Pecco Bagnaia faces daunting challenge with "Everest-like" title defense forecast

Pessimistic outlook for Pecco Bagnaia's title defense in Barcelona

Francesco Bagnaia's chances of keeping his MotoGP championship depend on him overcoming a challenge as daunting as scaling Mount Everest.

This is the grim assessment given by Michele Pirro, who serves as Ducati's test rider and will be competing this weekend.

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Ducati's factory rider Bagnaia and Pramac's Jorge Martin are set to compete for the championship title at the rescheduled final race in Barcelona.

Martin is leading by 24 points and has the potential to secure the championship as soon as Saturday.

"The standings speak for themselves," Pirro stated to Motosprint when questioned about his forecast.

"Jorge's chances are significantly better than Pecco's."

Having a 24-point advantage is significant, and my experience in racing has taught me that it's preferable to be ahead rather than behind.

"If the Spanish person needs to handle the situation, the Italian will face the challenge of scaling Mount Everest."

There's no criticism to be made of Martin: he consistently stayed concentrated throughout each race, committing fewer errors compared to Bagnaia.

Bagnaia secured victories in ten Sunday races, and it would be unreasonable if he didn't claim the championship. Meanwhile, Martin excels in gaining insights from his errors.

This weekend, Pirro is set to step in for the VR46 Ducati team, taking the place of the injured Fabio di Giannantonio.

Pirro has been chosen to replace Andrea Iannone, who competed in Sepang.

Pirro is set to compete for the first time this season and will then focus on preparing the GP25 during the postseason test on Tuesday.

"The Desmosedici GP25 features several enhancements; however, due to its already outstanding foundation, making further advancements to the motorcycle presents a challenge,” he stated.

Following the trials conducted in Misano and Jerez, it will be intriguing to test it in Barcelona, which is known for its lack of grip, as everyone is eager to confirm the progress we are aiming for.

The GP25, primarily developed by Pirro, will be used by Bagnaia and Marc Marquez in the coming season, as they will both be part of the factory Ducati team.

In 2025, Di Giannantonio from VR46 will become the third and last racer to have the opportunity to use the factory-spec Ducati.

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

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Missed the chance to assist Valentino Rossi at Ducati, my current focus is on supporting Marc Marquez

Ducati's hidden asset couldn't contribute to Valentino Rossi's unsuccessful stint

An essential element of Ducati's operations arrived too late to assist Valentino Rossi, yet it plays a significant role in supporting Marc Marquez.

Michele Pirro is the dedicated test rider for the manufacturer, playing a key role in the development of the Desmosedici project.

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In 2013, the same year Rossi left, he came on board. The initial Ducati he got his hands on for testing was the 2012 model, the same one that gave Rossi trouble. Currently, Pirro is working on the Ducati, getting it ready for when Marquez joins in 2025.

This weekend, during the final Grand Prix of the season in Barcelona, Pirro completes a significant journey. He will be competing for Rossi's VR46 team, stepping in for the injured Fabio di Giannantonio.

"Pirro acknowledged feeling the weight of expectations as he competes under Valentino Rossi's team, whom he regards as the greatest rider of all time."

"I began my professional journey at Valentino."

"The initial trial I had with the Ducati was with the model previously utilized by Valentino."

"My role is to assist Ducati. This is our final chance to evaluate the 2023 motorcycle, to determine its strengths and weaknesses."

"I believe there aren't any! I plan to conduct an experiment. Next week, with the new bicycle, I'll explore the variations."

This weekend, Pirro is set to pilot VR46's GP23, marking his first encounter with a Ducati model from the previous year after a hiatus of two and a half years.

On Tuesday, during the postseason evaluation, he will share insights from the year-old motorcycle with the newest model, as efforts intensify to debut the GP25.

Marquez is optimistic that the GP25 will propel him to his ninth championship title, matching the record of his competitor Rossi.

Pirro mentioned, "We have a chance to return to the previous motorcycle since we lack the tires.

"Indeed, it's a competition, yet it presents a chance to explore the variations."

"We lack tires for testing and have handled the situation."

"Ducati's performance in the races has been remarkable, leaving me truly delighted."

When Pirro isn't working as a test rider for Ducati, he competes in Superbike races, yet he emphasizes that MotoGP motorcycles are completely different.

"It's a totally different tale! The level of braking and aerodynamics is on another level," he remarked.

"Pushing this braking and aerodynamic system to its limits poses a greater challenge."

"The overall experience of the weekend, particularly with World Superbikes, is far from straightforward. However, the major contrast lies in the heightened intensity found in MotoGP, notably within the aspects of braking and acceleration."

"Your physical strength diminishes. This is due to my differing riding technique compared to the younger riders. It's challenging for someone of my age!"

At 38, Pirro observes the latest wave of Ducati racers as they navigate the challenges of the motorcycle he initially began experimenting with during a period when the company was facing significant difficulties, following Rossi's departure.

He stated, "The issue is related to age!"

"The aerodynamics have completely changed from what they were a decade ago, or even just five years back."

