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#MotoGP #GRRmodern. Something exciting happened at Valencia, scene of the closing GP of an absorbing 2023 MotoGP season; and it wasn’t the title battle between winner Bagnaia and challenger Martin. #goodwood #goodwoodelevenses The Goodwood Group #motogp2024 MotoGP™ #bike #motorbike #motorcycle #bikes #motorbikes #motorcycles #WSB #superbikes #autos #autosport #automotive #automotiveindustry #cars #racing #sports #classiccar #classiccars #motorracing #motorsport

Honda revamps MotoGP livery for first time in three decades: … the history of motorcycle racing. Repsol and Honda are entering the … Ducati. This means that for the first time in 30 years, Honda … and white colours. Repsol Honda Team RC213V livery Photo by … of leading its revival. Honda has significantly overhauled its RC213V … #motorcycle #motorcycles #motorbike

Dall'Igna: MotoGP concessions allow rivals to make mistakes Ducati can't make https://lnkd.in/e6_YxHSG On the 10th anniversary of his arrival at the Bolognese company, the engineer has been accumulating influence, in his team and in the championship, to the point of being seen by many as the Adrian Newey of the competition. After breaking most records last season, Ducati will face 2024 in full strength and with the extra asset of Marc Marquez, who has given up the last year of the million-dollar contract that linked him to Honda, to ride one of Dall'Igna's bikes. Luigi Dall'Igna spoke to Motorsport.com just a week before the start of the Ducati presentation events, which this year will compete for its third MotoGP title, the fourth in the history of the Borgo Panigale brand. Q. Many people compare you to Adrian Newey, the head of Red Bull's technical department in Formula 1, because of the influence you have in MotoGP. However, with your bikes it's not just one rider who wins, but many. Does that put you on a higher plane? LD: That's impossible. Newey is a legend. Just the fact that someone compares me to him is enough to satisfy me. But cars and motorbikes are two completely different universes. Q. Concessions can be a great help, as long as you are aware of what you have to change. Do you think Yamaha and Honda know that? LD: The big difference is that they have the possibility to make mistakes and fix them. For example, with the engine, which they can open and modify. We don't. Those who have the concessions can go back with the engine if they have a problem. We have to finish the championship with the engine we homologated at the start. That's why we have to be much more conservative. It's not just a question of testing, it's a question of being able to take a lot more risks. They, in terms of aerodynamics, have one more upgrade than us. If we get it wrong, we have a problem. Q. What factors made you stay at Ducati and not accept the challenge Honda offered you? LD: It has cost us a lot to get here. We didn't win the world championship from one year to the next. It would have been completely stupid to give up on a situation as positive on a technical level as the one that surrounds me now at Ducati. The team I have around me is wonderful, both from a technical and human point of view. At Ducati it's great. It's a place where you can talk, discuss. It's not easy to give up this sweet thing.

UNPRECEDENTED SEVEN-YEAR DEAL SHOWS PRAMAC'S WORTH TO YAMAHA https://lnkd.in/ed7asS2V Yamaha’s new satellite MotoGP team deal with Pramac starts with an unprecedented seven-year commitment, highlighting how vital Yamaha felt it was to restore its presence on the grid to four bikes. Reigning teams’ champion Pramac’s switch from Ducati was officially announced after Friday practice at the Dutch TT, but both it and the startling duration of the initial deal were confirmed by Pramac CEO Paolo Campinotti in an interview with Italian publication GPOne during track action at Assen. Though long manufacturer/satellite relationships are far from uncommon (Pramac has been with Ducati for two decades), they are usually agreed on a rolling basis with much shorter-term contracts.

