Francesco Bagnaia confidently comments on Marc Marquez's potential 2024 MotoGP title loss, stating, "Defeat can be beneficial…"

Francesco Bagnaia, a Ducati racer, thinks that his 2024 MotoGP campaign could have mirrored Marc Marquez's remarkable 2019 season if sprint races hadn't been included in the overall rankings.

The two-time MotoGP world champion fell short of clinching the title at the season's last race, losing to Pramac's Jorge Martin by a margin of 10 points after managing to set up a decisive clash in Barcelona.

Despite Bagnaia securing victory in 11 grand prix races, matching the accomplishments of legends such as Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, and Casey Stoner in a single season, his eight races without points played a significant role in his loss to the more consistent Martin.

Five of these missed opportunities occurred during sprint races, with especially significant ones happening at the Catalan and Malaysian Grands Prix, where he was in the lead and in second place, respectively.

Bagnaia thinks that if sprint races weren't part of the schedule, his 2024 season could mirror Marquez’s impressive 2019 performance, during which the Honda rider secured victory in 12 races and finished as the runner-up in all but one of the others.

"It was a remarkable season," Bagnaia expressed during Andrea Migno’s podcast.

"Although I secured a victory in Qatar, grasping the intricacies of the GP24 took some time. It wasn't until we reached Jerez that we fully realized what it could achieve."

Typically, I consistently placed within the top three on Sundays, unless I experienced a fall. The exception was in Austin, where I came in fifth.

"If it weren't for the sprint races, this year would have mirrored Marquez's dominance in 2019. Unfortunately, we had to relinquish the championship due to errors and unfortunate circumstances."

"The team truly earned this. Throughout the year, I had a few slips, particularly when I was easing up, such as during the sprint in Barcelona."

"Nonetheless, experiencing defeat is valuable, as it helped me understand that we must remain vigilant."

"My goal is always to achieve victory, but there are times when it's not possible."

If the championship were determined solely by Grand Prix outcomes, Bagnaia's argument is valid because he surpassed Martin with a total of 370 points to 337 in Sunday races.

Throughout the season, Martin accumulated a total of 171 points in the sprints, whereas Bagnaia achieved 128 points.

However, comparing this situation to Marquez's 2019 performance seems overly kind, given that he only did not finish one race that year and secured the championship with a 151-point lead over Andrea Dovizioso.

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KTM requires a deep comprehension to enhance its MotoGP motorcycle. According to Brad Binder, the RC16 only requires "small steps" for improvement.

Brad Binder feels that KTM's MotoGP motorcycle doesn't require major overhauls following a disappointing 2024 season. However, he asserts that the company must gain significant insights initially.

Despite KTM securing the runner-up position in the 2024 constructors’ standings, they trailed significantly behind the dominant Ducati by approximately 395 points, extending their winless streak for yet another year.

Binder managed to secure just two podium finishes, with both occurring during the first event of the year in Qatar. In contrast, Tech3 newcomer Pedro Acosta achieved a total of nine podium placements in both sprint and grand prix races.

Amidst ongoing financial struggles, the future of the KTM MotoGP project is unclear, particularly with speculations about halting development for 2025. However, the latest motorcycle model seems to be an improvement over the 2024 version.

After the post-season test in Barcelona last month, Binder hinted that KTM still hadn't completely figured out all the issues with their 2024 motorcycle.

When questioned about whether the KTM required a significant overhaul for 2025, he responded by saying that first, a comprehensive understanding is necessary.

"When we fully comprehend all aspects, we can begin to take gradual actions in each domain, which is essential for us."

"It's not about making a huge leap forward. It's actually about making small adjustments, like slightly improving braking, refining the turning, and enhancing the grip while driving."

"That's the sole method we have to bridge the gap."

Binder mentioned that KTM needed to take a "more radical" approach in configuring their bike for the 2024 season. This process required time to fully grasp, and he attributes this to the ultra-grippy rear tire provided by Michelin.

