Who Will Replace Di Giannantonio? VR46’s Crucial Decision Analyzed
Who should VR46 choose? Our opinions on the major choices
Our team analyzes the crucial decision facing VR46
The VR46 team is required to find a substitute for Fabio di Giannantonio, as he is set to have surgery on his shoulder, leaving him unable to compete in the last two MotoGP races of the
Several Ducati racers are being considered for a surprise opportunity to compete in Sepang and Valencia.
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Andrea Iannone, Nicolo Bulega, Michele Pirro, and Danilo Petrucci have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Our MotoGP reporters have shared their opinions…
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Peter McLaren states: "Although there are strong arguments for each of the candidates being discussed, I believe Iannone stands out as the most noteworthy. His return to MotoGP after such an extended absence will undoubtedly capture significant attention."
"In my opinion, it would be more beneficial for Bulega to receive it. Firstly, because he has outshone everyone else on the list in the Superbike category this season, securing second place in the world championship as a newcomer."
"Considering his long association with the VR46 Academy and his involvement with their race team, along with his eventual departure from VR46, it would be great to see him return to the VR46 fold."
"One aspect to consider is that entering MotoGP without any prior testing is significant, especially if someone has never been on a MotoGP bike before. However, if the opportunity involves possibly participating in two races, there's a chance it might be one racer for the Sepang event and another, like Pirro, for Valencia. In this case, Bulega could treat the Sepang race as a testing ground to familiarize himself with the bike."
Bulega stands out as the sole racer I've heard being speculated about having a prospective full-time career in MotoGP. With Ducati set to part ways with three young talents—Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi—by the end of the year, there will be a gap to fill for future prospects.
Bulega is emerging as a standout talent in the Superbike series and might one day be considered by Ducati for a spot in MotoGP.
A portion of my feelings leans toward feeling sorry for Pirro, who missed out on the wild-card opportunities because of this year's concessions. It would be great if he could receive some form of recognition for all the testing he's done this year, as he likely has the most intimate knowledge of the bike. Meanwhile, Petrucci and Bautista are the ones with the most recent experience in MotoGP.
"Overall, I would choose Bulega, assuming he's interested in doing it!"
Petrucci 'creates less of a buzz'
According to Lewis Duncan, Danilo Petrucci has enjoyed a remarkable season in the World Superbike Championship while riding a satellite Ducati. He maintained the same impressive consistency he displayed in his debut year in the series in 2023. A trio of victories at Cremona contributed to his success in securing the independent riders' title and made him a regular contender for podium finishes.
Well-known and liked by many, Petrucci taking on a few races with VR46 would be met positively by those in the paddock. His presence would also create less controversy compared to Andrea Iannone, due to Iannone's past issues despite his single race victory.
Two-time Grand Prix champion Petrucci recently gained MotoGP experience on the GP23 bike when he filled in for Enea Bastianini at the French Grand Prix, achieving a respectable 11th-place finish.
"He completely outperformed Bautista!"
Jordan Moreland reports: In 2024, Nicolo Bulega was expected to have a relatively subdued debut season in WorldSBK. He joined the official Ducati team, partnering with the current World Champion, Alvaro Bautista, who was aiming to secure his third consecutive title.
Throughout the season, Bulega didn't just surpass Bautista; he completely dominated him. In every event, Bulega managed to secure a better qualifying position than Bautista and concluded the season with a substantial 127-point lead over his teammate.
He asserted himself as Ducati's leading rider in the Superbike series. Admittedly, Toprak Razgatlioglu's absence from several rounds following his frightening accident in France played a role in allowing Bulega to push the championship battle to the final round. Nonetheless, his intense duels with the exceptional Razgatlioglu have been particularly striking, especially their showdown in the Superpole race at Estoril, where he emerged victorious by a mere 0.004 seconds at the finish line.
Throughout the season, Bulega has demonstrated that he has grown into an exceptional racer. Many had anticipated this potential during his early days in the Grand Prix circuit when he was associated with the VR46 team. It would be a remarkable tale if he were to be recognized for his outstanding debut season in WorldSBK and return to racing under the VR46 banner once more.
Inquire with Bulega, and if his response is negative…
Alex Whitworth notes: In some respects, VR46's choice for Di Giannantonio's replacement in the upcoming races in Malaysia and Valencia is quite simple. They have the advantage of providing the second-best motorcycle available, and with Valentino Rossi at the helm of the team, they have the liberty to select almost anyone they desire.
