EXCLUSIVE: Unveiling Pedro Acosta's "Physics-Defying" Talent

In an exclusive interview, Lewis Duncan from Crash.net engages with Paul Trevathan, the crew chief of Pedro Acosta, to discover the secrets behind the exceptional skills of MotoGP's standout newcomer.

On Thursday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Paul Trevathan is sipping coffee in a quiet Tech3 hospitality area before the last race of the 2024 MotoGP season begins.

Throughout the year, the attention has largely been focused on the 20-year-old sitting beside him. However, the straightforward crew chief from New Zealand has been Pedro Acosta's key supporter.

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Since his promotion to the MotoGP division with the Tech3 team supported by KTM was announced last year, there has been a lot of anticipation surrounding the 2021 Moto3 and 2023 Moto2 world champion. Some predicted he would clinch race victories in his first MotoGP season, while others believed he could contend for the championship.

The situation intensified on November 28, 2023, when he had his first experience riding the RC16 during the post-season test in Valencia.

Trevathan, reflecting on an impressive 2024, shared with Crash.net that there was significant media coverage and similar activities when he was asked about his first thoughts on Acosta following the initial test.

"The astonishing aspect was how much he could handle and his eagerness to quickly absorb and implement information. It was like a video game console, with all the buttons and features on the bike; he navigated through each one. His ability to convey his thoughts and grasp what we communicated in such a brief time was impressive, and then he would simply go out and execute it."

At that time, we started calling him "the sponge" because his ability to absorb information was remarkable, especially considering his young age and limited experience. He had only spent three years in the paddock before joining us, which isn't a long period to grasp everything fully.

"The readiness to face things without fear and question, 'What are these things for? Will they make me faster? Alright, let's try them immediately,' was truly remarkable."

'Riding a motorcycle like no other'

Acosta's rapid progress was evident when, during the test in Sepang this February, he hit a lap time goal that Trevathan had deemed achievable only after three days, all on the very first day.

Starting his debut race in Qatar from the eighth position, Acosta managed to secure points during the sprint. He aggressively pushed forward in the main race, quickly joining the battle for a podium spot. Although he eventually dropped to ninth place by the finish line, this was a valuable learning experience for him. Despite this outcome, it did not diminish the high expectations that the world has for the Spanish racer.

Acosta reached the podium for the first time at the following grand prix in Portugal. He moved up to third place after Maverick Vinales faced a problem with his Aprilia and eventually crashed.

He followed it up with another victory in America during his next race, then secured a second-place finish in the Jerez sprint. At this point, his momentum appeared unstoppable.

Although the outcomes appeared remarkable in writing, Trevathan explains what truly set them apart.

Trevathan mentioned that these aerodynamic bikes are far from impressive. He also remarked that he hadn't discussed any expectations regarding outcomes with Acosta throughout the entire year.

"These motorcycles are not typical to operate. When you observe individuals who haven't used them for some time, you notice that the level of effort and comprehension required has changed significantly. With the current aerodynamic design, tire issues, and temperature challenges, riding them is quite complex and doesn't come naturally."

"You need to understand it, and this is the aspect of him that truly amazes me."

"If he had finished in the top five, I would have already been quite impressed. However, managing to position himself for a podium finish was truly extraordinary, as it requires starting from one of the first two rows."

"Currently, given our existing format, it's impressive that we've been able to consistently nail that perfect lap early in practice at every track we've visited."

"When you consider the number of times we've missed reaching Q2, it's a remarkable accomplishment. This might even be more noteworthy than securing some podium finishes, because preparing for a podium spot requires groundwork that begins on Friday."

"This is the phase where he's focusing on identifying the key aspects needed to have the bike ready before practice begins."

"After that, he focused on addressing the issues related to the race. It's incredibly complex and definitely not straightforward, but he has handled it remarkably well."

In recent years, MotoGP has welcomed several impressive newcomers. Marco Bezzecchi achieved podium finishes with VR46 in 2022, and Jorge Martin secured a grand prix victory during his debut season in 2021. Back in 2019, Fabio Quartararo emerged as a potential successor to Valentino Rossi at Yamaha and was seen as the rider most capable of challenging Marc Marquez directly for a championship title.

According to Trevathan, none of these competitors have faced the current schedule, where weekends depend heavily on Friday afternoons, followed by qualifying and two races in each round.

Throughout the 20 rounds, Acosta found himself starting outside the top 10 on just three occasions. He secured a pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix and had an average starting position of seventh over the season. Meanwhile, his KTM teammate, Brad Binder, who ended the season two points ahead of Acosta in the rankings, averaged a 10th-place qualifying position throughout the year.

"Challenging the Limits of Physics"

Despite struggling during qualifying sessions, Acosta consistently showcased his overtaking skills in a time when such maneuvers are notably difficult. His repeated ability to move up through the field remains a mystery, even to the KTM team.

Trevathan mentions that they are still exploring this question, highlighting that his approach to riding is exceptionally unique. The routes he chooses and the way he navigates them often seem to challenge the laws of physics, yet he maintains impressive speed.

"He rides in ways that seem like errors that won't be successful. Yet, he manages to make it work. I believe this is partly due to the dynamics within the KTM team, which makes it difficult for outsiders, even those within our group, to fully grasp. It's about how he utilizes his body, his ability to halt the bike, and his way of adapting."

In any given scenario, he devises a unique solution that isn't found in conventional strategies. It's similar to coaching an extraordinary basketball player who constantly surprises you, leaving you wondering, "How on earth are you doing that?"

"Right now, he's really putting on a solo performance. It's great from my perspective because I can just watch and not stress about his methods. However, if you're competing against him and looking at his stats, you're left wondering, 'How on earth is he doing that?'"