He explained that this year, for some reason, they had to significantly adjust the balance of their bike, which was consistently challenging to comprehend. When they operated within their usual range of adjustments, they didn't notice much change.

"In order to notice any significant change, we needed to take much more extreme measures."

"Certainly, that required some time. However, as the season progresses, things are beginning to become clearer."

"Frankly speaking, it's really hard to determine, but I assume that the rear tire was responsible."

"Everyone assumes it offers better traction, and it certainly does. However, since no one compared the 2024 and 2023 tires side by side, it's impossible to definitively confirm that improvement."

"You can't definitively point out the exact change, because each year when you return, you're so out of practice initially that everything seems unfamiliar."

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A former F1 champion might have secured more victories if they had shared the same dedication to work as Michael Schumacher, according to David Coulthard.

Ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard thinks that Kimi Raikkonen, who clinched the world champion title in 2007, could have secured additional victories had he possessed the same dedication to hard work as Michael Schumacher.

In 2007, Raikkonen secured his only Formula 1 world championship with Ferrari, achieving this feat during his debut year with the team after taking over from Schumacher.

In the last 15 years, Ferrari's most recent world championship title was won by the Finnish driver, as other notable drivers such as Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel have not been able to secure the championship for the team.

Raikkonen came close to winning the championship with McLaren in 2003, but just fell short. In 2005, frequent mechanical issues paved the way for Alonso to secure his inaugural title with Renault.

During an appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Coulthard expressed his belief that his former teammate could have achieved greater success in Formula 1.

Coulthard described Raikkonen as an exception, noting that he possessed an extraordinary, innate ability.

"He transitioned from competing in Formula Renault to steering a Sauber at the Mugello circuit. Mugello stands out as one of the genuinely intimidating tracks for grand prix racing. His skill was truly remarkable."

"Imagine this: he secured a single world championship, and you could attribute it to McLaren's reliability issues and similar factors. Had he possessed Michael's dedication to his craft, I believe he could have clinched more titles."

Throughout his years of winning championships with Ferrari, Schumacher was celebrated for his dedication to hard work and his talent for uniting a team.

Coulthard admitted that Schumacher's presence at the Ferrari factory significantly influenced the engineers and mechanics.

"Michael spent time at the test track and also visited the factory," he mentioned. "When you're present with the engineers and mechanics, your presence is felt, and it boosts their morale."

"You provide the motivation that propels them onward."

"Therefore, I assert that I uphold the value of hard work. It distinguishes someone who is a modest single-time world champion from what they could have achieved – being a champion multiple times."

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Connor, known for his keen awareness of Formula 1's dramas and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

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Jorge Martin’s Journey to MotoGP Glory Traces Back to a Wild Nightclub Experience

2024 Champion Reflects on Initial Steps Toward MotoGP Stardom

Jorge Martin acknowledges that he "needed to adjust" his approach to handling the perks and challenges of fame associated with being a MotoGP racer following an "outrageous" expense incurred at a nightclub.

In 2021, Martin advanced to the top-tier category, joining the Pramac Ducati team. Despite suffering a severe crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix that sidelined him for four races, he achieved his inaugural victory at the Styrian Grand Prix.

During a conversation on the Tengo un Plan podcast, Martin disclosed that he started partying all the time following his initial victory.

However, this started accumulating, and he quickly found himself needing to implement a change.

"When I moved up to the top-tier category, I was not in a relationship, and after securing my initial victory in Austria, I began celebrating with parties," he mentioned.

"After the Grand Prix events concluded on Sundays and following my training sessions in Andorra, I consistently headed to Barcelona."

"I always embraced my competitive nature, but there was an instance when I was presented with a shockingly high bill at a nightclub."

"After making the payment, I understood that I needed to make a change. Meeting my girlfriend Maria later on was a great help in this process."

"My family, including my parents and grandparents, always ensured I stayed grounded. They taught me that if you waste your money, you'll eventually go broke, lose your friends, and see your career come to an end."

"I understand what I possess. It brings me joy, and I aim to make the most of it by assisting others. With my current resources, I could stop working today and still maintain a comfortable lifestyle."

