Alberto Puig, the team manager of Repsol Honda, has recently clarified some circulating rumors in the MotoGP paddock. Amidst the whirlwind of speculations regarding potential replacements for Marc Márquez, one name that frequently surfaced was Johann Zarco. However, Puig has firmly stated that Repsol Honda never made any contact with the French rider.

The departure of Marc Márquez from Honda has undoubtedly created a significant void in the team, leading to widespread speculation about his potential successor. Zarco, with his impressive track record and recent performances, seemed like a plausible candidate to many. Yet, Puig’s recent statements have put a halt to these rumors.

Speaking to Paddock-GP, Puig mentioned, “I don’t know where these stories come from. We have not approached Johann Zarco, nor have we had any discussions with him about a potential seat in our team.” He emphasized that while Zarco is undoubtedly a talented rider, the team has its strategies and plans for the future.

Puig also touched upon the broader topic of rider transfers and the challenges they pose. “In this sport, rumors spread quickly. It’s essential to focus on facts and not get swayed by speculations,” he added.

The Repsol Honda team is currently evaluating various options for the upcoming season. While the final decision remains under wraps, fans and experts alike are eagerly waiting to see who will take up the mantle after Márquez.

O conteúdo Alberto Puig contradicts Johann Zarco: “We never approached Johann Zarco” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

In a surprising move, Ducati, primarily known for its dominance in the world of MotoGP, has announced the launch of an ambitious motocross program. The Italian motorcycle manufacturer has teamed up with none other than motocross legend, Tony Cairoli, for this new venture.

Tony Cairoli, a name synonymous with motocross success, has won multiple World Championships and is considered one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport. His partnership with Ducati signals the brand’s serious intentions to make a mark in the motocross arena.

Details about the program remain under wraps, but insiders suggest that Ducati is investing heavily in research and development to produce a competitive motocross bike. The collaboration with Cairoli is expected to provide valuable insights and feedback to the Ducati engineering team, ensuring that the bike is tailored to meet the demands of professional motocross racing.

This move by Ducati is seen by many as a strategic expansion of its motorsport portfolio. While the brand has achieved significant success on the tarmac, entering the dirt track world of motocross presents a new set of challenges and opportunities. With Cairoli on board, Ducati aims to leverage his expertise and experience to fast-track its motocross program’s success.

The motocross community has expressed excitement and curiosity about this unexpected collaboration. Many are eager to see how Ducati’s engineering prowess, combined with Cairoli’s unparalleled skills, will shape the future of motocross racing.

It remains to be seen how this partnership will evolve and what impact it will have on the motocross world. However, one thing is certain: with two giants of the motorsport world coming together, fans can expect some thrilling action and innovations in the coming years.

O conteúdo Breaking News: Ducati Launches Ambitious Motocross Program with Tony Cairoli aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

In a recent Moto3 event at Phillip Island, Daniel Holgado faced a harrowing crash during the signing lap. The crash resulted in a puncture to Holgado’s face, raising immediate concerns about his well-being and ability to continue in the race. However, in a move that has sparked controversy and debate, Dorna, the commercial rights holder for the MotoGP World Championships, allowed Holgado to participate in the race, seemingly overlooking the established safety protocols.

The decision has been met with criticism from various quarters of the racing community. Many believe that the safety of the riders should always be the top priority, and any injury, especially one as severe as a facial puncture, should be taken with utmost seriousness. Critics argue that allowing Holgado to race not only put his health at risk but also set a dangerous precedent for future incidents.

Dorna’s decision to bypass the standard safety protocols in this instance raises questions about the organization’s commitment to rider safety. The protocols are in place to ensure that riders are in the best physical condition to race, minimizing the risk of further injury. By allowing an injured rider to participate, Dorna may have compromised the very essence of these safety measures.

Riders, teams, and fans alike are now calling for a thorough review of the incident. They demand clarity on why the established protocols were not followed and seek assurances that such oversights will not occur in the future. The racing community believes that while the spirit of competition is essential, it should never come at the expense of a rider’s health and safety.

As the debate continues, many hope that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in the sport. The emphasis should always be on ensuring a safe environment for riders, even if it means making tough decisions that might not be popular among fans or teams. The wellbeing of the participants should always be paramount, and it’s crucial that the governing bodies uphold this principle consistently.

