Honda is informed that revival isn't solely a financial matter as Aleix Espargaro spearheads testing resurgence

Pol Espargaro outlines strategies for Honda's resurgence

Former racer Pol Espargaro has cautioned Honda that financial investment alone will not be sufficient to return them to the top of MotoGP.

Aleix Espargaro, the sibling of racer Pol, is set to end his racing career and will join Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as a test rider in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience to the

Honda has been in a prolonged slump, underscored by the departure of Marc Marquez.

Pol Espargaro, who teamed up with Marquez at Honda for two years, stated, "They are making efforts. I'm aware they are putting in the work.

"However, it's not solely focused on labor, materials, or the financial capacity available to achieve the outcome."

"This isn't the issue at hand!"

"Everything is interconnected – the way you operate, the structure of the organization, and the approach to testing, which has become a crucial element in this sport today."

"Participants compete in two races every weekend, leaving them no opportunity for testing during the event. This might have been possible in previous years."

"Hence, the significance of a robust testing team cannot be overstated. From my observation, it plays a crucial role in advancing the capabilities of manufacturers."

"The standard is elevated, and the technology is incredibly sophisticated."

'Hard to fathom the stress'

Aleix Espargaro has concluded his extensive MotoGP journey, leaving Aprilia behind, to dedicate his efforts to Honda's testing program.

"Pol mentioned that Aleix had been searching for something of that nature."

"It's truly challenging to comprehend the daily stress these individuals face to excel."

"They strive for improvement not only during race weekends but also in their daily lives, constantly asking themselves, 'how can I improve?' to achieve excellence every day."

Aleix found himself at a juncture, overwhelmed with thoughts about his future aspirations.

"He desires to spend time with his loved ones. Additionally, he enjoys biking and aims to achieve something while he still can."

"He desires to pursue varied interests in life, a sentiment that's reasonable given his extensive time spent in the paddock."

"Setting the objective to bring Honda back to a winning position or to the forefront is an incredible aim, an astonishing pursuit, and a fantastic journey."

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

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EXCLUSIVE: The Resistance to Valentino Rossi's Move to Yamaha Explained

Crash.net sits down with Davide Brivio for an exclusive interview commemorating two decades since Valentino Rossi clinched his inaugural MotoGP championship with Yamaha.

In 2024, MotoGP marked its 75th year since the inaugural grand prix season in 1949, a period highlighted by numerous pivotal events. Among these was the significant achievement 20 years earlier in 2004, when Valentino Rossi secured his fourth title in the top class.

At that stage, Rossi had become the leading figure in motorcycle racing. Clinching the last championship of the 500cc era in 2001 riding for Honda in merely his sophomore year, Rossi embarked on the dawn of the four-stroke MotoGP era, dominating on the factory Honda RC211V.

In 2002, Rossi claimed victory in 11 grand prix events and secured second place in all other races, except for one in which he didn't score. This performance led him to his second top-tier championship, and he continued his winning streak by securing a third title in 2003, achieving nine wins with comparable dominance.

While the global community celebrated Rossi's brilliance, this view wasn't shared at Honda's headquarters in Japan. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) attributed Rossi's victories entirely to the capabilities of the RC211V. Such an attitude is often at odds with the significant pride that is typical among professional motorcycle racers.

Throughout 2003, Rossi's team initiated confidential negotiations with Yamaha, making substantial efforts to maintain secrecy. Davide Brivio, the then team manager, disclosed years later that he and Lin Jarvis had to conceal themselves under a table during a meeting, fearing someone was about to come into the tent where they were situated.

After much negotiation, Rossi secured a move to Yamaha for the 2004 season. However, Honda enforced the full term of Rossi's existing contract with them, preventing him from conducting any M1 test rides until the early part of 2004.

Yamaha and Rossi's team needed to iron out details regarding the financial terms of their agreement and decide which team members would accompany the Italian racer. Additionally, a mindset within the Japanese brand, similar to Honda's approach, threatened to derail this groundbreaking partnership.

"In our conversation with Valentino," Brivio recounted to Crash.net while reflecting on Rossi's 2004 championship, "Yamaha had a varied perspective internally, as some opposed Valentino's inclusion, arguing, 'he's a multi-world champion: should he join Yamaha and we fail to secure a victory, the blame would fall on Yamaha.

"Should we emerge victorious, it will be credited to Valentino, leaving our brand with no tangible benefit." This represented one perspective. The prevailing belief within the organization emphasized the significance of the motorcycle itself. There was a sentiment among some at Yamaha which posited, 'Valentino isn't essential for our success; we're capable of engineering a motorcycle so superior and powerful that any rider could secure a win with it.'"

