Unveiling the Stars: Japanese GP Highlights and Rider Ratings from Motegi’s Thrilling 2024 MotoGP
Evaluations of Japanese MotoGP Riders: Impressive Marks for Low-Key Ducati Competitor
Crash.net's assessment of the lineup from the 2024 MotoGP Grand Prix in Japan.
Francesco Bagnaia achieved a significant victory by winning twice at the Japanese Grand Prix, narrowing the gap in the MotoGP championship standings behind Jorge Martin.
On Friday, the Ducati factory rider started with impressive speed and confirmed his earlier predictions by proving to be the fastest during the race pace in Sunday’s 24-lap grand prix.
Bagnaia's start-to-finish victory comes on the heels of his triumph in the sprint race, where luck played a part following Pedro Acosta's accident while leading. Bagnaia seized the opportunity during Martin's unusual downturn and secured the win when it mattered most.
The Pramac team racer struggled to find a good rhythm on his Ducati during Friday's sessions and suffered a fall during the qualifying round, which resulted in him starting from 11th place on the grid. Despite these setbacks, he bounced back to secure fourth place in the sprint race and achieved a second-place finish in the grand prix.
However, he was forced to admit defeat to Bagnaia at Motegi, resulting in an 11-point shift in the championship standings that worked in the Italian's favor.
Marc Marquez shrugged off a disappointing lap annulment that pushed him from the leading position to ninth during qualifying, but still managed to secure a podium finish in both races. Meanwhile, Acosta's chances of securing his first MotoGP victory vanished two times at Motegi.
Crash.net has released its rankings for all the riders following the completion of the 2024 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix.
Francesco Bagnaia – 8.5
Following a challenging weekend in Indonesia, the current world champion needed to make a strong comeback in Japan, and he did just that. Bagnaia was back in top form, securing second place in qualifying and positioning himself perfectly to take advantage when Acosta crashed while leading the sprint. Given the speed of the Tech3 newcomer before his fall, finishing second was likely the best outcome Bagnaia could have anticipated in that event. Acosta's second crash deprived fans of a full display of Bagnaia's competitiveness. Nonetheless, Bagnaia skillfully navigated the race ahead of him on Sunday, maintaining a solid pace against Martin and fending off a late challenge to secure his eighth grand prix victory of the season and his fourth sprint/GP double.
Jorge Martin – 8
The Japanese Grand Prix was set to challenge Martin's determination following a tough Friday where he showed speed but lacked comfort. A costly mistake in qualifying indicated he hadn't made the necessary improvements, resulting in an 11th-place start—his worst since starting 12th in Austria last year. In the sprint race, he managed to finish fourth, but this was influenced by intermittent rain, which required a more cautious strategy. In the main race, Martin returned to form, moving up to second place within four laps. Although he put pressure on Bagnaia in the final stages, a late scare led him to abandon the chase and settle for a solid 20 points. A better starting position might have improved his chances against Bagnaia, as he had to use his rear tire more aggressively to make up ground early on. Despite his lead in the championship shrinking back to 10 points, his consistent performance remains his greatest strength in the 2024 title race.
Marc Marquez – 8.5
During Friday's session at the Japanese Grand Prix, Marc Marquez experienced a familiar challenge reminiscent of the first half of the season. He expressed some dissatisfaction with his performance on the Gresini-operated GP23. Despite its disadvantages compared to the GP24, Marquez managed to set a provisional lap record and secure a pole position in Q2, although this was later annulled due to him exceeding the track limits. This resulted in him starting from ninth on the grid. Nevertheless, he sai-allcreator.com">killfully climbed to third place in both races, a feat he has accomplished numerous times in 2024. The subsequent GP23 trailed by 17 seconds, highlighting Marquez's ability to push the older, less advanced Ducati to its limits.
Enea Bastianini – 8
The anticipated high tyre wear during the Japanese GP was expected to favor Bastianini more than it actually did. After securing a solid fourth position in qualifying, he spent too much time overtaai-allcreator.com">king KTM's Brad Binder during the grand prix, which hindered his ability to contend for the win. This delay also resulted in him missing out on a podium finish to Marquez, despite a strong effort towards the end. Bastianini finished second in the sprint race and nearly caught up to a slowing Bagnaia on the final lap, showcasing the consistency from Saturday to Sunday that he has displayed in recent races. This performance keeps him ahead in his close battle with Marquez for third place in the standings.
Franco Morbidelli – 7.5
Although Morbidelli's results in Japan fell short of the expectations for a GP24 rider this season, a pattern observed throughout much of the year, he managed to quietly deliver a strong performance for Pramac over the weekend. He secured sixth place in qualifying, finished fifth in the sprint race, and maintained that position in the grand prix. However, a notable issue was his 13.6-second gap from the leading group of four. Despite this, it's important to note that recently, only Acosta has posed a real challenge to that leading quartet, so assessing Morbidelli’s performance in the Japanese GP solely on that gap would be unjust.
Brad Binder – 7
The South African rider might have received a slightly higher score if he had completed the sprint race, but a technical problem prevented him from taking advantage of his strong fifth-place qualifying position to stay in the podium contention he had fought his way into early on. During the grand prix, Binder couldn't keep up with KTM's top performer, Acosta, in terms of speed. However, he maximized his performance to secure a sixth-place finish, particularly as his rear tire significantly degraded in the final laps. Overall, this was a better weekend for Binder, but he still needs to improve to match Acosta's pace.
Marco Bezzecchi – 6
Rider Marco Bezzecchi, representing the VR46 team, has shown improvement in the latter part of the season while riding the GP23. However, he has faced difficulties in achieving the strong performances that previously positioned him as a title contender on the GP22. Despite being outperformed in qualifying by his teammate, who was not at peak fitness, Bezzecchi did not score any points in the sprint but managed to secure a respectable seventh place in the main race.
Fabio Di Giannantonio – 6.5
Despite dealing with an arm injury, Di Giannantonio tackled one of the most challenging tracks impressively on the VR46 Ducati. He secured seventh place on the starting grid, outpacing his teammate Bezzecchi, and finished sixth in the sprint race. During the grand prix, he engaged in a close competition within the latter half of the top 10 positions, ultimately finishing eighth and just slightly more than a second behind his teammate.
