Quartararo’s Surprising Pace After Thailand Crash: A Glimpse of Yamaha’s Potential Despite Setbacks
Fabio Quartararo suggests Yamaha's performance in Thailand was surprisingly good
Following a mishap at the start, Fabio Quartararo felt optimistic about his speed in the Thai MotoGP
A premature accident prevented Fabio Quartararo from possibly achieving his first MotoGP podium of the season at the Thai Grand Prix.
Quartararo believed that, had it not been for the collision with Franco Morbidelli on the fourth lap, his speed after the crash was good enough for a finish well within the top 10, or potentially even a podium position.
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Quartararo expressed after the race, "It was challenging since my eyes were constantly glued to the TV to track where Bagnaia was during the entire race."
"He was indeed pulling away from us, but the distance he was creating wasn't excessively large. I believe finishing between third and seventh place was a realistic outcome. However, my assessment is based on what I saw on the television, so it's hard to pinpoint exactly."
Yamaha faced difficulties in Thailand with heating up the rear tire in dry conditions, and these problems continued under the wet weather of Sunday's Grand Prix.
"Quartararo mentioned that starting from the morning, they faced difficulties in heating up the back tire, particularly on the left side, and found the electronics to be quite challenging to grasp."
"The bike was frequently losing traction, and when moving in a straight direction, it lacked momentum. Certain turns felt smooth while others did not, which is something I find puzzling about the motorcycle."
Despite his crash, Quartararo was encouraged by his speed, which was on par with the victor of the race, Francesco Bagnaia. They both managed to consistently complete laps in the mid-to-high 1:40s range, with Quartararo achieving this feat even with considerable damage from the crash.
"I believe that despite the accident — despite losing a wing, having a damaged steering, no rear brake, and the [right] footpeg being partially severed — my speed was still decent. I see that as a positive aspect."
Quartararo observed that he and his Yamaha crew managed to enhance the functioning of his YZR-M1 between the morning and afternoon sessions, especially in terms of his interaction with the front tire, although he believed there was still room for further improvements.
"Therefore, the area where I'm facing difficulties is primarily at the front, especially since we tend to perform well in wet conditions during straight-line braking," he explained.
"In the morning, I faced difficulties, but the situation improved by the afternoon. There was still significant front-end locking, but there was definitely progress from morning to afternoon. That's why, despite the bike being heavily damaged from the crash, I was keen on continuing to ride more laps to determine if there was any improvement in the electronics."
Quartararo experienced an escalating problem with the front lock as the race continued.
"Particularly towards the end, since the front was crucial for us, I experienced significant loss, and during straight braking, there was considerable locking," Quartararo expressed.
"However, as I've previously mentioned regarding dry conditions, our performance heavily relies on the track's grip. Essentially, when the track offers good traction, we perform significantly better compared to when it lacks grip."
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Heat, Strategy, and Intensity: The High-Stakes Battle Between Bagnaia and Martin at the Malaysian MotoGP
Luca Marini expressed confidence that Jorge and Pecco were already aware of this situation. He mentioned that trailing another motorcycle can lead to significant difficulties.
Luca Marini explained the reasons behind the fierce battle between title contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin in the early laps of the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday.
The Repsol Honda racer stated that riding behind another motorcycle for a lap in the hot and polluted air increases the front tire pressure, reduces engine efficiency, and overheats the rider following behind.
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In a gripping display, Bagnaia and Martin exchanged the lead 11 times over the span of three laps before Bagnaia took firm control. They held onto their positions, with Bagnaia in first and Martin in second, keeping a gap of approximately two seconds between them until the race concluded.
The recent MotoGP race showcased a unique 'back-to-front' victory battle, characterized by most of the overtaking happening at the beginning instead of leading up to an exciting finish.
Marini commented, "Being an entire lap behind another rider is catastrophic. Therefore, it was obvious that Jorge and Pecco understood this and aimed to lead."
"If you follow closely behind another motorcycle, it becomes problematic. The heat levels of everything increase significantly, and you can feel the warmth affecting your body, the front tire, and the engine."
"As a result, everything begins to decelerate. The engine loses some of its power, the front tire's stopping ability diminishes, and the temperature of the rear tire increases."
Marini, who is close friends with fellow VR46 Academy member Bagnaia, expressed: “I haven't seen the footage yet, but I hope they competed skillfully and intelligently.”
“It’s great to witness the two competitors battling for the championship also competing fiercely in the races.”
"I sustained some leg burns," Marini remarked, as he endured a rather uncomfortable journey to finish in 15th place.
He mentioned that they need to work on enhancing how the heat dissipates from the bike, as he sustained some burns on his legs.
"We must make enhancements before the first race takes place in Thailand next year. If conditions are just as hot, it will pose challenges."
"I'm pretty content with the physical aspect. I believe it was a decent race, though it was a bit sluggish. The track was extremely slippery due to the temperature, and that made it even more challenging for us with our bike."
"Initially, it seemed that everyone was exerting a lot of effort, and I noticed I was lacking some torque and engine power due to the high temperatures."
The resumption made Honda's overheating problems worse.
Marini expressed that he found the quick start procedure somewhat unusual. He explained that after heading onto the track, there is a period of waiting on the grid during which temperatures rise, which he felt was not advantageous for them.
"We experienced some vibration, which is typical, especially in Turn 5 and Turn 12. It seems that many riders have a hard time dealing with the shaking in these areas, but for us, it's particularly challenging to maneuver the bike through these turns."
"We're losing about 0.2 seconds in every corner on each lap because we're unable to tilt properly, which I believe is one of our main issues right now. Additionally, grip is consistently a challenge for us."
"However, when it comes to managing our tires during the race, we actually do a decent job. The issue is that we begin the race at such a disadvantage, making it extremely difficult to pass other cars. This is due to factors like the aerodynamics, the heat, and the grip at the back of the car."
Joan Mir, a member of the team, was unable to complete the race after a rear brake issue led to his crash.
For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. He is now closely covering the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the challenges posed by Marc Marquez's injury problems.
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Aprilia’s Heat Struggles Persist at Sepang: Espargaro and Fernandez Battle Extreme Conditions
Aprilia MotoGP struggles with heat once more: “I barely managed to finish”, “I was exhausted”
“I could hardly grip the handlebars; the heat was incredible.”
Aleix Espargaro concluded his last overseas race as an Aprilia MotoGP competitor in 13th place, as the RS-GP experienced recurring heat problems at the Sepang circuit.
Following the Thai round last year, in which Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's teammate, had to drop out because of the intense heat, and Espargaro himself struggled to breathe, the factory committed to enhancing the ventilation system.
