Gresini unveils 2025 MotoGP design at Imola

The Satellite Ducati team is the newest to reveal its 2025 color scheme

On Saturday, the Gresini Ducati team revealed their latest paint scheme for the 2025 MotoGP season during an event held at the legendary Imola racetrack.

The 2025 season represents the fourth campaign for Gresini since it became a fully independent team again, after managing Aprilia's factory team from 2015 through the end of 2021.

During the unveiling event at Imola, the team introduced an updated design for their 2025 car, showcasing a livery with reduced red compared to the previous year's version.

Gresini is set to continue using Ducati bikes and will feature Alex Marquez along with newcomer Fermin Aldeguer in their team this season.

Marquez is back for his third season with the team, where he has previously achieved sprint race wins and podium finishes in grand prix events.

Following an impressive debut season with the team in 2023, Marquez found it challenging to match that performance on the GP23 in the subsequent season, managing to secure only one podium finish. He concluded the year ranked eighth in the standings.

Aldeguer is moving up from the Moto2 category after securing a contract with Ducati early last year, and he will be replacing Marc Marquez at the Gresini team.

This followed an impressive second season in the intermediate category, where he claimed victory in five grand prix races and climbed to third place in the championship standings.

Last year was challenging for Aldeguer. Although he achieved three victories, he ended up in fifth place overall due to an uneven performance season with the MT Helmets-operated Boscoscuro chassis.

This year, both Marquez and Aldeguer will compete using GP24 motorcycles, the same model that Jorge Martin rode to win the championship last season while with the Pramac team.

Aldeguer had his first experience on the bike during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, where he emerged as the fastest newcomer according to the timesheets.

A 19-year-old racer is set to join the 2025 lineup, marking one of three fresh entries. He will be competing alongside his ex-Moto2 teammate and current champion, Ai Ogura, who will be riding for Trackhouse. Additionally, Somkiat Chantra, a two-time grand prix victor, will represent LCR.

Gresini has become the third team to reveal its vehicle design for the 2025 season, following Trackhouse, which started the launch events last Tuesday.

Last Thursday, the official Aprilia team announced that Jorge Martin will compete this year using the #1 number on his RS-GP.

The official Ducati team is set to unveil its 2025 lineup on Monday, January 20, featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia in Italy.

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Alex Marquez is aiming for his first MotoGP victory in 2025: "I believe we have many opportunities"

Gresini team rider discusses the upcoming 2025 season during the team's launch event.

Alex Marquez is optimistic about his prospects of securing his first MotoGP race win in the 2025 season while riding for Gresini Ducati.

The younger Marquez sibling is beginning his third season with the Gresini team, following a couple of years marked by sprint race wins and podium finishes.

However, five years into his MotoGP career, Marquez has yet to secure a grand prix win. His opportunities were hindered last year as the GP23 fell further behind the factory Ducatis than expected.

Having transitioned to the GP24 for this season, Marquez, who led the Barcelona test on this motorcycle in November, is hopeful about his prospects of finally reaching the highest spot on the podium in the premier class.

After the unveiling of Gresini's 2025 livery at Imola, he expressed optimism about their prospects, stating, "I believe we have numerous opportunities to succeed."

"Initially, we must focus on working effectively, similar to how we approached the end of the season. This includes the final two races and the Montmelo test, where we operated without pressure, concentrating solely on our tasks and monitoring our own team."

"Our team delivered an outstanding performance. Despite our small size, we possess the mindset and everything necessary to lead the way."

"We'll give it our all from the start and after the first four races, we'll assess our performance and determine our standing."

After racing alongside his brother, Marc Marquez, during the 2024 season and celebrating a podium finish together at the German Grand Prix, Alex Marquez will be teaming up with rookie Fermin Aldeguer this year.

According to Marquez, Aldeguer's transition from Moto2 will introduce a refreshing change that will benefit the Gresini team.

"Right from the time they announced Fermin would be joining us, I’ve been eager to witness the upcoming generation in action. I’m curious about his speed and mindset, and I’m confident that he will have a successful career in MotoGP with plenty of years ahead of him," he mentioned.

"It's refreshing to see riders from Moto2 joining MotoGP, as they bring a lot of positive attributes from their Moto2 experience."

"In order to harness that potential, I believe we will have valuable resources at our disposal. By collaborating closely, we can explore these opportunities thoroughly to identify the most effective solutions."

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"Ducati's team members were skeptical," but Marc Marquez presents a unique situation. Andrea Dovizioso is confident that Ducati will avoid repeating past errors.

