Pursuing Shadows: The Role of Videometry in MotoGP Racing

"Every racer and head engineer dreams of pinpointing the precise spots where time is lost or gained and measuring the exact distance involved."

In the most recent edition of the official MotoGP publication, GPMag, Peter Bom, a data acquisition expert and former crew chief who led teams to victory in the Moto3 and Moto2 world championships, explores the hidden realm of videometry.

The Dutch expert describes how teams have historically utilized accessible TV recordings to boost their competitive edge. This strategy has developed into the use of overlay images, or 'ghost mode,' which allows viewers to see two cyclists navigating the same part of the track simultaneously.

In the MotoGP paddock, the feature known as the 'ghost' function is referred to as 'videometry,' according to Bom.

Each team currently hires its own videographers to capture footage from key locations around the track.

The focus lies in highlighting the distinction between their riders and those from competing brands, especially the speediest riders using other bike brands.

By employing advanced software, two video clips are meticulously aligned. This allows riders and technicians to pinpoint the exact differences in a rider's performance in specific sections of a track, such as braking, navigating the middle of a corner, and accelerating, in comparison to the quickest rider on the circuit.

"The aspiration of every cyclist and lead engineer is to pinpoint the exact variations and measure the meters that are either lost or gained."

Bom highlights the use of video footage in conjunction with the team's telemetry data, which assists in optimizing bike configurations. Meanwhile, Chaz Davies, a former grand prix competitor, World Supersport champion, and WorldSBK race victor, discusses his application of videometry in his role as a rider coach for Ducati.

The most unexpected revelation comes when Bom demonstrates that one can obtain telemetry data from a 'competing' motorcycle solely by utilizing the video and audio recordings provided by Dorna.

Bom explains that experts can transform these onboard recordings into data, which can then be examined with the software that teams and manufacturers currently utilize for their own data analysis.

The engineer who provided me with this insight mentioned that he wouldn't be shocked if some of the existing MotoGP manufacturers are now implementing this method of converting video into data.

To demonstrate its effectiveness, Bom presents telemetry data—covering gear shifts, RPM, speed, braking, and throttle position—sourced from a real pole position lap by Francesco Bagnaia at the Assen circuit.

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For two decades, Peter has been immersed in the racing world, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career unfold and eventually conclude. He is currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Yamaha Finds Optimism After Challenging MotoGP Season

Japanese Manufacturer Sees Progress Amid Difficulties

Yamaha's team leader, Massimo Meregalli, mentioned that the Japanese company, facing difficulties, began to notice improvements following the 2024 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix during what he described as "the most extended season to date."

In 2023, Yamaha experienced a significant drop in their standings, shifting from being strong competitors for the championship to only securing podium finishes sporadically. The year 2024 marked their most challenging period in the contemporary MotoGP era.

For the first time in the four-stroke era, it was unable to secure a podium finish, earning only 124 points in the constructors' championship, a significant drop from the 196 points it scored in 2023.

However, Meregalli is of the opinion that Yamaha began to change its fortunes starting with the Aragon Grand Prix.

This argument gains validity when considering Yamaha's top performance in a grand prix this year, which occurred during the second-to-last race of the season in Malaysia. In that event, Fabio Quartararo achieved an impressive sixth place on the M1.

Meregalli expressed to MotoGP’s official website that, although this has been the lengthiest season on record, he truly appreciates the dedication everyone has shown throughout it.

"After Aragon, we began noticing the outcomes of our efforts, and we never lost hope."

"It's fulfilling because when you put in a lot of effort but don't see any outcomes, everything feels even more challenging and difficult to manage."

"However, beginning with the Aragon event, we began to notice some promising signs that we could sustain."

Primarily, I must acknowledge that the aerodynamics team put in considerable effort, and the cyclists began to grasp the principles of aerodynamics as we conducted consecutive tests.

"When we revisited the foundational principles of aerodynamics, they truly grasped the advantages brought by the most recent advancements in the field."

