Andrea Iannone, known for being somewhat controversial, is expected to dive into action and leave a mark. Some suggest it might have been wiser to choose a younger Italian rider, given the advantage of youth.

Andrea Iannone is expected to fully engage in his return to MotoGP.

This weekend in Malaysia, Iannone will make his MotoGP comeback after a five-year absence, stepping in for Fabio di Giannantonio with the VR46 team.

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He has made an impressive comeback following a four-year suspension for doping that nearly concluded his motorcycle racing career.

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "I'm really looking forward to it; it's going to be a lot of fun."

"He won't hesitate to speak his mind; he'll be eager to dive in, make his mark, and challenge the skeptics."

The debate centered around choosing between him and Nicolo Bulega. It seemed more reasonable to select the young Italian since he has time on his side and the potential to advance to MotoGP.

"I prefer to keep an eye on Iannone and observe his progress. There are numerous quick young Italian riders in this paddock!"

Gavin Emmett commented, "Following his suspension, he has become quite a controversial person."

"We observe matters from a perspective beyond Italy."

"He could never offer a justification for what occurred."

Observers, including ourselves, regarded Iannone as a promising talent. However, the dedication might not have fully met expectations.

"The humorous incidents that occurred during his MotoGP career. The operation that caused him to skip the testing sessions…"

"He nearly gave up his opportunity in MotoGP."

Michael Laverty stated, "The prohibited substance we were found using wasn't to boost performance as a motorbike racer; it was for appearances! To look presentable in the mirror!"

Emmett inquired, "Did he get his chance? Would it have been pleasant to see Bulega?"

Hodgson responded by saying, "Naturally, he's been given his chance. From a publicity standpoint, it's more compelling, isn't it? They'll generate more buzz with Iannone riding."

Over a period of seven years in MotoGP, Iannone raced for the teams Ducati, Suzuki, and Aprilia.

At 35 years old, Iannone is fresh from a remarkable season competing in the World Superbike Championship, representing the Go Eleven Ducati team.

After a four-year hiatus from racing, he was given the opportunity to compete again and concluded the season in eighth place in the rankings.

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Alex Marquez describes the "incredibly foolish" incident during the Thai MotoGP sighting lap. "It wasn't due to a lapse in focus," he clarifies.

According to Alex Marquez, his "really stupid" fall during the sighting lap of the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix happened because he was testing a different racing line in wet conditions.

Ahead of Sunday’s 26-lap grand prix in Buriram, the Gresini racer experienced a crash at Turn 11 during the warm-up lap to the grid.

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Alarm on the warm-up lap! 😮@alexmarquez73 has taken a fall! 💥#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/3Fc7sKx0l3— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 27, 2024

Marquez managed to begin the race using his backup bike, which needed to be adjusted from a dry to a wet configuration. However, he had to begin the race from the last position on the grid rather than starting in ninth place.

He successfully battled through the group on his GP23 to finish in the top ten.

Marquez admitted to reporters, such as those from Crash.net, on Sunday that it was a very foolish error.

"To start with, I have to apologize to the team as the error was mine."

"I must clarify that it wasn't due to a lapse in focus or anything of that sort."

"During the warm-up, I kept thinking about a particular line I wanted to try because I had been cutting over the kerb at Turn 11 on every lap. However, when I was heading to the grid, I noticed there was more water present."

"I decided to test the grip on that curb by using a small amount of gas, rather than going all out."

"When I entered, it felt freezing, and before I knew it, I was lying on the floor."

"Afterwards, the situation became quite complex, so I opted for the dry bike and we returned to using the complete rain configuration."

"Beginning from the back, I had an average performance in the race. My connection with the car wasn't outstanding, so I focused on completing the race and giving it my all."

"I was fortunate to have the accident on that lap, as I had been considering attempting that route."

"I would have ended up crashing either during the warm-up lap or the initial lap of the race when everyone was approaching."

"I consider myself fortunate in that situation. It's important to learn from this experience, and I shouldn't be too hard on myself for it. Such an error is something a MotoGP rider should avoid."

Marquez mentioned that despite the crash that took him out of his initial qualifying spot, he doubts he could have achieved better than eighth place. He explained that his experience with the GP23 in wet conditions wasn't very positive.

