The 19-year-old reigning Moto2 champion made his official MotoGP debut on Friday at the Losail International Circuit with the KTM-backed Tech3 GasGas squad. Leading both sessions at various stages, Acosta was third overall in the dry FP1 and third in the rain-hit second outing to cap off a first day that has generated more hype […]
Tag: MotoGP
Altering Qatar MotoGP schedule due to wet track a “joke”
The second practice was shortened from an hour to 45 minutes and the results did not count towards qualifying, following a vote amongst the riders when rain fell heavily prior to the session. While some were initially concerned if there could be any running at all given how wet the circuit was during a preceding […]
Marquez “not far” in Qatar MotoGP practice but wary of “fake day”
The eight-time grand prix world champion ended Friday’s dry FP1 fourth fastest on the Gresini Ducati and topped the rain-hit FP2. Marquez enjoyed a strong pre-season on the 2023-spec Ducati but has repeatedly tempered expectations, doing so again after Friday’s Qatar running. While noting that he is feeling stronger all the time on the Ducati, […]
Martin tops first practice, Acosta shines in third
Following two pre-season tests in February, the 21-round 2024 MotoGP campaign begins this weekend in Qatar. Last year’s championship runner-up Jorge Martin topped the times by 0.047 seconds in a largely unrepresentative opening session from Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro. But it was Tech3 GasGas rookie Acosta who stole the show, topping the session on… Continue Reading […]
New Ducati MotoGP deal “important” to focus on 2024 title defence
On Monday of this week ahead of the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix, Ducati announced it had re-signed Bagnaia for two more years beyond 2024. It was a move Ducati was keen to secure before the new campaign got under way, not least with the rider market for 2025 set to be chaotic with more contracts […]
MotoGP secures new television rights in the US
The new MotoGP season begins this weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix, as Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia embarks on a campaign to defend his title for a second time. America is a major market for MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports, with it welcoming former NBA chief Dan Rossomondo as chief commercial officer last year. In 2024, MotoGP […]
Quartararo yet to have “proper talks” about new MotoGP contract with Yamaha
Quartararo has been the subject of much speculation heading into the final year of his contract with Yamaha, with the French rider having repeatedly expressed his frustration about the limited progress on the M1 compared to what European rivals Ducati, KTM and Aprilia have managed. During pre-season testing in Malaysia, Quartararo admitted he has held… […]
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
The eight-time grand prix world champion will embark on his first season on Ducati machinery this year having spent 11 seasons with Honda. Ending pre-season testing in competitive form, Marquez said last month that he was looking for the final three tenths of lap time to get on terms with the leading riders. Speaking ahead […]
MotoGP abandons disqualification for riders breaking tyre pressure rule
Last year saw a new minimum tyre pressure set that all riders had to adhere to for 30% of a sprint race and 50% of a grand prix, with the regulation mandated from the British Grand Prix onwards following a period of development for the new Tyre Pressure Management System. The penalties for breaking this […]
Acosta thinks stealing a Marquez win record in debut MotoGP year impossible
KTM protege Acosta is considered by many as one of the most talented riders to come through the junior ranks in the last few years, leading to comparisons with Marquez and the success he enjoyed at the start of his MotoGP career. Then factory Honda rider Marquez scored a victory in only his second race […]