Comparison: Bagnaia and Martin – who is leading before the championship showdown?

A review of lap times on Friday in Barcelona suggests Bagnaia has a slight edge over Martin.

The last time MotoGP raced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it seemed that the championship was leaning towards Jorge Martin. Francesco Bagnaia, the defending champion, crashed out of the sprint while in the lead, which put him 44 points behind Pramac's Jorge Martin.

As the series heads back to the Solidarity GP at the Catalunya track, the championship is still ongoing, with Martin holding a 24-point lead over Bagnaia. Over the 13 rounds that have taken place since the May Catalan GP, the points gap has shifted by only 20.

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A significant reason for this is Bagnaia's achievement of winning 10 grand prix races throughout the season before the last round. However, Martin's unwavering consistency has helped him keep his lead over his teammate from the factory Ducati team.

The two competitors are equally positioned in their quest for the championship, yet they face distinct situations. Martin is seen as the frontrunner, placing the pressure on him to clinch the title. Meanwhile, Bagnaia understands that his best chance to secure a third championship title lies in achieving victory.

On Friday afternoon at the Barcelona circuit, Bagnaia appeared to perform as if following a specific strategy, showing no signs of stress. He set the pace with a lap time of 1 minute and 38.918 seconds, narrowly edging out his competitors by just 0.080 seconds in what turned out to be a closely contested session.

The combination of cooler weather and reduced traction, along with the selection of seven different tire options provided by Michelin due to the last-minute venue switch from Valencia because of severe flooding, resulted in an interesting arrangement on the timesheet.

During the Catalan Grand Prix in May, the sprint race was highly competitive, but Martin believes that the main race will be more spread out. Based on his statement, it seems he doesn't consider Saturday to be the likely day for him to secure the championship, despite only needing to score two more points than Bagnaia.

"There were numerous tire options available, and not many riders completed numerous laps on them," Martin mentioned to the press, which included Crash.net, on Friday in Barcelona. "We'll have to wait and see how things play out during the race. Certainly, everyone is quick with fresh tires. We'll observe what happens in the races. In tomorrow's sprint, many riders are expected to be fast, just like the previous sprint here. However, by Sunday, the gaps will likely widen significantly."

The growing number of competitors near the top of the leaderboard poses more of a challenge for Martin compared to Bagnaia. However, notable racers like Enea Bastianini, currently in 10th place, and Marc Marquez, in eighth, are not considering themselves contenders for a podium finish at this point.

Bagnaia reacted with jubilation after leading the practice session, feeling as though he had successfully cleared the weekend's first significant challenge. His joy was justified, given the close call he experienced with Maverick Vinales towards the conclusion of FP1. Vinales unexpectedly approached Bagnaia at Turn 1 following their practice starts, prompting Bagnaia to apply additional front brake pressure, which led to the front wheel folding under him. The impact from his fall was severe enough that it could have easily caused an injury, potentially cutting his weekend short.

He felt frustrated, yet remained calm, a stark contrast to his competitor's demeanor. Martin, on the other hand, was noticeably upset in his garage as the practice session neared its end. Later, he explained his agitation, attributing it to stress and his inability to locate his crew chief, who was absent from his usual spot when Martin returned for a tire change.

The outburst of arm-waving seemed to have been escalating over time. Martin appeared to be exploring the boundaries and exerting pressure. However, during multiple instances, such as during his final flying lap, he lost control of the front end while navigating a corner.

He ended up in fifth place on the timesheets, which was enough to advance to Q2 without any trouble. He mentioned that "on paper," his performance looks solid and his speed is quite impressive. However, he confessed that he currently feels uneasy on his Pramac-operated GP24. He described feeling "strange," lacking confidence when taking left-hand corners, and noted that the usual grip from the rear tire seemed to be missing.

Not everything is hopeless, but usually, when Bagnaia has a strong start on Friday, it often means difficulties for his competitors throughout the weekend.

Examining the lap times proved challenging because of the varying conditions and the limited number of tyre sets available for testing. Martin completed eight laps using a soft rear tyre, achieving an average lap time of 1 minute and 40.646 seconds. Meanwhile, during a stint of five laps with a hard rear tyre, his average time was 1 minute and 40.401 seconds, after excluding any outlier times.

Bagnaia completed seven laps using a soft rear tire, clocking a time of 1 minute and 40.365 seconds. When equipped with a medium rear tire, he averaged a lap time of 1 minute and 40.510 seconds over five laps.

