Pedro Acosta "deactivated the pit lane speed limiter and settled the penalty!"

"It seems he turned off the pit speed limiter! He did the same thing in Australia and now again here."

Johann Zarco grinned as he remembered his unsuccessful effort to follow MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta during a qualifying session at Sepang.

The French rider intended to exit the pits behind the competitor on the GASGAS bike.

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However, the 20-year-old was also focused on drafting off another vehicle and sped away down the pit lane with surprising swiftness.

Zarco mentioned that following his initial tire change, he was unsure about how to increase his speed and felt the need to trail behind someone.

"However, I was unable to overtake Pedro as he sped through the pit lane at a high speed."

"I believe he deactivated the pit limiter! He has done this twice, once in Australia and now here."

"He is aware that the fine amounts to 1,500 euros. Therefore, he understands that if he intends to apprehend someone, the cost will be 1,500 euros!"

Zarco quipped, "That's the MotoGP way—once we have more money!"

Lucky for Zarco, he held onto the lead in the Q1 session, while Acosta narrowly missed securing a spot in Q2, finishing in third place.

Such a 'pay-to-tow' strategy is feasible because MotoGP regulations specify that a rider will only face a fine for an initial violation of the 60km/h pit lane speed limit, as long as they are not traveling at an 'extremely high speed'.

On the other hand, if a rider commits the same violation multiple times at a single event, the penalty will increase with each subsequent offense. Additionally, a rider who commits three infractions during one event could face additional sanctions.

According to the FIM MotoGP Stewards, riding at extremely high speeds can lead to increased fines, especially if the rider has committed multiple offenses throughout the season. Additionally, further penalties may be imposed.

Simon Crafar, who was listening to Zarco and is set to become the future Chairman of the FIM MotoGP Stewards, suggested that the penalty (fine) for minor speeding violations in the pit lane is expected to be revised next year. He was quick to note, however, that "this has nothing to do with me!"

However, for now, and given the crucial importance of qualifying, the 1,500 euro fine is an expense that both riders and teams are prepared to incur.

Tech3 racer Acosta will enter the Barcelona finale next weekend with a slight advantage, holding a three-point lead over Brad Binder from factory KTM, as they compete for fifth place in the world championship standings.

In 2017, Zarco, who is currently competing for LCR Honda, finished sixth in his debut MotoGP season while racing Yamaha bikes with the Tech3 team.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely involved with the unfolding story of Suzuki's departure and is deeply informed about Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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Enea Bastianini "not subjected to severe treatment, unworthy of retention" at Ducati

"Being there for over two years isn't guaranteed by a privileged ticket"

Enea Bastianini has been informed that he "hasn't earned" his place at Ducati.

Earlier this season, the competition for Bastianini's factory seat next year narrowed down to a tight contest between Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez, with odds at 50-50.

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Marquez received approval, leading to Martin's move to Aprilia, while Bastianini will become part of the revamped Tech3 KTM squad.

Initially, Bastianini might influence the outcome of the MotoGP season's last race in Barcelona, where his teammate Pecco Bagnaia competes against Martin for the championship.

While there have been inquiries about Marquez turning into a problem for the leading pair in the competition, it seems Bastianini might actually be the one to watch.

"Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports mentioned that he's the individual departing from Ducati, possibly with something to demonstrate."

"You're not granted permission to remain there beyond a two-year period."

He occupies the fourth position in the championship standings, trailing behind two GP24s – his performance doesn't justify his continuation.

"He hasn't faced severe treatment. Over two years, his performance has been overshadowed by his team member, and he's trailing Marc in the GP23 standings."

"Not everyone is qualified to be part of the top team."

Michael Laverty remarked, "It's a defining trait of his career – not to sound harsh, but he tends to be sluggish on Fridays."

Enea finds his rhythm on Saturday and then performs on Sunday. This performance places him among the top three globally, yet it falls short of securing the championship title.

Hodgson mentioned, "They rejected Martin. So naturally, they would reject Bastianini as well.

The prevailing sentiment among those in the racing circuit is that Ducati has hit the mark, suggesting Marc is poised for a stellar season ahead, with the potential to secure three or four championships.

"I believe there's nothing they could do [with Martin] as he experienced a sense of betrayal."

