Is 2025 the year for MotoGP's other Marquez to shine?

While Marc Marquez's move to the factory Ducati team is grabbing headlines, his brother might emerge as an unexpected contender.

It's astonishing to think that the 2025 season will be Alex Marquez's sixth year in the MotoGP.

Stepping into the top tier in 2020 with the factory Honda team as Jorge Lorenzo’s successor, he faced an upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was further complicated when his teammate and older brother, Marc Marquez, suffered a severe arm injury during the season-opening Spanish Grand Prix.

The 2019 Moto2 and 2014 Moto3 world champion was not expected to achieve much upon entering MotoGP. His recruitment occurred shortly after Lorenzo revealed his retirement, only one year into a two-year contract with Honda. Meanwhile, in February 2020, it was announced that Marc Marquez had signed a major four-year contract, implying that Honda Racing Corporation's decision to sign his younger brother might have been a condition set by the eight-time world champion.

Moreover, he was riding the motorcycle that had essentially marked the end of three-time MotoGP world champion Lorenzo’s career and led to Dani Pedrosa experiencing his first season without a victory in 2018, which was also his last. Alex Marquez faced a difficult challenge.

When Honda's test rider was unable to participate due to an injury, he had to independently navigate the challenges of the racing season. Impressively, he handled the situation well. Achieving podium finishes at both the French Grand Prix and the Aragon Grand Prix, the younger Marquez sibling stood out as the sole Honda competitor to reach the podium that year.

In the condensed 2020 season, he achieved 74 points. However, during the next two years at LCR, he struggled with the challenging Honda bikes and failed to replicate that performance. In 2022, he chose to pursue a fresh opportunity by joining the Gresini Ducati team.

In a brilliant strategic decision, he secured two victories in sprint races and finished on the podium twice in grand prix events, achieving his highest-ever ranking of ninth place with 177 points in the standings. Nonetheless, the GP23 motorcycle he used last year was challenging to adjust to and notably less advanced compared to the GP24. As a result, Marquez achieved only one podium finish and ended up eighth in the rankings with 173 points.

Despite a slight dip in his average points per round from 8.85 to 8.65 in 2024, he maintained strong performance by finishing outside the top 10 only twice in the 16 grands prix he completed last season. His reliability has become a significant advantage for Gresini, as the team secured sixth place in the standings in 2023 and climbed to third in 2024, largely benefiting from the leadership of Marc Marquez.

Could this be Alex Marquez's moment in the spotlight? As his elder sibling dominated the news with a significant comeback season, Alex Marquez managed to hold his own despite acknowledging the considerable stress he faced in the circumstances.

During Gresini's 2025 launch event last weekend, he mentioned that Marc wouldn't be too far away, just one garage over to either the left or right, yet it will still feel different.

"I have mentioned on multiple occasions that Marc's presence in the garage brings both advantages and challenges. At the start of last year, there was significant pressure in the garage due to the high expectations."

However, Marc contributed significant experience and instantly took on a leadership role, helping us grasp numerous concepts. The insights we gained from him should be leveraged this year, as his influence helped us progress as a team.

As excitement about Gresini diminishes in 2025 following Marc Marquez's move to the official Ducati team, the team managed by Nadia Padovani seems confident in Alex's leadership abilities. He is under contract until 2026 and will play a key role in helping Fermin Aldeguer adjust to MotoGP as a newcomer.

Some might cynically suggest that Alex is merely an afterthought at Gresini now that he's teaming up with Marquez. However, he has made productive use of the time spent with his brother. It's important to remember that Marc’s so-called ‘rebirth’ year wouldn't have happened without the encouragement from his younger sibling.

He mentioned, "Marc has taught me quite a bit, and I anticipate gaining some knowledge from Fermin too. However, since Fermin is new, I take on the duty of being the team's main figure, the person expected to deliver outcomes. An independent team requires consistent results each weekend to maintain their presence on TV and ensure their sponsors receive visibility. This challenge is something I enjoy, and it fuels my motivation significantly."

However, it's important not to assume that Alex Marquez will attempt to mimic his brother Marc when he returns to lead the Gresini team in 2025. Despite valuing Marc's guidance, Alex shared with me a couple of years ago that he had to limit his brother's advice during his first season as it started to overwhelm him.

Gresini is aiming high with the GP24 this year, targeting top-five finishes at each race weekend. Alex Marquez began consistently achieving these results during the final rounds of a challenging 2024 season.

In the Thai GP sprint, he secured fifth place, which he then improved upon with two fourth-place finishes in Malaysia. His performance continued with fifth in the sprint and fourth in the grand prix during the final race in Barcelona. This series of results represented his first entry into the top five since last July's German GP, where he finished third, just behind Marc Marquez, marking the first time in 27 years that two brothers shared a podium in MotoGP.