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O conteúdo VIDEO: Concerns Raised Over Dorna’s Decision to Let Injured Daniel Holgado Race aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Casey Stoner, the former Australian MotoGP rider, recently shared his thoughts on the current situation between Honda and Marc Márquez. Stoner, who has firsthand experience working with Honda, was present at the Grand Prix held at Phillip Island. During the event, he had the opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances and assess the ongoing scenario at Repsol Honda.

Repsol Honda, the Japanese factory team, is currently navigating through one of its most challenging phases. The biggest question looming is who will step in to fill the shoes of Marc Márquez. Stoner expressed his astonishment at Honda’s decision, stating to TNT Sports, “I’m genuinely surprised that Honda let Marc Márquez go. They should have tried to keep him at any cost.”

The departure of Márquez poses a significant challenge for the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). Finding top-tier talent to represent their official team won’t be easy, especially with Márquez’s minimal losses. “Marc can now head to Gresini and test the waters with Ducati,” Stoner added, touching upon the hottest topic in MotoGP currently.

The exit of Márquez is undoubtedly a massive setback for Honda. However, the team will soon have to address several other pressing issues. With Márquez’s confirmed departure, Honda’s priority is to onboard a new rider. Stoner’s advice is straightforward: “Marc leaving is a blow to Honda. Attracting new talent will be tough, especially with the recent negative press. They need to hire a rider with the right mindset, someone ready to give their all with the equipment provided.”

Stoner believes that Honda should focus on recruiting a “young, fast, and hungry” rider. He suggests looking into the Moto2 talent pool. “Everyone emphasizes maturity and experience, but it often comes at a cost. An experienced rider knows exactly what they want. In contrast, a young, ambitious competitor is willing to give everything. I believe that’s the direction HRC should take. It’s not always about having a team leader; sometimes, what you need is a passionate rider, even if they’re not the most experienced,” concluded the Australian.

O conteúdo ‘Honda should have tried to keep Marc Márquez at all costs’ – Casey Stoner aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Former MotoGP rider, Jorge Lorenzo, recently sat down for an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, where he touched upon various hot topics in the MotoGP world, including Marc Márquez’s decision and the tight race for this season’s championship.

Starting off, Lorenzo discussed Jorge Martín’s mistake during the last Indonesian Grand Prix, attributing it to overconfidence. “The error was a result of being overly confident. It’s a valuable lesson for him,” he remarked. “He had the victory in his grasp; I don’t think Bagnaia could have beaten him. Bagnaia is more composed during crucial moments and is excellent at managing situations.”

Currently, Jorge Martín trails Pecco Bagnaia by 18 points, with Bagnaia leading the championship since the Indonesian race. “Bagnaia is under immense pressure. Martín will continue to be strong; he’s in top form and has significantly improved his riding style. Last Sunday, Bagnaia won, but it was Martín who lost. That race was his to win. You can’t give a rider like Pecco such an opportunity. With an 18-point difference now, the ball is back in his court. I won’t be hypocritical; as a Spaniard, I’d love for Jorge Martín to win in Phillid Island. We’re friends; he’s been to my house, and I’ve tried to give him advice in the past. My heart is with Martín,” Lorenzo expressed.

Given Martín’s recent performance in the Grand Prix events, it’s no surprise that he’s quickly closing in on the Italian, aiming to snatch the leadership from him. Martín, a rider for Prima Pramac Racing, believes he’s the fastest on the grid and will leverage this belief to challenge Pecco.

Reflecting on his time with Ducati, Lorenzo admitted that it wasn’t the best phase. “If I had raced with a Desmosedici in 2017, perhaps I’d still be racing,” he mused, indicating that the current version of the bike is far superior to what he had.

Lorenzo also shared his insights on Marc Márquez’s switch for the 2024 season. “It was fairly evident to me. He always seemed uncertain in his statements. He made a choice based on his happiness and the desire to feel competitive again. Even if you’re Marc Márquez, in sports, what you did last season matters. He sacrificed money, the team, and his loyalty to Honda. But from a sports perspective, it’s a good choice. He’ll be much stronger with Ducati. If he starts winning, Dall’Igna might consider dressing him in red,” Lorenzo revealed.

Lastly, Lorenzo didn’t hold back when discussing Yamaha and Fabio Quartararo’s situation. “He’ll be one of the great talents without a winning bike in 2024,” he stated.