The issue with this perspective was Yamaha's inability, up until that point, to construct a motorcycle robust enough to clinch the championship in the four-stroke period. Indeed, as of the conclusion of 2003, Yamaha had not secured a championship victory since their 1992 500cc victory with Wayne Rainey. Following that, Suzuki emerged victorious on two occasions – in 1993 and 2000 – whereas Honda dominated the championship scene, with Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, and Rossi taking home the majority of the titles.

During the years 2002 and 2003, Rossi secured back-to-back MotoGP championships, while Yamaha managed to clinch victory in only two grand prix races. Yamaha's performance was so lackluster that when Rossi came on board, the team was coming off a winless 2003 season. Their best finish was a third-place podium at the French GP, thanks to Alex Barros. Carlos Checa was Yamaha's highest-ranking rider in the championship standings, trailing Rossi by a whopping 234 points.

The prospect of Rossi contending for the championship in 2004 appeared unlikely. However, Jeremy Burgess, his crew chief, leveraging the expertise that contributed to the success of the RC211V, pinpointed the enhancements required for the M1. Masao Furusawa, Yamaha's head of technology, developed a novel 'big bang' inline-four engine. Meanwhile, Burgess made adjustments to the bike's dimensions and fine-tuned the electronics to enhance braking efficiency and optimize the M1's performance in corners.

At the start of the 2004 season in South Africa, Yamaha, alongside Rossi, arrived with a significantly upgraded M1. They successfully secured the pole position and triumphed in the race, with Rossi emerging victorious over his main competitor, Max Biaggi, who was riding a Honda operated by Pons, in a captivating contest. Indeed, Rossi led the pack, outperforming a fleet of RC211Vs led by Biaggi, with Sete Gibernau, Barros, and Nicky Hayden trailing behind.

During the victory lap, Rossi paused to spend a moment with his new motorcycle, contemplating the significant achievement he had just accomplished. Afterwards, he focused on his next tasks. He secured eight additional victories in 2004 and clinched the championship one race before the season ended in Australia. This made him the first competitor since Eddie Lawson in 1989 to win consecutive championships on motorcycles from two distinct manufacturers, with Lawson having switched from Yamaha to Honda to achieve this feat.

In 2005, Rossi and his Yamaha team outperformed their competition significantly. Securing victories in 11 races and missing the podium in only one, they left Honda's Marco Melandri trailing by 147 points. This performance solidified the M1 as the premier motorcycle in MotoGP. However, Brivio emphasized that Yamaha's success also highlighted the indispensable role of a skilled rider alongside a capable bike.

Brivio reflects on the prevailing attitude during the early 2000s, emphasizing that the focus was primarily on the motorcycle, often overlooking the significance of the rider. By recruiting Valentino Rossi to Yamaha, they demonstrated the critical role both the bike and the rider play in the sport. Brivio expresses pride in this achievement, believing it restored some recognition to the athletes. Despite his affiliation with a manufacturing company, he feels they were instrumental in reevaluating the balance between the value of the motorcycle and the rider's contribution during that period.

"This brings back a fond memory. We shared many moments of joy and laughter, akin to imagining a scenario where Pecco Bagnaia leaves Ducati due to dissatisfaction, only to join a less successful team and clinch the championship the following year. That's how remarkable the situation was back then. It was a significant and delightful experience. The fun we had was immense, and the lessons learned were invaluable. I must acknowledge that Valentino revolutionized the mindset and culture within Yamaha, particularly in terms of racing strategy."

Certainly, the Yamaha competitor closest to Rossi in the 2005 rankings was his team-mate from the same factory, Colin Edwards, who secured fourth place but trailed by 188 points and had only achieved three podium finishes. The year prior in 2004, the Yamaha rider following Rossi closely was Carlos Checa, lagging by 187 points and having attained only a single podium placement.

Indeed, between 2004 and 2007, Valentino Rossi was the sole Yamaha racer to achieve victories on the M1. It was not until 2008, with the debut of Jorge Lorenzo, that Yamaha witnessed a shift in dynamics, having two competitors able to secure wins on its bikes.

Brivio believes that without Rossi joining in 2004, Yamaha would have continued to prioritize the motorcycle's development, hoping that this strategy would eventually attract a leading rider to the team.