Even though Yamaha hasn't seen many results, it appears to be reinforcing its position as a manufacturer in 2024.

The organization successfully signed a new two-year deal with 2021 world champion Quartararo and extended Alex Rins' contract through to the conclusion of 2026.

In 2025, Yamaha successfully secured a partnership with Pramac, the world champion team, previously affiliated with Ducati, to become its satellite partner. Meanwhile, the company's newly appointed technical director, Max Bartolini, has influenced the Japanese manufacturer to change its development strategy.

It has become evident with the news that Yamaha is developing a V4 engine for the very first time.

Looking ahead to 2024, Meregalli expressed high admiration for Quartararo.

"Fabio is among those individuals who work hard and have made an effort to adjust," he mentioned.

"Altering your biking technique can be challenging."

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Ducati anticipates a highly challenging 2025 MotoGP season, calling it "impossible"

The team acknowledges that consistently dominating the podium as they have in the past will become more difficult.

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, thinks it will be "impossible" for the brand to dominate all top five spots in MotoGP races as it did in 2024.

In the 2024 season, Ducati experienced overwhelming success, securing victory in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races and easily clinching the constructors' championship.

Jorge Martin achieved the title of world champion, becoming the third rider for the brand to do so. He secured his first premier class championship by riding his Pramac-managed GP24, following a season-long competition with Francesco Bagnaia.

In the year 2024, Ducati managed to fill all three podium positions in 14 different races. Over the course of the season, six out of their eight riders collectively secured 53 podium

During the sprint race in Thailand, Ducati riders dominated by securing all of the top eight positions. Similarly, in the Japanese Grand Prix, Ducati solidified its strong performance by capturing the top five spots, and they continued this success by taking the top six positions at the Thai Grand

Despite a halt in development for all non-concession brands leading up to the 2027 regulations change and the reduction of its lineup by two bikes, Ducati is not anticipated to fall in ranking.

However, Dall'Igna expects that maintaining its dominance will become more challenging.

According to Dall’Igna, achieving top-five results similar to Japan and Australia will be unattainable next year, as reported by Australian MCN.

"However, dominating the top positions as we have recently will become more challenging. Ducati, particularly from a sports perspective, benefits greatly from these outcomes."

"The benefits that other teams, particularly Honda and Yamaha, enjoy due to concessions are significant, so I anticipated experiencing more challenges this season."

"We decided to take extra risks at the beginning of the year because we anticipated that other teams might improve throughout the season, while we wouldn't have that opportunity. Fortunately, our gamble was successful."

Whenever I notice even a small drop in performance or see that the distance between us and our competitors is narrowing, I strongly encourage my team to step up their efforts.

"The success of these championships is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Ducati Corse."

In the upcoming year, Marc Marquez will join Bagnaia at Ducati's factory team, as the number of their official racing bikes decreases from four to three.

VR46 racer Fabio Di Giannantonio is set to receive the last GP25.

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MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin Drops Hint About Race Number for Title Defense

Future Aprilia Rider Suggests Possible Race Number for the 2025 Season

MotoGP's new world champion, Jorge Martin, has hinted at the number he'll choose to race with in 2025 as he prepares to defend his title with Aprilia.

Throughout the 2024 season, which spanned 20 rounds, the Spanish racer engaged in a fierce competition with Francesco Bagnaia, who also rides for the factory Ducati team. Their rivalry was intense and lasted until the very end of the season.

In the final race in Barcelona, Martin clinched the championship title with a 10-point lead, even though he had only secured three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11 wins.

The victory secured Martin his second grand prix world championship, adding to his 2018 Moto3 title, and marked him as the first rider from an independent team in the modern era to clinch the premier class championship.

Martin was originally scheduled to join the factory Ducati team in 2025 alongside Bagnaia, but the brand reversed its decision and opted for Marc Marquez instead.

Check out this Instagram update featuring a shared post from Jorge Martin Almoguera, who goes by the handle @89jorgemartin.

Following this, Martin entered into a long-term contract with Aprilia to become part of its official team for the 2025 season.

