there are other aspects we can focus on to maintain a competitive pace."

Yamaha's struggles with top speed in MotoGP are well-known, and at the moment, Quartararo is opting for the engine version with the lowest speed because it's his favored choice.

He mentioned that there might be a new engine spec introduced for the YZR-M1 before the season concludes.

Quartararo expressed that his preferred engine is also the one that has the least speed.

"Regrettably, there are numerous sections that we are not covering."

"I believe that by the end of this season, we will introduce a new engine specification that offers greater top speed. This development is crucial as we are currently at a disadvantage in terms of straight-line speed."

Quartararo clarified that the engine update wasn't specifically intended for the year 2025.

"It's a different way of thinking, since with the concessions, our focus isn't on 2025; instead, we're constantly aiming to improve the bike," he stated.

"This year, we've altered the engine specifications four times and revamped the chassis four times as well. I anticipate we'll introduce another chassis before the Valencia event."

"We do not possess a bike specifically designed for 2025. Instead, the bike we currently use is gradually developing over time, which is what I am trying to convey."

"The Valencia test holds significant importance as we will be introducing some new elements. Additionally, the preseason test involving four bikes and the Shakedown will also play a crucial role."

"We have numerous testing days ahead, which I believe will be crucial for us to progress."

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Pedro Acosta expressed that the extent of his discomfort will dictate his performance at the Thailand MotoGP. He noted significant progress in recent days, which he considers a positive development.

Pedro Acosta heads to Buriram for the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix this weekend after facing a challenging time in Australia last weekend, where he sustained a shoulder injury during the Sprint race.

On Sunday morning, Acosta was deemed unfit to participate in the Grand Prix, preventing him from competing. However, he reports that his health has already gotten better as he prepares for the event in Thailand this weekend.

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During a press conference on Thursday before the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix, Acosta described his current state in contrast to the previous weekend in Australia by saying, "I'm feeling much improved. I've spent several days undergoing physiotherapy and doing various activities off the track, but overall, I'm feeling significantly better."

Medical examinations conducted in Australia uncovered the full severity of the shoulder injury Acosta sustained during his Sprint crash.

"It was a partial tear in the ligament," he explained. "I would describe it as moving out and then back in quite forcefully, which exacerbates the situation. Regardless, that's the reality of it, and it has gotten significantly better over the past few days, which is something to be grateful for."

Acosta mentioned that he does not need surgery for his shoulder injury. He also noted that the primary issue he anticipates facing in Thailand this weekend is pain, not a lack of strength.

"The doctor mentioned that the threshold would be determined by the level of pain," he explained.

"Let's find out what's happening. The positive aspect is that I can move freely without any discomfort—it's only when I make contact with it that I feel pain."

In a sense, Acosta's injury happened at an unfortunate time. In Japan, he was consistently in the running for podium finishes, and now he's in the midst of three consecutive races.

He remarked, "These situations arise when they are meant to," but acknowledged, "It's certainly not at the most opportune time. We'll have to wait and see what happens and how I handle the entire weekend."

Acosta shared information regarding the expected duration of his recovery from the injury.

"They mentioned it might take a few weeks," he remarked. "It's hard to determine exactly how long, but I must say, I've been feeling significantly better and have made notable progress over the past few days."

"The issue was that I was unable to raise the arm."

As he arrives in Thailand, Acosta is hopeful about his and KTM's prospects. Last year, he secured second place in the Moto2 Thai Grand Prix, trailing Fermin Aldeguer. Meanwhile, Brad Binder finished in the runner-up position behind Jorge Martin but was demoted a spot due to a track limits violation on the final lap, allowing Francesco Bagnaia to move ahead after the race concluded.

"Acosta commented that in the previous season, Brad Binder delivered an impressive performance. He also noted that this track might be advantageous for them due to its numerous braking and acceleration areas."

"Let's observe how we begin the weekend and figure out how we can handle it."

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Aleix Espargaro dismisses the use of aerodynamics as a defense in the frightening MotoGP incident involving Bezzecchi and Vinales.

"Blaming aerodynamics to excuse the incident is unjust."

