Potential Implications of Harley-Davidson's New Collaboration with MotoGP

Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports Enter into a Strategic Partnership

Harley-Davidson, a well-known American manufacturing company, has entered into a strategic alliance with Dorna Sports. This collaboration is focused on expanding the presence of MotoGP in the United States and enhancing the global reach of the Harley-Davidson

After the last race of the 2024 MotoGP season on Monday, Harley-Davidson held a press conference with Dorna's leadership to reveal their new partnership. Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson motorcycles made their debut on the Barcelona track.

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On Monday, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide racing motorcycles, which compete in the King of the Baggers series within MotoAmerica, roared around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The King of the Baggers made its debut on the MotoAmerica schedule in 2020 and has quickly gained a reputation as potentially the most favored series in the U.S.-based championship.

This year marked the debut of the class at the US Grand Prix.

Rumors circulated around the MotoGP paddock in Barcelona during the Solidarity GP weekend, hinting at the possibility of introducing a new Baggers-style racing series to the grand prix lineup. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Nonetheless, Harley's CEO, Jochen Zeitz, hinted to Crash.net that this was indeed the intention.

As of now, it seems that for 2025, only demonstration events, like the track trial in Barcelona, are planned. However, Zeitz is eager for Harley to quickly establish a long-term presence in MotoGP.

"We'll have to wait and see what results from it," he remarked.

"We aim to proceed as quickly as possible, though such matters require some time. Initially, we wish to gauge the level of interest generated by this initiative."

"Bringing the bicycles to Barcelona marks a significant move for us as we explore the possibilities."

"Up to this point, the response has been remarkable, with plenty of encouraging feedback and congratulations directed at our racers and mechanics. This indicates strong interest in establishing a new arena beyond the achievements of MotoGP."

The company, located in Milwaukee, has a long-standing tradition in motorcycle racing, especially in the area of off-road competitions.

Harley has claimed victories in grand prix competitions as well. Walter Villa secured the 250cc championship for the brand in 1975 and repeated his success in 1976, additionally winning the 350cc title that same year.

Harley is confident that it can mirror the success of the King of the Baggers series in Europe.

"Harley has a global following, with numerous enthusiasts taking their legendary bikes on tours and to racetracks. This concept, which we launched in 2021, has been highly successful, as evidenced by our ongoing involvement with MotoAmerica in the United States," Zeitz explains.

"We believe there are more global opportunities to pursue, and MotoGP could be an excellent partner in this endeavor. This presents a potential win-win situation for us, and we are eager to explore it further."

MotoGP races usually feature a packed schedule that includes the top-tier MotoGP class, along with Moto2 and Moto3 categories. At certain events, MotoE races and different Talent Cup competitions also take place. However, all of these are organized by Dorna and might not appear very different to someone who is not deeply familiar with the sport.

Including a Baggers championship in the MotoGP lineup could be an ideal strategy for Dorna to capture a fresh audience, especially in the United States. As Liberty Media, a US-based company, is poised to acquire a majority stake in Dorna starting in 2025, Harley sees a significant opportunity on the horizon.

Zeitz explains that their brand is legendary and has a rich history in racing. He highlights the significant chance to introduce this to audiences beyond the United States. To achieve this, they are collaborating with Dorna, who also aims to strengthen their presence in the U.S. market through MotoGP.

"With Liberty Media's involvement, it's clear that we all share this desire and interest."

"We've decided to explore collaboration opportunities because we have a legendary product and brand. Our goal is to remain involved in racing, while Dorna is interested in growth, and we're all eager to innovate. We believe that the King of the Baggers series is the perfect stage for this initiative."

MotoGP views its partnership with Harley as a way to increase its presence in the United States, which is an important aspect of the new ownership's strategy. Initially, there was some hesitation from MotoGP about including the King of the Baggers event in the US Grand Prix schedule this year. However, the activities at the Barcelona track on Monday indicate that MotoGP has now fully embraced the idea.

Carlos Ezpeleta, the chief sporting officer at Dorna, mentioned that the collaboration with Harley could be considered one of several efforts when asked by Crash if it might help MotoGP increase its presence in the United States.

Last night, we unveiled our new brand logos, which we are extremely proud of. One of our goals is to become visible in more unexpected locations.

"Harley can certainly assist us in achieving this goal, particularly within the United States, but also on a worldwide scale. They boast a vast network of Harley enthusiasts across the globe, which we aim to engage with."

"We frequently emphasize the significant importance of the United States to our strategy. We are optimistic that the new ownership will be finalized by the end of the year, and we are eager to pursue this and various other initiatives in the U.S."

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EXCLUSIVE: Ducati Finds Itself in a Difficult Position Regarding Jorge Martin

Insights from Davide Tardozzi in an Interview at the Barcelona Paddock, by Lewis Duncan

Ducati's team leader, Davide Tardozzi, expressed that the brand had to confront some tough choices regarding its MotoGP roster for 2025, decisions that ultimately led to the departure of the current world champion.

Pramac competitor Jorge Martin clinched the 2024 championship during the season's concluding race at the Solidarity Grand Prix, securing his victory with a third-place finish, even as his competitor Francesco Bagnaia took first place.