After securing the championship title in Barcelona, Martin has frequently faced questions regarding which number he intends to display while riding the RS-GP.

After the final event of the season, he commented on the issue by asking, "What are your thoughts?"

"In my opinion, this is a moment to be celebrated. I prefer not to focus on what the next year might bring."

"Currently, we hold the top position and aim to secure victory in today's championship event as well. I'm not focusing on the upcoming year at the moment."

"We can take some time to consider this and then evaluate it."

During the end-of-season testing session in Barcelona, Martin maintained his usual number 89 on his vehicle.

During the latest TT-Christmas event held at Rocco’s Ranch, Martin participated in the motocross competition, sporting the number one.

Aprilia is set to kick off its 2025 season on January 16, featuring riders Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. During the event, Martin is expected to announce if he plans to race with the number one plate.

Should he decide to do so, he will continue the tradition begun by Bagnaia, who has used the number one after securing his inaugural championship in 2022.

Before him, Joan Mir used the number one after winning the 2020 championship, just as Casey Stoner did in 2012.

The gathering at Rocco’s Ranch, located close to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, included prominent grand prix figures such as Aleix Espargaro and Fermin Aldeguer. It successfully raised €20,000 to support Aspar's flood relief efforts in Valencia.

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Joan Mir gives a bleak evaluation of the impact MotoGP concessions have had on Honda. He stated, "We need to figure out how to obtain quality components for the motorcycle."

Joan Mir believes that the development concessions given to Honda for its underperforming MotoGP bike will not provide any benefit in 2024.

In recent years, Yamaha and Honda have faced difficulties, leading MotoGP to implement a revised concessions framework aimed at helping both teams enhance their competitiveness on the grid.

These changes were implemented for the 2024 season, allowing unlimited engine development and testing with the race riders.

However, neither Yamaha nor Honda secured any podium finishes by the end of the year, and both manufacturers earned fewer points in the constructors' championship compared to their 2023 performance.

In 2024, Honda failed to score at least 100 points with its team of four riders, only reaching a total of 75 points, which is a significant drop from the 185 points it collected in 2023.

Mir faced a challenging season, managing to score points only seven times, which left him with five points less than his total of 21 in 2023. Additionally, he experienced 17 crashes throughout the season.

When questioned about Honda's potential position in 2024 without any concessions, Mir responded with a hint of sadness, saying, "Next year, we're likely to be in the same situation as we are now."

"I trust that this will benefit us in the future. However, in the immediate term, we didn't gain any benefit."

"The outcomes clearly show that no progress was made."

"We need to figure out how to obtain quality components for the bike that will enhance our speed. Currently, we haven't been able to achieve this goal."

In 2024, Mir has emerged as the most vocal critic from Honda's camp, expressing his frustration over what he perceives as insufficient advancements with the RC213V.

During the post-season testing in Barcelona, he appeared disheartened as he informed reporters that Honda had failed to introduce any new components that he hadn't previously tested.

Honda utilized its testing allowance to conduct private sessions during the intervals between races in 2024. According to Mir, this approach was somewhat harmful to the riders due to the pressure it imposed on them.

"The factory riders having more opportunities to test isn't necessarily an advantage, because if the bike were improved, I would naturally ride faster," he commented.

“This is the reason we have a dedicated testing team. When we conduct tests and spend entire days doing so over the course of multiple weeks, it takes a mental toll on us without any psychological break.”

"We alternate between testing and racing, but sometimes it leads to poorer performance instead of improvements."

"We are strengthening our testing team to ensure they effectively produce quality results."

"They test what they believe works on general practitioners to determine if there's an improvement."

Honda has made a notable advancement with its 2025 test team by recruiting Aleix Espargaro, a former racer who has clinched three grand prix victories and retired last season.

Takaaki Nakagami will assist him, having transitioned to a development position at Honda following his replacement by Somkiat Chantra at LCR.

