KTM to Implement Additional Layoffs Due to Economic Hardships

An additional 500 positions will be eliminated at KTM as it grapples with financial difficulties.

500 employees at KTM are on the verge of losing their jobs as the Austrian bike maker announces layoffs.

Following the initial dismissal of 250 employees, KTM is set to further reduce its workforce by 500 positions. This move is a component of the company's broader restructuring strategy designed to address its present economic challenges, cumulatively affecting 750 jobs.

According to information from the Austrian news outlet Der Standard, the timeline for the layoffs has not been established yet. However, Peter Vogl, the administrator in charge of the restructuring, is optimistic that KTM AG and its affiliated entities, KTM Components and KTM F&E, will remain operational once the restructuring is completed.

Further investigations by Der Standard have revealed that KTM owes money to 1,630 creditors, encompassing nearly 180 banks, with the total debt amounting to €796 million.

According to Der Standard, KTM's debtors are listed on a document that spans 34 pages. The initial 13 pages detail creditors based in Austria, while the rest encompass a diverse group of international entities from countries such as Germany, India (home to Bajaj Auto, a partial owner of KTM), France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Thailand, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Myanmar, Australia, and Japan.

In addition to the many banking institutions, the list of lenders also encompasses smaller entities like bakeries and providers of coffee.

KTM continues its MotoGP efforts into 2025, but the progression of its RC16 model is on hold before the upcoming season.

KTM has an agreement in place to continue competing in MotoGP up until the conclusion of the 2026 season.

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Pecco Bagnaia's 2024 MotoGP Season to Be Featured in Three-Part Documentary Series

A newly unveiled three-part series will spotlight Francesco Bagnaia, who has clinched the MotoGP World Champion title twice.

The series, a collaborative effort between Ducati and MotoGP, chronicles Bagnaia's journey through the 2024 World Championship season.

In 2024, Bagnaia went head-to-head with Jorge Martin for the second consecutive year in their battle for the MotoGP World Championship, with the Italian rider aiming for his third consecutive title.

In the end, despite Bagnaia not retaining his championship, he secured victories in 11 Grand Prix races and achieved a total of 18 wins when including Sprint events.

The 2024 season's outstanding performance propelled Bagnaia into the top-10 of the all-time winners in the premier class, as his total victories reached 29. Additionally, his win at the Malaysian Grand Prix represented his 50th podium finish in MotoGP, achieved over the course of 106 races.

The freshly revealed documentary series, consisting of three parts, is set to be released on the Ducati YouTube channel. It aims to provide an exclusive glimpse into the operations of the Italian Ducati Lenovo Team, focusing on three Grand Prix events at the latter part of the 2024 season.

Based on the preview clip provided, the documentary is set to highlight both the triumphs and challenges faced by Bagnaia during the 2024 season, including difficulties with race starts and significant errors that resulted in him losing the MotoGP title. Additionally, it looks like there will be intense exchanges shown between Bagnaia and his chief mechanic, Christian Gabbarini, as well as with the Ducati Lenovo Team's manager, Davide Tardozzi.

The excitement escalates, aspirations persist! 🔥 A trilogy. Three Grand Prix events. Every ounce of dedication, challenge, and emotion. 🎞️ Presenting “Dream On: Ducati and Bagnaia’s Quest for Victory”. 📆 Catch the premiere of Episode 1 on Sunday, Dec 15, via @ducatimotor on YouTube. 🍿✍🏼 Don't forget to save the date! 🏁#ForzaDucati pic.twitter.com/HCJwcKvVKo— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) December 11, 2024

The inaugural episode of the series, named Dream On: Ducati and Bagnaia's Quest for Triumph, is scheduled for release this coming Sunday, December 15.

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Fabio Quartararo has not put all his hopes on Yamaha's V4 MotoGP engine. The new engine, which Yamaha is currently developing, may not be the ultimate solution to the team's recent struggles in performance.

In the summer of 2024, Yamaha revealed that it is working on a V4 engine for its MotoGP motorcycle, highlighting the company's efforts to regain competitive performance in the championship.