"Afterward, you need to find a solution, which can be quite challenging. Data alone doesn’t provide the answer. It merely shows you the sequence of events as they occurred."

"However, the way he accomplished it remains unclear, leaving many aspects uncertain and requiring us to be truthful about it."

According to Trevathan, Acosta's riding style allows him to extract the maximum performance from the bike, requiring it to be only "90%" ready. He explains that if the technician avoids mistakes, Acosta can handle the remaining 10%. This approach might pose challenges for KTM in the future regarding bike development, similar to the difficulties Honda experienced during Marc Marquez's peak years, but that's a concern for later.

'I will reach out when I require your assistance.'

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

Another post shared by Pedro Acosta (@37pedroacosta).

From this viewpoint, it's clear that Acosta, despite being remarkably young, demonstrates a calm and composed demeanor that even some seasoned riders lack, particularly when the bike isn't performing optimally.

When questioned about how he stacks up against other riders in KTM's lineup, Trevathan highlights his composure, noting that he's consistently calm and never gets flustered.

The driver likely vented some frustration and used strong language during his in-laps, as he is known for being very expressive. However, his level of professionalism in the garage is exceptional. He never plays the blame game or accuses anyone of mistakes.

The narrative goes that we rarely make significant modifications to the bike, and that holds true. However, I've often pointed out, "Hey, I'm available."

He responded by saying, "Sure, but I'll reach out when I require your help. First, let me handle what I am able to on my own."

"This is the challenge we face as a company and I face personally as a technician. It involves figuring out whether any changes I make between sessions contribute to a rider improving by half a second. The question then becomes: is the improvement due to the adjustments to the bike or is it because of the rider's performance?"

Ultimately, you're just opposing each other. It's more effective to say, "Alright, go ahead and do what you need to do, and when things go wrong, come and inform me." This is the approach we're taking, and it's working out very well.

'Poor Lifestyle Choices'

Trevathan describes Acosta as "an old soul in a young body" because of his perspective on life. This outlook is influenced by his background, as the son of a fisherman, where he learned that he must excel in bike racing or find a traditional job like his father's. His combination of speed and humility has redefined expectations for newcomers in MotoGP.

Trevathan admits that he has been told, quite frankly, that this way of living is not healthy.

The environment of the MotoGP paddock, along with the stress we impose on ourselves, is quite detrimental to our well-being. It's not an experience that someone would wish for their child, nor is it something anyone would want to endure for an extended period.

"He explained that his identity and goals are clear, and he is taking steps to accomplish them. Hearing a 20-year-old express such determination and vision is astonishing."

"For a newcomer entering the scene, he's raised the standards significantly. I'd describe Augusto Fernandez's performance as exceptional, aligning perfectly with the current expectations for mastering the bikes and the class. However, Pedro has surpassed these expectations and reached an entirely new level."

These developments were crucial during the mid-season phase. The successful finishes persisted following the sprint races at the Spanish Grand Prix in Catalonia and the Italian Grand Prix. However, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix, progress began to wane. This decline peaked at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he secured 14th place in qualifying at KTM's home track, failed to earn points by finishing 10th in the sprint, and managed only a 13th place finish in the main race.

Trevathan acknowledges that his team believed they could improve the bike's braking performance by adjusting the electronics. However, this adjustment removed a technique that Acosta had mastered, which contributed to his difficulties.

A long drive from Spielberg to Misano, along with a WP Moto2 test and a mutual agreement between Acosta and Trevathan, was all that was needed to return to the correct path. In the end, this experience made Acosta a more resilient rider.

"He mentions that the decline in performance midway through the season wasn't solely his responsibility. The team was also working to identify areas for improvement. It wasn't primarily about adjusting the bike's geometry or configuration. Instead, the focus was on the electronics setup and similar aspects, as they attempted to innovate in ways they deemed necessary. They pursued this direction in an effort to enhance performance."

Reflecting on the past, we realized that going through that experience was likely one of the best decisions we made. He had enough integrity to admit, "I'm really lost at this point, I don't understand, and I can't ride the way I want to."

"After the Spielberg event, where we faced significant challenges and experienced a particularly tough weekend, we decided to revisit certain strategies. It was during this period that we made the decision to conduct a WP test and try out the Moto2 bike at Misano."

"Pedro and I made the journey from Spielberg to Misano by car. During the drive, we began chatting. My strategy engineer was also planning to visit Misano, as he intended to spend some time with Pedro too."

"It was impeccable timing. We had just spent 12 hours in the car, chatting about various topics. The following day, he was on the Moto2 bike, having a great time. Then he paused, and we resumed our conversation about the circumstances."

"We began to identify where we might have made mistakes, particularly in terms of his style. That was the turning point when we decided to make a change and align things more closely with a style that suited both of us. After that, we revisited previous approaches."

"It wasn't just him who experienced a drop in performance. It was all of us. It wasn't intentional; we simply took the wrong path."

Starting with the next event in Aragon, Acosta returned to peak performance. Securing two podium finishes from a second-place start demonstrated that the break had been beneficial. This momentum continued into the double-header at Misano, although errors prevented him from fully capitalizing on his top-five speed. In the Indonesian GP, he pushed Jorge Martin hard and secured a second-place finish. His first victory could have been achieved in Japan, where he started from pole position, but crashes in both races prevented that. He added another podium in the rainy Thai GP, bringing his total number of podium finishes for the year to five.

During the season, Acosta experienced five races without scoring any points due to crashes, starting from the Emilia Romagna GP and continuing through the Thailand sprint. These incidents, along with earlier errors in the season, prevented him from finishing as the highest-ranked KTM rider. By the summer break, Acosta had accumulated 110 points, just ahead of Binder, who had 108. However, from the British GP onwards until the season concluded, Acosta added 105 points to his tally, while Binder slightly surpassed him with 109 points.