At this point, Bagnaia holds an advantage in terms of both speed and his connection with the bike. The sprint race on Saturday will serve as a significant challenge for the defending champion. He approaches this event after having fallen during the last Saturday race in Malaysia, needing to overcome the memory of losing an important 12 points in May when he went off the track into the gravel at Turn 5.

With no stakes on the line, Bagnaia has the liberty to approach it as he would any typical sprint. Martin has room for error, but considering Bagnaia's speed during the Catalan GP back in May, losing significant points would only increase the stress on the Pramac racer.

Friday's events at the Solidarity GP demonstrated that, contrary to what the calculations may suggest, the championship race is still very much open and undecided.

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Jack Miller felt a forceful pull into the tire at Sepang, describing the experience as though he was "seized by the core and dragged in."

"I consider myself very fortunate. Truly fortunate."

Following a fortunate avoidance of severe harm during a race-halting event at Sepang, Jack Miller is set to make his comeback in what will be his last MotoGP appearance with KTM, taking place in Barcelona this weekend.

An incident involving Alex Marquez, Brad Binder, and Fabio Quartararo resulted in the Australian rider being ejected from his bike at the first turn of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

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Alarming photos captured Miller ensnared in the back wheel of Quartararo's Yamaha, his helmet being spun around by the tire, followed by his legs being crushed under Joan Mir's Honda.

In his first public comments regarding the event on Thursday, Miller remarked:

"Truthfully, I'm feeling quite positive. It's fortunate that I emerged relatively unscathed from the incident, especially after viewing the photos of my hand entangled in the back tire of Fabio's motorcycle and Joan treating my legs as if they were a ramp!"

"I was fortunate to emerge from it with minimal harm."

I suffered from a severe hangover on Monday, but aside from that, everything else was fairly positive. By Tuesday, I was cycling again, and spending a pleasant weekend at home with my family, enjoying much warmer weather than what we're experiencing here, benefited me greatly.

"I'm prepared to start and aim to conclude my time with KTM on a positive note."

Miller described it as essentially closing your eyes and wishing for a positive outcome amidst these situations.

The saying goes "tuck and roll," yet judging from the photos, it seems there was a bit more rolling involved than tucking, if I'm being completely honest!

"However, there was nothing you could do. I was unaware of the upcoming events. I couldn't foresee the outcome."

"Notice the incredible grip of those Michelin tires. They clung to me so fiercely, it felt like they yanked me by my core, drawing me into the tire, and then somehow managed to loop my head back around through the tire again."

"This offers a subtle hint at the remarkable quality of these tires, showcased by their ability to grasp a helmet, lift it from the ground, and maneuver it effortlessly."

As I've mentioned, it ultimately hinges on fortune above all else. I'm simply grateful to be present without any injuries, looking forward to the weekend with a clear mind.

"I consider myself fortunate. Incredibly fortunate."

The 29-year-old asserted that it won’t preoccupy his thoughts.

"No, it's not a psychological issue. Ultimately, I'm approaching 30. I've been involved in this since I was four and have experienced numerous accidents over the years!

"Thus, you can essentially dismiss it from your thoughts almost immediately after it occurs. Clearly, for us, the priority is to get back on the bike."

"This is the single aspect I truly enjoy. It's the single aspect where I excel, or at least somewhat excel, on certain days, to put it modestly! Therefore, it's fairly straightforward to dismiss it from your thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand."

The concluding event this weekend has been unexpectedly relocated from Valencia to Barcelona as a result of severe flooding.

"Clearly, the situation is somewhat unusual compared to our regular experiences; I've got on a couple of coats and long shorts! However, I'm excited about it. I believe the weather will add an extra element of unpredictability, making the weekend more intriguing," Miller remarked.

"Clearly heartbroken about missing the race in Valencia. My mind is with everyone impacted by the flooding in that area. Watching the footage all week from across the globe, it's heartbreaking to see what those families are enduring. We extend our deepest sympathies to every single person affected.

Hoping this weekend offers a chance for a 50-minute escape from current troubles, allowing them to immerse in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of thrilling races.

"It's great to be back in the racing scene, especially being in this part of the world which is pretty much the heartland of MotoGP, and just a short distance from our usual spot. It feels good to return, and I'm looking forward to what promises to be an intriguing weekend."

The chilly weather has led Michelin to provide an exceptional selection of seven distinct tyre choices.

"Miller noted that although there are seven tires available, he doubts they're all fit for use. He pointed out that the H tyre at the front is on the edge of being viable for the race weekend, mentioning it requires three laps to begin functioning on the left side during the summer visits. Therefore, he believes it's unlikely this tire will be mounted on a wheel, considering it more of a spare than a primary option."