The late-season performance boost was due to "operating without pressure, simply focusing on our tasks and observing our garage." This has given him the sense that there are "numerous opportunities" for his inaugural grand prix victory in MotoGP to occur in 2025.

At this point, it's unclear how significant the improvements on Ducati's GP25 will be. However, Marquez had an extremely favorable experience during his initial encounter with the GP24 at the Barcelona test last November, where he achieved the fastest time.

At that moment, he mentioned that the GP24 motorcycle improved consistently whenever he tried to push its limits. Additionally, the issues with entering corners that troubled the GP23 were absent.

The beginning of the 2025 season will be pivotal for Gresini and Marquez. With the GP24 fully developed and ready, they will have their best opportunity to outperform factory competitors in the initial races of the season.

As attention shifts to his brother's transition to the factory Ducati team and the likely rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez is set to deliver his most impressive MotoGP season to date.

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Marc Marquez remains tight-lipped following Ducati's announcement

Podcast discusses reactions to Ducati's 2025 launch

The Ducati factory team showcased their 2025 MotoGP paint scheme at a ceremony in Italy, featuring riders Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

Ducati is entering the upcoming season aiming to solidify its supremacy after an impressive performance last year, where it claimed victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix races. The team secured both the riders’ and constructors’ championships, as well as the team title alongside Pramac.

Ducati's factory team has brought together a highly impressive MotoGP roster by teaming up two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia with Marc Marquez, who has won the premier class title six times.

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Although the launch proceeded in a friendly manner, there is a prevailing feeling that tensions between the two will eventually escalate.

According to Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager and podcast host for Crash.net, it is challenging for Ducati to foresee both what they desire and what the actual outcomes will be.

"Marquez is once more being discreet and not revealing much."

"He remained tight-lipped. During a press conference, someone questioned him, 'Is this the most significant year in your career?' He responded by saying, 'No, 2024 was, as it marked my return.'"

"You can feel that he's truly prepared for this moment as he mentioned focusing on the championship from the very first round, something he hasn't talked about doing since 2020. This is a new version of Marquez, and I can tell he's returning to his previous approach."

Veteran journalist Lewis Duncan from Crash supported Moreland’s views, stating: "This is the initial occasion we’ve heard Marc discuss the championship since he joined the factory Ducati team. Previously, he focused on moving the team forward, acknowledging that Pecco would be the top rider and the benchmark."

This is the initial occasion where we've openly acknowledged, with Pecco Bagnaia also within hearing distance, that the aim is to contend for the world championship starting from the very first race.

"That's intriguing. We're beginning to notice a gradual shift from Marc."

"He spent a year riding the Gresini bike, achieved race victories, and has returned to his previous performance level. He came extremely close to defeating Bagnaia while riding a less advanced Ducati at Jerez."

"This year, we can expect those moments of tension between the two to become more pronounced and scrutinized."

A possible storyline for the 2025 season could focus on the extent to which Marquez's longtime competitor, Valentino Rossi, engages in an off-track championship contest involving the duo from Ducati.

Rossi expressed disapproval of Ducati's choice to elevate Marquez last year, reviving a conflict that neither Marquez nor Bagnaia seem eager to acknowledge at this point.

Crash MotoGP's editor, Peter McLaren, believes that Marquez typically ignores remarks made about him. When questioned about the interview and the related comments, Marquez simply laughed them off without giving a direct response.

"He stays out of it. If those remarks are made, Marquez might interpret them as Rossi being concerned about Bagnaia, which is why he's commenting."

For Marquez, he might perceive this as a morale booster, interpreting it as a sign that his rivals are concerned about facing him. Meanwhile, Pecco could appear even more confident if he chooses to remain uninvolved for as long as possible. Pecco is known for letting his performance on the track speak for itself. If the issue arises, it will simply add another layer to the situation.

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Marc Marquez showcases Monster Energy logos, leaving out Red Bull, in his appearance for Ducati Lenovo. Marquez has ended his partnership with Red Bull as of 2025.

Marc Marquez has debuted as a factory Ducati MotoGP rider with Monster endorsement after parting ways with Red Bull.

Throughout his MotoGP career, the athlete who has claimed the grand prix world championship title eight times has consistently been sponsored by Red Bull. This partnership persisted even when he transitioned to the Gresini Ducati team.

Yet, upon agreeing to a contract with the factory Ducati team for 2025, it was widely believed that this move would lead to the loss of his individual sponsorship from Red Bull, given the team's association with Monster Energy.

In his last event at Red Bull's Hangar 7 venue in Austria, he announced that his sponsorship deal with the company would not extend into 2025.