This largely clarifies why he only gave his first season a 6 out of 10 rating when questioned at the conclusion in Barcelona. It might seem like a tough judgment when considering all aspects, but as Trevathan points out, that's simply how Acosta is.

"The important thing is to be honest and upfront with one another, avoiding any deceit," he observes. "As a resident of Holland, I appreciate the Dutch for their directness and honesty. Pedro shares this trait, as he is also extremely straightforward and candid."

"You don't waste time; you address the issue directly without assigning blame. You present your thoughts and explain your reasoning for all your points. Then, you begin to reassess and self-reflect, questioning whether you are satisfied with what you observe in yourself."

"The important thing is to remember that we're not trying to undermine one another. We're all striving towards the same objectives, and the more we communicate directly and openly, the clearer everything becomes during those times."

In 2025, Acosta will join the official KTM team as a rider. As he makes this move next year, the pressure on him will still be significant, but throughout 2024, the 20-year-old has shown no signs of being intimidated. Competing head-to-head with Binder will be tough, yet he has already demonstrated his readiness for it. Meanwhile, KTM's main task is to ensure their bike is competitive enough for Acosta to aim for the top spot.

Trevathan plans to remain close, as Acosta has made a lasting impact on the team leader this season, ensuring that everyone involved with the number 37 KTM team is performing at their best.

Trevathan emphasizes that Acosta is "even more determined" now than he was during his initial test a year ago when asked about the differences in his performance.

The message is straightforward and more precise. It provides a significantly improved set of tools to grasp what is necessary for excelling in the class. That would likely be the most accurate way to explain it.

"Each time he hops on a motorcycle, he amazes me. His passion and drive inspire not only himself but also the entire team, pushing us all to strive for improvement."

"You can have as much ambition or competitive spirit as you like, but if the person alongside you isn't heading in the same direction, your performance will only reach the level that they can achieve on the track."

"When you encounter someone like that, I used to say that if a rider puts in 100% effort, I would respond with 120%. But if a rider only gives 90%, my effort would drop to 60%. However, with someone eager to give 120%, it's truly astonishing."

"It turns into a lifelong commitment to assist the child because that's how he motivates you…"

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Is the former version of Marc Marquez set to appear with the factory Ducati MotoGP team? This week's episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast delves into the details of Marc Marquez’s transition to the factory Ducati team.

Marc Marquez will join the factory Ducati MotoGP team in 2025, partnering with two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia.

Last week, eight-time world champion Marquez took his first ride on the factory-spec Ducati during the post-season test in Barcelona, finishing with the fourth-best time, just behind his new teammate.

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Following his 2024 season with the Gresini team, where he rode older equipment but still managed to secure victories in three grand prix races, Marquez is anticipated to contend for his ninth world championship title in the upcoming year.

The Marquez who once ruled MotoGP on his Honda is not the same as the one we see today, having faced significant injury challenges in 2020.

What strategy will Marquez employ as he rejoins a factory team in 2024?

According to Crash's Senior Journalist Lewis Duncan, the objective was evident from the very start. From the time he first got on that bike last November, the aim was to rejoin a factory team and secure a spot with the factory Ducati.

"In my opinion, when we observed how he managed his prospects earlier this year, it was evident that he had a distinct plan for what he wanted to achieve."

"I believe that the Marquez we will witness next year will not resemble the factory Honda version. This is due to the fact that the factory Honda team and the factory Ducati team are fundamentally distinct entities."

"However, we can expect to witness a more earnest aspect of Marquez. Despite his remarks about proceeding gradually, the anticipation will be for him to contend for the championship."

"If he's able to replicate his performance on the GP23, which had become quite outdated by the time the race finished in Barcelona, on the new factory motorcycle that appears to have made significant advancements according to Pecco Bagnaia's comments."

"I believe we'll see a more serious side of Marc, who will likely adopt a more thoughtful strategy towards racing. He has previously mentioned that, before his injury, he had a tendency to take his race victories for granted."

"Having experienced what he has, each victory holds greater significance, and with the transition to the new facility, every major achievement will be celebrated as a significant occasion."

"I believe that maintaining his enthusiasm and enjoyment for racing will only enhance his performance."

Jordan Moreland, who manages social media for Crash and hosts a podcast, comments: "The blend of the thrilling environment, his passion for racing, and the support from those around him make me believe he can succeed at Ducati."

The focus is also on the opposite side of the garage, where Bagnaia is concerned. He has been part of Ducati for several years, making it his team. Although it's not a direct comparison, Marquez joined Repsol Honda as a newcomer alongside Dani Pedrosa, at a time when Casey Stoner was likely the top rider as he was outperforming Pedrosa.

"Things have changed somewhat since he's grown older; you can observe his emotions more clearly now, and he's more capable of expressing how he feels."

In his earlier days, Marquez was known for his inscrutable expression, never revealing anything. How will this strategy fare as he joins Bagnaia's team?

"We've observed it during just one day of testing, yet he might need to stay in the game a little longer and be patient for the right opportunity to assert his dominance."

Crash's MotoGP Editor, Peter McLaren, observes parallels between Marc Marquez's current career phase and Valentino Rossi's experience during the final years of his MotoGP journey.

Reflecting on the past, it's fascinating to realize just how long Marc has been a part of MotoGP.

"Situations evolve, and so do the racers. Marc, at 31, is now considered a seasoned competitor."

In his early years, he was known for his incredible speed and explosive riding style, but he's evolved over time, much like Valentino Rossi did in his career.

"He suffered a serious injury, but honestly, if you're competing in MotoGP for an extended period, an injury is bound to happen eventually."