If they decide to choose Nicolo Bulega.
The Italian rider's performance was impressive, as he was the highest-ranked Ducati competitor in the WorldSBK standings this year. In his debut season, he managed to secure victories in six out of the 36 races.
He has a wealth of experience with the VR46 team, competing in Moto3 from 2016 to 2018 and in Moto2 in 2019.
During the final World Superbike event in Jerez last weekend, he expressed uncertainty about whether participating in MotoGP without prior testing would be beneficial for him.
Speaking to Eurosport following his victory in Race 1 at Jerez, Bulega expressed that attending a MotoGP race without prior testing might not be the best decision. However, he quickly noted, "If there's a chance for me to try, then why not?"
Bulega, therefore, will need quite a bit of persuasion.
Andrea Iannone is eager to return to MotoGP, as he has been persistently seeking a way back to the Grand Prix paddock since the start of the year.
Failing to land a full-time MotoGP position for 2025, the VR46 substitute could potentially fulfill Iannone's passion for competing in Grand Prix races.
However, is VR46 willing to take the gamble of choosing Iannone and potentially have him see it as a tryout for a 2026 position? This decision might lead to impressive lap performances, but it could also lead to a significant expense from potential crashes.
Compared to Iannone, Danilo Petrucci appears to be a more reliable choice. The Italian racer doesn't appear to be pursuing a permanent return to MotoGP and has grown accustomed to stepping in as a substitute rider. He filled in for Joan Mir at the end of 2022 on the Suzuki team and for Enea Bastianini at the Le Mans race in 2023.
Although Petrucci has secured victories in three WorldSBK races this season, he endured significant injuries back in April and has scarcely taken a break since resuming competition in June. The idea of prolonging his season by another month just to potentially be overtaken by Augusto Fernandez for a 17th place finish in a Sprint race now appears uncertain.
The ultimate decision appears to be the dependable Michele Pirro. As a test rider for Ducati, Pirro has not participated in any MotoGP races this year due to new concession rules that prevent Ducati from having wildcard entries. However, he has been actively testing the Desmosedici motorcycle and recently reclaimed the Italian CIV Superbike championship, which he previously lost in a dramatic and contentious event at Imola in 2023.
By bringing Pirro on board, VR46 will have a clear understanding of what to expect, although it is doubtful that this will lead to exceptional achievements in 2024.
Choosing the right option is challenging for VR46. If it were up to me, I would reach out to Bulega first, and if he declined, I would then contact Pirro.
'Iannone Still Has More to Prove'
Derry Munikartono comments: If I were to choose a rider to fill the spot at VR46, it would be Andrea Iannone. I believe he still has more to achieve in MotoGP, especially considering his abrupt departure from the 2020 season.
Following a four-year ban, Iannone made his comeback to competitive racing in the World Superbike series. Despite his time away, he displayed impressive sai-allcreator.com">kill by securing a podium finish in his first WorldSBK event and claimed his first win in Race 1 at Aragon.
The opportunity for a MotoGP return arose at VR46, potentially as a temporary replacement for the last two races of the season. Regardless of the circumstances, this would be an extraordinary return narrative, and there's a possibility that The Maniac could leave a lasting mark during his short stint.
Certainly, MotoGP has changed significantly since Iannone has been away. However, given his remarkable ability to adjust, as demonstrated in WorldSBK this year, he might have the chance to wrap up his career in MotoGP.
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Unleashing the Extra 10%: How Pedro Acosta Redefines KTM’s MotoGP Potential
Trevathan: No other KTM MotoGP competitors can match Acosta's capabilities on his motorcycle.
"While others settle for 90% effort, Acosta pushes himself to achieve that additional 10%."
Paul Trevathan, the crew chief for Pedro Acosta, expressed his opinion that other MotoGP racers from KTM would not be able to replicate the performance Acosta achieves on his motorcycle.
In his debut season in 2024, Acosta quickly stood out on the MotoGP circuit by securing nine podium finishes in both sprint and grand prix races.
Last season, a 20-year-old racer for Tech3 narrowly missed surpassing KTM's experienced rider Brad Binder, finishing just two points behind and securing sixth place in the standings. This achievement represents the best performance by a rookie in the championship since Fabio Quartararo's impressive debut in 2019.
Explore further: A deeper look into Pedro Acosta's first year as a
In 2025, Acosta is set to join KTM's official team, where he will compete alongside Binder.