On Monday, during his debut appearance in Italy as a Ducati team member, Marquez was seen wearing leathers adorned with Monster Energy branding.

Nonetheless, Marquez won't be officially sponsored by Monster in 2025, potentially paving the way for a future comeback with Red Bull.

The Estrella Galicia insignias have taken the place of the Red Bull emblems on Marquez's racing helmet.

Marquez is set to join forces with two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia at the official Ducati team for the coming two seasons.

During his initial season riding the Desmosedici, Marquez claimed victory in three grand prix races under the Gresini team and secured a third-place finish in the overall rankings.

Bagnaia concluded the season in second place, falling short of the championship by 10 points to Pramac's Jorge Martin in the final race in Barcelona.

Martin will be joining the Aprilia team at the factory level for the 2025 season.

Ducati took the lead in the 2024 season, clinching victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix events and capturing the constructors' championship with a 395-point lead ahead of KTM.

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The Unavoidable Clash within Ducati's MotoGP Powerhouse

Could Ducati's Pair Encounter Similar Issues to Those of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo?

Ever since its revelation last June, the conversation and conjecture surrounding Marc Marquez's integration into the official Ducati MotoGP team have been at the forefront of the news. To date, interactions have remained friendly, a trend that persisted into Monday during the team's formal unveiling ceremony in Madonna di Campiglio.

For the first time, appearing in a complete Ducati factory outfit, after previously riding in a plain bright red ensemble with no logos during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, there's now a strong feeling that this marks a significant moment in Marquez's career, with potential major implications, whether positive or negative.

Undoubtedly, Ducati has put together its most formidable team ever, which also ranks as one of the greatest in MotoGP history. With a motorcycle that triumphed in 19 out of 20 Grand Prix events in 2024, they will have a rider who has won the premier class championship six times, Marquez, and possibly the greatest Ducati rider of all time, Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time world champion. Together, they boast a combined total of 11 world championship titles.

Lurking behind the scenes as the brilliant architect is Gigi Dall’Igna, the visionary who has revolutionized Ducati and paved the path for MotoGP motorcycle innovation over the past ten years. Many anticipate Ducati's leading pair to contend for the top spot in each contest. Triumph appears to be a foregone conclusion.

Marc Marquez has joined the ranks of Ducati's official team 🏍️ #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 20, 2025

Marc Marquez is now a part of Ducati's professional squad 🏍️ #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN

A Repeat of Rossi vs. Lorenzo?

During a recent conversation, team principal Davide Tardozzi drew comparisons between his current team composition and the iconic duo of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha during the periods of 2008-2010 and 2013-2016. This comparison seems accurate, yet it also echoes the notion that highly competitive team pairings often result in significant tension.

Yamaha had established contracts with Lorenzo when he was competing in the 250cc class, well before his first MotoGP race in 2008, considering him as the potential replacement for Rossi in anticipation of either Rossi's retirement or his frequently discussed move to Formula 1. Naturally, Rossi remained in MotoGP and did not retire until the conclusion of 2021.

From the very beginning, strains were evident. In the Yamaha team space, a physical barrier was put up, purportedly to prevent the sharing of tyre information as Rossi chose Bridgestone tyres in 2008, whereas Lorenzo opted for Michelin. Even after Bridgestone became the exclusive tyre supplier in 2009, the barrier stayed up, marking the period when their rivalry intensified. By 2010, the friction had escalated to a breaking point, leading Lorenzo to push Rossi towards a regrettable switch to Ducati in 2011.

The atmosphere remained relatively calm between the duo during their time together at Yamaha in 2013 and 2014. However, the situation heated up once more over the following two years, leading Lorenzo to eventually make a moderately more fruitful transition to Ducati.

Marquez has certainly stirred up a lot of controversy since joining the MotoGP ranks. His skill on the racetrack is matched by his aggressive mental game. He has a knack for getting under his opponents' skins in a strategic manner. Despite being in the process of making a comeback after a major arm injury halted his momentum in 2020, Marquez's influence in MotoGP remained unmistakable last year.

Marquez emerges as a dominant force

In a bold move, Marquez declined a factory Ducati position with Pramac, putting forward an ultimatum to the manufacturer: either elevate him to the main team or equip him with a GP25 at Gresini. Ducati, arguably making an unwise decision, claimed the second option was off the table, leaving him with Pramac as the only choice. This led Marquez to consider leaving altogether, a prospect that alarmed CEO Claudio Domenicali.

Ducati reversed its initial plan to elevate Jorge Martin, who ultimately secured the world championship title, opting instead for Marquez. This move by Marquez greatly diminished Ducati's strength as a bike maker.