Andrea Dovizioso argues that Marc Marquez joining Ducati is unlike past instances of renowned riders signing with the team.

In the past, Ducati did not succeed when they brought in Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

At last, having secured MotoGP's top motorcycle, they are set to welcome Marquez into their official team garage.

Andrea Dovizioso, who has experienced Ducati's challenges in securing the MotoGP championship, asserts that Marquez joining the team is different from when Lorenzo did.

"The circumstances might appear alike, yet they are distinct," Dovizioso explained to GPOne.

Lorenzo was brought on board because certain individuals within Ducati lacked faith in the riders they had initially chosen to secure victory.

Regarding Marc, it's merely a matter of choice because the team already possesses a top rider and their motorcycle is proven to be successful.

In 2016, Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone were racing for Ducati. However, the team decided to replace one of them with Lorenzo, a three-time champion.

In 2017, Iannone joined the Suzuki team, allowing Lorenzo to take his place. However, Iannone's performance over the two-year period fell short of expectations.

Currently, Ducati is performing exceptionally well and has decided to select Marquez over Jorge Martin for their 2025 factory team.

Dovizioso suggested that Pecco should concentrate on his own abilities and strengths, just as he did the previous year, and not be too concerned with external factors.

Lorenzo being in the penalty area allowed me to improve and provided a beneficial opportunity for my growth.

"It's helpful to have a point of reference for making improvements."

An essential point to consider is maintaining your focus on yourself. Paying excessive attention to others may lead you to stray from your own path.

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

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Marc Marquez's future has been decided while analysts discuss the 2025 championship victor. Writers at Crash.net forecast the MotoGP champion for this season.

Our specialists have presented their opinions on which competitor is likely to claim victory in the 2025 MotoGP championship…

Alex Whitworth suggests that the 2024 MotoGP championship is expected to be primarily contested by Ducati's two main riders, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia. This prediction is based on Ducati's strong performance this year and the diminished level of talent within its affiliated teams.

Over the last four seasons, Bagnaia has achieved the most success among riders in the championship, whereas Marquez holds the distinction of being the greatest rider in the history of the sport.

Last year, Bagnaia lost the championship due to his tendency to make errors. Facing off against a competitor who possesses greater natural ability, more aggressiveness, and possibly superior racing acumen will be a tough obstacle for him to surmount.

While it's possible for Bagnaia to secure the championship, Marquez is expected to come out on top.

In 2025, Marquez's success will hinge on maintaining his physical fitness, a feat he accomplished in 2024 for the first time since 2019. With superior speed compared to Bagnaia, more seasoned experience, and a stronger capability to handle championship pressures, staying healthy will be crucial for him.

Chances are high that he outperforms Bagnaia in most races they start together, but Marquez's quickness won't matter if he's not participating and just sitting at home.

Lewis Duncan suggests that the current world championship contest is particularly captivating, marking the first occasion since 2019 where Marc Marquez is a serious contender for the title.

During his 2024 season with Gresini, he achieved three grand prix wins. Even with the older GP23 bikes, he frequently contended for podium finishes. Competing against Ducati's most statistically successful rider, Francesco Bagnaia, may prove more challenging than many anticipate.

However, throughout the years that Bagnaia has been competing for the championship, he has demonstrated a lack of consistency. In contrast, Marquez has had only two of his six top-tier titles decided in the final round.

In 2024, Jorge Martin demonstrated that maintaining steady performance is more crucial than sheer speed in the current sprint and grand prix era. Reflecting on Marquez's final world championship in 2019, he secured victory in 12 races and claimed second place in all other events, with only one race where he did not finish throughout the season.

During an appearance on Crash.net's MotoGP Podcast, Frankie Carchedi, who will serve as Marquez’s crew chief in 2024, expressed strong confidence in forecasting that the eight-time world champion will set the standard for riders this season.

If that doesn't persuade you, I'm not sure what will.

Images of Marc Marquez's test bike designs from the years 2012, 2023, and 2024 have been shared. The liveries feature a combination of white, blue, and red colors. #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/QhHSWDZHy6— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 9, 2025

Jordan Moreland believes that the 2025 championship will likely come down to a contest between two individuals.

Both Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez race for the Ducati team. Given Ducati's significant edge, I believe these two riders will distance themselves from the competition and compete for the top positions.

In 2024, Bagnaia had an exceptional year, even with eight races where he did not finish. Securing victory in 11 Grand Prix races is indeed remarkable. The upcoming seasons of 2025 and 2026 will present his most significant challenge yet, as he teams up with Marc Marquez.

