Former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri shared his insights on the dynamics of MotoGP, particularly in the context of the ongoing championship battle between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. Melandri, closely observing the title race, offered his perspective on the preferential treatment often given to official team riders over satellite team riders.

Melandri commented on the situation, saying, “I haven’t criticized them for pushing for the official team to win, but it bothers me that they deny it at all costs, even though they do it anyway.” He acknowledged that MotoGP is a business with hierarchies, and it’s normal for factory teams to be privileged and expected to deliver more results. However, he pointed out the lack of transparency in admitting this preference.

Regarding the race in Qatar, Melandri reflected on Martin’s performance, suggesting that a setback due to tire issues was inevitable. He speculated that Michelin’s assurance about the tire being fine might indicate a pressure problem. Melandri emphasized the crucial role of tires in MotoGP, stating, “The tire makes the bike. It’s much easier to improve with a tire than with a change in the bike.”

Looking ahead to Valencia, Melandri noted the different pressures facing Bagnaia and Martin. For Martin, there’s nothing to lose, which could make his approach more relaxed, but also disappointing, given the technical issues that might have cost him the title. Bagnaia, on the other hand, will be trying to limit risks and manage the situation carefully.

Melandri concluded with advice for both title contenders, suggesting that Bagnaia will wisely control Martin, including in tire choices, while Martin will likely take a more aggressive approach. He reminded everyone that championships are decided at the finish line, indicating that anything could happen, including the influence of weather conditions.

Melandri’s comments provide a seasoned racer’s view of the strategic and psychological aspects of competing for a MotoGP championship, highlighting the complexities and pressures of the sport.

O conteúdo ‘MotoGP is a business, with hierarchies, it is better for them if an official rider wins than a satellite one’ – Marco Melandri aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The 2023 MotoGP championship race is heading towards a thrilling climax at the final round in Valencia, with defending champion Pecco Bagnaia and his rival Jorge Martin in a tight contest for the title. Despite Bagnaia’s early 62-point lead in the season, the gap has now narrowed to just 21 points, following a dramatic points swing in the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Valencia event holds the potential to decide the championship even before the main grand prix, thanks to the points available in the Saturday sprint. Bagnaia, with six grand prix wins to Martin’s four, could secure the championship in the sprint if he establishes a 25-point lead, as sprint results don’t count towards a tiebreak in case of equal points.

Here are the scenarios for Bagnaia to become champion in the Saturday sprint:

• Bagnaia finishes 1st, and Martin is lower than 2nd.
• Bagnaia finishes 2nd, and Martin is lower than 4th.
• Bagnaia finishes 3rd, and Martin is lower than 6th.
• Bagnaia finishes 4th, and Martin is lower than 7th.
• Bagnaia finishes 5th, and Martin is lower than 8th.
• Bagnaia finishes 6th, and Martin is lower than 9th (out of the points).

For Martin to keep his title chances alive into Sunday, he needs to finish the sprint in the top two, or Bagnaia must finish lower than sixth.

If Martin wins both the sprint and the grand prix at Valencia, a track where he has shown strength, Bagnaia needs to score 16 points or more across the two races to win the title. This could be achieved with a podium finish on Sunday or a pair of fifth-place finishes.

O conteúdo The Maths for Pecco Bagnaia conquer the championship in the Sprint Race aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Marc Marquez shared his insights on Jorge Martin’s performance during the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar. Martin, who had been exceptional in the Sprint race, experienced a significant downturn in the main race, leading to a loss of crucial points in the championship.

Marquez, who followed Martin closely throughout the race, observed that Martin’s performance was not his usual standard. He noted, “It was difficult for me to follow the pace of those in front, so I stayed there with Martin all the time. I was practically behind him for the entire race.” Marquez commented on Martin’s struggle, saying, “It’s not that he suffered excessively, but he didn’t have much more. Simply put, when you’re not finding it, you’re not finding it. It wasn’t the usual Martin.”