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This year's rainfall in Buriram helped alleviate the high temperatures typically experienced at the Thai Grand Prix. However, the scorching 34-degree heat at Sepang had a significant impact on Espargaro and his motorcycle, which was painted entirely in black.
Beginning on the 16th, the Spanish rider advanced to 12th position by the halfway point, but then dropped one spot to the resurgent Marc Marquez during the last lap.
"It was incredibly tough for us, especially starting so far back on the grid. It felt like a nightmare!" Espargaro remarked.
"I wasn't able to pass anyone because the engine was sluggish from the high temperatures."
"I went through a lot of hardship. During the final three laps, I barely managed to finish. I was struggling to even grip the handlebar because the heat was so intense."
Espargaro stated that there hasn't been any notable progress in reducing the heat compared to last year.
Espargaro mentioned that being at the back of the grid is actually more challenging.
Earlier today, I felt powerful during the warm-up session; however, once the race began, gaining positions proved to be unfeasible. Overtaking was simply not an option as the bike lacked speed.
According to some riders, the rapid restart process after the red flag was mentioned as a factor in the bikes generating heat in the initial laps.
The pressure in Espargaro's front tire increased significantly due to the turbulent air.
"I began at a very low point, and during the final three laps, I couldn't even apply the brakes due to the tire temperature," he explained.
Raul Fernandez expressed that he felt he had reached his limit. Espargaro, another competitor riding for Aprilia, also had concerns about finishing the race.
A fatigued Raul Fernandez dropped from 13th to 16th place, significantly slowing down in the final laps.
The Trackhouse racer acknowledged, "I almost decided to retire." He explained that coping with the heat while riding was extremely challenging.
"In the final four laps, I was completely exhausted. I pushed through to complete the race because I wanted to honor the team and all the mechanics."
"I was part of the group but couldn’t get ahead… In the final four laps, I was unable to lean on the bike!"
"I leaned forward with my head out of the bike to catch some air. However, it's quite challenging, particularly when you're in a slipstream, as it prevents you from getting any airflow. This makes it hard to cool your body down even a bit."
"I couldn't sense my hand or foot, and I found it difficult to breathe. It was an overwhelming experience."
Maverick Vinales, who is Espargaro's teammate on the factory team, secured the highest position for Aprilia by finishing in seventh place.
Vinales mentioned that the temperatures on Sunday were typical, being both hot and challenging, yet he was able to maintain a good pace until the end.
Fernandez clarified that Vinales had been riding in unobstructed conditions, trailing Fabio Quartararo by several seconds.
Fernandez commented, "Maverick got off to a strong start and maintained his pace throughout the race without any aerodynamic advantage from other riders. He was essentially on his own the entire time. Possibly because of this, he completed a fairly typical race."
"In our situation, both Aleix and I were part of the same group during the race. Throughout the entire event, I had the advantage of four bikes ahead of me providing slipstreams, while he had three."
"I was surprised to see this happening here. It reminded me of the situation in Thailand last year, or perhaps it was even slightly more severe."
In 2025, Fernandez will be the sole MotoGP racer continuing with Aprilia as Espargaro transitions to a testing role at Honda. Meanwhile, Vinales is set to become part of Tech3 KTM, and Miguel Oliveira, who is currently sidelined due to injury, will transfer to Pramac Yamaha.
Lorenzo Savadori, who stepped in for the injured Oliveira at the Sepang race, ended up in the final position.
Luckily for the Aprilia team, overheating issues won't be a concern at the 2024 season's final race, which is now set to take place in Barcelona in two weeks.
For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and is well-acquainted with Marc Marquez's injury challenges.
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Calculated Risks: Pedro Acosta’s Strategic Shift Puts Him Back in the MotoGP Top Five
Pedro Acosta expressed his thoughts by saying, "I was worried about messing up the race for no reason." He reflected on how many points he lost due to crashes in previous races and suggested that taking a more cautious approach might be beneficial as the season progresses.
Brad Binder did not participate in the race, while Pedro Acosta managed to secure points in both races for the first time since Mandalika. This achievement has moved the MotoGP newcomer back into fifth position in the world championship rankings.
The GASGASG Tech3 racer quickly advanced from 13th position to 5th and was closing in on Alex Marquez. However, a close call at the last hairpin led Acosta to focus on safely finishing the race.
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Acosta mentioned, "I spent a significant amount of time passing Maverick, Fabio, and Rins. As I was closing in on Alex, the front tire's temperature soared, making it challenging to control."
"With approximately five laps remaining, I felt the front end give way in the final turn and thought, 'Oh no, let's not throw away the race for no reason.'"
Acosta completed the race 1.4 seconds after the Gresini Ducati competitor.
"Don't misunderstand me, I was really trying to secure that fourth place, but I realized that what I couldn't gain on Alex over 15 laps, I wasn't going to make up in just one lap."
"In this situation, it was essential for me, for us, and even if we aim to compete for a championship someday, adopting a 'less is more' approach by the season's end might be beneficial."
"Consider the number of points I missed out on in the races where I had accidents. It's significant."
This season, Acosta has experienced 12 instances where he did not score points and has had more crashes than any other rider, totaling 26 incidents.
"Just to clarify, if I had finished in 5th place in every race where I crashed, I would have accumulated a lot of points by the end of the season."
"I need to remember this as well! Sometimes, when you're riding without any stress, you go all out, but there are times when we should ease up a little."
Acosta mentioned that he needed to collect as much information as he could regarding the KTM aerodynamics.
"It was crucial to observe the contrast between the fairing we utilized in yesterday's sprint and the one employed today," he remarked.
"There were both the new and old homologations involved. It's somewhat challenging to determine why one fairing outperforms the other. However, the positive aspect is that they are conducting an excellent investigation into this matter."
"The fairing performed better today because, at the very least, it allowed me to pass other vehicles."
Acosta holds a narrow 3-point lead against future teammate Binder heading into the new finale in Barcelona. The two are competing to become the highest-ranked non-Ducati rider in the world championship standings.
Binder opted out of rejoining the race at Sepang after sustaining a shoulder injury in the crash at Turn 2 that caused a red flag.
For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.
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Jack Miller’s Humor Shines After Harrowing Sepang Crash: ‘Just Went for a Little Sleep
Uncovered: Jack Miller’s Humorous Remark Following Harrowing Crash
Jack Miller's Signature Joke After the Sepang Accident
During the Malaysian Grand Prix, Jack Miller's crash on the first lap led to a red flag situation. He received medical attention at the scene before being taken by ambulance to the track's medical center.
