Surprising Name Emerges in MotoGP Conflicts Discussion

Specialists speculate on potential confrontations in 2025

Journalists from Crash.net discuss the potential conflicts that could arise between MotoGP teammates during this season…

Peter McLaren suggests that teammates have the best relationships when they aren't closely matched in skill or performance. This means they aren't directly competing against one another for victories, podium finishes, or even for the same position in the team for the upcoming season.

Considering this, the duo of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez appears to be the most balanced and competitive contender for the 2025 MotoGP championship.

The Ducati Lenovo team is aware of this challenge; it's the drawback of having a 'dream team.' Let's observe how effectively they manage it.

As Bagnaia mentioned the previous year: "This could turn out to be either really great or a complete mess!"

Lewis Duncan suggests that the simplest response would be to focus on the Ducati factory team. However, there is a developing situation at the KTM factory team that is expected to be intriguing in 2025.

With Pedro Acosta joining the factory team, Brad Binder now has a teammate who can genuinely challenge him. Acosta made a significant impact during his first year with Tech3 GASGAS by securing nine podium finishes. Meanwhile, Binder only achieved two podiums, both occurring during the season's initial round.

Formerly KTM's star, Binder is gradually being eclipsed by Acosta, and this trend is likely to persist in 2025 unless he elevates his performance.

Since 2021, Binder has not secured a victory, leading to increasing expectations for him to deliver the anticipated performance. His steady performance has consistently been a significant asset for KTM, aiding him in surpassing Acosta in the rankings last year.

However, this will have limited impact if Acosta begins to frequently outperform him. Should this occur, it is likely that tensions will begin to rise.

Alex Whitworth suggests that tensions could arise between Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta. Although Binder is considered KTM's main rider, the spotlight has shifted to the young Spanish newcomer, Acosta. Additionally, there is a chance that Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi might rekindle their competitive rivalry from the 2018 Moto3 season.

Given the strong possibility that the two Ducati factory riders will compete for the championship, it's expected that Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez might have a disagreement.

There appears to be mutual respect between them, but with 20 races, there is certainly room for that respect to diminish over time.

Derry Munikartono: I will draw a parallel between Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez in MotoGP and the McLaren-Honda team in Formula 1 during 1988, when they featured Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Marquez joined the Ducati factory team, which had already established Bagnaia as their lead rider. This situation is reminiscent of when Ayrton Senna joined McLaren in 1988, at a time when the team was primarily centered around Prost.

Although Marc Marquez is considered an underdog, his relentless determination to succeed mirrors that of Senna and is likely to challenge Bagnaia. Bagnaia, on the other hand, is recognized for his precise and strategic style, reminiscent of Prost.

At the start, we can expect thrilling yet courteous competitions on the track. However, as the season progresses, tensions are likely to escalate significantly, especially if any participant chooses to take the conflict beyond the track.

It is well-known that Marc has a past with Valentino Rossi, who serves as a mentor to Pecco at the VR46 Academy. Rossi, often referred to as "The Doctor," has expressed a desire to have a greater presence in the MotoGP paddock by 2025. Coincidentally, this aligns with his long-standing rival sharing the top garage in MotoGP alongside his protégé.

To this point, the relationship between these two riders away from the track has been one of mutual respect, while their on-track contests have been thrilling. However, with the ultimate motorcycle racing prize on the line, the question arises: how might this dynamic change?

Jordan Moreland: This one's quite simple. I wonder if you can figure it out?

Countdown: 3, 2, 1… It's Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

In the wake of intense disputes in 2024, sharing space in 2025 and 2026 is likely to escalate tensions further. I certainly wouldn't envy those in charge at Ducati!

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Anger Clarified After "Blind or Stupid" Remark Directed at Michael Schumacher

"I would have been fine if he had admitted in the interview, 'I forced him off the track.'"

Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed his frustration with Michael Schumacher following their notorious confrontation, famously labeled as the "blind or stupid" incident.

During the first lap of the 2004 San Marino Grand Prix, Schumacher from Ferrari forcefully defended his position against Montoya from the Williams team.

Schumacher ultimately took the victory, while Montoya, who finished in third place, later criticized: "You must be either blind or foolish to not notice me!"

During a recent episode of the Beyond The Grid podcast, Montoya shared his thoughts, saying, "Their pace was faster than ours. However, we had the advantage of speed and new tires."

"In order to overtake him, I needed to move immediately. He forced me off the track, but I managed to stay safe."

"I would have acted in the same way!"