Regarding the potential cause of Martin’s issues, Marquez was cautious in his assessment. He suggested that if a tire is overheated at the beginning of the race, it becomes ineffective for the remainder of the race. However, he refrained from definitively attributing Martin’s performance issues to the tire, the rider, the team, or the bike without seeing the data. Marquez emphasized the importance of tire management, indicating that a good tire can perform poorly if not handled correctly at the race’s start.

“  I did a lot of laps this year behind Martin, behind Pecco a few laps, those that lasted because they always had a very high level and went much faster than us. But there Martín was suffering, he wasn’t turning in the same way, he didn’t have the same speed, and he wasn’t accelerating compared to the Ducatis who normally accelerate quite well. What happened ? What went wrong? I don’t dare say it, but it’s clear that he lost a lot of points for the championship,  ” he adds.

He still  “  dares  ” to show a direction… “ I don’t dare say without seeing the data if it’s the tire or what . It can be a very good tire but if you overheat it at the start of the race it is no longer useful for the whole race. It might be a bad tire, but if you take care of it at the start of the race, you’ll have more at the end  .”

“ And it might be a good tire, but if you increase the pressure because you overheated it, the bike won’t perform the same either. At the start I saw that it had failed, but I don’t dare say that it was the tire, the rider, the team or the bike without knowing it . What is clear is that he has lost points and now needs to show his best version to try to win the two remaining races in Valencia. And this way we have more opportunities to make mistakes .” 

Marquez’s comments reflect his expertise and understanding of the complexities of MotoGP racing, particularly the critical role of tire management. His observations also highlight the fine line between success and struggle in the highly competitive world of MotoGP.

O conteúdo Marc Márquez leaves some messages in the air about Jorge Martín race: ‘What happened ? What went wrong? I don’t dare say it, but it’s clear that he lost a lot of points for the championship’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Michelin was at the center of the latest MotoGP controversy, with Jorge Martín blaming the category’s tire supplier for allegedly providing him with a defective tire, which ultimately caused him significant performance issues leading to a poor showing in yesterday’s race in Qatar, jeopardizing his contention for the title.

In response to the Pramac rider’s criticism, Piero Taramasso – Michelin’s head for MotoGP – was quick to defend the French structure: ‘This weekend the absolute record and also the record for the fastest lap of the race were broken on the last lap. This shows the consistency of Michelin tires’ performance. Not only was the track surface new, but also a Grand Prix motorcycle had never ridden on it. It was not possible to organize any pre-test, and the first test session on a “green” track was really like a dive into the unknown.’

Taramasso then ‘aimed’ at Martín, considering that what happened with #89 was the only negative point of the weekend: ‘The only negative note was Jorge Martín’s performance. He complained about the rear tire at the beginning and then also about the front tire, because he pushed too hard. We are analyzing the data because, at this moment, it is not easy to say anything about the tire. The tire was manufactured in France and transported directly here, it was never pre-heated before.’

And he assured that news would come soon after analyzing what happened: ‘He has no idea, check the data we received from the team and, as soon as we have any news, we will inform Jorge, Pramac, and everyone about what happened.’

O conteúdo Michelin “responds” to Martín: ‘It was the only negative point in a weekend of records; his tyre came straight from France’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Marc Marquez, before his significant departure from Honda, has expressed a strong desire to support Alberto Puig, who appears to be in a precarious position within the Repsol Honda team. Marquez’s advocacy for Puig suggests that Puig’s role in the team might be under scrutiny.

The relationship between Marquez and Puig has been a mutually beneficial one, with each playing a significant role in the other’s career. This close bond has even extended to Marquez’s recent change in direction, as he prepares to start working with his future Ducati Gresini team from the first test of the 2024 off-season, scheduled for November 28.

However, Puig’s future with Honda remains uncertain, especially with Marquez’s impending departure and the fact that Puig has yet to propose names for the second RC213V rider, with the first MotoGP test for the upcoming season looming.