The Australian managed to avoid serious harm and was seen on the global television broadcast returning to the pits shortly before the race resumed in Sepang.
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Neil Hodgson, who won the World Superbike Championship in 2003 and now serves as a MotoGP commentator for TNT Sports, had a conversation with Miller following the Malaysian race. The Australian racer suggested that he had lost consciousness during the accident.
"During an interview with TNT Sports following the Malaysian Grand Prix, Hodgson mentioned that he had seen Jack about 20 minutes earlier."
As he strolled through the paddock with his wife, I approached him and mentioned, "We were all concerned about you." He responded reassuringly, "No worries, I just took a short nap."
"The problem was that he apparently experienced a mild concussion. However, he appeared to be okay and actually seemed quite content."
What led to the accident? According to Hodgson, the accident occurred due to the design of the initial two corners on the track. Fortunately, Miller escaped the incident with only minor injuries. Hodgson explained, "Everything went awry. The approach to turn two is very narrow, making it difficult to discern the exact sequence of events."
"I understand that Fabio Quartararo collided with Jack Miller, causing both of them to crash, along with Brad Binder."
"The situation is extremely close-knit, like a chain reaction, leaving no space and causing other riders to become entangled."
Miller's head is drawn toward the rear of Quartararo’s motorcycle.
Michael Laverty commented: "It's a situation where paths intersect, with numerous bikes gathering in one spot simultaneously, making any outcome possible."
"The fate of the race seemed to be in favor of Jack [Miller] today. We're relieved that he's alright, as things could have turned out much graver. With the concussion protocol in place, we hope he recovers in time to participate in two weeks and conclude his last race for KTM on a high note."
In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on news related to consumer and racing motorcycles at Visordown.
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Barcelona Flood Crisis: MotoGP Faces Uncertainty as Red Alert Halts Preparations for Season Finale
Heavy rains affect Barcelona, prompting MotoGP to look at Valencia as an alternative location. Authorities have issued a red alert warning due to the downpour.
Barcelona is currently experiencing severe weather conditions, prompting red warnings due to flooding. This development comes just two weeks before the city is scheduled to host the MotoGP event, which will conclude the 2024 season.
This morning, the city of Catalonia experienced severe flooding, prompting authorities to issue a red alert warning indicating "Extreme Danger."
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Spain's national weather agency, AEMET, has issued a warning indicating that the Baix Llobregat region, located roughly 23 miles from the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, might see up to 180 liters per square meter of rainfall within a 24-hour period.
🚨 RED ALERT | Barcelona Coastline. Severe risk due to heavy rain: a very intense downpour has resulted in 81 liters per square meter at El Prat Airport. In Baix Llobregat, over 180 liters per square meter could accumulate within 24 hours. Exercise extreme caution! Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary! pic.twitter.com/FdDSzOkcwJ— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) November 4, 2024
Footage circulating on social media reveals the extent of the flooding, with certain highways in the area entirely submerged.
This is the current situation on the highway towards Castelldefels: 🚨 The road is flooded with water ⛈️, and traffic has come to a halt ⚠️. Let's reduce travel as much as possible 🙏🏼 #Projecte4Estacions pic.twitter.com/1IEDF3DM6p— Projecte 4 Estacions (@P4Estacions) November 4, 2024
On Saturday, MotoGP revealed its intention to host the concluding race of the 2024 season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which is situated just outside the central area of Barcelona. However, the exact date and specific details of the event have not yet been determined.
The series had to call off its regular final race of the season, the Valencian Grand Prix, because of the intense flooding that occurred there early last week, leading to major damage to infrastructure and fatalities.
On Saturday, during the MotoGP event in Malaysia, it was revealed that the 20th and last round of the 2024 World Championship will be relocated to Barcelona.
In Spain, on Saturday night, AEMET has once more released alerts for intense storms anticipated in Valencia, with similar conditions expected in Catalunya on Sunday.
⚠️ Severe storms are expected in the Mediterranean this Sunday, prompting the issuance of orange alerts in parts of the Region of Murcia, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community. Rainfall could exceed 100 to 150 liters per square meter in regions already impacted by the floods on the 29th. Please exercise caution! pic.twitter.com/omnoByd5XK— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) November 2, 2024
As of now, MotoGP has not issued any formal statement concerning the flooding situation in Barcelona.
In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.
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Marquez’s Reluctance and Quartararo’s Optimism: Diverging Views on Barcelona as 2024 MotoGP Finale
Marc Marquez, who has claimed victory twice at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, admits he would choose a different venue for the MotoGP season finale, as it's not one of his preferred tracks.
Marc Marquez expressed his desire for the last race of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship to take place at a different venue instead of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Earlier this year at the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona, Marquez secured a third-place finish after beginning the race from the 14th position on the starting grid.
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The racer, who has clinched the World Championship title eight times, has achieved victory just two times at the top-level competition in Catalonia. His first triumph came in 2014 during a season-opening streak of 10 consecutive wins. His second success was in 2019, a race noted for a dramatic incident at turn 10, which saw Valentino Rossi, Maverick Vinales, Jorge Lorenzo, and Andrea Dovizioso all involved in a crash.
Marquez responded with a straightforward "No" when questioned about whether the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya suits him well.
There remains a reason for the Gresini Ducati racer to be hopeful. On Saturday, the rider secured a second-place finish in the MotoGP Sprint, and by Sunday, they were holding the third position during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. Notably, Marquez has only claimed victory at this track twice in the MotoGP series, with those wins occurring in 2014 and 2019, similar to his record in Barcelona.
He mentioned that Sepang isn't one of his stronger tracks, yet they managed to perform well there.
"Naturally, I would opt for a different circuit, but since it's the one scheduled, we'll aim to give it our all."
"Naturally, we'll face challenging weather conditions, as November is quite unpredictable."
Espargaro: "Undoubtedly, it will be something extraordinary"
For Aleix Espargaro, having the final round in Barcelona signifies his last race with Aprilia and his last full-time MotoGP race at his home track, where he secured a victory in the Sprint race earlier this year.
"I'm somewhat concerned since my previous visit was incredibly successful," Espargaro commented. "It was a weekend beyond my wildest dreams."
In any case, I'm feeling optimistic. I hope it turns out to be a good race, especially since the temperatures won't be too high, which is typically challenging for Aprilia. As a result, I'm confident that I'll have a better experience.
The racer expressed a desire to perform well, noting that the upcoming race holds particular significance. This is because it marks his final competition with Aprilia, and he will have the opportunity to be surrounded by his family and friends, offering a small but meaningful consolation.