During the year 2024, Acosta consistently succeeded in getting better performance from the RC16 package compared to other KTM riders. Trevathan highlighted the Spaniard's adaptability as one of his main strengths.
In a special conversation with Crash.net, Trevathan was questioned about how Acosta stacks up against the other KTM riders. He responded by saying, "Take other riders, for instance; even if they used his bike with the identical setup, they wouldn't be able to replicate his performance."
"He could likely hop onto their bike and do the same thing with ease, thanks to his adaptability."
Trevathan attributes this to Acosta's self-perception as a motorcycle racer instead of a general athlete, leading him to tailor his training regimen towards various motorcycle sports.
"He frequently rides, and I value that because he views himself not as an athlete but as someone who rides motorcycles," he mentioned.
"He’s not interested in marathon running or pursuing a career in professional cycling. His passion lies in riding motorcycles, focusing his training and knowledge on how to achieve speed on a bike."
"He engages in a variety of disciplines while riding, constantly adjusting to new challenges. This flexibility translates to the race track, where he can perform well even if the bike isn’t flawless."
He believes the bike will never reach perfection, which allows him to continuously make improvements to it.
"This aspect is amazing. For a technician, it's great to have this tool handy; you only need to put in 90%, and he'll manage to extract the remaining 10%."
Ultimately, it's crucial to avoid making mistakes, allowing him to handle everything else. However, when it comes to development or similar areas, you might encounter obstacles. This is exemplified by the situation with Honda and Marc Marquez, where an individual's unique talent can elevate things to a level others cannot reach.
"Once you lose that skill, the bike starts to appear ordinary. This situation is challenging for the company to comprehend fully."
"This aspect of him is truly one-of-a-kind in the current world. Additionally, his composure in the penalty area is remarkable; he has never appeared flustered."
"I'm certain that during his in-laps, there's been quite a bit of cursing and swearing, as he's known for being quite expressive. However, his level of professionalism in the garage is truly exceptional."
"He never blames anyone for anything. There's this narrative that we rarely adjust the bike, and it's accurate. However, the reality is that I've often mentioned, 'Hey, I'm present and ready to go.'"
"He mentioned, 'Sure, but I'll ask for your help when I need it. Let me try handling things on my own first.' This highlights the learning experience we face as a company, and it's something I've encountered personally as a technician. It's about figuring out whether the improvements, like gaining half a second between sessions, are due to changes I've made or if they're a result of the rider's efforts."
Ultimately, you're just opposing one another. It's more effective to say, "Alright, go ahead with your plan, and if things go wrong, come back and inform me."
"We're collaborating in this manner, and it's incredibly pleasant."
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Alex Rins Unveils Yamaha’s V4 MotoGP Ambitions: Testing Delays and Future Prospects
Alex Rins shares fascinating details about Yamaha's V4 MotoGP testing
The Spanish motorcyclist discussed the trials of the V4.
Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha intended to trial its new V4 MotoGP engine this month; however, they had to scrap these plans because the engine was not prepared.
At the start of this year, Yamaha announced that it was developing a V4 engine for the first time during its time in MotoGP, after having consistently used an inline-four engine throughout the current era.
Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, but there is currently no specific schedule for when this engine might compete in races.
During an appearance on the Spanish version of motorsport.com's podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggests the current development phase of the new V4.
Rins mentioned that the plan was to try it out during the private test conducted by KTM in Jerez earlier in December.
“Ultimately, it was incomplete and unavailable for testing.”
The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to conduct tests on the V4 at Jerez, provided the unit was prepared in time.
Yamaha's upcoming chance to experiment with their new V4 engine will be during the Sepang shakedown, as no further testing is scheduled until late January.
In a one-on-one discussion with Crash.net, Max Bartolini, Yamaha's head of technical operations, detailed the specific objectives the Japanese company aims to achieve by transitioning to a V4 engine.
"Starting with the V4, the engine is what everyone typically considers," he stated.
"However, I believe the primary benefit comes from the bike's design rather than its engine."
According to our engine team, there shouldn't be a significant difference when it comes to sheer power.
"There are certain methods to adjust the bike's setup that will be somewhat simpler with the V4. Additionally, it's about aligning more with the needs of the tyres, as ensuring the tyres perform well is always crucial."
According to reports, Yamaha performed well when paired with Bridgestone. They have also had several successful races using Michelin tires. However, Michelin tends to focus more on utilizing the rear tires rather than the front ones.