"I was fine with it. If he had mentioned during the interview that he forced me off the track, I would have accepted it."

He stated, "I didn't notice him."

"While most people tend to think before they speak, I do the opposite—I speak first and then think, catching everyone around me off guard!"

"Many believed I was out of my mind, but it proved successful." Montoya voiced his frustration over the reluctance of other racers to challenge the formidable Schumacher at the height of his career with Ferrari.

Juan Pablo Montoya expressed frustration, saying that the problem with Michael was that no one challenged him in races.

"When he approached from behind, people would say, 'Oh, Michael is approaching, move aside.'"

"That really frustrates me."

The sentiment was akin to, "That's Michael, don't mess with him." He commanded a great deal of respect.

"When it came to racing, I had a really aggressive attitude. Many people considered me to be out of my mind, but that actually played to my advantage."

"When I maneuvered the car into position, they realized I wasn't going to back down. They had two options: either they make space for me, or we collide!"

"The sole occasion I spoke with Michael was during my time racing for BMW, while he was associated with Ferrari."

"Following the race, we received an invitation to attend a gathering at the Nurburgring."

"The incident involved Michael, Rubens, and myself. We ended up getting intoxicated, and that sums it up!"

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Emerging MotoGP Talent for 2025 Set to Captivate Audiences

Analysts Forecast 2025's Top Rookie

Journalists at Crash.net have forecasted which newcomer in MotoGP will excel the most this season…

Peter McLaren suggests that the competition between Ai Ogura and Fermin Aldeguer might be intense, as they performed similarly during their first outing at the Barcelona test. Both riders secured three victories in Moto2 last year while riding the Boscoscuro chassis. However, the newly crowned champion, Ogura, ended the season nearly 100 points ahead of Aldeguer, who finished in fifth place.

Aldeguer is now equipped with the former MotoGP champion GP24 bike and has Marc Marquez’s former crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, supporting him at Gresini. Meanwhile, Ogura will be riding factory Aprilia equipment in 2025 at Trackhouse, although the RS-GP will still require significant improvements to consistently compete with the Desmosedici.

For Somkiat Chantra of LCR, his main benchmark will be the performance of fellow Honda riders. Fortunately, he can approach his races with reduced pressure, especially after having made his MotoGP debut at Buriram in front of his hometown supporters.

Derry Munikartono: I understand the reason behind Fermin Aldeguer's appeal.

Among the rookie classes entering MotoGP in 2025, Aldeguer seems to have the most advantageous setup for the upcoming season, at least on paper.

Aldeguer is set to enter the top-tier racing category with Gresini Ducati, equipped with the highly successful GP24 bike. He will be guided by crew chief Frankie Carchedi, who teamed up with Marc Marquez in the previous year.

According to Alex Whitworth, Fermin Aldeguer is expected to be the top-performing newcomer.

Among the three newcomers to the Ducati GP23, he possesses the most impressive bike. Additionally, his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, brings a wealth of experience in mentoring young, first-year riders.

Ai Ogura has openly acknowledged that he may not be the most gifted rider and anticipates needing some time to get accustomed to MotoGP. Meanwhile, Somkiat Chantra falls slightly short in comparison to the other two riders.

Journalist Lewis Duncan notes that Ai Ogura, entering MotoGP, is not only the current Moto2 world champion but also appears to be the most prepared newcomer to advance to the top-tier racing category.

Although Fermin Aldeguer is receiving a lot of attention, his uneven performance in the 2024 Moto2 season, despite having the same equipment as Ogura, has led to questions about whether he is truly prepared.

Ogura is in a positive environment at Trackhouse, led by Davide Brivio. Brivio is known for introducing several prominent figures to MotoGP and helping them rise to stardom, including Joan Mir, Alex Rins, and Maverick Vinales.

In 2024, the Aprilia proved to be a successful racing motorcycle. However, since the project requires some adjustments, there won't be immediate pressure on Ogura to deliver top performances.

According to the records, Fermin Aldeguer appears to be the top candidate. He is equipped with the finest motorcycle from the 2024 lineup and benefits from the expertise of Frankie Carchedi, a leading crew chief, who is mentoring him during his first season.

Ai Ogura is expected to display bursts of speed, yet like Somkiat Chantra, both might require additional time to get accustomed to the Aprilia and Honda bikes compared to Aldeguer on the Ducati, in my opinion.

I believe Fermin Aldeguer will be the standout rookie of the year, and I anticipate he will astonish many in 2025.