Marquez, who claimed victory in the 2023 Silverstone sprint race under rainy conditions, mentioned that beginning from ninth place rather than 23rd made eighth position seem typical today.

"I don't have a great sense of confidence with the 2023 bike. In contrast, the 2022 model made me feel extremely strong in wet conditions, as did the Honda."

"However, with this '23 model, there is still something lacking in the configuration."

"If we get a chance to practice in wet conditions, we will make the necessary adjustments. Otherwise, we'll have to come up with a plan since I'm not very comfortable riding in the rain."

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Alex Marquez discusses the "incredibly foolish" incident during the sighting lap at the Thai MotoGP. He clarifies that it wasn’t due to a lapse in concentration.

Alex Marquez described his "incredibly foolish" fall during the sighting lap at the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix as a consequence of testing out a different racing line on the wet track.

The Gresini team racer experienced a crash at Turn 11 while heading to the starting grid for Sunday's 26-lap grand prix in Buriram.

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Anxiety strikes during the warm-up lap! 😮@alexmarquez73 has taken a fall! 💥#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/3Fc7sKx0l3— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 27, 2024

Anxiety strikes during the warm-up lap! 😮@alexmarquez73 has taken a fall! 💥#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/3Fc7sKx0l3

Marquez managed to begin the race using his backup motorcycle, which needed to be adjusted from a dry configuration to a wet one. However, he had to start from the last position on the grid rather than his original ninth place.

He successfully battled his way through the field on his GP23 to finish among the top 10 competitors.

On Sunday, Marquez admitted to the press, including Crash.net, that it was a very foolish error.

"To begin with, I have already apologized to the team as it was my error."

"I must clarify that it wasn't due to a lapse in focus or anything of that sort."

During the warm-up, I consistently took a specific line through Turn 11 by cutting the kerb on every lap. As I headed to the grid, I noticed that there was more water on the track.

"I decided to give it a shot with a small amount of throttle, but not going all out, to check the traction on that curb."

"When I entered, it felt freezing, and before I knew it, I was lying on the floor."

"Things got more complex afterward, so I opted for the other bike that was dry, and we went with the complete rain configuration once more."

"Beginning from the back of the grid, I had an ordinary race. The sensation wasn't great, so my focus was on completing the race and doing my best."

"I consider myself fortunate to have had the accident on that particular lap, as I was contemplating attempting that route."

"I would have ended up crashing during the warm-up lap or the first lap of the race when everyone was approaching."

"I was fortunate in that situation. We should learn from this incident, and I must avoid being overly critical of myself. Such an error is unacceptable for a MotoGP rider."

Marquez mentioned that despite the crash that caused him to lose his initial qualifying spot, he doubts he could have achieved better than eighth place. He explained that his experience on the GP23 in wet conditions is “not really good.”

Marquez, the victor of the 2023 Silverstone sprint held under rainy conditions, remarked that beginning from ninth place instead of twenty-third made their eighth-place finish seem quite standard.

"I don't have a great sense of comfort with the 2023 bike. In contrast, I felt extremely confident in wet conditions with the 2022 model, as well as when riding the Honda."

"However, the 2023 model still lacks something in its configuration."

"If we get the chance to ride in rainy conditions, we'll make the necessary adjustments. However, if that opportunity doesn't arise, we need to come up with a plan because I'm currently not very comfortable riding when it's wet."

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Viewing Guide for the Malaysia MotoGP Live Stream

Find details below on how to catch the 2024 Malaysia MotoGP live, including the schedule and broadcast times.

Here's how you can catch the Malaysia MotoGP from November 1-3, including options for free online streaming. Additionally, we've provided the start times for the Malaysia MotoGP below.

The second-to-last race of the 2024 MotoGP season is taking place in Sepang.

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Jorge Martin is leading the standings, holding a 17-point advantage over Pecco Bagnaia.

This season's championship has been marked by numerous mistakes, and Martin and Bagnaia are eager to steer clear of making any significant blunders at this critical point.

Is Marc Marquez going to make an impact? Although he cannot secure the championship himself, his current form might still disrupt the competition.

