Clément Vigniel’s Post

Everything you need to know about MotoGP's revamped first 2024 test https://lnkd.in/dF8tAzA4 MotoGP's customary pre-season shakedown test will be a particularly anticipated event in its 2024 form, thanks to the series' new concession rules. Ahead of the two full-field pre-season tests, every MotoGP factory will hit the track at Sepang for the shakedown on February 1-3. But while this outing is normally reserved for just test riders (as per MotoGP's stringent testing rules) and rookies, the shakedown will be opened up to factory Honda and Yamaha riders. That’s because both of the Japanese marques were placed in 'Rank D' under MotoGP's new concession systems after they hugely underwhelmed in 2023 relative to their European competition. Now allowed to use its race riders and not just test riders in private testing - which the shakedown is effectively an extension of - Yamaha will wheel out its 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo and highly-rated new signing Alex Rins, as well as decorated tester Cal Crutchlow. First and foremost, the extra shakedown test days at Sepang - which will be followed by three full-grid days at Sepang and three full-grid days in Qatar - will be crucial for the new arrivals within the Japanese brands' ranks. However, it is not viable for both manufacturers to just have their entire fleet of riders test morning-till-night for the duration of the shakedown, because both are still limited by a test tyre allocation of 130 sets for the season. For Yamaha, a presumed priority will be the 2024-spec engine, given what had been tried during 2023 were just minor steps in terms of power. Over at Honda, a prototype RC213V for 2024 was met by rave reviews at Valencia - lighter, more responsive and seemingly faster. But Honda too has a lot of gains to be made with the engine, as well as aero. At the same time, both Yamaha and Honda have more freedom to make gains on both fronts in 2024, unbound by an engine freeze and beholden to looser aero homologation requirements (in terms of number of designs rather than any aspects of design) than their rivals.

In the high-speed world of MotoGP™, Alex Marquez shares his confidence in his brother Marc Marquez's ability to adapt to Ducati and his anticipation for the upcoming season. Alex begins with firm belief in Marc's capabilities: “I don’t have any doubts that [Marc Marquez] will achieve the level because he already showed it,” showing unwavering confidence in his brother's prowess on the track. However, he notes the challenges ahead, especially with Ducati's experienced riders: “Of course, he needs to take care at the beginning of the season because there are a lot of Ducati Motor Holding riders with more experience than him with this bike." This realistic take acknowledges the learning curve Marc faces with his new team. Alex advises a strategic approach: “He can be a bit stronger, see if he can score good points in the first few races and make a season stepping forward, then he’ll be in the fight." It's about building momentum and adapting as the season progresses. But Alex also tempers expectations: “But it’s too early at the moment to have any expectations.” This cautious optimism reflects the unpredictability of racing. Looking ahead to the pre-season, Alex says, “In the pre-season he will see what he needs to improve more, if he struggles or not, if the strong points he had on last year’s bike [Honda] are also useful in this bike [Ducati]…” This period will be crucial for Marc to adjust and find his edge. Alex concludes with respect and anticipation: “For sure, he’ll be fast and will put the rest of us in difficulties. Anyway, it will be great to see how far he is going with this new bike.” The Marquez brothers continue to shape the MotoGP landscape, and the upcoming season promises more thrilling moments on the track! 🏁🏍️💨 #AlexMarquez #MarcMarquez #MotoGP #Ducati #GresiniRacing #RacingBrothers #NewChallenges #MotorcycleRacing #Brothers #MM93 #AM73 #469Motorsports

Acosta stars, crazy aero - What we learned from MotoGP shakedown https://lnkd.in/eANvTGz3 The first major track action of the 2024 MotoGP season has come a little earlier this year - thanks to new concession rules that allowed for the three-day Sepang shakedown to be attended not just by factory test riders and rookies, but the actual race teams of struggling manufacturers Honda and Yamaha. And while the Malaysian outing was largely closed off to the media and with riders mostly (more on that later) not speaking about their experiences until the main three-day test early next week, there was still plenty to notice from trackside - and from the timing screens. Without the full grid, it’s of course still hard to piece together too much of what the season will look like - but that doesn't mean that there weren't still some interesting things on show. We always knew that rookie sensation Pedro Acosta was going to get on pace in MotoGP, given his remarkable progression through the ranks of Moto2 and Moto3 over the course of only three seasons. Ending the final day of the test fastest overall, he was only a tenth of a second away from the qualifying time set by top KTM racer Brad Binder at October’s race. Among the most noticeable things on show was KTM’s continuing aero push - and the lengths to which it's gone in hiding its various developments. Designed with the full might of partner Red Bull's F1 aero team, it’s quite obvious that there’s been an injection of new thinking (...).

