Francesco Bagnaia: Equal Footing with Marc Marquez as the Benchmark

"Should one of us gain the lead while the other lags behind as the season progresses, it's essential to support the leading rider"

Francesco Bagnaia has dismissed remarks made by his new team-mate Marc Marquez suggesting that as a two-time MotoGP champion, Bagnaia begins 2025 with a higher 'status' in the Ducati team, being considered the 'benchmark' within the squad.

However, Bagnaia, who fell short of securing his third consecutive title by a mere ten points to Jorge Martin this season, noted that the situation could shift if a significant gap in the championship standings between the teammates became apparent.

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"Rationally speaking, the one in control and making the decisions is Pecco," said Marquez, who secured six MotoGP championships with Honda from 2013 to 2019, in a recent statement.

"Given that Pecco has secured two world championships for Ducati, including triumphing in eleven races last season, it stands to reason that he should be the primary decision-maker during this pre-season and the initial races."

"I'll make an effort to narrow the gap with him since he's the benchmark, the racer who brought Ducati back to championship glory, and who is moving at an impressive speed."

Inquired about his remarks during Ducati's 'Champions in Celebration' event in Bologna on Tuesday night, Motorsport.com reports Bagnaia's response as:

I'm convinced that ultimately, the 'top spots' in the ranking are unoccupied and rightfully shouldn't be.

"Each season kicks off anew, providing all riders with an equal opportunity, and I hold the view that as the season progresses, dynamics shift because it's always a fresh start."

"I'm convinced it's identical in nature, that when during the season one competitor is leading [in the championship] and another lags behind, efforts must be made to assist the frontrunner."

"I believe that Marc, as a remarkably smart individual, quickly grasped the nature of our environment and our working methodology."

"During the trial run in Barcelona, we collaborated effectively, and if we maintain this momentum, we're certainly headed in the right direction."

Bagnaia and Marquez secured the third and fourth quickest times, respectively, while testing a prototype of next year’s GP25 at the Barcelona trials.

The Italian believed that switching locations, following the cancellation of the Valencia event, was advantageous for trial objectives.

"This season in Barcelona, the circuit has improved significantly for testing from various perspectives: it's among the locations with the highest maximum speeds in the World Championship, and with the grip level being low, it offers an opportunity to evaluate a wider range of aspects," he detailed.

"Marc and I shared a mutual sentiment, which was incredibly beneficial, as we swiftly pinpointed areas for improvement. We recognized both our strengths and weaknesses."

"Ultimately, it became simpler for both the engineers and Gigi to discern the route that would better prepare them for their arrival in Malaysia."

The scheduled Sepang trial is set for February 5th to 7th, 2025.

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Jorge Martin and the CEO of Ducati discuss a potential future collaboration

"We have a fondness for Martin; our separation was amicable, and the future in two years is open to possibilities."

The future will reveal whether Ducati will rue the decision to let newly crowned MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin leave its premier team for Aprilia.

However, it seems both sides are receptive to the possibility of coming back together in the future, potentially during the upcoming MotoGP contract period in two years.

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"Martin holds a special place in our hearts, and our separation was amicable. The future, especially two years from now, is open-ended. Could he make a comeback to Ducati? It's certainly possible; he's an exceptional talent, and we're always in pursuit of talent," shared Ducati's Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Domenicali, with Sky at the 'Campioni in Festa' event in Bologna on Tuesday evening.

"Martin expressed his gratitude towards Ducati, hinting at a potential reunion in the future, as quoted by Motorsport.com during the event."

Regrettably, we couldn't manage to secure our spot with Ducati for the upcoming year. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant experience. Personally, it would have been a dream come true, but we were unable to make it happen.

"Looking ahead, I believe Aprilia shows promise. Despite clinching the title, I feel there's still much more I can achieve in this sport."

When questioned about what he will most fondly remember about Ducati, the company that launched his MotoGP career in 2020, the youthful Spaniard responded:

"Initially, opting for the bicycle is my choice, since I'll be using another one. However, as time progresses, I'll evaluate what's lacking."

"I'll carry forward the knowledge gained from competing against formidable riders such as Pecco, along with a working approach that could benefit me going forward."