"However, the remaining tires appear to be in fairly decent condition. Ultimately, Valencia shares a similar characteristic, with a predominance of left-hand turns before switching to the right, in contrast to the numerous right-hand turns leading into the left."

"I believe they have the capability to construct the tire to match our needs, and we should be in a good position regarding that aspect."

Clearly, they've arrived with various alternatives due to their uncertainty regarding the weather conditions. Despite the brief period they had to prepare, it seems they've managed well by selecting a tire they believe will be appropriate for this circuit.

"We'll observe the traction conditions. Typically, at this location, track temperatures exceed 60°, but during the weekend, we might experience lows of around 6°. It will be fascinating to witness the performance of the rear tire under these conditions."

"I've previously taken the Panigale for a spin here earlier this year. Typically, the traction improves when the weather is cooler around this area, since temperature tends to affect grip in these extensive, hard-accelerating turns."

"I believe we're going to witness some exceptionally quick lap times over the course of the weekend."

Miller ranks 14th in the global championship, holding a 13-point advantage over his soon-to-be teammate at Pramac Yamaha, Miguel Oliveira.

Miller and Oliveira are set to pilot an M1 for the inaugural time during the Tuesday trials.

Over two decades, Peter has witnessed the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi from the racing scene. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with injuries.

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Pedro Acosta lamented, "I threw away points, I messed everything up!"

"This season, we contended for numerous victories, but I messed everything up!"

Pedro Acosta has expressed regret over squandering points due to "foolish accidents" during his debut season.

Acosta has notably made a significant impact in his debut season in the premier MotoGP series, competing under the Tech3 GASGAS team banner.

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The current Moto2 titleholder, who was just a teenager at the beginning of the year, is ranked fifth in the championship standings as we approach the season's last race in Barcelona this weekend.

Should Acosta maintain his trio of points advantage against KTM colleague Brad Binder, he's poised to end as the leading rider outside of the Ducati lineup.

"Acosta remarked, 'It's not incredibly significant, yet considering all the errors made throughout the season, it's astonishing I'm still in fifth place.'"

Ending the season on a high note with positive outcomes is crucial.

"We achieved numerous victories this season, but I messed everything up!"

"The capability to strive for victories existed. The chance was within reach; it wasn't a figment of my imagination.

"Over the last few races, we've seen enhancements in our performance. I've experimented with the fairings. Despite having limited information, I managed to secure a spot in the top five, which is certainly a good sign."

"This weekend, I plan to [avoid testing any new components]."

Acosta exhaled deeply, "Every error I committed, every opportunity I discarded, every foolish collision, the attempts I had to make…"

Following two initial top-three finishes, Jorge Lorenzo was among those who forecasted that Acosta would secure a grand prix victory during his first year.

Acosta hasn't lived up to the expectations set for him, experiencing some difficulties with his KTM. However, his achievement of securing five podium finishes on Sundays is noteworthy.

He concludes his inaugural season with the anticipation of advancing to the factory KTM team.

"Feeling emotional? It's quite natural. I'm thrilled to be in the last race, battling for a position in the top five of the championship," he expressed.

"We are pleased with the figures and the outcomes, but it still falls short."

"Wrapping up one season and then kicking off a new one on Tuesday with the factory team? I'm incredibly excited, as it's an opportunity you've always dreamed of."

"The day is approaching more quickly than I anticipated."

"I'm excited to end the season on a high note."

Acosta pledged to stay neutral in the championship showdown between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

"I certainly don't want to, as I have other significant tasks to attend to," he expressed.

"I'm not interested in taking on this character. It doesn't feel fair."

"When there's a conflict involving two parties, then those two should engage in the confrontation."

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.

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Maverick Vinales gifts championship Moto3 motorcycle to Valencia charity auction

"Securing my championship with this motorcycle was a unique experience. However, it's more important to support those in need."

Maverick Vinales, set to participate in his last MotoGP race for Aprilia this weekend, has contributed his Moto3 championship-winning motorcycle to a charity auction to support the victims of the floods in Valencia.

The catastrophic floods have forced MotoGP to shift its season-ending event from Valencia to Barcelona this weekend, incorporating an online auction as part of its fundraising efforts.

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In 2013, Vinales captured his inaugural, and to date, singular world championship in the Moto3 category. However, his commitment to aiding those affected by the tragedy in Valencia surpasses his sentimental connection to the KTM RC250GP motorcycle.