"Enhancing the speed, the stopping power, and the initial sprint significantly differs from previous experiences."

It's refreshing to observe the new generation of cyclists and their unique way of riding, particularly how they position their bodies entirely away from the bicycle.

"I attempt this task, yet it's far from easy. Whenever I venture out, there's a chance my shoulder might dislocate!"

"This is the standard routine for sports professionals."

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned across American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Marco Bezzecchi described it as "amazing" to witness Casey Stoner back on the track alongside Valentino Rossi. He reminisced about his childhood, saying he grew up idolizing the legendary group known as the "Aliens."

Marco Bezzecchi, who competes in MotoGP for the VR46 team, was one of the fortunate individuals present to personally experience Casey Stoner's unexpected appearance at Valentino Rossi's motorcycle ranch.

While in Europe for the Charity Race of Champions at EICMA, Stoner took up an offer from his old rival to visit. He joined Rossi and the VR46 Academy at their dirt-track training facility.

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"It was amazing," Bezzecchi remarked. "I had the chance to meet Casey for the first time last year at Phillip Island, where we were able to have a brief conversation."

"It's often challenging in the paddock, particularly when encountering him, as he tends to be quite reserved. Since everyone is unique, it can be hard to get to know someone in crowded environments."

"It was incredible to have him at the ranch."

To start with, witnessing him ride alongside Vale was incredible, especially since I was just a child when they competed against each other. I grew up following the legendary 'Aliens' quartet: Vale, Casey, Lorenzo, and Pedrosa. Seeing them race together on the track was truly awe-inspiring.

"Moreover, Casey is an amazing person."

He's really nice. Although he's a bit reserved, he's amazing. He's a great person, and we had the chance to relax and spend some quality time together. We all had dinner, and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to share an entire day with him.

"I already believed he was amazing, but now I think even more highly of him."

Stoner, who has won MotoGP championships with both Ducati and Honda, has spoken highly of Bezzecchi's approach to racing. He noted that Bezzecchi possesses a unique quality that sets him apart from other competitors. Stoner remarked that if traction control were removed, Bezzecchi would be among the select few who could still maintain a leading position.

Considering their previous rivalries, did Bezzecchi ever anticipate witnessing Rossi and Stoner on the same track as companions?

In response, Bezzecchi explained that the competitive nature of racing often strains relationships. He added that, currently, he wouldn't feel comfortable having dinner with all the other riders.

"However, as you grow older and gain maturity, your perspective shifts, and it was nice to hear them discussing family, children, and even motorbikes."

"Frankly, our conversation didn't focus much on MotoGP. We talked more about everyday life, flat track racing, and simple topics."

Check out this Instagram post from Marco Bezzecchi (@marcobez72), where he shared a recent update.

After this weekend's season finale in Barcelona, Bezzecchi will experience a shift in his personal and professional life as he transitions from the VR46 team to begin a 'new chapter' as a factory rider for Aprilia in MotoGP.

Bezzecchi mentioned that it would be quite moving.

"At the moment, it's challenging to fully appreciate the experience in the way I will after Sunday's race. However, I am eager to savor every moment with the team I've collaborated with over the past five years, right up to the very end."

"Although it will be challenging, it promises to be quite memorable. I'm planning a few pleasant surprises for them, and I'm optimistic that we can make it a great weekend. Starting on Monday, I'll be embarking on a new phase of my life."

Bezzecchi clinched victory in three MotoGP races and secured third place in the world championship last year. However, he has faced difficulties in finding the same level of comfort with the GP23 this season, achieving only a single podium finish so far.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's entrance and departure. He is deeply involved in covering the news about Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Aleix Espargaro expressed deep affection for Jorge, likening his feelings to that of a father's love. He emphasized that his utmost priority is ensuring Jorge secures the championship, stating with certainty, "For me, the most important thing is that he achieves [the title]."

Aleix Espargaro's ideal outcome for the concluding MotoGP event in Barcelona, known as the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, is to secure a victory in his final race with Aprilia and witness Jorge Martin clinch the world championship title.

Following two decades of competing in grand prix, hometown hero Espargaro is set to retire from professional racing this Sunday, transitioning into a role as a test rider for Honda for his next venture.

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Espargaro could potentially make a comeback at Catalunya through a wild-card entry, but this weekend marks the end of his eight-year stint with Aprilia and, very likely, the last opportunity to secure a spot on a MotoGP podium.

Espargaro, who has secured victories in three out of the last four Barcelona races, is completely confident in his ability to contend for the win in both the Sprint and the races on Sunday.

"During my previous visit, the Thursday in Barcelona was quite moving, especially when I declared my retirement at the press conference. However, starting from Friday, everything felt like a typical weekend. This time around, it's going to be different," Espargaro remarked.

"This weekend is truly unique. Undoubtedly, this [home] track holds the top spot in my heart. I'm hopeful that we'll be able to generate a significant amount of funds for the people of Valencia and deliver an outstanding performance on Sunday."

The calling off of the Valencia event because of severe flooding leads to a comeback at the track where Espargaro broke the lap record for pole position in May, secured a victory in the Sprint, and finished fourth (the highest-placed rider not on a Ducati) in the grand prix.