The V4 engine configuration offers an advantage by allowing the motorcycle to be designed with a focus on the rear tire's alignment. This presents a particular challenge.
"Frankly, creating the V4 engine is a challenging task, yet I believe it's even more crucial to design the motorcycle to complement the V4 engine."
Bartolini mentioned that there is no certainty about racing the V4 at any time next season.
As a company with concession status, Yamaha, along with Honda, has the ability to implement new engine designs in the 2025 season, which their competitors are not permitted to do.
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Marc Marquez’s Gresini Leap: Rediscovering MotoGP Passion and Securing a Ducati Factory Future
Marc Marquez credits the Gresini MotoGP team for playing a pivotal role in his career
The eight-time world champion highlights the significant impact Gresini had on his 2024 season
Marc Marquez mentioned that his season spent with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's spirit to the vibe found in a Moto2 team.
The Spanish racer made a significant gamble with his career by choosing to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule, at the close of 2023, in order to join Gresini's team and ride a GP23 Ducati in the previous season.
Marquez shifted gears to see if he still had the speed for MotoGP and if he could find joy in it again, following four challenging years since 2020, when an arm injury significantly impacted his career.
The eight-time global champion secured victories in three Grand Prix races, his first wins since 2021, and subsequently clinched a factory Ducati deal for the 2025 season.
In a conversation with journalists, among them Crash.net, during the season's last event, Marquez shared that his experience with Gresini reignited his love for the sport.
"He mentioned that being a part of a satellite team somewhat reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycles."
"Obviously, during my time at Honda, I was fortunate to have comrades and an excellent team of people around me."
"However, the reality remains that being part of a factory team adds a layer of seriousness to the situation."
"This version is definitely more relaxed and friendly. It brings to mind, albeit differently, the atmosphere of a Moto2 team I was part of – where conversing with the team leader was the norm."
Therefore, for those in charge of making the ultimate choices, you have the option to approach Nadia Padovani. You can discuss with her, expressing your thoughts, and she will respond, 'Alright, we can proceed'.
"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."
"With a capable satellite team and a strong motorcycle, remarkable achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, mirroring the success of riders in prior years with Gresini."
"They possess a vast history and extensive experience in handling various types of scenarios."
Last week, Marquez announced his transition to the factory Ducati team, which will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull. However, he is not expected to join forces with Monster Energy.
Recently, Crash.net had the opportunity to speak with Frankie Carchedi, Marquez's crew chief for 2024, in an exclusive episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, available for listening below.
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Marc Marquez’s Revival at Gresini Racing: A Return to Passion and Victory in MotoGP
Why Gresini's MotoGP Team, Reminiscent of Moto2, Was Vital for Marc Marquez
The eight-time global champion shares how Gresini significantly propelled him forward in 2024
Marc Marquez expressed that his season with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's ambiance to that of a Moto2 squad.
In a bold career move, the Spanish rider decided to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023, opting instead to join Gresini's team and race with a GP23 Ducati last season as his performance started to decline.
Marquez decided to see if he could maintain his speed in MotoGP and still find joy in it, following a challenging four-year period starting in 2020 due to a significant arm injury that impacted his career.
The eight-time global champion secured triumphs in three grand prix events, achieving his initial wins since 2021, and subsequently landed a factory Ducati deal for 2025.
In a conversation with the press, which included Crash.net, during the season's last race, Marquez mentioned that collaborating with Gresini reignited his "love" for the sport.
"Being part of a satellite team reignited my enthusiasm for motorcycles," he shared.
Certainly, at Honda, as you're aware, I was fortunate to have companions and a truly excellent team of people.
"However, the reality is that being part of a factory team entails a more serious commitment."
"This version feels more relaxed and approachable, evoking memories of a time with a Moto2 team in a different sense, particularly in how you'd communicate directly with the team leader."
"Therefore, those in charge of making the ultimate choices, in this instance, you can approach Nadia [Padovani] and have a conversation with her. You can express your thoughts, and she'll respond, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"
"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."
"With a competent satellite team and a high-quality motorcycle, impressive achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, similar to what other racers accomplished in past years with Gresini."
"They possess an extensive background and considerable expertise in handling a variety of circumstances."
Last week, Marquez announced his decision to join the factory Ducati team, which will result in the termination of his individual sponsorship deal with Red Bull. However, he does not plan to become a sponsored athlete of Monster Energy.
Recently, Crash.net had a discussion with Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief for Marquez's team in 2024, in a unique episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, accessible below.