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Lewis Hamilton poised to terminate partnership with Monster for Ferrari F1 move

Renowned seven-time world champion to embrace Ferrari's energy drink sponsor

Lewis Hamilton is preparing to end his long-standing partnership with Monster Energy in 2025 as he gets ready to join Ferrari in Formula 1.

Before the 2024 F1 season kicked off, Hamilton revealed that he would be ending his relationship with Mercedes to switch to Ferrari at the year's end.

In 2013, the British driver made the switch from McLaren to Mercedes and subsequently secured six of his seven world championships.

Since 2017, Hamilton has been associated with Monster as an athlete, and this partnership continued into 2024. That year, the brand ended its collaboration with Mercedes and formed a new alliance with McLaren.

Hamilton was able to participate in the ride exchange with MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi in Valencia in 2019 thanks to his connection with Monster.

SportBusiness reports that Hamilton's move to Ferrari will involve him partnering with a new energy drink sponsor, Celsius.

The American brand Celsius, known for its energy drinks, is a sponsor of the Ferrari team in Formula 1. It also supports several NASCAR teams in the United States and has Charles Leclerc as one of its brand ambassadors.

According to SportBusiness, a formal agreement between Celsius and Hamilton has not yet been finalized, though it is reportedly nearing completion.

Recently, an interview published in Speedweek featured KTM motorsport chief Pit Beirer, who disclosed that Lewis Hamilton's management team had entered into "very intriguing talks" regarding a potential investment in the struggling Austrian company.

KTM owes a minimum of €1.8 billion and is undergoing a restructuring process to avoid going bankrupt.

Although KTM has been permitted to operate as it is, the creditors are urging the brand to withdraw from MotoGP.

In a statement released just before Christmas, KTM affirmed its commitment to continue racing in 2025.

A recent report from KTM's initial creditors' meeting this month indicated that a minimum of three groups have shown interest in investing sums reaching €700 million.

In 2024, Hamilton has been associated with MotoGP on more than one occasion, with earlier reports suggesting that he was planning to purchase the Gresini team.

Hamilton refuted these claims but expressed his interest in becoming involved with MotoGP from a business perspective.

During a summer call with investors, Liberty Media, which has faced a delay in its purchase of MotoGP due to an investigation by the European Union, confirmed Lewis Hamilton's interest in MotoGP.

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"Decision to Choose George Russell Reflects Doubts in Lewis Hamilton's Abilities"

"The choice to place George in that position marked the end, as I mentioned previously. It's definitive."

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor has criticized Mercedes for not trusting Lewis Hamilton enough, taking aim at Toto Wolff's choice to swap out Valtteri Bottas for George Russell.

Valtteri Bottas was let go after five years with Mercedes, as George Russell was promoted from Williams to join the team for the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The collaboration between Hamilton and Bottas continued to dominate the F1 constructors’ championship, with the British driver securing four drivers' championships in that timeframe.

With Hamilton getting older and Bottas having difficulty maintaining top performance regularly, Russell was selected to join the team in 2022.

Former Ferrari and Williams team manager Windsor was questioned regarding Wolff’s remarks about Hamilton potentially departing the team, stating that "everyone has a shelf life."

Windsor believes that Wolff was getting ready to substitute Hamilton once Russell moved up to the Mercedes team.

"The moment he dismissed the driver he had been supporting and overseeing, Valtteri Bottas, and brought in George Russell instead, wasn't that Toto essentially indicating, 'we don't believe Lewis has much left to offer'?" Windsor remarked.

"We need a driver who is much faster than Valtteri. This new driver will replace Lewis. This transition took place in 2022. It shouldn't surprise us that he's now trying to connect his statements with the situation."

"It is understood that despite backing Valtteri for several years, his support came to an end, and that was the conclusion of his involvement."

Windsor is of the opinion that Hamilton's time with Mercedes effectively ended when Russell became a part of the team, emphasizing his belief that Bottas ought to have remained with the team for the 2022 season.

He expressed his opinion, saying, "In my view, Valtteri should have stayed. They ought to have retained Lewis as well. If you're committed to having Lewis on the team, then you have to trust in him fully. Keeping Lewis alongside Valtteri would have been the right decision."