During his first appearance with Aprilia at the Barcelona MotoGP Test last month, Martin secured the 11th quickest time, trailing Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati by 1.056 seconds.

Francesco Bagnaia, alongside his new Ducati factory team counterpart Marc Marquez, secured the third and fourth fastest times during the testing session, utilizing a preliminary model of next year's GP25.

Domenicali praised the exceptional promise of the official team's latest rider duo, featuring Bagnaia and Marquez, who together hold nine MotoGP championships, though he acknowledged that handling them could be challenging.

"Domenicali conveyed to Sky that managing a team with two colossal champions presents an inherent challenge due to its complexity. He likened them to supersonic jets, which are hard to pilot yet unmatched in velocity. The possibilities, he noted, are astounding."

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Vintage Ducati MotoGP bike hits the market at a six-figure cost

Invest substantially in this legendary motorcycle

A vintage Ducati from the MotoGP series is going up for sale.

The bicycle is being auctioned off at Sotheby's in New York, with an estimated price range of $400,000 to $800,000.

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The Ducati GP6 was previously owned by Loris Capirossi.

Capirossi secured the top qualifying spot and emerged victorious at the 2007 Japanese MotoGP in Motegi riding this motorcycle. It marked his last win on the racing circuit.

This motorcycle is one of only four '990' GP Ducatis that competed over its four-year racing span.

Acquired straight from the Ducati factory in 2007, it retains the Valencia season-ending scrutineer sticker in perfect condition.

In late 2007, Casey Stoner clinched the MotoGP championship riding for Ducati.

Thus, for the Italian maker, this bicycle represented a progression along their path.

This signifies a device from an era prior to the dominance of Ducati's Desmosedici period.

Should you have the financial means, you could potentially take the bike back to your place…

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

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Aprilia: "We have high expectations for Raul" | "At times, we had to be stern"

"Occasionally, we had to adopt a stricter approach… Encouraging him to persist with techniques he might not prefer, yet we understand are more efficient."

The factory Aprilia team will see a completely fresh roster, and with Ai Ogura making his debut at Trackhouse, Raul Fernandez will stand out as the sole MotoGP competitor beginning the upcoming season with prior racing knowledge on an RS-GP.

Fernandez has experienced a remarkable reversal of fortunes, starting the season as the sole Aprilia competitor on the 2023 model despite facing uncertainties about his career following his 22nd (Tech3 KTM) and 20th (RNF Aprilia) finishes in his earlier top-tier races.

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Fernandez produced some crucial performances on the older model bike, notably taking a brief lead in the Catalunya Sprint and securing a sixth-place finish in the Grand Prix.

The motorcycle racing scene accelerated rapidly when Aleix Espargaro revealed his plans to retire, Jorge Martin inked a new deal, and Maverick Vinales announced his departure.

Fernandez maintained his strong performance, securing an eighth-place finish at Assen, followed by a front row start in Germany, which marked his last race before switching to the 2024 specification components.

The Spanish individual was keen to unite with the rest on the newest device.

However, after accumulating 46 points across nine races on the 2023 motorcycle, his performance dipped to only 20 points across 11 competitions on the 2024 model, resulting in a 16th place finish in the rankings.

"Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, expressed high expectations for Raul in his conversation with MotoGP.com."

"By 2024, our hopes were already high. However, he switched bikes mid-season, which led to a lack of confidence in the newer [2024] model."

"Let's also remember he was absent from the Sepang test initially due to an injury."

"I believe Raul has the potential to perform exceptionally well, and clearly, it's our responsibility to provide him with a superior motorcycle."

Rivola also suggested that Fernandez should distinguish between looking for a bike configuration that feels more comfortable and one that actually delivers superior performance.

"Rivola mentioned, "Occasionally, riders might steer you towards choosing a bike that suits their riding preferences better, even if it's not the quickest option on the track."

"At times, we had to be firm and confident in our convictions, urging him to persist with an approach he might not favor, but one we understood to be more efficient."

"Therefore, I believe this task will be our primary focus for the coming year, and I anticipate our newly appointed technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, to lead the charge in seeking and achieving the optimal balance."

Rivola announced that the quartet of Aprilia racers – comprising Martin and Marco Bezzecchi on the official team, along with Fernandez and Ogura at Trackhouse – will be equipped with the newest factory model motorcycles starting from the first test in 2025.