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Lewis Hamilton is believed to have the drive and determination needed to lead Ferrari to a championship victory in 2025.

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert firmly believes that Lewis Hamilton has the determination to pursue a championship with Ferrari if he is provided with the necessary resources.

This week marked a historic moment for Hamilton as he made his inaugural visit to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello.

Hamilton not only had the opportunity to meet a large number of Ferrari's team members, but he also experienced driving one of their Formula 1 cars for the first time.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took to the track at Fiorano, the team's home circuit, to drive the Formula 1 car for the 2023 season.

It was a momentous event, attended by Hamilton's parents, while Ferrari's passionate Tifosi gathered along the roads to see the seven-time world champion.

In a conversation with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert expressed his belief that Hamilton would have increased motivation, as the Ferrari setup is expected to surpass the performance he experienced with Mercedes the previous year.

According to Herbert, if Lewis Hamilton has the determination at Ferrari and a competitive car that provides the necessary speed, he is certainly capable of securing another championship victory.

"The incentive is one aspect to consider. The encouragement he'll receive from the car has certainly gotten better with fewer minor errors. I might point out that Hamilton has made more errors than usual, but I believe the circumstances at Mercedes were not conducive to his performance."

In the final races of last year, he demonstrated exceptional racing skills and was incredibly strong. Hamilton is undoubtedly eager to win the championship at this point, and it falls to Fred Vasseur to provide him with a car capable of making that possible.

The year 2025 presents a valuable chance for Ferrari to enhance their performance compared to 2024 by introducing a more competitive package. This timing could be ideal, and looking ahead to 2026, the focus remains on perfecting the car.

Hamilton is charged with the mission of breaking Ferrari's long-standing title dry spell, which has persisted since 2008.

In 2024, Ferrari nearly clinched the constructors' championship, ending the season a mere 13 points behind McLaren.

The Scuderia regretted a mid-season update that hindered their progress for the rest of the season.

A change made in Barcelona caused the porpoising issue to come back, which placed them behind Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes in the rankings.

Even though they made improvements with an upgrade at Monza, it ended up being too late because they had already fallen too far behind McLaren.

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Yamaha has issued a warning to Jack Miller, suggesting that he needs to "change his riding style" to suit the M1 bike. The head of Yamaha anticipates that both Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller will need to adjust their techniques.

Yamaha has issued a caution to Jack Miller, advising him to adapt to the new motorcycle.

Last year, Miller was ousted from his KTM position and almost found himself excluded from the 2025 MotoGP roster entirely.

The changeover of the Pramac satellite team from Ducati to Yamaha opened up a fresh chance, providing Miller with a renewed opportunity.

According to Yamaha's leader, Maio Meregalli, his learning process is more challenging compared to his new teammate Miguel Oliveira.

Meregalli mentioned to GPOne that having experience is crucial, especially since in recent seasons they've often been competing with only one or two riders.

"We've embarked on a new project and are actively seeking as much information as possible to enhance our efforts."

"I believe that Miguel's way of riding is well-suited to the M1. However, Jack will need to make some adjustments to his riding technique."

"We had just one top choice, but their feedback was largely favorable."

"I spoke with Miguel, and he seemed pleased."

Last year, Jorge Martin was declared the MotoGP champion by Pramac, having raced on a Ducati with factory specifications.

The equipment they use might evolve, yet Pramac is now able to instill a victorious mindset within Yamaha.

"This brings an extra benefit," stated Meregalli.

"It likely would have been very difficult to come across a more suitable setup than theirs, considering their expertise, professionalism, and communication skills."

"We dove into this partnership with great energy, and I find collaborating with them to be enjoyable. There's a lot of excitement."

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Lewis Hamilton has received a caution regarding the dynamics with a Ferrari teammate, drawing a contrast to his time at Mercedes. "This isn't to take anything away from Lewis, but the circumstances differ – Leclerc is far from being Bottas. He's significantly faster."

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor anticipates that Lewis Hamilton will not exhibit the same level of dominance at Ferrari this season as he did during his time with Mercedes.

After a 12-year stint with Mercedes, Hamilton is set to join Maranello in 2025, marking a significant change.

The collaboration between Hamilton and Mercedes was iconic, securing six championships for drivers and eight for constructors.

Mercedes' inability to grasp the existing 'ground effect' regulations led to Hamilton feeling increasingly frustrated.

Rather than pursue other options, he chose to realize a childhood ambition by signing with Ferrari for the upcoming two years.

