Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing) ran fastest in Practice on day one of the inaugural MotoGP Indian Grand Prix. Marini edged out championship contender Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by 0.008 seconds. In third was Aleix Espargaro who was only 0.035 second behind. The top three in the session were separated by less than a tenth of a second.
Marquez Finishes P4
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) returned to form in Practice finishing P4. After the session he stated, “When we arrive at a new track it’s true that I am able to quickly find the limit of the track. From FP1 I was there and in FP2 we were able to stay there even if we lost a little bit of margin as the overall grip came up. But finally, we were able to get a spot in Q2, which is the target, but I think many riders will make a step tomorrow.”
“The front three rows of the grid and the objective for tomorrow and then let’s see what happens in the Sprint. The heat here is different to at other tracks but I don’t think it will be a big issue for tomorrow, for the long race on Sunday we will have to see.” Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing) who’s title hopes are dwindling as of late finished P5 to round out the top 5.
The session started off with a 45 minute delay due to poor track conditions. The delay lasted 45 minutes before riders could head out. Amidst early week controversy that the track was not going to be complete and ready by the race weekend. There is speculation that some of those worries came to life with this delay. However, the show went on and the Practice session did take place so there is some positive to come out of the situation. Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) struggled to find form and never contended for the top spot in the session.
Full Practice Results are Below
The IndianOil Grand Prix of India joins the MotoGP calendar for the first time this weekend. Over 500 visas have been issued to get the event rolling ensuring the riders and staff will be able to enter the country. Vaibhav Sinha, CEO of Fairstreet Sports (the organizer of the event) had the following words in an interview with Sportskeeda Business of Sports. “There is a huge potential for MotoGP to become a mass sport in India. The sport as it has been seen in Latin America and South America motorcycle is a more massy sport than Formula 1. To add to this, India is the largest two-wheeler market in the world. As per Nielsen Sports Fan Insights 2022 Report, with a staggering population of 1.4 billion and an annual sale of 18 million bikes, India stands as the largest global market for motorcycles.”
Sinha Continued on the Fan Base in India
“The natural affinity between the audience, riders, and owners of motorcycles like Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and Ducati, which also happen to be the brands competing on the racing track, is a significant factor. This connection creates a genuine resonance with the sport and the teams, forging a strong bond between the audience and MotoGP. Even though Formula 1 is bigger than MotoGP globally, the potential for India to embrace the sport is immense. India is a market that is more accepting of a mass sport like MotoGP.
The series is expecting fan numbers in the hundred of thousands over the weekend. Previous to the weekend there were concerns that the organizer would not be able to get the infrastructure setup in a timely matter for the series to go racing on time. As of today we haven’t heard of any new delays. MotoGP does have the option to forgo certain sessions on Friday to help provide more time but ideally all will be completed by the end of the day Thursday. We will report back on any delays that may arise in the close stages of setup.
MotoGP Race Schedule (Local time)
September 22, Friday
Free Practice 1: 11:15 AM to 12:25 PM
Practice: 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM
September 23, Saturday
Free Practice 2: 10:40 AM to 11:10 AM
Qualifying 1: 11:20 AM to 11:35 AM
Qualifying 2: 11:45 AM to 12:00 PM
Tissot Sprint (12 laps): 3:30 PM
September 24, Sunday
Warm-up: 11:10 AM to 11:20 AM
Rider Fan Parade: 11:30 AM
Race (24 laps): 3:30 PM IST
Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) came out firing this weekend at Misano. Martin’s championship hopes improved after the rider secured pole position and wins in both the Tissot sprint race and Grand Prix at Misano. Martin won the race over Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing) by 1.3 seconds in perfect weather conditions. The two finished ahead of championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo). After the race weekend Bagnaia only holds a 36 point lead over Martin. With 8 races to go before the end of the season this championship fight is far from over. Martin and Bezzecchi have been in impeccable form the last few rounds and Bagnaia is playing damage control but it cannot be ignored that his early season dominance seems to be slipping away.