Alex Espargaro – 5
The experienced MotoGP rider is not receiving the farewell he might have desired, as the Aprilia continues to be a challenging motorcycle to handle in the latter part of 2024. Struggling with grip issues throughout the weekend, Espargaro was eliminated in the first qualifying session and fell during the sprint race. Despite this, he managed to finish ninth in the main race and was the highest-ranking RS-GP rider. However, his teammate Maverick Vinales demonstrated glimpses of the bike's potential, which Espargaro has not been able to replicate.
Jack Miller received a rating of 5.5. During the Japanese Grand Prix, the issues Miller has been experiencing with rear chatter on his KTM bike were clearly demonstrated. He believed this publicly validated the difficulties he has been vocal about throughout much of the 2024 season. Despite a challenging 14th place in qualifying, Miller managed to climb to eighth in the sprint race and was running in the top five during the early laps of the grand prix. However, he eventually dropped to 10th place. Miller is finding it more difficult to adapt to the RC16 compared to his teammates Binder and Acosta, and the race in Japan highlighted these challenges further.
Johann Zarco – 4.5
After a stellar performance in Indonesia, Johann Zarco faced a much less successful weekend on the LCR Honda. He qualified 16th, which was the best among Honda riders, but his performance took a hit when he collided with his teammate Takaaki Nakagami at Turn 2 during the sprint race, causing Nakagami to crash. Zarco was justifiably penalized for this incident. In the grand prix, he was set to finish behind Fabio Quartararo, but managed to secure 11th place when Quartararo's Yamaha ran out of fuel at the last corner. Although he was the leading Honda rider, his margin was just 1.5 seconds.
Fabio Quartararo – 6.5
The Japanese Grand Prix posed significant challenges for Yamaha, as the M1 bike's rear grip issues were ill-suited to the stop-and-go nature of the Motegi circuit. Even a new chassis couldn't come to Quartararo's aid. He performed commendably by advancing from Q1, but the bike's limitations capped his progress at 12th place. He maintained this position during the sprint race, and in the main event, he was set to finish 11th before running out of fuel at the final corner, allowing Zarco to overtake him. Despite these hurdles, Quartararo remains far ahead of his Yamaha teammate, Alex Rins, as he continues to make the best of a difficult situation.
Takaaki Nakagami – 5.5
During his last full-time race event in Japan, Nakagami performed admirably, leaving with a sense of pride. Although he just missed securing a direct spot in Q2 after practice, he ended up qualifying in a disappointing 21st position. An incident involving his teammate during the sprint was beyond his control, but he managed to deliver a commendable performance by finishing 13th, just 1.5 seconds behind the leading Honda rider, Zarco.
Luca Marini – 5
During the race weekend in Honda's home turf, Marini had a relatively low-key performance. He qualified in 20th position, just behind his teammate from the factory team, Joan Mir. In the sprint race, however, Marini managed to finish as the highest-placed Honda rider in 13th. In the main grand prix, Marini crossed the finish line in 14th place, trailing Takaaki Nakagami by less than two seconds and maintaining a pace similar to other Honda Racing Corporation competitors. Although opting for a softer tire instead of a medium compound might have offered some advantage, Marini's performance was quite respectable for the Italian rider.
Raul Fernandez – 5
The Trackhouse team member narrowly missed securing a spot in Q2 by just 0.117 seconds, resulting in a 13th place starting position. He managed to climb to 11th place during the sprint race, despite the Aprilia's lackluster performance. However, his main race turned out to be more disappointing, as he only managed to claim the last available point by finishing 15th. Although he is becoming more comfortable with the RS-GP, the improved results he hoped for were not achieved in Japan.
Alex Rins – 4
Rins' performance during Yamaha's home race weekend didn't offer much to talk about. He consistently trailed behind his teammate, Quartararo, managing only to qualify in 19th place and ending up in 16th in both races. At the finish line, he was over eight seconds behind Quartararo, revealing the difficulty he faced. His initially better grip on the rear of the M1 was compromised when the medium Michelin tires wore out.
Remy Gardner – 3
Remy Gardner stepped in to take the Yamaha wildcard position, which became available after test rider Cal Crutchlow had to step down due to persistent injury issues. Gardner ended up qualifying in the last position and also finished last in both races. Considering his limited experience on the bike and his hectic schedule in the World Superbike series recently, there were not many expectations placed on the Australian rider.
Pedro Acosta – 6
Following the Indonesian Grand Prix, Pedro Acosta reinforced his statement that he is nearing his first victory in MotoGP. Acosta demonstrated strong potential from Friday due to his impressive long-distance speed, and although his maiden pole position in the category was partly a result of Marc Marquez's lap being canceled at the last minute, it was a well-deserved achievement. He was on track to secure his first sprint race victory until he made an error and crashed on the ninth lap of twelve. Unfortunately, he made a similar mistake early in the main race while holding second place. Acosta appeared visibly disappointed, and it's important to remember that this is a typical phase for a newcomer. However, in three out of the last four grand prix events, Acosta has lost promising results because of his missteps. He is still gaining experience, but he must work on minimizing these errors.
Maverick Vinales – 5.5
For several races now, Vinales has been expressing confidence in the untapped potential of the RS-GP package, suggesting that with some adjustments, strong performances are just around the corner. In Japan, he showcased his skills by securing a third-place position in qualifying. However, his race was hindered by an issue with his front start device, causing him to drop to ninth place in the sprint. A similarly poor start in the main race led to another decline in his position, and he found himself outside the top 10 before crashing on lap 12. While he demonstrated impressive speed, his lack of consistency remains a recurring challenge for Vinales.
Augusto Fernandez – 3
The Tech3 squad implemented significant modifications to Fernandez's KTM motorcycle in Japan. These adjustments have partially restored the sensation he had been lacking in 2024. However, it hasn't been sufficient to significantly improve his performance, as the Spanish rider finished 15th in the sprint and unfortunately crashed during the grand prix.
Lorenzo Savadori – 3.5
The role of Aprilia's test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, is not primarily to deliver impressive performances while temporarily filling in for Miguel Oliveira at Trackhouse. Instead, his presence on the track serves as a chance for the Noale team to conduct testing under competitive conditions. Savadori managed to outperform his fellow test rider, Gardner, during the sprint. However, a technical problem led to his early exit from the grand prix.
Alex Marquez – 2
During the Japan weekend, Alex Marquez displayed decent speed, managing to secure 10th place in qualifying and finishing seventh in the sprint race. However, a careless first-lap collision with Joan Mir resulted in him receiving our lowest score for the weekend.