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Martin is set to depart from Ducati and will be moving to Aprilia in 2025, with his first appearance on the track scheduled for the post-season test on Tuesday.

Martin was initially chosen to be a part of the factory Ducati team with Bagnaia for the 2025 season. However, the team reversed its decision, opting to elevate Marc Marquez to the position after the eight-time world champion turned down a proposal to ride a works GP25 for Pramac.

The repercussions resulted in Ducati parting ways with Pramac in favor of Yamaha, Enea Bastianini moving to KTM, and both Martin and Marco Bezzecchi transitioning to Aprilia.

When questioned by Crash.net on whether there were any second thoughts about the events that transpired after Martin clinched the championship title, Tardozzi remarked, "You know, this year Ducati had the 'Fabulous Four' since the top four racers in the championship standings are ours.

"Unfortunately, we found ourselves in a position where we had to make some tough choices, particularly those that were emotionally challenging."

"Ultimately, we secured it, but sadly, this means Martin and Enea must part ways with Ducati as they've opted for a different factory bike."

"It's regrettable, but recovery from this was unattainable. We hope for their brightest prospects ahead."

Once more, a choice had to be made, leading to Pramac joining Yamaha while Jorge moved to Aprilia.

"However, I believe Ducati will continue to be a strong contender in the coming year as well, and it's important for us to demonstrate to our supporters that we made the correct choice."

Currently, Ducati is confronted with the possibility that the prestigious number one plate, which Martin has not yet made a decision on, might be mounted on a factory Aprilia by 2025. Despite this, Tardozzi continues to view the Bologna-based manufacturer as the true victor of this year's championship.

"Ultimately, I need to be candid here, it's clear that our hope was for Pecco to clinch the championship," he continued.

"The Ducati Lenovo team takes the spotlight, yet it's ultimately Ducati itself that triumphs in 2024, with its riders clinching the top four positions in the championship standings."

"Martin rides for Ducati. Pramac receives complete backing from Ducati, including factory bikes and a team of seven Ducati staff members on site."

"In conclusion, it appears that Ducati Factory ultimately emerges as the true victor of the championship."

Tardozzi observed that despite Bagnaia's impressive 11 grand prix victories, his failure to secure the championship by a narrow margin of 10 points was due to a few errors.

"Eight failures to finish [DNFs] are the reason he missed out on the championship title."

"Martin faced a significant disadvantage with eight losses compared to his opponent's three. However, ultimately, he held the top position for two years, a testament to his deserving nature and champion status."

"And I'm confident he'll contend for the title again next year."

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Jack Miller shares his thoughts on his last race with KTM.

Jack Miller has completed his final race representing KTM.

Jack Miller achieved a slight improvement in the last MotoGP race of the year, finishing his time with KTM by securing points.

Miller began the race strongly, yet he was unable to move beyond 13th place, as he struggled to overtake Miguel Oliveira. Coincidentally, Oliveira is set to join him as a teammate at the Pramac Yamaha team next year.

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"It went well," Miller commented. "I gave it my all."

"I got off to a good start and stayed close behind Miguel Oliveira, but honestly, I couldn't make any progress beyond that."

"Scattered instances occurred throughout. We succeeded in completing the task, although it wasn't the outcome we desired, we are pleased to be earning points again and to conclude in this manner."

"It's great to rejoin the team, perform a burnout, and wrap things up on such a high note. It's definitely preferable to ending up in the gravel."

"Anticipating Tuesday as a fresh start and eager to explore the possibilities it may bring."

During Saturday's Sprint, Miller faced notable problems with the grip at the back of his vehicle. However, switching from a medium-compound rear tire to a hard-compound one led to better performance. Despite this improvement, Miller still experienced some decrease in grip as the race progressed.

"I opted for the hard compound rear tire today," he mentioned.

"The left side weakened unexpectedly for me, and Miguel was certainly more powerful on that side compared to me."

"Initially, I felt very powerful, but then my strength started to decline."

"We plan to review the data, but it's not necessary; we can simply begin anew on Tuesday. I'm excited for it."

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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EXCLUSIVE: Inside Look at Marc Marquez’s New Look and Branding for Off-Season Testing

A sneak peek into Marc Marquez’s official Ducati unveiling on Tuesday, reported by Lewis Duncan

Information has been released regarding the color scheme and branding design of Marc Marquez's official Ducati motorcycle during Tuesday's MotoGP offseason test.

A year after first riding for Ducati with the Gresini squad during the post-season Valencia test in 2024, Marquez is set to join the official team pit this coming Tuesday.

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Crash.net has learned that on Tuesday, Marquez is set to race in the official team livery, however, his motorcycle and racing suit will only feature the Michelin emblem and possibly other non-partisan sponsor stickers, with no additional branding present.

Marquez is presently sponsored by Red Bull, whereas the official Ducati team collaborates with Monster Energy.

Moreover, conflicts with sponsors exist elsewhere, like Marquez's partnership with Samsung in contrast to Ducati's main sponsorship deal with Lenovo.

At this point, it remains uncertain how Marquez's individual sponsors, especially Red Bull, who played a crucial role in supporting him through the challenging initial phase of his recuperation from a 2020 arm fracture sustained during that year’s Spanish Grand Prix, will be affected.