"It was inevitable that this would occur eventually. This change involves experience taking the place of speed."

According to observers, Rossi's experience shows that it's possible to still compete for championships later in one's career, as he nearly succeeded in 2015. This is similar to Marc's current situation, demonstrated this season by his more strategic approach, focusing on completing races rather than taking excessive risks.

He experienced numerous crashes, although they occurred during practice sessions, and he was significantly outperforming the other riders using the same motorcycle.

"It appears we're witnessing Marc's growth and development as a rider."

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Ducati: MotoGP 2024 hailed as a ‘victory for the “Ducati System”, drawing inspiration from Galileo’

“While Pecco secured more wins, Jorge demonstrated greater perseverance, and ultimately, he deservedly became the Champion.”

It's premature to determine whether 2024 marked the pinnacle of Ducati's dominance in MotoGP, but surpassing it will undoubtedly be challenging.

Ducati achieved a remarkable feat by securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races, claiming the top four positions in the championship, and dominating with 14 all-Ducati podium finishes.

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However, when considering a single race, the standout performance was undoubtedly at the Buriram Sprint, where all eight top positions were claimed by Ducatis.

This situation is unlikely to occur again anytime soon, as Ducati plans to reduce its lineup from eight to six motorcycles next season, with the number of factory-spec bikes decreasing from four to three.

"The exceptional performance displayed by Ducati through its motorcycles, riders, and technical team during the 2024 MotoGP season will be eternally cherished by enthusiasts of the sport," stated Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati.

"I am thrilled for Jorge Martin, a remarkably skilled racer who developed his career with Ducati and achieved a lifelong dream with our team."

Following a 15-year gap since Casey Stoner's triumph in 2007, Ducati has now secured three consecutive MotoGP riders' championships. This streak began with Francesco Bagnaia's victories in 2022 and 2023 and continues with Jorge Martin's recent win. Domenicali praised the 'Ducati system' for being instrumental in their success this year.

Following the exhilarating excitement of 2022 and the 'awakening success' of 2023, we are here today to honor the success of a framework: the "Ducati System".

A method influenced by the ideas of Galileo Galilei, who is considered the founder of the scientific method and contemporary science.

A method that has propelled us to the top in track-racing events is the same one we use for the innovation, creation, and advancement of our products, showcasing Italian engineering excellence on a global scale.

"I want to extend my congratulations to all the Ducati racers: of course, World Champion Jorge Martín, but also Pecco, who fought relentlessly until the finish, as well as Marc and Enea, who played a part in making this MotoGP season a historic one for our company."

The leading four competitors in the overall rankings showcased exceptional skill and a seamless connection with the Desmosedici GP, pushing the boundaries of what seemed possible.

In this situation, Jorge and Pecco played an even more significant role by engaging in a title battle that was more evenly matched than the previous year.

"While Pecco had more victories, Jorge's relentless determination ultimately earned him the rightful title of Champion."

Martin's championship win results in Ducati losing its #1 spot to Aprilia, as they opted to team up Marquez with Bagnaia for the factory team in the upcoming season instead of Martin.

That choice also played a role in Pramac's switch from Ducati to Yamaha in 2025.

Domenicali expressed a poetic perspective on the separation, saying, "Jorge's world championship victory beautifully illustrates how love stories can conclude with a magnificent ending. I can't imagine a more fitting way to honor the efforts made over the past few years alongside Jorge and Pramac Racing. My gratitude goes particularly to Paolo Campinoti."

"Gratitude goes out to everyone at Ducati and Ducati Corse for making this happen. Being a Ducatista is becoming a greater source of pride."

For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Aleix Espargaro believes that the combination of HRC and Albesiano will significantly strengthen Honda. He suggests that HRC doesn't need to overhaul everything, but acknowledges that Italian engineers currently lead the industry.

Aleix Espargaro may have had his first outing with Honda during the test following the Barcelona race, but Romano Albesiano is expected to begin his new position as HRC's MotoGP technical director on January 1st.

Since 2017, Espargaro and Albesiano have collaborated at Aprilia. In 2020, Espargaro was ranked as low as 17th in the world championship standings, but significant advancements were subsequently made with the RS-GP.

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In 2021, the competitor secured their first podium finish and placed eighth in the world championship. The following year, they achieved a win, stood on the podium six times, and finished fourth in

In 2023, despite securing two additional grand prix victories, they finished in sixth place. The following year, in 2024, Maverick Vinales, who is Espargaro's teammate, was the sole rider to surpass Ducati in a Sunday race. Additionally, Espargaro achieved a Sprint race win in Catalunya.

Espargaro expressed his strong faith in Romano's talent, stating that with time and a broader perspective, the achievements they made together at Aprilia will be more appreciated. He made these remarks as his full-time MotoGP career was drawing to a close.

After Gigi Dall’Igna left for Ducati at the conclusion of 2013, Albesiano assumed control of the technical operations at Aprilia Racing.

Espargaro went on to say that Romano's achievements with Aprilia over the past 6-7 years have been extraordinary and impressive.

"In the past couple of seasons, we've seen progress, though the initial ones were quite challenging. Despite the difficulties, he remained persistent, continually improving the bike each year with numerous innovative ideas."

"I've always had a positive relationship with Romano and hold a great deal of respect for him. I view it as a gift to join the most prestigious factory in this paddock, which is rich in history."

Albesiano is set to be the first individual from outside Japan to assume this level of technical leadership at HRC.

Espargaro expressed his amazement, stating that becoming the technical director of HRC feels like a dream come true and is beyond belief.

The challenge ahead for Albesiano and Espargaro is to achieve the same level of improvement with the underperforming RC213V as they did with the RS-GP.