"Definitely. In Sepang, we'll be equipping all four bikes identically. This approach is truly optimal for the bike's development," Rivola stated.

"It's beneficial to see Trackhouse's dedication. Observing the Barcelona Test, it appears that introducing the two new riders, Martin and Bezzecchi, also provided a positive impact for Raul."

Fernandez emerged as the quickest rider on an Aprilia during the trial, securing the fifth position while riding the 2024 model.

Peter has spent two decades in the racetrack environment, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the racing scene and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Gigi Dall'Igna highlights significant figures for MotoGP 2024

"Our achievements are genuinely extraordinary and remarkable"

During the factory's unprecedented 2024 MotoGP season, two figures are particularly noteworthy for Ducati Corse's General Manager, Gigi Dall'Igna.

However, it's not about securing victories in 19 out of 20 Grand Prix races, nor is it about Ducati claiming its third consecutive MotoGP championship and dominating the top four spots in the overall riders' rankings.

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"We've accomplished something truly remarkable and extraordinary. It's hard for me to comprehend and accept the figures we've reached," Dall'Igna was cited by Motorsport.com during its Campioni in Festa celebration in Bologna.

"I'd like to highlight a couple."

"The '14' signifies the occasions when Ducati dominated the top three positions. Recalling the thrill of our first complete podium sweep during my tenure (Valencia 2021) vividly, achieving this feat 14 times in a total of 20 races genuinely showcases our prowess.

One detail that particularly brings me joy to recall is how all Ducati racers outperformed their competitors to lead the pack during the Sprint in Thailand.

"This signifies that our bicycles outperform all rivals. It's a remarkable figure, and I must extend my gratitude once more to everyone involved in this endeavor, from our supporters at home to the teams and racers who played a role in reaching these achievements."

The sole blemish in the factory team's otherwise stellar season was the defeat of two-time defending champion Francesco Bagnaia, who lost the title to Pramac's Jorge Martin. Martin is set to move to Aprilia in the upcoming season.

Dall'Igna emphasized how Ducati showcased its commitment to fair play this year, as the brand allowed its riders to compete for the championship independently, without resorting to team strategies, assistance, or attempts to disadvantage their teams, clients, and riders.

In 2025, Marc Marquez, who has clinched three Grand Prix victories with Gresini this season, is set to team up with Bagnaia at the Ducati Lenovo team.

"Witnessing a champion like Marquez take your bike for a spin always evokes intense feelings," Dall'Igna expressed, referring to the eight-time world champion's initial trial in red at Barcelona the previous month.

Bagnaia and Marquez share the distinction of being outstanding champions, which is their most notable similarity. Their considerable experience and unwavering determination are key attributes, epitomizing the essence of a true champion.

Considering their distinct approaches, one tends to be more cautious while the other adopts a more balanced strategy during races. Nonetheless, both competitors possess the essential skills and knowledge required to clinch a world championship title.

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Marc Marquez addresses "challenging times" in "interactions with Italian supporters"

"The interactions with Italian supporters have experienced challenging times, but it's improving with each occasion"

After mending his strained ties with Italian enthusiasts through securing three wins for Gresini in the previous MotoGP season, Marc Marquez is optimistic about forging a 'positive relationship' as a factory Ducati rider in 2025.

Once a fierce competitor of Italy's iconic Valentino Rossi, Marquez has regularly encountered a challenging atmosphere at the Mugello and Misano circuits, where he has been met with considerable jeering.

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In 2024, the allegiance of the home supporters was divided when Marquez departed from Repsol Honda to join the ranks of an Italian manufacturer (Ducati) and its team (Gresini).

Despite some jeers from the crowd during the award ceremony, Marquez secured a much-celebrated win for Gresini on their home turf at Misano this year.

However, Francesco Bagnaia, who will be joining Ducati as a teammate in the future, emphasized that he believes no MotoGP competitor should be subjected to boos and taunts, while Marquez is optimistic that his rapport with the fans in Italy will see positive growth by 2025.

"At this year's 'Campioni in Festa' event in Bologna on Tuesday evening, Marquez was quoted by Motorsport.com stating, "For me, this year remains the same."