"The moment they placed George in that position, it marked the end, just as I mentioned back then. That's how it is."

"As I foresaw at the close of 2022, Lewis' career had reached its conclusion."

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Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's controversies and narratives, is the driving force behind our fair and impartial reporting.

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Max Verstappen's remarkable ability to handle wet conditions has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. His outstanding win in Brazil is being likened to some of the most iconic wet-weather performances in Formula 1 history.

Max Verstappen's ability to drive in rainy conditions has been likened to the talents of Formula 1 greats Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

Max Verstappen's remarkable win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after starting in 17th position, played a crucial role in securing his fourth consecutive world championship. His impressive drive earned him accolades from numerous individuals within the racing community.

Former F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok praised Verstappen for his exceptional performance in challenging conditions, calling it a "masterclass" and comparing it to some of the most outstanding drives in wet weather throughout history.

During a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Chandhok expressed admiration, saying, "It was extremely impressive." He noted that on days with such weather conditions, visibility becomes a significant challenge. At the start of the race, drivers find themselves driving straight into a dense cloud of spray.

Max was the driver who appeared to gain traction, self-assurance, and skill to navigate through the traffic like no one else could. Meanwhile, Lando was unable to get past George, and several other drivers struggled to move up through the field.

Max was the sole driver able to make significant progress. It's important to remember that he began the race two positions behind Lewis Hamilton, who is also renowned for his skill in rainy conditions. However, on this particular day, Verstappen was the only one able to navigate through the field successfully.

The speaker believed that the driver was making a bold declaration with his performance. Once he took the lead, he didn't simply maintain his position. It was reminiscent of legendary races, such as Senna at Donington in 1993, Schumacher in Spain in 1996, or Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone in 2008. In these instances, the drivers weren't content with merely winning; they aimed to dominate and leave a lasting impression by overpowering their competitors.

"After the late Safety Car and red flag, he managed to create a 19-second lead over the group. His ability to pull away was astounding, making a very strong impression."

Discussing the difficulties of racing in rainy conditions, Chandhok explained that piloting a race car involves maintaining a delicate balance between traction and velocity, always teetering on the edge.

"Clearly, when the track is wet and offers less grip, your speed decreases, but the margin for error narrows significantly. Maintaining balance becomes even more challenging."

"Top drivers have a unique ability to maintain control as if balancing on a fingertip, staying right on the edge. They allow the car to move and sway, yet they remain confident in their control and can achieve the necessary lap time."

"It's impossible to exaggerate the challenge involved. The evidence was clear with numerous drivers veering off course, including experienced ones. During qualifying, even Alonso ended up crashing into the barrier. Many skilled drivers were having a hard time maintaining control and staying on the track."

"I don't recall seeing Max leave the track or even experience a wheel lock-up. He appeared to maintain complete control during the entire race."

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Lewis frequently travels to various countries to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. While on location, he often delivers firsthand accounts of the events and shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Radios in MotoGP: Are They a "Perilous" Gimmick or a Crucial Advancement?

New insights reveal the use of radios during the Barcelona test session.

Earlier in November, MotoGP conducted additional radio trials in Barcelona, where Ducati's Michele Pirro showcased a new two-way communication system for the first time.

During the post-Solidarity Grand Prix testing session in Barcelona, Ducati's test rider Pirro and the factory team manager, Davide Tardozzi, were observed using two-way radios to talk to one another.

MotoGP has been exploring the concept of radio communication for a prolonged period. The initial trials centered around a one-way system that allowed pre-recorded messages from race direction to be transmitted to the riders during the race.

During the post-season test in Barcelona, Crash.net discovered that every race direction message had been completely documented. Additionally, discussions were in progress to expand the list of messages to feature alerts received by riders on their dashboards, including warnings about track limits.