"Vinales remarked on the importance of mutual support among people, questioning, 'If we don't assist one another, who will?' This statement came just before the start of the weekend's renamed 'Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP' final event."

For several years now, I've made an effort to lead a life that's less focused on material possessions and more attuned to emotional experiences. In doing so, I've realized that, while I do have a unique connection to this bike due to the championship I won with it, it's important to recognize the greater need to assist others.

"Several acquaintances visited Valencia to offer their assistance and have reported that the situation is extremely dire. It appears that the severity of the circumstances hasn't been fully captured by media coverage, according to their accounts, indicating that the reality is much worse than portrayed."

"Thus, any support we can offer is beneficial. If a supporter is willing to contribute by purchasing this motorcycle for a substantial amount, I'm genuinely pleased that the funds will reach those in need."

Vinales is set to make a comeback to riding a KTM in the upcoming season, marking his first time since 2013, by transitioning to the Tech3 squad.

Currently, the sole competitor who has triumphed over Ducati in a grand prix this year holds a slim possibility of surpassing KTM racers Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta to secure the fifth position in the world championship standings.

"Vinales expressed his desire to end the season positively," he remarked. "We're still in contention for positions 5 through 8 in the championship, so surpassing a few KTMs would be great."

"Clearly, I'm thrilled about making my debut with KTM next week. It's a fresh journey, a completely new bike experience."

Despite achieving two consecutive wins at COTA and an earlier Sprint win at Portimao, Vinales has frequently expressed that the 2024 Aprilia feels significantly different from the 2023 version that excelled in last year's Catalunya race.

He mentioned, "Clearly, the 23 bike is well-suited for tracks like Montmelo, Silverstone, Assen."

This year, the primary concern was notably the engine brake.

"I'm really optimistic and driven. It's a solid challenge. Returning to the same circuit always presents a challenge, and we've consistently improved our speed the second visit to any track."

During MotoGP's trip to Catalunya in May, Vinales secured the 8th and 12th positions, while his team-mate Aleix Espargaro achieved pole position, clinched victory in the Sprint, and placed fourth in the Grand Prix.

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

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Fabio Quartararo believes cooler weather will favor Yamaha, yet holds no assumptions for the Barcelona MotoGP outcome.

"Given the cooler conditions, we stand to gain, as the track grip is notably minimal…"

The MotoGP championship for 2024 is set to conclude in Barcelona this weekend, and Fabio Quartararo believes that cooler weather could prove advantageous for Yamaha.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last hosted a MotoGP race during this year's Catalan Grand Prix, which took place from May 24th to 26th.

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At the time of the Grand Prix, the surrounding air temperature measured 26°C, while the surface of the track reached a scorching 47°C. This coming weekend, though, it appears doubtful that the air temperature will surpass 20°C.

The reduction in temperature is expected to enhance the traction on the racecourse, which is vital at Barcelona where the track is famously slippery.

"Fabio Quartararo, who secured the 17th spot in the qualifications back in May, expressed uncertainty about the upcoming weekend, noting Yamaha's particularly dismal performance under the challenging conditions of heat and limited traction."

"This weekend, the genuine aim is to make it into Q2 from the Practice rounds, and then assess our progress. Given the cooler conditions, we anticipate an advantage for us since the track grip is notably low."

"Currently, the outcomes aren't ideal for us, but Tuesday will be a crucial day to determine whether we've truly made progress or not."

Quartararo mentioned he anticipates the cooler weather in November, as opposed to the warmer conditions during the Catalan Grand Prix in May, to be beneficial for Yamaha's showing.

"In our view, it's going to be an improvement because as temperatures rise, there's a significant shift in the track's grip level. Essentially, the grip decreases substantially, leading to noticeably slower lap times," he explained.

"In 2020, we competed under extremely cold conditions, which surprisingly didn't adversely affect us too much. I believe it's crucial for us to pay attention to the front tire, as that's the one we'll likely have the most difficulty heating up, particularly in the morning. Overall, I feel the situation has improved somewhat."

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

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

Pessimistic outlook for Pecco Bagnaia's title defense in Barcelona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I began my professional journey at Valentino."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"This is the standard routine for sports professionals."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Moreover, Casey is an amazing person."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bezzecchi mentioned that it would be quite moving.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it practical to strive for success?

"Absolutely, without a doubt."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results of the First Practice Session for the 2024 MotoGP Solidarity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The championship is approaching rapidly."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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