In 2024, Marquez silenced any skeptics about his skills by securing 3 Grand Prix victories and stepping onto the podium 20 times while riding the previous year's GP23. With the upcoming season placing him on the newest Ducati model and reintegrating him into the factory team setting, I anticipate Marquez will further elevate his performance, ultimately making it difficult for Pecco to keep up.

I am eager for a tight competition because the sport would greatly benefit from it, and it would be intriguing to observe the team dynamics throughout 2025.

In my opinion, Marquez is set to become the MotoGP World Champion in 2025, driven by an unwavering determination to clinch another championship. It would be incredible to witness him achieve this triumph, especially considering the challenges he has faced with injuries since 2020.

Peter McLaren suggests that although the two racers from Ducati Lenovo are expected to be front-runners for the championship, the complete version of the GP25 motorcycle has yet to be unveiled. During the test in Barcelona, the prototype did not outperform its competitors significantly, offering a glimmer of optimism to Ducati's competitors and those riding the satellite GP24 bikes.

Typically, Ducati prioritizes developing the new engine, particularly with an upcoming two-year freeze in mind, before turning its attention to the chassis and aerodynamics. As a result, significant advancements could be seen in the GP25 during the testing phases in Sepang and Buriram.

For Francesco Bagnaia to achieve success, it is crucial for him to address the errors he made last year, maintain his impressive pace in races, and remain focused despite Marc Marquez joining the competition.

The main concern for Marquez is how swiftly he can adjust to the fresh setting, as he joins a team led by another champion for the first time, and how he will get along with his new crew chief, Marco Rigamonti.

Marquez stated, "My goal is to get nearer to [Pecco] as he is the benchmark" at Ducati and "the one leading the way this pre-season and in the initial races." I concur with this assessment for the moment, indicating that Pecco is currently the frontrunner before testing and the early races. However, the situation could shift rapidly.

Derry Munikartono believes that Marc Marquez will be the one.

Following a career resurgence with Gresini Ducati, where he secured three Grand Prix victories last year despite racing on a year-old bike, Marc is confident that he still possesses the skills necessary to become a MotoGP world champion once more. All he requires is the top-performing bike and team, which he has already secured with his move to Ducati Lenovo in 2025.

In order to reach his goal, he must surpass his teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, who has already established himself at Ducati. This won't be easy, as Marc acknowledged that Pecco would be the team's key player in the initial part of the season.

Throughout the season, there are likely to be some intense moments between these two riders. However, I believe that Marquez might hold a small advantage over Bagnaia in the battle for the 2025 MotoGP championship.

Steady performance would be crucial, and given how unstable Bagnaia's 2024 season turned out to be—with 11 Grand Prix races but missing the championship due to 8 races without points—I believe Marc would clinch the title by a very narrow margin.

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Casey Stoner has accused someone of being responsible for the conflict between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. He remarked, "You won't intimidate someone like Marc Marquez to stop…"

Casey Stoner has shared his thoughts on the ongoing conflict between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez, a topic that has captured significant attention in MotoGP circles since 2015.

A decade later, the intense rivalry continues to fascinate MotoGP enthusiasts. This year, the interest is further fueled as Marquez is set to join forces with Rossi's protégé, Francesco Bagnaia, at Ducati.

According to Stoner, Marquez has rightfully faced criticism from some individuals.

"Stoner mentioned on the Ducati Diaries podcast that, to some extent, Marc Marquez earned the critiques he received."

"He attempted to enter the place."

Stoner insisted that Rossi was responsible for the entire conflict, as Marquez was merely reacting to being attacked.

"Stoner pointed out that while many hold Marc responsible for everything, they often overlook that Valentino Rossi was the one who initiated it."

"Marc has consistently displayed that behavior throughout his racing career, and then Valentino initiated a verbal dispute."

The group was friendly with each other, but tensions arose when Valentino initiated an issue, prompting Marc to respond in kind because he was displeased.

"Naturally, everyone is making a fuss over it, overlooking the fact that Valentino was the one who provoked the situation in the first place."

Stoner stated that the conflict between Rossi and Marquez resulted from a strategic mistake made by Rossi.

"If a person is known for riding aggressively," he explained, "don't assume you can intimidate them into stopping—someone like Marc Marquez won't be easily frightened off."

During a season where he had the chance to secure another championship victory, he has chosen to antagonize the most dangerous competitor possible: a rider who is quicker, capable of defeating him, and who might even eliminate him from a race or the championship itself.