Hamilton is up against a significant challenge as he competes with Charles Leclerc, who is considered by many to be the quickest driver in Formula 1 when it comes to single-lap speed.

Windsor, a well-regarded Formula 1 analyst, thinks that Hamilton will struggle to achieve the same level of success at Mercedes because of the high quality of his teammate.

Peter Windsor, speaking on his YouTube channel, suggested that anyone expecting Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari to perform as he did during his dominant years at Mercedes should reconsider. He pointed out that Hamilton's success at Mercedes was partly due to having an excellent teammate who contributed to his achievements.

The statement compares two Formula 1 drivers, highlighting that although Valtteri Bottas had an excellent car, it wasn't Nico Rosberg. The speaker emphasizes that this isn't meant to diminish Lewis Hamilton's skills. However, they point out a notable difference: Charles Leclerc is significantly faster than Bottas.

Hamilton has experience dealing with challenging teammates in Formula 1.

In his inaugural year with the team, he competed directly against Fernando Alonso, who has won the F1 world championship twice.

In 2010, he teamed up with the current world champion, Jenson Button.

While he was with Mercedes, he faced off against Nico Rosberg and later George Russell, both of whom presented a significant challenge.

In 2025, the competition between Hamilton and Leclerc is expected to be just as intense.

Since beginning his Formula 1 career in 2018, Leclerc has consistently outperformed his teammates in every qualifying session.

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Lewis Hamilton has been cautioned regarding the dynamics with a Ferrari teammate, highlighting a contrast with Mercedes. "This isn't to undermine Lewis, but the scenario differs – Leclerc is not like Bottas. He's significantly faster."

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor is not anticipating that Lewis Hamilton will display the same level of dominance with Ferrari this season as he did with Mercedes.

After spending 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton is set to make a major move to Maranello in 2025.

The collaboration between Hamilton and Mercedes was iconic, securing six drivers' championships and eight constructors' championships.

Mercedes' inability to grasp the existing 'ground effect' regulations led to Hamilton's increasing frustration.

Rather than that, he chose to realize a dream he had since he was a child by signing with Ferrari for the upcoming two years.

Hamilton is up against a significant challenge as he competes with Charles Leclerc, who is considered by many to be the quickest Formula 1 driver when it comes to one-lap speed.

F1 analyst Windsor is of the opinion that Hamilton will struggle to achieve the same level of success he had with Mercedes, largely because of the high quality of his current teammate.

In a statement on his YouTube channel, Windsor suggested that if people expect Lewis Hamilton to exhibit the same level of dominance at Ferrari as he did at Mercedes, they might be mistaken. He emphasized that Hamilton's success was partly due to having an excellent teammate who contributed to his ability to dominate.

"Instead of Nico Rosberg, it was Valtteri Bottas who had an excellent car. This doesn’t take anything away from Lewis Hamilton, but the circumstances are different—Charles Leclerc is not like Bottas. Leclerc is significantly faster."

Hamilton has a long history of dealing with challenging teammates in Formula 1. The experience of having a formidable partner on the team is not new to him.

In his debut season with the team, he competed directly against Fernando Alonso, who has won the F1 world championship twice.

In 2010, he teamed up with the current world champion, Jenson Button.

While with Mercedes, he faced tough competition from Nico Rosberg and later from George Russell.

In 2025, the competition between Hamilton and Leclerc will be just as intense.

Since beginning his Formula 1 career in 2018, Leclerc has consistently outperformed his teammates in every qualifying session.

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Back in 2016, Ducati evaluated the possibility of signing Marc Marquez but ultimately decided against it. Reports suggest that Ducati's interest in Marquez dates back nine years.

A MotoGP paddock veteran reveals that nine years ago, Ducati decided not to pursue signing Marc Marquez.

In 2016, Marquez secured his third MotoGP title within his initial four years competing in the division.

Ducati faced another year without securing a title for the ninth time, leading them to invest heavily in bringing Jorge Lorenzo on board.

Currently, experienced manager Alberto Vergani asserts that Gigi Dall’Igna from Ducati was not fixated on hiring Marquez from Honda.

"No, because back in 2017, he chose Lorenzo instead of choosing him," Vergani explained to GPone.

In 2016, Ducati made an attempt, but they were not persuaded.

"Gigi, however, still holds the top spot as the leading figure. He is an invaluable asset to Ducati. When Marc presented himself as available [towards the close of 2023], refusing him was not an option."

"Geniuses thrive on their achievements, and that's exactly how Dall’Igna operates. Gigi and Marc are both brilliant minds who have crossed paths."