"He was firm in his approach, and so was Marc. It's likely Marc would have moved to Aprilia…"

In 2022, Bastianini secured the second-highest number of race victories, trailing only behind Bagnaia. His performance as a rider for Gresini led to his promotion to the official Ducati team, surpassing Martin in the process.

However, during his initial race as a factory rider, an injury thwarted his opening season with Ducati.

Armed with top-tier equipment, Bastianini has secured three grand prix victories for Ducati's official racing team.

In the upcoming year, he will be equipped with KTM factory bikes, joining forces with Maverick Vinales in the Tech3 team.

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

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Marco Melandri expresses disapproval over Andrea Iannone's comeback: 'His performance matched 2007's lap times'

Ex-MotoGP competitor criticizes Andrea Iannone's reappearance at Sepang MotoGP

Marco Melandri expressed that he anticipated Andrea Iannone would find it challenging to earn points during his comeback at the Malaysian GP in MotoGP, yet he admitted to being surprised by just how poorly they performed.

Following a suspension of four years for doping that essentially concluded his MotoGP pursuits, former grand prix and World Superbike champion Iannone returned to the premier class racing for the first time since 2019, making his comeback at the Sepang circuit last weekend.

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VR46 brought him on board to fill in for Fabio Di Giannantonio, who concluded his season prematurely to undergo surgery on his dislocated left shoulder, an injury he sustained in Austria.

Iannone demonstrated remarkable pace, finishing ninth in Friday morning's session on new tires, and placed 17th in the qualifiers. He had the potential to achieve a faster time if not for a mistake during his critical lap.

Being away from MotoGP racing for an extended period impacted Iannone's performance, resulting in him finishing next to last in both the sprint and the grand prix due to physical constraints.

Former MotoGP victor Marco Melandri expressed that Andrea Iannone's comeback was less impressive than anticipated, noting that his lap times were comparable to those from the year 2007.

"Melandri commented to corsedimoto that there was a general anticipation for better performance from Andrea Iannone, particularly following a promising start on Friday morning."

"Nonetheless, only a handful had opted for a tyre change. In Malaysia, the combination of fresh tyres and cooler temperatures can significantly alter performance."

I anticipated Iannone would have difficulty earning points in the race, but his performance fell below even those low expectations.

"Throughout the weekend, there was no noticeable improvement. Starting from the midpoint of the race, the speeds were significantly reduced."

"He was matching the lap times that [Casey] Stoner and myself posted back in 2007. I believe he has the potential and should improve upon those."

Melandri's comparison of his 2007 lap times to Iannone's recent performance is accurate. However, during the Sepang race, the substitute from VR46 recorded an average pace of 2 minutes, 2.379 seconds. This left him 47.599 seconds behind the leader, placing him 17th overall.

In 2007, Melandri maintained an average speed of 2 minutes and 2.784 seconds, securing the second place.

Melandri's critique overlooks the actual situation

The fact that Iannone secured the ninth position on Friday morning due to his use of new tires, unlike many others, is not adequately acknowledged in Melandri's observation, missing out on crucial aspects.

The initial point to note is that Iannone's final appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle occurred during the post-season test in Jerez in 2019. At that time, aerodynamic advancements were not as sophisticated as they are currently, and Ducati was just beginning to experiment with ride height adjustment systems.

During the four years of Iannone's doping suspension, there was a significant period of nearly five years dedicated to the development of bikes and tyres. Moreover, the transition from riding a Superbike to a MotoGP motorcycle in recent years has rarely led to immediate success for riders.

Before his appearance, Iannone hadn't had the chance to test the Ducati. In contrast, Alvaro Bautista, who was previously criticized by Iannone following the Malaysian Grand Prix, had the opportunity to test the GP23 prior to his wildcard entry at Sepang last year, despite ending the event with an injury.

As the first quarter concluded, Iannone trailed Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro, a rider who had clinched three grand prix victories during Iannone's hiatus, by a mere 0.076 seconds. Additionally, he was just 0.314 seconds behind his VR46 colleague Marco Bezzecchi, who was positioned in 14th place.

Iannone fell short of advancing to Q2 by a mere 0.383 seconds. He faced difficulties during the competitions, yet conceded on Saturday that the primary hurdle was "Andrea" himself, rather than the motorcycle. He compared the experience of handling a Superbike to the ease of cycling when juxtaposed with the strenuous requirements of competing in MotoGP.