"I aspire to become a MotoGP legend, someone who is remembered and leaves a lasting impact for those who come after me."

In 2023, Martin made his inaugural bid for the championship, pushing his factory Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia to the limit in Valencia, but ultimately falling just short of victory.

Towards the close of this year, he disclosed that losing his title in 2023 took a toll on his mental well-being. Martin turned to a sports psychologist to help him address his self-doubt more effectively.

Despite securing just three grand prix victories compared to Bagnaia's 11 in 2024, Martin managed to clinch the championship, surpassing his competitor by 10 points in a thrilling final round in Barcelona.

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How a Difficult Childhood Influenced Mercedes F1 Leader Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes F1, discusses the emotional and financial struggles he and his family faced during his early years.

Toto Wolff openly shared how his difficult early years contributed to his development as the effective head of the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

The Austrian, aged 52, has been at the forefront of Mercedes' achievements in Formula 1, guiding the team to achieve an unmatched record of eight constructors' titles and seven drivers' world championships from 2014 to 2021.

Wolff's life was profoundly affected by a challenging childhood, which included the death of his father due to a prolonged struggle with brain cancer when Wolff was only 15, as well as experiencing financial difficulties.

Wolff candidly shared on the High Performance podcast that his upbringing was difficult, though it wasn't anyone else's fault.

"The situation unfolded as my father fell seriously ill with brain cancer during my early childhood, around the age of six or seven. He underwent numerous surgeries but ultimately passed away when I was 15."

"My father wasn't around much when I was growing up, and it wasn't really possible for him to be. As a child, you naturally idolize your father, seeing him as a hero. However, it's also important to experience times when you feel resentment towards him and can assert your independence."

"I was filled with anger instead. Meanwhile, my mother, who worked as a doctor, was focused on her own survival. As a result, my sister and I were largely left to fend for ourselves and take care of her."

"I'm completely at peace with it now. I also told my mother that she wasn't to blame, as everyone just had to take care of their own needs."

Wolff went on to say that going through difficult situations and embarrassing experiences can drive you to demonstrate your value.

Many individuals who have achieved success often attempt to make up for feelings of inadequacy or past victimization. It is common to find that such individuals have experienced events or situations that left emotional scars and caused them significant distress.

"Despite this, numerous successful individuals have experienced joyful childhoods. My wife, for example, was raised by great parents and came from a loving family, and she is thriving in her own unique way."

"Beyond achieving success and excelling, I believe it is more important to find happiness as an adult, take pleasure in your pursuits, and have a dependable support system of friends and family."

"There are numerous instances I've seen where individuals have experienced negative events that ultimately played a crucial role in shaping their identities, and I believe that these challenges often go together."

When questioned about whether his experiences with trauma shaped him into the person he is now, Wolff responded: "Possibly not, because the most challenging aspect for me was being a child with limited means surrounded by affluence. I attended a private school that was beyond our financial reach."

There was a time when the headmaster summoned my sister and me out of our classroom. He informed us that we had to leave the school because the tuition fees hadn't been paid.

The financial struggles and family circumstances pushed me to take responsibility for myself, mature rapidly, and support my family both financially and emotionally in a way that was unlike my own experiences.

"I certainly wouldn't be in this situation if that event hadn't occurred. I felt a significant sense of inadequacy compared to my friends."

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Lewis frequently travels internationally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at these races, Lewis provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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New information suggests KTM's MotoGP departure is scheduled for 2026. Additional insights into KTM's "scheduled" exit from MotoGP have been revealed.

According to recent reports from Austrian media, KTM intends to exit MotoGP as part of its ongoing restructuring plans, with the withdrawal scheduled for 2026.

Facing a severe financial predicament, KTM has recently opted for self-administration as a measure to avoid declaring bankruptcy. Reports suggest the company is burdened with debts exceeding €3 billion.

After the initial meeting with creditors earlier this month, KTM has received approval to proceed with its restructuring efforts, enabling the company to maintain its existing operations.