In other news, Yamaha and Honda are set to maintain their gradual advancements leading up to the start of the 2025

MOTOGP MALAYSIA SCHEDULE FOR THE UK

On Friday, the first free practice session will begin at 12:45 a.m., followed by another practice at 7 a.m

Saturday, November 22nd: Practice session at 10:10 AM, Qualifying round at 10:50 AM, and Sprint race at

Sunday, November, 7:00 AM – Malaysian Moto

WATCHING THE MALAYSIA MOTOGP 2024 FROM ANY LOCATION

If you're traveling or outside the country of the TV streaming service you want to access, you might face difficulties in viewing the Malaysia MotoGP due to geo-restrictions. This technology is used by broadcasters to limit access to content based on geographic location. However, you can bypass these restrictions by using a VPN, with ExpressVPN being a top recommendation.

ExpressVPN is providing an additional three months at no cost to anyone who subscribes to their annual plan, resulting in a 49% discount. Moreover, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service without any financial risk.

This device works with a wide range of streaming gadgets such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PlayStation, as well as Android and Apple smartphones.

FREE ONLINE STREAMING OPTIONS FOR MALAYSIA MOTOGP

Viewers can catch the Malaysia MotoGP at no cost through Austria's broadcasters, ORF or Servus. They offer live streaming on their respective platforms: ORF TVthek for ORF and Servus TV for Servus. It's important to note that the broadcast commentary will be in German, and you might need to set up a free account to access the stream.

Belgian network RTBF provides free access to the Malaysia MotoGP, featuring commentary in French. The event can be streamed live on RTBF Auvio.

Here's how you can view the live stream of the Malaysia MotoGP: Sign up for the MotoGP Video Pass to access the live event.

The platform is operated by MotoGP and provides both live streaming and on-demand access to all races, including those from the past.

All events, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint races, and the main grands prix of each round, can be accessed here.

There's plenty of additional exclusive content available to appreciate.

The annual subscription for the MotoGP Video Pass is priced at €199.99, equivalent to £170.97, while a monthly subscription costs €29.99, which is approximately £25.64.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR 2024 MALAYSIA MOTOGP IN THE UK

In the UK, TNT Sports will broadcast all sessions of the Malaysia MotoGP, spanning from Friday to Sunday.

By subscribing to TNT, you can view the Malaysia MotoGP.

For £30.99, you can buy a subscription to TNT Sports, giving you access to all four of its channels and Discovery+. The service is available on television, mobile devices, tablets, and gaming consoles.

You have the option to enroll in a 30-day complimentary trial of TNT Sports by selecting the Discovery Plus Premium package through Amazon Prime.

Viewing Free MotoGP Highlights from the 2024 Malaysia Race

ITVX provides complimentary highlights of the MotoGP event.

The official website and YouTube channel of MotoGP will share complimentary highlight videos.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR 2024 MALAYSIA MOTOGP IN THE UNITED STATES

In the United States, TNT Sports holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Malaysia MotoGP event. All the races will be shown on their truTV channel. Additionally, fans can stream the event through the Max platform.

SlingTV is a top choice for online streaming services.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR 2024 MALAYSIA MOTOGP IN AUSTRALIA

Australian fans can catch the live broadcast of the Malaysia MotoGP through Kayo Sports or Foxtel Go. These platforms will provide the event's coverage.

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Fabio Di Giannantonio: "Enduring long hours of pain" yet "hard to quit"

Fabio Di Giannantonio concludes his season prematurely

Fabio di Giannantonio's season came to a close in Thailand as he returns to Europe for an operation on the shoulder he hurt during practice at the Austrian Grand Prix in August. Despite this, the Italian rider expressed contentment with the conclusion of his third MotoGP season, having secured fourth-place finishes in both Australia and Thailand.

After the Thai Grand Prix, Di Giannantonio expressed his joy, stating that he believed they had accomplished an outstanding performance.

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Competing in seven races over the span of two months has put a significant strain on my shoulder, but we have accomplished remarkable work at home.

"Trust me, it's been extremely challenging to compete at that level. I've endured countless hours of physical therapy and dealt with a lot of pain during both rehabilitation and training sessions."