"Switching from Jorge Martin to Aprilia was a difficult decision."

Just before the Valencia test, Gigi remarked, "Marc did some unexplainable things with the GP23."

Gigi Dall’Igna is highly knowledgeable about motorcycles. The Desmosedici was developed under his guidance, making him intimately familiar with its capabilities. As a result, Dall’Igna has an unparalleled understanding of Ducati's performance.

He conducted an X-ray on Marc and decided to choose him.

A significant narrative for the 2025 season will be the partnership between Marquez and Ducati's standout rider Pecco Bagnaia in the official Ducati team garage.

The skilled duo have access to the top-performing motorcycle in MotoGP.

Meanwhile, Martin, the champion, needs to get used to the Aprilia.

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Toto Wolff cautions Mercedes about the upcoming 2026 F1 regulation changes, stating there's "no place to conceal." He emphasizes that excellence is required in every aspect of their work and that having a strong engine by itself is not sufficient for success.

Toto Wolff acknowledged that Mercedes will be fully exposed when the new Formula 1 regulations take effect in 2026.

Significant modifications to the technical rules, especially concerning the power unit, are expected in 2026.

Starting in 2026, F1 engines will incorporate more electric elements due to the compulsory adoption of sustainable fuels.

Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, has called these alterations the most significant ever in the history of the sport.

Consequently, the competitive landscape is likely to shift, placing more focus on engine-related aspects.

In 2014, Mercedes became well-known for mastering the introduction of the new engine regulations.

The power unit developed by Mercedes stood out as the best in the competition, leading to their dominance in the sport.

Ferrari didn't manage to close the gap until 2018, although their methods were questionable, as evidenced by the FIA's decision to implement changes at the end of 2019 to restrict the team.

The narrative for 2026 might unfold in a similar way, but Wolff remains cautious about one aspect as they approach the upcoming year.

In an interview with AMuS, Wolff mentioned, "I’m not feeling uneasy. It’s an incredibly fascinating challenge."

"It's essential to perform your duties to the best of your abilities in every aspect. Simply having a powerful engine won't take us far."

"McLaren will also possess that capability. Therefore, our challenge is to surpass them with our chassis. We cannot avoid this responsibility."

Mercedes Optimistic Looking Towards 2026

Although Wolff has expressed worries about the challenge from McLaren, the overall sentiment within Mercedes remains upbeat.

James Allison, the technical director, mentioned that the current atmosphere is "comparable" to what it was like in 2014.

During an interview with Sky Sports at Imola last year, he mentioned, "I wasn't part of the team leading up to 2014 when the new wave of power units was being developed and there was a significant effort to bring them to fruition."

"However, according to team members who were there, they describe the sensation as being quite comparable."

There is a significant push within Mercedes High Performance Powertrains to ensure its success, as it will shape the future for those fortunate enough to have it powering their vehicles in upcoming seasons.

"We are fortunate to benefit from the positive investments they are making for both of us."

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Jorge Martin on Marc Marquez: "Reviewing the data, my reaction was just 'wow'…"

Jorge Martin reveals his pick for the 2025 MotoGP championship frontrunner

Jorge Martin has acknowledged that he was struck by the performance metrics of Marc Marquez from the previous year.

Martin emerged victorious as the MotoGP champion riding a factory-spec Ducati, a motorcycle that was one year more advanced than the model Marquez rode.

In 2025, Marquez makes a comeback riding a Ducati from the factory team, while Martin faces the challenge of defending his championship title as he transitions to riding an April

Martin has evaluated which of his competitors is the top contender for the 2025 championship.

"Ultimately, it's Pecco Bagnaia who has taken the lead," he shared with Marca.

"Thus, I view Pecco as the frontrunner, yet I must be honest, after reviewing the data, I've noticed some promising aspects in Marc."

Sometimes you find yourself thinking, "Wow, the bike's performance in this place is incredibly swift."

"In some instances, particularly during races in Thailand and Malaysia, it's unclear why, but his motorcycle seemed to underperform."

"I've discussed it with him, and despite his efforts, he ultimately achieved remarkable success in his races."

"Therefore, in my opinion, the GP25 definitely has potential for enhancements, yet reaching Pecco's level presents a significant challenge."

Achieving eleven victories is astounding, and at this moment, following his back-to-back championship wins and securing the second place this year, he is currently the top contender.