Despite Yamaha securing a championship victory just three years back with Fabio Quartararo, the Japanese manufacturer has not claimed a win since the German Grand Prix in 2022. Additionally, they did not achieve a podium finish throughout the entire 2024 season.

Since the start of the four-stroke era, Yamaha has predominantly used inline-four-cylinder engines, despite the growing trend towards V4 configurations.

Since Yamaha's distinct feature in the MotoGP lineup is its I4 engine, replacing it with a new V4 engine would likely level the playing field with its competitors.

Despite the engine being in the fairly initial phases of its development—so early, in fact, that the racers have not had the opportunity to test it—Quartararo remains unsure whether it will completely resolve the recent performance issues faced by the Iwata brand.

In an interview featured on the Spanish website Motosan, Quartararo expressed his belief that this is a necessary stage to go through, particularly because the V4 holds significant potential.

"Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, and Honda are all in the mix, with some aspects where they lag behind us, but in other areas, they excel."

"We'll need to consider many factors, but I haven't fully committed to the idea of a new engine."

Yamaha's work on a V4 engine aims to align them with the current standards in the competition, as Quartararo has pointed out. However, to truly compete with the European manufacturers, more efforts are required beyond just copying their engine setup.

Changes will be needed in various aspects, and since 2023, Quartararo has been convinced that Yamaha must completely overhaul its approach to work. The reason Yamaha managed to extend his contract through 2025 and 2026 is because they successfully demonstrated to the French racer that they are committed to implementing these changes. A significant measure they took was hiring engineer Max Bartolini from Ducati.

Quartararo confessed that he seriously thought about switching brands in September 2023.

"I requested numerous things: specific requirements, high-caliber engineers, and […] genuine commitment to the project. Since late November 2023, they have provided personnel, allocated a substantial budget for aerodynamics and the engine, and introduced new team members."

"I managed to hold an extended discussion with Max Bartolini."

Within the team and at Yamaha, there's a noticeable absence of someone with Max's capabilities. However, I chose to remain because the project was significant, with substantial investment involved. Additionally, Yamaha's loyalty, which propelled me to MotoGP when I was still relatively unknown, played a crucial role in my decision to stay.

"Considering all my requests and their efforts, it has also been a burden on the"

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Three-Part Series on Pecco Bagnaia's 2024 MotoGP Season Unveiled

A newly revealed series consisting of three episodes will cover Pecco Bagnaia's journey through the 2024 MotoGP season.

A newly announced three-part series will center on Francesco Bagnaia, who has won the MotoGP World Championship twice.

The series is produced by Ducati in collaboration with MotoGP and chronicles Bagnaia's journey throughout the 2024 World Championship season.

In 2024, Bagnaia once again went head-to-head with Jorge Martin in the battle for the MotoGP World Championship, as the Italian racer aimed to secure his third consecutive title.

In the end, although Bagnaia was unable to retain his championship, he managed to secure 11 Grand Prix wins and a total of 18 victories when including Sprint races.

Bagnaia's achievements in the 2024 season propelled him into the top-10 of the all-time winners list in the premier class, with a total of 29 victories. Additionally, his triumph at the Malaysian Grand Prix represented his 50th podium finish in MotoGP, accomplished in just 106 races.

A new three-part documentary series has been unveiled and will be available on the Ducati YouTube channel. It offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Italian brand and the Ducati Lenovo Team, focusing on three Grand Prix events near the conclusion of the 2024 season.

The trailer for the series suggests that it will highlight both Bagnaia's achievements and the challenges he faced in 2024. These challenges included difficulties with race starts and significant errors that eventually caused him to lose the MotoGP title. The footage also indicates that there are some intense conversations between Bagnaia and his crew chief, Christian Gabbarini, as well as with Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati Lenovo Team.

Tension rises, dreams persist! 🔥 A trilogy of episodes. Three Grand Prix races. Experience the full spectrum of passion, challenges, and determination. 🎞️ “Dream On: Ducati and Bagnaia’s Quest for Triumph”. 📆 The first episode premieres on Sunday, December 15 on the @ducatimotor YouTube channel. 🍿✍🏼 Save the date! 🏁#ForzaDucati pic.twitter.com/HCJwcKvVKo— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) December 11, 2024

The inaugural episode of the series, called Dream On: Ducati and Bagnaia’s Quest for Triumph, is scheduled to premiere this weekend, on Sunday, December 15.