Marquez has spoken out in defense of Puig, describing him as an honest person who sometimes may have few friends due to his straightforward nature. Marquez views Puig as a fundamental figure at Honda, open to discussion and essential to the team’s project. He emphasized that Puig has excellent ideas for Honda’s future and insisted that making Puig a scapegoat would be a mistake. According to Marquez, Puig has always been clear and had a project in mind, some aspects of which have been implemented, while others have not. Marquez appreciates Puig’s ideas and believes that dismissing him would be an error.

This situation highlights the intricate dynamics within MotoGP teams and the importance of strong leadership and vision for the future, especially in a high-stakes, competitive environment like MotoGP.

O conteúdo Marc Marquez tries to save Alberto Puig: “he has good ideas, and if they fired him, I think it would be a mistake” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The ongoing dispute between MotoGP riders Franco Morbidelli and Aleix Espargaró has escalated following their on-track incident. The conflict, which began with a physical altercation during a race, has now intensified through a series of public statements.

Espargaró, the Aprilia rider, was fined 10,000 euros and penalized six grid positions for his actions during the race. He admitted to a severe overreaction, stating, “I had a very bad reaction, I lost my temper in an excessive way.” However, he clarified that his intention was not to hit Morbidelli but to push him away.

Morbidelli’s recent comments have further inflamed the situation. He criticized Espargaró’s behavior, questioning what Espargaró would tell his children about his actions. This personal remark about Espargaró’s family struck a sensitive chord with the Spanish rider.

In response, Espargaró acknowledged his mistake but also criticized Morbidelli for his conduct throughout the season. He accused Morbidelli of consistently causing issues on the track and making disrespectful gestures towards other riders, including Marc Marquez.

Espargaró was particularly upset about Morbidelli bringing his family into the dispute, stating, “What really bothered me is that in his statements he involved my family and my children. He crossed a very sacred line; this will not end here.”

Apart from the ongoing feud, Espargaró is also dealing with a physical injury. He suffered a small fracture in the head of the fibula in his left leg, which forced him to retire early from the Sunday race. Despite the severity of the injury and the associated inflammation, Espargaró is determined to try and compete in the upcoming race at Cheste.

This situation highlights the intense rivalries and emotions in MotoGP, where conflicts on the track can quickly escalate into personal disputes. Espargaró’s reaction and Morbidelli’s comments have added another layer of drama to the already competitive world of motorcycle racing.

O conteúdo Aleix Espargaró threats Franco Morbidelli: “He has crossed a line by including my children in his statements, this will not end here” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The battle for the MotoGP World Championship is intensifying, as evidenced by the recent Sprint race where Jorge Martin and Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia had a close encounter. Martin, who won the race, and Bagnaia, who finished fifth, ensured that the title will be decided in Valencia. However, before that, there’s the upcoming long race in Qatar, where sparks are expected to fly due to the aggressive racing displayed by Pramac team rider Martin.

Bagnaia, reflecting on the Sprint race, mentioned that he and Martin made contact twice, at the first and sixth corners. He found it exciting that Martin initiated the contact, saying to MotoGP.com: ‘It’s very nice that he came to me, to start, now I know it can be done and I like this situation’. This indicates Bagnaia’s readiness to engage in competitive racing.

“I think that is great that was him to do it, so He’s Opening a Situation that could be interesting for tomorrow”

However, Bagnaia also expressed disappointment with his performance. He had expected more from himself, especially after a strong weekend of practice where he felt great. In the race, though, he struggled from the first lap, unable to push as he wanted. He specifically pointed out issues with traction and losing ground on corner exits.

Bagnaia analyzed his performance, noting a lack of grip compared to his competitors. He struggled with the new tires, which differed from those used in practice. This affected his ability to take corners as confidently as before, particularly corner 11, where he felt at risk of falling. He believes this was an unfortunate, isolated incident and is confident of returning to his potential in the next race.

Despite losing a significant part of his lead in the championship, Bagnaia remains optimistic. He joked about not having a match point in the next race and expressed frustration at losing points due to technical issues rather than pace. He emphasized his speed throughout the weekend and his comfort with the hard front tire, though he had mixed feelings about the rear tire due to the sensations he experienced.