Honda, known for its remarkable achievements in grand prix racing, has found itself at the lowest position in the constructors' rankings for the past three years.

In 2024, Honda reached new depths in performance without Marc Marquez and last year's COTA victor, Alex Rins. Their top finish came when LCR's Johann Zarco secured eighth place during the rainy Thai Grand Prix.

In Indonesia, the Frenchman achieved the highest dry weather finish for the RCV by securing ninth place, marking Honda's sole other top ten finish of the season. In the world championship standings, Zarco ranked 17th, while Takaaki Nakagami was 19th, Joan Mir stood at 21st, and Luca Marini was in 22nd place.

Espargaro mentioned that Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) doesn't need to overhaul their approach entirely, as their methods have brought them significant success in the past. However, he noted that Italian engineers are currently leading in the field, and combining these strengths will likely make Honda very competitive in the coming year.

"Once more, the Honda HRC team has focused on Romano, me in my role as a test rider, my crew chief, and a mechanic who will be joining us. This indicates that we performed exceptionally well with Aprilia."

"Therefore, all the recognition goes to Aprilia, as we have every reason to feel proud."

In July, Espargaro's agreement for testing was finalized, which was three months ahead of HRC's unexpected announcement regarding Albesiano.

In April, during the time of the Jerez events, the #41 rider announced his decision to participate in the HRC testing program. When asked about his role in Albesiano's transition to HRC, Espargaro remained reserved, emphasizing that the Italian had already been considered a candidate.

"Clearly, I spoke positively about Romano… However, HRC has had a favorable view of Romano for quite some time," he mentioned.

"At the start of the season, near the time of the Jerez event, I chose to join Honda."

The engineers and I had extensive conversations, during which I posed numerous questions. I was aware that they intended to strengthen the Japanese technical team by adding a technician from Europe.

"I am aware of how talented Romano is and how remarkable his accomplishments have been with Aprilia."

Fabiano Sterlacchini, who has occupied top roles at Ducati and KTM, will replace Albesiano at Aprilia.

Espargaro is confident that the Noale-based manufacturer will remain strong, even with reigning world champion Jorge Martin, a close friend of his, joining Aprilia in 2025.

Espargaro expressed that he believes the situation is beneficial for everyone involved. He mentioned that it is advantageous for Aprilia to have fresh technicians, new riders, and a new technical leader who will not just stir things up but also inspire and energize the entire team in Noale.

"They have a solid foundation in place, but having a new leader motivates everyone to prove their worth. The bike's design is sound, and Jorge is an exceptionally quick rider. This situation also benefits Aprilia."

During his first appearance on the RCV at the Barcelona test, Espargaro secured the 14th spot, trailing by 1.2 seconds. He managed to outperform all the regular Honda riders, with the exception of Johann Zarco.

Martin and his new partner on the Aprilia team, Marco Bezzecchi, secured the 11th and 13th positions, respectively.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the racing circles, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career unfold and eventually conclude. He is closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Aleix Espargaro believes that the combination of HRC and Albesiano will significantly strengthen Honda. He suggests that while HRC doesn't need to overhaul everything, the expertise of Italian engineers currently leads globally.

Aleix Espargaro might have had his first experience with Honda at the post-race test in Barcelona, though Romano Albesiano is expected to begin his duties as HRC's MotoGP technical director on January 1st.

Since joining Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro and Albesiano have collaborated closely. By 2020, Espargaro was ranked 17th in the world championship, but significant improvements were made to the RS-GP, leading to considerable progress.

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After securing a podium finish and ranking eighth in the world championship in 2021, the following year saw a victory, six podium finishes, and a fourth-place finish in the 2022 standings.

Despite achieving two additional grand prix victories in 2023, he ended up in sixth place. In 2024, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's teammate, was the sole rider to beat Ducati on a Sunday, whereas Espargaro secured a Sprint win in Catalunya.

“I have great faith in Romano's abilities. I honestly think that as time goes on and people gain more perspective, they will appreciate what Romano and I accomplished with Aprilia,” Espargaro mentioned as he neared the end of his last full-time season in MotoGP.

After Gigi Dall’Igna left for Ducati at the close of 2013, Albesiano assumed responsibility for the technical operations at Aprilia Racing.

Espargaro went on to say that the achievements Romano has accomplished at Aprilia over the past six to seven years have been truly extraordinary.

"Over the past two or three seasons, we've made significant progress, though the initial ones were quite challenging. He remained persistent, constantly coming up with new ideas, and improved the bike with each passing year."

"I've always had a strong rapport and great respect for Romano. I feel that joining the most historic and significant factory in this paddock is like receiving a gift."

Albesiano is set to be the first individual who is not Japanese to assume this level of technical leadership at HRC.

"It's surreal to hold the position of technical director at HRC," Espargaro expressed.

The challenge ahead for Albesiano and Espargaro is to achieve the same improvement with the underperforming RC213V as they did with the RS-GP.

Honda, known as the leading manufacturer in grand prix racing history, has found itself at the lowest position in the constructors' rankings for the past three years.

In 2024, Honda faced significant challenges after Marc Marquez and the previous year's COTA victor, Alex Rins, were absent. The team’s highest achievement came from Johann Zarco of LCR, who secured eighth place in the rainy Thai Grand Prix.

The best dry weather performance for the RCV came when the French rider secured ninth place in Indonesia, marking Honda's sole other top ten finish for the season. In the world championship standings, Zarco finished 17th, while Takaaki Nakagami was 19th, Joan Mir 21st, and Luca Marini 22nd.

Espargaro stated that he believes Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) doesn't need to overhaul their entire approach, as their methods have led to many victories in the past. However, he acknowledged that Italian engineers are currently leading in the field, and combining their expertise with Honda's could make the company very competitive next year.