In addition to threats ahead. Bagnaia had to contend with wild card entry Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Pedrosa was closing on Bagnaia but ran out of time to make a lasting move finishing the race just under 7 tenths behind Bagnaia. Pedrosa had the highest average speed of the race and will be wishing he had a few more laps to close the gap.
Mixed Feelings in the KTM Camp
With Pedrosa’s success there were some positives to the weekend but both Brand Binder and Jack Miller did not have the grand prix finish they wished for. Disaster struck for Binder on Lap 8. The KTM star went down at the hairpin as his podium hopes ended. It was a low side crash and he was able to continue to bring home a P14 finish. The crash promoted Pedrosa as the lead KTM on track. KTM’s suffered another blow when Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out of the race after being involved in a scuffle with Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing). Pedrosa was the only KTM rider to finish in the top 10.
New Beginnings Offer New Opportunities
The next race round will take place in India. This will be the first time the series has raced in India and the fan anticipation is at an all time high. The race will take place at Buddh International Circuit. A Change in championship lead is possible at this race so Francesco Bagnaia will need to be perfect to avoid losing more ground to Jorge Martin in the championship fight. We will report more as we approach that race. IN the mean time check out the full results for the race and current championship standings.
Full San Marino Race Results
Championship Standings
Jorge Martin converted his pole position finish in qualifying into a win in the Misano Sprint Race. Martin got the holeshot off the start and by the second lap he was already a second ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo). Martin fought tooth and nail to maintain his early lead and succeeded. The drama behind was an exciting spectacle between reigning champion Bagnaia and Dani Pedrosa who was knocking on the podium making challenges through out the sprint. Pedrosa fell short in the end.
As the race progressed it was Martin and Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racingat the front battling it out. Bezzecchi closed the gap by lap 3. Bezzecchi reduced Martin’s cushion to just 0.5 seconds. However Martin fought back finding the pace to extend his lead again and he wouldn’t look back. Martin currently sits 45 points out of first place in the championship. He is riding with a purpose and may make a late lunge for championship contention. Bagnaia isn’t making it easy though. Even when Bagnaia isn’t winning he’s playing damage control by finishing on the podium. Martin will look to pull the double this weekend in the main race.
It was a successful outing for the Marquez brothers Alex and Marc Marquez. Both finished in the top 10 in the sprint race. Aleix Espargaro could not repeat his recent success in the sprint finishing P7. Uncharacteristically Espargaro was almost 8 seconds off of the lead. However, both Aprilia Racing riders also finished in the top 10 which is a decent points finish for the team.
Full Misano Spring Race Results are Below
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing) broke the Circuit record during Practice today. He did so running 0.163 seconds faster than the second place finisher Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). Bezzecchi broke the record previously set by Viñales in the session.
In a guest appearance Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), MotoGP Legend, finishes in the top 3. Pedrosa is one of the most talented and successful riders in the History of MotoGP. It is no surprise that he still has what it takes to ride at the top level with some riders half his age. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing).
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) was clear to ride after crashing in the last round from the lead. It was clear that there maybe bee a lingering injury stunting his pace as he could only muster the pace to reach P7. Surprisingly he finished behind Marc Marquez who found his form finishing in P6 making it into Q2. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) did not repeat his success from the last round and fell to P12. He crash during the session eliminating his opportunity to improve his time that was quickly topped.
Full Practice Results are Available Below
Mooney VR46 Racing announce that Luca Marini will be retained for the 2024 season. Marini will race along side Marco Bezzecchi who also recently inked a deal to remain with the Mooney VR46 side in 2024. In a press release Mooney VR46 Racing provided the following words from Marini and members of team leadership.
Luca Marini: “Remaining in the Mooney VR46 Racing Team also in 2024 is for me a question of trust in a very close-knit working group, which has believed in me for many years. As a Team, we will do everything to achieve our goals the next season. Not only Vale, Uccio and Pablo whom I thank, but the whole technical Team that supports me and Ducati. Being among the protagonists of the 2024 season, fighting for the Championship as a rider and as a Team is certainly a real ambition.”