Aleix Espargaro disagrees with the MotoGP stewards' decision that aerodynamics played a role in lessening the impact of the frightening crash between Marco Bezzecchi and Maverick Vinales in Australia last weekend.

During the second-to-last lap of last weekend's sprint at Phillip Island, Bezzecchi crashed into the back of Vinales' Aprilia as they approached the high-speed Turn 1, resulting in both riders being eliminated from the race.

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The race officials concluded that Bezzecchi was responsible for the accident. However, they acknowledged that the disturbed airflow caused by the RS-GP's aerodynamic design played a role, which led them to impose a lighter penalty on him.

An unfortunate accident occurred late in the event 💥 Fortunately, Maverick has been confirmed to be in good health, and although Bez has no broken bones, he has been taken to a hospital in Melbourne for a thorough examination. The Stewards are continuing to investigate the incident #AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/6z8hsHSmTu— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 19, 2024

Recognizing that under typical conditions Bezzecchi would have faced a double long lap penalty, he was instead penalized with just a single long lap.

The officials examining the role of aerodynamics in the collision have ignited a discussion about its possible involvement in all future accidents.

In a statement made on Thursday before the upcoming Thailand Grand Prix this weekend, Espargaro, who is Vinales' teammate, dismissed the claim and proposed that Bezzecchi was just not cautious enough.

"The aerodynamics make corner one at Phillip Island even more challenging and prone to mistakes," he mentioned to reporters, including those from Crash.net, during the event in Buriram.

"If it were the inaugural year for using the wings, I would comprehend the situation."

"It has been five years since we became aware of the situation at turn one on Phillip Island regarding aerodynamics."

"In my opinion, using aerodynamics as an excuse for the decision is unjust."

When questioned about whether he believed the punishment was sufficient, he responded, "Absolutely not."

Numerous individuals are claiming that he attempted to pass once more.

"I am certain that Bez didn't do it intentionally."

However, it was a significant error that led to a major collision, and the penalty, equating it with merely blocking someone during a quick lap, is unjust.

"It's not satisfactory. It ought to have been much more robust."

After completing his penalty, Bezzecchi crashed and withdrew from the grand prix on the following lap.

Following a crash during the sprint, the VR46 rider needed to visit the hospital for examinations. Fortunately, there were no injuries except for some discomfort in a shoulder ligament.

On Thursday in Thailand, Bezzecchi expressed that he was feeling pretty well.

"I am still experiencing an issue with my left shoulder. During the crash in the sprint, I slightly injured a ligament in that area."

"Luckily, there are no fractures, but it's still causing me some pain."

"Regardless, I'm feeling pretty well. I'll find out more tomorrow when I go biking, but I managed to ride during the race on Sunday. I'll experience some discomfort, but nothing too severe."

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Aleix Espargaro dismisses aerodynamic factors as a defense in the frightening MotoGP crash involving Bezzecchi and Vinales. "It's unfair to use aerodynamics as an excuse for the incident," he stated.

Aleix Espargaro disagrees with MotoGP stewards' conclusion that aerodynamics played a role in lessening the impact of the frightening crash involving Marco Bezzecchi and Maverick Vinales in Australia last weekend.

During the second-to-last lap of the sprint race at Phillip Island last weekend, Bezzecchi made contact with the back of Vinales' Aprilia as they approached the rapid Turn 1, resulting in both riders being eliminated from the race.

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The officials concluded that Bezzecchi was responsible for the accident. However, they acknowledged that the turbulent air caused by the RS-GP's aerodynamics played a role in the incident, which led them to impose a less severe penalty.

An unfortunate event occurred late in the session 💥 Fortunately, Maverick has been confirmed to be uninjured, and although Bez has no fractures, he has been taken to a Melbourne hospital for a comprehensive examination. The incident is still being reviewed by the Stewards #AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/6z8hsHSmTu— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 19, 2024

Recognizing that in what it considered typical situations, Bezzecchi would typically face a double long lap penalty, he was instead issued only a single long lap penalty.