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KTM plans additional layoffs due to financial difficulties, with 500 positions expected to be eliminated.

Austrian manufacturer KTM is planning to reduce its workforce, resulting in 500 employees losing their jobs.

In addition to the 250 employees who have already lost their jobs, another 500 positions are being cut as part of KTM's restructuring efforts aimed at improving its financial health. This decision brings the total number of layoffs to 750.

The Austrian outlet Der Standard has indicated that the timeline for finalizing the layoffs remains uncertain. However, Peter Vogl, the administrator managing the restructuring, is confident that KTM AG and its subsidiaries, KTM Components and KTM F&E, will remain operational once the restructuring is completed.

Further investigation by Der Standard reveals that KTM owes money to 1,630 creditors. Among these creditors are nearly 180 banks, and KTM's debts to these financial institutions reportedly amount to €796 million.

According to Der Standard, KTM's list of creditors spans 34 pages. The initial 13 pages are dedicated to companies within Austria, while the rest include entities from multiple countries around the world. These countries include Germany, India (home to Bajaj Auto, which partially owns KTM), France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Thailand, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Myanmar, Australia, and Japan.

In addition to the many banks, the list of creditors features smaller businesses like bakeries and coffee providers.

KTM's MotoGP initiative is continuing with plans for 2025, but the progress on their RC16 model has been put on hold for the upcoming season.

KTM has an agreement to stay in MotoGP until the conclusion of the 2026 season.

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Jack Miller: "Our response was not timely" – Exclusive

“I don’t believe the carbon fibre frame is the problem”

In theory, Jack Miller had little reason for joy in his last MotoGP season with KTM.

The Australian racer ended the season ranked 14th in the global championship, failing to secure a top-three finish for the first time since 2018.

The season kicked off on a high note for KTM, with Brad Binder securing his sole podium finishes of the year during the opening race in Qatar. In the following Portimao Sprint, Miller achieved a 5th place finish, marking him as the highest-placed KTM rider in that race.

In the subsequent Portuguese Grand Prix, KTM secured the 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions thanks to the efforts of Pedro Acosta, Binder, and Miller.

Nonetheless, Ducati quickly gained distance, whereas Miller didn't crack the top ten again until the race at Misano. Following that, he only managed to enter the top ten one more time, during the wet race in Buriram, prior to concluding his time with the RC16.

"Only benefits, not a single downside," Miller emphasized in a discussion with Crash.net at the second to last round in Sepang.

"Every situation teaches us something. Though it hasn't been a smooth journey for me, it certainly hasn't been the most challenging either."

"Whenever you face challenging times, I believe it shapes you into a more skilled, well-rounded cyclist."

Hence, I make an effort to focus on the educational side of our experiences. Over time, as we've navigated through the challenges and obstacles related to the motorcycle, we've also strived to not let these issues overly dishearten us.

"Concentrate on the aspects within our control, rather than stressing over those beyond our reach."

"Our response was delayed"

During the initial stages of the KTM endeavor, an excessive number of new components were introduced to the RC16 throughout a season, which resulted in the riders being inadequately prepared for the competitions.

This led to the creation of a more meticulous development system, strengthened by the addition of renowned test rider Dani Pedrosa, ensuring that only verified improvements were implemented by the racing team.

However, as 2024 began, it appeared that the balance had shifted excessively in the opposite direction, with KTM scrambling to adjust the RC16 to accommodate the updated rear tire.

"Miller expressed that the alteration in the rear tyre didn't necessarily derail their plans, acknowledging that change is a constant factor. He pointed out that one shouldn't anticipate the continuity of using identical tyres annually."

Transformation is occurring. I believe our response, our preparedness, and our abilities to alter the current trajectory concerning the bike… We were delayed in our reaction, to put it simply.

"We did everything we could with the resources we had. Our response time was just not quick enough."

Every manufacturing team gives precedence to their quickest competitors. However, Miller found his situation becoming more critical after lagging in performance behind Acosta and Binder. This was further intensified when it was announced after the Mugello race that he would not have a spot with KTM for the 2025 season.

