Transfers, races, declarations... A jumbled round-up of MotoGP news to reconnect with as Silverstone approaches.
Ducati Race of Champions: just for fun?
Fresh news: this weekend, as every year, Ducati is organizing World Ducati Week, during which the “Ducati Race of Champions” takes place. This event brings together all the professional Ducati riders for a short, friendly race - or almost! Marc Marquez didn't see it that way, even provoking an incident with Bulega in a corner.
Francesco Bagnaia won the race comfortably on the new V4, dominating a field made up of some of the world's best riders on identical machines. The newlywed's success reinforces the idea that he is undoubtedly the fastest motorcycle racer in the world today.
Raul Fernandez and Joan Mir extend their contracts
As is almost invariably the case, such breaks give way to contractual discussions. Raul Fernandez has taken the opportunity to extend his contract with Aprilia-Trackhouse until 2026. The decision seems logical in view of his solid start to the season, despite the fact that he has yet to fully assume the role of “future MotoGP cracker” that was assigned to him in Moto2.
This image, while flattering, has perhaps been a burden for him until now. In any case, Aprilia has chosen to renew its confidence in him, hoping that he will realize his potential in the years to come.
The same goes for Joan Mir (26), who has been extended for a further two seasons with the official Honda team... He looks forward to Silverstone, marking the 75th anniversary of the competition: “Silverstone this year will be incredible with all the special liveries, and I have to say that ours is probably the most beautiful MotoGP bike I've seen!”
Pedro Acosta is the unanimous choice
After Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo was quick to praise Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Unequivocal, the three-time MotoGP world champion with Yamaha (2010, 2012 and 2015) even drew a bold comparison with legends. “He has qualities of Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. Charisma in particular,” he declared. “He also has Marc Marquez things: ambition and self-confidence.” However, the Spaniard added an important piece of advice: “Watch out for crashes. A serious injury can end a career.”
It won't have escaped anyone's notice that rookie Pedro Acosta has been in poor form, with aggressive riding leading to crashes. A well-timed truce, before impressing again?
Pedro Acosta, currently sixth in the MotoGPC standings
It was good for me to get away from it all, spend some time with my family and do a lot of training. We've got an eventful second half of the season ahead of us, so we're going to have to work hard and constantly.
Morbidelli at a turning point in his career
After a brief mention of Valentino Rossi, Franco Morbidelli seems to have attracted the interest of his VR46 team. The question now arises: has Morbidelli served his time in the category and should he be included in the annual rider rotation, or will he join the team of his former mentor, Valentino Rossi? The 29-year-old's future remains to be seen, but this possibility could mark a turning point in his career.
A lively waltz at KTM!
As the driver market stabilizes for next season, changes are now focusing on technicians. The most recent transfer concerns Christian Pupulin who, according to Motorsport.com, is set to join Honda with Luca Marini. This departure is another loss for KTM, already hit by the end of Fabiano Sterlacchini's contract. Commenting on Sterlacchini's departure, KTM director Pit Beirer said: “He initiated and developed areas of our project that we hadn't even considered. We've taken a new direction. I think our project is on a much firmer footing thanks to his contribution.” (GPOne)
Last year, KTM finished second in the MotoGP constructors' standings, behind Ducati.
Aleix Espargaro disappoints Zarco in Jerez
Aleix Espargaro, who will ride alongside Johann Zarco as a Honda test rider next year, disappointed the Frenchman in Jerez. He spoke frankly in an interview with Canal+, in the “Team Zarco” series (broadcast on Youtube). An episode in which we also learn that Keanu Reeves is literally a fan of the recent Suzuka 8 Hour Endurance race winner.
Johann Zarco, Suzuka 8 Hour winner
If I try to do things the way I do in MotoGP, I almost create problems on the bike. You have to try and adopt the Japanese style, which is very gentle and works well at Suzuka.
I liked it [taking part in the Suzuka 8 Hours in the EWC] because it gave me back a bit of the finesse I had in Moto2. Getting back a bit of finesse in my riding can perhaps help in MotoGP...
These words (collected by Motorsport) underline the importance of adaptation and finesse in riding, qualities that the teacher hopes to incorporate to improve performance in MotoGP.
MotoGP: dialogue re-established with race management?
Freddie Spencer took over the reins in 2019. During his tenure, he was often the target of criticism from the riders, who frequently blamed him for inconsistent or unfounded decisions. Many of them repeatedly felt that the panel lacked relevance or was closed to dialogue. So could Freddie Spencer's departure mark the start of a renewed dialogue with race management? At least, that's the aim of Simon Crafar, a respected figure in the industry. The 55-year-old New Zealander won the British 500cc GP in 1998, during his three seasons in Grand Prix racing.
Simon Crafar, future president of the FIM MotoGP Commissaires Panel
I'm really looking forward to this new challenge. It's not a decision I've taken lightly, as it means leaving a role I've loved. But after seven years as a MotoGP commentator, I'm ready for a new adventure. I'll be approaching this job with my experience as a rider, technician, coach and journalist, but above all with my love for the sport and my respect for its competitors. It's an honor to be appointed to this responsibility.
With Simon Crafar as Chairman of the FIM MotoGP Commissaires Panel, riders and enthusiasts alike hope to see the emergence of a new era of clearer, fairer communication and decision-making. First indications in 2025.
Cards on the table: Yamaha's difficulties
Yamaha, through Massimo Meregalli, returned to the difficulties encountered by the Japanese manufacturer at the start of the season, especially where motorcycles are concerned. “Electronics, that's for sure. We're starting to really work on it, and the weight of the bike is also a factor. Its heaviness is not just due to its weight,” explained Meregalli.
These comments are in line with those of their flagship rider, Fabio Quartararo, whose difficulties at Mugello are enough to explain the current challenges. The lack of progress on electronics, once Yamaha's strong point, now seems to be working against them. Certainly too physically exhausting, this will not slow down Remy Gardner, who will be riding in Yamaha colors as a wildcard. The 26-year-old former Moto2 World Champion had already been called up for the last GP in Germany.
Quartararo at the Olympics?
Quartararo, a name that often comes up in the mouths of his competitors. In the run-up to the Olympic Games, members of the paddock had some fun imagining who would be the best in various disciplines...