The stewards' decision to view aerodynamics as a factor in the crash has ignited discussions about whether it should be considered a contributing element in all accidents from now on.

Ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend, Vinales' teammate, Espargaro, dismissed the claim on Thursday, arguing that Bezzecchi was merely not cautious.

He explained to the press, including Crash.net, in Buriram that the aerodynamics make the first corner at Phillip Island even more challenging, increasing the likelihood of errors.

"If this were the inaugural year for the wings, I might see why."

"It's been five years since we became aware of the situation at the first corner of Phillip Island regarding aerodynamics."

"In my opinion, using aerodynamics as an excuse to explain the decision isn't justified."

When questioned about whether he believed the penalty was sufficient, he replied, "Definitely not."

Numerous individuals are suggesting that he attempted to pass once more.

"I really don't believe Bez did it intentionally, completely."

"However, it was a significant error on his part, leading to a major collision. The penalty, equating it with merely being on the track and blocking someone during a quick lap, doesn't seem just."

"It's lacking strength. It definitely should have been much more robust."

After serving his penalty, Bezzecchi crashed and was unable to finish the grand prix.

After the accident during the sprint, the VR46 racer was taken to the hospital for examination. Fortunately, there were no injuries, although there was some discomfort in a shoulder ligament.

On Thursday in Thailand, Bezzecchi expressed that he was feeling very well.

"I am still dealing with an issue in my left shoulder, where I slightly injured a ligament during a crash in the sprint."

"Luckily, there are no fractures, but I'm still feeling some pain."

"Nonetheless, I'm feeling pretty well. I'll find out more tomorrow when I get on the bike, but I managed to ride on Sunday while the race was happening. It'll be uncomfortable, but not unmanageable."

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Enea Bastianini announced that there will be no directives from Ducati at the Thai MotoGP, stating, "I need to give my all." He expressed his ambition to secure third place in the championship and is determined to pursue this goal.

With three races remaining in the 2024 season, Enea Bastianini is aiming for a third-place finish in the MotoGP World Championship.

As the Thai Grand Prix approaches this weekend, Enea Bastianini finds himself trailing Marc Marquez by 14 points. This comes after the Gresini Ducati racer secured a win in Australia just a week prior, with only two races left in the season.

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Last year, Bastianini finished in 13th place in Thailand. However, due to his injuries from a crash in Barcelona the previous summer, his physical state during the Asian races was compromised. As a result, the 2023 season doesn't provide a reliable basis for predicting his performance in this year's Buriram race.

"We need to assess our potential," Bastianini remarked before the Thai Grand Prix.

"During the previous year, I faced numerous challenges and it's crucial that we conduct more thorough checks with increased backing now. My health wasn't optimal around this time last year, but I'm optimistic about making progress and achieving more this year."

"It's evident that Friday holds significant importance, and tomorrow is a crucial day for me. However, I am prepared."

Bastianini outlined his plan for the remainder of the season, saying that his goal is straightforward: "If I secure more race victories, I will likely finish third in the championship standings."

Francesco Bagnaia, who is Bastianini's teammate at Ducati, holds the second spot in the riders' championship. Bagnaia is currently trailing Jorge Martin by 20 points. Given his position, the Ducati Lenovo Team may ask Bastianini to assist Bagnaia in securing his third consecutive MotoGP title.

Bastianini has stated that he has received "Nothing" in terms of directives from Ducati before the Thai race this weekend.

As he considered the forthcoming races in Sepang and Valencia, Bastianini maintained a straightforward outlook.

"Sepang is a track I really enjoy," he stated. "I'm aware of that, and historically, I've had good speed there."

Valencia isn't a track I particularly enjoy. As for Buriram, I'm uncertain about it. I'm approaching this Grand Prix without any specific expectations.

"I need to give my all because I have the chance to secure third place in the championship, and I'm eager to attempt it."

Adding to Bastianini's challenges for this weekend is the narrative surrounding his experience at the Australian Grand Prix.

During last weekend's event at Phillip Island, Bastianini secured third place in the Sprint race but ended up in fifth position in the Grand Prix, trailing the winner by 13 seconds.