Conversely, Maverick Vinales, who is Espargaro's teammate at Aprilia, decided to hold off on forming an opinion about the venue selection to substitute the flood-affected Valencia until he received the official confirmation regarding the Barcelona race.
"When it's finalized, we'll proceed," he stated. "There's not much else to mention; I really just want to return home and take a break. It's been a stressful seven weeks."
Quartararo believes that holding the final round in Barcelona is "a great choice." While Marquez has expressed worries about how he will perform there, Fabio Quartararo sees a potential advantage for himself and his Yamaha team.
Joan Mir expressed that both he and Honda anticipate a poor performance at the final round in Barcelona due to the track's low-grip surface. However, he believes they could turn these unfavorable conditions into a learning opportunity during the post-race test, if it takes place.
Quartararo shared a similar view, noting that Yamaha has faced considerable challenges in Barcelona since the French racer secured a victory there in 2022.
Quartararo expressed his approval of the selection, saying the Barcelona track is an excellent option.
"Honestly, when I consider our situation and the upcoming test, it's clear that Barcelona has been a particularly challenging circuit for us, particularly over the past couple of years."
"The traction is really minimal, and we significantly lack grip in that area, which is our primary weakness. Therefore, testing there would be quite beneficial for us."
Alex Rins, who rides alongside Fabio Quartararo for the factory Yamaha team, was eager to determine whether Yamaha's YZR-M1 had truly improved in the latter part of the season. He wanted to assess if the bike's performance was genuinely enhanced or simply appeared better due to the characteristics of the recent MotoGP tracks.
"In Montmelo, during the most recent race, the track is known for having very low grip, which makes it quite challenging for us. We're going to give it our all and check if there's any improvement in our bike's performance," he remarked.
In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.
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Malaysian MotoGP: Pecco Bagnaia’s Rollercoaster Ride Puts Championship Crown in Jeopardy
Malaysian MotoGP highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Pecco Bagnaia.
The current MotoGP titleholder's championship status seems to be in jeopardy following a Malaysian Grand Prix characterized by contrasting performances.
As the 2024 MotoGP season concludes, regardless of its final location, the Malaysian Grand Prix will undoubtedly be remembered as the event that best represented Francesco Bagnaia's season.
The current two-time world champion arrived at Sepang still holding onto a chance for the title, though it was slipping away, as Jorge Martin had a 17-point advantage going into his first opportunity to clinch the 2024 championship. Following the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Pramac rider remarked that it was all on Bagnaia to secure a victory, not him.
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Following the Friday practice session, Bagnaia managed to gain some control over the weekend by outperforming Martin and witnessing his championship contender suffer a fall during his last attempt at a flying lap. This positive momentum continued into an electrifying qualifying round, where the two riders exchanged fastest laps. Ultimately, Bagnaia secured the pole position, setting a new lap record with a margin of 0.261 seconds.
The leading two competitors were so far ahead, as has often been the case throughout this year, that the third-place finisher was a significant 0.722 seconds behind the pole position time. Bagnaia and Martin stood out as the only racers to record times within the 1 minute and 56 seconds range. It was a back-and-forth battle, but Bagnaia continued to deliver the decisive blows.
After that, the race began.
Bagnaia acknowledged that his main setbacks have come during sprint races, noting that any errors and lost points have occurred on Saturdays. Reflecting on his crash during the Sepang sprint, he admitted, "It's unfortunate from my perspective, but Jorge has simply outperformed on Saturdays this season, and we must acknowledge that he has done an excellent job."
Bagnaia, similar to previous instances this year that have worked against him, started slower than Martin and relinquished the lead at the first corner during the 10-lap sprint. Believing he could manage his tyres more effectively than Martin, he chose to wait strategically. Unfortunately, he crashed at Turn 9 after hitting a rough patch of asphalt, marking his eighth failure to finish this season.
Martin seized the chance to cause significant harm, expanding his lead in the championship to 29 points and getting closer to securing the title. He only needed to outperform the often-error-prone Bagnaia by nine points in the upcoming grand prix. While it wasn't guaranteed, Bagnaia would have to deliver an impressive comeback.
Bagnaia is right in pointing out that sprint races have been a challenge for him this year. In the 2024 season, Jorge Martin has accumulated 164 points from Saturday sprints, securing seven victories, while Bagnaia has managed to earn just 116 points. This is only slightly more than Ducati newcomer Marc Marquez, who is just four points behind, with Bagnaia clinching six wins. This pattern has been consistent for Bagnaia during this new sprint format.
In the first half of 2023, strong performances in sprints helped bolster his quest for the championship. However, in the latter half of the year, Martin emerged as the standout performer on Saturdays. Notably, Bagnaia did not secure a sprint victory between the previous year's race in Austria and the event at Mugello this June.
He expressed that during lengthy races, he feels capable of competing and being assertive. He noted that in the initial laps of these longer events, he consistently improves his position by going on the offensive. However, he mentioned that in sprint races, he lacks the opportunity, capability, and instinct to counterattack. He is never within three to four tenths of a second of his rivals, leaving him unable to mount a challenge. He emphasized that this is an issue that needs further examination.
Marc Márquez enjoyed an incredible vantage point as he watched the intense duel between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. 🍿#MotoGP #MalaysianGP pic.twitter.com/VWMmE8Unfs— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 3, 2024
Bagnaia Joins the Ranks of Marquez and Stoner
During the grand prix, Bagnaia's aggressive approach was on full display. In the initial three laps, he and Martin swapped the lead an impressive 13 times. As the leading contenders of 2024, both riders were fully aware that any error from their rival could significantly impact their championship aspirations.
On the third lap, Bagnaia made a decisive move at the final corner, overtaking Martin to seize the lead for good. By the conclusion of the fifth lap, he had extended his advantage to 0.8 seconds, and on the following lap, his lead surpassed one second.
On the 15th lap, Martin managed to close the gap to Bagnaia, reducing it from two seconds to just 1.5 seconds, putting some pressure on the leader. However, a misstep on the 16th lap at Turn 9, the same spot where Bagnaia had an incident during the sprint, led Martin to abandon his pursuit and settle for second place. Bagnaia, on the other hand, maintained that he had everything under control throughout.
"I adjusted the power delivery settings to a more cautious mode, but it held me back. So I reverted to the original setting, which allowed me to increase my speed," he explained after finishing over three seconds ahead of Martin. "However, there are times during races when these adjustments can slow you down somewhat."
Bagnaia secured his 10th victory of the season at the Malaysian Grand Prix, placing him alongside motorcycle racing legends such as Marc Marquez and Casey Stoner. However, unlike Bagnaia, those riders won fewer races without holding the championship lead. Davide Tardozzi from Ducati recently remarked that Bagnaia’s higher win rate compared to Martin, who has only claimed three race wins in 2024, remains a sore point for the Italian manufacturer.