Find out why MotoGP should welcome F1 superstar Hamilton if KTM decides to invest.

According to a report from the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) after the initial hearing, the current reorganization strategy involves KTM's "intended" withdrawal from MotoGP.

KTM released a statement expressing its dedication to participating in MotoGP for the 2025 season, although it did not provide any information regarding its intentions for the years following that.

According to a report published on Sunday, December 29, by the Austrian publication Der Standard, KTM plans to withdraw from MotoGP in 2026. This year marks the end of their existing contract with Dorna Sports.

As reported by Der Standard, KTM's leadership anticipates facing "considerable public relations harm" if the company withdraws from MotoGP before the specified time.

Brad Binder's agreement lasts until the conclusion of 2026, whereas Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini, and Maverick Vinales have secured contracts that span several years.

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, KTM's prospects appear promising. The report also highlights that ceasing its grand prix program could result in yearly savings of €46 million for the company.

The latest update from the initial meeting with creditors disclosed that a number of groups are interested in jointly investing €700 million into the company facing financial difficulties.

In a Speedweek interview conducted recently, KTM's head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, disclosed that the company had engaged in "serious" discussions with the management team of Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. These talks were regarding Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari, potentially making an investment in the brand.

Earlier this year, there were reports connecting Hamilton to a potential investment in the Gresini team. Meanwhile, Liberty Media acknowledged that he had shown interest to the American media conglomerate about participating in MotoGP under its management.

Investors must submit their proposals by the third week of January. This funding is crucial for KTM's restructuring strategy to achieve its goal of repaying 30% of its debt.

Creditors are scheduled to cast their votes on the proposal by the end of February.

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Today marks the 11th anniversary of the skiing accident that profoundly impacted Michael Schumacher's life. Annually, the Formula 1 community takes a moment to remember what many consider its most outstanding driver, who suffered significant injuries in the accident ten years ago.

What is the story of Michael Schumacher?

One year after his retirement from Formula 1, where he spent three years racing with the Mercedes team, Schumacher was involved in a skiing incident in Meribel, located in the French Alps.

Despite having a helmet on, he fell and sustained a severe head injury.

Schumacher was admitted to the hospital, underwent surgery, and was then put into a coma by medical professionals.

By the next summer, it was verified that he had come out of his coma and went back to living with his family. However, information about his health status has been sparse.

What is Michael Schumacher's current situation?

The legendary Formula 1 driver is staying with his family in Switzerland. He has not made any public appearances since his accident 11 years ago.

In a Netflix documentary from 2021, Corinna, Michael's wife, expressed her feelings by saying, "I think about Michael daily and feel his absence deeply. However, it isn't only me; the kids, our family, his dad, and everyone who knew him also feel his absence."

"Everyone feels Michael's absence, yet his presence remains with us. Although it's not the same, knowing he's here empowers us, in my opinion."

Jean Todt, the ex-leader of Ferrari and a long-time friend of the Schumacher family, is among the select individuals permitted to see him.

Todt expressed that he comprehends the reasons behind his family and friends shielding him, emphasizing that it is important to let him be undisturbed.

"Michael is battling hard, and all we can do is hope for his recovery."

Felix Damm, the attorney representing Schumacher, recently clarified the reasons behind the absence of a conclusive report regarding Schumacher's health following the incident.

Damm stated that the focus was consistently on safeguarding personal matters.

"We discussed the possibility of concluding with a comprehensive report on Michael's health as a suitable approach."

"However, that wouldn't have concluded the situation. There would have been a need for ongoing 'water level updates,' and the family wouldn't have been able to decide when the media's focus on the story would cease."

He mentioned that the media might repeatedly revisit such a report, questioning its current status after one, two, three months, or even years. He further explained that if action was to be taken against such coverage, they would face the issue of voluntary self-disclosure.

If private details are revealed by friends or acquaintances instead of the individual involved, it does not count as the person willingly sharing their own private information.

As a result, an individual has the right to protect their private information from being revealed, even if the details are provided by someone they know.