"I've put more effort into getting ready for the Grand Prix than ever before in my life. My goal is to be a strong competitor right from the start and aim for the win," he stated.

"I found myself deeply immersed in the initial Barcelona Grand Prix of the year, yet now the sentiment has shifted. This marks the final occasion I'll compete on the Aprilia, and I aim to leave with no lingering regrets. My goal is to enjoy the experience and keep smiling. My focus is on contending for the win. Regardless of the outcome, expect to see me with a smile, acknowledging that I'll soon long for the times with my mechanics and my Aprilia. Therefore, I'm determined to make the most of it and have a good time."

Is it practical to strive for success?

"Absolutely, without a doubt."

This also encompasses the Sunday competition, despite Espargaro finishing ten seconds behind the victor Francesco Bagnaia in May.

Espargaro's increased confidence stems from the lower temperatures, which allow him to use softer tires in the races.

"I feel optimistic as we previously competed using the hard tyre back in May, and I anticipate we won't be utilizing it [this upcoming weekend] due to the cooler temperatures. My plan is to opt for softer compounds.

"I managed to achieve the fastest lap time using the soft tyre, and Michelin believes this tyre is capable of lasting the entire race. This is the reason for my increased optimism and the sense that our chances have improved.

"Regardless, it's going to be incredibly challenging, as the Ducatis have been dominant over the past three months."

Among those soaring Ducatis is Espargaro's close ally and current leader in the world championship, Martin, who maintains a lead of 24 points over the defending champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

Martin has the opportunity to clinch his inaugural MotoGP championship by either securing a victory or finishing with at least two points ahead of Bagnaia during the Saturday Sprint. If he doesn't achieve this, the title decision will extend to the grand prix on Sunday.

"Jorge is like a son to me, and my main concern is ensuring his success," stated Espargaro.

"Clearly, if he manages to perform well on Saturday, perhaps he can lend me a hand on Sunday by not pushing as hard as they have in previous races, where he and Pecco took off leaving no opportunity for the rest."

"If he manages to secure the title on Saturday, then the race on Sunday could be less tense for them, allowing for more opportunities."

What if the competition extends to Sunday and Espargaro ends up battling it out with Martin?

"Being in contention for a win on Sunday is already beyond my expectations. However, understanding that he is in the running for the championship changes things. My approach will need to be entirely different, without a doubt."

"Let's wait and see. Definitely, I'm hoping this is the issue!"

Next season, Martin is set to replace Espargaro, and he might carry the #1 plate to Aprilia, indicating that Aprilia also has a stake in Martin's success in winning the title.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ins and outs of the paddock, including the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. Currently, he's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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2024 Barcelona MotoGP: Nakagami Tops First Practice Session, Bagnaia Crashes Near End

LCR Racer Starts His Last MotoGP Weekend as the Quickest in Chilly First Practice

Takaaki Nakagami from LCR Honda led the first practice session at the 2024 MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix, while Francesco Bagnaia experienced a crash during the practice start segment.

MotoGP's return to Barcelona in 2024 follows the cancellation of the grand prix at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia due to severe flooding.

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The name "Solidarity GP" is chosen to pay tribute to the citizens of Valencia.

This weekend, the intense title race between Jorge Martin and Bagnaia reaches its climax, with Martin holding a 24-point lead.

Following the initial 45-minute practice session, Martin managed to secure an upper hand against his competitor by finishing in fifth place, whereas Bagnaia ended up in the seventh position.

Nakagami and Honda received the highest accolades, as the Japanese racer plans to retire from full-time competition after this weekend, transitioning to a new position as a development rider for HRC.

Nakagami equipped his LCR-managed RC213V with a new medium rear tire for his last attempt, and surged to the top of the rankings with a lap time of 1m40.501s, finishing 0.411s ahead of the competition in the closing moments.

Tech3 GASGAS newcomer Pedro Acosta led the session, despite being part of a frightening crash with his teammate Augusto Fernandez just five minutes after the session started.

The duo went through Turn 5 alongside each other and collided as they came out, causing both to crash and prompting the red flag to be shown in order to clean up the wreckage.

Neither rider sustained injuries in the crash, allowing them to rejoin the race for the restart.

As the action picked up again, Martin initially took the lead by clocking a time of 1 minute and 41.820 seconds. However, Bagnaia soon surpassed him with a slightly faster time of 1 minute and 41.798 seconds.

Pramac's Martin once again claimed the lead, while Gresini's Alex Marquez and Acosta alternated in front-running positions.

With slightly less than 30 minutes left on the clock, Acosta climbed to the leading position by clocking a time of 1 minute 40.912 seconds. He held onto this lead until Nakagami, despite having had an accident at Turn 2 earlier in the session, managed to set a time of 1 minute 40.501 seconds with a little more than two minutes remaining.

In third place was Alex Marquez, following Nakagami and Acosta, with KTM's Brad Binder finishing in fourth and Martin securing the fifth position.