Iannone's performance over the weekend might not look impressive in the records, yet that doesn't diminish the influence he had.

Iannone disclosed that Jorge Martin, the championship frontrunner, reached out to him with a message saying, "I've checked out your stats, man, the way you race," during their time at Sepang.

"I felt a great sense of excitement. I noticed that at certain moments, I'm almost at par with the other Ducati riders. However, the challenge lies in my lack of familiarity with the braking points. I'm still navigating how much the bike can slow down, and I haven't fully utilized the tyres, brakes, or aerodynamics. Moreover, physically applying the brakes with force remains a hurdle for me.

"These lessons come from riding, not from practice at home. SBK is completely unrelated to this bike."

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Luca Marini believes Honda has the potential to be the next dominant force to challenge Ducati's overwhelming influence in MotoGP. "They appear to be in a league of their own…"

Luca Marini feels that Ducati is currently overwhelming the MotoGP competition with its dominance, yet he sees Honda as potentially rising to become the championship's next leading force soon.

Ducati has dominated its rivals in 2024, with the Italian brand securing victories in all but one of the 19 grand prix races held this season.

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The team has effortlessly clinched the constructors' championship and is poised to secure the riders' championship through one of its participants. Additionally, it has dominated by capturing the teams', independent teams', and independent riders' titles well before the season concludes.

In comparison, Honda has only managed to accumulate 73 points compared to Ducati's impressive 685 in the manufacturers' rankings, and so far in 2024, none of its racers have made it into the top six in any grand prix event.

Yamaha, a Japanese competitor, has made notable progress in 2024, achieving its highest score of the season at the Malaysian GP last weekend, with its riders earning 23 points and securing a top-six finish for the first time.

Marini observes that Honda can make progress by learning from Yamaha's advancements, but to match Ducati's performance, they must come up with innovative solutions.

Nonetheless, he firmly believes that through strategic efforts in the coming year, Honda has the potential to emerge as Ducati's main competitor.

"He remarked that Ducati seems to be operating on a different level entirely right now," he commented, following his drop to 15th place in the Malaysian Grand Prix after being surpassed by Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli due to crashes.

"We must elevate our game, but also figure out how to gain an advantage over them because, in my view, they are currently dominating the league to an excessive degree."

"Therefore, we need to come up with an innovation. We're going to give it our best shot, as I believe Yamaha has recently made a significant advancement."

"Here [at Sepang], I believe they put together an amazing weekend."

"Therefore, it's crucial that we quickly make a comeback and enhance our performance at the earliest opportunity, as it is now achievable."

"Other companies are facing challenges, and if we act wisely and outsmart them, I believe we have the potential to become the second-leading force in the championship by making the right decisions in the coming year."

As 2024 progresses, with just 37 points remaining up for grabs, Honda has been officially placed at the bottom of the manufacturers' standings, while Yamaha has secured the fourth position.

The only possible change might be seen in the battle for second place between KTM and Aprilia, who are separated by 31 points.

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Marc Marquez Discusses 2025: Pecco Bagnaia Has "Insights into the Motorcycle"

"I aim to avoid retiring with any 'what ifs' in my mind."

Marc Marquez has provided an in-depth account of his journey from the brink of retiring to securing a position with the factory Ducati team.

In the upcoming season, he will advance from Gresini to join the ranks on MotoGP's most prestigious motorcycle, sharing the lineup with the reigning champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

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Bagnaia, a key figure for Ducati and their leading rider, faces the challenge of bridging a 24-point gap with Jorge Martin in the season's final race in Barcelona in order to defend his championship title.

Marquez secured a spot on the main factory team after he declined an offer from Pramac, even though they had the capability to provide him with a top-of-the-line Desmosedici.

"Securing victory was my goal, and to even stand a chance, having the right bike was essential," Marquez explained to TNT Sports.

"Obviously, it requires the courage to take action!"

"I am set to compete against a fellow team member who holds a world championship title and has six years of experience riding a Ducati."

"He's familiar with every hidden detail of the bicycle."

"However, you must make an effort. I don't wish to look back upon retirement filled with thoughts of 'what if…'"

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"Joy Returns"

This season, Marquez has found his groove again after leaving Honda to join Gresini Ducati.