Joan Mir – 2.5
Joan Mir’s choice to extend his contract with Honda for an additional two years is perplexing, especially following weekends like the one in Japan, where he experienced two consecutive DNFs for the second time in a row. Although his crash on Sunday wasn’t his fault and he came close to being the top Honda rider in qualifying, Mir understands that he won’t contribute to the development of the RC213V by spending time in the gravel.
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Pedro Acosta expressed regret by saying, "I managed to secure some points, but I completely messed everything up!" He further reflected on the season, stating, "We were in the running for several victories, but I totally blew it!"
Pedro Acosta has expressed regret over losing valuable points due to what he described as "foolish accidents" during his first year.
In his debut season in the top-tier MotoGP category, Acosta has made a significant impact while racing for Tech3 GASGAS.
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The current Moto2 titleholder, who was still in his teens at the beginning of the year, is currently ranked fifth in the championship standings as he approaches the last race of the season in Barcelona this weekend.
Should Acosta maintain his three-point advantage over his KTM teammate Brad Binder, he will be the highest-ranked rider not on a Ducati.
"It's not very significant. However, considering all the errors made this season, it's astonishing that I'm still in fifth place," stated Acosta.
"Ending the season with positive results and a good attitude is more crucial."
"We battled hard for numerous victories this season, but I completely messed everything up!"
"The ability to compete for victories existed. It was a feasible goal, not a mere fantasy."
"In recent races, there has been progress. I've experimented with the fairings, and despite having limited information, I managed to finish in the top five, which is a positive outcome."
"I won't be testing any new components this weekend."
Acosta let out a sigh and reflected, "Every error I committed, all the opportunities I wasted, the foolish accidents, and the necessary attempts…"
Following a couple of early top-three finishes, Jorge Lorenzo was one of those who forecasted that Acosta would secure a grand prix victory during his first year as a competitor.
Acosta has not met that forecast and has faced challenges on his KTM, yet achieving five podium finishes on Sundays is commendable.
He concludes his first year with the anticipation of being advanced to the factory KTM team.
"It's not unusual to feel this way; I'm thrilled to be competing in the final race with a chance to finish in the top five of the championship," he remarked.
"We're pleased with the figures and outcomes, but they still fall short of what we aim for."
"Wrapping up one season and kicking off another on Tuesday with the factory team? I'm incredibly excited because it's a lifelong dream coming true."
"I anticipated this day would come, but it's happening earlier than I thought."
"I am excited to conclude the season on a high note."
Acosta promised to stay out of the championship showdown involving Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.
"I really hope that's not the case; I have more pressing matters to attend to than pretending," he remarked.
"I have no desire to take on this role. It's not fair play."
"If there are only two contenders, then those two must face off against each other."
James spent ten years working as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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Francesco Bagnaia Faces High-Stakes Showdown: A Battle of Pressure, Precision, and Sportsmanship in MotoGP Title Race
Francesco Bagnaia on the MotoGP championship battle: "While pressure might have an impact, I won't be the one to instigate any issues."
"I won't engage in actions that could jeopardize anyone's outcomes."
Francesco Bagnaia has once more dismissed the idea of using any particular strategies to wrest the MotoGP championship from Jorge Martin during this weekend's Barcelona event.
The current titleholder, aiming for a third consecutive championship, is trailing Ducati teammate Martin by 24 points. With just 37 points left to be claimed in the upcoming Sprint and grand prix races, the pressure is on.
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On the day before the event, Bagnaia expressed that his goal is to secure victory in both races, aiming for a win on Sunday and to let the rest unfold as it may.
Should Bagnaia secure victories in both races, he still requires several other competitors to finish ahead of Martin.
Bagnaia's challenge is that none of the competitors could match the top contenders during the Catalunya Grand Prix held in May.
"In May, we claimed the top three spots, with the third-place finisher trailing us by 11 seconds, highlighting our superior performance once more," Bagnaia remarked. "However, I truly wish that more competitors will join the battle next time."
"My goal is to come out on top. I'm aware that Jorge can still secure a [6th] place finish in both races to clinch the championship. Therefore, it won't be easy."
"However, pressure might also have an impact."
When questioned about his approach, Bagnaia made it clear that he would not employ any slow-paced tactics.
"I won't do anything that might jeopardize anyone's outcome. Therefore, I'll give it my all, enjoy myself, and aim to win both races. Whatever happens after that, happens."
"Currently, both of us are performing at a level that should secure the championship for Jorge. Even if he reduces his pace slightly, it's unlikely he will end up off the podium."
"This is the situation we're in, but I won't attempt to influence it. Whatever is meant to occur will take its course."
Nevertheless, Bagnaia acknowledged that some riders would provide more assistance to certain individuals.
He mentioned that he is fully aware that riders such as Aleix Espargaro will assist him, just as he expects support from the riders in their Academy.
"In essence, I believe we're both in almost the same position, but he has a lead of 24 points. This allows him a bit more flexibility in his approach."
"The truth is, if I end up taking the championship on Sunday, it will be due to my strong performance as well as his error over the weekend."
Applying pressure might be Bagnaia's most promising strategy to induce an error from Martin.
The Italian rider confessed that he found it challenging to ride without pressure when he was leading in points during past championship battles against Fabio Quartararo in 2022 and Martin in 2023.
He expressed a sense of liberation, saying, "At this moment, I feel much freer because I need to give it my all." Reflecting on the race two years prior, he admitted, "I was genuinely frightened during that event, and I ended up finishing in eighth place, which was far below what I was capable of achieving. It was a peculiar experience."
"During the previous season, I attempted to stay relaxed, though I felt considerably more anxious while competing."
"You can never be certain. Avoiding pressure is impossible, and dealing with it is challenging."
"We are competitors at heart and aim to perform at our highest potential."
Jorge can really make the most of the weekend as he had an excellent season. At this point, I believe my best efforts may not suffice, so we'll have to wait and see what unfolds.
Bagnaia rejected the idea of putting extra pressure on Martin by trailing him during practice sessions, a strategy that the Pramac rider employed at Valencia the previous year.
Bagnaia stated that if he begins the race ahead of him, he won't exert any additional effort to maintain the lead.
"In my experience, psychological tactics haven't been effective, so I have never engaged in them and will keep focusing on my responsibilities."