During the previous year's test in Valencia with Gresini, Marquez took to the track riding a GP23, which notably did not feature the team's livery but instead only displayed his personal sponsor logos on his racing suit.

Marquez's initial trial run with the Ducati last season created significant buzz, and his debut with the main team is poised to be a major topic of discussion this week.

However, Ducati team leader Davide Tardozzi has sought to temper anticipations regarding Marquez's performance on the motorcycle.

"Our aim is solely focused on collaborating and making an effort to build a rapport," Tardozzi explained to Crash.net.

"Come Tuesday, there will be no victories to claim. Your only task is to put in the work. The one who leads on Tuesday evening won't secure the championship title the following year."

Marquez secured a two-year contract with Ducati to team up with two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia during the summer, after turning down a proposal to pilot a factory GP25 for Pramac.

This strategic maneuver eventually resulted in Jorge Martin joining Aprilia, where the Spanish rider will move to the Italian brand as the current world champion.

Throughout the season, Marquez has been competing on the GP23 with the Gresini team and has successfully clinched victory in three grand prix races.

On Tuesday in Barcelona, he will have his first experience with both Ducati's championship-winning GP24 and the prototype GP25.

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Marc Marquez steps into the official Ducati garage for the first time

Marc Marquez visits his new base for the initial time

Marc Marquez has made his initial entry into the official Ducati workshop.

On Sunday night, following the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP event, Marquez was introduced to the factory setting by his teammates from the Gresini squad.

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However, on Monday, he made another trip to the garage that will become his residence in 2025.

Preview of 2025! 🐜 We warmly welcome @marcmarquez93 to our crew! It's time to get familiar with the new environment! 💪🏼 #ForzaDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/h0hZ8Xsczq— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) November 18, 2024

Preview of 2025! 🐜 We warmly welcome @marcmarquez93 to our crew! It's time to get familiar with the new environment! 💪🏼 #ForzaDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/h0hZ8Xsczq

Marquez will be moving from the Gresini satellite team to join the main Ducati team for the upcoming season.

He was promoted over Jorge Martin, who later achieved the title of 2024 MotoGP champion with the Pramac team. Martin has now joined Aprilia for the 2025 season.

On Tuesday, Marquez is set to don red attire for the first time during the postseason test.

He is preparing to cycle on a bike painted in the manufacturer's colors, but it will not feature any significant sponsorships or logos.

Marquez, who left Honda last year to switch over to a Ducati, is set to make another significant advancement.

This season, he has resumed winning races while riding a GP23 and has proven to be the quickest among those on the previous year's model.

In the upcoming year, he will benefit from using a GP25, which is the official Ducati model. He will be equipped with the same equipment as Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio di Giannantonio from VR46.

On Sunday and Monday, the mood in the Ducati garage seemed cheerful as Marquez, with a broad smile, showed up for the first time.

It is uncertain if there will be any friction between him and his teammate Bagnaia when they compete for the same title in the next season.

Ducati acknowledged that it was a "tough choice" to part ways with champion Martin in order to sign Marquez.

For ten years, James worked at Sky Sports as a journalist, reporting on a variety of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Fabio Quartararo describes his performance in the Barcelona MotoGP, where he finished in 11th position, as "one of my greatest races." Despite being 10 seconds behind the winner, Quartararo found reasons to feel positive about his results.

Fabio Quartararo, who has achieved 12 victories in Grand Prix events, described his 11th-place result at the recent Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP as "one of the best races" of his career.

The French motorcyclist just missed scoring points in the Sprint on Saturday due to a significant decrease in traction towards the race's conclusion.

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This led him to experiment with the hard-compound rear tire for the Grand Prix race.

Quartararo mentioned that they tested the hard compound rear tire, which hadn't been used at any point during the weekend.

"I believe it was the right decision, but we struggled with traction. Marco Bezzecchi was ahead of me using the soft compound rear tire, and despite it spinning throughout the race, he still managed to have better grip than I did by the end."

"Therefore, it's evident that we understand what we lack and what needs enhancement. However, I believe I was able to execute one of my best performances in a race, to be truthful."

"We ended up just 10 seconds shy of first place. Although our position wasn't the best, I believe we can be pleased with how we handled the race."

On Saturday, many riders dismissed the possibility of using the soft-compound rear tire for the entire race due to the performance decline observed during the Sprint.

Despite this, Quartararo mentioned that it didn’t catch him off guard when Francesco Bagnaia, who ended up as the race victor, opted for the soft rear tire.

Quartararo mentioned that he was aware Pecco, also known as Francesco Bagnaia, opted for the soft tire choice since he had nothing to lose.

"He had an astonishing speed, and I was surprised that [Jorge] Martin chose the medium compound for the rear tire. In my experience, the medium tire lost grip just like the soft tire but offered less capability."

"I was unaware of the difficulty, but yesterday, Alex Rins opted for the medium tire while I chose the soft one, and both of us experienced a significant decline in performance."

"I chose to take on the difficult task, knowing there was nothing at stake but gaining some knowledge."

In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

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The Legacy of Pecco Bagnaia: A Celebrated MotoGP Icon

As Pecco Bagnaia's era in MotoGP concludes, his remarkable achievements on the circuit and his modesty away from it deserve to be cherished and honored.