The Australian expressed his belief that Rossi was attempting to engage in psychological tactics against Marquez. However, these strategies had ceased to be effective by the late 2000s. This change occurred when riders like Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo entered the top tier of racing with factory-backed motorcycles, presenting a formidable challenge to the Italian racer who had been leading the sport since 2001.

"I believe that during Valentino's peak, before Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, and I entered the scene, he had a knack for getting into the heads of his fellow competitors. I still think he believed he could do that," Stoner remarked.

"When we were there, he actually ended up making us, the younger generation, stronger. We picked up on his tactics, understood what he could do, and then figured out how to navigate the situation ourselves."

The situation began when he lost his composure and initiated a conflict with Marc through the media. He then became overly entangled in the Malaysian race incident. Although Marc received some backlash, which was partly justified, it was Valentino who began to cause his own downfall.

Stoner and Rossi put their past differences aside when the Australian unexpectedly visited Tavullia towards the end of last year to ride at the VR46 Ranch.

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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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Valentino Rossi opens up about the joys of fatherhood

Valentino Rossi jokes about saying goodbye to staying up late

An elated Valentino Rossi has opened up about the transformations in his life since becoming a dad.

Rossi and his partner Francesca recently celebrated the arrival of their second daughter, Gabriella.

Giulietta, who came into the world in 2022, is the first child for the pair.

Rossi faced playful jabs on an Italian radio program regarding the famous tales of his nocturnal escapades back in his prime MotoGP days.

"He chuckled, 'The baby's coming has completely reshuffled the deck.'"

Currently, I'm the first to rise in order to drop Giulietta off at school. Afterwards, I prepare the milk.

"I need to get out of bed by 7:45 in the morning!"

Check out this Instagram post from FRANCESCA SOFIA (@francescasofianovello)

See this Instagram update by FRANCESCA SOFIA (@francescasofianovello)

Rossi addressed rumors claiming he would stay out partying until 4am prior to MotoGP competitions.

"He responded, saying that these tales have achieved legendary status as time has passed."

"4 am seems somewhat delayed. I won't deny the possibility of it occurring…"

"I had stayed out until the early hours, though not as late as now. Maybe around 1 in the morning…"

Rossi addressed the media from his Tavullia ranch, where he recently hosted an impressive gathering of motorcycle racing stars for his yearly event.

Rossi and Luca Marini had to be content with a podium position in the 100km Champions race.

"He mentioned that it has turned into a yearly competition at the farm."

"We extend invitations to winners across various divisions."

This event is a test of stamina. Teams of two cyclists alternate at the pit stops every five laps, similar to the procedure in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

"I'm riding a Yamaha, while Luca Marini is aboard a Honda.

"This is the sole sanctioned race I participate in with a bicycle, making it incredibly significant."

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

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Valentino Rossi opens up about his personal experiences of fatherhood

Valentino Rossi jokes about saying goodbye to late-night activities

An elated Valentino Rossi has opened up about the transformations in his life since becoming a parent.

Rossi and his partner Francesca recently celebrated the arrival of their second daughter, Gabriella.

Giulietta, who arrived in 2022, marks the couple's inaugural child.

Rossi faced playful jabs during an appearance on an Italian radio program, regarding the infamous tales of his nocturnal escapades at the peak of his MotoGP career.

"He chuckled, saying, "The birth of the baby has completely reshuffled the deck."

"Now, I'm the first one up to get Giulietta ready for school. Afterwards, I prepare the milk.

"I need to get up at 7:45 in the morning!"

Check out this Instagram post shared by FRANCESCA SOFIA (@francescasofianovello).

Rossi addressed rumors claiming he would stay out partying until 4am prior to MotoGP events.

"He responded, saying that these tales have grown into legends as time passed."

"Getting to bed at 4am is somewhat delayed. I won't deny that it occurred…

"I stayed out until the early hours, though not as late as now. Maybe around 1am…"

Rossi shared his thoughts from his Tavullia ranch, where just last weekend, he hosted an impressive lineup of motorcycling stars for his yearly extravaganza.

Rossi and Luca Marini ended up securing a spot on the podium in the 100km of Champions race.

"He mentioned that it's turned into a yearly competition at the farm."

"We welcome winners from various divisions."

This event is a test of stamina, where duos of cyclists alternate positions in the pit stops every five circuits, similar to the format seen in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"I'm riding a Yamaha, while Luca Marini is using a Honda."

"This is the sole formal cycling event I participate in, making it highly significant."

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Valentino Rossi reveals heartfelt insights into his role as a dad

Valentino Rossi hints at saying goodbye to staying up late

An elated Valentino Rossi has opened up about the transformations in his life since becoming a parent.