Mick Schumacher, his son, participated in Formula 1 for two seasons while racing with the Haas team.

Schumacher is set to celebrate his 56th birthday on the 3rd of January, 2025.

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Aprilia must maintain a "flexible perspective" when considering feedback for their 2025 MotoGP roster. "The upcoming year is set to be particularly demanding for our team."

Paolo Bonora, who manages racing for Aprilia, believes that the company needs to maintain a flexible approach when deciding on their factory MotoGP team for 2025, considering they currently have the top-performing motorcycle.

The Noale brand's factory team is set for its first full roster update since 2017, as current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi become new members of the squad.

Both riders have only raced in the premier class on Ducati bikes. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez will be the only returning member at Trackhouse, with newcomer Ai Ogura joining him.

Explore further: The promising indications from Martin's initial MotoGP test with Aprilia

After the conclusion of the 2024 season, Bonora mentioned on MotoGP's official website that they would need to maintain a flexible attitude towards developing their bikes and consider input from riders Martin and Bezzecchi.

He stated that the upcoming year will be quite difficult for them, as they will be working with two quick, young, and highly skilled riders.

"Without a doubt, the entire team is thrilled, and we need to be practical in grasping what their requirements might be. We must remain open-minded, recognizing that they are likely transitioning from the top-performing bike on the track."

"We need to enhance our efforts to achieve that level of performance."

Both riders were unable to discuss their initial experience with the RS-GP in Barcelona last month. However, CEO Massimo Rivola remarked that their impressions were more favorable than anticipated.

In 2024, Aprilia stood out as the sole manufacturer to surpass Ducati, following Maverick Vinales' victory at the Americas Grand Prix. Vinales is set to ride for Tech3 KTM in the upcoming year.

The peak moment of the campaign came when Aprilia's performance dwindled significantly during the latter half of the season, ultimately causing the company to fall to third place in the constructors’ rankings, trailing behind KTM and Ducati.

Looking back on the season, Bonora remarked, "We are quite pleased with how the first part of the season has gone."

“We achieved numerous podium finishes and, besides Ducati, we were the sole team to secure a Grand Prix victory.

At the start of the year, we established numerous objectives and succeeded in achieving them. However, it seems we may have fallen short during the latter half.

"When you reach a high level, making significant progress becomes more challenging. Nonetheless, we clearly recognized what we lacked in comparison to our competitors."

"We need to enhance our data analysis capabilities and react more swiftly to the riders' feedback over the weekend."

"We understand that we must make advancements in our hard braking capabilities. The focus isn't on addressing a specific issue but rather on enhancing our overall setup."

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MotoGP 2025: Schedule for Team Launches

Information on the unveiling events for the 2025 MotoGP lineup

The 2025 MotoGP season is fast approaching, and teams are set to unveil their new designs in the upcoming weeks.

The MotoGP launch season is poised to have a unique twist as the championship plans to host its own event in Thailand on February 9.

Originally believed to be the occasion where every team would unveil their car designs, the event has transformed into a pre-season celebration, allowing fans to witness the complete lineup of teams together.

In addition to activities aimed at engaging fans, there will be demonstration rides of bikes throughout Bangkok. This will occur before the paddock moves on to Buriram for the last pre-season test, scheduled three days later.

The season is set to kick off in Thailand from February 28th to March 2nd

Prior to those activities, teams will conduct their usual launch ceremonies to reveal the liveries they will compete in for the upcoming season.

Listed below are the specifics and timings of these launches.

January 16 – Aprilia Factory Racing

The Aprilia factory team is scheduled to be the pioneer in unveiling its bikes for the 2025 season. This event will offer the public their initial glimpse of world champion Jorge Martin donning the official team colors.

In 2025, Martin will team up with Marco Bezzecchi, who is moving from VR46. Additionally, Martin is expected to announce a switch in his race number from 89 to 1, after hinting at this change on social media over the past few weeks.

Aprilia has not yet disclosed comprehensive information about its debut.