O conteúdo Jorge Lorenzo Speaks on Márquez’s Shift to Ducati: “If He Starts Winning, Dall’Igna Might Consider Dressing Him in Red” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Still on the subject of GPOne’s interview with the charismatic Autralian rider Casey Stoner, one of the topics inevitably covered was Marc Márquez’s move from Honda to Gresini.

On the topic of Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini, Stoner said, “I’m not surprised by Marc’s decision to leave Honda. It must have been challenging for the Japanese to compete with the Europeans in recent years. I’m, however, surprised that Honda let him go. I understand Marquez’s choice; he wants to win on a winning bike.”

When asked about the potential of Marquez winning the championship, Stoner responded, “I still believe Marc is one of the greatest talents in this paddock. In recent years, Marc has had to deal with his physical condition and injuries. The Ducati is a winning bike, and he’s a champion. Whether he’ll be championship material, we’ll find out soon.”

Regarding Bagnaia, Stoner commented, “Pecco is a good rider. I know his chief technician, Gabarrini, well. Bagnaia has made significant progress and deservedly won the 2022 title. This year will be interesting with fast riders like Bezzecchi and Martin.”

Finally, when asked if there’s a new Stoner in the paddock, he said, “I don’t think so. Not because current riders lack talent, but because every rider is different. I’ve always been hard on myself. People sometimes don’t understand that I didn’t desperately want to beat others; I wasn’t happy with myself if I didn’t do my job. What mattered to me was personal achievement.”

O conteúdo ‘I still believe Marc is one of the greatest talents in this paddock’ – Casey Stoner aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

During this first day of the Autralia GP, one of the special guests is Casey Stoner, who will be present throughout the weekend, and during an interview with the GPone website, the Australian commented on the current situation in MotoGP.

Discussing the current state of MotoGP, Stoner expressed concerns about the dominance of electronics. “Electronics are taking over MotoGP, and that’s one of the main reasons I left. Riders aren’t given the chance to grow and understand their shortcomings because everything is compensated by controls. They should remove these controls to make it more fun and spectacular. Now, MotoGP is becoming like Formula 1, if not worse, where electronics rule. But these aren’t cars; they’re bikes. We don’t need to move in that direction.”

Stoner believes that the regulations need a revision. He suggests limiting the number of bikes per manufacturer and removing winglets to facilitate easier overtaking. “MotoGP is a spectacular sport to watch, and we should bring the championship back to the reality we all knew. Unfortunately, with all these devices, talent doesn’t shine through anymore. Today, the heroes are the engineers, not the riders.”

O conteúdo ‘Electronics are taking over MotoGP, and that’s one of the main reasons I left’ – Casey Stoner aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Fabio Quartararo, the leading figure for Yamaha, expressed his disappointment after repeatedly facing challenges in Australia while riding the M1. His primary concern revolves around cornering.

Fabio Quartararo ended the first day of action on the Phillip Island track in the seventeenth position, a result that not only left him unsatisfied but added to his growing frustration and that of the Yamaha team. “I have no chance of getting into Q2,” he stated bluntly, “I wanted to improve, but I’m a second off the pace. Our weakest point is the corners. The bike doesn’t turn, and since 2019, it’s been a continuous decline. Even my teammate struggles, and we can’t figure out why.”

Quartararo also highlighted the increased competitiveness of the entire group. “In 2022, I managed to qualify in the top 5, and we were a couple of tenths off the strongest. Progress was consistent throughout the weekend. Today, however, it’s all different. With a 1’29″4 last year, I was fourth; in contrast, this Friday, I was faster but only finished seventeenth. Everyone is pushing harder, but for me, hitting 1’28″9 was reaching the limit.”

Tires are undoubtedly playing a significant role. “Before Indonesia, I knew we could aim for the podium because of the tire choice and the different carcass. Everything was in our favor there. Here, we certainly can’t have the same ambitions. The tires are not so much penalizing us as they are helping the competition. The problem is that we’re not consistent. In India, I battled with Martin until the end; in Japan, during the Sprint Race, I was one of the fastest. Then in Mandalika, we took a step back. It’s hard to understand where we stand,” he expressed with confusion.

Lastly, he commented on Dorna’s decision to reverse the actual GP and the mini-race, now moved to Sunday. “If the weather was normal, it would be a problem for us because the more rubbered the track is, the better we perform. That said, there’s not much to add; we just have to try to do our best.”