"Brivio suggests that had Valentino not joined the team in 2004, Yamaha might have eventually developed a competitive bike, but it would likely have taken more time. Without Valentino, the journey might have involved building a better bike first to gain the trust of leading riders, potentially taking a couple of years before they could attract a top rider to the team and achieve a victory. This could have delayed the arrival of someone like Jorge Lorenzo or another similar talent, possibly pushing back success by two to four years."

Certainly, if Rossi had not joined the team, Burgess wouldn't have been present to identify the shortcomings that limited the M1's performance. The year 2003 was consistently challenging for Yamaha, sparking speculation that the company might exit MotoGP. Looking back, it's difficult to imagine Yamaha's situation getting better with someone other than Rossi in charge.

The collaboration between Rossi and Yamaha resulted in additional championship victories in 2008 and 2009. However, the emergence of Lorenzo as a dominant force led to his securing the championship title three times from 2010 to 2015. The escalating tension between Rossi and Lorenzo culminated in Rossi's departure from Yamaha at the conclusion of 2010, followed by a challenging period with Ducati during 2011 and 2012.

Rossi and Burgess's success at Yamaha was not mirrored at Ducati, primarily due to the rigidity of its racing team. However, the tide began to turn with Gigi Dall'Igna stepping in as general manager in 2014, setting Ducati on a trajectory towards becoming the contemporary leaders of MotoGP.

In 2013, Rossi made his way back to Yamaha and nearly secured his fifth championship with the company in 2015. He continued to compete for Yamaha until he concluded his MotoGP career at the end of the 2021 season.

Though his victories became scarce towards the end of his MotoGP career, Rossi's legendary status remains unshakeable. This is largely attributed to his groundbreaking switch to Yamaha two decades ago…

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2025 MotoGP Roster: The Full Line-Up

Details on the contract status of every rider in MotoGP for the 2025 campaign.

Here is the complete list of MotoGP riders set to compete in the 2025 global championship.

Ducati acted quickly to secure a long-term agreement with key rider Francesco Bagnaia, yet the speculation surrounding who will be his team-mate in 2025 took center stage in the initial discussions of the rider market.

Ultimately, Marc Marquez secured the position, following an unexpected reversal by Ducati, who initially seemed to favor championship frontrunner Jorge Martin.

VR46 is set to take over from Pramac, who is moving to Yamaha, as the newly endorsed satellite team backed by the factory. Fabio di Giannantonio will continue with VR46, though now he has inked a deal directly with Ducati and will be equipped with machinery of factory specification.

Franco Morbidelli is set to join Diggia as a new team member, transitioning from Pramac to assume control of Marco Bezzecchi's bike from the previous season.

In 2025, Ducati is set to introduce Fermin Aldeguer, a young prodigy from Moto2, to the top tier of racing. Aldeguer will team up with Alex Marquez at Gresini, taking over the spot from Marc Marquez.

KTM has secured Brad Binder with an extended contract through 2026, while newcomer sensation Pedro Acosta is set to transition from Tech3 GASGAS to the primary team.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Tech3 team announced a fresh duo of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales for their roster, alongside a switch from GASGAS branding to the Red Bull KTM livery.

Consequently, this situation leaves KTM racers Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez without a team. Subsequently, rumors quickly spread about their potential move to Yamaha for the upcoming season, with Miller being associated with the Pramac initiative and Fernandez possibly stepping in as a test rider.

Aprilia

The Aprilia factory team is set to undergo significant transformations by 2025, with Aleix Espargaro planning to retire after this season, and Maverick Vinales moving to KTM Tech3.

Jorge Martin is set to take over the bike previously ridden by his close friend Espargaro. This opportunity comes following Martin's departure from Ducati. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi is transitioning from VR46 to fill the spot left by Vinales.

The makeover of the Trackhouse team, supported by the US, had Moto2 victor Joe Roberts rumored to be joining his 'home' squad. However, the contract was ultimately awarded to Moto2 championship hopeful Ai Ogura.

Ogura is set to team up with Raul Fernandez, who stands as the sole Aprilia competitor with previous racing knowledge of the RS-GP.

Yamaha has resolved a significant aspect of the 2025 rider market by securing Fabio Quartararo with a new contract, reportedly establishing him as the top-earning rider in MotoGP.

Alex Rins will also continue to be his teammate.

The manufacturing entity achieved a significant victory by attracting the current team champions, Pramac, to their side with a reported seven-year contract for factory bikes starting the next season, after missing out on securing VR46, moving them away from Ducati.

Miguel Oliveira has inked a two-year contract with Yamaha to pilot a Pramac bike built to factory specifications, alongside Jack Miller who has been secured as his partner for the team on a one-year agreement.