Leading the Ducati factory team were Enea Bastianini and Bagnaia, the latter of whom was part of a peculiar event that occurred during the practice start segment at the session's conclusion.

As they neared Turn 1, Maverick Vinales, riding for Aprilia, surged past Bagnaia as they entered the braking area.

Although there was no physical contact, Bagnaia lost control and fell while braking, becoming furious with Vinales, who finished the race in eighth place.

Jack Miller of KTM and Marc Marquez, riding for Gresini, finished within the top ten.

Fabio Quartararo was the top Yamaha rider, finishing in 11th place, whereas Augusto Fernandez ended up in 18th following an initial collision with Acosta.

Michele Pirro secured the 20th position, filling in for Fabio Di Giannantonio at VR46. Meanwhile, Miguel Oliveira led his Trackhouse teammate Raul Fernandez, finishing in 21st place as he made a comeback after recovering from an injury.

Results of the First Practice Session for the 2024 MotoGP Solidarity

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Marc Marquez reveals "I'm not receiving a bonus," hinting at his strategy for the season's final race

Heading into the Barcelona event, Marc Marquez is in fourth place

Marc Marquez has stated that competing for third place in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship holds "no significance" for him, and he pointed out that he receives "no bonus" for achieving that position.

Heading into the final race of the season, the Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, this weekend, Marquez holds a slim lead of one point over Enea Bastianini, who is currently in third place in the overall standings.

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The competition is set to intensify until Sunday's grand prix, where Bastianini, on the brink of his Ducati departure, emphasized on Thursday how crucial it is for him to secure third place in the rankings.

When queried about his thoughts, Marquez remarked on Thursday, "Trust me, the third place holds absolutely no significance."

"No, there's no extra reward for finishing third. It holds no significance. Perhaps for Enea, it might be different depending on his contract conditions.

"For me, it holds no significance. After all, can you recall who came in third place in 2022? Or in 2015? I was the one who came third, yet it's forgotten by everyone."

"Thus, securing the third spot doesn't really alter my existence."

This year has been transformative for me, thanks to the objectives I accomplished. Indeed, in the final two races, I realized I was faster and decided to embrace greater risks. My thought process was, 'Alright, let's up the ante and see what unfolds.'

"However, I took significant risks and ended up losing two races consecutively due to falls."

"This weekend, we'll explore our options, but personally, my objectives have been met. Completing things positively for the team takes precedence over my own interests."

This weekend marks Marquez's final appearance with the Gresini team in the season's 20th race, as he is set to fill the spot left by Bastianini, who is moving to KTM, at the official Ducati team.

In teaming up with Gresini, Marquez bounced back to victory following a disappointing conclusion to his stint with Honda, discovering the ideal team environment to revive his MotoGP aspirations.

"Last night, we shared an emotionally charged dinner, and here's why: Gresini has turned into an incredibly crucial team in my career, and that's just within one season," he explained.

"I discovered the ideal environment to rejuvenate, as they put it online, to once again sense my competitive spirit. I encountered the perfect blend of family and ambiance, with my brother as a fellow team member and the team consistently operating in harmony."

"Therefore, expressing gratitude most effectively would involve striving for a strong performance this weekend and aiming to conclude the race on a high note."

"However, as I mentioned to them last night, the future is unpredictable. This team is incredibly professional, and with them, you can accomplish your goals."

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"An exciting comparison to the legendary drama involving Jorge Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez. Looking ahead, the upcoming year promises to be intriguing as Marc will ride a factory bike…"

This year's championship rivalry between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin is the most thrilling since the 2015 season.

This information comes from Jack Miller, who competed alongside Jorge Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez during their famous battle nine years ago.

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In 2015, Lorenzo claimed the championship title, narrowly defeating Rossi, who was left frustrated and accused Marquez of hindering his chances. The rivalry between them persists even now.

According to Miller, the clashes between Martin and Bagnaia this season have been extraordinary.

KTM's rider remarked, "With Marc's dominance diminishing in recent years, this is likely the best opportunity we've had."

"The one involving Pecco and Fabio Quartararo was also quite impressive."

"This is undoubtedly the most exciting title race we've seen since the one between Vale and Jorge in 2015."

"This is the finest example we've encountered in almost a decade."

"I am confident that as time progresses, it will become increasingly nearer."

"Next year promises to be intriguing as Marc will be riding a factory bike, and numerous changes are expected during the off-season."

"The championship is approaching rapidly."

"Bagnaia and Martin are in a class entirely by themselves!"

"To understand how much ahead those two were, just examine the race in Sepang."

Martin holds a 24-point lead over Bagnaia as they approach the final sprint race and grand prix.

Should he emerge victorious in the sprint race scheduled for Saturday, he will secure his first-ever championship title.

This outcome would signify a triumph for the Pramac team, an independent squad surpassing their parent manufacturer's performance.

Miller participated in his final race for KTM. For the 2025 season, Pedro Acosta will take over his position on the factory team. The company has decided to introduce a fresh lineup for the newly renamed Tech3 team next year, featuring Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales.