Jorge seems to have learned from last year's experience that it was a waste of time for him to act in that way. It’s more beneficial to focus on your tasks, prepare thoroughly, and make your decision during the race itself.
However, the 27-year-old emphasized the potential for errors this weekend, given the numerous factors at play.
"It’s challenging since we are competing on a track that might present more complex scenarios," he mentioned.
"The weather is chilly, and we have a selection of four types of front tires and three types of rear tires. Many riders perform well at this track because it presents challenges, so it's important to be cautious about tire choices. We're fully aware that both Aprilia and KTM have strong performances at this location."
"It's possible we might face more competitors, and simple errors could lead to incidents, just as I experienced in Malaysia. I was just going through the usual motions when I unexpectedly missed out on 12 points. Winning or losing can happen quite easily. I believe anything is possible in this scenario."
If Martin manages to avoid any issues and secures the title of the first MotoGP world champion representing a satellite team, Bagnaia will be among the first to offer his congratulations.
"I definitely made numerous errors," Bagnaia admitted. "To become a champion, precision and consistency are crucial, and Jorge was more consistent than I was."
"In terms of race outcomes, it's evident that we performed better since I secured victories in ten Sunday races and six Saturday races. Thus, regarding sheer results, our performance was excellent. However, I believe both of us are worthy of the championship title."
"I'd like to express something that might come across as unusual: if Jorge were to win the championship, I wouldn't be able to feel happier for him. We've been acquainted for quite some time, and I believe he truly deserves the title."
For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and the challenges surrounding Marc Marquez's injuries.
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Jorge Martin believes the MotoGP championship battle will be decided on Sunday. "Throughout last season, my mind was constantly on how to achieve something historic and my main focus was on winning the championship."
Jorge Martin believes that not fixating on winning the MotoGP title has brought him close to achieving a historic world championship victory this weekend.
The strategy of the Pramac rider, which involves focusing on each race individually, will undergo its most challenging evaluation at the upcoming Barcelona MotoGP finale. In this event, either he or the current titleholder, Francesco Bagnaia, will emerge as the champion.
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Martin has a significant advantage, leading by 24 points as he aims to be the first MotoGP world champion representing a satellite team.
However, he must manage the stress effectively.
"Perhaps Pecco can offer me some tips since he was in a similar position last year," Martin remarked on Thursday. He was alluding to the situation from the previous year when he was pursuing Bagnaia without success.
“During the previous season, my mind was constantly on making history and winning the championship. This year, my mindset has shifted, and I haven't been preoccupied with those thoughts throughout the entire season.”
The rider emphasized the importance of concentrating on aspects within their control, which includes giving their all when on the motorbike and delivering their best performance. They acknowledged that they fell short of this goal at the conclusion of the previous season.
"I currently feel very positive. I'm confident and believe I can have an excellent weekend. That's all."
Although Martin hasn't clinched as many victories as Bagnaia or as he did in the previous season, he has consistently secured more podium finishes and committed fewer errors.
"The crucial aspect was the entire season. I came across a quote from a fighter who mentioned, 'I secure the championship during my training sessions.' For us, this implies that each race contributes to winning the title, and it's in the final round that you receive the medal."
"At this point, something might occur, but what truly matters is the effort we have put in throughout the entire season. We gave our all in every competition. Now, it's crucial to figure out what is necessary to secure that medal."
The #89 has a chance to secure the championship ahead of time by clinching victory in the Saturday Sprint, but he believes that Bagnaia will extend the competition until Sunday.
He expressed that he feels ready to compete focusing solely on himself, without worrying about others. His goal is to relish the weekend, aim for speed, and seize the victory on Saturday if the opportunity arises.
"I believe this will extend to Sunday, and I'm okay with that. The aim is to have fun while staying competitive."
Sunday marks Martin's final race with Pramac and Ducati, as he has inked a deal to join Aprilia's factory team in 2025.
For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez’s struggles with injuries.
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Michelin Rolls Out Exceptional Tyre Lineup for MotoGP Season Finale in Barcelona Amidst Venue Change
Michelin unveils an 'exceptional' tyre selection for the MotoGP championship showdown in Barcelona
For the upcoming Barcelona season climax, MotoGP competitors will have access to seven distinct tyre choices.
The unexpected shift in location for the final race of the MotoGP season, moving from Valencia to Barcelona, means Michelin will supply what it describes as a 'remarkable tyre package' for the championship showdown.
Due to the severe flooding in Valencia, the change in circuit has led Michelin to provide a variety of tires from those used in Barcelona in May, in addition to other compounds that are better suited for the significantly lower temperatures expected this weekend.
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The outcome includes a selection of seven tyre choices, which consists of four options for the front tyres (one asymmetric Soft, one symmetrical Medium, one symmetrical Hard compound, and one asymmetric Hard) along with three asymmetric rear tyre variations in Soft, Medium, and Hard categories. Notably, the Medium and Hard rear tyres correspond to the Soft and Medium options available since May.
"From May to November, the variations in temperature required us to adjust," stated Piero Taramasso, the manager of Michelin's motorcycle racing division.
The setup of the circuit doesn't essentially alter the circumstances, however, this challenging course is notorious for its minimal traction. Additionally, it's uneven, subjecting the right side of the tires to significantly more strain.
"In accordance with the policies set for these situations, we will supply extra rubber materials for both the front and the back."
We began with the package utilized in May, incorporating a softer rear compound to accommodate potentially cooler track conditions. This addition aims to enhance the performance of the Soft and Medium compounds (now reclassified as Medium and Hard), which demonstrated exceptional effectiveness throughout the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix.
The trio of back tires will feature an uneven design, boasting a strengthened right side. Regarding the front tires, we've opted against including the Michelin Power Slick Hard compound that was available in May, believing it won't see any use.
"Rather than making changes, we will continue to utilize the Soft and Medium choices. To these, we are incorporating two asymmetric designs typically observed in Valencia, at the Sachsenring in Germany, or at Phillip Island in Australia, but with added reinforcement on the right side."
"Our goal is to provide our collaborators with every available option for efficiently controlling tyre temperatures, ensuring the season finale is as thrilling as the numerous races witnessed this year."
Heading into this weekend's final race, Jorge Martin holds a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia, with up to 37 points up for grabs.
Bagnaia lost his leading position during the final lap of Barcelona's May Sprint, only to come back and secure a win over Martin in the grand prix.