Luca Marini has agreed to a two-year deal to fill in for Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda, while Johann Zarco has secured his position at LCR through to the close of 2025.

Joan Mir subsequently reached an agreement on a fresh two-year contract with Repsol Honda during the middle of 2024, even though he had voiced dissatisfaction regarding the absence of technical advancements in the RC213V.

LCR's Takaaki Nakagami's contract has ended, and although Ogura's agreement with Trackhouse relieved some tension, his spot will be filled by Thailand's Moto2 sensation Somkiat Chantra.

Nakagami is set to take on test riding responsibilities for HRC in Japan and will also 'compete in select MotoGP events as a wild-card entry'.

In 2025, Aleix Espargaro is set to take on roles as both a test and wild-card rider for HRC.

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Peter, with two decades of experience in the paddock, has witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from its rise to its conclusion. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure as well as Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Specialists are divided on the top MotoGP performance of 2024

Here's what our specialists think – though it's a difficult decision

Selecting the premier MotoGP motorcycle for 2024 is a challenging task.

From astonishing triumphs to unforeseen comebacks, to competitors who outperformed on motorcycles that lacked competitive capabilities.

Our specialists embarked on determining the standout MotoGP performance of 2024, with multiple contenders in consideration…

Peter McLaren: A tough decision! I'll go with Maverick Vinales' victory at COTA.

It was the sole occasion Ducati faced defeat in the 20 Grand Prix races, with him making his way up from the eleventh position to secure the win.

Unfortunately, Vinales was unable to duplicate his previous performance with the RS-GP.

Lewis Duncan: Francesco Bagnaia has delivered several remarkable performances throughout the 2024 season. However, his victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix shines as the most exceptional of them all.

Securing his 10th victory out of 11 Grand Prix races in 2024, this win occurred at a critical moment. After failing to finish the sprint race the previous day, he found himself 29 points behind Jorge Martin in the championship standings, leaving his aspirations nearly dashed.

To maintain his chances in the championship race, securing a victory in the grand prix was essential. He achieved precisely this, engaging in an intense battle with Martin during the initial three laps. After the initial skirmish, he managed to create a gap, finishing more than three seconds ahead by the time they reached the finish line.

Deducting just five points from Martin wasn't enough to prevent the Spaniard from securing the championship title.

However, it guaranteed that Bagnaia remained in contention heading into the last round, while also showcasing his remarkable ability to perform under pressure.

Jordan Moreland: Marc Marquez at Phillip Island.

From 2nd to 13th position going into the first turn due to his unfortunate beginning, as his visor strip got jammed beneath the back tire.

To make a remarkable recovery and clinch victory in the race, overcoming Jorge Martin. Truly one of the most impressive comeback performances you could witness.

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A £30 million payout is being suggested, however, Adrian Newey is considered a "steal" as he’s deemed "underpaid."

"Martin Brundle constantly refers to Newey as being shamefully undercompensated."

It has been asserted that Adrian Newey's substantial paycheck from Aston Martin will be fully justified.

The chief technology officer of Red Bull is set to begin his tenure at Aston Martin in a few months, taking on the role of managing technical partner and becoming a shareholder.

Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire proprietor of Aston Martin, is set to offer Newey a salary higher than what 18 out of the current 20 F1 drivers earn, in his quest for success.

"Among the numerous figures available publicly, the one I have the most faith in is a fundamental annual salary of $25 million, which amounts to just below £20 million," Craig Slater from Sky Sports revealed.

The additional bonuses might increase it by 50%, taking it to £30 million.

The contract spans a duration of five years, yet due to his status as a shareholder, its term might extend indefinitely.

"These conditions are superior to what any other party proposed."

"Eddie Jordan played a forceful role on behalf of Newey during the negotiations. Initially, the bids opened at $50 million, but Lawrence Stroll managed to reduce that amount, according to what I've heard."

Martin Brundle consistently refers to Newey as shockingly undercompensated.

Ted Kravitz remarked, "It’s a steal. Stroll mentioned he was a great deal."

"Shifting from fifth to fourth place in the constructors' rankings can net you £15m. Climbing from fifth to first over a few years could bring in around £50m."

Slater mentioned, "He'll be working here on a full-time basis. While at Red Bull, he was engaged in various other initiatives."

"He indicated his willingness to put forth a solid, strenuous effort. The emphasis is on Formula 1; any project related to production cars is considered for the future.

"The main focus is on ensuring the Formula 1 team secures victories."