Miller found relief by joining Pramac, which is set to become a satellite team for Yamaha in 2025.

Regarding his final ride with KTM this weekend in Barcelona, he mentioned, "I've been through this process several times before."

"I'm eager to conclude on a high note."

"I get along well with everyone on my team. I've been collaborating with this person for seven years, which is a significant period to work alongside one individual."

"Certainly, there will be some feelings involved. However, in this industry, the end of one opportunity often leads to the beginning of another."

"The great thing is that this paddock is extremely small, so we'll encounter him plenty of times over the next year!"

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

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Honda outlines anticipated performance across varying track conditions in Barcelona

"The elongated right-hand corners lead to considerable spinning…"

The MotoGP season's concluding race in Barcelona this weekend is expected to deviate from the norm in terms of conditions, yet Honda's Luca Marini anticipates that the circuit will continue to be "challenging" in terms of tire wear.

The Catalan Grand Prix experienced ambient temperatures of 26C in May earlier this year, whereas this weekend, the forecast suggests temperatures will hover in the mid to high teens.

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"Marini noted that for him, the change is negligible, emphasizing that the cooler conditions mainly result in increased traction on the track."

"However, the track's design puts a significant strain on the tires due to its configuration; the prolonged right-hand turns cause considerable spinning."

"However, with slightly improved traction, enhanced braking capabilities to halt the bike more effortlessly, and increased velocity on straights while maintaining a lower temperature."

Is this weekend going to mirror the events of May's Catalan Grand Prix?

"Marini expressed uncertainty, stating, 'It's hard to determine at this moment. But definitely, it's going to benefit everyone in terms of grip — everyone has a significant struggle with the rear grip."

"This could potentially benefit us, I believe – both Honda and Yamaha. We'll have to wait and see."

"Since the Grand Prix in Barcelona, our motorcycle has undergone significant changes. We'll also assess if our efforts are moving in the right direction and determine the extent of the bike's enhancements."

The last-minute change of location for the final race of the 2024 season, from Valencia to Barcelona, due to significant flood damage at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, forced Michelin to delay its choice of tire compounds for the event well beyond the usual timeframe.

"Marini expressed that it makes no difference to him," he stated. "Thus, it's not an issue whether they need to select the tyres at the season's start or not.

In my view, they did an excellent job this year, although the Sepang allocation was the only odd choice, not a particularly good one. However, all the other races were flawless.

He further commented, "I believe the outlook seems very promising; we appear to be fortunate. In my view, Michelin has provided us with an excellent selection."

"We aim to employ a dual-compound strategy for the front tire since the left turns, particularly turns two and five, consistently pose challenges here."

"Therefore, it's going to be fascinating to observe the performance of the soft [compound] tires at the start of tomorrow, determining their condition, and during Practice, the combination of the hard-compound alongside the double compound might present a highly viable strategy for the race. In my opinion, this aspect is particularly intriguing."

"Regarding the back, they've introduced an excellent soft [compound] tire, the softest choice available throughout the season, and it's somewhat unusual to observe such a soft tire here in Barcelona, where the track is quite challenging for tires. However, without a doubt, to achieve impressive lap times, it's going to be extremely enjoyable."

Marini mentioned that he had previously proposed giving manufacturers greater autonomy in selecting their tyre assortments for individual races.

"He mentioned that he often wonders whether it might be more advantageous to allow the manufacturers to choose their tyres themselves."

"For instance, the level of volume, if feasible."

"Additionally, the issue with the compounds is significant for me. Having only five sets of medium compound tires is definitely not sufficient. These tires are typically the best or most straightforward choice when sticking to a single compound, as they are the tires we are most familiar with. However, limited to just five sets means that if the dual-compound strategy fails, we're forced to compromise our first free practice session by using a less than ideal tire. This is done in an effort to conserve the medium options, which are likely to be the most suitable for the current temperature conditions."

"I believe this could be an effective solution, yet there's resistance to making a change."

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he reported on both consumer and racing motorcycle news.

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Francesco Bagnaia discusses MotoGP championship climax: "Stress may be a factor, but I won't be the cause."

"I won't take any action that would negatively affect someone else's outcome."

Francesco Bagnaia has once more dismissed the idea of using any unique strategies to attempt to claim the MotoGP championship from Jorge Martin in the upcoming Barcelona face-off this weekend.

The current two-time champion enters the competition trailing Ducati teammate Martin by 24 points, with a total of 37 points still up for grabs in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.

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"Bagnaia stated that his goal is to triumph in both competitions, focusing on Sunday's race and then letting the outcomes unfold as they may, on the day prior to the event."

Should Bagnaia triumph in both events, he still requires several other competitors to outperform Martin.

Bagnaia faced an issue as it was impossible for anyone to bridge the gap to the frontrunners in the Catalunya Grand Prix held in May.

"In May, we secured the top three positions, with the third place finishing 11 seconds after us, demonstrating once more our superior performance," Bagnaia remarked. "However, I genuinely wish for more competition in the field."

"My goal is to achieve victory. I'm aware that Jorge has the capability to secure a [6th] place finish in both events to claim the championship, making it a challenging endeavor."