January 18 – Gresini Racing

The Ducati satellite team is set to reveal its new livery shortly after Aprilia's launch, featuring riders Alex Marquez and newcomer Fermin Aldeguer.

Gresini is set to unveil its new season lineup, featuring two GP24 motorcycles for its racers, at the renowned Imola track in Italy.

January 20 – Ducati Corse

The unveiling of the factory Ducati team for 2025 is eagerly awaited, as it will mark the debut of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez in the official colors of the Bologna-based manufacturer.

Marquez, set to team up with Francesco Bagnaia in 2025, participated in his initial test with the team. He was seen wearing a vibrant red suit and riding a bike that displayed no sponsor logos except those that are neutral to both Marquez and Ducati.

The occasion is scheduled to occur over multiple days at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in Italy.

January 31 – Yamaha and Pramac Racing

Yamaha plans to continue its recent custom of unveiling its new season in Southeast Asia, collaborating with the new satellite team, Pramac Racing, for an event in Kuala Lumpur.

Yamaha is set to reintroduce an official satellite team, a move they haven't made since the 2022 season.

Although the factory team still includes Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, the event will feature Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira showcasing Pramac's new livery as they kick off their collaboration with Yamaha.

This article will receive frequent updates.

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Marc Marquez Reveals Major Sponsorship News with Red Bull

Red Bull has been a key sponsor for Marc Marquez during his entire MotoGP career

Marc Marquez's sponsorship agreement with Red Bull has formally concluded.

On Thursday, the six-time MotoGP champion declared the conclusion of their long-standing and highly successful collaboration.

"Spanning from 2008 to 2024, it was an extraordinary adventure marked by hurdles, triumphs, and memorable events," Marquez penned.

"I'm deeply grateful to Red Bull for their unwavering support throughout my journey and for empowering me to soar in my career."

"I wish for our paths to intersect once more."

Throughout his entire MotoGP career, including the current season, Marquez has been under the sponsorship of Red Bull, transitioning from Repsol Honda to Gresini Ducati this year.

During his peak performance years at Honda, Marquez was associated with the energy drink brand.

However, with a forthcoming move to the factory Ducati team in 2025, the sponsorship is set to conclude.

The Ducati factory team has established a partnership with Monster Energy, positioning itself as a competitor to Red Bull in the same industry.

During the offseason trial, Marquez's motorcycle was devoid of any sponsor logos, leaving speculation open regarding the endorsements he will showcase in the upcoming season.

Earlier this month, Marquez announced during a Red Bull event that he would be parting ways with the sponsor as he transitions to the factory Ducati team.

He also emphasized his decision not to have an individual sponsor in 2025, stating it was a sign of respect towards Red Bull.

The endorsements associated with Marquez represent a profitable venture.

Firms that enter into partnerships with Marquez, MotoGP's leading figure, represent significant collaborations.

In 2025, we can expect significant transformations, especially regarding the hue and competitive edge of Marquez's motorcycle. Additionally, there remain uncertainties concerning the identity of his sponsors.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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In 2025, Europe will be introduced to bagger racing, steered by a former Superbike champion

The bagger category is poised for its first appearance in Europe

Ex-World Superbike and MotoGP competitor Ruben Xaus plans to introduce Bagger racing to Europe in 2025 by establishing the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The phenomenon of Bagger racing surged in popularity when it was initially included in the MotoAmerica lineup in the United States, dubbed as the 'King of the Baggers'.

It has evolved into a highly competitive motorcycle racing championship in the US and has also become incredibly popular among viewers.

The excitement it has sparked prompted Harley-Davidson and Dorna Sports to embark on a fresh strategic alliance, which was announced following the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in November.

Although there are no concrete plans as of now, Harley intends to compete with its Bagger bikes in the grand prix events.

In 2025, Europe is poised to witness the emergence of bagger racing independently of this collaboration, thanks to the establishment of the Bagger Racing European Cup.

The series is under the leadership of Xaus, who was the second-place finisher in the 2003 World Superbike Championship and has achieved podium finishes in MotoGP. This year, he competed in and emerged victorious in the Bagger Racing League across North America.