"Once more, Honda HRC has set its sights on Romano, myself as a test rider, my crew chief, and a mechanic who will be joining us. This indicates that we performed exceptionally well with Aprilia."

"All the praise goes to Aprilia, as we should take great pride in their accomplishments."

Espargaro's testing contract was finalized in July, which was three months ahead of the unexpected announcement regarding Albesiano by HRC.

The #41 rider mentioned that he chose to become part of the HRC testing team sometime in April, near the Jerez event. Espargaro remained reserved about his role in Albesiano's transition to HRC, emphasizing that the Italian had already been considered a candidate.

"Of course, I spoke positively about Romano, but the Human Rights Council has been fond of Romano for a long time," he mentioned.

"I chose to join Honda at the start of the season, around the time of the Jerez event."

"I had extensive conversations with the engineers and posed numerous inquiries. I was aware that they were aiming to strengthen their Japanese technical team by bringing in a technician from Europe."

"I understand Romano's talent and find his achievements with Aprilia remarkable."

Fabiano Sterlacchini, who has formerly served in top roles at both Ducati and KTM, will be stepping into the position previously occupied by Albesiano at Aprilia.

Espargaro, who is close friends with current world champion Jorge Martin, asserts that Martin's arrival at Aprilia in 2025 will not negatively impact the Noale-based manufacturer.

Espargaro mentioned that the situation seems beneficial for both parties. He believes that it will be advantageous for Aprilia to have new technicians, fresh riders, and a new technical director who will not only invigorate but also energize everyone in Noale.

"The organization is well-structured, but the arrival of a new leader motivates everyone to prove their abilities. The bike has a solid foundation, and Jorge is an exceptionally fast racer. This situation also benefits the Aprilia team."

During his first appearance on the RCV at the Barcelona test, Espargaro managed to secure the 14th position with a time 1.2 seconds off the pace, outperforming all regular Honda racers except for Johann Zarco.

Martin, along with his new Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, finished in 11th and 13th place, respectively.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Valentino Rossi memorabilia is on sale to support Valencia victims

Discover how you can purchase Valentino Rossi memorabilia

Motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi has contributed a helmet with his signature to help the Spanish Red Cross, known as Cruz Roja, in their mission to assist those affected by the devastating floods in Valencia that occurred in late October.

The helmet is an AGV Pista GP RR featuring the 'Soleluna' design, which was created for Rossi's last season in MotoGP in 2021. Additionally, Rossi's autograph can be found on the right side.

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As of now, the auction organized by CharityStars will end in 10 days, with the closing scheduled for December 6 at 20:00 GMT. The starting bid is set at €3,000, which is approximately £2,500.

Check out this Instagram post from MotoGP™ (@motogp), as shared on their account.

Rossi is not the only MotoGP rider, whether current or former, to offer help to Valencia following the floods that occurred last month.

In early November, David Alonso, the 2024 Moto3 World Champion, participated in a clean-up initiative in Valencia alongside Jorge Martinez 'Aspar,' the head of the Aspar Team.

Jaume Masia, who holds the title of the 2023 Moto3 World Champion and is presently competing in the Moto2 category, contributed to the clean-up efforts. Additionally, Maverick Vinales, who races in the MotoGP for Aprilia, offered the 2013 Calvo KTM motorcycle—on which he secured the 2013 Moto3 championship—to the same auction that included Rossi’s helmet.

Among the auctioned items are a KTM fairing from Dani Pedrosa, a paddock scooter belonging to Aleix Espargaro, and the previously mentioned 2024 Moto2 bike from Masia.

In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

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LCR Honda's team principal highlights a less noticeable positive aspect amid a challenging season. Lucio Cecchinello shares a hopeful outlook for the 2025 season.

Lucio Cecchinello, the leader of the LCR team, stated that they have bolstered their collaboration with Honda during the challenging 2024 season for the Japanese manufacturer.

Since 2006, Honda and LCR have maintained a satellite partnership in MotoGP, resulting in four grand prix victories between 2016 and 2022, thanks to racers Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins.

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In the past three seasons, Honda has faced significant challenges, with the performance of the RC213V declining so much that the company has ranked at the bottom of the constructors' standings from 2022 to 2024.

In 2024, LCR and Johann Zarco helped to alleviate some of Honda's difficulties. The French rider emerged as the top performer for the brand, ranking 17th in the standings and securing Honda's best grand prix finish of the year by coming in eighth at the Thai GP.

Zarco's performance made him an important contributor to the bike's development. Cecchinello noted that the collaboration between his team and Honda is at an all-time high.

"We gathered a significant amount of data, and this year, more than any previous one, we collaborated extensively with HRC. Our engineers also had a closer working relationship with HRC, supplying them with substantial data and information, including 'videometry' and other resources," he shared with the MotoGP world feed during the post-season test in Barcelona.

"We now have a better understanding of where we need to focus our development efforts."

"In the winter months, we will work on getting the 2025 motorcycle ready. The model for 2025 that we'll present in Sepang will be much like the one we're currently testing in Barcelona."

"We anticipate having improved rear grip, as our riders frequently express concerns about the mechanical grip."

"Our goal is to enhance the machine's ability to turn and slow down. We are concentrating on making improvements in these aspects."

Honda's 2025 engineering team has gained a boost with the addition of Romano Albesiano, who comes from Aprilia to take on the role of technical director. He is set to begin his position in January 2025.

While Albesiano has not started his role at Honda yet, Cecchinello views his hiring as "an indication" that the Japanese company recognizes the necessary steps to regain its success.

Cecchinello mentioned that he wasn't really taken aback.

"It's a clear indication that Honda understands MotoGP is evolving in a way that requires even top-tier manufacturers to have experts with specialized experience in developing MotoGP bikes."