"However, it's important to consider that pressure might also have an influence."

When asked about his approach, Bagnaia dismissed the idea of intentionally slowing down.

"I refuse to take any action that might undermine someone else's outcome. Therefore, I'll give it my all, savor the experience, and aim to come out on top in both events. After that, we'll just see how things unfold."

"I'm aware that the current level we both share is sufficient to secure the championship for Jorge. This is because, despite a slight decrease in pace, it's improbable that he would end up outside of the top three."

"This is our current situation, but I won't attempt to provoke anything. Whatever is meant to be will be."

Nonetheless, Bagnaia acknowledged that certain riders would offer more assistance to either one of them.

"He's fully aware that he'll receive assistance from riders such as Aleix Espargaro, just as he anticipates support from our Academy riders," he mentioned.

“In essence, we find ourselves in somewhat comparable positions, though he has the upper hand by 24 points, allowing him a bit more leeway in his approach."

"The truth is, securing the championship on Sunday comes down to not only my strong performance but also hinges on him making an error over the weekend."

Bagnaia's greatest chance for an error from Martin likely lies in applying pressure.

The Italian confessed that during past championship battles against Fabio Quartararo in 2022 and Martin in 2023, he found it challenging to perform at his best while leading in points.

"I feel a lot more liberated at the moment because I'm committed to giving it my all," he shared. "Honestly, two years back, fear really got the better of me during the race, leading me to place eighth—a position that truly didn't reflect my capabilities. It felt odd.

"During the previous season, I aimed to stay composed, however, when it came to the actual races, I undoubtedly felt more anxious."

"However, it's unpredictable. Escaping pressure is impossible, and living with it presents its own challenges."

"As competitors, our goal is to achieve the highest excellence."

"Jorge is set to have a great weekend after completing an outstanding season. This time around, I believe my best might not suffice, so it remains to be seen what unfolds."

Bagnaia also rejected the idea of ramping up the stress on Martin by tailing him during practice, a strategy that the Pramac rider employed in Valencia the previous year.

"Bagnaia stated, 'If he begins the race behind me, my approach will be not to accelerate.'"

"From my perspective, psychological tactics have been ineffective. Therefore, I've never engaged in them and will maintain my current approach to my work."

"I believe Jorge learned from last year's experience that he merely wasted time through his actions. Hence, it's wiser to focus on one's duties, prepare thoroughly, and then make decisions during the race."

However, the 27-year-old emphasized the simplicity of committing an error given the multitude of factors in play this weekend.

"He mentioned that the challenge lies in competing at a circuit that may present more complex scenarios."

"The temperature is low, and we're equipped with four types of front tires and three for the rear. The track's complexity makes it a level playing field where numerous competitors can showcase their speed, necessitating cautious tire management. We're fully aware that both Aprilia and KTM have a strong performance on this circuit."

"Therefore, there's a chance we'll face more competitors, and simple errors can lead to a downfall, similar to my experience in Malaysia. I was engaged in a routine activity and suddenly, I was down by 12 points. Thus, the possibility of victory or defeat is quite high. I believe anything is possible."

Should Martin avoid any issues and emerge as the inaugural MotoGP world champion from a satellite squad, Bagnaia will promptly extend his congratulations to him.

"Certainly, when it comes to errors, I made plenty. To become a champion, one needs to exhibit greater precision and consistency, and Jorge outperformed me in consistency," Bagnaia remarked.

"In considering the outcomes of the races, it's evident that our performance was superior, given that I secured victories in ten races on Sunday and six on Saturday. Thus, when looking at the sheer outcomes, we excelled substantially, yet I believe that both of us merit the championship title."

"I have a peculiar sentiment to express, and it may come off as odd, but if Jorge secures the championship, I wouldn't feel joyous on his behalf. Given our longstanding acquaintance, I do believe he merits the title as well."

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Liberty Media Advances in Acquisition of MotoGP

American Firm Submits MotoGP Acquisition Proposal to European Commission

Liberty Media has moved forward in its plan to acquire the MotoGP World Championship by submitting the transaction for approval to the European Commission.

Earlier this year, the American firm that presently owns Formula 1 revealed that it had purchased an 86% controlling stake in Dorna Sports, the organization behind MotoGP.

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Since then, Liberty has been navigating the essential regulatory steps to finalize the acquisition by the end of the year.

On Thursday, at Liberty’s Investor Day event, CEO Greg Maffei announced that the company had submitted its acquisition of MotoGP to the European Commission for review.

He stated, "Regarding MotoGP briefly, we submitted our application to the European Commission for regulatory approval earlier today, and we anticipate obtaining it by the end of the year."

Maffei stated, "If you examine the weekend schedule, you'll notice a series of sprint events, starting with Moto2 and Moto3, leading up to the main MotoGP race."

The highly successful feeder series play a crucial role in not just engaging fans, but also in offering broadcasters as much as 25 hours of weekend content.

This is an excellent company; it's a unique chance to obtain a global asset with league-level stature, centralized commercial rights, a varied revenue stream, and significant profitability.