Interestingly, if the sprints hadn't taken place, Bagnaia would have been leading the championship by 24 points instead of trailing and would only need one more point to clinch a third consecutive title.
In today's racing world, excelling in sprints is crucial, almost as vital as winning grand prix races. This is particularly true when facing a competitor like Martin, who consistently earns more points per round than a typical grand prix victory over the season.
Throughout the season, Bagnaia has failed to score points in eight instances, with five of these occurring during sprint races. However, a significant mistake during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where he lost 16 points after crashing out from third place, might weigh just as heavily on him as the recent missed opportunities on Saturdays.
The difference would shrink to only eight points benefiting Martin, assuming plans proceed as expected. The next challenge would be in Barcelona, which is considered a strong track for Bagnaia. Earlier this year, he was leading the sprint race before a crash on the last lap, costing him 12 points that would have placed him at the top of the rankings before the final race. However, he managed to defeat Martin in the main race.
In MotoGP, anything is possible, but Bagnaia's consistent errors have overshadowed the true talent he has shown time and again during race days.
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Enea Bastianini’s Anger and Frustration: Struggling for Pace at the Malaysian GP
Enea Bastianini puzzled by performance at Malaysian GP: “I’m frustrated”
The Ducati racer fell significantly short of the race-winning speed during last weekend’s 2023 event.
Enea Bastianini is perplexed by his lackluster speed during the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix and feels "frustrated" about not being able to compete for the win.
In what turned out to be a challenging 2023 season for Bastianini, the Sepang circuit stood out as his highlight, as he clinched his sole grand prix win there.
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Many anticipated that he would be a contender in the competition for victories this year due to his previous performance. However, this did not come to fruition, as Bastianini found it challenging to match the pace of his fellow GP24 competitors, Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.
Starting from sixth position, Bastianini managed to secure only a third-place finish, trailing 10.484 seconds behind his teammate Bagnaia in the grand prix. He considered himself "fortunate" that Marc Marquez crashed, allowing him to reach the podium.
"I'm not really happy because I struggled with the bike the entire weekend," he mentioned on Sunday.
"We began positively, but then we lost our momentum. I was hopeful that I could fix the issue by this morning, but there has been no improvement."
"Today, I feel fortunate in the race because Marquez had an accident, but otherwise, there aren't any positives."
Bastianini mentioned that he had difficulty maintaining speed in the middle of the corner, though he isn't quite sure of the reason.
"I'm not sure," he responded when questioned about the reason for his slow pace.
"I lacked speed while going through the center of the corner. Whenever I tried to change my approach, like entering faster than the previous lap, it just didn't work out."
"I couldn't put in full effort today, and it's frustrating."
After Marc Marquez recovered from a fall to secure a 12th-place finish, Bastianini trails him by just one point in their contest for third place in the rankings.
As the final round approaches, Bastianini humorously suggested that his teammate Bagnaia "might give me a hand" in their competition, when asked about aiding the current champion in defending his title.
Bastianini smiled and said, "I believe I can assist Pecco, and if Pecco is willing, he can assist me."
"The outcome is influenced by the initial lineup and how the weekend unfolds, especially if Jorge performs well during those days."
"Pecco remains highly competitive and performed exceptionally well. Closing a 24-point gap won't be easy for him, and Jorge would need to make a significant error for that to happen."
"Honestly, I believe it will be challenging, but it might be easier for me since I just need one point to catch up to Marquez."
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Malaysian MotoGP Mayhem: Rider Ratings Reveal Weekend Woes and Triumphs
Malaysian MotoGP Rider Evaluations: Unexpected Turn for a Factory Racer
Crash.net presents its ratings, scored out of ten, for each competitor in the 2024 Malaysian MotoGP.
Here are our evaluations of the riders following the Malaysian MotoGP, where one particular manufacturer's rider faced significant challenges in Sepang.
Francesco Bagnaia – 7.5
In Malaysia, Francesco Bagnaia delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday. Initially, he was formidable in the early skirmishes, then he accelerated with a remarkable speed, creating a significant lead over Jorge Martin. He skillfully maintained this advantage to secure his 10th Grand Prix victory of the year.
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Bagnaia faced issues on Saturday due to another crash. This has been a recurring issue for the past three years, and it seems like he's now facing the consequences, with Martin poised to claim the championship.
Jorge Martin – 9
Jorge Martin may not have clinched the victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, thus not earning a perfect score of 10 for the weekend. However, he executed everything required of him. After Bagnaia's fall during the Sprint, Martin maintained a solid pace to stay ahead of Marc Marquez; he attempted to surpass Bagnaia in the race on Sunday, yet ultimately chose to secure the second spot, a wise decision considering his standings in the championship.
Martin is in a strong position to win the title with just one round remaining, primarily due to his realization this season that consistently finishing in second place is more advantageous than alternating between victories and failures.
Enea Bastianini – 7
Achieving two third-place finishes might seem impressive for Enea Bastianini, but his performance was actually the fourth strongest throughout the event. His ascent to the podium in both races was aided by crashes from Bagnaia in the Sprint and Marc Marquez in the Grand Prix. Despite this, Bastianini struggled with front end grip and maintaining speed on worn tyres throughout the weekend.
Alex Marquez's performance in 2024 hasn't quite lived up to the previous year's success, missing the chance to replicate his Sprint victory in Sepang. However, securing a fourth-place finish in the Grand Prix, after starting from the front row thanks to an impressive qualifying run where he outperformed his unpredictable brother and was only outpaced by the season's two leading contenders, was a highlight. These contenders appeared to be on another level entirely when it came to single-lap speed.
Pedro Acosta secured a fifth-place finish in the Malaysian Grand Prix, lagging 13 seconds behind the victor. Emerging as the top contender from KTM (surpassing Brad Binder and Jack Miller, who didn't participate in the race restart), he also outperformed all non-Ducati riders, marking his first completion of a dry Grand Prix since the race in Indonesia.
Adjustments he implemented for the Sprint resulted in a ninth-place finish, yet he managed a respectable comeback on Sunday.
Fabio Quartararo – 8
Throughout the overseas races, Fabio Quartararo has notably distinguished himself as a key performer, yet the impact he and Yamaha have achieved in Asia seems to have been somewhat eclipsed by Ducati's increasing supremacy and the contest for the championship.
Quartararo concluded the eastern circuit in sixth position, facing several challenges including dissatisfaction with his front tyre, starting the race with a worn rear tyre, and dealing with an engine that had accumulated significant use, which he noted to the press post-race.