"Particularly in situations where we're lacking new information and such, you find yourself attempting to adjust and navigate through problems," Miller stated.

"One key takeaway for me, particularly from this year more so than the previous one, is the importance of optimizing any given circumstance. It's about striving to deliver our utmost when riding and ensuring I consistently bring my A-game every single week."

A clear instance of Miller's challenges in 2024 was captured on camera by television crews at Motegi, showcasing significant instability coming from the rear of his KTM during a practice session.

"Miller expressed at that moment, "This has been the reality of my existence for the past ten months. Ever since we introduced this new rear tyre, I've been grappling with it without finding a remedy, as you've witnessed."

"The approach involves enduring the situation, but it feels like repeatedly running into an impenetrable barrier."

Miller experienced an instant improvement with the carbon fibre chassis

Throughout the season, one aspect where Miller and Tech3's Augusto Fernandez lagged in motorcycle progress was the RC16's distinctive carbon fibre chassis.

Fernandez found the transition to carbon fibre less agreeable compared to his experience with the former steel frame. Conversely, Miller experienced an instant improvement upon its introduction during the 2023 Misano test and remains convinced of the technology's "significant promise."

"Miller stated, 'I wouldn't attribute the problem to the carbon fibre chassis itself. It's more that Augusto and I are still using the initial version of the carbon fibre chassis.'"

"I believe there's significant opportunity for advancement. The options are limitless. However, it's clear that ongoing development is essential, and there are certain areas where perhaps we haven't dedicated sufficient effort, one might say.

"The possibility could lie with the testing team, the opportunity to engage in that task, or perhaps the carbon chassis is notably challenging to alter. That’s the only explanation I can offer."

"However, we opted for the carbon fibre chassis for a specific purpose – it significantly improved the vehicle's maneuverability."

"Thus, transformation is a certainty. You must continue moving forward.

"It's incorrect to claim that the steel chassis is superior, given that the moment I switched to the carbon chassis, there was a noticeable improvement, and since the latter part of the previous year, it has significantly benefited us."

As previously mentioned, it simply required additional adjustments and updates.

"The other lads, Pedro and Brad, have upgraded to the latest model and appear to be quite pleased with it. Given that they haven't removed the new frames from their bikes, it's a clear indication that they've made a positive move forward."

Miller is set to switch back to using an aluminum frame with Pramac Yamaha in the upcoming season, a material he was accustomed to during his first eight years in MotoGP while racing for Honda and Ducati.

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Dorna contributes €1 million to Valencia's MotoGP recovery initiative

The MotoGP fund for Valencia's restoration swells to €1.6 million following a generous €1 million gift from Dorna.

Dorna Sports, the entity in charge of MotoGP rights, has contributed €1 million to the 'Racing for Valencia' recovery fund, boosting the overall amount to €1.6 million.

In response to severe flood damage, Dorna, the organizer behind the rescheduled season-ending event in Barcelona, intends to contribute proceeds from ticket sales to relief efforts.

Yet, a statement from MotoGP on Monday declared:

Instead of just contributing the earnings from ticket sales as an investment in organizing the event, Dorna has chosen to enhance its support in acknowledgement of the shared endeavor and will donate a complete €1 million to the funds gathered for Valencia.

The combined sum of €1.6 million raised through all our MotoGP efforts will be directed to aid in the restoration of the towns near the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, specifically Cheste and Chiva.

"These towns are typically the beneficiaries of the economic boost that comes with holding the season's final event, and they welcome us annually. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, made a visit to both locations to reveal the last contribution."

Additional contributions comprised €300,000 collected in person during the Solidarity Barcelona Grand Prix and through online charity auctions, alongside a €100,000 contribution from the grand prix teams through IRTA, and a €50,000 contribution from the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

In under a fortnight of planning, the Barcelona season-ending event drew an impressive turnout of 134,848 spectators. On Sunday, a gathering of 62,123 witnessed local hero Jorge Martin secure his inaugural MotoGP championship title.

The occasion was honored as the top Grand Prix of 2024 by IRTA, acknowledging the efforts made to organize the event on short notice.