India MotoGP: Riders praise BIC layout, but run-off areas still a concern At long last (and not without hiccups), the travelling circus that is the MotoGP paddock has arrived at our very own Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Though track action is yet to kick off, the riders have had a chance to explore the circuit on foot and bicycle.  We caught up with some of the top riders to get their first impressions of the track. India GP on September 22-24 1km+ long back straight receives mixed opinions Turns 2, 4 and 12 areas of concern The Buddh International Circuit was built for F1, so naturally a few tweaks had to be made to the track to make it better suited to motorcycle racing. After an initial visit by FIM officials earlier this year, changes were made to certain areas of the circuit to improve safety and optimise the run-off areas for motorcycles. However, heading into the race, plenty of riders still had concerns regarding the safety of the track, after analysing video footage. But now that they’ve checked out the track in person, first impressions across the board are largely positive, with most riders expecting this to be a fun layout. There remain some concerns about run-off areas at certain parts of the track, though. “The track is wonderful – altitude difference [elevation changes], tricky corners, banking corners. It looks like an exciting track. The only thing is that some run-off areas are very close,” said Yamaha rider Franco Morbidelli. When probed about what he feels are the areas of concern, he cited Turn 2, 4 and 12 as those that stand out. Reigning world champion and current championship lead Francesco Bagnaia echoed the same sentiments, saying, “I feel that the layout of the track is interesting and bit different compared to a lot of tracks that we are going to. So, I think it could be great. It would be interesting to try riding tomorrow, considering the run-off areas in some parts of the track look a bit too short.” Mixed reactions to BIC’s long straight Some key talking points among the riders have been the elevation changes across the track, the banked parabola of Turn 10, and the 1km+ long back straight. The latter is a cause for concern for some riders, while others are looking forward to it. “Long straight!” were the first words to come out of Fabio Quartararo’s mouth when asked about the circuit layout and you can see why. “But yeah looks pretty fun, especially sectors 3 and 4. Some walls are a little bit close, but we will see tomorrow morning. But the track looks really fun,” the Yamaha rider added. Event organisers have been anticipating bikes to reach speeds of “up to 370kph” at the BIC, potentially even breaking Brad Binder’s MotoGP speed record of 366.1kph, set at Mugello earlier this year. However, the KTM rider believes that will take some doing. “It’s quite downhill, which is cool, but then there’s a big kick on the end. So when it goes uphill, it might kill the chances a little bit,” he...

In the competitive world of MotoGP™, Marco Bezzecchi faces critical choices shaping his future. He recently shared his thoughts about his career trajectory and aspirations to become a factory rider for Ducati, which reflects his ambition and dedication in the sport. Bezzecchi revealed, “It was a difficult decision because Ducati Motor Holding offered me a factory package." This opportunity from Ducati presented him with a significant decision, indicating the recognition of his potential in the racing world. He continued, “I don't know whether it would have been completely factory or an intermediate step, but for me it was about the fact that in MotoGP these days you have to get the performance up to speed very quickly." This statement underscores the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of MotoGP, where rapid performance improvement is crucial. Bezzecchi emphasized the importance of personal connections in his decision: “I knew that for me the human side was very important and I had built that relationship with my team and my team." His emphasis on the human aspect and existing relationships highlights the importance of team dynamics in this high-stakes sport. He also contemplated his long-term aspirations: “My goal – like every MotoGP rider – is to get into a factory team." This dream drives his decisions and career path, demonstrating his commitment to reaching the pinnacle of MotoGP racing. Bezzecchi's journey is a blend of ambition, loyalty, and strategic choices, as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of MotoGP, eyeing a future where he becomes a factory rider, a testament to his skill and dedication in the world of motorcycle racing.🏁🏆🏍️ #MarcoBezzecchi #MotoGP #DucatiDreams #RacingGoals #VR46Academy #MotoGPJourney #MB72 #VR46 #469Motorsports

MotoGP™ star Johann Zarco shares his insights into Ducati Motor Holding’s success and the close competition in the world of premier class racing. Zarco highlights Ducati's impressive capability: “What Ducati has been incredible at is to make a bike that all riders can win on,” he elaborates on their remarkable approach to creating a competitive machine. The key, according to Zarco, is Ducati's focus on the rider: “They give the opportunity to each rider to win races and to fight for podiums, by finding for everyone a good feeling on the bike.” This philosophy underscores Ducati's commitment to rider-centric development. Zarco admires this strategy, saying, “This is where they have been fantastic.” It's not just about the bike's power or technology but how it connects with each rider. But Zarco also sees potential in the competition: “But when you analyse everything, the [performance] difference is not so big and that's what gives a lot of hopes for the others.” He suggests that small changes could elevate other teams to Ducati’s level. His optimism for the sport concludes with, “Because it will be one change, or a few changes, that will bring the other bikes also on the top.” Zarco's perspective brings an exciting angle to the ongoing developments in MotoGP, as teams and riders gear up for another thrilling season! #JohannZarco #MotoGP #Ducati #RacingPassion #MotorcycleRacing #TeamSpirit #OnTheRise #JZ05 #LCRHonda #469Motorsports