The departure of Ducati Martin, along with Pramac, the top-performing independent team, switching to Yamaha, had several ripple effects. This shift indirectly caused victors like Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi to make exits. Furthermore, Ducati reduced its factory motorcycle availability from four to three and decreased its total presence from eight to six.

By this stage, Marquez and Bagnaia had experienced two major incidents during races. Their initial clash occurred at the Portuguese Grand Prix, leading to an intense argument between them in the stewards' office afterward. Notably, Marquez publicly accused Bagnaia of being at fault for their collision, whereas Bagnaia dismissed it as a typical racing event.

Bagnaia managed to even the score during their duel at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, this victory may not be very significant when they compete again in 2025, according to Crash, because the GP23 Marquez was riding was a preliminary model, not the final version used at the end of the season. The difference between the GP23 and the GP24 models only expanded as the season progressed. Therefore, Marquez's full potential on the Ducati, despite his trio of victories last year, remains to be fully demonstrated.

There's also the significant issue concerning Rossi that cannot be ignored. It's well-known that Marquez's strategic maneuver last summer did not sit well with the VR46 team, primarily because it immediately diminished Bagnaia's position and influence within his own brand.

In 2025, Rossi and Marquez will mark a decade since their significant rift in the 2015 season, a conflict that continues to influence the series. Last year, Rossi launched a public relations offensive, expressing to L’Equipe his confusion over Ducati's choices for 2025.

By coincidence, Rossi has decided to reduce his involvement in car racing for the year 2025, expressing a desire to attend more MotoGP races this season. In the event of any disputes arising between Bagnaia and Marquez, Rossi is ready to step in and speak on Bagnaia's behalf, relieving him of the need to comment extensively.

During the unveiling event, Ducati's sports director, Mauro Grassili, emphasized "harmony" as his focal point for the upcoming season. This was a subtler approach compared to Tardozzi, who openly stated that his primary obstacle would be "managing the dynamics within the garage".

The showdown between Marquez and Bagnaia is shaping up to be one of the most captivating rivalries in MotoGP history, rivaling the excitement of the Rossi versus Lorenzo era.

Ducati is well aware that a confrontation between its two leading riders is inevitable. However, the company has historically struggled to handle conflicts among its top racers, something that Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner can confirm. The upcoming showdown between Marquez and Bagnaia is expected to be its most challenging situation yet.

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Marc Marquez pledges his commitment to teamwork: "The focus isn't on individual triumph, but on the success of the team…"

Marc Marquez sets his sights on achieving 'top finishes, wins, and playing a key role in the World Championship'

Marc Marquez has described the 2025 MotoGP season as "the most thrilling challenge of my career."

He has vowed to collaborate effectively with others as he embarks on his new journey.

The Spanish rider has ascended to MotoGP's premier squad, Ducati Lenovo, following a revitalizing season with Gresini Ducati.

This achievement also involved ending a winless streak of over 1,000 days, culminating in a third-place finish in the global championship.

A comeback to complete factory status, together with two-time champion and current second-place titleholder Francesco Bagnaia, indicates that Marquez is likely eyeing his much-anticipated seventh top-tier championship.

"Being here in Madonna di Campiglio today to kick off a new MotoGP season is thrilling. This marks the beginning of what I believe to be the ultimate challenge in my career," Marquez expressed during the team's unveiling today.

"Over the winter period, I managed to take some time off while also dedicating ample time to rigorous training. Now, I feel prepared to tackle the upcoming year, which promises to be both demanding and thrilling."

"I'm eagerly anticipating picking up where we left off with our work from the Montmeló test last November, and I can't wait to get back on the bike in Sepang followed by Buriram.

"My initial immediate objective is to find joy in biking, as I'm convinced that mastering this will naturally lead to everything else falling into place."

"As I've repeatedly emphasized, being part of a professional team means aiming to excel in every competition, striving for top positions and wins, and aiming to play a leading role in the World Championship."

Despite his streak of six championships in seven years with Honda coming to a harsh halt due to issues stemming from an arm injury at Jerez in 2020, Marquez affirmed his commitment to being a collaborative team member.

"Our goal is to succeed collectively. The focus isn't on individual victories but on the collective achievement of everyone at Ducati. We'll assess our overall performance in the standings when the time comes."

He further mentioned, "In the time I've spent with the team, I've observed that the working environment is excellent, and I'm eagerly looking forward to getting back on the Desmosedici GP."

"I want to seize this moment to express my gratitude towards Claudio Domenicali, Gigi Dall’Igna, Mauro Grassilli, and Davide Tardozzi for their confidence in me and the incredibly kind reception they offered me."

"This season offers us numerous opportunities for enjoyment."

Marquez is set to debut in complete Ducati red during the Sepang trials, scheduled from February 5th to 7th.