Following the race, Bastianini expressed dissatisfaction with the front end of his Desmosedici GP24, stating that even after four days, he remains unable to understand the issue.

"We need to discuss this matter now," Bastianini stated on Thursday in Thailand.

"I only have information from the Sunday at Phillip Island, and it's crucial to grasp what occurred."

"However, it's been odd since the bike was identical to the one I used earlier in the day, and my experience with it this morning was really positive."

"For the race, it felt completely different, almost as though I had no grip at all. It was quite unusual."

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Enea Bastianini has stated that there are no team orders from Ducati for the Thai MotoGP, indicating his goal to perform at his best. He expressed his ambition to secure third place in the championship standings and is determined to pursue this objective.

With just three races remaining in the 2024 MotoGP season, Enea Bastianini is aiming for a third-place finish in the World Championship.

As the Thai Grand Prix approaches this weekend, with just two rounds left in the season, Bastianini trails Marc Marquez by 14 points. This comes after the Gresini Ducati rider clinched a victory in Australia last week.

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Last year in Thailand, Bastianini finished in 13th place. However, due to his physical state in the Asian races that followed his crash in Barcelona last summer, the 2023 results do not provide a reliable basis to predict the Italian's performance in this year's Buriram race.

"We need to evaluate the possibilities," Bastianini remarked before the Thai Grand Prix.

"In the previous year, I went through a great deal of hardship. It's crucial for us to conduct more thorough evaluations, with increased support at this time. My physical state last year wasn't optimal around this time, but presently, I feel optimistic about making improvements and achieving more this year."

"We've realized the significance of Friday, and tomorrow is going to be crucial for me. However, I'm prepared for it."

Bastianini laid out his straightforward plan for the remainder of the season, stating that achieving more victories in upcoming races could likely secure him third place in the championship.

Bastianini's fellow Ducati factory rider, Francesco Bagnaia, is currently sitting in second place in the championship standings. He trails Jorge Martin by 20 points, which might prompt the Ducati Lenovo Team to ask Bastianini to assist Bagnaia in securing his third consecutive MotoGP championship.

Bastianini has stated that he hasn't received any team instructions from Ducati before the upcoming race in Thailand this weekend.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming races in Sepang and Valencia, Bastianini maintained a straightforward outlook.

"Sepang is a track I really enjoy," he mentioned. "It's well-known that I've been quick there in the past as well."

"Valencia isn’t a track I particularly like. As for here in Buriram, I’m not really sure. I’m approaching this Grand Prix with no specific expectations."

"I'm determined to give it my all because I have the opportunity to secure third place in the championship, and I'm eager to achieve that goal."

Adding complexity to Bastianini's perspective on this weekend is the narrative surrounding his performance at the Australian Grand Prix.

Last weekend at Phillip Island, Bastianini secured a third-place finish in the Sprint. However, in the Grand Prix, he ended up in fifth place, trailing the winner by 13 seconds.

Following the race, Bastianini expressed dissatisfaction with the front end of his Desmosedici GP24, noting an issue that, even after four days, he remains unable to understand.

On Thursday in Thailand, Bastianini stated, "It's time for us to discuss this."

"I only have information up to the Sunday at Phillip Island, and it's crucial to figure out what occurred."

"However, it was odd because the bike hadn't changed since the morning, and earlier my experience with it was really positive."

"For the race, it felt completely different, almost as if I had no grip. It was quite unusual."

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"A Pleasant Revelation": Raul Fernandez Discusses Riding a Wingless MotoGP Bike

"It's incredible… no physical strain"

Last Sunday at Phillip Island, Raul Fernandez utilized a loophole in the MotoGP regulations to compete on his Trackhouse Aprilia bike without the use of wings.

Due to the stringent MotoGP homologation rules, teams are allowed to alter the fairing design only once each season. However, on some tracks, teams are allowed to detach the side pods from the aerodynamic body for safety purposes.

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Phillip Island is the sole circuit on the current schedule where taking off the aero is permitted, following previous worries about intense crosswinds.