"I consistently put in effort, and I secured a victory at Misano racing for the Gresini team. This year, I'm hopeful for a strong performance at Mugello, especially with the Italian supporters watching."

Ultimately, the connection with the Italian supporters has experienced challenging periods, yet it improves with each occurrence.

"I've consistently aimed to maintain professionalism and fulfill my responsibilities. Competing for the Italian team, Gresini, restored my self-assurance."

"I compete on behalf of an Italian maker, and I'm confident we'll have a positive rapport."

When asked to compare his early battles against riders such as Rossi, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo to his current competitors in MotoGP, Marquez responded:

"The competitors I race with these days are more amicable! It feels like it was just yesterday when I came here at the age of 20, a novice with much to learn, but now I've become one of the veterans."

"I genuinely enjoy this aspect. Every individual possesses a unique professional journey and narrative, yet all the young talents entering MotoGP come with immense resolve. We strive to prepare ourselves for the challenge they present, given their remarkable strength."

Marquez is set to turn 32 on February 17, just a few weeks prior to the commencement of pre-season testing at Sepang.

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Pedro Acosta, along with former MotoGP competitors, participates in an endurance race through a muddy course. The event features a 40-kilometer track that Acosta takes on.

This week, Pedro Acosta spearheaded a team of former MotoGP racers in a renowned endurance competition held on challenging ground.

Acosta participated in the 2024 Enduroc in Spain, an intense motorcycle competition that marks the end of the Spanish racing season.

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He wasn't the sole rider connected with MotoGP or the World Superbike Championship to participate and end up covered in mud.

Check out this Instagram post from Pedro Acosta (@37pedroacosta).

Among the hundreds of participants, Remy Gardner, Carlos Checa, and David Checa were also fiercely competing.

David Checa achieved the best result among these riders by securing 16th place.

Gardner finished in 23rd place, while Carlos Checha came in 33rd.

Acosta ended up securing the 68th position.

"Thank you for an amazing experience," Acosta commented.

The Enduroc event features a 40-kilometer track that participants must complete two laps of, with the total distance depending on the specific category they are competing

Josep Garcia, an expert in the field, excelled in the Enduroc 2024 competition.

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

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Goiânia emerges as the newest location speculated for the Brazilian MotoGP's comeback

Is a Brazilian MotoGP event set for 2026?

The Ayrton Senna International Circuit in Goiânia is likely to be the next Brazilian location considered for a potential MotoGP event.

According to GRANDE PREMIO, the government of Goiás has finalized a deal with Dorna to host MotoGP in Brazil starting in 2026.

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According to the website, the contract to host the category at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia Ayrton Senna is set to be signed on December 12th and will be effective for a duration of five years.

From 1995 to 2004, Jacarepagua was the venue for the Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Grand Prix was held in Goiania from 1987 to 1989, and in 1992, it took place at Interlagos

Since 2004, initial MotoGP contracts were revealed for locations in Deodoro and later in Brasília, yet none of these plans came to fruition.

The most recent suggestion comes after discussions took place involving the government of Goiás and Dorna during the Dutch TT event in Assen, followed by a meeting with Dorna's CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, in Madrid.

Argentina hosts the sole South American race in the MotoGP series, but the 2024 event at Termas de Rio Hondo has been called off. The future of the 2025 race remains uncertain, although it is provisionally scheduled for March 14-16.

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Solidarity MotoGP's final race has been awarded the title of 'best GP' for 2024. Organizers described the event as a significant achievement in the contemporary era of the sport.

The MotoGP teams' association (IRTA) has selected the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, which was a late substitute for Valencia, as the 'best GP'.

As catastrophic floods hit Valencia over the weekend of the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Barcelona circuit, which held the Catalunya event earlier in May, was given only ten days to prepare for the season's final race and the subsequent test session.

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In a historic moment, Jorge Martin became the first satellite rider to capture the 'MotoGP' championship.

IRTA president Herve Poncharal expressed pride in the unity shown by the sport during the event in Barcelona.

The remarkable success of the Solidarity GP race in Valencia is a result of our collective efforts, and organizing such an event on short notice only adds to its distinctiveness.