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the health challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Gigi Dall'Igna shares his thoughts on world champion Jorge Martin's move to Aprilia with the #1 plate

Ducati's chief Gigi Dall'Igna commented that he doesn't see an issue with Jorge Martin sporting the #1 on his Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle, stating, "in this instance, it's merely a digit."

Last year, Martin secured the 2024 championship for Ducati while racing for the Pramac team. However, he achieved this feat after he had already committed to a two-year contract with Aprilia, following his omission for a factory position at the Bologna-based brand.

At the unveiling hosted by Aprilia last week, Martin showcased the number 1 plate on his RS-GP.

During the unveiling of Ducati's 2025 racing team on Monday, Dall’Igna responded to inquiries by stating, "Having the number one on the motorcycle is not an issue for us."

"The challenge is securing the championship title, which we accomplished last year."

"This is the primary concern. Therefore, in this instance, being number one is merely a figure, but certainly, I'd want it displayed on our motorcycle."

"However, the main goal is to secure the championship title."

For the 2025 season, Ducati boasts the most formidable team in the competition, with Marc Marquez, who has clinched the MotoGP championship six times, teaming up with Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time winner of the premier class titles.

The duo unveiled their 2025 color schemes during a gathering at the Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

Ducati reigned supreme in the 2024 season, clinching victory in 19 out of 20 grand prix races and capturing the constructors' championship with a lead of 395 points.

Looking forward to the GP25's evaluation, Dall'Igna pointed out that the motorcycle is already performing so well that there's no immediate need to push for further advancements.

"He emphasized that while the goal is straightforward, the journey to reach it is anything but simple."

"In any case, we possess a solid understanding of the circumstances. There are numerous aspects to evaluate. It's important to remember that, frankly, last year's motorcycle performed quite well."

"Therefore, there's no urgency to load the new bike with numerous features."

"Thus, we possess numerous options at our disposal and must decide on the foundational element to kick off the season."

Dall'Igna observed that Marquez and Bagnaia shared similar feedback regarding the GP25 prototype during last year's Barcelona trial. However, he indicated that the brand is open to pursuing separate paths for each rider if necessary.

"Frankly, during the initial trial in Barcelona, both riders shared identical feedback regarding the latest bike upgrade," he mentioned.

"I'm a bit taken aback by it, but it's really not an issue for us to take separate routes if that's what the riders request."

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Francesco Bagnaia on Marc Marquez: "I'll Maintain My Gentlemanly Conduct"

"My demeanor will remain constant, and I won't alter it."

Francesco Bagnaia, who firmly adhered to his ethical standards by avoiding underhanded slow-down strategies against his MotoGP competitor Jorge Martin in the previous season, has emphatically stated his intention to continue being 'a gentleman' when competing alongside Marc Marquez in 2025.

In the previous season, Bagnaia, who clinched the championship in both 2022 and 2023, narrowly missed out by ten points to Pramac's Martin.

In a newly released documentary providing an inside look, Ducati's team chief Davide Tardozzi was seen encouraging Bagnaia to adopt a more aggressive approach during races, suggesting he should abandon his polite demeanor on the circuit

This led to MotoGP.com's Jack Appleyard asking the following question during an interview with Bagnaia at the Ducati team unveiling today:

"Facing you in the box is Marc, perhaps known as one of the least courteous racers on the circuit – Marc is determined to win, whatever it takes. Will we witness a departure from Pecco Bagnaia's gentlemanly behavior this season?"

Bagnaia responded, "He can take on the role of the 'ungentleman.' As for me, I'll embrace being the gentleman. This is how I've always been, and I have no intention of altering that stance."

However, during the two instances last season when the soon-to-be teammates competed against each other at Portimao and Jerez, it could be argued that the Italian took on a more aggressive role.

In light of securing victories in more than ten of the previous year's 20 major races, Bagnaia plans to only adjust by analyzing the errors that led to his eight non-finishes.

"Frankly, it's hard to feel disappointed about our performance last year," Bagnaia stated. "However, ending up as the runner-up in the championship felt somewhat regrettable, especially since we secured victories in more than twice the number of races compared to any other competitor.

"Definitely, it was an incredible season. I need to learn from my errors, and as a team, we need to make enhancements in certain areas where we faltered last year."

The pairing of Marquez and Bagnaia, holding eight top-tier titles between them, forms the most formidable MotoGP duo since Rossi and Lorenzo teamed up at Yamaha in 2016.

"Bagnaia expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the team's superior strength on the grid. He believes this positions them to gain an edge, emphasizing the opportunity to glean insights from Marc's approach."

