Mandalika, Indonesia -‍ October 3, 2024 – In a stunning turn⁤ of events during the⁤ opening⁣ Free Practise ‌1 (FP1) session at the Mandalika ⁢International Street Circuit, all five MotoGP manufacturers outperformed Ducati, traditionally a dominant ​force on the track. Luca Marini⁣ (Honda)‌ set the fastest lap time of⁢ 1:30.809, eclipsing expectations⁣ and signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape.

The unexpected result raises ⁣questions about Ducati’s current performance and strategy as the championship ⁣heads towards its final stages. while Francesco Bagnaia, ⁤the reigning ‌world ​champion, currently leads the standings, his disappointing 17th-place finish in FP1 – over a second ⁢off the pace – underscores a potential vulnerability.⁢ This session’s outcome⁢ impacts not only⁢ Ducati’s⁤ race weekend preparations but also ​the strategies of rival teams,‌ who will be eager to capitalize ‌on any perceived ​weakness.

The top five positions were claimed by riders from different ‍manufacturers:‌ Marini (Honda) ​led the way, followed by Pedro Acosta (KTM) at +0.136 ‌seconds, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia)⁣ at⁢ +0.237 seconds, Alex ​Rins (Yamaha) at ​+0.426 seconds, and Marc Márquez (Ducati) ⁢at +0.462 seconds. This diverse portrayal‍ at the top ‍demonstrates a notable leveling ​of ‍the playing field.

Earlier in the day,‌ the Aprilia team confirmed that Jorge Martin,‍ fresh off a crash ⁣in Motegi, underwent accomplished surgery for a broken right collarbone – ​his 18th broken bone of the ⁢season.⁢ Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini-Ducati)⁤ also suffered a fall in curve 8 during the session, resulting ⁣in multiple tumbles in the gravel.

FP1 Results – Mandalika (October 3):

1. Luca ⁣Marini (I), Honda, 1:30.809
2. Pedro Acosta ⁣(E), KTM, +0.136 sec
3. Marco Bezzecchi (I), Aprilia, +0.237 ‌sec
4. Alex Rins (E), Yamaha, +0.426 sec
5. Marc Márquez‍ (E),⁣ ducati, +0.462 sec
6. Jack Miller ‍(AUS), ‌Yamaha, +0.499 sec
7. Fabio Quartararo (F), Yamaha, +0.533 ​sec
8. fabio Di Giannantonio ⁣(I), Ducati, +0.607 sec
9. Joan Mir (E), Honda, +0.643 sec
10. Alex Márquez (E), Ducati, +0.678⁣ sec
11. Raúl Fernández (E), Aprilia, +0.718 sec
12. Franco Morbidelli (I), Ducati, +0.809⁣ sec
13. Johann Zarco (F), Honda, +0.811‍ sec
14. Brad Binder (ZA), KTM, +0.897 sec
15. Maverick ‍Viñales (E), ⁤KTM, +0.931 sec
16. Fermin Aldeguer (E), Ducati, +1.001 ⁣sec
17. Francesco‍ Bagnaia (I), ​Ducati,​ +1.091‌ sec
18. Enea ​bastianini ‍(I), KTM,‌ +1.304 sec
19. Miguel Oliveira (P), Yamaha, +1.416 ‍sec
20. Somkiat Chantra (T), Honda, ⁣+1.442 sec

MotoGP-Wie-gut-ist-Francesco-Bagnaia-wirklich%3F-Selbst-in-Italien-gibt-es-Skeptiker/” title=”…: Wie gut ist Francesco Bagnaia wirklich? Auch in Italien gibt es …”>Bagnaia Sets Fastest Time in Motegi FP1,Reigniting Championship Charge

Motegi,Japan – Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) topped the timesheets in the opening Free Practice 1 session for the motogp Grand Prix of Motegi on Friday,September 26,clocking a 1:44.857. The Italian’s performance marks a potential turning point in his championship defense, as he seeks to close the gap to current leader Jorge Martin.

The session saw several riders experience difficulties, including Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) who crashed for the second time, and late-session falls for Enea Bastianini (KTM), Franco Morbidelli, and Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha). However, Bagnaia’s pace signals a return to form, with Ducati-Lenovo team manager Davide Tardozzi expressing confidence that the team has restored the feeling for the motorcycle that propelled Bagnaia to success in recent years.