Get ready to rev up your engines, MotoGP fans! 🚨🏍️ The 2024 season is in full swing, and we've got everything you need to know! 📰🔍 We invite you to RACE OVER to our website to check out our latest article for the full scoop on this year's MotoGP, including: 🏎️ Rider Line Ups 🏁 Full Race Calendar 🔧 Rule Changes 🏭 New Team Updates Don't miss out on the action! 🔥🏁 Read the full article on our website. #MotoGP #Moto2024

MotoGP set to remain faster than WSBK under 2027 rules – how do they compare now?: Earlier this month MotoGP announced the framework for its 2027 rules revolution, which is headlined by a switch from 1000cc to 850cc engines and a reduction in aerodynamics.The aim of MotoGP’s rules reset is to improve the on-track spectacle, while also becoming more road relevant, sustainable and cost-effective.However, the move to a small engine formula has led to fears that MotoGP bikes could ...Keep reading #motorsports #racing #cars

Putting the rest of the MotoGP puzzle together. In what has been undoubtedly the most manic rider market in perhaps even the history of MotoGP, there are still a handful of spots left to fill. These seats are namely at Trackhouse Aprilia, LCR Honda and Pramac (who make the switch to Yamaha). Though it is yet to be officially, announced, Fermin Aledguir is a Gresini rider in all but confirmation. While Miguel Oliveira seems to be the odds-on bet for the lead seat at Pramac, there isn’t a clear indicator of who will partner the Portuguese rider. It was speculated that either Alonso Lopez or Sergio Garcia could make the step up from Moto2. Both riders have had strong Moto2 campaigns thus far. There have been flashes of brilliance from Lopez, whilst Garcia has been the dark horse of Moto2 this year, the Spaniard currently a top the Moto2 standings. However, it has been reported by Motorsport.com’s Dutch site that the title sponsor of Pramac, Prima, wants neither Lopez nor Garcia on their bikes next season. This is reportedly due to the company wanting an Italian rider to fill at least one of the vacant spots. Tony Arbolino’s name has been thrown into the ring as a potential candidate for stepping onto the satellite Yamaha next year. Despite a difficult season, that has yielded the best of a 6th thus far, the Italian may have to find an increase in form to get his name on the dotted line. Another struggling rider in potential contention for the second Pramac seat is Jack Miller. The four-time race winner has had a bruising second season in orange, so much so that he was dropped in favour of rookie Acosta before the midway point of the year. Though Miller had previously stated that he hadn’t had a single offer, it was rumoured that Ducati had offered him Alvaro Bautista’s World Superbike seat. With still no confirmation of plans for next year from Bautista, a return to red could be an option for the Australian. Remy Gardner has also been linked to moving into the Pramac outfit, in what would be a return to the GP paddock. The Australian has been looking like the strongest Yamaha rider in World Superbikes this season, stepping onto the podium back in Assen. Gardner has made two GP appearances already this season, filling in for Alex Rins in Germany before taking over an injured Cal Crutchlow’s spot at the British GP. So, with at least some experience of the M1, Gardner could be a solid option for a second rider. It’s not just Pramac that has a spot that needs filling, as Trackhouse Aprilia are still searching for a rider to partner Raul Fernandez next season. After a pretty stellar start to his campaign, the smart money would have been on American Joe Roberts, seeing that it is an American-owned team...... https://lnkd.in/emetN2r8

Eight reasons MotoGP will be even better in 2024 https://lnkd.in/eyiaskAW MotoGP 2023 had its flaws, but it grew into the championship’s greatest title fight in years as Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin’s battle ebbed and flowed through twist after twist in the final three months of the season. And it was equally good value off-track too, thanks to Marc Marquez and the machinations over his future. OK, I can hear the sceptical voices as I type. Some of the loudest probably come from my colleagues on The Race MotoGP Podcast, where I’m happy to be the Tigger to my fellow pundits’ Eeyores at times. Yes, there is the possibility that once back on a competitive bike Marc Marquez will reveal that everyone who's won titles during his compromised years was just an inferior pretender. Yes, Ducati may still be near-unbeatable. Yes, the season is punishingly long, especially with sprints added, and the injury rate last year was unacceptable and couldn’t be shrugged off as a coincidence. Yes, the tyre pressure rule situation risks causing farces. Yes, it’s a huge shame that ‘dirty air’ is invading even motorbike racing and aero has been allowed to get out of control. I get all that. MotoGP 2024 will be flawed, too. But here are eight reasons why it’s also going to be even better than a 2023 season that will still be remembered as a classic (...).