For the races held in May, the preferred choice was the medium front tire, paired with soft rear tires for the Sprint and medium rear tires for the Grand Prix.
For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.
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Oliveira’s Emotional Farewell: A Last Ride with Trackhouse at Barcelona MotoGP Amidst Zeelenberg’s Departure and Valencia Tribute
Miguel Oliveira makes his Trackhouse swan song at the Barcelona MotoGP
For their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse, Miguel Oliveira along with team manager Wilco Zeelenberg prepare to bid farewell.
Miguel Oliveira is set to make a comeback in MotoGP, participating in his final race with Trackhouse Aprilia at the Solidarity Barcelona season-ending event this weekend.
Portimao has been absent from the past five races because of wrist injuries sustained from a traction control malfunction while training in Mandalika.
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Oliveira, securing a historic podium finish for Trackhouse at the Sachsenring Sprint, will have his last ride on an RS-GP ahead of his initial test with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.
"Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to MotoGP racing."
"I don't have very high hopes because the true extent of my wrist's limitations won't be clear until I'm riding again. It's definitely a Grand Prix that evokes mixed emotions, but my goal is to end my time with the Trackhouse team on a positive note.
"Clearly, we will be making a swift effort to collect both optimism and financial support for the victims of the devastating occurrences in Valencia, so in general – I'm eager to participate!"
Oliveira's exit, along with the introduction of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi as the brand-new factory team, leaves Raul Fernandez as the sole rider staying on with Aprilia in 2025.
Fernandez captured attention during the May Barcelona race, impressively securing a front-row start with his 2023-spec motorcycle and remarkably leading the Sprint race, only to unfortunately crash later on.
The Spanish rider, who was recently upgraded to the RS-GP24, subsequently secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.
"Fernandez stated, “Initially, our race will be in honor of everyone impacted in Valencia. The incident there remains startling, so our competition will be dedicated to them.
"Barcelona proves to be a favorable circuit for our team, and while our main focus remains on preparing for the upcoming year, I'm keen on ending the final race of the season on a high note."
"The outcome we achieved last time in Barcelona fills me with hope. Nonetheless, I prefer to remain composed, approach it step by step, and aim to perform at my peak."
Oliveira's substitute, current Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura, is set to have his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.
This weekend marks not only the departure of the Portuguese from Trackhouse, but also the exit of team manager Wilco Zeelenberg, who is also saying goodbye.
"Indeed, we're optimistic that the event in Barcelona will be remarkable, primarily due to the challenging circumstances that bring us there. We aim to offer all the support we can to those in Valencia," Zeelenberg remarked.
According to the MotoGP organization, the sentiment isn't that we're racing in Valencia, but rather we're racing for Valencia. This perspective truly adds a unique significance to the second round taking place in Barcelona.
"For our squad, this event holds particular significance as Miguel makes his return following an injury, and Raul took the lead in the Sprint race at his local event earlier in the summer."
"Our bicycle performed admirably in that location previously, so we'll find out if we can replicate our previous racing successes.
"I'm excited about attending the upcoming MotoGP race, which marks not only the end of this season but potentially the last one in my career as well."
An ex-Grand Prix competitor, who clinched the 1990 West German 250GP title, Zeelenberg achieved his initial significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship riding for Yamaha.
The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the newcomer Jorge Lorenzo. Interestingly, he operated in a garage that was physically split, sharing the space with Valentino Rossi.
Until 2015, the Yamaha factory squad maintained a distinct team manager for each of its riders. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's position was officially updated to 'Rider Performance Analyst', signaling a shift towards a greater emphasis on rider coaching.
By the time Lorenzo departed for Ducati in 2017, he and Zeelenberg had secured three world championships and triumphed in 43 races.
The individual from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha and collaborate with newcomer Maverick Vinales, who secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1. However, more than a year passed, and Vinales hadn't won another race, clearly leading to noticeable strain.
Zeelenberg and Ramon Forcada, who played a significant role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the newly established Petronas Yamaha team in 2019, with Zeelenberg taking on the position of team manager once again.
The Sepang initiative unveiled the potential of Fabio Quartararo, marking him as a future star, achieved six victories, and recorded the maiden wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, while Franco Morbidelli secured the second place in the 2020 championship.
Following Valentino Rossi's last season in MotoGP, the departure of Petronas led to a more streamlined team being reestablished by Razlan Razali as RNF, initially partnering with Yamaha before switching to Aprilia equipment.
Zeelenberg played a pivotal role in navigating the team through turbulent times, including a failed partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued as team manager into the beginning of this year's Trackhouse period.
There is no expectation for a replacement for Zeelenberg, indicating that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities typical of a team manager.
For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.
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Ducati Faces PR Challenge as Martin’s Move to Aprilia Could Shift Brand Allegiances in MotoGP
Davide Tardozzi cautioned that Ducati is at risk of a public relations setback. "Certainly, that's going to hurt, there's no question about that…"
Davide Tardozzi has been warned that Ducati could be overshadowed in public relations if Aprilia reveals a #1 plate on their 2025 motorcycle.
Heading into this weekend's final MotoGP race in Barcelona, Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin is ahead by 24 points in the championship standings.
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He's the leading contender to secure his inaugural championship, yet he's set to join Aprilia in 2025. This implies that Ducati's competitor might showcase the prestigious #1 plate on Martin's motorcycle the following year.
Ducati team leader Tardozzi emphasized that they will be satisfied as long as Martin secures the championship riding a Ducati, no matter how next year's Aprilia looks.
Michael Laverty from TNT Sports expressed, "That's definitely going to hurt, there's no question about that."
Despite attempts to gloss over it by highlighting his status as a Ducati champion in the historical records, they will fall short in the public relations battle next year.
"Aprilia is set to achieve it. They'll definitely place the #1 plate on the Aprilia, without a doubt!"
"You would take advantage of it."
Francesco Bagnaia, the champion for the last two years, faces the huge task of staging a remarkable recovery in Barcelona if he wishes to keep his title.
He seemingly has limited support on the track – his teammate, Enea Bastianini, has no obligation to Ducati after being replaced for the 2025 season, and will be moving to KTM.
Marc Marquez is set to be Bagnaia's upcoming team partner, however, he is not expected to engage in the championship battle.
Laverty communicated to Ducati, stating, "It's not possible to compel action. They cannot make Enea assist. Martin has shown greater consistency with fewer errors.