In my opinion, the season concluded on a high note by wrapping up with two distinct tracks in varying conditions, securing fourth place in both, which is a remarkable accomplishment.

"We should be extremely pleased because we currently hold the eighth position in the championship standings. We've accumulated a significant number of points and are ahead of several top competitors. I believe we've accomplished something remarkable."

After finishing in eighth place in Saturday's Sprint, Di Giannantonio was worried about his physical readiness for Sunday's full-length Grand Prix. However, he noted that the rainy conditions made the race a bit less challenging.

"The wet weather conditions were incredibly beneficial," he mentioned. "To be honest, I had significant concerns about the extended race, as I had been having a tough time with the right-hand turns throughout the weekend."

"Riding in wet conditions has been incredibly beneficial, despite the increased danger. Falling and landing on my shoulder would have been significantly more harmful."

"In the end, things worked out well, so we should be grateful for a little bit of luck."

While Di Giannantonio believes halting his season is the correct decision, he confessed that it is challenging for him to come to terms with ending his run early, especially when he's performing so well.

"It's really challenging here," he remarked. "At this point, it's tough to bring things to a halt. Every lap, I kept thinking, 'I don't want to stop,' but in the end, we chose to stop because it was the smart and sensible decision to make."

"It's beneficial to pause, undergo the surgery, recuperate, and aim to be fully prepared for the next year."

Conversely, with Di Giannantonio concluding his season at this point, he can approach the winter and recuperate from his shoulder operation with the assurance that he finished the 2024 season performing well.

"It's crucial because reaching this stage means you've achieved it, and now you understand that any further actions will be aimed at enhancing this level," he stated.

"Undoubtedly, the journey will be lengthy, and we shouldn't anticipate maintaining our current speed during the initial test in 2025. It's important to remain composed."

"I believe that taking this step will be beneficial, leading to significant improvement next year, surpassing our current status."

Finishing with more strength

During the latter part of the race, Di Giannantonio managed to close the gap to the leader, Francesco Bagnaia, by approximately six seconds.

The rider from Italy mentioned that he initially had difficulty with the bike at the beginning of the race, but his performance got better as the race progressed.

"The start of the race felt terrible, to be honest," he mentioned.

"The front and rear were slipping, which made it hard for me to find my rhythm. As a result, I was three seconds slower than I was this morning, so I faced significant difficulties."

"The main thought I had was to stay calm for a few laps and gradually find my pace. Once I did, I felt unstoppable."

"I was confident that I could maintain an excellent speed in rainy conditions, and ultimately we demonstrated that. That's just the nature of racing."

"Certainly, we need to examine and comprehend the situation to avoid making the same small mistake next year. However, overall, the race was extremely positive."

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INSIDER REPORT: The Explanation Behind the Lack of Penalty for Marc Marquez's Unzipped Racing Suit

New insights clarify why Marc Marquez did not face any sanctions.

Marc Marquez avoided receiving a penalty during the Thailand MotoGP, even though his racing suit came undone.

After remounting his bike following an early fall and finishing in 11th place, Marquez described how he believes the suit came open during the crash when the airbag was deployed.

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Video captured from the race showed that the safety latch at the top of his racing suit came undone once he returned to the track.

However, the FIM stewards decided not to penalize Marquez, even though the regulations clearly indicate that safety gear must be worn properly at all times.

A representative from Dorna informed Crash.net that they have the ability to use discretion in situations like this, as they can involve different factors.

For example, if it was determined that Marquez lacked sufficient time to respond, the stewards are justified in choosing not to penalize him.

Due to Marquez's crash and subsequent remount, which damaged the safety clasp on his racing suit, it appears the stewards exercised their judgment by choosing not to penalize him.

What are the regulations?

According to Article 2.4.5.2 of the FIM MotoGP rulebook, found under the section for Rider’s Safety Equipment, the guidelines state:

Every rider under contract is required to start each racing event with a minimum of two sets of intact safety gear.

"A full collection of safety gear must include:

Riders are required to wear their gear properly secured at all times while on the track. For specific items, such as the Airbag system, the equipment must be in place and working at the beginning of each track session. The Technical Director has the final say on issues related to the riders' gear.