O conteúdo Fabio Quartararo Expresses Concern Over Persistent Issues: “We Keep Getting Worse” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Jorge Martin is eager to bounce back after his fall in Indonesia, which cost him the championship lead. He made his intentions clear right from the start of the Australian GP’s first day of practice. Leading the morning session, the Pramac team’s Spanish rider finished the day in fourth place, marking himself as a contender on the Phillip Island circuit.

“I believe I was very strong today, stronger than what the standings might suggest,” Martin commented, reflecting on his performance. “I was fast from the morning onwards. Of course, I used the tire to set a time, but I was the quickest with the used mediums. I continued with those tires in the afternoon too. I was highly competitive even with the soft rear, but then with the used medium, I was even faster. So, choosing which tire to use for the rear will be a tough decision.”

Martin’s Friday performance is even more promising given the challenges faced by championship leader Francesco Bagnaia, who missed the Top 10 and will have to tackle Q1 for the second consecutive time.

“Well, it’s clear that if he didn’t make it directly to Q2, he’s facing some issues. But we’ve seen him in tougher situations before, and he’s always managed to bounce back. So, I expect him to do the same tomorrow,” Jorge remarked.

However, Martin is well aware of Bagnaia’s strengths and capabilities. What gives Martin hope is not Bagnaia’s current challenges but how he himself has responded after the Mandalika error.

“I don’t think it’s essential that Pecco didn’t make it to Q1. What you want after a challenging weekend is to be fast on the next track, and we’ve achieved that. I’m happy and confident that we can maintain this speed,” the Spanish rider asserted.

Looking ahead to Saturday at Phillip Island, the organizers have decided to move the long race to tomorrow due to the expected weather conditions on Sunday.

“Whatever comes our way, we’re ready for it. I have an even faster pace than last season, and I’m prepared for the race. I hope we can race on Sunday, but it all depends on the weather,” Martin concluded.

He also expressed his hopes for improvements to the Phillip Island track by 2024, noting that the circuit has more bumps compared to the previous season, especially in turns 2, 4, 8, and the last one. “I think they’ll need to make some adjustments for next year, but for now, it’s the same for everyone. We just need to understand the track and adapt,” Jorge added.

O conteúdo Jorge Martin: Aiming for Speed Regardless of Bagnaia’s Q1 Position ‘it’s clear that if he didn’t make it directly to Q2, he’s facing some issues’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

A few days ago, the anticipated news was confirmed: Marc Márquez would not be continuing with Repsol Honda in 2024. Following this announcement, Márquez revealed that he made the decision after the Japanese Grand Prix and that Dani Pedrosa played a significant role in this pivotal moment. Márquez mentioned that he reached out to Pedrosa for a ‘rider-to-rider’ discussion to gain a clearer perspective.

This morning, while commenting for DAZN, Pedrosa provided insights into how that conversation unfolded. Always discreet, the Catalan rider didn’t disclose the specifics of their talk. “Such conversations are private. I can’t reveal the content of such a discussion,” stated the KTM test rider. However, he did admit that it was “quite unexpected” for Márquez to contact him. “He sent me a message, asking if we could talk. He then called me, and we had a ‘rider-to-rider’ chat, trying to converse and exchange feelings,” Pedrosa recalled.

Pedrosa himself was unsure about the decision Márquez would make. “There were signs in recent times suggesting he might leave, like his results in the past years and the fatigue. You think, ‘He can’t continue another year like this.’ But then, he has a contract, a sponsor, a team,” he pondered. The three-time World Champion also mentioned that he wasn’t in a comfortable position to advise the current Repsol Honda rider.

“He was at a crucial juncture in his sporting career and needed some conversation, guidance, and opinion exchange. For me, it was a tricky position because I’m with KTM. I didn’t tell him, ‘You should do this or that.’ The decision was entirely his. We discussed various matters, touching on significant topics. He was in a challenging situation. I hung up the phone, not knowing what he would decide,” Pedrosa admitted. In the end, Márquez chose to leave the Japanese brand and join Gresini Racing and Ducati for the upcoming season.

O conteúdo Dani Pedrosa Sheds Light on His Talk with Marc Márquez: “It Was Quite Unexpected” aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.