Last Sunday, the wind wasn't a major concern, and several riders think that the additional downforce contributes to stability in these situations. However, Fernandez and Aprilia decided to take off his sidepods to collect information on the RS-GP's performance without the aerodynamic components.

The trial began poorly for Fernandez as he dropped from sixth position on the grid to 17th. However, he managed to climb back to ninth place, only to be overtaken by Fabio Quartararo near the end.

Fernandez trailed Maverick Vinales' RS-GP24, which was equipped with full wings, by under three seconds and finished in eighth position.

"It was an unexpected delight," Fernandez remarked on Thursday in Buriram, Thailand. "We gained significant insights into the bike, which is currently giving us some difficulties. Therefore, it served as a valuable test looking ahead."

The Spaniard admitted that he was taken aback by his own level of competitiveness.

He explained that he completed five laps in the morning without wings and then went straight into the race. Initially, he found himself in 17th place on the first lap, as the bike's starting performance wasn't its strong suit. However, he noted that afterwards, the pace was quite strong and competitive.

"I noticed throughout most of the race that the gap to the top four remained fairly consistent. The speed was sufficient to keep up with them. Although I had a poor start and couldn't compete up front, my pace was still competitive. Overall, I'm really pleased."

Fernandez, who first competed in MotoGP with Tech3 KTM in 2022, had yet to experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle that lacked winglets.

He explained that initially, the idea of testing the bike without wings seemed like a humorous suggestion during the season. However, by the time they reached Phillip Island, it turned out to be a serious consideration.

"Riding this bike feels unique. As a result, my confidence grew with each lap. By the end of the race, my speed had significantly increased."

According to Fernandez, although aerodynamic features assist in preventing wheelies and improve cornering and braking, the physical effort needed to change direction is "nonexistent" without the downforce components.

"Following a race weekend and an extensive race, I usually feel extremely exhausted. However, after completing the race at Phillip Island, I informed the team, 'I'm ready to race again if needed!'"

"It's incredible. The bike has no physical resistance, which is an aspect we might need to focus on improving in terms of aerodynamic design in the future."

Lorenzo Savadori, who serves as a test rider for Aprilia and occasionally fills in as a teammate, disclosed that he has also tested the RS-GP bike without its aerodynamic wings in private sessions.

The Italian clarified that the typical aerodynamic advantages are ineffective due to the swift and smooth design of the Phillip Island track.

"Phillip Island stands out as a distinctive circuit characterized by high-speed sections. Unlike other tracks, it doesn't require heavy braking. Under typical track conditions, I definitely favor using the wings," Savadori remarked.

"The wings significantly impact braking, corner entry, and wheelies, and overall, they improve performance across the board. However, Raul showed impressive speed at Phillip Island, which was a positive outcome for him. Additionally, the engineers now have data to evaluate for the 2025 aerodynamic design."

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"An Unexpected Delight": Raul Fernandez Discusses Riding a MotoGP Bike Without Wings

"It's incredible… no physical strain at all"

Raul Fernandez utilized a special allowance in the MotoGP regulations, allowing him to compete without wings on his Trackhouse Aprilia at the race held last Sunday at Phillip Island.

Due to the stringent MotoGP rules, changes to the fairing design are restricted to just once each season. However, there are specific tracks where, for safety purposes, teams are allowed to take off the side pods from the aerodynamic body.

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Phillip Island is the sole circuit in the current schedule that permits the removal of aerodynamic components, a decision stemming from previous worries about powerful crosswinds.

Last Sunday, the wind didn't pose much of a problem. Some riders think that increased downforce can enhance stability in these conditions. However, Fernandez and Aprilia opted to take off his sidepods to collect data on the RS-GP's performance without the aerodynamic components.

The experiment got off to a rocky start as Fernandez dropped dramatically from his initial sixth position on the grid to 17th. However, he managed to climb back up to ninth place, only to be overtaken by Fabio Quartararo towards the end of the race.

Fernandez trailed Maverick Vinales's fully equipped RS-GP24 by under three seconds, securing the eighth position.

"It was an unexpected pleasure," Fernandez commented at Buriram, Thailand, on Thursday. "We gained significant insights about the bike, which we are currently having difficulties with. Therefore, it was a valuable test for future improvements."