Francesco Bagnaia's tale is a true example of triumph in MotoGP.

From achieving victories on the underdog Mahindra bikes in Moto3, to clinching the Moto2 championship and bearing the burden of anticipation associated with the VR46 moniker upon entering MotoGP, Bagnaia has truly put in significant effort.

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Standing alone, Bagnaia's pair of world titles might not be held in the same regard as those of his mentor Valentino Rossi or Marc Marquez. Although it was noteworthy that he managed to overcome a 91-point gap in 2022, he achieved this against a Fabio Quartararo who was at a distinct equipment disadvantage with the Yamaha.

His pursuit of a second world championship in 2023, facing off against Jorge Martin, proved to be significantly more challenging. However, Martin, being unfamiliar with the high stakes and tension of a MotoGP championship battle, started to reveal his inexperience as the season progressed.

This shouldn't undermine Bagnaia's accomplishments, as numerous contenders enter the arena only to leave in defeat. Bagnaia not only realized his highest aspirations but also played a pivotal role in shaping the prevailing era of Ducati's dominance we currently experience.

Since Bagnaia emerged as a true contender for the championship in 2021, Ducati has had several talented riders. However, none have matched his achievements: winning two world championships, securing victories in 29 grand prix races, achieving over 50 podium finishes, and obtaining 24 pole positions across 107 races for Ducati since he first joined the premier class with Pramac in 2019.

Bagnaia has outperformed Stoner

He has exceeded Casey Stoner's accomplishments with the Bologna-based team, yet in most assessments of the greatest MotoGP riders, the Australian two-time world champion is likely to be ranked above. It's possible to argue that Stoner had a more innate ability and that, with a more extended career, the Australian's records could have been notably improved.

However, a fair assessment of a rider's capabilities can only be made within the context of their specific racing period. Bagnaia's period in MotoGP stands out as exceptionally challenging and competitive. The difference in performance across the field is minimal, with the structure of the race weekend placing significant emphasis on Friday's outcomes. Additionally, the aerodynamics of the motorcycles, as described by a crew chief in a conversation with Crash in Barcelona, make them quite difficult to handle.

During MotoGP's 2024 Barcelona event, Bagnaia and Martin remained unreachable, leading by 10 seconds. At the Malaysian Grand Prix, held earlier in the month, Bagnaia maintained a 10-second gap from the third position, emphasizing his dominance. Despite the setback of eight non-finishes in 2024, the accomplishment of winning 11 grand prix titles in one season—a feat shared with renowned riders like Marquez, Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo—undeniably demonstrates that Bagnaia's claim to the championship is as legitimate as Martin's.

"When asked by Crash.net to evaluate Bagnaia's tenure as MotoGP champion, Marc Marquez responded, 'I see comments like ‘perhaps he’s a decent champion’… A racer securing victories for two consecutive years clearly signifies they are an extraordinary champion – not merely a decent one.'"

"He's an outstanding champion. Securing a victory in MotoGP within a single year is not something everyone achieves; it requires talent. However, some may question that victory, thinking perhaps it was a fluke. Yet, when someone clinches the title for two consecutive years and is in contention for the championship in the third year right up to the final race, it's clear evidence of his exceptional prowess as a champion."

"I aim to gain knowledge from him since he has a deep understanding of the team and the motorcycle, which will be my goal, to stay near him. However, he will serve as the benchmark."

Bagnaia's abilities in racing have consistently earned praise from his colleagues. His determined pursuit to secure victories in both the sprint and the grand prix during the final race in Barcelona, in an effort to maintain his chances for as long as he can, clearly illustrates the reason for this admiration.

Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia have both ascended to the pinnacle of MotoGP, each clinching the title of World Champion 🏆🎉 #MotoGP #SolidarityGP pic.twitter.com/ttWVQur7ew

"Dedication and Expertise"

Moreover, Bagnaia has exemplified the essence of a world champion through his conduct away from the track and his representation of the championship in his public statements.

Franco Morbidelli, sharing a closer perspective as a member of the VR46 Academy alongside Bagnaia, commented: "His exceptional dedication and professional attitude elevated the standard significantly. As the sport continues to advance, his unique method of engaging with motorcycle racing stood out. This dedication and professionalism are key attributes that have set him apart from the rest over the past three years."

This achievement is particularly commendable given it's the result of years of dedication. Throughout 2022, while Bagnaia was competing for his inaugural championship, he faced scrutiny for a drink-driving episode in Ibiza during the summer and a poorly considered Dennis Rodman homage helmet at the San Marino GP, which lingered even when the controversies had seemingly passed.

Mistakes are a part of everyone's journey, and the key is to grow from them. Bagnaia has significantly demonstrated this ability.

This was particularly evident right after the catastrophic floods in Valencia. Although its significance seemed minor compared to the dreadful images coming out of Spain, this calamity occurred just before the second-to-last round of the championship, raising questions about the fate of the final competition.

The contenders for the title managed the circumstances admirably, yet it was a scenario that would have a greater impact on Bagnaia. He admitted that canceling the last race could be detrimental to his chances, yet he completely trusted in any resolution Dorna chose to proceed with. For him, it was evident that the final race should not take place in Valencia.