"They have a two-time world champion, yet this year hasn’t favored Pecco."
Pramac is on the verge of an impressive achievement by securing the championship ahead of their main manufacturing team.
This marks an extraordinary conclusion to their partnership, as Pramac has committed to joining forces with Yamaha as a satellite project starting in 2025.
Neil Hodgson remarked, "It's significant. Being a satellite team, they lack the equivalent number of staff members.
"Moving to the main factory team is a significant advancement."
"For the first time in history, a satellite team has secured the MotoGP championship. This is a groundbreaking achievement, as previously, only those riding top-tier factory bikes, like Valentino Rossi in 2001, have clinched the title."
"However, we haven't experienced it, particularly to this extent."
For a satellite team to outperform a factory team? That's a significant achievement.
"Should it occur, being with Pramac? They're the approachable squad, always known for their warm demeanor.
"Paolo Campinoti, the team's manager, has dedicated 25 years and invested millions of personal funds into this racing circuit."
For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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Aleix Espargaro bids adieu to Aprilia MotoGP with high hopes: "We secured victories in three out of the last four contests"
Espargaro aims for the top in his final Aprilia MotoGP appearance: "Our performance here has been outstanding."
Aleix Espargaro aims to conjure up some more Montmelo magic in his last outing with Aprilia in MotoGP.
The hometown hero will conclude his two-decade long Grand Prix journey on Sunday, at the postponed Barcelona season ender, prior to embarking on a fresh role as a test and wild-card racer for Honda.
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Since teaming up with Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has consistently outperformed as the leading RS-GP competitor, achieving significant accomplishments including the team's inaugural pole position, podium finish, race victory, and leading position in the world championship.
However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's team-mate, will halt Espargaro's streak in 2024, entering the last race with a lead of 43 points over his compatriot, placing him in an unreachable eighth place.
Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to outperform Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his impeccable performance over the COTA weekend. Nonetheless, Espargaro could have presented a stronger challenge had he not been sidelined by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.
Regarding their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro leads, having secured flawless victories in both races last season, then achieved pole position and won the Sprint race in May, before finishing fourth in the grand prix, a whole 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.
Accordingly, expectations are elevated for Espargaro to enhance his Aprilia achievements, which include 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, in his final weekend 'dressed in black'.
"Barcelona feels like home turf to me. I really enjoy it, and it complements both my style and the Aprilia perfectly," Espargaro remarked.
"We've secured incredible outcomes in this competition. Out of the recent four races, we've clinched victories in three and currently possess the fastest lap time on this circuit. These accomplishments suggest that we have what it takes to maintain our leading position.
"I am eager to conclude my final race alongside Aprilia on a competitive note, aiming for a spot on the podium."
"I'll aim to remain completely concentrated right from the start, and we'll put in our maximum effort to secure a positive outcome."
Massimo Rivola, the team director, expressed his excitement about Aleix concluding his tenure with Aprilia at his local circuit in Montmeló, highlighting the significance of his achievements there, including securing the fastest qualifying time and a victory in the sprint race this season.
Espargaro and Aprilia can breathe a sigh of relief as the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP during its last outing in Sepang are not expected to recur in the cooler autumn temperatures of Barcelona.
Conversely, the aerodynamic setup for 2024 seems to have diminished in performance during the high-speed turns at the Circuit de Catalunya, where Raul Fernandez captured attention riding the 2023 model bike in May.
Beyond his own showing this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin, who will be joining Aprilia in 2025, as he has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati come Saturday.
In the meantime, the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP will mark Vinales' last race with Aprilia, as he is set to move to Tech3 KTM in 2025.
Following a strong start with victories in the first three races, encompassing the Sprints, Vinales has failed to secure a podium spot thereafter. This has resulted in him falling behind the KTM riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.
"Montmeló is a circuit that holds a special place in my heart; it's practically in my backyard and it's my local Grand Prix," Vinales expressed. "Being there always fills me with a lot of motivation."
"The forecast indicates that the weather conditions will be erratic, accompanied by cooler temperatures."
"This upcoming weekend promises to be extraordinary: we're heading to Valencia for a race, and it marks my final event competing with Aprilia, so I'm committed to putting in my utmost effort."
Vinales has competed in 64 events with Aprilia, securing one MotoGP victory, two Sprint wins, 13 podium finishes, and two pole positions.
For two decades, Peter has witnessed the evolution of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.
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Casey Stoner Critiques MotoGP’s Sprint Race Format: A Challenge to the Essence of Championship Racing
Casey Stoner criticizes sprint race setup: "MotoGP lacks challenge"
Casey Stoner shares his opinions on the current MotoGP weekend structure
Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format in MotoGP, arguing that it unfairly influences the outcomes of the main races.
MotoGP launched a fresh race format in the previous year, featuring a sprint race every Saturday of each event, and Francesco Bagnaia clinched the 2023 championship title.
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Heading into the final race weekend of the season, Bagnaia is 24 points behind Jorge Martin in the standings. However, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 races held on Sundays, compared to Martin's three wins.
Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprints may play a key role in clinching his first championship, should he manage to transform his significant advantage into a victory. Securing a win in Barcelona's Saturday sprint will officially crown him as the champion.
Former champion Stoner expressed to GPOne, "The essence of motorsport is to showcase the top athletes competing on the most challenging vehicles to operate, yet currently, MotoGP has become too simplistic."
Riders lack sufficient mastery over the motorcycle. The contribution of engineers is becoming excessively influential.
"Subsequently, they introduced the sprint race, which diminishes the total track time available for focusing on the longer race."
"The concept of a world championship isn't meant to revolve around brief showcases; it's designed to be a test of stamina."
"Essentially, it's akin to declaring ‘alright, we’re setting up for a marathon, but now 10 laps doesn't cut it, it’s 43 kilometres!’"
"It's an exhausting and demanding task. Therefore, we require stability as the world championship is meant to be a marathon event."
"It's not feasible to rely on individuals who excel briefly, capable of handling the soft tyre. Consideration must be given to the entire race length."
"Additionally, earning points from these brief races isn't advisable as points are traditionally awarded on Sunday during the primary race."
Setting up a bike is quite challenging, ensuring you maintain concentration for the whole race.
"Currently, our attention is intensely centered on a single lap, emphasizing the significance of advancing through Q2 from the initial practice session."