Details regarding the Cup's schedule remain largely undisclosed.

An announcement regarding the Cup specifies that it is accessible to all types of machinery “capable of being fitted with bags available in the market”, paving the way for brands such as Harley, Honda, Triumph, and Ducati – to name a few – to participate.

The event series is set to be coordinated by Xaus, supported by the Andorran Federation, and officially approved by FIM Europe.

Xaus mentioned regarding the Cup, "This project found a welcoming and supportive environment within FIM Europe, which quickly received it with great eagerness."

"I firmly believe that hosting this championship could enhance the events, elevating both the excitement and appeal involved."

"We are currently outlining the schedule, set to be formally announced in the coming days, and it will encompass the key countries in Europe."

"The rules will be straightforward and accessible to everyone. Our goal is for the participants in the championship to enjoy themselves and have a good time."

The tournament will include two competitions in each stage, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and the weekend events will begin with a practice session before moving on to the qualifying rounds.

Sh Services and Gestion A L Instant sl have been appointed to oversee race events.

"FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco expressed great satisfaction each time a new event is incorporated into their sports portfolio."

Introducing a new title signifies a positive outlook for our world and also demonstrates trust in the opportunities that FIM Europe presents.

"What sets us apart from the broader sports community, particularly those operating beyond the global sports framework, is our unique proposition. We provide established regulations for sports, ensure safety during sports activities, offer insurance protection, and maintain organizations equipped to handle any scenario."

"The Baggers competition will provide riders of all ages, from the young to the elderly, a chance to participate in a secure yet lively setting. This environment is further enhanced by the involvement of a new promoter, who will introduce appealing entertainment features alongside the racing event."

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Francesco Bagnaia hasn't dismissed the competition from a past championship contender for the 2025 MotoGP season

The two-time MotoGP champion anticipates challenges in the 2025 races

Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia mentioned he is open to the possibility of competing against Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo for the lead position in 2025.

Bagnaia will continue with the official Ducati team for the upcoming season, but for the first time since 2022, he won't begin the season as the reigning champion.

Despite securing 11 Grand Prix victories last season, Bagnaia fell short by 10 points behind the departing Pramac Ducati competitor, Jorge Martin.

In the upcoming season, Bagnaia is set to encounter his most formidable opponent to date, as he competes directly with Marc Marquez, who joins him at the factory Ducati team, ensuring they both have access to the same level of

During an appearance on Andrea Migno's podcast, a fellow member of the VR46 Academy, Bagnaia expressed his expectation of numerous head-to-head races with Marquez.

Yet, he also identified an unexpected contender he expects to challenge him.

"He mentioned that his upcoming objective is to secure victories in three MotoGP world titles."

In 2025, Ducati is expected to be the dominant motorcycle brand, though they will have one fewer official team bike.

"I anticipate many races where it's just Marquez and myself out in front, but Aprilia is introducing a fresh pair [Martin and Marco Bezzecchi], and KTM has [Pedro] Acosta and [Brad] Binder to rely on.

"I also wouldn't dismiss Quartararo's chances, given Yamaha's progress."

In 2022, Bagnaia and Quartararo were contenders for the championship, with Bagnaia making a remarkable comeback from 91 points behind midway through the season, as the performance of the Yamaha began to decline.

In 2024, Yamaha faced its most challenging season in recent history, failing to secure any podium finishes for the first time, marking its second year in a row without a victory.

The team garnered only 124 points in the constructors' rankings, a decrease from the 196 points achieved in 2023. Nevertheless, ongoing improvements to the M1 led to improved performances toward the latter part of 2024, highlighted by Quartararo's season-high finish of sixth place in Malaysia.

Quartararo easily led as the highest-ranked rider representing a Japanese brand in the standings, securing the 13th spot. He was a significant 58 points ahead of Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

He is set to stay with Yamaha through to the close of 2026, with Quartararo commending the brand for its significant shift in approach towards the development of the motorcycle, marking it as the major advancement this year.

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