Newey is set to join the team based in Silverstone starting in March.

The most celebrated Formula 1 car designer will be available to supervise the development of Aston Martin's 2026 vehicle, possibly providing them with a significant edge as the new rules come into effect.

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

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Guenther Steiner observes a shift in Fernando Alonso's approach, comparing it to that of Lewis Hamilton during his return to F1.

Ex-Haas F1 leader Guenther Steiner has observed a shift in Fernando Alonso's demeanor, noting similarities to Lewis Hamilton's transformation in recent times.

Following a challenging period at McLaren from 2015 to 2018, Alonso took a two-year break from Formula One to participate in the World Endurance Championship.

Alonso secured two victories at Le Mans and clinched the WEC championship with Toyota.

The Spanish driver had grown disenchanted with Formula 1, continuing to experience a streak without victories into 2024.

Yet, upon his comeback with Alpine in 2021, Alonso seemed revitalized.

He made his way back to the podium during the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix and then experienced his most successful season since his time with Ferrari in 2023, driving for Aston Martin.

A point of critique against Alonso was his struggle to collaborate effectively in a group setting and his tendency to openly criticize his peers.

In his publication 'Unfiltered', Steiner highlighted a significant adjustment Alonso implemented in his subsequent Formula 1 career phase.

"Steiner expressed his viewpoint, noting that Fernando not only triumphed in the World Endurance Championship during his hiatus from Formula 1 and secured two Le Mans victories, but he also mastered the art of leveraging his ego to his advantage, a skill he seemingly lacked in earlier years."

"Now, observe his demeanor. He's calm, confident, and behaves flawlessly, allowing him to channel all his mental and physical efforts into excelling on the racecourse. In this aspect, he closely resembles Lewis Hamilton."

In 2024, despite Alonso consistently delivering top-notch performances, Aston Martin has experienced a decline in their competitive ranking.

Aston Martin clinched the fifth position in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' standings, trailing significantly behind Mercedes, who took fourth place.

Nonetheless, the squad under the ownership of billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is gearing up for what lies ahead.

At the beginning of this year, they secured Adrian Newey from Red Bull, with the renowned designer set to commence his duties next year.

Former Mercedes head, Andy Cowell, along with Enrico Cardile, have become part of the team.

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Connor is the driving force behind our impartial coverage, keenly focusing on the controversies and narratives within F1.

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The top 10 wealthiest F1 racers in history

F1 generously compensates its athletes, a fact evidenced by the opulent estates in Monaco.

The financial aspect of Formula 1, both in contemporary times and in the past, is characterized by the substantial sums involved in the contracts of current racers and the legends who preceded them.

Several Formula 1 drivers who boast the largest net worths have amassed their wealth over numerous years.

According to estimates provided by GQ, these individuals are the wealthiest Formula 1 drivers in history.

10. Alain Prost – £78m

This French driver once held the title for the highest number of Formula 1 race victories, a record that was eventually surpassed by Michael Schumacher years afterward.

Prost secured four F1 titles, yet his career was also marked by numerous contentious incidents.

His competition with Ayrton Senna has become legendary.

9. Eddie Irvine – £93m

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Eddie Irvine raced in Formula 1 from 1993 to 2002, achieving his highest finish as second place in 1999 while driving for Ferrari.

Irvine additionally amassed a highly profitable real estate collection, which played a significant role in increasing his overall wealth.

8. Mario Andretti – £101m

This American racer achieved victories across Formula One, IndyCar, Daytona 500, Nascar, and the World Sportscar Championships.

The possibility exists for the Andretti legacy to make a comeback in F1, under the management of Michael, Mario's son.

7. Sebastian Vettel – £109m

This German athlete has claimed the F1 championship four times, leading Red Bull to their initial series of victories in the racing world.

A subsequent stint at Ferrari didn't bring much success on the race track, but it significantly boosted Vettel's financial earnings.

He concluded his Formula 1 journey the previous year following a two-year stint with Aston Martin, but there's a chance he could be lured back to racing in the World Endurance Championship in 2024.

6. Jenson Button – £117 million

Following his 2009 F1 world championship victory, Button secured a lucrative deal with McLaren, a team he signed with subsequent to his triumph with Brawn.

Button is involved in various business ventures beyond F1 and serves as a television presenter for Sky.

5. Niki Lauda – £157 million

The iconic racer secured three F1 titles, predominantly racing for McLaren and Ferrari.

He authored several books, purchased and then sold an airline, and served as a muse, along with James Hunt, for the movie 'Rush'.