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"Surgery on Birthday for Alex Rins

A unique gift for Alex Rins."

On Sunday, on the occasion of his 28th birthday, Monster Yamaha MotoGP competitor Alex Rins treated himself to a distinctive gift.

On his social media account, the Spanish rider disclosed that he had a minor surgical procedure on his lower right leg due to significant fractures he suffered at the 2023 Italian MotoGP.

The ex-champion of MotoGP races, previously riding for Suzuki and Honda, penned:

"Appreciate your kind thoughts🎂! For my birthday, I treated myself to a minor surgery to kick off 2025 in top form 💪🏻"

Check out this Instagram update from Alex Rins 42 (@alexrins)

The 28-year-old had a challenging first season on the M1, ending up 18th in the overall standings and achieving a top race finish of eighth.

Rins was absent from three races this season: Sachsenring and Silverstone because of injuries to his wrist and foot sustained at Assen, and then Emilia Romagna because of illness.

The Spanish rider isn't the sole MotoGP participant to receive additional treatment for a previous injury.

Luca Marini of Repsol Honda recently underwent surgery to remove a metal plate from his previously fractured right collarbone, an injury he sustained during the 2023 Indian Grand Prix.

Owing to the D concession status of Honda and Yamaha, Marini and Rins have been designated as the next riders qualified to test their MotoGP bikes during the Sepang Shakedown event scheduled for January 31 to February 2.

The formal testing session at Sepang is scheduled to take place from the 5th to the

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Lorenzo Baldassarri seals a fresh contract for a comeback to the MotoGP paddock

After a three-year stint in WorldSBK, Lorenzo Baldassarri is set to make a comeback to the MotoGP paddock in 2025.

Lorenzo Baldassarri is set to make a comeback to the MotoGP paddock in 2025, marking his first appearance in the Grand Prix circuit since 2021.

In 2025, Baldassarri is set to become a part of the Dynavolt Intact GP team in the MotoE World Championship, teaming up once again with Hector Garzo. The duo previously collaborated as teammates in 2021 while racing for the Pons team in the Moto2 category.

Subsequently, Baldassarri celebrated victories in the WorldSSP series in 2022 and then transitioned to WorldSBK in 2023. After a single season in the top-tier production motorcycle racing, the Italian rider returned to the Supersport category, commencing the season on a Ducati and switching to a Triumph by its conclusion. His top performance was securing a ninth-place finish in the second race of the season's first event in Australia.

Next season, Baldassarri will rejoin the Grand Prix paddock and team up with the recent MotoE World Champion, Garzo. This marks Baldassarri's first foray into one of the most unconventional categories in contemporary motorcycle racing.

"Baldassarri expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, stating, "Choosing MotoE was a no-brainer for me as the level of competition continues to rise, speeds increase, and the races get more competitive each year, not to mention the incredible spectacle it offers."

I've been given a chance to join Dynavolt Intact GP, a team that has proven its success by clinching the world championship title this year.

"I'm eager to kick off and acclimate to the new motorcycle. My primary objective is to hit the ground running and be highly competitive right from the start. Undoubtedly, there's a great deal I will absorb from Hector Garzo, the reigning world champion and my former team-mate."

"My goal is to continuously enhance my performance and increase my speed each time I hit the track. I'm highly driven for this fresh challenge."

Garzo, contemplating his achievements in 2024 and anticipating his defense of the global title in 2025, stated, "We've realized a collective dream by becoming MotoE World Champions, not just in the individual rider's category but also in the team's standings," upon re-signing with the Intact team.

"Last season was a significant period of growth and mental development for me. I'm deeply appreciative of the ongoing faith they have in me, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to keep collaborating with everyone in this outstanding team. It truly feels like a family to me."

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Honda Discovers Its Genuine MotoGP Commander in 2024

2024 proved to be a challenging year for Honda, yet amidst the adversity, one rider emerged as the undeniable leader, both on the circuit and beyond.

Basking in the glory of his much-anticipated inaugural victory at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, one couldn't help but wonder if this might be Johann Zarco's sole triumph in MotoGP.