"Honda boasts a team of highly skilled engineers. However, when it comes to logistics, MotoGP largely revolves around competing in Europe and utilizing European suppliers. Additionally, technology from Formula 1 is being adapted and integrated into MotoGP."

"Japan may not be the ideal location for developing a MotoGP bike."

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Marc Marquez: "Naturally, there's a hierarchy… Pecco is the one in charge"

"Naturally, there's a hierarchy and the person in control is Pecco"

Although Marc Marquez has won six MotoGP championships, in contrast to Francesco Bagnaia's two, the Spanish rider acknowledges that Pecco currently holds the dominant position within the factory Ducati team.

Marquez described the scenario as 'understandable' during the 'pre-season and initial races' due to Bagnaia's achievements.

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For the last four years, Bagnaia has spearheaded Ducati's factory racing team, securing 29 grand prix victories and consecutive championship titles. This season, despite claiming victory in eleven grand prix races, he narrowly missed out on the title to Pramac's Jorge Martin by a mere ten points.

Marquez joins Bagnaia as his new teammate following a season of revival, where he secured three wins as a satellite rider for Gresini, marking his first MotoGP victories since 2021.

This marks the third time in three years that Marquez has switched teams. Similar to his departure from Repsol Honda, the only individual to join him in moving from Gresini to Ducati is mechanic Javi Ortiz.

As he reunites with his younger brother Alex in the Gresini team environment, the rider known as #93 is now moving to the official team of the sole other rider on the grid who has won multiple MotoGP championships.

"I find myself in an unfamiliar position, as I enter a pit box where, even though there isn’t a designated first or second rank, there is clearly a hierarchy. It's Pecco who takes the lead," Marquez stated during a press event for Estrella Galicia 0,0.

"Why? Because Pecco is the individual who secured two world championships for Ducati, achieving victory in eleven races last year. Naturally, this makes him the person to lead during the pre-season and the initial races."

"I will make an effort to connect with him, as he is the benchmark—the racer who brought championship glory back to Ducati and is currently performing exceptionally well."

He stated that to win the championship, one must prove themselves on the track, but he believes he possesses the strongest tools to compete for the title.

During his first outing with the factory Ducati team at the recent Barcelona test, Marquez secured the fourth-fastest time. He completed his laps only 0.056 seconds behind Bagnaia, who was riding a prototype of the GP25.

Nonetheless, Alex, riding the GP24, was ahead of them by half a second, with Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha positioned between them.

Marquez explained that the primary aim on the initial day of trials with a new team is to become familiar with the team members. However, he dedicated almost ninety percent of his time to riding the Desmosedici GP25. This is because, during that testing phase, riders are required to decide on a path or strategy for the bike's development for the upcoming year.

"The good news is that Pecco and I both identified the same issues and benefits. Clearly, from the GP23 to the GP24 model, we noticed an improvement, but the GP25 is a departure from that."

"When you place a new bike on the track, it's unlikely to perform better in the initial laps than a bike that has been racing for a year. However, I felt at ease, and that's what boosts my confidence."

Marquez and Bagnaia are scheduled to ride the GP25 again during the official Sepang test in February.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career highs and lows. He is currently at the center of the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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KTM seeks to avoid financial insolvency through reorganization

KTM outlines their plans to address financial difficulties

The Pierer Mobility Group has revealed that KTM will undergo a voluntary restructuring process to prevent bankruptcy, as the company continues to face financial difficulties.

In recent months, KTM has faced significant financial difficulties, prompting it to take severe actions. The company's board of directors has been reduced from six members to just two, and it has implemented multiple waves of employee layoffs.

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In the past few weeks, there have been reports indicating that KTM plans to let go of up to 300 more workers, with all manufacturing operations coming to a halt in January and February.

This development follows a dramatic 90% drop in the company's stock prices since their highest point in February 2022, as the company anticipates it won't be able to obtain the significant amount of funding, estimated in the high hundreds of millions, that it requires.

The company plans to file for insolvency in Austria, intending to separate and reorganize the KTM brand to prevent going bankrupt.

The complete announcement states: "On November 29, 2024, KTM AG, which is fully owned by Pierer Mobility AG, will seek to start a judicial restructuring process that allows for self-administration."

The current financial needs of KTM AG are in the range of several hundred million euros. The company’s leadership does not anticipate securing the required temporary funding promptly.

Today, the Executive Board of KTM AG resolved to submit a request to start court-supervised restructuring proceedings, including self-administration, concerning the assets of KTM AG and its subsidiaries, KTM Components GmbH and KTM F&E GmbH.

The legal process allows for the continued management and independent restructuring of the assets within the KTM Group. This situation does not impact any other KTM AG subsidiaries, especially the sales companies.

The goal of the legal process is to reach an agreement with the creditors on a restructuring plan within a period of 90 days. By resizing the organization, the intention is not only to ensure the KTM Group's survival over the long haul but also to lay the groundwork for the company to emerge more robustly from the proceedings.

A scaling down of production is expected to gradually balance the surplus inventory at KTM and among its dealers within the next couple of years.

"The operating performance at the Austrian locations is expected to decline by more than €1 billion during 2025 and 2026."

The reorganization is likely to lead to further potential losses. This could be attributed to various one-time expenses, such as mandatory write-downs, including those for capitalized development expenses, as well as costs associated with reducing the workforce. Additionally, there will be a gap in covering fixed costs due to decreased operational efficiency, along with other expenses that may emerge from the restructuring efforts.

As a result of the previously mentioned factors, the company anticipates a significant net loss in the hundreds of millions for the 2024 financial year.

The CEO of KTM, Pierer, stated that in the last thirty years, the company has expanded to become the leading motorcycle producer in Europe.