Jorge Martin finished second, +0.093 seconds behind Bagnaia, while Marc Márquez (Ducati) secured third place with a time of 1:44.959. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati) and Luca Marini (Honda) completed the top five.

Notably, rookie Pedro Acosta (KTM) finished seventh, +0.343 seconds off the pace, and Thai Somkiat Chantra (LCR Honda) achieved his best result of his debut MotoGP season in ninth. Bezzecchi managed 11th despite his crashes, citing overconfidence in the front tire based on his strong performance at Misano, a feeling not replicated in Motegi’s conditions.

Results MotoGP Motegi,FP1 (September 26):

1. Francesco Bagnaia (i),Ducati,1: 44.857 min
2. jorge Martin (e), Aprilia, +0.093 sec
3. Marc Márquez (e), Ducati, +0.102 sec
4. fabio Di Giannantonio (I), ducati, +0.271 sec
5. Luca Marini (I), Honda, +0.302 sec
6. Franco Morbidelli (I), Ducati, +0.305 sec
7. Pedro Acosta (E), KTM, +0.343 sec
8. Jack Miller (aus), Yamaha, +0.370 sec
9. SOMKIAT Chantra (T), Honda, +0.421 sec
10. Miguel Oliveira (P), Yamaha, +0.500 sec
11. Marco Bezzecchi (i), Aprilia, +0.515 sec
12. Joan Mir (e), Honda, +0.566 sec
13. Johann Zarco (F), Honda, +0.642 sec
14. Raúl Fernández (e), Aprilia, +0.643 sec
15. Alex Márquez (E), Ducati, +0.643 sec
16. Fabio Quartararo (F), Yamaha, +0.660 sec
17. Takaaki Nakagami (j),Honda,+0.831 sec
18. Ai Ogura (J), aprilia, +0.874 sec
19. Brad Binder (za), KTM, +0.893 sec
20. aldeguer (E), Dukes, +0.902 sec
21. Maverick Viñales (e), KTM, +0.960 sec
22. Alex Rins (E), Yamaha, +1.008 sec
23. Enea Bastianini (i), KTM, +1.009 sec

Binder Shocks with Track ⁤Record, Secures Top Spot in ⁤Barcelona MotoGP Practice

Barcelona, Spain – Brad Binder of‌ Red‍ Bull KTM Factory Racing delivered a stunning performance during⁢ Friday’s practice session at​ the Circuit⁣ de Barcelona-Catalunya, setting a new track record of ‌1:38.141⁢ and claiming the top spot. ‌The South African⁤ rider edged out teammate​ Pedro Acosta by ⁢a mere 0.104 seconds, securing a 1-2 finish for⁤ the KTM squad.

This result marks a⁤ significant moment ⁢for​ KTM, demonstrating the‍ continued development ⁢and competitiveness of ‌the RC16 machine. The performance⁢ is particularly noteworthy as it positions the KTM riders strongly heading into qualifying for ‌Sunday’s Catalan Grand Prix. The⁣ session saw a⁣ flurry of late improvements, with several riders battling for a place in the ⁣top 10 and automatic qualification ‌for ⁤Q2.

The top ‍10, securing direct entry⁢ into⁢ Q2, included:‌ Brad Binder (KTM), Pedro Acosta (KTM), Alex Marquez (Ducati), Marc marquez (Ducati), Marco Bezzecchi (aprilia), enea Bastianini (KTM), Franco morbidelli (ducati), Johann⁤ Zarco ⁣(Honda), Luca Marini (Honda), ‍and Ai Ogura (Aprilia). Notably, Jorge ‌Martin, strong⁤ in Hungary, struggled to 18th. honda wildcard⁢ Aleix Espargaro impressed,​ outpacing reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia despite missing Q2.