By that time, he had finalized a two-year contract to team up with Honda under the LCR team, stepping in for Alex Rins who was moving to Yamaha. Throughout 2023, Honda's performance was disappointing, culminating in the shocking departure of Marc Marquez to the Gresini Ducati satellite team for 2024. This move was inconceivable in MotoGP circles just half a decade ago when the Spanish rider was at his peak.

Zarco's choice to leave a factory-backed Ducati for the least successful motorcycle on the circuit surprised many, yet his rationale was well-founded. Ducati had plans to gradually shift him, possibly towards their World Superbike team, while the now 34-year-old believed he still had achievements to pursue in MotoGP. His confidence was not unfounded, considering his top-five finishes in the 2021 and 2023 championships.

Honda presented him with the job stability he sought, along with an opportunity for redemption. Zarco's previous venture into a factory project requiring rejuvenation almost ended his career. His unfortunate move to KTM in the 2019 season led him to abandon the two-year contract halfway through, resulting in the Austrian team dismissing him following the San Marino Grand Prix.

He participated in three events with LCR Honda as a substitute racer towards the year's conclusion, achieving his highest placement of 13th in Australia. Initially hesitant to sign with the Avintia team upon Ducati's recommendation—labeling the team as "unprofessional"—Zarco eventually joined the squad in 2020, where he managed to rejuvenate his career successfully.

Honda may not have been inundated with proposals from leading figures, yet with Zarco, they acquired a proficient development rider and an individual molded by challenging circumstances.

"Absolutely!", he expressed with excitement before the last race of the 2024 season in Barcelona, in response to whether his inaugural year with Honda was enjoyable. "I make it a point to savor every bit of the season, despite the challenges, especially during times when keeping pace with other riders seemed impossible due to the significant gap. However, in the last six races, I was right there with them, competing closely, which really felt like a return to form and was quite gratifying.

"Perhaps it took a bit more time than we had anticipated, but it's always better to arrive late than not at all. This has really spurred on Honda, Lucio [Cecchinello], myself, and our team at the perfect time. It's been challenging, but I was also aware that I wouldn't find myself in the same spot as last year. Understanding the potential difficulties made it easier to accept. Throughout the season, I aimed to find joy in the process."

"Figuring out whether I was performing well, if the issue lay solely with the bike's performance, or if at times I was making mistakes was quite challenging. The hardest part is when outcomes don't clearly reflect your efforts, necessitating a thorough analysis. However, this challenge came at an opportune time in my MotoGP career. I now hope that my achievements this year will serve as a stepping stone, allowing me to make significant progress in the next couple of years."

During the off-season trials in Valencia in 2023, Honda seemed to make a promising start with its restructuring plans, but then seemingly took a misguided approach with its motorcycle design philosophy over the winter of 2024. After participating in six races, Honda had accumulated only 19 points in the manufacturers' rankings, with their highest single race finish being 12th place in three different Grand Prix events.

Honda leveraged its exemption status to conduct continuous testing during the year, introducing various updates to the RC213V. However, it wasn't until the September Misano trials that a significant improvement was noted, thanks to the introduction of a new aerodynamic fairing that enhanced the motorcycle's agility.

During the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Joan Mir delivered Honda's top performance of the season so far by finishing 11th. In the following race in Indonesia, Zarco, racing for LCR Honda, qualified in seventh place. He went on to earn Honda's initial sprint points for the year by finishing eighth and achieved the manufacturer's first top 10 finish of the season by coming in ninth during the main race on Sunday.

Zarco secured Honda's highest finish of the season with an eighth-place performance at a rain-soaked Thailand Grand Prix, and he continued to score points in races from Aragon up to the Solidarity Grand Prix climax.

The performance metrics of the French rider compared to his Honda peers are highly commendable. Out of 20 qualifying sessions, he emerged as the leading Honda contestant 16 times and successfully entered the second qualifying round (Q2) on five occasions. In contrast, Mir, Luca Marini, and Takaaki Nakagami did not make it to Q2 even once in 2024.

Zarco spearheaded Honda's efforts in sprints on eight occasions, and in grand prix events, he emerged victorious in 12 instances. He was responsible for securing 46 out of Honda’s total 75 points in the constructors’ rankings, and he outpaced the closest Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) competitor in the riders’ leaderboard by 24 points.