During a media briefing at Sepang on Friday, he announced his decision not to compete in Valencia this season, even if it meant losing out on the championship title. This declaration raised questions about its influence on MotoGP's ultimate location in Barcelona, signaling that the statement from the reigning champion was significant and demanded attention.

Bagnaia earns praise for his stance on booing incidents

Throughout the year, Bagnaia has consistently shown grace under pressure. Notably, when his soon-to-be teammate Marc Marquez faced jeers from the crowd during the San Marino GP podium ceremony, Bagnaia visibly disapproved, signaling a no-go with his finger towards the disrespectful spectators. He went on to openly condemn such conduct as disrespectful during the Emilia Romagna GP two weeks after the incident.

Bagnaia has found himself entangled in the conflict between his mentor, Rossi, and Marquez, with Rossi often criticizing Marquez. Despite this, Bagnaia has maintained his composure and chosen not to participate or comment on the situation whenever inquiries are made.

In a definitive display of his sportsmanship, Bagnaia, upon being questioned in parc ferme following his championship loss, responded with elegance, stating: “I have no desire to overshadow Jorge’s moment. He has rightfully earned his accomplishments, and today belongs to him. My gratitude goes out to my team for their remarkable work; everything else is a separate matter.”

This season, Martin and Bagnaia have shared a deep mutual respect, a dynamic that likely wouldn't have existed to such an extent if Bagnaia wasn't competing against the 2024 champion.

In the upcoming two seasons, Bagnaia's performance in MotoGP, especially as he competes against Marquez with the same level of equipment at the official Ducati squad, will be crucial in shaping his career. Bagnaia has already shown he's a formidable contender, but Marquez's impressive results on an older GP23 model this season might raise some eyebrows.

However, Bagnaia's position at the close of 2026 shouldn't overshadow his accomplishments in MotoGP up to this point.

Over time, he might not be recalled as the most beloved figure. However, Bagnaia will forever be recognized as a distinguished world champion in MotoGP…

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Pecco Bagnaia's tenure in MotoGP has concluded, yet his achievements on the race track and his modesty away from it deserve to be celebrated and remembered with affection.

Francesco Bagnaia's journey epitomizes true MotoGP triumph.

Securing victories on the underdog Mahindra bikes in Moto3, advancing to triumph in the Moto2 championship, and dealing with the pressures associated with being part of the VR46 team as he stepped into MotoGP, Bagnaia has truly put in significant effort.

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On their own, Bagnaia's pair of world titles might not be held in the same esteem as those of his mentor Valentino Rossi or Marc Marquez, for instance. Although his comeback from a 91-point gap in 2022 was noteworthy, it came at a time when Fabio Quartararo was at a clear equipment disadvantage with the Yamaha.

In 2023, his quest for another world championship title became significantly more challenging when he faced Jorge Martin. Martin, being relatively inexperienced in the high-stakes environment of MotoGP championship battles, started to reveal his vulnerabilities as the season progressed.

This shouldn't diminish Bagnaia's accomplishments, as numerous contenders enter the arena only to leave in disappointment. Bagnaia not only realized his greatest aspiration but also played a pivotal role in shaping the prevailing era of Ducati's dominance we are currently experiencing.

Since Bagnaia emerged as a true contender for the championship in 2021, Ducati has seen numerous talented riders join its ranks. However, none have matched his accomplishments: securing two world championships, claiming victory in 29 Grand Prix races, achieving over 50 podium finishes, and earning 24 pole positions across 107 races for Ducati, starting from his first race in the premier class with Pramac in 2019.

Bagnaia has outdone Stoner

He has exceeded the accomplishments of Casey Stoner with the Bologna brand, yet if one were to list the greatest MotoGP riders, the Australian two-time world champion would likely rank above. It could be said that Stoner possessed a greater innate ability and had his career extended, his achievements could have been notably greater.

However, a fair assessment of a racer's abilities can only be made when considering the period in which they compete. Bagnaia finds himself in what is arguably the most challenging and competitive era of MotoGP. The differences in performance among riders are minimal, and the structure of the weekend races places a significant emphasis on Friday's outcomes. Moreover, the aerodynamics of the motorcycles, as described by a crew chief interviewed by Crash in Barcelona, make them quite difficult to handle.

During MotoGP's 2024 Barcelona race, Bagnaia and Martin outpaced their nearest competitor by 10 seconds. Earlier in the month at the Malaysian GP, with high stakes, Bagnaia maintained a 10-second gap ahead of the third-place rider. Despite experiencing eight non-finishes in 2024, Bagnaia's record of winning 11 grands prix in one season — equaling the achievements of racing legends like Marquez, Stoner, and Jorge Lorenzo — underscores his rightful claim to the championship, a distinction equally deserved by Martin.

Marc Marquez, when questioned by Crash.net about his evaluation of Bagnaia's tenure as MotoGP champion, remarked, "I often come across opinions suggesting 'perhaps he's a competent champion'… But in my view, a racer who secures victories back-to-back for two years is undoubtedly an exceptional champion, not merely a competent one."