4. Kimi Raikkonen – £143m

An astonishingly large deal with Ferrari initially positioned the Iceman among the top earners in F1.

Raikkonen has put money into real estate and also competed in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR. He currently holds the position of team principal in motocross.

3. With a net worth of £204 million, Fernando Alonso continues to make his mark in Formula 1 as of 2023. His enduring career, which has seen him clinch two world championships, is a significant factor behind his considerable fortune. Alonso has had stints with several top teams, including Renault, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and most recently, Aston Martin.

2. Lewis Hamilton – £223 million

Years of profitable Formula 1 agreements, validated by his seven global titles, have significantly increased Hamilton's wealth. His recent contract extension with Mercedes for an additional two years is set to enhance his financial status even more. Additionally, he has substantial stakes in the corporate sector, including ownership in the Denver Broncos and a vegan burger enterprise valued at £100 million.

Michael Schumacher – £472 million

This legendary sports figure, known for his unparalleled seven Formula 1 championships, now shares this record with Hamilton. His tenure with Ferrari is not only legendary in the F1 world but also ranks as one of the most outstanding periods for an athlete in any team sport.

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Specialists are at odds regarding the top MotoGP ride for 2024. Our panel shares their opinions, yet the decision remains challenging.

Choosing the best MotoGP performance for 2024 is quite challenging.

From remarkable wins to surprising comebacks, and to cyclists who excelled on machines that weren't competitive enough.

Our specialists began evaluating which performance stood out as the MotoGP ride of 2024, though there are numerous contenders…

Peter McLaren: That's a tough decision! I'll go with Maverick Vinales taking the victory at the Circuit of the Americas.

In the 20 Grands Prix races, Ducati was defeated just once, and he accomplished this by battling his way up from the eleventh position.

Unfortunately, Vinales was unable to match that performance on the RS-GP once more.

Lewis Duncan reports that Francesco Bagnaia has delivered several impressive performances throughout the 2024 season. However, his race at the Malaysian Grand Prix is considered his most exceptional achievement.

Securing his 10th victory out of 11 grand prix races in 2024, this win arrived at a crucial moment. After a crash in the sprint race the previous day, he faced a 29-point gap behind Jorge Martin, making his championship aspirations seem nearly unattainable.

He had to secure a victory in the grand prix to stay in the running for the championship. He accomplished this by fending off Martin in an intense duel during the initial three laps, and then pulling away to finish more than three seconds ahead when he crossed the finish line.

Martin lost just five points, but it didn't prevent the Spanish competitor from securing the championship victory.

However, it guaranteed that Bagnaia remained in contention for the last round and showcased his capabilities when he faces intense pressure.

Jordan Moreland: Marc Marquez, Phillip Island.

Positions 2 through 13 heading into Turn 1 after a disastrous start, caused by a tear-off becoming lodged under the back tire.

In an impressive display, he managed to work his way up through the ranks and clinch victory in the race, triumphing over Jorge Martin. It's undoubtedly one of the most remarkable comeback performances you'll

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2025 MotoGP Team Roster: The Full Line-Up

An overview of the contract status for each MotoGP rider as they gear up for the 2025 season.

Here is the complete list of MotoGP racers set to compete in the 2025 World Championship.

Ducati acted quickly to secure a long-term contract with their standout rider, Francesco Bagnaia. However, the main focus in the early stages of the rider market was the uncertainty surrounding his teammate for the 2025 season.

After what seemed to be a change in decision from Ducati, who initially seemed to favor championship front-runner Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez ultimately secured the position.

The VR46 team is set to take over as the factory-supported satellite squad, succeeding Pramac, which is moving to partner with Yamaha. Meanwhile, Fabio di Giannantonio is remaining with VR46; however, he has secured a direct contract with Ducati and will now race with factory-spec equipment.

Franco Morbidelli will join Diggia as his new team-mate, transitioning from Pramac to ride the bike that Marco Bezzecchi used last year.

In 2025, Ducati plans to introduce Fermin Aldeguer, a young and promising Moto2 racer, to the top-tier racing category. Aldeguer is set to join forces with Alex Marquez at the Gresini team, taking over the spot previously held by Marc Marquez.

KTM secured Brad Binder with a contract that extends through 2026, while rookie sensation Pedro Acosta has been confirmed to transition from Tech3 GASGAS to join the main factory team.

In an unexpected move, the Tech3 team announced a completely new roster featuring Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales. Additionally, they will replace the GASGAS branding with Red Bull KTM colors.