Before Liberty became involved, the fanbase was already expanding. Compared to the same period last year, attendance has increased by approximately 9%, and they are sustaining the record figures observed in 2023.

The European Commission must decide on Liberty's acquisition of MotoGP by December 19th.

Earlier this week, Maffei revealed that he plans to resign from his position as CEO of Liberty by the year's end.

If the acquisition gets the green light, Liberty will become the owner of F1 and its associated series, including MotoGP and all other assets held by Dorna, such as World Superbikes. Meanwhile, Liberty Global, a related company, holds ownership of Formula E.

This has raised concerns among some groups about Liberty having a monopoly in the motorsport industry.

In 2006, CVC Capital acquired Formula 1 but was required by competition authorities to relinquish its stake in MotoGP.

From the start, Liberty has been assured that things will be different this time.

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Jorge Martin: Championship Battle "Will Extend to Final Race"

"During the previous season, my mind was constantly occupied with thoughts of creating a legacy, solely concentrating on clinching the championship."

Jorge Martin attributes his focus away from the MotoGP championship as a key factor that has brought him to the brink of an unprecedented world title win this upcoming weekend.

The strategy of progressing through each race, employed by the Pramac team's competitor, is set to encounter its most challenging obstacle yet at the upcoming MotoGP finale in Barcelona, where either he or the current champion, Francesco Bagnaia, will emerge as the victor.

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Martin is in a strong position, as he leads by 24 points in his pursuit to become the first MotoGP world champion from a satellite team, giving the Spanish rider a significant edge.

However, he must manage the stress.

"Perhaps Pecco could offer me some guidance since he experienced a similar situation to mine last year!" Martin mentioned on Thursday, alluding to how the tables were turned a year prior when he was (unsuccessfully) in pursuit of Bagnaia.

"During the previous season, my mind was constantly occupied with the idea of making history and solely concentrating on winning the championship. However, this season, those thoughts haven't crossed my mind. Throughout the entire season, it wasn't something I considered."

"I'm aiming to concentrate on the aspects within my power, specifically giving my all while riding the motorbike and ensuring I perform to the best of my ability. This comes after falling short of doing so in the final part of the previous season."

"Currently, I'm experiencing a positive phase. I sense strength within me and believe I'm capable of having an excellent weekend. That's all there is to it."

While Martin might not have secured as many victories as Bagnaia or matched his own win tally from the previous season, he has achieved a significantly higher number of podium finishes and committed fewer errors.

"I believe the crucial factor spanned the entire season. There's a saying from a boxer that resonated with me, which goes, 'The victory in the championship is secured through the preparation phase.' In our context, it implies that every competition contributes to securing the championship, and it's in the final event that you are formally awarded."

"Definitely, there's a possibility of something occurring, but what truly matters is the effort we've put in throughout the season. We've given our all in every competition. Now, it's crucial to figure out what steps we need to follow to secure that medal and bring it home."

The #89 has the opportunity to secure the championship 'ahead of schedule' by claiming victory in the Saturday Sprint, yet he anticipates that Bagnaia will continue to challenge for the title into Sunday.

"I believe I've reached a point where I can compete focusing solely on my own performance. My goal is to savor the moment, aim for speed, and undoubtedly, if the opportunity to win arises on Saturday, I'll seize it," he expressed.

"I believe this will extend until Sunday, and honestly, I'm okay with that. So, I'll aim to have fun but also strive to remain competitive. That's the primary objective."

Martin's upcoming race on Sunday will mark his final appearance for Pramac and Ducati, as he has agreed to join Aprilia as a factory rider starting in 2025.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the motorsport landscape evolve, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. Currently, he's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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2024 Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP – Outcomes of Friday's Practice

The results from the practice sessions on Friday at the Circuit de Catalunya during the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, marking the 20th and concluding round of the 2024 world championship.

* Novice

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

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Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro achieved a time of 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024).

Quickest circuit time: Pedro Acosta at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

Francesco Bagnaia maintained his pursuit of championship frontrunner Jorge Martin by topping the timesheets in Friday's practice session for the 2024 Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season finale.

After experiencing an unexpected tumble following the morning's chequered flag, Bagnaia recovered swiftly, securing the leading position ahead of Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaro by late afternoon.

In contrast, Brad Binder and Jack Miller, riding KTMs, failed to secure spots in the top ten and will therefore have to compete in Saturday’s Qualifying 1 session.

During the first practice session, the majority of riders opted to use a consistent setup of soft front and medium rear tires. However, as temperatures rose later in the day, they switched to a combination of medium and hard front tires paired with either soft or medium rear tires.

Prior to the late-session time attacks, VR46's Bezzecchi topped the leaderboard on worn tires, with Vinales, Alex Marquez, Acosta, Martin, Bagnaia, Zarco, Binder, Morbidelli, and Aleix Espargaro following him.

Martin, who seemed to experiment with the widest variety of tire choices today, immediately secured the leading position by using fresh soft tires on both the front and rear.

Even though Martin was quick, he appeared restless in the pit area, urgently signaling for crew chief Daniele Romagnoli to talk about a possible problem.