This information could have been beneficial for Jorge Martin, the world champion of 2024, during the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. While navigating the rapid sequence of corners at the rear of the Misano circuit, Martin was distracted by a dashboard alert regarding track limits. This distraction caused him to make an error at Turn 13, allowing Francesco Bagnaia to seize the lead and ultimately secure the win.

Pirro has served as a test subject for Dorna's radio trials, which has led to him becoming the most at ease with the systems under evaluation. He views this as a natural progression akin to the advancements observed in motorcycle technology over the years.

"It's fascinating; we've been evaluating the system for some time," he mentioned while in Barcelona. "Today, during the testing phase, we conducted trials throughout the day. I believe it's similar to how bikes are developed; it's the start of a journey, and we have the entire next year to refine and establish a comprehensive database to integrate this system."

"It's a development that could be both intriguing and significant in the coming years. I'm pleased to have played a role over these past months. Today, we focused on gathering as much information as we could. Starting in 2026, it will become compulsory, so it's crucial to be fully prepared."

As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding Pirro's remark that radios will become compulsory starting in 2026.

Crash has learned that the progress of radio systems will persist until 2025, though there won't be a mandatory, large-scale implementation at races in the immediate future. Riders interested in trying out a system can do so on their own accord, with the likely option being a one-way system featuring pre-recorded messages. In the future, a two-way communication setup between riders and race officials might be considered as the next significant advancement. However, the system must receive complete endorsement from the riders, as safety remains the primary concern at this stage.

A number of racers, such as Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Vinales, have shown enthusiasm for the implementation of radios after experiencing the one-way communication system in earlier trials. However, some believe that even the one-way system is not yet fully developed, let alone a two-way system.

In Barcelona, Francesco Bagnaia expressed his frustration, saying, "I tried it, but it's still not prepared." He explained that during his test, the device failed to function, leaving him unable to hear anything. Additionally, he found it somewhat bothersome. Bagnaia also noted that the connecting cable is quite large, posing a potential safety risk. He concluded by stating that he will conduct another test once the device is fully operational.

It's important to mention that Bagnaia has expressed his opposition to the implementation of radios. Following the San Marino Grand Prix, he stated, "I do not support this idea" since "we already receive all the necessary information from the track, the pitboard, and our dashboard."

According to Pirro, he thinks that riders will simply need to adapt to any radio system introduced.

Focusing on the two-way system, he mentioned, "Previously, I experimented with the one-way system during other tests. This time, I decided to give the two-way system a try. It's a novel experience, and initially unfamiliar, but in my view, it's just about adapting to it."

"It's evident that it was a trial, and they kept communicating with me throughout, which made it less than ideal. However, when there are crucial updates or adjustments needed for the bike, you can anticipate potential issues prior to arriving at the pits. Nonetheless, I view it as an intriguing opportunity for development, as we are just starting out. Fortunately, there's ample time ahead."

The first systems are being created for safety purposes, but MotoGP's long-term aim is to establish constant communication between riders and the pit wall, similar to what is seen in Formula 1. This development would introduce a new aspect to the live coverage. If Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP is confirmed by the end of the year, the new owners will likely be eager to advance this initiative as part of their expansion strategy.

There is ongoing discussion regarding the introduction of radios in MotoGP, with some questioning their impact on the sport's purity. In September, during the Misano event, Marc Marquez expressed that while radios might enhance the entertainment aspect, they do not align with the fundamental nature of MotoGP.

The hesitation from both social media and traditional media regarding the use of radios in MotoGP largely stems from a fear that it might make the sport too similar to Formula 1. Some of this reluctance is simply due to a lack of open-mindedness; however, the constant radio communication in F1 has arguably lessened the perception of its drivers as the world's elite. From a sporting perspective, is there truly an audience for listening to drivers grumble to their teams whenever a close race doesn't favor them?

Car radios diminish drivers' reliance on their instincts. When weather conditions are unpredictable, drivers receive timely updates on potential rainfall and its intensity. Typically, choices about whether to make a pit stop are based on the observations of team strategists who analyze the lap times of other vehicles. Nowadays, drivers rarely take spontaneous risks based purely on their own judgment.