"I believe he's going to fit in really well with the team, and initially, during the test phase, we'll collaborate to enhance the bike's performance and aim to be fully prepared by the first race. After that, we'll just have to see how things unfold."

Bagnaia appeared to validate Luca Marini's recent comments to Crash.net, in which Marini suggested that Bagnaia and Marquez have the potential to contend for the win in every race this season.

Bagnaia expressed his firm belief and optimism by stating, "I firmly believe that we have the potential to consistently secure the top two positions in every race, and our motorcycle is capable of making that a reality."

"And in the end, the victor will emerge. Yet, the possibility exists."

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EXCLUSIVE – Joan Mir: “I ended up in intensive care in 2019; we ought to have filmed a documentary about it!”

“Without a doubt, Toprak's performance was amazing.”

Joan Mir, who once competed against Toprak Razgatlioglu in the Red Bull Rookies series, holds a special admiration for Razgatlioglu's remarkable feat of clinching the WorldSBK championship last year after recovering from a significant lung injury.

In what is now a largely overlooked event in his career, future MotoGP champion Joan Mir ended up in the hospital following a major crash during testing at Brno in August 2019, during his debut season in the premier class.

Due to a technical malfunction, Mir lost control of his Suzuki at a speed of 300km/h as he approached Turn 1. This led to an accident where his GSX-RR motorcycle was thrown over the barriers beside the track, prompting ambulances to hurry to Mir's aid.

Mir was transported by helicopter to a nearby medical facility where doctors identified a 'pulmonary contusion' affecting his lungs. Once back in Spain, he was immediately taken to a hospital in Barcelona for additional care.

In an interview with Crash.net, Mir, who currently rides for Honda's factory team, recalled his time in the ICU. He mentioned that it took him a week before he could start standing again.

"The issue was that we didn't produce much media content, and the cameras failed to capture the actual events."

"We didn't create a documentary, but that doesn't imply it was easy!" he said with a grin.

Following his absence from two races, Mir made his comeback to the MotoGP circuit and subsequently achieved his top performance of his debut season by finishing in fifth place at the Phillip Island event.

However, recovering from the injury was a lengthy process, both in terms of physical and mental healing.

"It was extremely difficult," he went on to say. "I became very weak since spending one or two weeks in the hospital makes you inactive and causes weight loss."

"The mechanical issue that caused my accident made it extremely difficult for me to start riding the bike again."

"You need to regain confidence in the bicycle, which posed a significant challenge."

"Two months later, there remained traces of blood."

"Even after two months, traces of blood and air bubbles could still be found in the lungs."

"It was difficult. An extremely bad accident, possibly one of the worst I've witnessed."

"We ought to have filmed a documentary to capture everything, but while experiencing it, events unfolded too quickly."

"You only understand how challenging it was when you reflect on it afterward."

In the following season, Mir claimed the title of MotoGP champion for 2020.

"That's amazing, especially after a year," he said with a smile.

Razgatlioglu's accomplishment last year was also described as 'fantastic.'

The Turkish athlete was on track to secure BMW's inaugural WorldSBK title when a severe crash with a barrier at Magny-Cours resulted in a collapsed lung. This incident halted his 13-race winning streak and sidelined him for two rounds.

Nevertheless, Razgatlioglu came back to secure the championship.

"Without a doubt, what Toprak achieved was remarkable, especially winning the title despite the additional challenges," Mir commented.

"I want to extend my congratulations to him. He truly was the top performer in the previous season."

"I’m really pleased for him. We've been acquainted since our days in the Rookies Cup back in 2014, and he's a good person."

Current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin clinched victory in the 2014 Rookies Cup, outperforming Mir, while Razgatlioglu secured a race win, ultimately finishing in sixth place.

In 2015, Martin became a competitor in the Moto3 world championship, while Mir secured victories in the CEV Junior series and made his first appearance in a Grand Prix event as a wild-card entry.

In the meantime, Razgatlioglu embarked on an alternate journey that ultimately resulted in winning two World Superbike titles, starting with his victory in the European Superstock 600 Championship.

Razgatlioglu's name keeps coming up in discussions about MotoGP, and if BMW decides to enter the top-tier category, he might have the chance to compete alongside Martin and Mir once more.

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For two decades, Peter has been a regular presence in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's entire career span from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage of Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Surprising Formula 1 Partner Believed to Aid Lewis Hamilton in MotoGP Investment

New Development in Lewis Hamilton's Alleged MotoGP Fascination

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who is departing from his roles at the Sauber Formula 1 team, is reportedly connected to Lewis Hamilton's efforts to acquire a stake in a MotoGP team.

For nearly a year, rumors have circulated about Hamilton considering an investment in a MotoGP team, following the purchase of Dorna Sports by Liberty Media, the company that owns Formula 1, last spring.