"He's an exceptional champion. Securing a victory in MotoGP within a single season is not something everyone can achieve; it requires significant talent. However, there might be skepticism, thinking perhaps his win was a fluke. Yet, when you clinch victories for two consecutive years and are in contention for the championship in the final race of the third year, it's clear evidence of your outstanding prowess as a champion."

"I aim to absorb knowledge from him since he has a deep understanding of the team and the bike. My goal is to stay near him, as he will be my benchmark."

Bagnaia's abilities on the racetrack have consistently earned praise from his fellow riders. His determined push to secure victories in both the sprint and the grand prix during the final event in Barcelona, in an effort to maintain his championship aspirations, serves as a clear demonstration of his commendable qualities.

Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia have both achieved the title of MotoGP World Champions, proudly standing united in their victory. 🏆🎉 #MotoGP #SolidarityGP

'Dedication and Expertise'

Moreover, Bagnaia has exemplified the essence of being a world champion through his conduct away from the track and his representation of the championship in his public statements.

Franco Morbidelli, sharing a closer perspective as part of the VR46 Academy alongside Bagnaia, commented, “His introduction of an unparalleled degree of dedication and professionalism has elevated our sport to new heights. His unwavering commitment, professional attitude, and unique approach to motorcycle racing stand out as his key strengths, setting him apart from the competition over the past three seasons.”

This achievement is all the more commendable because it is evident that he has devoted years to honing this skill. Throughout 2022, while Bagnaia was contending for his initial championship, the shadow of his drink-driving episode in Ibiza during the summer and his poorly conceived homage to Dennis Rodman with a helmet at the San Marino GP lingered even after the controversy had died down.

It's acceptable for anyone to err, provided they gain insight from their errors. Bagnaia has significantly achieved just that.

This was particularly evident right after the catastrophic floods in Valencia. Although the gravity of the situation seemed minor when set against the dreadful images coming out of Spain, the calamity struck just before the second-to-last race of the season, raising questions about the fate of the concluding race.

The contenders for the title managed the circumstances with poise, yet it turned out to be a scenario that impacted Bagnaia the most. He admitted that canceling the last race might not work in his favor, but he was completely supportive of any resolution Dorna chose to adopt. For him, it was evident that the last race should not take place in Valencia.

During a press event in Sepang on Friday, he announced to journalists that he wouldn't be participating in the Valencia race this year, even at the risk of losing the championship title. Whether this influenced MotoGP's eventual move to Barcelona remains uncertain, but from that moment, it was evident that the reigning world champion had made his stance known, and his statement was undeniable.

Bagnaia's Response to Booing Highlights His Integrity

Throughout the year, Bagnaia has shown commendable restraint and poise. Notably, during the San Marino GP podium ceremony, when Marc Marquez, his soon-to-be teammate, faced jeers from the crowd, Bagnaia expressed his disapproval by shaking his finger at those booing. He went on to openly criticize such disrespectful actions towards Marquez at the Emilia Romagna GP two weeks following the incident.

Bagnaia has found himself inadvertently entangled in the spat between his buddy and guide, Rossi, who has been openly critical of Marquez. Nevertheless, he has maintained his dignity throughout, consciously choosing to stay out of the fray whenever the topic arises.

In a true display of sportsmanship, Bagnaia exhibited his class as a competitor in parc ferme, following his championship defeat. He eloquently stated, "I have no intention of overshadowing Jorge's moment. He's earned his success and today belongs to him. I simply wish to express my gratitude to my team for their outstanding effort; everything else is secondary."

This season has seen a great deal of admiration shared between Martin and Bagnaia, a dynamic that likely wouldn't have unfolded if Bagnaia hadn't been competing as the rival of the 2024 champion.

Over the following two years, Bagnaia's career in MotoGP will be shaped as he competes against Marquez, with both riders having access to the same level of equipment at the official Ducati team. Bagnaia has demonstrated that he is a formidable competitor, but Marquez's performance on the older GP23 model this season might raise some worries.

However, Bagnaia's position by the close of 2026 shouldn't overshadow his accomplishments in MotoGP to date.

As time goes on, he might not be recalled as the most beloved figure. However, Bagnaia will forever be recognized as an outstanding world champion in MotoGP…

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Maverick Vinales is looking forward to an exciting new opportunity in MotoGP with KTM. He believes the KTM bike aligns well with the way he rides.

Maverick Vinales, the sole competitor to outperform Ducati on a Sunday this season, is transitioning from riding for Aprilia to joining KTM. He will make his first appearance on the RC16 during the test in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Maverick Viñales, a racer who has claimed victory in MotoGP ten times riding bikes from Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia, concluded his time with the RS-GP team by finishing in an unremarkable 15th position at the Barcelona race on Sunday.

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The Spanish racer, who secured a win in the Portimao Sprint and achieved two consecutive victories at COTA at the start of the season, clarified that choosing the hard rear tire was his downfall.

"We chose the wrong rear tire, and that's the main issue—there's nothing more to add."

"Clearly, there are numerous areas that need enhancement, but I'll let the future team handle that."

"Embrace the outcome and look forward to what comes next. I'm thrilled about the upcoming phase."

Vinales' upcoming move involves joining the Tech3 KTM team, where he will strive to make history by becoming the first racer to secure victories on four distinct MotoGP brands.