"This halts everyone from focusing on preparing for the race, ensuring all preparations are complete."
"Consequently, it appears that the notable difference in performance among competitors on Sundays can be attributed to not all racers being adequately prepared for the speed of the race."
Taking into account electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated, "Overall, I believe the MotoGP motorcycle has become one of the simplest bikes to ride globally."
Stoner secured the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 with Honda.
His triumph with Ducati turned out to be a misleading sign of success for the company. For the following 15 years, they found themselves unable to clinch a championship, even after bringing on board renowned riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo
In 2022, Bagnaia finally broke that curse, however, Stoner has consistently criticized the use of advanced technology in MotoGP bikes.
He has now strongly criticized the two-year-old system that might help Martin snatch the championship away from Bagnaia.
For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, his coverage spanning diverse areas including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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Jorge Lorenzo Delivers Decisive Opinion on Jorge Martin vs. Francesco Bagnaia Showdown
Two-time World Champion Dives into Analysis of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin's Duel
Jorge Lorenzo has evaluated the championship showdown between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.
Heading into this weekend's season-ending race in Barcelona, Pramac's Martin is ahead by 24 points over Ducati's official team rider Bagnaia.
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Martin has the chance to secure his first championship and snatch it away from the current titleholder, Bagnaia, by claiming victory in Saturday's sprint race.
"Considering the current standings, Martin is more likely to succeed, though nothing is guaranteed until the final race ends," two-time MotoGP winner Lorenzo mentioned to Motosprint.
Jorge would need to commit a significant number of errors to miss out on the championship; he even collaborated with a sports psychologist to temper his eagerness, yet he continued to slip up, similar to Bagnaia.
The championship had its fair share of errors, yet it appears to be Martin's season, and I'd be pleased for him if it turns out that way. He's a bright and gifted young man who undoubtedly merits at least one MotoGP championship.
"I find similarities between myself and Martin, as well as with Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo.
"Pecco and Jorge both have a style of extending far from the motorcycle, and Jorge shares a burst of speed akin to mine, enabling him to accelerate quickly to distance himself from competitors."
"Martin and Pecco both exhibit steady performances once ahead, demonstrating a smooth and stable approach similar to my own."
"For instance, while Marc Marquez may not be as precise, he compensates with different strengths. He exhibits a more laid-back, dynamic, and assertive demeanor."
This weekend's closing event has been moved to Barcelona following severe flooding in Valencia.
Bagnaia firmly stated that he would not participate in the Valencia race due to the catastrophe, even if it meant losing the championship.
Lorenzo commended the victor's perspective, stating, "In the face of a disaster such as what unfolded in Valencia, sports take a secondary role.
"Express myself the way Bagnaia did? It seems his message was well-received. I believe mine would have been too, but hats off to him for showing such gentlemanly conduct."
In their last competition as rivals, Bagnaia and Marquez are set to go head-to-head before teaming up in a surprising partnership with Ducati's main team in 2025.
"Lorenzo stated that the outcome will hinge on the events that occur on the race track."
"If tension exists, it will extend beyond that area, yet if one is significantly quicker than the other, the issue won't emerge."
For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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Marc Marquez Reflects on a Year with Ducati: Mastering Adaptation and Eyeing Future Triumphs
Twelve months following Marc Marquez's impactful grin, he sheds light on adjusting to Ducati
Marc Marquez outlines his journey of adapting to the GP23
Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin brightened the MotoGP universe.
Following his initial ride on the Ducati during the Valencia test after the season ended, his physical demeanor clearly conveyed a profound message, sharply differing from his recent demeanor while riding for Honda.
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This weekend, Marquez is set to compete in Barcelona with the Desmosedici from last year for his final race before he transitions to Ducati's factory-level equipment in their premier team in 2025.
Marquez shared with Motosan that his smile from the previous year marked the beginning of his adventure with Ducati, explaining, "It was essentially about finding tranquility within myself, as choosing something so significant naturally comes with its share of uncertainties."
"After a decade of using the same bicycle, I was skeptical about my ability to handle the Ducati."
"This doesn't imply that I doubted my abilities; if that were the case, I wouldn't have chosen to do it."
"I was taken aback, as I felt quite confident from the outset."
Adjusting to the present circumstances is one of my strengths as a cyclist.
"Subsequently, the potential for enhancement varies, as I favor achieving the peak swiftly."
Marc Marquez showcased exceptional skill in Catalunya during May, securing podium finishes twice despite starting from 14th position 🤯#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/NQ0BZC7tPW
Marquez described how he transitioned from a substandard Honda to the championship-winning GP23 Ducati, which was last year's victor and currently ranks just below the GP24.
"The initial step involves mastering the operation of the motorcycle and making adjustments to accommodate it," he explained.
"At a certain juncture, the capacity to adjust hits its limit, prompting a shift towards focusing on enhancing personal comfort or addressing the areas of greatest deficiency."
"As you delve into that aspect, the connection between the technician and the rider starts to form. This marks another pivotal moment in the process."
"When you approach the benchmark times of competition, you encounter the initial barrier, but it's short enough to leap over."
"Then you bypass it, and begin focusing on refining the technical aspects. I mentioned this in Jerez and Austin.
"However, with every attempt, the obstacle grows taller; now, you attempt to retreat and continue this cycle until you discover the solution and progress ahead."
Marquez has made a triumphant return to winning form in grand prix racing this year, securing three victories on Sundays.
Currently, he ranks third in the championship standings, with just one more race remaining, holding a slender lead of one point over Enea Bastianini.
Marquez has distinctly outpaced the other three GP23 competitors, securing himself a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.
Transitioning to superior Ducati gear marks the next phase in his impressive adjustment journey.
For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula One racing.
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Johann Zarco’s Late Season Surge: Climbing to MotoGP Top Ten and Eyeing Top Honda Rider Spot
Johann Zarco: 'Significant Progress in Rankings, Better Late Than Never'
"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better late than never."
Johann Zarco's journey to meet his goal took more time than anticipated, yet as the flyaway races concluded, the LCR Honda competitor successfully reached his 2024 objective by placing the RC213V among the top ten in MotoGP.
Heading towards ending the season as the leading Honda competitor, the rider from France improved his highest grand prix finish from 12th in the first half of the year to ninth in Mandalika and subsequently eighth in Buriram throughout the overseas races.