"Just for that reason, it would be a top contender for Best Grand Prix. Additionally, the event excelled in every other aspect as well."

A landmark moment in sports occurred when a rider from an Independent Team clinched the MotoGP championship for the first time. Every ticket was sold, and the paddock was impeccably arranged and stocked, as if the preparations had started several months in advance.

"We are immensely grateful to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and their team for making this possible. We extend our gratitude to everyone in the sporting community who collaborated effectively, and to the fans who attended the season's final event to witness history unfold. Their presence played a crucial role in supporting Valencia during this challenging period."

A crowd of 62,123 spectators gathered for the season's final event on Sunday, where Martin was declared the champion, bringing the overall weekend attendance to 134,848.

Dorna's Chief Executive Officer, Carmelo Ezpeleta, remarked, "The Solidarity Grand Prix stands out as a significant achievement in the recent history of our sport."

"We extend our gratitude to all those who contributed to this achievement and offer our congratulations to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for winning this award. This honor reflects the collaborative efforts behind the scenes to deliver a remarkable event, an amazing atmosphere, and a significant positive influence. This embodies the essence of MotoGP."

"We would like to express our gratitude to the fans for turning this into a sold-out event. Initially, when we announced the Grand Prix, we didn't anticipate such a response. However, once ticket sales started, it became clear this event would surpass our expectations. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the sport and for playing a significant role in our successes here in Valencia."

For two decades, Peter has spent time in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely covering Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Miguel Oliveira's highside incident at Mandalika was attributed to a 'short circuit.' The issue originated in the bike's electronic control unit (ECU).

Miguel Oliveira disclosed that a malfunction described as a 'short circuit' led to the failure of the traction control system, which resulted in him sustaining a wrist fracture during Friday's practice session at the Indonesian MotoGP in September.

Due to the injury, surgery was necessary, causing Oliveira to be absent from the next five races. He came back to compete in his final race with Trackhouse Aprilia at the Barcelona conclusion.

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During a press event for the sponsor Estrella Galicia 0,0, Oliveira described the crash as unfortunate.

A malfunction caused by a short circuit in the bike's ECU led to the failure of the traction control systems, resulting in a crash where I was thrown over the handlebars.

"In situations where you fall like that, whether or not you get injured often comes down to chance. This type of fall is particularly dangerous. If you happen to hit the handlebars or impact the road with too much force, you might end up hurt."

"I returned home promptly, underwent the surgery, and it was successful. I'm now completely healed."

Suffering from injuries at both the beginning and end of 2023, the five-time MotoGP race victor with KTM was unable to finish a continuous season while riding for Aprilia.

He mentioned that for the past two years, he has faced significant challenges both technically and physically. "We never managed to accomplish the objectives we had aimed for," he added.

"The past two years have been challenging for me in MotoGP, yet I believe these experiences will ultimately help me become a more resilient and well-rounded rider."

"I've managed to adjust to a bike that was quite unlike what I was accustomed to, and I've been making progress in my riding technique. I believe this will benefit me down the road."

The 29-year-old rider is set to become part of the new Pramac Yamaha team in 2025, with his first experience on the M1 bike scheduled for the test in Barcelona this November.

Oliveira, who achieved the 17th quickest lap time, described the day as pleasant. He explained that it mainly involved familiarizing himself with the bike and the team swiftly, as there wasn't much opportunity to have in-depth discussions or do extensive work.

"To start with, the team was in high spirits after celebrating a world championship victory. Additionally, they were excited about receiving new bikes. Yamaha provided significant support all day to facilitate the switch from the old bikes to the new ones."

"Since everything was unfamiliar, we couldn't delve too deeply, yet I really enjoyed myself."

"It was evident that enhancements are necessary for the bike, yet I felt great, which made me feel joyful and eager for the upcoming test. We are all eagerly anticipating the next one."

Because of its D concession status, Oliveira along with other Yamaha racers will be allowed to participate in the Sepang Shakedown test, ahead of the Official test scheduled for February.

For two decades, Peter has been actively involved in the paddock, witnessing the entire career of Valentino Rossi. He is closely following the developments regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Casey Stoner claims that Valentino Rossi had significant influence over the media, which led to him being portrayed negatively. Stoner expressed that the media felt compelled to generate negative stories about someone, and he ended up being cast as Rossi's primary adversary.