He walked away from a high-paying job at Honda, but also abandoned a malfunctioning motorcycle that kept leading to accidents, adding to his already long list of injuries.

"He mentioned that smiling frequently turns it into a common and standard occurrence."

You overlook the challenging times.

"However, during challenging times, you place greater significance on the importance of a positive moment."

Suddenly, I went from experiencing the greatest moments of my life to facing my worst fears.

"Now, my grin has returned. It holds even greater significance than global titles."

Describing the 'most challenging moment' of his injury

He spoke of his injuries, particularly highlighting the significant deterioration of his arm issues at Jerez in 2020, stating, "Mentally, it was among the toughest challenges."

"Experiencing an injury, the initial two years typically don't pose any issues."

"However, if you find yourself in difficulty, and you visit a physician who declares, 'your recovery process is complete,' yet you continue to feel unwell?"

"Then the uncertainties begin to surface in your thoughts. You start questioning your own abilities."

"This is the most challenging time."

This year, Marquez secured his first win on a Ducati at the Aragon Grand Prix, marking his initial triumph in three years.

"It was an amazing sensation. I had been waiting for what felt like forever," he shared.

"In 2014, I secured victories in ten consecutive races, but currently? Merely a single win following a two-year gap! Thus, the significance shifts.

Prior to my mishap, triumph was routine. It wasn't extraordinary. Finishing in second place was akin to defeat.

"However, triumph is uncommon as there can only be a single victor among the competitors."

"It has altered my view on athletics and competition."

'My strategy is complete'

His recent triumph, along with his persistence in contending for the championship until a short while ago, has justified what Marquez refers to as 'his strategy'.

He stated, "I have already completed my plan."

Upon reaching Gresini, I came with a strategy.

"The main focus was to determine whether I could regain my competitive edge."

The objective was to secure an opportunity to join a factory team, aiming for the top squad with the finest motorcycle, which was Ducati Lenovo.

"I had to demonstrate quickness since your worth is determined by your most recent performance, not by your previous accomplishments."

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

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Jorge Martin's Final Shot? "I'm Skeptical" Aprilia Poses Little Risk to Ducati

Jorge Martin Could Face Challenges at Aprilia

Jorge Martin has received notice that the upcoming season finale next weekend might be his final opportunity to clinch a MotoGP championship.

Heading into the Barcelona round, Pramac's racer Martin is ahead by 24 points over the current champion and Ducati's main team rider, Francesco Bagnaia.

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Should Martin secure victory in the Barcelona sprint race, he will clinch his inaugural championship title.

Time is crucial, as he's set to move to Aprilia next year, where he's been informed not to expect a machine capable of clinching the championship.

"Michael Laverty from TNT Sports cautioned that until the regulatory alterations set for 2027 take effect, it's Ducati's time to shine in the imminent future."

One would expect them to secure the championship this year and for the following two years as well.

Martin is heading to Aprilia, and it could be a challenging period. It's hoped that they can provide him with what he needs to stay competitive, but I'm somewhat skeptical.

"Ducati is leading the pack, as demonstrated by securing the first eight positions in the Thailand sprint. This highlights their team's superior equipment."

Martin fell short of clinching the MotoGP title in the last race of the previous season.

He has consistently been passed over for the highly sought-after position at the factory Ducati team.

Falling behind Marc Marquez for the 2025 season's ride led Martin to switch to Aprilia.

Martin's advantage in the current season's championship, with just one round remaining, positions him to potentially shift the #1 plate from Ducati to their Italian competitors, Aprilia, in the upcoming season.

He is set to make his first appearance on his new team's motorcycle during the offseason trial.

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

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Brembo reveals its latest brake system designed for the 2025 MotoGP season. Riders will have the option to select different front calipers.

Brembo, the company that provides brakes to all eleven teams in MotoGP, has introduced a new front caliper that will be utilized in the 2025 world championship.

As aerodynamics and ride-height mechanisms increasingly strain the brakes, Brembo presents an option: teams can either stick with the 'GP4' caliper, in use since 2020, or switch to the updated model.

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Brembo asserts that the 2025 caliper signifies significant advancements in braking technology. However, the company notes that the choice to adopt this new design will depend on the unique requirements and preferences of individual riders.