This development indicates that KTM's current racers, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, will not have positions next season. There were strong rumors connecting Miller with Yamaha's upcoming Pramac initiative, while Fernandez was speculated to become a test rider for the team.

Aprilia is gearing up for significant changes in 2025, as Aleix Espargaro plans to retire by the end of this year, and Maverick Vinales has decided to join KTM Tech3.

Jorge Martin is set to take over the bike previously ridden by his close friend Espargaro, following his unsuccessful bid at Ducati. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi will be joining from VR46 to take Vinales' place.

The US-supported Trackhouse underwent a rebranding, which led to Moto2 race victor Joe Roberts being associated with a potential transfer to his 'home' team. However, the agreement was ultimately secured by Ai Ogura, a contender for the Moto2 championship.

Ogura will team up with Raul Fernandez, who will be the sole Aprilia racer with previous experience competing on the RS-GP.

Yamaha made a significant move in the 2025 rider market by securing a new contract with Fabio Quartararo. It is speculated that this deal positions him as the highest-paid rider in MotoGP.

Alex Rins will also continue to be his teammate.

The factory achieved another significant victory by managing to entice Pramac, the current teams' champion, away from Ducati. This came after they missed out on VR46. Reports indicate they secured a seven-year agreement to provide factory bikes starting next season.

Miguel Oliveira has entered into a contract lasting two years with Yamaha, allowing him to race on a factory-spec Pramac motorcycle. Jack Miller has also been announced as his teammate, having agreed to a one-year contract.

Honda

Luca Marini has agreed to a two-year deal to take over Marc Marquez's position with Repsol Honda, while Johann Zarco will remain with LCR through 2025.

In the middle of 2024, Joan Mir accepted a new two-year contract with Repsol Honda, even though he had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the RC213V's slow technical advancements.

Takaaki Nakagami from LCR is no longer under contract. Although the agreement with Ogura's Trackhouse eased some tension, Thai Moto2 standout Somkiat Chantra is set to fill his position.

Nakagami is set to take on the role of an HRC test rider in Japan and will also join a few MotoGP races as a wild-card entry.

In 2025, Aleix Espargaro is set to take on the roles of a test rider and a wild-card competitor for

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The top ten wealthiest Formula 1 drivers ever

Formula 1 is known for generously compensating its drivers, a fact evident from the opulent residences found in Monaco.

There is plenty of money involved in the major contracts that today’s F1 drivers have, as well as those that legendary drivers from the past benefited from.

Numerous F1 drivers who boast significant net worths have accumulated their wealth over an extended period.

According to estimates by GQ, these are the wealthiest Formula 1 drivers in history.

10. Alain Prost – £78 million

Alain Prost, the French driver, once held the record for the highest number of Formula 1 grand prix victories. This record stood for many years until it was eventually broken by Michael Schumacher.

Alain Prost secured four Formula 1 world titles, yet his career was marked by numerous contentious incidents.

His legendary rivalry with Ayrton Senna is well-known.

9. Eddie Irvine – £93 million

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Eddie Irvine raced in Formula 1 from 1993 to 2002. He achieved notable success in 1999 when he finished as the second-place driver for

Irvine amassed a highly successful collection of real estate investments, which significantly boosted his wealth.

8. Mario Andretti – £101 million

The American racing driver claimed victories in Formula One, IndyCar, the Daytona 500, Nascar, and the World Sportscar Championship.

The Andretti family might make a comeback in Formula 1, with a team managed by Mario Andretti's son, Michael.

7. Sebastian Vettel – £109 million

The German driver has secured four Formula 1 world titles, leading Red Bull to its initial series of victories in the sport.

A subsequent stint with Ferrari didn't bring much success on the track, but it significantly boosted Vettel's financial earnings.

Last year, he concluded his Formula 1 career following two seasons with Aston Martin. However, there is a possibility that he could be lured back into racing by participating in the World Endurance Championship in 2024.

6. Jenson Button – £117 million

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, secured a highly lucrative contract with McLaren following his championship victory with Brawn.

Button is involved in numerous business ventures beyond his career in Formula 1. Additionally, he serves as a television presenter for Sky.

5. Niki Lauda – £157 million

The iconic race car driver clinched three Formula 1 world titles, with his most significant stints being with McLaren and Ferrari.

In addition to authoring books, he was also involved in owning and selling an airline, and he served as a muse for the film 'Rush' alongside James Hunt.

4. Kimi Raikkonen – £143m

When Kimi Raikkonen initially joined Ferrari, he secured an extraordinarily lucrative contract, placing him among the top earners in the world of Formula 1.

