With the first free practice sessions for the Thai Grand Prix due to start at 5.45 am tonight, it's time to take a closer look at the latest news and upcoming challenges in the MotoGP championship.
Australian Grand Prix: a Marquez-style triumph?
Marc Marquez's performance at Phillip Island could not have been more impressive. After an improbable incident in which a tear-off (visor protection film) removed just before the start was blown away by the wind and caught under his rear wheel, 'MM93' saw his chances jeopardized from the start of the race. Despite this chaotic start, he quickly worked his way up to 7th place at turn 4, before finishing in the lead. While we may sometimes regret his repeated late starts, it's also fair to wonder whether he doesn't need to be up against the wall to bring out the best in his driving.
In any case, this success marks a fitting end to Marquez's time with the Gresini team, before he joins Ducati next year with an updated bike! In his quest for his seventh world title, Marquez hopes to match another legend, Valentino Rossi, in 2025. But this departure is not without sadness for the Gresini team, as expressed by Carlo Merlini, team manager: "It's sad that it's already coming to an end."(AS)
Viñales-Bezzecchi: an explosive duel!
The Australian Grand Prix was also marked by a spectacular incident between Maverick Viñales and Marco Bezzecchi. Viñales, shocked and angry, found it hard to suppress his rage. First making an obscene gesture while the Italian was still on the ground, he then expressed his frustration in front of the press. The incident continued to provoke passionate debate, to which Bezzecchi's response was not long in coming. Without apologizing, he stated that he "could not have done anything to avoid the contact". Nevertheless, Bezzecchi received a long-lap penalty.
Big scare with this crash between Bezzecchi and Viñales
CANAL+ MotoGP (@CanalplusMotoGP) October 19, 2024
The 2 riders are fine despite the violence of the crash, and will undergo further tests later today #AustralianGP #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/n9pYAjmqkL
Satisfaction in the French ranks
For the French, the Australian GP brought some satisfaction. Johann Zarco was surprised by the good pace of his Honda, while Fabio Quartararo scored another top 10 (9th). on October 24, 2024, 'El Diablo' celebrates the third anniversary of his MotoGP title. Three days ago, it was Zarco who brought back memories with his victory in Australia last season.
Quartararo preparing to adapt to Yamaha's new V4 engine, a project still in its preliminary stages. Max Bartolini, Yamaha's Technical Director, explained the complexity of the development: "Switching to V4 means creating a completely new bike, from top to bottom. It's not enough to integrate a new engine into an existing chassis." If this project is proof of Yamaha's investment in the future, the relationship between Quartararo and his management has been weakened by the rider's recent statements, but he remains optimistic ahead of the race in Thailand.
MotoGP 2024 riders' standings after the Australian GP (10/21/2024)
After the Australian Grand Prix, Jorge Martin is one step closer to the world title. Thanks to his consistency (6 wins in sprints, 3 in GPs), he is now in an ideal position to claim the crown.
MotoGP 2025, 2026... Major changes ahead?
The next MotoGP seasons are set to bring major changes. The engine freeze from 2026 has been made official, which will prohibit any technical modifications to engines during the season. Massimo Rivola, Director of Aprilia Racing, was optimistic about the future of the discipline: "MotoGP is going to experience enormous growth over the next few years, and it's the ideal time to be in this competition."
This new phase will not involve the Spanish oil multinational Repsol, which will be ending its partnership with Honda from 2025, after 30 years of collaboration and 15 drivers' titles. This divorce marks the end of a glorious era for the most successful team in MotoGP history.
Moto2 and Moto3: standardized testing format in 2025
In the Moto2 class, Ai Ogura looks set to take the title, while Somkiat Chantra, who will join LCR Honda in MotoGP in 2025, will be celebrated as the first Thai to enter the premier class.
through a promotional video. FB Moto GP Thailand fan club
Above all, this week saw major announcements in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories. This year, MotoGP has changed its testing format, with two sessions dedicated to set-up and one to securing a place in Q2. In 2025, the Moto2 and Moto3 categories will adopt the same format, abandoning the old system based on free practice to access Q2.
Manu Gonzalez, caught up in the turmoil?
Manu Gonzalez was keeping a lower profile, taking 6ᵉ place in the last Grand Prix. It has to be said that the last few days have been somewhat eventful for the Spanish driver. He found himself at the heart of a controversy he could have done without during the Japanese GP, after wearing a 'hachimaki', a Japanese headband symbolizing courage and determination. This gesture offended the Chinese, who associated it with the atrocities committed by the Japanese army during the 2nd World War.
The team's main sponsor, QJMotor, called for its immediate dismissal, considering it an affront despite the absence of malicious intent. As the controversy grew, the young Spanish driver quickly apologized"for an unintentional disrespectful gesture towards the Chinese people", before receiving the support of, among others, Mr. Marquez. The controversy seems to have died down.
Tribute to Marco Simoncelli: 13 years on...
Finally, every year at the same time, a special tribute is paid to Marco Simoncelli, the tragic victim of an accident at the Malaysian GP in Sepang. It's been 13 years since his death, and his memory lives on in the hearts of many MotoGP enthusiasts.
Main photo credits: Mela Chércoles / AS
Share
helmet
Gloves
jacket
braking
Chain kit
Oils
Find an intercom
Parts
Luggage
Tires
Bikers' reviews