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Maverick Vinales Uncovers Aprilia’s Puzzling Seasonal Performance Pattern in MotoGP Campaigns
Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia’s Odd Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons
‘Grasping It Was Challenging’
Maverick Vinales has shared insights into an odd aspect of his time racing for Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the latter half of the season consistently posed challenges for the RS-GP.
The Spanish rider teamed up with Aprilia towards the end of the 2021 season after parting ways with Yamaha under tense circumstances. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, concluding at the close of 2024.
Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory at the Grand Prix level aboard the RS-GP during the 2024 Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior round held in Portugal.
Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia were puzzled by their unexpected speed during that stage of the championship.
Vinales pointed out that it wasn't just in America where he felt at his peak with the Aprilia; he mentioned that during his tenure, the performance of the RS-GP consistently dipped in the latter part of the season.
"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of achievement during several races."
"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I'm confident that race could have been another victory for me, without a doubt. There were also several other races where I had a very positive vibe."
"The motorcycle demonstrated considerable promise during certain segments of the competition, yet from my experience over the years with Aprilia, a recurring challenge was the latter half of the season, which proved to be quite tough for all Aprilia riders."
"It's challenging to grasp since we usually perform well on these tracks. However, when we enter the latter half of the season, it consistently becomes tough."
During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, the Aprilia factory team secured three sprint race victories, one grand prix win, and finished in the top five in four of the Sunday races.
Over the past 10 races, it achieved only two top-three finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a Grand Prix, dropping to third place in the team rankings, behind KTM – the team Vinales will be joining in 2025 through the Tech3 squad.
Vinales suggests that Aprilia started each season at the peak performance of their bike, whereas their competitors improved and performed better as the year progressed.
"When questioned about the reasons behind this pattern, he replied, 'I'm not sure, as we've attempted every possible solution.'"
"We altered the swingarms, the chassis, and everything else in an attempt to comprehend the issue at hand."
"However, my perspective is that we began at our peak while others initially faced some difficulties adapting to the new bike, and then they progressed further."
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Vinales Unveils Aprilia’s Mysterious Mid-Season Slump in MotoGP Campaigns: A Puzzle Yet to be Solved
Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia's Unusual Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons
'Grasping it was challenging'
Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time at Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the "latter half of the season always proved to be quite challenging" for the RS-GP.
The Spanish rider switched to Aprilia toward the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha, completing three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer through to the conclusion of 2024.
In 2024, Vinales secured his maiden grand prix victory on the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following a commendable performance in the preceding Portugal round.
Later on, he conceded that both he and Aprilia were at a loss to explain their exceptional speed during that stage of the competition.
Vinales observed that his peak performance on the Aprilia wasn't exclusive to his time in America, mentioning that during his tenure, the RS-GP consistently experienced a decline in performance as the year progressed into its latter half.
"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of satisfaction during several races."
"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I firmly believe that race had the potential for a win. There were also several other races where I felt particularly confident.
"The motorcycle demonstrated significant promise during certain stages of the championship, yet from my experience with Aprilia over the years, the latter half of the season consistently proved to be a challenging period for all the Aprilia bikes.
"It's perplexing because we usually perform well on these tracks. However, entering the latter half of the championship season, challenges always seem to arise."
During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, Aprilia's official team secured victories in three sprints, triumphed in one grand prix, and finished among the top five in four Sunday races.
Over the previous 10 races, it secured only two podium finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a grand prix, dropping to third place in the constructors' rankings, behind KTM. Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025 with the Tech3 squad.
Vinales suggests that the explanation lies in Aprilia starting each season at the peak of the bike's performance, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.
"When questioned about the reasons behind this trend, he expressed uncertainty, stating, 'We've attempted every possible solution.'"
"We modified the swingarms, the frame, and all other components in an effort to grasp the root of the issue."
"Perhaps my perspective is that we began at our peak performance, while the others initially found it challenging to adapt to the new bike, before they eventually made progress."
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Reviving the Passion: How Gresini Racing Rekindled Marc Marquez’s Love for MotoGP
Title: The Significance of the Gresini MotoGP Team for Marc Marquez, Comparable to Moto2
Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez discusses the pivotal support he received from the Gresini team in 2024.
Marc Marquez expressed that his time racing with Gresini Racing in MotoGP rekindled his enthusiasm for motorcycles. He compared the team's environment to that of a Moto2 team.