Brembo's 2025 MotoGP front brake caliper is on the left, while the 2024 version is on the right.

A key advancement for the all-aluminum GP4 in 2020 involved the introduction of cooling fins, which greatly enhanced the thermal efficiency of the whole braking system.

Furthermore, the enhanced hydraulics, along with the amplification, ensure a more accurate and steady reaction to the brake lever, removing any mushy sensation.

The 2025 edition will feature enhancements such as an increased 'fixing distance,' expanded piston area, improved thermal resistance, and 'optimized contact pressure.'

According to a statement from Brembo, a large pad designed to endure very high temperatures provides consistent and strong braking performance, even under the most challenging conditions.

The larger braking surface, along with improved contact pressure, enhances braking effectiveness, enabling riders to control the bike with exceptional accuracy.

On the flip side, the expanded surface area enhances the quick release of heat, which helps reduce pad wear and maintains reliable performance over time.

The wheelbase, where the caliper and foot are attached, has been strengthened to enhance rigidity and withstand braking forces better, leading to improved stability and accuracy.

The placement of the bleeder has been carefully examined to simplify the processes of brake bleeding and maintenance, enabling mechanics to perform their tasks swiftly and effectively.

In MotoGP, the use of carbon brake discs with diameters of 320mm, 340mm, and 355mm is currently allowed.

Due to safety concerns, it is required to use either 340mm or 355mm brake discs during dry races held at the hard-braking circuits of Motegi, Spielberg, and Buriram.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Pramac MotoGP team manager feels he aged a decade during the thrilling Bagnaia versus Martin showdown in Sepang. "This is a moment I will cherish forever."

Gino Borsoi, the head of the Pramac MotoGP team, remarked that the intense showdown between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia during the Malaysian Grand Prix was so nerve-wracking that it felt like it could take a decade off your life.

As the championship hung in the balance, Martin and Bagnaia delivered 2024's most exciting battle for the top spot, exchanging the lead 13 times during the initial three laps.

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In the end, Bagnaia emerged victorious, taking control of the Sepang Grand Prix and narrowing Martin's lead in the championship to 24 points with just one race remaining.

In their 2024 fight for the championship, this was the inaugural instance where the two main competitors went head-to-head in earnest, sparking significant enthusiasm within Ducati's leadership.

Borsoi mentioned to motogp.com that the race was truly remarkable and very enjoyable right from the start.

"However, for us, it was emotionally challenging. They began the race in an outstanding manner."

"It was enjoyable to watch these individuals battling continuously around every corner and straightaway."

"I'm thrilled to be here. It's a joy to spend time with Jorge in the Pramac garage, as it gives me a wonderful memory to reflect on when I think about my career in the future."

"In a race like this, it's possible to lose a decade, but they are certainly worth watching."

Ducati's General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, confessed that he was unable to watch the television as Bagnaia and Martin were fiercely competing.

"It's hard to put the feeling into words," he mentioned.

"In particular, during the initial three laps, the team performed exceptionally well, delivering an outstanding race, and it was so remarkable that I couldn't even watch it on TV."

"They pedaled the bicycle with the intensity and excitement akin to kicking off the racing season. Truly remarkable."

"Jorge definitely holds a significant lead when it comes to points, making things tough for Pecco. However, Pecco must continue to battle fiercely until the very end, just as he did today and consistently does."

Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati factory team, believes that the competition has effectively responded to those who criticize the current state of MotoGP racing. He also emphasized that the race clearly demonstrated that whichever competitor secures the championship will have truly earned it.

He commented, "This is the correct response for those who currently believe overtaking in MotoGP is not possible."

"I believe Pecco and Jorge did an outstanding job representing our sport, and their performance in the first three laps was truly impressive."

"It demonstrates that they have the qualities of champions. The team that secures the championship will have earned it, and the runner-up is still a champion in their own right."

"I was at the emotional peak, and the engine was revving intensely. I believe we should applaud Jorge, as not everyone in his situation would have managed to complete laps in that manner."

"In my opinion, Jorge is a determined competitor who has earned his place at the top of the championship, and he is an exceptional racer."