In the meantime, Johann Zarco from LCR Honda delivered a blazing lap while trailing Marc Marquez, allowing him to set the quickest time.

The last stretch kicked off with Zarco, Martin, Maverick Vinales, Bagnaia, Alex Marquez, Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, and Jack Miller holding the top ten positions.

Marquez, Zarco, and Fabio Quartararo lined up behind Bagnaia for their final laps, but it was Bezzecchi, a fellow VR46 Academy member, who independently surged to the lead.

However, this won't last.

Bagnaia managed to surpass the GP23 rider by 0.080 seconds, while Martin found himself in fifth place after sacrificing a lap due to a significant front-end recovery. Espargaro, who had previously secured pole position and won the Sprint in May, took a late third place but appeared to think he could have achieved more.

Caution flags were quickly removed following Joan Mir's late crash and Acosta's excursion off the track.

– Beginner

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro clocked in at 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time: Pedro Acosta clocked in at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

Takaaki Nakagami leads the timesheets at the start of his last full-time MotoGP weekend, with unusual events marking the beginning and end of the first practice session for the Solidarity Barcelona season finale.

Title contender Jorge Martin gained an initial advantage over his competitor Francesco Bagnaia by securing fifth place. However, Bagnaia experienced a fall at Turn 1 once the session concluded, after the chequered flag had been waved.

While coasting with his elbow resting on the tank following a failed practice start, Bagnaia appeared taken aback by Maverick Vinales executing an outside pass in the braking zone, resulting in him losing control of the front.

While reviewing a replay in the pits, Vinales later made a gesture that seemed to say, "What did I do?"

During his practice start, Bagnaia experienced another spin, possibly due to experimenting with a low front-holeshot configuration.

The positive outcome for Bagnaia was that he walked away without any injuries.

In a cool yet dry environment with the temperature at 14 degrees, Nakagami managed to pull ahead by 0.4 seconds over Pedro Acosta in the closing moments. This came after he experienced a fall earlier in the session. To achieve this, he equipped his bike with fresh soft front and medium rear tires.

Acosta, similar to the majority of riders, opted for the same combination of soft and medium tires, yet started the weekend by crashing.

Tech3 teammates collide

The race was halted only six minutes in, as red flags were shown following an unusual crash involving Acosta and his Tech3 teammate Augusto Fernandez at the Turn 5 exit.

Fernandez tried to overtake Acosta on the outside, as Acosta was stuck behind Brad Binder.

However, Acosta, who was leaning inward, did not notice Fernandez's maneuver, leading to a collision between the two as they exited. This incident caused both riders to fall, damaged an air barrier, and resulted in the race being halted with red flags.

Thankfully, the two riders emerged unscathed, although Acosta was visibly shaken while conversing with his team in the pit area.

Prior to the red flag incident, VR46 substitute rider Michele Pirro faced difficulties early on, specifically at Turn 5.

Due to a last-minute venue change and lower temperatures, Michelin is providing a season-high selection of seven different tire options this weekend, with four choices for the front and three for the rear.

How Martin could secure the MotoGP championship during the Sprint race in Barcelona this Saturday:

Heading into the decisive weekend, Martin is ahead of Bagnaia by 24 points.

This would allow Martin to become the premier-class champion for the first time and make history as the first satellite rider to secure the title in the MotoGP era, provided he wins the Saturday Sprint or finishes with at least two more points than Bagnaia.

Although Martin holds the advantage, the cooler weather and potential for rain suggest there could still be an unexpected turn in what Bagnaia, the reigning double champion, has described as a "championship of errors."

Barcelona has stepped in as a last-minute substitute for the usual finale in Valencia, which was called off due to severe flooding.

In May, during the MotoGP event at the circuit, local favorite Aleix Espargaro revealed on Thursday that he intends to retire. He then went on to dominate Friday's practice sessions, secured the top spot in qualifying, and triumphed in the Sprint race, benefiting from a final lap error by Bagnaia.

Bagnaia struck back by securing a win in the grand prix, while Martin, who started in seventh place due to a qualifying crash, managed to finish second. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, who failed to advance to Qualifying 2, impressively climbed from 14th to earn a spot on the podium in both races.

Gresini's rider, Marquez, is currently ahead by just one point over Enea Bastianini in the competition for third place in the world championship. Notably, Marquez will be taking over Bastianini's position with the factory Ducati team next year.

This weekend, the battle for fifth place overall and the highest-ranked non-Ducati rider will be determined. Rookie Pedro Acosta currently holds a narrow 3-point advantage over Brad Binder, who will be his teammate on the KTM factory team in the future.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make his comeback in his last Trackhouse race, following his absence from five rounds because of fractures in his left wrist sustained in Mandalika.

Ducati's test rider Michele Pirro has been selected to fill in for VR46 team member Fabio di Giannantonio, following di Giannantonio's recent shoulder operation.

I'm

For two decades, Peter has been immersed in the paddock, witnessing the rise and fall of Valentino Rossi. He is actively involved in covering the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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