Rossi and Francesca, his partner, have recently celebrated the arrival of their second daughter, whom they named Gabriella.

Giulietta, who was born in 2022, is the first child of the couple.

Rossi faced playful jabs on an Italian radio program regarding the famed tales of his nocturnal escapades at the peak of his MotoGP career.

"He chuckled, 'The birth of the baby has completely reshuffled the deck.'"

"Now, I'm the first one up to get Giulietta ready for school. After that, I prepare the milk.

"I need to get up by 7:45 in the morning!"

Check out this Instagram post shared by FRANCESCA SOFIA (@francescasofianovello)

Rossi addressed rumors about him celebrating until 4 in the morning before MotoGP competitions.

"He responded, saying that these tales have grown to be iconic over the years."

"4 in the morning is somewhat delayed. I can't deny the possibility of it occurring…

"I stayed out until the early hours, though not until now. Maybe around 1am…"

Rossi addressed the media from his Tavullia ranch, where he recently hosted an array of motorcycle racing stars for his yearly marquee event.

Rossi and Luca Marini had to accept a podium position in the 100km of Champions event.

"He mentioned that it's turned into a yearly competition at the farm."

"We welcome winners from various divisions."

This event is a test of stamina. Teams of two cyclists alternate in the pit stops every five circuits, similar to the process in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"I'm riding a Yamaha, while Luca Marini is handling a Honda."

"This is the sole formal cycling event I participate in, making it extremely significant."

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Jorge Martin, battling a hangover, praises Aprilia MotoGP's debut: "Front end sensation is phenomenal."

"The experience with the bike's front end was unparalleled; it was astonishing."

Newly crowned MotoGP champion Jorge Martin disclosed that he was not at his best, feeling somewhat off-pace, as he secured the eleventh spot during his first outing with Aprilia at the Barcelona test in November.

However, this did not prevent the Spanish rider from enjoying the front-end feedback of the RS-GP, marking it as the only motorcycle besides the Ducati to secure race victories last season.

"During the Barcelona test on Tuesday, I was actually still feeling the effects of Sunday's celebrations! So, believe me, it was quite challenging to navigate the ride due to the massive party," Martin chuckled at the official unveiling of the Aprilia team, where it was also announced that he'll be competing with the #1 plate this season.

"Upon mounting the bike, I was uncertain of what lay ahead, thus I remained open-minded. The sensation at the front was astounding, truly beyond belief. In my opinion, it was the finest bike I've ever ridden, especially in regard to its front end. It was astonishing."

"Initially, my pace was somewhat sluggish, but as I gained momentum, I began to notice a few challenges," Martin explained, referencing his experience since he entered the MotoGP in 2020 as part of the Pramac Ducati team.

"Perhaps it didn't have the same impact on Aleix or Maverick, but for me, it was significant. The bike seemed less steady compared to the Ducati. However, once we began making adjustments, stability improved significantly."

Aprilia gave Martin and his new teammate Marco Bezzecchi a chance to test the 2024 bike and also provided a prototype for the 2025 model.

"Martin shared that for 2025, they experimented with fresh innovations, including a novel fairing and overall modifications to the motorcycle. He believes these adjustments represent a significant improvement from 2024, leaving him feeling hopeful."

"I suppose the grip was somewhat challenging for me too, yet I believe the adjustment issue lies more with me getting used to the motorcycle than with the motorcycle itself."

"I believe the bike is excellent and highly competitive. However, I require some time to grasp when to accelerate, where I can shave off seconds, or when it's better to decrease my speed."

Martin also recognized the necessity to adapt his riding technique to fully capitalize on the RS-GP's capabilities.

"During the trial in Barcelona, I found myself handling it as though it were a Ducati. I must significantly alter my approach," he detailed.

"I've spent the winter months analyzing how I can improve."

"I've been closely following numerous races to grasp their strengths, such as Maverick's performance in Austin and Aleix's showing in Silverstone – focusing on the highlights.

"I believe the bike is excellent. I just require some time to get used to it. Beyond that, I'm confident we can accomplish tremendous work."

Martin is set to undergo five additional days of testing starting next month at Sepang, leading up to his debut in the Aprilia grand prix at Buriram in March.

Statements given by Crash.net reporter Alex Whitworth.

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

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Ducati's main rival identified as the new season approaches

Analysts forecast the major challenger to Ducati's dominance

In 2025, Ducati has emerged as the leading force in MotoGP, boasting a pair of riders that rival teams admire and covet.