Although Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder advanced past Vinales to secure positions just behind the Ducati-dominated top four in the championship, KTM has not claimed victory in a MotoGP race since the Thailand event in 2022 and has yet to win a Sprint race this season.

Vinales described his new journey with the orange team as a "wonderful challenge." He acknowledged that it won't be simple, given the significant differences in the bike. However, he believes that the new bike aligns better with his riding style, which he sees as an advantage.

"In any event, there's a substantial amount of work ahead, and since I haven't tested the bike myself, I can't comment. However, judging by the outcomes, it's clear that if we aim to compete with Ducati, we must make enhancements."

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, who brought Vinales over from Yamaha to team up with Aleix Espargaro, stated:

"A significant phase is concluding with Maverick, who played a crucial role in the development of our bicycle."

"The departure of Aleix marks the conclusion of a significant period; he was a rider who embodied bravery and determination, serving as an inspiration to everyone."

With Espargaro stepping down and Vinales leaving, the recently crowned champion from Pramac Ducati, Jorge Martin, will join forces with Marco Bezzecchi from VR46 to create a fresh factory Aprilia team for the 2025 season.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock and has witnessed the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in covering the story of Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury problems.

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EXCLUSIVE: Chantra Sets His Sights as a MotoGP Newcomer

Somkiat Chantra is set to make history as the first Thai rider to participate in MotoGP next season, joining the LCR Honda team.

After spending six years racing in Moto2, where his top performance was finishing sixth in the 2023 season, Somkiat Chantra is set to advance to MotoGP, joining LCR Honda for the 2025 season. He will be taking over from Takaaki Nakagami, who will transition into a testing position with HRC.

Chantra is set to become Thailand's first MotoGP rider. He will make his debut in the premier class at his home Grand Prix in Buriram, scheduled for February next year.

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During the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend at Mandalika, Chantra shared with Crash.net his excitement about moving up to the MotoGP class.

"Absolutely, I feel fantastic. Being the first Thai rider in the MotoGP class, and with my debut race in the MotoGP class happening at home next year, I'm truly overjoyed. My family shares in this excitement, as do all the young riders and supporters in Thailand. Honda Thailand is also thrilled that I've reached the MotoGP class," Chantra expressed, beaming with a wide smile.

"I'd like to aim for a top 10 finish, or perhaps somewhere below that." Chantra is among the three newcomers transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP next season, alongside Fermin Aldeguer, who will be with Gresini Ducati, and Ai Ogura, the Moto2 champion for 2024, who will join Trackhouse Aprilia.

In contrast to Aldeguer and Ogura, Chantra encountered significant challenges during his first year as a rookie. This difficulty was largely due to the fact that he was riding the Honda RC213V, which is considered one of the least competitive bikes on the grid this season.

In light of the circumstances, the Thai motorcyclist is optimistic about earning some points in his first MotoGP season, or potentially achieving a top-10 placement.

Certainly, it is challenging because Honda has been having a tough time over the past two years. If I step up, perhaps I can contribute to the team and possibly help us make some progress.

"In my debut season in MotoGP next year, my initial goal is to score some points. Ideally, I'd like to finish in the top 10 or at least secure some points. I'll be giving it my all and pushing to my limits. Competing won't be simple, as there are many skilled and rapid riders in MotoGP, making it a challenging task."

Chantra is set to take his inaugural ride on the RCV during the test session following the season tomorrow, marking the beginning of his transition from a Moto2 to a MotoGP bike.

Discussing his transition from Moto2 to MotoGP, Chantra emphasized that understanding the electronics would be a crucial aspect of his learning process. Additionally, he expressed a strong desire to shift his mindset to better adjust to the MotoGP motorcycle.

Transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP presents a significant challenge due to the distinct classes; MotoGP features higher speeds and more advanced electronics. During testing, I need to practice extensively and push for high speeds since the inaugural race is set to take place in Buriram, Thailand. My goal is to perform well and quickly adjust to the MotoGP bike, as explained by Chantra.

"My mindset is in a positive place now, and I'm working on clarifying everything. Embracing something new next season is a significant step for the coming year. I'm focusing on giving my best effort."

"Starting early next year, Chantra will be working alongside Johann Zarco in the LCR garage, as Zarco enters his second season with the team."

The French rider boasts extensive experience in MotoGP, having competed with Yamaha, KTM, Honda, and Ducati throughout his career in the top tier of motorcycle racing.

Chantra is optimistic about leveraging Zarco's experience to his advantage in MotoGP, acknowledging that the initial stages may be challenging.

Next year, the 25-year-old will have new HRC test riders, Aleix Espargaro and Nakagami, as benchmarks.

At first, even if you've assisted one another like teammates without knowing each other well, it's similar to our situation. For instance, he was consistently in the premier MotoGP class, while I was competing in Moto2, the category below. We would occasionally chat, but we weren't particularly close.

"Starting next year, I believe it will be challenging to discuss or inquire about anything initially, as I will be the newcomer. However, as time goes on and we develop a closer relationship, I’ll likely be able to seek advice or suggestions from him on what actions to take or things to attempt."