In summary, Bagnaia’s reflections on the Sprint race reveal his competitive spirit and readiness to face challenges head-on. His analysis of his performance and the anticipation for the upcoming races in Qatar and Valencia highlight the intense competition and strategic thinking inherent in MotoGP racing.

O conteúdo Pecco Bagnaia threats Jorge Martin: ‘He set an interesting precedent of aggression today for tomorrow’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Jonathan Rea, now an official Yamaha rider, has quickly adapted to his new team, as evidenced by his initial tests with the Yamaha R1. He humorously noted that the blue color of Yamaha matches well with his eyes. However, his focus has shifted towards Ducati, the dominant force in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), indicating a change in his stance since joining Yamaha.

In WSBK, as in MotoGP, Ducati is often the target due to its strong performance. This rivalry extends beyond the track to the off-season, as demonstrated by Rea during a visit to the Milan Motorcycle Show. He commented on the weight handicap of 7 kilograms that Alvaro Bautista will have to carry on his Ducati Panigale V4R in the upcoming WSBK season. Rea expressed skepticism about the impact of this weight penalty, believing that Bautista’s fitness and Ducati’s capabilities would allow them to remain competitive.

Rea stated, “Seven kilos of ballast? Alvaro Bautista is super trained and prepared, and with the Ducati, they will find a solution to stay ahead.” He further explained that in the Superpole Race, the bikes might use about seven kilos less than in longer races, so the impact would be minimal, and Bautista would manage well.

Rea also raised concerns about the cost disparity between motorcycles in the series. He pointed out that it’s problematic to have bikes costing 44,000 euros competing against those priced at 20,000 euros, especially when the rules are close to standard production. He emphasized the need for Dorna, the organizing body of WSBK, to address this issue. Rea hopes to be competitive with the Yamaha R1, but he also questioned whether it’s Ducati’s fault that Yamaha doesn’t produce a more expensive superbike to match Ducati’s pricing.

Rea’s comments reflect the ongoing debate in WSBK about balancing competition and maintaining fairness in a series that features production-based motorcycles. His move to Yamaha and his observations on the competitive landscape indicate a new chapter in his career and in the dynamics of the WSBK championship.

O conteúdo Jonathan Rea goes public with his war against Ducati: ‘We cannot let motorcycles that cost 44,000 euros race against motorcycles that cost 20,000’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Fabio Di Giannantonio, a MotoGP rider, is facing a challenging situation regarding his future in the sport. His prospects have become increasingly uncertain since Luca Marini showed interest in a Honda Repsol ride, which Di Giannantonio had hoped would be his lifeline. This situation has left him in a precarious position, as he finds himself potentially without a seat for the upcoming season.

Di Giannantonio expressed his feelings of frustration and disappointment at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he was awaiting confirmation of his future. He mentioned that two MotoGP seats were still unconfirmed, but he believed they were likely already taken. He requested to be left alone until the end of the weekend, as the ongoing uncertainty and constant surprises were causing him significant stress.

The series of events that led to his current predicament began with Marc Marquez’s departure from Honda, a move that Di Giannantonio described as the first in a domino effect. Following this, his own team, Gresini Ducati, was involved in the second domino, and then the Honda ride he was offered seemed to slip away, with another rider being preferred. This sequence of events, which Di Giannantonio likened to an avalanche started by Marquez, has left him feeling buried and without a place in MotoGP.

 “ it was like a domino effect. Marc Marquez left Honda first, which was the first big surprise as it was the most successful duo in the MotoGP era for eleven years. The second domino fell when it came to my team. Then I was offered the Honda handlebars. But now it looks like another driver will get it. We were close, but then they wanted someone else. It was the third domino  .”

Despite the setbacks, Di Giannantonio believes he deserves to remain a regular rider in MotoGP. He feels that his performance in his second year in the premier class justifies his position, and he views a move back to Moto2 or to the World Superbike Championship as a step backward. At 25 years old, he believes he is at the prime age for a racing driver and can continue to improve in MotoGP.