Casey Stoner has spoken candidly about how Valentino Rossi impacted media coverage during their peak years in MotoGP.

In recent times, Stoner and Rossi have reconciled, especially following the Australian's trip to the ranch in Tavullia.

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During their days of competition, their public images were very different. Rossi was known for being fun and charismatic, while Stoner was viewed as reserved and introverted.

"Stoner mentioned on the Ducati Diaries podcast earlier this year that he had control over everyone, including the media."

"He played a crucial role in all types of media. If anyone ever published something negative about him, he would ensure they were blacklisted!"

When he did that, they were unable to bear the cost. They couldn't risk having their newspaper blacklisted and losing the chance for interviews or any interactions with Valentino.

"They decided they needed to publish negative stories about someone, and I ended up being their top adversary."

"They made me out to be the bad guy."

It's common for individuals to be labeled as villains simply because they don't openly display kindness.

Many individuals opposed Dani Pedrosa for the same reason. They weren't fond of his serious demeanor. However, over time, Dani's personality has become more apparent.

"Dani and I maintained our friendship throughout our racing careers, even during our championship competitions."

"I hold him in high regard, and he feels the same way about me. We remain friends even now."

"They enjoyed misrepresenting the situation. Dani might not have received as much affection as possible, perhaps due to his serious demeanor and emphasis on achieving outcomes instead of putting on a performance."

"I did not attempt to emulate Valentino or assume the position he held."

"That was his nature and personality. He was excellent for the sport. The way he handled everything was nearly flawless."

"I never aimed to become that individual. I've noticed numerous people after my time attempting to embody this character, hoping to attract Valentino's supporters."

"Even though it's so staged and performed, people still adore them for it."

Perhaps I should have pretended to be someone I'm not, acting foolish just to gain attention. However, that's never been my true nature.

"I was simply interested in bike racing. I aimed to entertain, but not just to satisfy others' expectations. The thrill and intensity of our races provide ample entertainment on their own."

Stoner clinched the MotoGP championship twice, once in 2007 and again in 2011, before he decided to retire sooner than expected. He defeated Rossi in both those years.

However, Rossi concluded his career with seven top-tier championship titles to his name.

This year, the tension between them has eased, and Stoner unexpectedly stopped by the VR46 ranch. During his visit, he and Rossi relived old times by racing on the dirt track.

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Axel Pons, who recently went viral for walking barefoot, claims he was "unaware" of the video and "did not seek" the attention it brought. Sito Pons sheds light on his son's remarkable lifestyle change.

A video that surfaced recently left many surprised, showing former motorcycle racer Axel Pons embarking on what can be described as a spiritual journey.

A former Moto2 racer shared that he has taken six years to journey on foot from Spain to Pakistan.

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His father, Sito Pons, who once claimed the 250cc championship title, has frequently been present in the MotoGP paddock throughout the years.

"He started telling us about his desire to travel, explore the world, and gain insights into life's philosophies and various religions, so he embarked on his journey," Sito shared with Motorsport.

Each morning, he rises at five, engages in meditation and yoga, and then begins his walk.

"Maintaining discipline is crucial, and he avoids staying in hotels, opting to travel with just a backpack containing only essential items."

Axel Pons aims to walk all the way to Pakistan, but he ran into problems with his visa at the border with India.

According to his father, he has gained friends who have become part of his journey.

According to Sito Pons, he later chose to travel to the Himalayas, where he stayed for five months.

Individuals started searching for him to snap pictures and engage in conversations, creating an entire narrative—exactly what he wanted to avoid. He gained notoriety and recognition in that place, and now the same is occurring here.

"It’s both astonishing and incredible, making it predictable that it would become popular across Europe."

"We've all witnessed recent events, and it's been widely reported. Thankfully, he remains unaware of the situation here."

During his trips, Axel Pons avoids using a phone or social media, but according to his father, he makes a call home whenever he can access communication with the outside world.

Last year, his dad went to North Macedonia to spend a week in the woods with his son.

Sito Pons emphasized that his son chooses to walk barefoot as a way to explore the world with empathy, aiming to gain insight into various cultures and religious beliefs.

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

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