The Spanish rider made a significant career gamble as his performance started to decline, deciding to leave the factory Honda team one year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023. He switched to a GP23 Ducati with the Gresini team last season.
Marquez decided to test if he could still perform at high speeds in MotoGP and find joy in the sport, following four challenging years since his significant arm injury in 2020.
The rider, who has claimed the world championship title eight times, secured three grand prix wins, marking his first triumphs since 2021, and secured a deal with the Ducati factory team for the 2025 season.
During the season's final round, Marquez shared with reporters, such as those from Crash.net, that partnering with Gresini reignited his "passion" for racing.
He compared being part of a satellite team to his enthusiasm for motorcycles.
Certainly, during my time at Honda, I had close friends there and worked with an excellent team of people.
"However, being part of a factory team means that everything becomes a bit more serious."
"In this situation, everything feels more laid-back and familiar. It brings to mind, albeit differently, my time with a Moto2 team, where I would have direct conversations with the team leader."
"The individuals responsible for making the ultimate decisions should approach Nadia Padovani. You can express your opinion to her, and she will respond with something like, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"
"Naturally, having the bicycle is the crucial aspect."
"A well-equipped satellite team can accomplish impressive results, as I experienced this year, similar to what other riders achieved in past years with Gresini."
"They possess extensive history and substantial experience in handling various situations."
Last week, Marquez announced that by joining the factory Ducati team, he will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull, but he has no plans to sign with Monster Energy as a sponsor.
Crash.net recently had an interview with Frankie Carchedi, who will be Marquez's crew chief for 2024, to talk about the upcoming season. This conversation is featured in a special episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, which is available below.
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Unraveling Aprilia’s Enigma: Maverick Vinales Sheds Light on MotoGP’s Mid-Season Struggles
Vinales sheds light on an unusual aspect of Aprilia's recent MotoGP efforts
‘Comprehending it was challenging’
Maverick Vinales has commented on an unusual aspect of his time with Aprilia in MotoGP, observing that the RS-GP consistently faced significant challenges during the latter half of the season.
In the final part of the 2021 season, the Spanish rider became part of Aprilia after a contentious departure from Yamaha. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian company, continuing until 2024.
In 2024, Vinales secured his solitary grand prix victory riding the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior race held in Portugal.
Nonetheless, he later confessed that both he and Aprilia are unsure about the reasons behind their high speed during that particular stage of the championship.
Vinales mentioned that the United States wasn't the only place where he felt at his peak with Aprilia. However, he observed that during his tenure, the RS-GP's performance consistently declined in the latter part of each year.
He mentioned in Barcelona last month that there were several races where he felt fantastic.
"In the 2023 Le Mans race, I had an accident. However, I believe that this race had the potential to be another victory for me. There were also other races where I felt really confident."
"The motorcycle demonstrated impressive capabilities during certain segments of the championship. However, a recurring issue throughout my time with Aprilia was that the latter half of the season proved to be quite challenging for all the Aprilia bikes."
"It's challenging to comprehend since these tracks usually work well for us. However, when we reach the latter half of the championship, things consistently become tough."
During the initial 10 rounds of the 2024 season, the factory Aprilia team secured three wins in sprint races, clinched a grand prix victory, and achieved top-five finishes on four Sundays.
Over the past ten races, the team only achieved two sprint podium finishes and secured a top five position in just one grand prix. This decline resulted in the team dropping to third place in the constructors' championship, falling behind KTM. Notably, Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025, aligning with the Tech3 team.
Vinales suggests that this was because Aprilia started each season with their bike already performing at its peak, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.
When questioned about the possible reasons behind this trend, he responded by saying, "I'm not sure, as we've exhausted all options."
"We modified the swingarms and chassis, among other components, in an effort to figure out the issue."
"Perhaps what I think happened is that we began at our peak performance, while others were having some difficulties with their new bikes, and then they improved."
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Aprilias’ Mysterious Mid-Season Slump: Vinales Unravels the Enigma of the RS-GP’s Inconsistent Form
Vinales uncovers an unusual trend in Aprilia's latest MotoGP efforts
‘It was hard to comprehend’
Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time with Aprilia in the MotoGP series, pointing out that the "second half of the season was consistently challenging" for the RS-GP.
The Spanish rider became part of the Aprilia team towards the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha. He completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, continuing until the conclusion of 2024.
In 2024, Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory on the RS-GP at the Americas Grand Prix, following an impressive performance in the prior race in Portugal.
Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia are unsure about the reasons behind their impressive speed during that stage of the championship.