The Spanish individual admitted to being taken aback by his own level of competitiveness.

"I completed five laps in the morning without any wings and then went straight into the race. Initially, on the first lap, I was in 17th place because our bike doesn't have the best start. However, after that, the speed was excellent and very competitive," he stated.

"I noticed throughout most of the race that the gap to the top four remained consistent, so the speed was adequate to stay competitive. Unfortunately, due to a poor start, I couldn't contend at the front, but the speed was on point. Overall, I'm really satisfied."

Fernandez, who entered the MotoGP scene with Tech3 KTM in 2022, had not previously experienced riding a MotoGP motorcycle without aerodynamic wings.

He mentioned that initially, the idea of testing the bike without wings midway through the season seemed humorous. However, by the time they reached Phillip Island, the suggestion had turned serious.

"Riding the bike feels unique, and as a result, with each completed lap, my confidence grew. By the end of the race, my speed had noticeably increased."

According to Fernandez, although aerodynamic features aid in preventing wheelies and enhance cornering and braking capabilities, the physical effort needed to alter direction is "nonexistent" without the downforce components.

"Every time after a race weekend and a lengthy race, I usually feel extremely exhausted. However, once I completed the race at Phillip Island, I informed the team, ‘I'm ready to race again if you need me!’"

"It's incredible. The bike offers no physical resistance, which is an area we might need to focus on improving in future designs, particularly in terms of aerodynamics."

Lorenzo Savadori, who serves as a test rider for Aprilia and occasionally fills in as a team-mate, disclosed that he has experimented with the RS-GP bike without its wings during private test sessions.

The Italian clarified that the typical aerodynamic advantages are ineffective due to the rapid and smooth configuration of Phillip Island.

"Phillip Island stands out as a distinctive circuit, known for its high-speed nature without intense braking zones. On a typical circuit, I definitely have a preference for using the wings," stated Savadori.

"The wings significantly improve braking, corner entry, and help with wheelies, making overall performance better. Raul showed strong pace at Phillip Island, which was a positive outcome for him. Additionally, the engineers now have data to evaluate for the 2025 aerodynamic design."

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Alex Rins is set to test the Yamaha ride-height device, which operates automatically, once again at the Thai MotoGP. Observers have noted that this system appears to be similar to the one used by Ducati.

Alex Rins has announced that he plans to test a 'Ducati-inspired' automatic ride-height system again at the Thai MotoGP this weekend.

Instead of manually activating a button to quickly lower the M1 when coming out of a slow corner to reduce wheelies, the automatic system enables a rider to set up the device while entering the corner, which then causes the rear to lower on its own as they exit.

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"Rins mentioned on Thursday in Buriram that Yamaha has developed an automatic version, though it still requires some pressing, and that's what we'll be using."

"It appears to be similar to Ducati's system. For instance, we'll engage it while coming out of the penultimate corner. Essentially, we turn it on and then refrain from using it again until just before the fourth corner."

"Without a doubt, it's easier on the finger!"

Rins explained that the primary advantage is this. He noted that when it was initially introduced in Austria, it wasn't fully operational. As a result, he ended up using a combination.

"Ultimately, the performance is pretty much the same, and for me personally, since they were first introduced in 2020 or 2021, I've consistently opted for manual, so I'm accustomed to it."

When it comes to engines, Rins disclosed that he favors a somewhat different setup compared to his teammate Fabio Quartararo.

“We possess the same engine, though it's set up differently. The interior varies significantly,” remarked Rins.

He went on to say, "The thing I appreciate about my engine is its ability to handle corners. Mine takes turns slightly better than his engine does."

"We've experimented with this setup numerous times in Valencia and Mugello, and I consistently favor this type of engine."

"They permitted me to utilize it, and in this way, we are exchanging information in both directions for the upcoming year."

On Thursday, Quartararo disclosed that Yamaha intends to unveil an additional new engine specification over the course of the last three races.

"I believe that by the end of the season, we will have a new engine specification that offers increased top speed."

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