Last week, I decided to file a complaint at the DG-Comp about the reduction of slots in the MotoGP championship performed by Dorna. Dorna is the company in charge of managing the championship and decides unilaterally what teams can compete in the championship. After the exit of the championship of Suzuki at the end of the 2022 season, KTM applied to acquire the two slots left vacant to start a new independent team for the 2024 season. However, Dorna rejected this application unilaterally. This can be regarded as an abuse of dominance by Dorna (it would be saving on the subsidies the company provides to the MotoGP teams) or as a hub-and-spoke cartel formed with the independent MotoGP teams, who benefit from the reduction in slots by being able to charge more to the sponsors (less motorbikes in the grid means less real estate for sponsors to advertise). Regarding this last hypothesis, Carmelo Ezpeleta put it as follows to the press: "Independent teams have rights and value that they would not have if you gave everyone who arrived a motorcycle". Other markets affected by the decision by Dorna are the ones for MotoGP riders (relatedly, they are in talks to start a union), for technical staff and the spectacle as a whole (I would argue that a race with 22 bikes is less enjoyable than one with 24). I am sharing here the report I submitted to the EU for anyone to check: https://lnkd.in/dDzmCRwY Disclaimer: I do not have any current or past links with any of the parties involved in the matter. I am just a fan of motorcycle racing concerned about the sport. #antitrust #monopoly #Dorna #MotoGP

Former MotoGP™ and WorldSBK star Ben Spies recently shared his insights on the distinct differences between riding in MotoGP and Superbikes, and how rider styles play a crucial role in each. ❝It's just that you don't feel it. Everything is stiffer, the bike and the tyres,❞ Spies stated, highlighting the tactile contrast between the two. He notes that in Superbike racing, the grip may be less but the feedback is a lot more pronounced, offering a different riding experience. Spies, known for his analytical approach, also discussed the adaptability required for MotoGP. ❝My riding style was generally not suitable for MotoGP,❞ he admitted, acknowledging the unique demands of the premier class. Spies praised Toprak Razgatlioglu, drawing a parallel with Marc Márquez's talent. He shared a candid conversation with Razgatlioglu post his tests with the M1, advising him on the potential challenges ahead. The conversation also turned towards Jonathan Rea, another Superbike legend. ❝He has enough talent to ride in MotoGP – but he would have to change his style,❞ Spies remarked. He speculated on Rea's decision to remain in Superbikes, prioritizing title wins over a shift to MotoGP. Spies' reflections offer a fascinating perspective on the intricate dynamics of motorcycle racing and the decisions riders face in their careers. For more insights and updates from the world of motorcycle racing, stay tuned! #BenSpies #MotoGP #Superbikes #WorldSBK #MotorcycleChampions #ToprakRazgatlioglu #JonathanRea #469Motorsports

🏁Marc Márquez opens up about his first week racing outside the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) team, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. Here's what he had to say about his performance: "Of course, we tried and we pushed [for the podium], but it was not possible. They were faster than me. But it's not a frustration because I already said on Thursday; Our position is 4th-5th-6th. In fact, yesterday 5th [in the Sprint] today 4th" His determination shines through as he continues to aim high, "Always the podium was close. But it's true that still I don't feel 100% comfortable to ride like I want. But let's see if we can improve for the next races." Marquez remains optimistic about the future, highlighting the importance of persistence and adaptation. As he adjusts to his new team dynamics and the feel of a different bike, there's a journey of adaptation ahead. "But let's see if we can improve for the next races." As Marquez navigates this transition, his resilience and relentless pursuit for improvement remain evident. The road ahead may be filled with new challenges, but his focus on progress and adaptation suggests exciting races are on the horizon. Here's to seeing how this new chapter unfolds for one of MotoGP's greats. 💪🔥 #MarcMarquez #NewChapter #MotoGPPassion #Marquez #MM93 #GresiniRacing #Ducati #MotoGP #MotoGP75 #469Motorsports