Despite circulating speculations about a takeover of Gresini being unfounded, ex-Liberty CEO Greg Maffei disclosed that Hamilton had made contact, showing a desire to participate in a MotoGP team's operations following a change in its ownership.

In an interview with Speedweek in December, KTM's head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, disclosed that serious discussions had taken place with Hamilton’s management team regarding a potential investment in the financially troubled Austrian racing team.

Currently, KTM is grappling with economic difficulties and its continued participation in MotoGP is in doubt. Meanwhile, the speculation regarding Hamilton's association with the team has recently diminished.

The future involvement of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion in MotoGP is currently uncertain, but according to Gazzetta dello Sport, assistance from Alessandro Alunni Bravi might enhance his prospects of participation.

Alunni Bravi has declared his departure from his position at the Sauber F1 team, where he has served in different capacities for seven years with the Swiss team.

His path ahead remains uncertain as he tackles fresh obstacles after his tenure at Sauber.

There are no evident connections between him and either Hamilton or MotoGP, making it unclear how he might be involved in Hamilton's potential investment in a team.

Nonetheless, Hamilton's aspirations to invest in a MotoGP team will be paused until the completion of an EU investigation into Liberty Media's purchase of the series.

Liberty and Dorna were optimistic that their €4.2 billion agreement would be finalized by the conclusion of the previous year. However, due to concerns over a potential monopoly in TV broadcasting rights, the European Commission's anti-trust panel has decided to conduct a more in-depth investigation.

Currently, Liberty Media is the owner of Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, whereas a related company holds ownership of Formula E. If Liberty Media successfully acquires Dorna, it would gain ownership of MotoGP and World Superbikes, in addition to any championships affiliated with Dorna.

The investigation by the EU might postpone the takeover until May, pending regulatory consent.

Hamilton, now part of Ferrari's lineup, previously expanded his investment in sports by acquiring a stake in the Denver Broncos NFL franchise a couple of years back.

He was also the owner of a squad in the Extreme E series, a competition for electric off-road sport utility vehicles.

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Honda Eager for Immediate Action in MotoGP

Alberto Puig, the head of Honda's racing team, indicates that the company is not solely relying on the anticipated rule changes set for 2027.

Alberto Puig, the head of the Factory Honda MotoGP team, has expressed that the company "cannot afford to wait until 2027" to enhance the performance of its RC213V bike following a series of challenging seasons.

Honda is currently experiencing one of its most challenging periods in its grand prix history, enduring three seasons without a victory in the past five years.

In the 2024 season, the team ended up at the bottom of the constructors' rankings, accumulating a mere 75 points. LCR's Johann Zarco was their leading rider, finishing in 17th place in the standings.

A significant rule modification is anticipated in 2027 with the introduction of 850cc engines, and many believe that Honda might consider dedicating all its resources to this new project due to its ongoing challenges.

However, in a conversation with Autosport, Puig mentions that Honda currently does not have this option available.

In response to a question regarding the regulations set for 2027, he commented that brands will consistently seek methods to enhance the speed of bikes.

"Even with less regulation and fewer gadgets, it's still challenging to address this issue at the moment. However, Honda cannot afford to delay any action until 2027, which is why I need to consider the plans for the upcoming year."

In recent months, Honda has undergone significant changes in its staff, most prominently appointing Romano Albesiano, the former technical leader at Aprilia, to oversee motorcycle development.

Regarding this matter, Puig stated, "Our current plan solely focuses on enhancing the motorcycle."

"This marks the beginning. To accomplish this, Honda is dedicating all available resources and technology."

"I am referring to both monetary assets and personnel."

"We opted to bring Romano on board. Our primary goal is to enhance the bicycle."

"There isn't a precise strategy in place; instead, we're taking it one day at a time and putting in our best effort because we recognize that we aren't performing at the level we ought to be."

In the past few years, Honda's MotoGP and Formula 1 initiatives have been unified under the HRC label. According to Puig, the motorcycle division is attempting to benefit from this arrangement.

He stated, "I believe it's crucial to make one thing clear: while Honda is achieving success in Formula 1, it's important to remember that a car and a motorcycle are distinct vehicles."

Honda provides the engines, while Red Bull boasts an exceptional team responsible for designing the car.

"In our situation, Honda is responsible for the complete motorcycle. It's a distinct approach, yet both operate within the HRC framework."

"We are attempting to utilize the resources available from Formula 1. We have just begun efforts to establish this connection."

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Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez have shared their thoughts on the intense battle for the championship, emphasizing the pressure that comes with racing for a top team. They remarked, "Competing for the title is crucial. Otherwise, another rider might claim your spot on the team!"