Could MotoGP reach this level?

The concept of implementing a one-way communication system for race control messages is a positive move towards enhancing safety. A comparable system is already in place in the World Endurance Championship, where race officials can notify drivers about upcoming Virtual Safety Car periods. Naturally, the experience of getting messages while seated in a car differs significantly from receiving them while riding a motorcycle. Additionally, riders have shown interest in having a system that allows them to alert race officials about hazards that might necessitate a red flag. For this reason, a two-way radio system seems logical.

The introduction of communication between teams and riders in MotoGP is expected to transform the sport.

If the system had been available at the San Marino Grand Prix, Jorge Martin might have avoided his tactical mistake during the flag-to-flag race. His Pramac team could have informed him that the rain was only a short-lived shower.

Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini were probably set on disregarding any communications from their team, relying instead on the distinct scent of the Misano track to determine if the conditions were wet enough to warrant a bike change. Similarly, Martin, being the rider, had the final say; if he believed that staying on the track would be too dangerous while waiting for the rain to subside, he would have chosen to head to the pits regardless.

Team leaders might attempt to guide bikers by advising them on areas where they should increase their speed. However, since they lack the firsthand experience and feelings that a rider has while on the motorcycle, it's unlikely that the bikers will pay much attention to these directives.

Despite having two-way radios, Honda probably would have still made errors in their calculations during the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. As a result, Marc Marquez might not have swapped bikes at the required limit for tire safety, causing him to be disqualified with a black flag.

During intense situations, Formula 1 drivers often become irritable if their engineers communicate with them. In contrast, MotoGP races are typically shorter and less spread out than an F1 grand prix, leading to instances where riders may instruct their teams to remain silent altogether.

It seems that MotoGP might actually benefit from not having radio communication. However, it's important to remember that change is inevitable, and the effects on the sport may not be as drastic as some pessimists are predicting.

Initially, sprint races faced a lot of doubt, yet they've now become a regular fixture. The new MotoGP logo will likely follow a similar path. Likewise, once radios are commonly used, any initial backlash will likely fade swiftly, as is often the case with such changes.

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Cyclist Receives 17-Hour Penalty for Video Calling His Mother

The curious case of a concerned mom during a major competition

The off-season for motorcycle racing has revealed an unusual and largely unnoticed story.

A motocross enthusiast managed to finish a notoriously challenging race, all while continuously video calling his anxious mom.

Ben Hunter expressed his strong desire to compete in the Baja 1000, but mentioned that his mother refuses to allow it due to his Type 1 diabetes.

"She mentioned that I would only be allowed to participate in the race if I continuously broadcasted it live."

That's precisely what he went ahead and accomplished.

This year's Baja 1000 featured dirt bike rider Ben Hunter, who completed the race with a @Starlink Mini attached to his helmet. Hunter expressed his strong desire to compete in the Baja 1000, but his mother initially refused due to his Type 1 diabetes. She eventually agreed, provided that he could be monitored live during the race. pic.twitter.com/VnLOptNP3c

Hunter arrived wearing a helmet to which he had attached a Starlink Mini, and it was connected to a power source.

During a live stream on FaceTime, his mother was seen secured to his body with tape.

The Baja 1000 ranks among the world's most esteemed off-road racing events and takes place on the Baja California Peninsula.

Hunter's effort to calm his mother's worries was commendable.

However, his performance in sports was not particularly successful.

According to Motosprint, Hunter received a 17-hour penalty for using a prohibited route.

This resulted in the participant being formally removed from the competition.

It seems likely that his mother, who observed everything, gave him a scolding.

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

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Lewis Hamilton might have passed his prime, but there’s good news for Ferrari. Is it possible that Lewis has seen better days?

According to Martin Brundle, although Lewis Hamilton may have already reached the height of his career, Ferrari will still secure a driver who can compete at the forefront.

After the final race of the F1 season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has bid farewell to Mercedes, marking the conclusion of their iconic partnership.