Zarco's ability to swiftly set impressive lap times consistently stood out in 2024, a feat not achieved by his fellow HRC competitors. Mir, who was once speculated in 2024 to be considering leaving MotoGP due to Honda's struggles, has his own explanation.

"When questioned by Crash.net about Zarco's exceptional pace in qualifying sessions relative to other Honda riders, Mir commented, 'Somehow, he manages to complete a lap swiftly.' Mir noted his own difficulties, stating, 'The biggest challenge for me comes from the vibration issues we're facing. However, it seems to affect him less. We're in the process of figuring it out. He's accomplishing something we're currently unable to do, and whenever I push myself further, I end up crashing."

"We need to grasp the fact that we're currently going through a developmental phase with the motorcycle. As a result, this bike presents some unforeseen challenges that necessitate an odd riding style. It seems that this peculiar style suits him quite well, especially with the new tire, but it definitely doesn't work for me."

When Crash posed the same inquiry to Zarco, his response was a simple: "No."

"I've made efforts to adapt my riding technique to leverage the strengths of the bike," he continued. "I've always excelled at accelerating, but after switching to the Ducati, it became apparent that I was falling behind during the approach phase, losing more time there than what I could make up for during the departure. Consequently, I've worked on enhancing my performance in the approach phase. Interestingly, improving at the approach hasn't compromised my departure, which I see as a benefit going forward – and it's already beginning to show results."

Zarco's practical approach didn't initially show in his debut season with Honda. LCR team leader Lucio Cecchinello acknowledged that there were moments, particularly at the beginning, when the French rider showed signs of impatience. It's understandable, though, considering that after participating in 11 races that season, he had only accumulated 14 points, a stark contrast to the previous year when he had amassed 141 points and frequently finished in the top three.

However, Zarco managed to come to terms with his circumstances once more.

"He discovered that, despite facing challenges, there's always an opportunity to focus on personal growth and improvement," he explained. "Once you figure out how to do that, you also get better at utilizing the bike. And you avoid getting bogged down by opinions and technical details – those are for the technical team, not the rider. If top engineers from Japan are struggling to find solutions immediately, it's unrealistic for riders to expect they can, considering riders don't have the same level of expertise as engineers. Obviously, we don't possess the same intellectual capabilities as an engineer.

"I recognize there are areas where I need to mature. Last season, I didn't fully capitalize on the Ducati's capabilities, as [Jorge] Martin and Pecco [Bagnaia] outperformed me. [Marco] Bezzecchi also had a more successful year than I did in '23. It was evident that adjustments were necessary, and I've begun making those changes this year. The transition to Honda and the absence of expected outcomes provided me with an opportunity to shift my perspective and make those adjustments with reduced pressure."

Following the off-season trial in Barcelona, Zarco revealed that his experience with the 2025 motorcycle was "not very encouraging". However, he felt that there was no benefit in becoming "worried" over it, as even poor outcomes are valuable for identifying the right direction for development.

Mir's frustration was evident, as he believed he hadn't attempted anything new during the test, a sentiment that sharply differed from his teammate Marini's interpretation of the situation.

Zarco's remarks bridged the gap between the statements made by his Honda colleagues, providing a clearer understanding of the RC213V's direction as they head into the off-season. This practical perspective has greatly aided Honda in 2024, fostering a stronger collaboration with the LCR team.

Undoubtedly, Honda is far from achieving its objective of competing at the forefront of the MotoGP grid. However, it appears to have identified the ideal rider to spearhead its return. Zarco's outlook towards the initiative enables him to focus on the silver linings, irrespective of their size, and his skill on the track has enabled him to maximize performance from an underwhelming setup in 2024.

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Gigi Dall’Igna expresses feeling disheartened by unpopularity

The head of Ducati asserts that success leads to tension with competitors

Gigi Dall'Igna asserts that Ducati's supremacy is the reason they are not widely favored.

The Italian company has emerged as the quickest in MotoGP over the past three years, with their four leading racers topping the charts this season.

In the United States, it was solely Aprilia's Maverick Vinales who stopped Ducati from claiming victory in every grand prix this season.