Vinales mentioned that the United States wasn't the sole instance where he felt at his peak on the Aprilia. He also observed that during his time there, the performance of the RS-GP typically declined in the latter half of each year.
"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned that there were several races where he felt really good."
"In the 2023 Le Mans race, I unfortunately had a crash. However, I believe that could have been another victory for me, definitely. There were also other races where I felt really positive."
Throughout the championship, the bike demonstrated significant promise in certain sections. However, a recurring theme during my time with Aprilia has been the challenging nature of the latter half of the season for all Aprilia motorcycles.
"It's challenging to comprehend since these tracks usually favor us. However, once we reach the latter half of the championship, things consistently become tough."
During the initial 10 rounds of the 2024 season, the factory Aprilia team secured three wins in sprint races, clinched a grand prix victory, and finished in the top five on four Sundays.
Over the past 10 races, the team only achieved two podium finishes in sprint events and secured just one top-five finish in a grand prix, causing it to drop to third place in the constructors' championship, falling behind KTM. Notably, Vinales is set to join KTM's Tech3 team in 2025.
Vinales suggests that the reason for this trend is that Aprilia starts each season with their motorcycle performing at its peak, whereas their competitors improve as the year progresses.
"I'm not sure, as we've attempted all possible solutions," he replied when questioned about the reason behind this trend.
"We modified the swingarms, chassis, and other components in an effort to figure out the issue."
"Perhaps my thought is that we began at our peak performance while others initially faced challenges with their new bikes, and then they advanced to the next level."
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Jorge Martin Triumphs Over MotoGP Titans Bagnaia and Marquez to Claim 2024 World Championship
'Quest for Glory' Jorge Martin 'Surpasses Top Competitors Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez'
2024 world champion commends his rivals in the MotoGP championship
Jorge Martin claims he overcame the peak performances of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez en route to securing the 2024 MotoGP championship.
The departing Pramac competitor was involved in a year-long contest with Ducati’s main team contender Bagnaia, which reached its climax at the last race in Barcelona.
Despite securing just three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11, Martin's steady performance throughout the season enabled him to clinch his inaugural premier class championship by a margin of 10 points.
During a conversation on the official MotoGP site after securing his championship win, Martin lauded both Bagnaia and Marquez. Marquez triumphed three times in 2024 riding the previous year's Ducati managed by Gresini.
"Martin expressed amazement at his victory over the top-performing Pecco, who had claimed victory in 11 races."
"Indeed, Pecco was at his finest. I believe Marc too was at the peak of his performance. Perhaps his motorcycle wasn't the top of the line; it seemed he lacked a bit in that department."
"Truly, he was the finest Marc out there. I can guarantee he pushed himself to the edge. And I still managed to outdo the both of them.
"Definitely, I must enhance my performance as, despite my consistency, I only secured victories in three Sundays."
"I had two accidents at the front, so there's definitely space for enhancement, and I'll aim to achieve that."
During the same conversation, Martin expressed his career aspirations, stating, "My goal is to become a legendary figure in MotoGP."
"I aspire to be commemorated as an exceptional motorcyclist alongside legends such as Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez."
Reflecting on his victory in Barcelona, Martin shared that his mind immediately went back to the accident in Portugal during his first season in 2021, which resulted in several injuries.
"It remains hard to believe," he commented about his championship.
Following the race, I was overwhelmed with emotions and truly amazed.
Before drifting off to sleep, tears were streaming down my face as I lay alone in bed. Maria was already asleep when the tears began to flow.
"I recall vividly the challenging times, the difficulties we faced."
"The key point is that I didn't quit. Reflecting on the time in Portimao, I was bedridden with nine injuries, unable to walk for a month. Yet, here I am now. It's unbelievable."
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Austrian Motorcycle Giant KTM Gets Lifeline in Court, Job Layoff Forecasts Cut Amid Restructuring Efforts
KTM permitted to proceed as employment cut predictions decrease in pivotal court session
Austrian company facing difficulties receives significant support on Friday
Following a hearing on Friday, the Ried Regional Court has allowed KTM to proceed with its operations, and the initially anticipated number of staff reductions has been decreased.
The motorcycle maker from Austria is facing a severe financial downturn, as KTM is reported to owe upwards of €1.8 billion, based on information from associations that protect creditors.
In recent months, numerous employees have been dismissed, and it is anticipated that there will be additional layoffs. Moreover, wages for November and December remain unpaid to date.