Has any other racer faced penalties? Fabio Quartararo received a three-second time penalty during the 2021 Catalan Grand Prix after his racing suit came undone, leading him to remove his chest protector.

This violated Section 2.4.5.2.

Quartararo acknowledged afterward that the penalty was justified.

In India last year, Jorge Martin's racing suit momentarily came undone.

Martin managed to close them up again without facing any consequences.

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Valentino Rossi chuckles at a Stoner-Marquez gag while hosting a comedy television program. Valentino Rossi took on a completely new kind of role.

Italian television featured Valentino Rossi as the host of a comedic show known for its satire.

Rossi took on the role of a special guest co-host for GialappaShow, a program known for its humorous music and impressions.

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Tonight, I will be co-hosting the second episode of the GialappaShow alongside Mago Forest and @GialappasB. It's an event you won't want to miss, airing at 9:30 PM on Tv8 and Sky channel 108! #GialappaShow pic.twitter.com/7MGRsgRSUx— Valentino Rossi (@ValeYellow46) October 28, 2024

Unsurprisingly, people started making jokes about Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez.

After revealing that he has a pre-race habit of wearing his left boot before the right and talking to his motorcycle, Rossi faced an uncomfortable question.

The co-host insisted on finding out: "Is it true that you've named your family jewels? Do you really refer to one as Stoner and the other as Marquez?"

Rossi laughed loudly and then responded: "You can't claim otherwise; it just won't function now!"

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner was one of the athletes who was humorously mimicked.

However, the main draw was MotoGP icon Rossi, who continues to be one of Italy's most beloved celebrities.

Even after retiring, and despite taking on a playful role that was unfamiliar territory for him, it was acceptable to make jokes at the expense of Stoner and Marquez.

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Marco Bezzecchi expressed his frustration with a specific trait of the Ducati GP23, stating, "I haven't achieved the same speed as I did last year." He remarked, "Honestly, the sensation while riding is quite similar to how it feels in dry conditions…"

Marco Bezzecchi's fall during the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram happened after he realized that the same feature of the Ducati Desmosedici GP23 that has limited his performance in dry weather this season also affects him in wet conditions.

Throughout the season, Bezzecchi has faced difficulties with maneuvering the GP23 in dry weather. Despite securing three Grand Prix wins in 2023, he has achieved just a single podium finish in 2024.

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In Thailand, Bezzecchi achieved his inaugural MotoGP pole position in 2022. The rain on Sunday might have given him a chance, as he secured his first MotoGP victory at the 2023 Argentinian Grand Prix.

Bezzecchi expressed that he typically performs better in rainy conditions. However, he acknowledged that wet conditions can vary greatly, sometimes leading to strong performances and other times resulting in poor ones.

However, I haven't experienced the same level of comfort in wet conditions as I did last year, making it hard to determine whether it's due to the bike, the tires, or various other factors. Ultimately, the outcome is that I haven't been as quick as I was last year, both on wet and dry surfaces.

"Frankly, riding the bike feels almost the same whether it's dry or wet. The bike behaves in a consistent manner regardless of the weather, so the conditions don't make a difference."

Marco Bezzecchi's race at the Thai Grand Prix came to an abrupt halt when he crashed on the outside of the first turn, making him the first rider to fall on the fourth lap.

Bezzecchi explained his crash that concluded the race in Buriram with straightforward honesty: "I simply made an error at the first corner," he remarked.

He mentioned that the start of the race was challenging due to insufficient grip at the back, but clarified that this was not the reason for his crash.

During the initial lap, Bezzecchi experienced significant struggles and faced the danger of crashing four or five times. He remarked, "I'm not sure whether I failed to adequately warm up the rear tire, but I found myself losing grip at the back multiple times."

"[I was] taking even greater risks than with my initial mistake at the first corner. Luckily, I managed to avoid a major accident, but as I began to regain some ground, I pushed harder at the first corner again and ended up losing control of the front."

"I was mostly comfortable with the bike's setup, although there was an odd feeling. However, this feeling wasn't the cause of my accident. The crash happened because I pushed too hard at the first turn."