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How Pedro Acosta has changed the outlook for MotoGP newcomers

"I believed that achieving it this year was no longer an option…"

Wilco Zeelenberg, the manager of Trackhouse Racing, confessed that he initially believed it was "impossible" for a first-year MotoGP racer to secure a podium finish this year. However, Pedro Acosta managed to change his mind.

The entry of last year's Moto2 world champion, Pedro Acosta, into MotoGP was highly anticipated to make a significant impact. At just 20 years old, Acosta has made a remarkable impression in the racing community since he first appeared in Moto3 in 2021.

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In only his second Grand Prix race of the 2024 season with Tech3 GASGAS, Acosta secured a podium finish. Up to now, he has achieved five podiums on Sundays, placing him slightly ahead of his KTM teammate, Brad Binder, in fifth place in the rankings.

In the upcoming year, MotoGP will introduce three new riders to its roster: Ai Ogura, who is the current Moto2 champion; Somkiat Chantra, a two-time grand prix victor in the Moto2 category; and Fermin Aldeguer, who has achieved eight wins in Moto2.

Ogura's unexpected transition to MotoGP with Trackhouse Aprilia, a deal made during the summer, has proven to be quite successful, with high hopes placed on the Japanese racer.

Zeelenberg, set to depart from his Trackhouse role by the close of 2024, argues that it isn’t realistic to anticipate victory from newcomers. However, Acosta has altered the perception of what can be achieved by a newcomer.

He mentioned to TNT Sport that it's not their responsibility to win the initial race as a newcomer.

"They must remain on the bike and progress gradually. As demonstrated by Pedro, achieving a podium finish in the first season can happen swiftly, but it is very challenging."

"I believed it was no longer feasible this year due to the way the championship unfolded in terms of performance and speed, and Pedro was capable of achieving it."

"It's still feasible for a newcomer to finish on the podium during their debut year."

"It's evident that this year it occurred. I enjoy working with beginners because it allows me to share my knowledge and experience to prevent them from making errors. Additionally, I can guide them in progressing gradually with these large motorcycles."

Zeelenberg commented, "I believe Ai is unique. To begin with, he has been competing for the championship, which means he's been aware of his bike. However, he insisted on prioritizing his championship battle."

"In my view, that's quite crucial, and he accomplished it. He now holds the title securely. As they approach these new rockets, everyone is filled with anxiety and tension, visibly trembling."

"They require about half a season to reach their optimal form and deliver their best performance. After that period, they will certainly continue to improve, but it takes that initial half-season to fully utilize their capabilities."

According to Zeelenberg, the most significant adjustment for today's newcomers to MotoGP is adapting to the use of electronics, which is not a common practice in their racing experience up until that stage.

Initially, he expressed his enthusiasm for that particular route, but acknowledged that it's challenging for newcomers to secure spots in MotoGP.

"Naturally, when these young riders transition from being rookies to entering a new level, particularly in MotoGP, they need to adapt to the electronic systems. Throughout their careers, they've relied solely on their skills and talents without the aid of electronics—like traction control and anti-wheelie systems—which are crucial for a MotoGP bike."

Essentially, they must have confidence in the electronic systems, which can be quite challenging.

"The skill and quickness are present, but the primary challenge is to accelerate without losing control of the bike. This is the key area they need to focus on improving."

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Luca Marini reflects on challenging first season with Honda: “I ended in eighth place last year, yet I wasn't satisfied”

The Italian rider finds silver linings in a difficult debut year in MotoGP with Honda.

Luca Marini expressed that he would be "more content" finishing in 20th place in the 2024 MotoGP rankings with Honda, compared to his eighth-place finish in 2023 with VR46 Ducati.

An Italian rider has been selected to take over from Marc Marquez, who is moving to Gresini, as the new member of the factory Honda team in 2024. However, this year on the RC213V has been challenging for him.

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Marini has accumulated only 14 points across 19 races, achieving his highest placement of 12th at both the San Marino and Thai Grands Prix. This performance places him at the bottom of the Honda team rankings, sitting in 22nd place in the overall championship standings.

It's a significant change from his 2023 performance with the VR46 Ducati, where he finished eighth in the standings with 201 points and made it to the podium twice in grand prix races.

Even with the challenges presented by the evolving Honda motorcycle, Marini expresses that he feels more content now compared to 2023. He attributes this to his involvement in a project he believes holds significant potential for the future.