The unnerving new image of MotoGP's 'F1-ification' https://lnkd.in/e49DXS_H The opening day of full-grid MotoGP 2024 pre-season testing at Sepang served up perhaps the defining image so far of the series' aero revolution - and it wasn't to do with any of the actual designs. The three-day shakedown at the same track that had preceded the test had already showcased many of the latest aero developments - whether they be revised front wing profiles hidden away by camo liveries to prevent rivals from getting a good gauge on the dimensions, increasingly intricate side structures or extensive modifications to the seat unit. All of these, though, have largely been iterations on ongoing MotoGP design trends, more globally meaningful as a mass than as individual components. But it was the sight of a 2024 Aprilia RS-GP taken through the corner at considerable lean angle by Miguel Oliveira with an array of pitot tubes attached at the seat that was really striking. No, it is not some sort of new clandestine technology - and if you happen to tune in to pre-season testing for MotoGP's four-wheeled counterpart Formula 1, it will take you virtually no time to see a car carrying the kind of 'aero rake' pitot tube array that makes what Oliveira ran today seem positively quaint. But what is an incredibly normal sight on an F1 car now feels so truly alien on a MotoGP bike - and while there's certainly a limitation to how many aero sensors can be fitted on a bike given its relative dimensional movements compared to the planted F1 car, clearly Aprilia has seen a benefit. And, on the one hand, the team deserved to be lauded. It is not surprising that Aprilia has felt compelled to run an aero rake on its bike because, alongside Ducati, it's been firmly at the front of everything aero in MotoGP in recent years, and its commitment to technological innovation has paid off big-time on track, helping turn it from something of a MotoGP laughing stock to a bold and brave racing operation with a desirable product for prospective riders. On the other hand... well, look at it. Look at that absolute monstrosity (...).

MotoGP™ sensation Jorge Martin points out the key area for Ducati Motor Holding’s 2024 model improvement: front locking. ❝I think we're struggling quite a lot comparing to the other brands in terms of front locking. I think we are used to it, but it's not easy to ride when the front is locked in every corner.❞ ❝I feel like this year my biggest step was in managing this front lock, but I think it’s the point where we have to improve and to make a much more stable bike in braking.❞ ❝Pecco did an amazing first part of the season. I did an amazing second part, I think,❞ Martin said. ❝We [finished the season] as the strongest, but we weren't at the beginning of the season, so that's why we arrived behind❞ ❝But I think that being a satellite team, what we are doing is amazing, and hopefully next season also we are going to start in this form and will arrive in a different situation at the end of the year.❞ ❝I don't know what more I can do to show my potential,❞ Martin said of his rumoured factory team chances in the closing stages of last year’s world championship. ❝I mean, making more than this is quite complicated: [Fighting for the MotoGP title] down to the last race, finishing second.❞ #MotoGP #JorgeMartin #Ducati2024 #MotorcycleRacing #PramacRacing #FrontLockingChallenge #RacingNews #469Motorsports

Ducati's officially tied with Honda's biggest record for MotoGP successes, and with good reason. Eight bikes on the circuit are no joke, and the brand's continual cleverness in the use of things like regulation-appropriate winglets only serve to punt their performance further to the front of the Grand Prix foray. It's still eight heckin' bikes, though. In the interest of keeping the grid fair for all, Dorma CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has gone to Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia, KTM, and Ducati to hash out concessions to current Grand Prix regulations. These new allowances need everybody’s approval... so what was each team's response? Take a look: https://lnkd.in/gf_JFme6