"Our products motivate countless motorcycle enthusiasts globally. At this moment, we're pausing to strategize for future advancements. KTM is the culmination of my life's dedication, and I am committed to defending it."

KTM has emphasized throughout the past week that its MotoGP initiative will proceed as planned in 2025, despite the financial challenges the company is currently facing.

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Brad Binder reveals delightful personal update

Great news for the KTM competitor

Brad Binder and his spouse are anticipating the arrival of their child.

Courtney Binder, spouse of the MotoGP competitor, shared the uplifting announcement on social media platforms.

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Courtney expressed, "Our most incredible journey so far is you, our little girl." She announced, "Expecting Baby Binder in April 2025

Touchingly, she expressed: "Selected for life on earth by my brother or sister in the skies."

Check out this Instagram post shared by Courtney Binder (@courtneybinder_)

The KTM competitor had a varied MotoGP season in 2024.

He secured the fifth position in the rankings, reaffirming his status as the leading rider not on a Ducati.

However, Binder found it challenging to secure victories in any grand prix events, unlike Aprilia, which managed to do so, due to KTM's occasional struggles with maintaining competitive performance.

In the upcoming season, Binder will welcome Pedro Acosta as a teammate in the factory team's garage.

KTM's Tech3 squad will benefit from the expertise of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

However, currently, in the off-season, Binder and his spouse are concentrating on much more significant matters…

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

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Rumors suggest Casey Stoner remains incredibly quick following an unforeseen visit to Tavullia

"It was surprising to see how technically 'ready' he was…"

Casey Stoner recently traveled to Italy for the EICMA motorcycle exhibition in Milan, which also included a stop at the VR46 Motor Ranch to meet up with his old MotoGP competitor, Valentino Rossi, and the participants of Rossi's VR46 Riders Academy.

Since its establishment in 2014, Luca Marini has been an integral member of the VR46 Academy. He has valued Stoner's insights into the current mechanics of MotoGP, a domain Stoner exited 12 years ago, as well as his viewpoints on the contemporary condition of the sport.

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Check out this Instagram post shared by Luca Marini 10 (@lucamarini10)

"I hold him in high esteem; he's an athlete endowed with remarkable skill and quickness, coupled with an astute intellect."

"I was surprised to find out he's so well-versed in the technical aspects. Having conversations with him about the current MotoGP era and its history is fascinating; I believe he has some truly innovative ideas."

"Let's wait and see if he possesses the vitality to possibly take up a role with us in MotoGP down the line."

The present rider from HRC didn't get to spend much time on the track with Stoner at the Ranch: "During his fast laps on the last outing, I wasn't with him; initially, I only did a few laps alongside him to introduce him to the circuit and the riding technique."

Nonetheless, the Italian was struck by Stoner's rapid pace during his initial trip to the VR46 Ranch.

"Marini described him as incredibly quick," adding, "Though Stoner was on a two-stroke, which might not be the ideal choice for speed at the VR46 Motor Ranch, he managed to clock a remarkably good lap time on his first attempt."

"I believe he might feel quite pleased; he did a great job."

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

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Max Biaggi achieved record-breaking performances, while Valentino Rossi was frustrated, unable to try out the M1.

He shared with me, saying, "I believe we made a mistake."

Recollections of an irritated Valentino Rossi complaining from his home during a key MotoGP event have been recounted.

In a significant chapter of MotoGP history, Honda denied Rossi the opportunity to test the Yamaha before making his manufacturer switch in late 2003.

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He sat there fuming, observing as his competitor Max Biaggi set a significant benchmark for the upcoming season by outstandingly breaking the record in the 2003 postseason test.

"Uccio Salucci revealed to GPOne that Vale's final year at HRC wasn't enjoyable for him."

Indeed, he began to feel fatigued. Our pace had decreased, and his interest in attending the races had significantly diminished.

"This is the reason I explained to him that adjustments were necessary. We agreed on switching to Yamaha."

"Honda did not authorize us to conduct trials with the M1 immediately after the championship concluded."

"In that period, Biaggi made a switch, moving from Yamaha to Honda."

It's undeniable that during the trials, Biaggi quickly set new record times.

Vale was frustrated because he was stuck at home on the sofa, unable to try out the M1.

"He admitted to me, 'I believe we made a mistake.'"

Rossi's debut on the Yamaha was postponed to the beginning of 2004 at Sepang.

Salucci remembered, "Following three or four circuits, Vale returned to the pit and exclaimed, 'we can make it happen!'"

"He announced to the group in the garage, 'fellows, there's room for enhancement, yet this motorcycle isn't too shabby.'"

He humorously remarked, "Upon listening to Valentino's comments, a few engineers were so shocked they passed out! This made everyone burst into laughter!"

Rossi notably claimed victory in the 2004 season opener in South Africa, marking his first race with Yamaha, following an intense battle with Biaggi.

"Salucci was adamant, stating after FP2 concluded, 'we are destined for victory here'."

He emerged victorious in the race, and I captured that image of him chuckling beside his bicycle.

"Numerous individuals believe he shed tears at that moment. However, he actually burst into laughter, as throughout that period, Vale endured much hardship. That triumph represented his freedom."

"In the subsequent competition, he shared with me, 'let's avoid the error we made in 2000'. Let's have faith because I'm determined to clinch the championship."

In 2004, during his inaugural year with Yamaha, Rossi successfully secured the championship title.

The following year, he continued his winning streak, cementing Yamaha's association with his victories.

Rossi secured nine world championships throughout his career, yet his inaugural victory with Yamaha, marked by its distinctive beginning, will always be celebrated.

For ten years, James dedicated his career to sports journalism at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide array of athletic events including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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