He mentioned on the official MotoGP podcast last month that he is confident that if he makes all the right decisions and improvements, both personally and with the project and the bike, the results will follow.

"Currently, whether I score two, zero, or ten points doesn't really matter to me. Last year, I ended up in eighth place, but I wasn't satisfied."

"This year, I might end up in 20th place, but I'm more content because I'm involved in a project that has the potential to be successful in the future and could compete for the championship in the coming years."

"My outlook on the future here is very positive and promising. I aim to continue working diligently and enhancing my skills each day as I spend more time on the bike, as this allows us to achieve outstanding results."

Honda's motorcycle racers have faced a challenging year, not just during the official races but also with many private testing sessions. The Japanese manufacturer is striving to improve its standing in the rankings.

Marini mentions that he has been riding his Honda nearly every week throughout 2024, and he has been doing it "happily."

He mentioned that he joined during the latter part of the season feeling stressed, though not exhausted, as he had spent nearly the entire year cycling, if not every single week.

"It's challenging, but I always tackle it with a smile and give it my all, because ultimately, I'm extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike regularly. I truly enjoy each moment on the bike."

"It's an amazing sensation, and I'm focusing on savoring the moment."

"Certainly, completing races is crucial as it allows engineers to gather more information. This data is essential for their analysis. During practice sessions, they only have the chance to examine two or three laps, which limits their ability to gather extensive insights."

"If you complete an entire race, you gather 27. This provides a different set of information."

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The distinction in machinery in the 2024 MotoGP championship battle

How do Jorge Martin's and Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati motorcycles differ?

A Ducati racer piloting a GP24 is set to claim the 2024 MotoGP championship, with Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia gearing up for a decisive face-off in Barcelona for the final round.

The 2024 season has been an exceptional year for Ducati, showcasing the most commanding performance by a manufacturer in recent history.

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Up to this point in the 2024 season, it has claimed victory in all but one of the 19 grand prix events held, with 15 of those wins achieved by racers using the GP24.

Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia – A look at the crucial statistics up to this point 📊 Both riders have delivered remarkable performances this season 👏 #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/YAM83Al2MN — Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 7, 2024

Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia – A look at the crucial statistics up to this point 📊 Both riders have delivered remarkable performances this season 👏 #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/YAM83Al2MN

The Italian brand has clinched victory in all the championships to date, securing the riders' title for the third consecutive year.

As they approach the final race next weekend, Martin trails Bagnaia by 24 points. Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 grand prix events, while his competitor from the Pramac team has won three.

In 2024, Ducati has continued to give the same level of backing to both of its riders. To promote fair competition for the championship's final showdown, the company halted further development of the GP24 during the latter part of the season.

However, there are slight variations in the equipment used by the two riders.

In Malaysia, Michael Laverty from TNT Sport noted that Pecco Bagnaia seems to favor the older fork, based on a quick observation.

"The stroke length is shorter, and there's significantly less tubing visible at the top."

Jorge Martin might have about 45mm visible, which depends on personal choice regarding geometry and how tall the rider is.

Observing the aerodynamic structure, it remains the same. Although there are two different models, both Pecco and Jorge opt for the version with the downwash ducts as they are effective.

"The engines are the same. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is standardized and identical for every team along the pit lane, as confirmed by the championship officials."

During the race weekend in Sepang, Bagnaia mentioned that starting from Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix, he reverted to using the older front forks and has not made any adjustments to his motorcycle since then.

According to Laverty, the main distinction between the two lies in the level of engineering support available in the factory and Pramac teams.

"The key distinction arises when the engineers connect to the bike," he mentioned.

"In MotoGP bikes, data is gathered using potentiometers installed on each component."

"When you engage the lever: it operates the clutch brake. Activating the brake lever results in that information being documented."

"There is a wide variety of channels available. It's even possible to develop custom channels. For instance, if you have an inertia platform with a rapid lean angle and the engine accelerates swiftly, you can compare these channels against each other. That's when the engineer's role becomes crucial."

At the flyaway races, if you glance toward the rear of the garage, you'll notice a group of 10 to 20 Ducati engineers. In contrast, independent teams, while having skilled engineers, lack the same depth of support. This disparity lies in the ability to analyze data effectively.