However, journalists at Crash.net have identified the manufacturer and rider duo poised to consistently challenge Ducati's dominance…

Jordan Moreland: While Jorge Martin and Aprilia might seem like the clear choice, that's not the one I'm going with.

Despite the unclear prospects ahead, KTM boasts a phenomenal young talent in their lineup with Pedro Acosta.

Transitioning to the factory team in 2025, I'm convinced he'll be the key challenger against Ducati.

He possesses an exceptional skill set and is intensely eager to secure his initial victory in MotoGP, having narrowly missed out several times in 2024.

KTM boasts its most formidable MotoGP team yet, featuring Brad Binder and Acosta, and has further strengthened its lineup with the inclusion of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini in the Tech3 KTM squad. The Austrian manufacturer is under pressure to deliver significant results swiftly, which could greatly contribute to securing the team's longevity by attracting potential investors' attention.

Lewis Duncan: In 2024, Ducati proved to be an unparalleled powerhouse, clinching victories in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races available, thoroughly outperforming its competition to secure a third consecutive riders' championship.

Considering the difficulties faced by Japanese producers and the unpredictable performance of KTM in 2025 due to its ongoing financial troubles, this situation positions the only brand besides Ducati that claimed a victory in 2024 as its most apparent competitor.

Aprilia fell to third place in the constructors' rankings last year, but various crucial elements might propel it back up the ladder, potentially challenging Ducati.

Aprilia secures the talents of Jorge Martin, the world champion who consistently outperformed his competitors in 2024, riding a Ducati. His expertise with the Desmosedici, shared by Marco Bezzecchi, is expected to be a significant asset for Aprilia. Additionally, the arrival of Fabiano Sterlacchini as the technical director, bringing his experience from his time at KTM and Ducati, promises to bring innovative concepts to the race team in Noale.

Peter McLaren: Jorge Martin thrived in the role of the 'dark horse', competing as an Independent rider for Pramac, in his championship contest against factory favorite Bagnaia.

Switching to Aprilia places Martin in a comparable role as the dark horse, a condition he appears to excel in. This time, however, he brings the added advantage of being a world champion, coupled with the complete support of a factory team.

The RS-GP emerged as the sole motorcycle to outperform Ducati last season, securing four victories, among them Sprints.

Competing for the championship in 2025 might seem like a formidable challenge for Martin, yet after becoming the inaugural Independent 'MotoGP' champion, is it possible for him to secure Aprilia's maiden victory in the premier class?

It would be unexpected if he fails to claim victories, especially if the riders from Ducati Lenovo focus too much on each other and lose valuable points, Martin's ability to qualify well and maintain steady performance might lead to a significant surprise. Given that he prefers to keep the bike's settings largely unchanged, much hinges on his compatibility with the RS-GP25.

Alternatively, it could be argued that Pedro Acosta and KTM might pose a significant challenge to Ducati.

Derry Munikartono: My choices for the main competitors are the usual ones—KTM and Aprilia, who pose significant challenges to the Italian powerhouse.

Aprilia's team is set to receive a significant boost as Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, and former Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi join their factory lineup.

At the same time, KTM boasts an intriguing roster of riders. Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder make up the Factory Team, complemented by the pairing of Grand Prix champions Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini at Tech3 KTM.

Both manufacturing plants undoubtedly possess significant potential. However, they must address certain challenges to position themselves as a credible challenge to Ducati.

The economic downturn affecting the parent organization, Pierer Mobility Group, has had repercussions on KTM, impacting their MotoGP initiative as well.

The strategy for the 2025 season is still in place, as they had accounted for the costs before the financial issues emerged. However, what lies ahead after this season, as well as the progression of the RC16, is highly uncertain.

Aprilia's financial situation has improved, yet they are dealing with their own set of challenges.

The team from Noale is currently undergoing a phase of reconstruction, having parted ways with three out of their four riders from the previous year, and also welcoming Fabiano Sterlacchini from KTM as their new technical leader.

Following a disappointing conclusion to their hopeful 2024 season, Aprilia faces significant challenges in refining the RS-GP to effectively compete against Ducati.

Regarding the Japanese manufacturer, they face a significant challenge in competing with Ducati.

I propose that Yamaha is poised for another successful year refining the M1, while Honda is expected to make similar progress with their RCV model.

In my opinion, Yamaha is poised to return to the MotoGP podium, whereas Honda is set to consistently challenge within the top-10 rankings.

Alex Whitworth: In 2024, KTM secured the runner-up position in the constructor rankings, however, Aprilia is expected to take over this spot in 2025.