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Honda's MotoGP racers have shared insights about the RC213V, noting that the challenges experienced on dry tracks are similarly present in wet conditions. One rider mentioned that while wet conditions intensify the issue, it allows for a clearer understanding of the bike's behavior, enabling them to concentrate on specific areas for improvement.

Honda's MotoGP racers faced similar challenges during the rainy Thai MotoGP event last weekend as they have encountered in dry races throughout 2024. However, for Johann Zarco and Luca Marini, these issues were not entirely negative.

Johann Zarco started the race on a positive note, but after several laps, he fell behind the leading riders because of insufficient grip.

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Zarco stated, "I had a strong start, but when the others picked up speed, I struggled to maintain it as my bike was sliding excessively, and I couldn't get comfortable on it."

"I attempted to take on additional tasks, but this led to errors, causing me to lose my standing."

Zarco mentioned that one advantage was that the rainy weather helped him better identify the specific area where Honda needs enhancements.

He mentioned that the good news is that under wet conditions, they face almost the same issues as they do when it's dry; this is something he has pointed out before.

"The presence of wet conditions makes the issue more pronounced, which actually makes it simpler to understand how the bike behaves. At this point, we can concentrate on a specific aspect, unlike earlier in the year when we had to explore various options. Now, there's one specific area where I want to improve, and if I can overcome this hurdle, I'll be able to make further progress."

The LCR Honda rider elaborated further, mentioning that the issue was not just with the rear grip but specifically with the rear grip in a particular section.

"It's an oversimplification to just mention rear grip," Zarco noted, posing a question he was already ready to answer: "Yes, rear grip, but where?"

"In my opinion, we need to focus on improving control of the bike as we approach the corner. Once we achieve this, enhancing the traction as we exit will become simpler."

Luca Marini from Repsol Honda shared views that were very similar to those of Zarco, highlighting that the problems experienced in dry conditions are identical to those encountered in wet conditions, with the main challenge being the entry into corners.

"It's amazing to experience a situation that feels so familiar," Marini quipped when questioned about whether the issues encountered in dry conditions also occur in the wet.

"We need to make improvements and are fully aware of the specific areas needing attention. The challenge lies in enhancing the rear grip, which is extremely difficult to address. I believe the main restriction occurs during entry."

Marini clarified that the importance of the entry grip lies in the fact that insufficient rear entry grip is postponing the entire cornering process for Honda riders.

Marini mentioned that if you can achieve that type of grip when entering, you can initiate the bike's turn sooner, which might allow you to accelerate more and potentially discover better traction.

"However, when entering, we must consistently delay for the back end because there's a constant sensation that it lacks stability, feels too light, and tends to slide excessively. We need to hold off until the rear returns to its proper alignment to lean and guide the bike through the turn."

"For instance, at turn four, we are significantly slower than Yamaha. Although Yamaha still faces traction issues, they can rely on the rear of the bike when they need to make a quick entry."

"This issue of having confidence in the rear during entry is a constant challenge for us, whether the conditions are wet or dry."

"In my view, once we have the bike completely upright, everything is fine. However, just before that point, we tend to slide too much, although we are aware of this."

"If we manage to improve the entry, we can speed up this section and navigate it more rapidly, allowing us to get onto a straight path more efficiently. On a straight, Honda performs quite well, and I would argue it is better than Yamaha for me in this scenario."

"The issue is that we're constantly waiting for the back end, which prevents us from turning the bike sufficiently."

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Aleix Espargaro: New Helmet Design “Saved My Race” at the Thai MotoGP

A problem with visibility in Buriram was resolved for the Aprilia racer.

Aleix Espargaro expressed that a recent innovation from his helmet manufacturer significantly improved his experience at the Thai Grand Prix by addressing his concerns about inadequate visibility.

Compared to last year's Japanese Grand Prix, the Thai race this year experienced significantly drier conditions.

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Espargaro expressed that the visibility conditions in Buriram were "extremely poor." He appreciated his helmet manufacturer for creating special tear-offs designed for rainy weather, which he credited with "saving his race."

Espargaro expressed his satisfaction with Kabuto's use of rain tear-offs this year.

"I didn't have them in the previous year. Today, they were crucial in helping me during the race. I only used two, but I'll require five or six in the future."