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MotoGP initiates: "We have four options for the front holeshot device…"

"It's about figuring out what works best… by selecting the least clean area on the starting grid and testing the limits of what is possible!"

This season, it has been common to see MotoGP racers causing their back tires to spin during practice starts.

At the recent Thai Grand Prix, it was confirmed that the connection between initial wheelspin and front holeshot devices was more than just an overestimation of traction on a dirty track.

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Following a burnout in his practice session on Friday, Jack Miller from KTM stated:

In an effort to experiment with the '110' holeshot device, Miller shared his thoughts. He admitted he wasn't particularly fond of the device, noting that when the front of the bike is lowered to that extent, the rear wheel tends to spin out quickly.

In Buriram, the season's first wet grand prix took place, where some riders chose to keep the front device inactive, aiming to gain better initial traction from the rear.

Ducati's Enea Bastianini explained that he initially didn't use the front device because the team advised against it, suggesting it might cause a spin. However, he noted that riders who did have the front device were ultimately more competitive at the beginning of the race.

Below and Below: The GP23, ridden by Bezzecchi, is noticeably positioned at a higher point compared to the factory GP24s that are in front of him on the Buriram starting grid.

In situations where there is a lot of traction, the key factor affecting performance at the start of a MotoGP race is the tendency for the bike to wheelie. Therefore, lowering both the front and rear of the bike as much as possible is advantageous.

The ability to lower varies based on both the brand and the motorcycle specifications. The factory GP24 Ducatis feature a noticeably lower starting system compared to the older GP23 models.

However, when traction is compromised by a dirty or wet track, the focus shifts from managing wheelies to dealing with wheelspin. This is particularly true for MotoGP bikes, which now have a lower center of gravity, leading to less weight being transferred to the rear wheel.

Jack Miller stated, "There are four choices available to us." During last Friday's event at Sepang, Miller revealed that KTM offers a variety of front holeshot device compression lengths, allowing for adjustments based on varying grip conditions.

"The issue is related to the front end, specifically the front start mechanism. We're experimenting with varying stroke lengths," Miller explained regarding the wheelspin riders experienced during practice starts.

"We have a selection of four choices, which are 110, 100, 90, and 80. The key is figuring out which one will be effective."

"Clearly, when the grip is strong, you push it down forcefully like a drag racer would."

"In situations where traction is reduced, it's beneficial to distribute more weight towards the back, so you might consider reverting to the 80 or 90 settings."

"It's about figuring out the strategies that succeed on that particular track by selecting the least favorable position on the grid and testing the limits of what can be achieved."

The challenge of managing both forward tilt and wheelspin likely sheds light on why Ducati's top contenders, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, often face difficulties with practice starts. However, they typically execute flawless launches when it comes to race day.

In Sepang, Miller disclosed that he had obtained an adjustment to his rear ride-height gadget, which is used when approaching the lengthy straight sections.

Miller mentioned that they received an adjustment to the ride-height mechanism this weekend, which they had requested at Phillip Island the previous year. This update came with only two races remaining. Later, Miller had a fortunate incident when his helmet came into contact with Fabio Quartararo’s rear wheel during Turn 2 of the race on Sunday.

The aim is to adjust the pace slightly, working on slowing the ride-height mechanism to prevent excessive strain on the tire during exit.

"It's quite satisfying to drive down both straights. We're not experiencing any significant jolts that result in bouncing or spinning, which is definitely a positive aspect."

Brad Binder remarked, "The time to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h is reduced by half a second." According to the upcoming technical regulations set for 2027, all launch (holeshot) and ride-height mechanisms will be prohibited.

In a conversation with Crash.net, Brad Binder expressed that he would certainly feel their absence initially.

"They effectively transform the bikes into dragsters. In truth, they ride so low that nearly everything is close to touching the ground. Additionally, you can now harness much more power."

Reflecting on the past when we launched without these devices compared to launching with them now, we can see a dramatic improvement. In just three seconds, we've managed to shave off half a second from our 0-100 km/h acceleration time. It's astonishing how much progress we've made thanks to these advancements.

"However, if taking them away applies to everyone equally, it won't make a significant difference."

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently deeply involved in covering the story of Suzuki's exit and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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