Fabio Di Giannantonio: “  I don’t deserve this, so I’m upset  ”

“  Subsequently, another opportunity presented itself for me because I have a lot of respect for the VR46 team. But here too, another driver is apparently preferred. This would be the fourth domino. This means that all the places would be occupied . Marc started the story, the snowball then became bigger and bigger, an avalanche which buried my place in MotoGP  ”

Di Giannantonio also considered the possibility of becoming a test rider, which could offer a pathway back into MotoGP, especially if he could replace injured riders and achieve good results. However, he did not specify any particular manufacturer regarding this potential role.

“  I really deserve to remain a regular rider in MotoGP . The situation is strange. Because so much has happened, I don’t deserve this, so I’m upset. This is my second year in MotoGP and I have achieved all the results that could be expected of me . A Moto2 would be a step backwards for me. The World Superbike Championship is also not an option at the moment. I’m 25 years old, I’m in my prime as a racing driver, I can continue to improve in MotoGP  .”

And as a test pilot? “  At the moment it is not a concrete possibility, but I have to build a path that can lead me to return to MotoGP and therefore I am thinking about it because there would be the possibility of replacing riders due to injuries and then to achieve good results. So I’m thinking about it .” 

In summary, Fabio Di Giannantonio is in a difficult position as he navigates the uncertainties of his MotoGP career. His situation highlights the competitive and often unpredictable nature of the sport, where even talented riders can find themselves struggling to secure their place.

O conteúdo ‘I don’t deserve this, so I’m upset’ – Fabio Di Giannantonio aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Joan Mir’s commentary on Luca Marini’s potential move to Repsol Honda in 2024 offers an insightful glimpse into the dynamics of MotoGP rider transfers and team strategies. Mir, who has established himself as a formidable competitor in the MotoGP world, brings a unique perspective to this discussion, given his own experiences and achievements in the sport.

Mir’s focus on Marini’s physical stature isn’t just a casual observation. It underscores a critical aspect of MotoGP racing – the synergy between a rider’s physical attributes and the bike’s ergonomics. The Honda RC213V, known for its demanding nature, has been a challenge for many riders. Marini, standing at 184 cm, might find it particularly challenging to adapt his riding style to the compact and aggressive nature of the Honda. This adjustment is crucial, as the bike’s handling and performance are significantly influenced by how well a rider can physically mesh with the machine.

Beyond the physical aspects, Mir’s comments about Marini’s methodical approach and seriousness on the track point to the mental and strategic elements of MotoGP racing. The ability to methodically dissect a track, understand the bike’s behavior, and execute a race strategy is what separates good riders from great ones. Marini’s reputed meticulousness could be a significant asset in his adaptation to the Honda bike and his overall performance with the team.

Mir’s observations about the changes within Honda also reveal the complexities of MotoGP team dynamics. The departure of Marc Marquez from Honda marks a significant shift, not just for the team but for the sport as a whole. Marquez’s aggressive and boundary-pushing style defined Honda’s approach in recent years. With his departure and potential arrival of riders like Marini, Honda might be on the cusp of a new era, one that could see a different racing philosophy and approach to bike development.

“ I’m already impatient to see how Luca will perform on the Honda. You will only see the knees and elbows, I know him and I like him . He is an intelligent and experienced pilot. He’s not a reckless driver who constantly drives at his limits and always risks everything on the brakes.”

Moreover, Mir’s own experiences and challenges with Honda this season add another layer to his perspective. His struggles and the team’s overall performance paint a picture of a team in transition, grappling with technical issues and seeking a new direction. This context makes Marini’s potential move even more intriguing, as it could signal a new chapter for both the rider and the team.

In conclusion, Joan Mir’s comments on Luca Marini joining Honda are more than just a passing remark on a fellow rider’s career move. They offer a deeper understanding of the physical, mental, and strategic complexities of MotoGP racing. As the sport continues to evolve, with new riders and teams emerging, these insights become invaluable in appreciating the nuances and intricacies of this high-octane world.

O conteúdo Joan Mir laughs at Luca Marini on the possible move to Honda: “You will only see the knees and elbows” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.