"Using two tear-offs and wiping with a hand worked reasonably well, but the issue was that the bike didn't have tear-offs. As a result, the bike's screen became completely obscured with dirt, forcing the rider to look over it while on the straight. It was a bit challenging, but the helmet performed admirably."

While Espargaro's race wasn't a highlight of his nearly completed career, he still managed to secure a top-10 placement in the end.

"I wasn't at my best," Espargaro commented after securing the ninth position in Thailand. "I had a strong start and performed well in the initial stages of the race; in fact, I was right behind Pedro [Acosta] for the first couple of laps. However, I struggled to find a solid rhythm and maintain a strong pace throughout the rest of the race."

"I made an error at the third turn, veering off course and losing substantial time and several places."

"Following that, I focused on myself and aimed to maintain a strong rhythm."

"I usually don't feel the need to explain my race performance unless there's a significant difference in time compared to the winners. However, this weekend has been quite challenging for me. I experienced a major crash and only managed to complete five laps on Friday. Considering how tough the weekend has been, finishing in ninth place in the race makes me satisfied."

Espargaro stated that the problems Aprilia experienced with grip on dry surfaces in Thailand persisted even when it was wet.

"The issues are still present," he mentioned. "We face significant challenges with rear grip, particularly in the central part of the track where shifting weight from front to rear isn't possible."

"Maverick Vinales and I faced alike issues. We were riding together, but I made an error and lost sight of Maverick. Nonetheless, we both experienced very similar challenges."

"We didn't face any issues with overheating during the wet race, which was a positive outcome. However, the underlying problems still persist. It's crucial for Aprilia to put in significant effort to address these issues moving forward."

In contrast, the official Aprilia riders, and especially Espargaro's teammate Vinales, had a stronger performance in Thailand, getting closer to victory than they have in previous rainy races.

In Thailand during the year 2022, Vinales secured a seventh-place finish, trailing the winner by 14.566 seconds. However, in the recent race at Buriram last weekend, he also took seventh place but managed to reduce the gap to the winner to 8.498 seconds.

"We weren't too far behind the winner or the podium, which is a good thing in such an extended race," commented Espargaro, who ended up 10 seconds behind his teammate, finishing in ninth place.

"Having both bikes finish in the top 10 is a positive outcome, and our lap times during the middle of the race were quite close to those of the podium finishers."

Espargaro mentioned that adjustments in the setup contributed to Aprilia's enhanced performance in wet conditions in Thailand.

"Prior to the race, he attempted to revert to the 2024 aerodynamics setup in order to achieve better rear-end turning," he stated.

"We shortened the bike significantly to increase the load on the back and improve traction. This adjustment is effective in wet conditions, and I'm genuinely pleased with the results."

The plan is to conduct trials next week in dry conditions in Malaysia, focusing on the 2024 aerodynamic specifications. This includes using the swingarm equipped with the aerodynamic wing that KTM is currently employing. Our efforts to enhance performance are ongoing and relentless.

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Vinales emphasizes the remarkable welcome from MotoGP enthusiasts in Thailand

Competitors share insights on kicking off the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand

Maverick Vinales emphasized the immense enthusiasm for MotoGP in Thailand, mentioning that in Madrid, he might go unnoticed, but in Bangkok, he's recognized by everyone.

The 18th race of the 2024 MotoGP season is set to occur at Thailand's Chang International Circuit, an annual event that has been consistent since 2018, except for the interruptions in 2020 and 2021.

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This event stands out as a highlight in the annual schedule, attracting an impressive turnout of 179,811 people over the weekend, marking it as the second-largest attendance for such an event outside of Europe in the previous year.

Over the following two years, the MotoGP championship will kick off in Buriram, and in 2025, the nation will celebrate its inaugural top-tier racer on the circuit, Somkiat Chantra.

Maverick Vinales from Aprilia is convinced that kicking off the MotoGP season in South East Asia is the optimal strategy for expanding the championship due to the unmatched enthusiasm for the sport within the region.

"He believes it will likely reach capacity over the weekend," he mentioned.

"The previous year was incredibly busy. I believe it's quite an interesting activity, as it extends beyond just the track."