The financial difficulties faced by the Austrian firm have been extensively reported, and it's expected that these issues will affect their performance in competitions, although the exact consequences are yet to be determined.

Conversely, Aprilia has revamped its technical direction by bringing onboard Fabiano Sterlacchini and, notably for the 2025 season, has enhanced its team of riders. This includes the addition of Marco Bezzecchi and the recent MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin, to its initiative.

Martin is expected to outperform Bezzecchi, and both should frequently finish among the top three. While challenging the main Ducati riders directly may not be a common occurrence, it's not out of the question. However, they are anticipated to consistently outpace KTM, particularly as the season progresses.

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Marco Bezzecchi expressed a cautious sentiment, acknowledging the potential consequences of speaking carelessly. He noted, "Seeing the crowd around me made me think, 'Alright, speaking without thinking could really land me in trouble now!'"

Following three years with the VR46 satellite squad, Marco Bezzecchi fully grasped what it means to be a factory MotoGP racer once he completed his initial test for Aprilia in Barcelona this past November.

"Being part of a factory team for the first time was truly incredible," Bezzecchi remarked. "The leap from a satellite team to a factory team is substantial. Suddenly, you represent a whole brand, with hundreds of individuals working on your behalf, and it's remarkable."

"However, the most significant change lies within the confines of the box. Halting [in the pits] brings about a noticeable increase in the number of individuals surrounding you."

"Additionally, I felt somewhat anxious because upon taking my seat, I noticed the crowd and thought, 'Alright, if I talk nonsense now, that's going to be an issue!'" he said humorously.

"It was quite impressive. Additionally, the amount of effort observed in the factory was noteworthy, and they genuinely strive to provide you with all the essentials."

"Undoubtedly, the satellite team does their utmost to support you, yet it's an entirely different scenario when you have a manufacturer backing you up."

While Aprilia's recent acquisition, current champion Jorge Martin, has undoubtedly garnered significant attention, the decision to sign Bezzecchi has also been warmly received by the Italian supporters.

In 2020, Aprilia Racing's CEO, Massimo Rivola, made an attempt to recruit Bezzecchi from the Moto2 category.

Bez declined the opportunity, yet a disappointing 2024, coupled with the ascent of Martin and Marc Marquez, led to the Italian losing his position in the race for a spot with the Ducati factory team, just as an opening emerged at Aprilia.

"In late 2020, Massimo extended an invitation for me to move up to MotoGP, however, I didn't think I was prepared at that moment," Bezzecchi explained. "Therefore, I chose to remain in Moto2, yet he provided me with the opportunity to hold the handlebar!"

"Upon learning last year that Aleix planned to retire, I quickly told my manager, ‘We should aim for a spot at Aprilia’. It was a mutual desire, which made it even better when Massimo offered me the other handlebar grip!"

"I believe it's a remarkable family. The reception I received during my factory visit yesterday was beyond my expectations. Observing the people gazing at us with emotional eyes deeply moved me."

"I'm looking forward to building a lasting partnership with them and I really hope the audience appreciates it. More than anything, I'm eager to see how quickly I can ride this motorcycle."

In 2024, despite a generally unremarkable season on the GP23 circuit, Bezzecchi demonstrated his skill by securing three MotoGP victories and achieving third place in the 2023 world championship.

What would the experience of securing a victory for Aprilia be like?

"He mentioned, "It's going to be a whole new experience. Each race stands out on its own. Currently, I'm overwhelmed with affection from everyone at Aprilia, which really boosts my morale. It allows me to relax a bit more.

"We're optimistic that a victory is on the horizon. Understanding the challenge ahead, our goal remains to swiftly adjust to one another. This includes my adaptation to the motorcycle, the team's adaptation to me, and vice versa."

"I'm unsure about the exact emotion that will overcome me [should I secure a victory for Aprilia], but tears are likely to follow! Shedding tears in moments of joy is truly a wonderful thing."

Bezzecchi, who finished 13th but was closely competitive with Martin during the Barcelona test, is set to return to the RS-GP25 for the pre-season testing scheduled to start in Sepang come February.

Statements supplied by Alex Whitworth, correspondent for Crash.net.

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

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Sterlacchini Rethinks Aprilia's Braking Flaws After Barcelona Test

Fabiano Sterlacchini admits, "The test in Barcelona altered my perspective on what I previously believed."

Quick, smooth turns favored, abrupt, halting turns disfavored. This has frequently been the perceived characteristic of the Aprilia RS-GP in MotoGP.

However, the distinction was not always clear last season, as the RS-GP's superiority diminished in the quicker segments at Catalunya, for instance. Yet, it managed an unexpected Sprint podium finish at the Red Bull Ring, known for its demanding braking points, only to fall short in the GP.