They secured 53 top-three finishes, marking an increase of 10 compared to their dominant performance the previous year.

"Dall'Igna emphasized to Motorsport that the key focus is on securing a victory, rather than achieving a clean sweep."

Engaging in the act of sweeping often leads to a decrease in one's

"Actually, I believe the other brands view me in that light, and it negatively affects how I feel."

"My goal is to keep succeeding, but there are instances where we might overdo it and end up in a predicament similar to what we're facing now.

"My goal isn't necessarily to outdo the prior year every time; instead, it's to succeed, 'simply put'."

Dall’Igna is often hailed as the mastermind responsible for Ducati's resurgence, with his expertise in aerodynamics propelling the brand to the forefront beyond its competitors.

Ducati experienced a 15-year drought in securing a MotoGP title until the Desmosedici project, led by Dall’Igna, made significant progress in 2022. This advancement enabled Francesco Bagnaia to narrowly defeat Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo for the championship.

In 2023, Bagnaia secured consecutive championships, followed by Jorge Martin of Pramac claiming the title for his independent squad this season.

In the upcoming season, Ducati's competitive edge will face scrutiny as their presence on the grid diminishes from eight motorcycles to six, following Pramac's switch to Yamaha.

Additionally, they plan to enter just three factory motorcycles in the competition, a decrease from the four they raced this

They're set to greet Marc Marquez with open arms as he joins Bagnaia in the official team garage, forming an explosive duo.

Ducati experienced the departure of Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi, consequently, they are now acutely conscious of the skilled competitors housed within opposing brands.

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Jorge Martin stated, "Ducati must be on edge now…"

In 2025, Jorge Martin is set to be a major challenger for Ducati.

Jorge Martin has hinted that Ducati might feel anxious as he transitions to a competing team's motorcycle in 2025.

Martin has already had a chance to try out the Aprilia, the team he's set to join next season, during the postseason test in Barcelona.

His departure from Ducati was essentially sealed when they chose Marc Marquez over him for their 2025 premier lineup, pairing Marquez with Pecco Bagnaia.

Martin rebounded from that slight to clinch the MotoGP title, positioning himself to bring the #1 spot to Ducati's competitors in Italy.

"Frankly, the crucial aspect of the championship wasn't present for me," he shared with Marca, referring to Ducati's choice to overlook him for their official team.

"Indeed, it's evident that the situation with the media and the contractual complications created turmoil, marking a distinct turning point in my journey with Ducati. That's undeniable."

"However, from my perspective, regarding my athletic career, a pivotal moment might have been in Germany, where I lost my lead despite having a significant edge."

"I believe that could be the moment for me to decide to change and declare, 'From now on, I won't let myself fail again.' That truly inspired me.

"Regardless of their ability to apprehend me, it's beyond your power to influence."

Ultimately, I realized that there was no need for me to validate myself. I continued to give my all, just as I had been doing, and succeeded in securing this championship.

Martin alludes to Ducati: "Certainly, they must be anxious now, but ultimately, discussing this matter should not be with me…"

Martin claims he became more concentrated following Ducati's significant decision to select Marquez for the 2025 season.

The choice also aligned with Martin's squad, Pramac, deciding to part ways with Ducati and join forces with Yamaha as a satellite team in the upcoming year.

"Martin mentioned it brought his team closer together."

"Furthermore, I seized that moment to unify the team, gathering everyone to say, 'Folks, this is what has occurred…'"

"This year, ultimately, I've started to view things more as chances instead of seeing them as dangers."

You tell yourself, 'Alright, this is our reality, what chances lie before us? A small team of 10-12 individuals can outperform a large factory workforce of 200. So, let's get to work. Nothing will be handed to us; we're seizing the opportunity.'

"Ultimately, it was precisely because of that I could become the world champion."

Martin is expected to encounter a challenging title defense in 2025 as he competes for the factory Aprilia team.

Aprilia made it possible for Maverick Vinales to be the exclusive winner of a grand prix this season who wasn't riding a Ducati.

Overall, the Ducati straight from the factory stands out as the premier motorcycle in MotoGP, and next year, it will be controlled by Bagnaia and Marquez.

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

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