"Next year, Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami will be taking on roles as test riders, which is exciting to witness. Although I wasn't particularly close to these two before, I feel comfortable discussing anything with them. I can inquire about the new components or developments and explore what I can achieve in the MotoGP class."

Derry became part of Crash.net in 2021, taking on the role of a journalist for the Indonesian Edition. He is known for being a highly talented and passionate writer.

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Ducati anticipates smooth sailing with Marc Marquez's initial feedback on the factory bike. Marquez took the factory Ducati for a test ride for the first time on Tuesday in Barcelona.

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, anticipates that Marc Marquez's initial impressions of the factory MotoGP bike from the Italian manufacturer, during the test in Barcelona on Tuesday, will not reveal significant issues.

One year following his initial experience with the 2023 Ducati model for Gresini during the post-Valencia GP test, eight-time world champion Marquez is set to try out the full factory bikes from the Italian manufacturer for the first time this Tuesday in Barcelona.

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On Tuesday, Marquez is scheduled to test both the GP24 and the GP25 prototype. This will be Ducati's initial chance to gauge his impressions of a motorcycle that he hasn't contributed to in terms of development.

A sneak peek into 2025! 🐜 We are thrilled to have @marcmarquez93 join our team! It's time to get familiar with the new environment! 💪🏼 #ForzaDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/h0hZ8Xsczq— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) November 18, 2024

Dall’Igna is receptive to the possibility that Marquez might provide negative feedback on the GP25 bike, but he remains unconcerned about this potential criticism.

He stated that if this is the outcome of the test, then improvements need to be made to the bike. He expressed this sentiment on Monday in response to Crash.net's question about whether there was a concern that Marquez’s feedback might significantly differ from that of other Ducati riders.

"To be frank, we've collaborated with Marc for a year, and we've become familiar with each other."

"I anticipate that there won't be major issues during the test tomorrow, although it's always possible for unexpected challenges to arise."

According to a report by Crash.net on Sunday, Marquez is set to participate in Tuesday's test wearing the official Ducati team colors. However, his motorcycle and racing suit will not feature any sponsor logos.

The difference between the GP23, which Marquez used to secure three grand prix victories this season, and the GP24, on which Jorge Martin clinched the championship, was considerable.

Dall’Igna has emphasized that there won't be a significant difference in performance between the GP24 and the GP25 models.

“To be frank, the 25 has not made the same progress at this moment,” he mentioned.

"Frankly, the current standard of the GP24 is very impressive, and making significant changes to the two motorcycles involves taking certain risks."

"Right now, I don't believe it's needed."

Dall'Igna has identified top speed as a key area for enhancement, along with improving traction while navigating through corners.

This winter, enhancing the engine's power will become increasingly vital. Once the Ducati engine is frozen before the 2025 Thai Grand Prix, no further developments can be made until the end of 2026, leading up to the start of the 2027 era with 850cc engines. "I believe we need to slightly increase our bike's speed on the straights, as some of our rivals seem to be a bit stronger than us in that area," he mentioned.

"I want to enhance the spin slightly when I'm in the middle of the corner."

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"Astounded and apologetic," the Forward team releases a statement following the Misano pitlane incident. Despite still being in disbelief and regretful over the events, the Klint Forward Factory Team feels compelled to address and dismiss the imaginative rumors that have circulated since the incident.

The Klint Forward Factory Team issued an official statement following the alarming incident that occurred in the pitlane on Saturday morning.

During the beginning of the last Moto2 practice session, Unai Orradre crashed into a track official who unexpectedly walked across the pit lane in his path.

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The bike, without Orradre on it, veered into the garage designated for Aprilia MotoGP.

Aprilia informed Crash.net that their team members were unharmed, stating that the situation "could have been far more severe."

"The motorcycle crashed into the workstation of my engineer, but fortunately, Antonio Jimenez, who is the crew chief, along with the data analyst, were out grabbing a coffee," stated Aleix Espargaro from Aprilia. "The garage was obliterated by the bike. We were incredibly fortunate."

Both Orradre and the track worker managed to escape without major injuries, allowing the Spaniard to come back for the qualifying session.

Forward has released a statement to address and dismiss the speculative rumors, emphasizing that the accident occurred entirely by chance.

"During the beginning of the second free practice session yesterday, a control operator unexpectedly moved from the pit wall area toward the pit lane."

At that time, Unai Orradre, a motorcyclist who was getting closer, attempted to steer clear of the operator but was unable to do so.

After colliding with the latter, Orradre lost control of his motorcycle, which eventually crashed into the Aprilia garage, resulting in significant damage.

The Klint Forward Factory Team, although still in disbelief and regretful about the incident, finds it necessary to release a statement to address and clear up the imaginative rumors circulating after the event.

Unai Orradre, who is stepping in for Alex Escrig in his first Moto2 race, remains surprised and apologetic, echoing the sentiments of his team.

The Forward work group expresses its solidarity with Aprilia Racing and the Misano staff, who work on the track with dedication and expertise. They emphasize that the accident was entirely random and unavoidable for everyone involved.

The Klint Forward Factory Team hopes that the media will accurately convey the details of the incident to both the public and their supporters, while not downplaying its importance.

Peter has spent two decades 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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