Aprilia's newly appointed technical chief, Fabiano Sterlacchini, acknowledged agreeing with the perception of a 'braking issue' while observing from his past high-ranking positions at Ducati and KTM.

However, his opinion shifted slightly due to the RS-GP's strong showing in the intense braking zones during the final round in Barcelona, where Aleix Espargaro secured 4th and 5th place finishes. This view was further influenced by insights from former Ducati racers Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi during the test session that followed the race.

"Sterlacchini admitted, "Frankly, when competing against Aprilia previously, I was pretty sure the bike's braking was its Achilles' heel." He observed, "Considering the bike's performance in Spielberg, a classic 'stop and go' scenario.

"However, after the trial in Barcelona, my initial perspective started to shift somewhat."

"Additionally, the fresh faces among the riders expressed their satisfaction with the front's stability and their increased confidence. Moreover, Aleix's performance during the braking test in Barcelona underscored the motorcycle's capabilities."

"It's essential to grasp the reason behind the bike, or the overall package, previously struggling with intense braking and tight turns. Obviously, admitting to a vulnerability is not an option if we aim to be contenders in every race."

The erratic behavior of the RS-GP, particularly when braking and accelerating, which is believed to be related to its electronic systems, has also been a disadvantage.

"Sterlacchini affirmed that electronics is a crucial field they have focused on during the off-season."

"Particularly, the activity observed in Barcelona may compel you to adopt a particular [configuration] approach to circumvent this activity. Usually, when this is done, it necessitates a sacrifice in performance."

"Certainly, the electronics component is a focus area for us. We're in the process of preparing some materials for the upcoming test at Sepang, particularly because the track there is well-suited for evaluating electronics."

Despite achieving eight wins (Sprint and GP) since 2022 and being the sole manufacturer to overcome Ducati in the previous season, no Aprilia racer has managed to secure a position above fourth in the overall MotoGP rankings.

At Aprilia, as it enters a new phase with Martin, Bezzecchi, and Sterlacchini, the key term being emphasized is 'consistency.' However, achieving this is more challenging than it sounds.

"Sterlacchini shared insights on enhancing the bike's reliability, emphasizing the daily commitment required to achieve consistency. He added, 'However, it's crucial to evaluate circumstances through the lens of data to avoid relying solely on subjective views.'"

The Italian emphasized that the presence of eight Ducatis in recent seasons – a figure that will decrease to six by 2025 – naturally contributed to their stable performance.

"Clearly, I'm not trying to downplay the significant achievement of the Ducati motorcycle, but certainly, having eight riders of varied profiles…

Examining, for instance, the outcomes for Bagnaia and Jorge in Austin, where they didn't make it to the podium, their performance appears to have declined. However, ultimately, Bastianini managed to secure a spot, finishing in third place!

"Therefore, the assessment of competitiveness must occur under identical circumstances."

Fascinatingly, Sterlacchini also discussed the subsequent mental impact of a weekend lacking in competition.

"Stability plays a crucial role in cycling. Why? The sport heavily relies on one's drive and belief in their actions," he stated.

"Drive plays a crucial role in performance, and if you face difficulties in one competition, the adverse impact carries over into the subsequent event."

"Thus, even if you possess a strong contender for the upcoming race, you're still impacted by this negative aspect. Therefore, achieving consistency remains a goal."

In summarizing his approach to MotoGP design, Sterlacchini, who has succeeded Romano Albesiano as he moves to HRC, emphasizes that combining insights from riders with advanced engineering techniques is crucial for achieving success.

"He suggested that we might be entering a transformative period for motorcycle racing."

“Previously, [design] was entirely influenced by feedback from riders. Nowadays, it has evolved to a level of complexity where this alone is insufficient.

"Hence, paying attention to the rider is crucial. Following that, the engineering and analysis play a key, let's say, essential role in achieving an improved motorcycle."

"Riders attempt to grasp the actions of their motorcycle. Clearly, they cannot be expected to act as an infallible 'sensor' with an impeccable 'processor' to comprehend it all. This is precisely why we, the engineers, play a crucial role."

"The approach focuses on striking the ideal balance between the rider's experience and the crucial engineering elements that drive performance."

Sterlacchini's RS-GP25 is set to hit the track again with the team's updated roster, featuring the current champion Martin and three-time race victor Bezzecchi, at the Sepang trials scheduled for the beginning of February.

Statements supplied by Alex Whitworth, a journalist for Crash.net.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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