Take Bangkok as an instance, it's a place where you're well-known by many. During my visit to Bangkok, it was clear. If I were in Madrid, I'd blend into the crowd unnoticed. But in Bangkok, it's a whole different story – everyone recognizes you. Truly amazing.

"However, our current aim is to establish and expand this community, encompassing Thailand, Indonesia, and other Asian nations that have a strong passion for MotoGP."

"In every aspect, they are familiar with all the competitors. They understand it all. Thus, it's likely the appropriate action to take to ensure the championship continues to expand."

Expansion in the Asian sector holds significant value for MotoGP manufacturers, as highlighted by Joan Mir on Thursday, who pointed out that last year, Honda's sales of scooters in Thailand reached an impressive total of 800,000 units.

Aleix Espargaro expresses doubts about kicking off the season in Thailand, citing the time difference as a potential issue for the European audience. However, he acknowledges that MotoGP must broaden its perspective beyond European preferences to enhance its international stature.

"He expressed doubt," he remarked in response to inquiries about the appropriateness of kicking off the 2025 MotoGP season in Buriram.

"I'm uncertain; it really hinges on the audience you're aiming for. While I do have a passion for the game and genuinely care, making a judgement is challenging for me since I'm viewing it through a European lens. From this perspective, it doesn't seem like an ideal launch point for the championship."

"However, my statement might not be entirely just, considering the global population extends beyond Europe. Traditionally, the practice has been to initiate things in Qatar aligning more closely with typical European timings."

"It's sure to capture our interest."

It's important to highlight that the Grand Prix in Thailand stands out as one of the most accessible international races for European fans, with this weekend's event scheduled for a 9am Central European Time start.

According to Ducati rider Enea Bastianini, kicking off the racing season in Thailand is expected to pose a significant physical challenge for riders.

"Bastianini began, "Most likely, it will turn out well."

"Facing this challenge will be tough as the athletes' physical readiness at this stage of the competition is primed to endure a race of this caliber."

"Beginning with that competition, given the high heat, it won't be ideal for anyone. However, let's wait and see. We'll be fully prepared upon arrival."

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Marc Marquez on team interference: "It's challenging – I've experienced it before!"

"When you have the pace, team instructions aren't necessary…"

According to Marc Marquez, the competition for the 2024 MotoGP championship is now solely between two competitors, both riding Ducatis. However, this situation presents challenges for the Italian bike maker.

During an interview with TNT Sports, the British broadcaster for MotoGP, at the Thai Grand Prix last weekend, Marquez discussed the complexity of "team orders" for Ducati. He noted that the title race this year, similar to 2023, features two Ducati riders, Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. This makes the situation more challenging than it would be if one of the competitors rode for a different manufacturer.

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He was asked about his role in influencing the outcome of the championship, a situation he has unintentionally found himself in previously.

"Naturally, it's not easy – I've been a part of it before," chuckled Marquez.

Back in 2015, Valentino Rossi was unable to secure the championship, which ended up going to Jorge Lorenzo, and he continues to hold Marquez responsible for meddling in the race.

This weekend, MotoGP is making its way back to Sepang, a track known for the notorious clash between Rossi, Lorenzo, and Marquez that took place nine years prior.

During a recent press conference, Marquez faced inquiries regarding his potential involvement in "doing favors" for title contenders Bagnaia and Martin. However, he dismissed the allegations, suggesting that his influence in the matter is limited.

Ultimately, as a racer, you constantly aim to give your all, and as demonstrated in Phillip Island, you will make decisive moves when necessary," stated Marquez, who came in 11th place in Thailand following a crash during a lead battle with Francesco Bagnaia.

"Ducati faces a challenging situation as both of its riders are competing for the championship. If the scenario involved one Ducati rider and one KTM rider, the course of action would be clear."

According to Marquez, team orders become essential for a rider to secure a championship only if they are not the quickest among the competitors vying for the title.

"However, with two Ducati racers competing for the championship, I believe everyone will give their all."

Ultimately, I consistently express the same idea: possessing speed eliminates the necessity for team directives; being the quickest on the track means team orders are unnecessary.

"In my opinion, whoever is the quickest will come out on top."

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