Quartararo doesn't aim for sixth place, but his consistent performance suggests improvement for both him and Yamaha.
Maverick Vinales – 6
Issues with the Aprilia bike overheating resurfaced in Malaysia, leading to a relatively unnoticed performance from Maverick Vinales. Finishing 19 seconds behind the leader in Malaysia, a circuit where he claimed victory in 2019, he ended up positioned between the two Yamaha riders.
Alex Rins – Score: 7
The journey to Sepang proved fruitful for Alex Rins. He expressed satisfaction with Yamaha's latest engine and electronic updates, securing a top-10 position – a feat that has been somewhat uncommon for him in 2024.
Marco Bezzecchi – Rating: 3.5
Marco Bezzecchi had a less than stellar weekend, ending up at the back of the pack among the Ducati riders and trailing behind both Yamaha competitors. His performance barely outpaced that of his temporary teammate Andrea Iannone, managing a 14th place in qualifying. He then achieved a rather unimpressive 10th place in the Sprint, followed by an equally unremarkable 9th place finish in the race.
Augusto Fernandez – 7
Securing a spot within the top-10 has proved challenging for Augusto Fernandez throughout this season, making his achievement of 10th position a respectable outcome. The Spanish racer appears poised to join Yamaha's MotoGP test team after this season ends.
Johann Zarco – 7.5
The standout moment for Johann Zarco in Malaysia was undoubtedly during the qualifying rounds. Unfortunately, he did not finish (DNF) the Sprint due to a mechanical issue, and he placed 11th in the Grand Prix. Despite this, he managed to be the top performer among the Honda riders, a result that was somewhat expected from the French athlete.
Securing the top spot in Q1 with an outstanding final lap and ensuring the RC213V's progression to Q2 was a remarkable feat, further cementing his status as HRC's premier rider currently.
Marc Marquez secured a runner-up position in the Sprint, overcoming his motorcycle's limited top speed and his personal dislike for the Sepang International Circuit, earning commendable points for his performance.
However, the Grand Prix turned out to be a letdown, marking his second accident and recovery in a fortnight. Despite encountering less turmoil than he did in Thailand, his comeback through the field to secure four points for finishing 12th might play a crucial role in his contest with Enea Bastianini in Barcelona.
Aleix Espargaro had a disappointing performance in Malaysia. Despite being the top-performing Aprilia rider in the Sprint, he only managed to secure 12th place, and in the Grand Prix, he finished 13th, even falling behind Marquez who had an accident and had to get back on track.
Certainly, the issue of overheating contributed, yet it appears that Espargaro's MotoGP career has prematurely fizzled out. Fortunately, he'll have the opportunity to participate in one more race on his home turf, following what was presumed to be his last home race in May.
Franco Morbidelli – 4
This weekend might be seen as another instance where Franco Morbidelli didn't fully meet expectations. He was in fourth place when he fell at the ninth turn, eventually finishing 14th after remounting. However, his speed didn't match that of the other Desmosedici GP24 riders throughout the event, lagging even behind Bastianini, who was significantly trailing Bagnaia and Martin.
Luca Marini – 5
In the qualifying rounds, Luca Marini managed to surpass his team member, Joan Mir, yet found himself significantly overshadowed by Johann Zarco's performance in Sepang. This experience wasn't exclusive to Marini among the Honda team, and while securing 15th position did add a point to his tally, the Sepang race highlighted the erratic nature of the Italian's ability to unlock the potential of the RC213V.
Raul Fernandez – 2
He finished 18th in the Sprint and 16th in the Grand Prix, surpassing only the pair of substitute riders. It was a disappointing race for Raul Fernandez.
Andrea Iannone – 6.5
The comeback of Andrea Iannone to MotoGP served as a dual reminder: it highlighted Iannone's skillful riding and underscored the intense physical challenges that today's MotoGP motorcycles impose on their riders.
Iannone demonstrated commendable pace, indeed quite impressive, yet he lacked the physical conditioning necessary to sustain it throughout the entirety of the race — a limitation that, to be reasonable, is quite understandable.
Lorenzo Savadori – Ranking: 6
Savadori finished 18th, taking the final spot in what could potentially be his last appearance of the season, pending Miguel Oliveira's return at the Barcelona race. However, Savadori is expected to participate in post-race testing in Catalunya. With Aprilia's focus on acclimating three out of their four race pilots to the RS-GP for the 2025 season during the Barcelona tests, the team might opt to extend Oliveira's break by a week, allowing Savadori to maintain his competitive edge.
Takaaki Nakagami – 4
With just one more race weekend left for Takaaki Nakagami in MotoGP, he is likely eager for a better outcome than his next-to-last appearance, where he finished 17th in the Sprint and failed to finish the GP, leaving Japan's departing premier racer without any points.
Joan Mir – 6
Joan Mir is currently facing his greatest challenge with qualifying. He narrowly trailed his team member Marini during the Sprint and demonstrated promising speed at the beginning of the GP, only to crash due to a rear brake failure. While the results may not look impressive, there were moments of potential.
Jack Miller – 6.5
Following an accident on the first lap, Jack Miller was promptly taken to the hospital via an ambulance. Fortunately, upon examination at the medical center, he was found to be unharmed. His swift performance over the weekend was also a positive note.
He stood out as the sole KTM competitor to advance straight from Practice to Q2, managing to keep up with the speed of Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder during the Sprint. Although the GP didn't go as planned, Miller is wrapping up the season in commendable shape.
Brad Binder's seventh-place finish in the Sprint notably highlights KTM's struggles in Sepang rather than being a reflection on the South African rider himself.
He dedicated considerable hours during Practice experimenting with different configurations to determine whether his choices in setup throughout the season were correct, eventually confirming they were. However, this exploration took valuable time to fully adapt to Sepang, likely affecting his performance in the crucial session.
Entangled in a collision with Miller during the first lap of the Grand Prix, Binder was unable to participate in the race restart, marking this event as one of the more disheartening moments of his season.
In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.
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Rivalry with Respect: Bagnaia and Martin Reflect on Their Historic Battle at the Malaysian MotoGP
MotoGP championship contenders clash, questioning the necessity of animosity
Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia share their thoughts on their intense showdown at the Malaysian GP
Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin have shared their thoughts on their contest for first place at the Malaysian Grand Prix in MotoGP, with Martin describing it as "a remarkable duel for the ages."
Lining up side by side at the start, Bagnaia secured the pole position and swiftly took the lead at the first turn right from the beginning in the 19-lap Grand Prix race held in Sepang.