Raikkonen has put money into real estate, has participated in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR as a driver, and currently holds the position of team principal in motocross.

Fernando Alonso – £204 million

In 2023, Fernando Alonso continues to excel in Formula 1, contributing to his substantial wealth. The two-time world champion has raced for several prominent teams, including Renault, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and currently Aston Martin.

2. Lewis Hamilton – £223 million

Lewis Hamilton's many profitable contracts in Formula 1, bolstered by his seven world championship titles, have significantly increased his wealth. His recent agreement to remain with Mercedes for an additional two years will further enhance his earnings. Beyond racing, Hamilton has substantial investments in the business sector, such as a stake in the Denver Broncos and a vegan burger company valued at £100 million.

1. Michael Schumacher – £472m

Michael Schumacher, a legendary figure in the world of sports, had his remarkable seven Formula 1 championships matched by Lewis Hamilton. His time with Ferrari is not only memorable in the history of Formula 1 but also stands out as one of the most remarkable eras achieved by any athlete with any team.

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Formula 1 Driver Earnings: What Are the Salaries of Each Racer?

Based on estimates from RacingNews365, Max Verstappen continues to hold the position as the top-earning driver in Formula 1.

For many years, Lewis Hamilton held the title of the highest-paid driver in Formula 1, but he has now fallen behind Verstappen. His earnings for 2024 are based on the contract he inked with Mercedes last summer. However, this will be his last season with the team, as he is set to move to Ferrari in 2025, where he will also enjoy a salary increase.

Charles Leclerc has inked a fresh contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third most highly paid driver.

Lando Norris signed a new contract with McLaren in the first weeks of 2024, which places him as the fourth highest-paid driver.

George Russell from Mercedes and Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin are tied for the fifth position.

Prominently at the opposite end of the ranking are RB's Yuki Tsunoda and Williams' Logan Sargeant.

The 2024 season is anticipated to be particularly eventful, as many drivers will have contracts concluding at the year's end, allowing them the opportunity to negotiate new agreements with other teams.

Mercedes is looking for a driver to take Hamilton's place, and there's a chance that Red Bull might part ways with Sergio Perez to bring in someone new, leading to two lucrative openings in the racing world.

Formula 1 drivers receive a base salary, as shown in the list above, and have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses for winning races and championships.

This indicates that Verstappen's earnings will significantly exceed his standard salary of $55 million.

In 2023, Forbes calculated that Verstappen's income, including bonuses, amounted to $70 million.

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Honda has been advised that the situation is "not solely about finances" as Aleix Espargaro spearheads a testing resurgence. Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro outlines strategies for Honda's revitalization.

Former rider Pol Espargaro has cautioned Honda that financial investment alone won't bring them back to the top in MotoGP.

Pol's sibling, Aleix Espargaro, is set to step away from competitive racing and take on the role of a test rider for HRC in 2025, bringing significant expertise to the team.

Honda has been experiencing difficulties for a number of years, as shown by Marc Marquez's decision to leave.

Pol Espargaro, who teamed up with Marquez at the factory Honda team for two years, expressed, "They are putting in the effort. I am aware of their dedication."

"It's not solely about the effort, the resources, or the financial means you possess to achieve the outcome."

"It's not related to that!"

"It's the combination of all aspects – how do you operate? How is the team structured? What is the approach to testing? Testing has become a crucial element in this sport today."

"The competitors participate in two races each weekend, leaving them with no opportunity to conduct tests during the race weekend. This might have been possible in the past."

"It is crucial to have a robust testing team. I've observed that this plays a significant role in the advancement of manufacturing companies."

"The standards are elevated, and the technology is highly sophisticated."

"Hard to fathom the stress"

Aleix Espargaro has concluded his long MotoGP career and departed from Aprilia to concentrate on testing for Honda.

Pol, Aleix's brother, mentioned that Aleix had been searching for something similar.

"It's quite challenging to fathom the daily pressure these individuals face to deliver results."

During race weekends and in their daily lives, they constantly strive to excel, regularly challenging themselves with the question, 'What can I do to improve?'

Aleix found himself overwhelmed with thoughts about his future plans and decisions.

He desires to spend time with his family. Additionally, he enjoys cycling and wishes to accomplish something before age becomes a limiting factor.

"After spending numerous years in the paddock, he desires to explore new pursuits in life, which is quite reasonable."

"Joining Honda with the aim of bringing them back to victory and success, reaching the pinnacle once more, is an incredible objective and an exciting journey."

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