He is set to become part of Ferrari, bringing together the most accomplished driver in Formula 1 history with the sport's most successful team, although he will be 40 years old when he initially takes the driver's seat.

Sky Sports' Brundle praised Hamilton for his impressive performance, moving from 16th to finish fourth in Abu Dhabi, noting it was reminiscent of his comeback in Las Vegas.

"Is Lewis past his prime? Has he already reached his highest potential, or is it still to come? With his 40th birthday approaching in January, his best days might be in the past."

"With a race-winning Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton would have a 98% chance of securing victories. Additionally, he would likely feel a fresh surge of motivation."

"Hamilton still has much more to offer in a Formula 1 vehicle."

Lewis Hamilton to Partner with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Next year, Lewis Hamilton will join forces with Charles Leclerc, marking a new challenge for both drivers.

This season, George Russell consistently outpaced the seven-time F1 champion in qualifying, raising some doubts about the latter's performance.

However, Brundle maintains that Hamilton and Leclerc have a shot at the championship if Ferrari delivers the appropriate setup.

"If they have a car capable of winning the championship, both of them have an opportunity," Brundle commented.

"Charles is expected to be incredibly quick, yet Lewis brings a wealth of experience and the insight of having clinched seven championship titles."

Just like Lando Norris, it's uncertain if someone can perform at their best under pressure until they're actually in that situation. The real champions have the ability to deliver consistently.

"When it really comes down to it, there won't be much included."

Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship this season. His success was primarily due to his strong performance early in the year, benefiting from the speed of his RB20, which continued its momentum from 2023.

During the second part of the campaign, Red Bull's stronghold has weakened, and Verstappen has needed to defend against Norris from McLaren.

In the upcoming year, which marks the last season under the present set of rules, it is anticipated that the performance of the cars will become more similar. This will occur before the regulations are revamped in 2026, potentially reigniting optimism for Ferrari's Hamilton.

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

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura admits feeling apprehensive about racing alongside MotoGP legends during his initial test run

He anticipated being more astonished than he actually was…

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "anxious" as he joined the ranks of MotoGP's elite riders during his initial trial with Trackhouse Racing at the Barcelona circuit on Tuesday.

The rider from Japan inked a contract for two years with the Aprilia satellite team during the summer to advance to MotoGP by 2025, an agreement that has significantly appreciated in value following his triumph in the Moto2 championship.

On Tuesday, during the test following the Solidarity Grand Prix, Ogura participated in his first MotoGP race, finishing 86 circuits aboard the 2024 model RS-GP.

He finished the day as the second-best rookie out of three, landing in the 21st position, despite experiencing a minor crash at Turn 2 during the early hours of the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentioned, "Naturally, seeing the other riders on the track, along with a few cameras, does make me a bit anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the primary distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized the necessity of mastering throttle control to stabilize the motorcycle as his main challenge.

He also mentioned that currently, his greatest challenge is entering corners.

"Perhaps managing the throttle to maintain stability on the bike and ensure smooth acceleration was the most challenging aspect for me. It feels somewhat distinct."

"Initially, my focus is on improving the braking aspect, specifically the entire sequence from the moment I start braking until I begin to press on the accelerator. It's this phase I aim to comprehend better and prioritize for adjustments."

Newcomers frequently mention the overwhelming force of MotoGP engines and the efficiency of carbon brakes as a significant surprise upon their initial transition from Moto2.

However, Ogura had a different experience, noting, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished than I actually was, but by the second or third lap, I had adjusted to the pace."

"There's not much of a difference between steel and carbon brakes. It's not a big deal for me."

Ogura plans to enhance his physical conditioning during the winter months to prepare for his move to MotoGP, and mentioned that he wasn't overly fatigued following his 86 laps on Tuesday.

"Today, I completed 86 laps with my longest stretch being, I believe, about 10 laps," he mentioned.

"For this course, I felt fine; I didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"However, I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so it remains to be seen. Nonetheless, I'm fine after today's session, and I plan on increasing my training intensity this winter compared to last year."

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