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In the opening three laps, the duo exchanged the lead 11 times, with the championship stakes at play.
Bagnaia emerged victorious, securing his 10th grand prix victory of the season by a margin of 3.1 seconds, reducing Martin's lead in the championship to 24 points and setting the stage for a decisive final round.
Martin expressed his thoughts on the competition, saying, "It was an excellent contest. I had a lot of fun."
"Gratitude goes to Pecco, for despite our intense rivalry, mutual respect has always prevailed."
"Our aim isn't to outdo each other to the point of ruin. We both aim to succeed. Therefore, I believe it was a great spectacle for the audience."
Bagnaia perceived the competition as extremely intense but found nothing problematic about it.
"Bagnaia mentioned, "In the fifth corner, his strength was more noticeable; he managed to gain a lot in that section."
"However, I maintained a solid performance in every approach to the bends. And I believe for him to pass me or challenge me, he needed to push beyond the boundaries."
"I noticed on two occasions that he was struggling to maintain the lead and the battle was incredibly intense."
"However, I excelled in braking and consistently pushed to the limit at the final turn, which turned out to be an effective strategy."
After the race, Bagnaia stated that he never planned to slow down Martin to bring him closer to the competitors, as he believed such a strategy wouldn't be "fair" in their championship battle.
The intense competition between the duo at Sepang, followed by the favorable response it received, underscores the mutual respect that has persisted between them during their 2024 championship contest.
"When asked about how he keeps a friendly rapport with Martin, Bagnaia explained, "For me, it's quite simple since I'm not someone who likes to be unpleasant off the track, and then have to switch to being unpleasant and aggressive on the track, shoving others aside and showing no respect for my competitors."
"I've never behaved in this manner and I don't intend to start now. If Jorge begins to act this way, I'll adjust my behavior accordingly. However, Jorge and I are quite similar in our attitudes."
"Thus, in my opinion, respect is fundamentally important and will always remain so. Therefore, I'm puzzled by the necessity of becoming adversaries away from the racecourse, engaging in silence or displaying discourtesy towards one another."
Martin notes that the mutual respect shared between them originated from their days as Moto3 team-mates a decade ago.
"The Pramac competitor remarked that they've become quite familiar with each other since 2015."
"In the past, our friendship was strong. Although we no longer share that same bond, we remain amicable towards one another. We are capable of having disagreements."
"Today was witness to a remarkable clash that will surely go down in history. The final moments might not have captured the essence, but it was nonetheless spectacular."
"Following that, we can discuss it. I believe we both had a good time. If things continue this way, it would be ideal for me, and I'm hopeful that it will always be so."
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Jack Miller Reflects on Narrow Escape After Dramatic Malaysian MotoGP Crash
Jack Miller opens up following terrifying incident at Malaysian MotoGP
KTM competitor addresses frightening collision at Sepang
Jack Miller has broken his silence following his harrowing accident during the Malaysian MotoGP.
The KTM team member was involved in a collision that also included his teammate Brad Binder and Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha.
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Following the race's interruption due to a red flag, Miller required medical attention on the circuit.
Joan Mir confessed his worry for his competitor on the ground, acknowledging he hit Miller's legs.
Shortly after, Miller was observed leaving the track's medical facility, apparently unharmed.
Jack Miller, through Instagram, shared his moments related to MotoGP 🙏. See the image here: pic.twitter.com/u4XZbm6xmP— Crash MotoGP’s post on Twitter (@crash_motogp) dated November 3, 2024.
"Fortunate to have come out of that situation unscathed," Miller expressed his initial thoughts on the event through an online platform for the first time since it happened.
I'm grateful for all the warm messages from everyone.
"Gratitude towards Alpinestars for ensuring my safety."
He also labeled a photo featuring his spouse and a KTM staff member who escorted him from the medical facility, with the words: "My squad."
After conducting an investigation, the MotoGP officials decided that the incident did not require any additional measures.
KTM chief Francesco Guidotti described the event as a racing incident.
A statement issued by KTM after the race highlighted: "Today served as a vivid warning of the dangers our competitors are exposed to whenever they take their positions at the start."
For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1.
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Highs and Lows: Factory Rider Struggles Amidst Malaysian MotoGP Drama
Malaysian MotoGP Rider Evaluations: Surprising Performance for a Factory Rider
Crash.net provides a rundown of its ratings, scored out of ten, for each racer participating in the 2024 Malaysian MotoGP event.
Here are our evaluations of the riders' performances in the Malaysian MotoGP, highlighting a challenging race for one factory team rider in Sepang.
Francesco Bagnaia – 7.5
On Sunday in Malaysia, Francesco Bagnaia delivered a remarkable performance. He was impressive in the initial stages of the race, engaging in a fierce contest. He then unleashed an incredible speed, creating a significant lead over Jorge Martin. This allowed him to secure his 10th Grand Prix victory of the season.
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Bagnaia faced a significant setback on Saturday due to yet another crash. This has been a recurring issue over the past three years, but it seems he will finally bear the consequences, allowing Martin to clinch the championship.
Jorge Martin – 9
Although Jorge Martin didn't clinch the victory at the Grand Prix, a perfect score for his performance in Malaysia would be unwarranted. However, he accomplished everything necessary during the race. With Bagnaia's fall in the Sprint, Martin maintained a speed that kept Marc Marquez from overtaking him. On Sunday, he attempted to surpass Bagnaia but ultimately chose to secure a respectable second place, which was a smart decision considering his standing in the championship.
With only one round remaining, Martin holds a strong position to secure the title. This is primarily due to his realization this season that consistently finishing in second place is more advantageous than having a mix of victories and races where he scores no points at all.
Enea Bastianini – 7
While Enea Bastianini managed to secure two third-place finishes, which looks impressive in theory, he was actually the fourth-best throughout the event. He benefited from Francesco Bagnaia's fall during the Sprint race and Marc Marquez's crash in the Grand Prix, both of which helped him reach the podium. However, Bastianini struggled with confidence in the bike's front end and lacked speed on worn-out tires for the entire weekend.
Alex Marquez has not been as influential in 2024 as he was in the previous year. He was unable to repeat his previous success in the Sprint race at Sepang. However, he managed to secure an impressive fourth place in the Grand Prix, following a front-row start that resulted from his excellent performance in qualifying. During this session, he outpaced his unpredictable brother and was only surpassed by the two championship frontrunners, who were on another level compared to the rest of the field in single-lap competition.
Pedro Acosta – 7
Pedro Acosta secured a fifth-place finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix, trailing the victor by 13 seconds. He was the highest-ranking KTM rider, as Brad Binder and Jack Miller did not participate in the restart. Acosta also emerged as the top non-Ducati competitor and successfully completed a dry Grand Prix for the first time since the race in Indonesia.