Nonetheless, after a court session at the Ried Regional Court in Austria on Friday, KTM received permission to proceed.
As reported by the Austrian broadcaster ORF, KTM's reorganization efforts will continue as scheduled, with the company deemed to have "adequate financial reserves" until its forthcoming review session.
The anticipated figure for job cuts has been reduced from 500 to 300, and it is expected that workers will receive their wages for November and December by the end of January.
The compensation will be sourced from the fund set aside for insolvency wages.
According to ORF, KTM's chief Stefan Pierer was absent from the Regional Court proceedings, with Gottfried Neumeister, the Co-CEO, stepping in to represent the company.
KTM's revamp strategy might receive a financial uplift from three entities considering an investment via the Pierer Mobility Group, reportedly amounting to as much as €700 million.
The halt in production by the manufacturer, initiated last week, is set to continue through the end of February due to an excess inventory of 130,000 units that remain unsold in a warehouse.
KTM is scheduled for a creditors review on January 24, followed by a decision on its reorganization proposal on February 25, where creditors are presented with a two-year plan to receive 30% repayment.
As of now, there has been no formal announcement regarding the effect of this recent progress on KTM's MotoGP initiative.
Several leaders have maintained since November that plans for 2025 will proceed as scheduled.
Nonetheless, there are circulating reports suggesting that KTM plans to halt progress on its 2025 motorcycle model due to the firm's current financial difficulties.
KTM has yet to verify this information.
This week, it was revealed by the management that they will be divesting the 50.1% controlling interest in the Italian marque MV Agusta, previously held by KTM. Concurrently, Jeremy McWilliams, a veteran test rider for KTM, has been let go from his position.
Austria's financial sector is currently investigating KTM to determine if the Pierer Mobility Group adhered to this year's disclosure rules.
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Ducati’s 2025 Dilemma: Gigi Dall’Igna Addresses the Challenge of Competing with Rival Brands’ Top Riders
Ducati's MotoGP leader highlights the main issue facing the team in 2025
Gigi Dall’Igna focuses on the hurdles Ducati will face in 2025
Ducati's chief executive, Gigi Dall’Igna, has disclosed that the primary challenge facing Ducati for the 2025 MotoGP season stems from competing manufacturers employing increasingly skilled riders.
The Italian brand led the charge in the 2024 season, as its competitors clinched victories in 19 out of the 20 major races, securing both the manufacturers’ and riders’ championships for Ducati.
For the 2025 racing season, Ducati will have fewer bikes competing, with the number dropping from eight to six. This change comes as Pramac decided to switch to Yamaha following Marc Marquez's move to the main team. Additionally, there will be only three of Ducati's GP25 factory models on the track, down from four.
Dall'Igna doesn't view the decrease in Ducati's motorcycle count as an issue, pointing out that other brands have expanded their presence on the grid without seeing significant improvements in their performance lately.
The concern for Ducati in 2025 lies in the departure of formidable competitors such as Jorge Martin, the 2024 world champion, and Enea Bastianini, who have both inked deals with competing teams.
"Frankly, no," Dall'Igna responded last month to inquiries about whether Ducati's diminished role in 2025 would pose an issue.
"However, the main issue appears to be that competing brands may have superior riders. Historically, when observing certain brands, like Aprilia, which expanded its lineup from two to four bikes, the outcomes remained largely unchanged."
"Hence, I believe that having merely six bikes, six riders on the grid, won't actually be the main issue for us."
"The core issue here is that Martin is transitioning to a different firm, and the same applies to Enea. It appears this is what distinguishes the years 2024 and 2025."
Initially, Ducati intended to elevate Martin to its official team by 2025, but Marquez's refusal to accept a factory bike at Pramac led to a change in plans.
Despite Martin's championship victory with Pramac, Dall’Igna insists that there are no second thoughts regarding Ducati's choices for 2025.
"Definitely, we gave it considerable thought before making this choice," he further stated.
Additionally, we believed that this year could be the one where Martin secures the championship title.
"After consideration, we made the decision."
"Thus, my opinion remains unchanged currently, and I am firmly of the belief that we're offering the Ducati riders the optimal solution available."
Regarding Ducati's choice to decrease its number of factory bikes from four to three, Dall'Igna commented, "This move is financially the most advantageous."
"By rotating three bicycles into the subsequent season, you enhance economic efficiency."
"From a technical perspective, having four factory bikes instead of three doesn't actually offer a significant benefit."
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