Results MotoGP Barcelona, ​​Practice⁣ (September 5):

1. Brad Binder (ZA), KTM, 1:38.141 ⁣min
2. Pedro Acosta (ES), KTM, +0.104 sec
3. Alex Marquez (ES), Ducati,⁣ +0.139
4. Marc Marquez (ES),⁤ Ducati, +0.224
5. Marco Bezzecchi ​(I), Aprilia, +0.262
6. Enea Bastianini (I), KTM, +0.349
7. Franco Morbidelli (I), Ducati, +0.370
8. Johann Zarco (F),Honda,+0.370
9. Luca Marini (I), Honda, +0.381
10. Ai Ogura (J),Aprilia,+0.458
11. Fabio Quartararo (F), Yamaha, +0.461
12. Miguel Oliveira (P), ⁢yamaha, +0.515
13. Joan mir (ES), Honda, +0.589
14. Aldeguer⁣ (ES), Ducati, +0.619
15. Jack Miller‍ (AUS), Yamaha, +0.633
16. Alex Rins (ES), Yamaha, ‍+0.691
17. Fabio Di​ Giannantonio​ (I), Ducati, +0.774
18. Jorge Martin ⁢(ES), Aprilia, +0.841
19. The Fernandez River‌ (ES), Aprilia, +0.883
20. aleix Espargaro (ES),Honda,+1.016
21. Francesco bagnaia (I), Ducati, +1.029
22. lorenzo Savadori (I),​ Aprilia, +1.045
23. Maverick Vinales (ES), KTM, +1.167
24. SOMIATCH ⁣Chantra (T), Honda, +1.861

Marquez Extends Dominance with Dramatic Hungarian GP ‌Win, Championship‍ Lead Swells

Budapest, Hungary – ​ Marc Marquez (Ducati) continued his amazing run of⁢ form at the inaugural Hungarian⁤ Grand Prix, securing his 14th consecutive MotoGP victory and extending his ⁤championship lead to a staggering 175 points. Though, ⁣the win​ wasn’t without drama, as a‍ near-crash in the early laps threatened to derail his race.

The ⁢Balaton Park Circuit proved a challenging venue, with Marquez facing immediate pressure from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) at the start. A late braking maneuver into the first‍ corner nearly resulted in contact, and a subsequent incident in ‍Turn 2 – caused by a misjudgment of Bezzecchi’s speed – saw Marquez momentarily overtaken by Franco Morbidelli (VR46 Ducati).

“I braked into ⁤the​ first curve late and ‍was able to delay​ well,”​ Marquez explained after the race. “Then​ I let go of the brake ​again… I turned into the curve late and it was clear to me that I would lose the first position. But I preferred ⁤not to take the risk. what happened in curve 2 was my ‍mistake.”

Despite the early scare, ⁤Marquez quickly regained composure. he passed Morbidelli in the ‌fifth lap and then expertly overtook Bezzecchi in the 11th, establishing a lead he would never relinquish. He ‌crossed the finish line a commanding 4.314 ​seconds ahead⁣ of ‍Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM), with Bezzecchi rounding‍ out​ the podium.

Marquez: Unstoppable Force?

The Spaniard’s performance has‍ left⁣ rivals and experts alike searching for answers. ​ many‍ believe Marquez ‌is currently operating on a level that only he⁣ can match. This victory marked his seventh⁣ consecutive double victory (Sprint and Grand Prix) ​and his 23rd win in⁢ 28 races this season – a tenth⁢ Grand Prix victory in a single season, a feat previously achieved only in 2014 and​ 2019.

“I can’t lie, I felt pleasant,” Marquez admitted.⁤ “But we⁣ saw again that everything can happen.” he also acknowledged the need for strategic thinking as the championship progresses. “The day will come⁣ when one is faster than me. In such a case, it⁣ will be wiser to take the points for ‌second or third place for the championship.”

Championship Implications

With a massive lead in the standings, Marquez is​ rapidly⁤ closing in on a seventh MotoGP ⁢World Championship title. If he wins the upcoming ⁢races ⁣in Spain ⁤and Italy, and ‌his brother Alex fails to score, Marquez coudl clinch the ‌championship as early as the Misano round.

“Of course I think about it,” Marquez said,⁤ “But we still have to keep our mentality and focus.” He expressed hope to secure the title in Japan or‌ Mandalika, but acknowledged a⁤ misano victory would require ‌a tough weekend for ‌his brother.

Full Race Results⁤ – MotoGP Balaton Park (August‍ 24):

1. Marc marquez (Ducati) ⁤- 42:37.681
2. Pedro Acosta (KTM) +4.314 sec
3. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) +7.488 sec