Adjustments made to his setup for the Sprint resulted in a ninth-place finish, but his performance on Sunday was satisfactory.
Fabio Quartararo – 8
In several respects, Fabio Quartararo has emerged as a prominent rider during the flyaway races. However, despite the significant impact he and Yamaha have had in Asia, their achievements have been somewhat eclipsed by Ducati's increasing success and the ongoing championship competition.
Quartararo concluded the eastern tour in sixth position, even though he was dissatisfied with the front tire, started the race with a rear tire that wasn't new, and rode with an engine that had accumulated significant mileage, which he mentioned to the media post-race.
Finishing in sixth place isn't typically what Quartararo aims for, but this consistent string of good performances suggests that he and Yamaha are making some advancements.
Maverick Vinales – 6
Aprilia experienced overheating issues again in Malaysia, which played a role in Maverick Vinales having a rather unremarkable weekend. Vinales finished 19 seconds behind the winner at the Malaysian track, where he previously claimed victory in 2019, and ended up positioned between the two Yamaha riders.
Alex Rins – 7
Alex Rins had a successful journey to Sepang. He expressed satisfaction with the new Yamaha engine and updated electronics, achieving a top-10 position, which has not been a common feat for him in the 2024 season.
Marco Bezzecchi had a challenging weekend, ending up behind both Yamaha competitors and ranking as the lowest among Ducati riders. He didn't show much of an edge in one-lap speed over his temporary teammate Andrea Iannone, managing only to secure the 14th spot in qualifying. In the Sprint, he finished a modest 10th and later crossed the line in ninth during the main race, both results lacking excitement.
Augusto Fernandez – 7
Achieving top-10 finishes has been a challenge for Augusto Fernandez this season. Therefore, securing 10th place is a commendable performance for the Spanish rider. It appears he is likely to join Yamaha's MotoGP test team after this season ends.
Johann Zarco – 7.5
Johann Zarco's standout moment in Malaysia came during the qualifying session. Unfortunately, he did not finish the Sprint race due to mechanical issues and ended up in 11th place in the Grand Prix. Despite this, he was the leading Honda rider, which wasn't unexpected for the Frenchman.
The last lap in Q1 was remarkable, allowing him to achieve the quickest time and secure a spot in Q2 with the RC213V, once again proving he is currently HRC's top performer.
Marc Marquez – 7
Marc Marquez secured a second-place finish in the Sprint, even though his bike lacked top speed and he is not particularly fond of the Sepang International Circuit. This performance earns him some credit.
The Grand Prix marked a letdown, being the second incident involving a crash and recovery within just a fortnight. He managed to work his way back through the field with less turmoil compared to the situation in Thailand. The four points he earned for finishing in 12th place might prove crucial in his competition against Enea Bastianini in Barcelona.
Aleix Espargaro – 3
Aleix Espargaro had a tough time in Malaysia. Despite being the top Aprilia rider in the Sprint race, he managed only a 12th-place finish. In the Grand Prix, he ended up in 13th position and was outperformed by Marquez, who had crashed and then returned to the race.
Certainly, overheating contributed to the situation, but it appears that Espargaro's career in MotoGP is concluding sooner than anticipated. Nonetheless, he will have the opportunity to participate in one last home race, following the one he had in May.
Franco Morbidelli – 4
It seems that Franco Morbidelli may not have lived up to expectations once again this weekend. While he was in fourth place, he experienced a crash at turn nine but managed to remount and finish in 14th position. Despite this, he lacked the speed of the other Desmosedici GP24 bikes, and even Enea Bastianini, who was significantly behind Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, showed better performance this weekend.
Luca Marini – 5
Luca Marini managed to outperform his teammate, Joan Mir, during the qualifying session. However, in the race at Sepang, Johann Zarco clearly overshadowed him. This was a common scenario for many Honda riders, and Marini secured a single point by finishing in 15th place. Compared to his recent performances, Sepang highlighted the irregularity with which the Italian rider can harness the potential of the RC213V motorcycle.
Raul Fernandez – 2
In the Sprint, he finished in 18th place, and in the Grand Prix, he came in 16th, only outperforming the two substitute racers. It was a disappointing performance for Raul Fernandez.
Andrea Iannone – 6.5
Andrea Iannone's comeback to MotoGP served as a reminder of two key points: the skill he possesses and the rigorous physical challenges that contemporary MotoGP bikes impose on their riders.
Iannone demonstrated impressive speed, but he lacked the endurance required to maintain it throughout an entire race. In all honesty, this is a reasonable assessment.
Lorenzo Savadori finished 18th, at the tail end, in what could potentially be his last race of the season, provided Miguel Oliveira returns for the Barcelona race. However, Savadori is expected to be involved in post-race testing in Catalunya. This is because three out of Aprilia’s four racers for 2025 will be using the Barcelona test to familiarize themselves with the RS-GP. As a result, Aprilia might consider advising Oliveira to extend his break by another week to allow Savadori to stay in peak form.
Takaaki Nakagami has just one more weekend left in his MotoGP career. He'll be looking for a better outcome than the previous round, where he finished 17th in the Sprint race and did not finish the Grand Prix, leaving him without any points as he prepares to step down as Japan's leading figure in the sport.
Joan Mir's main challenge right now is his performance in qualifying. In the Sprint, he was right behind his teammate Marini. During the start of the Grand Prix, he demonstrated good speed until he crashed due to losing his rear brake. Although the results weren't impressive, there were promising moments.
Jack Miller – 6.5
Jack Miller experienced a crash on the first lap that required him to be taken away by ambulance. However, after being assessed at the medical center, it was determined that he was unharmed. This was a relief, as was his impressive pace throughout the weekend.
He was the sole KTM rider to make a straight transition from Practice to Q2, and he managed to keep up with Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder during the Sprint. Although the Grand Prix didn't go as planned, Miller is wrapping up the season on a positive note.
Brad Binder – Position 6
Securing seventh place in the Sprint race was a solid outcome for Brad Binder, though it likely highlights KTM's struggles in Sepang more than any shortcomings on the part of the South African rider.
During practice, he dedicated significant time to experimenting with various settings to determine if the adjustments he had made throughout the season were indeed effective. He found they were, but this tinkering took away valuable time needed to acclimate to the Sepang track, likely affecting his performance in the crucial session.
Involved in a first-lap incident with Miller during the Grand Prix, Binder was unable to rejoin the race, marking this as one of the more disheartening events in his season.
In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on news related to consumer and racing motorcycles at Visordown.
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