"Ultimately, the current discussions won't hold significance. Let's wait and observe the outcome…"

Martin faces the daunting task of competing against the factory Ducati racers, who have the advantage of riding the top-performing bike in MotoGP.

He confessed his doubts about achieving success with Aprilia.

"I firmly believe that we'll put in our utmost effort, and I'm keeping an open mind since I need to witness it firsthand, especially how the bike performs."

"Last year, the motorcycle team secured a third-place finish in the Constructors' Championship, despite not having the top-performing bike. Since then, the focus has been on making enhancements."

"I believe I have a lot to offer the new factory, including [consistency] and efficiency."

"Undoubtedly, from our collective observations, it's evident there are instances [where their position was 15th]. Thus, there's something noteworthy.

"We need to assess our initial position and ensure the factory is fully operational. I'm confident that the collective enthusiasm and dedication of the factory team will support me, and together, we're bound to achieve great outcomes, without a doubt."

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LIVE COVERAGE: VR46 unveils 2025 MotoGP designs for Fabio di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli

Tune in live to see VR46 reveal their 2025 MotoGP team colors in Indonesia.

Today (Saturday), Valentino Rossi's VR46 squad will unveil its MotoGP livery for the 2025 season at a presentation event in Jakarta.

This season, VR46 will replace Pramac as Ducati's official secondary team. Fabio di Giannantonio will be upgraded to ride the factory-spec GP25s, while the newly recruited Franco Morbidelli will fill the spot left by Marco Bezzecchi, riding the GP24s.

Tune in to witness the team reveal their newest colors live from the Nusa Indah Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 18:30 local time (12:30 CET, 11:30 UK)…

The 2025 season marks VR46's fourth year in MotoGP, entirely with Ducati, and their second year under the title sponsorship of Pertamina.

In 2022, the team experienced their most successful season yet, with Bezzecchi securing three victories and finishing third in the global championship.

In the previous year, Bezzecchi and his new teammate Di Giannantonio faced challenges with the less dominant GP23.

Bezzecchi secured the team's sole podium finish at Jerez, ending up twelfth in the rankings and the lowest-placed Ducati rider.

Ex-Gresini racing victor Diggia concluded the season in tenth place overall, having sat out the last two races to receive shoulder surgery.

For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez has faced with injuries.

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PREVIEW: Rossi unveils nuances as Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli reveal the 2025 VR46 MotoGP designs

Valentino Rossi shares, "The design this year sticks to the original theme yet introduces modifications that hold a unique place in my heart."

Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli have revealed the new VR46 team livery, marking the beginning of its partnership as Ducati's designated satellite team in MotoGP.

Launched in Jakarta, the base city of main sponsor Pertamina, the 'Act 2' paint scheme keeps the bright yellow, white, and red color scheme from the previous year, while incorporating unique elements from the racing legacy of team proprietor Valentino Rossi.

Rossi delivered a message through a video during the unveiling, stating: "The design for this year will maintain the same theme but incorporate a few alterations that hold great significance for me. I truly hope it resonates with you just as deeply as it does with me."

The modifications incorporate Rossi's iconic 'sun and moon' design from his helmet, along with his well-known number 46, presented as a 'shadow' beneath Morbidelli's 21 and di Giannantonio's 49.

"Seeing the 46 above my 21 for the first time was a deeply emotional moment," expressed Morbidelli.

"Uccio admits there's some pressure, but it's a positive thing!" di Giannantonio quipped with a laugh.

The enhancement of Ducati's position signifies that di Giannantonio will embark on his second VR46 season riding a GP25 Desmosedici of factory specification, matching the equipment of official team racers Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

2023 Gresini racing champion Diggia, who was absent for the last two races of the previous season due to shoulder surgery, believes he has currently regained about 85% of his physical condition.

Next week at Mandalika, the Italian racer will take a Panigale superbike for a spin to assess his physical readiness before the Sepang test scheduled for February 5-7.

Morbidelli, who was Jorge Martin's colleague at Pramac the previous year, has made a move to the VR46 racing team, taking over the spot left by Marco Bezzecchi, who has transitioned to Aprilia.

The previous second-place finisher from Petronas Yamaha will continue competing on the GP24 bike he used last season.

The individual, aged 30, highlighted that his primary focus is to continue his previous season's qualifying performance while also striving to enhance his tyre management skills. His goal is to achieve a podium finish for the first time since Jerez 2021.

The upcoming MotoGP team unveilings for both the Factory and Tech3 KTM squads are scheduled for January 30th.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit and witnessed Valentino Rossi's entire career span. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's battles with injuries.

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