Historically, Marc Marquez would introduce new MotoGP teammates at Repsol Honda by emphasizing that victory was a requirement.

Following Jorge Lorenzo's addition to the squad, which was highly anticipated as a 'dream team' for the 2019 season, Marquez clarified, "A true dream team is defined by winning the triple crown."

During Marquez's latest Honda team introduction, where he was joined by a new teammate and past champion, Joan Mir, Marquez remarked:

"We both have to secure victories – wearing these colors means it's essential."

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In a twist of fate, Marquez is now the latest addition to the Ducati Lenovo "dream team," where he will join forces with multiple-time champion Francesco Bagnaia for the 2025 season.

During the team's launch event on Monday, when Bagnaia was asked about the chances of having a title showdown with Marquez, the Spaniard was able to complete the thought for him.

Bagnaia started by saying, "Putting on the red leathers means you must – and he [Marquez] is aware that this season…"

With a playful grin, Marquez interjected, "You've got to compete for the title! Otherwise, someone else will end up with your motorcycle!"

In further elaboration, two-time champion Bagnaia—who came close to clinching a third title but was edged out by Jorge Martin last season—concurred that Marquez would be his 'principal rival,' though he left open the possibility of an unexpected challenge.

"Each season, it's hard to predict which team will be the main competitor."

"Based on the bike's capabilities and last year's observations, I believe Marc will be one of the toughest competitors and the primary challenger."

"He now has an additional year of experience with our motorcycle. The updated model will definitely be a better fit for him, as it is an enhancement over the one he rode last season."

"He had been performing exceptionally well the previous year, securing several podium finishes and winning three races."

"In my opinion, he is likely to be the leading competitor, and we'll need to observe throughout the season to identify the other challengers."

"There might be another person involved. However, I believe the primary individuals are the two of us."

Marquez stated that his primary goal is to secure a spot among the top three in the championship standings. Although he recognizes the importance of competing for the title while representing the factory team, he says he would be content with replicating last year's accomplishment of finishing in the top three of the world championship.

Marquez remarked that his teammate has consistently secured either first or second place over the past four years, showcasing exceptional strength. He added that it is typical for his teammate to lead, particularly in the initial races.

"He secured victories in eleven races. While he did make a few errors, it's important to note that taking risks is essential for achieving such success. Ultimately, it's all about finding a balance."

"However, as mentioned earlier, I plan to gain insights from him and figure out how to reach my optimal performance with my riding technique within the Ducati Lenovo team. Once that's accomplished, we'll assess the situation."

Aiming to finish in the top three by the end of the championship is our primary goal. While winning the title remains a focus, securing a spot in the top three is the main objective.

Marquez, a six-time premier-class champion between 2013 and 2019, stated:

The team's goal is to strive for victory. If Pecco can't secure the win, I'll aim for it. Conversely, if I'm unable to win, Pecco will make the attempt.

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For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock and has witnessed the career of Valentino Rossi from beginning to end. He is also deeply involved in the narrative surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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MotoAmerica sensation shares hospital update following a severe and unusual face-plant accident

Former Moto2 competitor and current MotoAmerica Superbike competitor, Sean Dylan Kelly, is receiving medical care following a training mishap.

Sean Dylan Kelly, previously competing in Moto2 and a victor in the MotoAmerica Superbike series, has been taken to the hospital following an accident while training.

Kelly, who secured his inaugural MotoAmerica Superbike victory at the Circuit of the Americas the previous year as a member of the TopPro BMW squad, encountered an accident last Thursday while operating his supermoto motorcycle.

The individual from America was fitted with a cervical collar and transported to a medical facility, and disclosed the following information through a post on Instagram on Sunday (19 January).

"Last Thursday, I experienced a bizarre and significant wipeout on my supermoto, leaving me quite bewildered."

"Fortunately, I was surrounded by incredible individuals, which ensured that everything unfolded for me gradually yet steadily."

"I'm feeling fine, but I'll have to keep things low-key for a bit longer. It's time to shift my attention elsewhere; I believe I've done plenty of biking for now."

Following his championship victory in the 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport division, Kelly advanced to Moto2 in 2022, where his top performance was an 11th place finish at that year's Thai Grand Prix.

A mishap mid-2023 resulted in his absence from four consecutive races, ultimately causing his premature exit from the American Racing squad, the team he had entered the Grand Prix circuit with.

Kelly made a comeback with the Forward team during the San Marino Grand Prix, but only managed to secure a single point (achieved in Indonesia) in the subsequent races of 2023. Following this, he went back to the US in 2024 to join the previously mentioned TopPro BMW team, where he achieved a fourth-place finish in the Superbike category.

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In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he focused on reporting about consumer motorcycles and racing news.

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