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Zarco secured a ninth-place finish in the dry Indonesian race, marking his nearest position to the lead, with a gap of 15.151 seconds.
Zarco's performance in the qualifying rounds has been noteworthy, making it into Q2 once again during the recent event in Sepang, where he came close to finishing within the top ten in the grand prix.
Zarco expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting it as a positive affirmation of his significant progress in rankings during the international races.
"I currently hold the roles I identified as goals at the start of the year."
"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better to arrive late than not at all."
"It's a significant milestone for us, and that brings joy. My ability to handle the bike has greatly improved since the year started, and my feedback has become far more precise."
"I am able to be accurate and keep the responses aligned, indicating that I'm heading in the correct direction."
Zarco attributed his progress to the newest Honda aerodynamics along with enhancements he made to his braking technique.
"We've made significant progress in handling fast turns. I believe our motorcycle's enhanced cornering ability, thanks to the aerodynamics, played a key role in our advancement," he stated.
"Mastering braking is an art and a capability that few cyclists possess, and I focus on honing this talent because there's a crucial aspect to grasp. When you do, it opens up a whole new level of enjoyment while riding."
"It's not about exerting extra force, it's about finding the balance between tilting, sliding, and applying pressure. That's what makes it stand out."
The continuous series of competitions proved beneficial as well.
"I've been focusing on improving my braking skills, both on the supermoto and my CBR. However, my riding time has been limited as I'm just seven weeks out! It's pretty exciting, though. When you're racing back-to-back, you've got to view it as the ultimate training experience."
Zarco is currently ranked 17th in the world championship standings, having accumulated 53 points, as we approach the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season-ending race this weekend.
Takaaki Nakagami leads the Honda contingent in the standings, sitting in 19th place with 31 points, ahead of Joan Mir who has 21 points in 21st position, and Marini who is 22nd with 14 points.
For two decades, Peter has experienced the ebb and flow of the paddock, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.
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Francesco Bagnaia: “Our opportunity is still alive, and we will fight with all our might until the last moment.”
Is it possible for Francesco Bagnaia to achieve the most significant comeback in a title race in MotoGP history?
Throughout the MotoGP era, there have been only two instances, in the years 2006 and 2015, where the rider who was at the top of the world championship rankings before the final race of the season did not end up securing
In both instances, Valentino Rossi experienced the championship slipping from his grasp, as he let go of an 8-point lead to Nicky Hayden in 2006 and a 7-point lead to Jorge Lorenzo in 2015.
This weekend, Francesco Bagnaia, a protégé of Rossi's VR46 Academy, faces a significant challenge in trying to prevent Jorge Martin from winning the 2024 title.
Ducati's reigning two-time champion heads into the final race in Barcelona trailing the Pramac racer, Martin, by 24 points. With only 37 points left to be won—12 from the Sprint and 25 from the Grand Prix—the competition remains fierce.
With ten grand prix victories this year compared to Martin's three, Bagnaia would claim the championship in the event of a tie-breaker.
If Martin secures a win in the Sprint, it would be sufficient for him to clinch the world championship title. Meanwhile, Bagnaia's main task is to ensure that the competition continues until the season's last day.
Bagnaia expressed his contentment with the choice to compete in the season's final Grand Prix in Barcelona rather than Valencia.
"The situation is tragic, and we sincerely wish that the funds raised from this event will offer significant assistance to those impacted by the floods."
Bagnaia emphasized that their team plans to tackle the weekend in their typical manner. He acknowledged that they still have an opportunity, and although it will be challenging, they are committed to giving it their all until the last moment.
"No matter the result, it's a privilege to be competing in the season's last race, vying for the world championship. I'm eager to return to the track!"
As Bagnaia finds that merely securing victories isn't sufficient anymore, discussions around strategy are expected to become a major focus. The possibility of Martin transferring the top spot from Ducati to Aprilia in the upcoming season adds even more intrigue to the situation.
Bagnaia has stated that he will not use slow-riding strategies to involve other competitors, although such tactics have been used previously. Notably, in 2013, Jorge Lorenzo deliberately slowed the pace to help eliminate Marc Marquez's 13-point lead.
During that event, Dani Pedrosa excelled as a supportive team-mate by aggressively challenging Lorenzo, which pushed Lorenzo to increase his speed. This strategic move allowed Pedrosa to secure a victory, closing the gap to just four points behind Marquez.
This weekend, the assistance of team-mates might prove crucial once more, as Bagnaia is counting on Enea Bastianini to perform well. Additionally, Bagnaia hinted that he might aid fellow competitors by providing a slipstream during practice and qualifying sessions.
Among the possible contenders for a podium finish this weekend are Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, who won the 2024 Barcelona Sprint for Aprilia, and Pedro Acosta from KTM.
On the other hand, Bastianini is focused on competing with Marquez for the third spot in the world championship standings. Meanwhile, Ducati has limited influence over him as he is set to move to KTM next season.
Bastianini expressed his eagerness to make amends at Montmelo, a track where he struggled earlier in the year. During the spring race, he ended up in 18th place, missing out on points after receiving penalties for not taking a Long Lap and subsequently a Ride Through.
"I've consistently been quick on this track, but the penalty of long laps I got due to my collision with Alex Márquez in the previous race clearly impacted how I performed."
"We're currently in fourth place, trailing Marc Márquez by just a single point. Our aim is to put in maximum effort to earn a position on the World Championship podium."
Apart from Bastianini, Bagnaia has the support of his VR46 Academy peers, though Franco Morbidelli, who is a teammate of Martin, might be an exception.
Ultimately, with Bagnaia and Martin frequently outperforming their competitors, as demonstrated at their recent performance in Sepang, the Italian racer could benefit from an unexpected twist or unpredictable factor, which the weather in Barcelona might offer.
Due to the last-minute cancellation of the event in Valencia, the temperatures in autumn are likely to be about half of the mid-20s Celsius that were recorded during the weekend in Catalunya this past May.
Consequently, Michelin has introduced a total of seven distinct slick tire choices, although there is still a possibility of rain.
Given that there's minimal benefit in gearing up for the last laps on Sunday if the championship is already out of reach by Saturday, it's probable that Bagnaia will focus more on refining his time attacks this weekend.
By adopting a strategy similar to his Sepang tactic, where he used a fresh soft tire towards the conclusion of FP1, he could maintain pressure on Martin right from the beginning of the final contest.
For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.
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