Alessio Salucci, Team Director: “I am very pleased to be able to confirm that Luca will also stay with us in 2024. It will be the seventh season with the Team and this is a truly significant recognition of trust for all of us and all our partners who support the project. Confirming a growing Team with the support of Ducati has a symbolic meaning. Luca is a hard worker, always precise, focused on details and this is a real plus in today’s MotoGP. Fast, constant and very solid, I think he has collected less than he deserved so far and I hope he can do his best in these remaining races and in the future.”
Pablo Nieto, Team Manager: “Our 2024 line up is complete and I am very happy to have confirmed both riders. The extension of Luca’s contract for another year means a big boost of confidence for everyone in the Team. A solid working group, with the support of Ducati, built two years ago and which, thanks to the commitment of everyone, including our partners, is achieving ambitious results. Luca is now a certainty in the MotoGP Championship, always constantly among the first guys and I’m sure he will be able to obtain many satisfactions in the future.”
In an extreme turn of events for the MotoGP championship. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) secured a double win this weekend at the Catalan GP. Espargaro won both the Sprint race and Grand Prix securing him maximum points on the weekend. However, the story of the day is that championship leader Francesco Bagnaia suffered from a high side crash requiring him to be transported tot he hospital. On the opening lap of the race Baganaia crashed out from the lead. He was also ran over by another rider who had no where to go. After being transported to the hospital MotoGP™ Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte has offered an update on the status of the reigning World Champion to Spanish broadcaster DAZN.
“Pecco has had severe polytrauma, a motorbike ran over him in the femoral and tibial area. We have taken x-rays of this area and have detected a small injury that we don’t know if it is current or old. We need to do an urgent CAT scan and that is why we have sent him to the general hospital. At cranial, thoracic and abdominal levels, he has been normal at all times. He was conscious and oriented. The image we have seen is from conventional radiology, so it is difficult to be sure that there is no fracture. It is necessary to do a CAT scan,” We will provide updates as the doctors confirm his overall condition.
Elsewhere on the Grid
In second place Maverick Viñales completed the 1-2 for Aprilia Racing. However, the MotoGP stewards issued Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) an official warning following Sunday’s race. Viñales was found to be running tire pressures lower than the parameters which MotoGP’s official technical partner Michelin recommends. This is a new requirement that MotoGP is giving teams time to acclimate to. Because this is Viñales first offense he received a warning.
In third was second place championship sitter Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) who cut into the lead Bagnaia held after the Sprint Race. Bagnaia came into the weekend with a 62 point lead which has now dropped to a 50 point lead. As we potentially await the verdict on whether Bagnaia will be out for an extended period. The injury could have major implications on the championship. Martin’s Prima Pramac Racing Johann Zarco finished fourth.
It was a rough day for the Ducati Lenovo team as both riders did not finish the race. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing) did not do himself any favors in his championship fight finishing P12. He remains in third place but his grasp on the top spot is slipping away.
Full Race Results are Below
World Championship standings after the Catalan GP
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) won the Catalan GP sprint race beating out Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) who started from pole position. The riders got away cleanly on the first lap without incident. Spots of rain were present in different areas of the track. The rain was not enough to warrant wet bikes. Espargaro held on to Bagnaia for the first half of the race. With 6 laps left he made the pass and wouldn’t look back. Espargaro was able to extend his lead by 2 seconds after taking the win. He celebrated with a wheelie down the front straight.
Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Viñales wasn’t able to hold on to the two at the front for the majority of the race. Eventually as Espargaro pulled away be gained ground on Bagnaia. Bagnaia played the ultimate defensive game and was able to keep Viñales at bay. Viñales was able to lock down third overall ahead of Brad Binder (KTM). Second place championship point sitting Jorge Martin finished 5th. The finish allowed Bagnaia to gain 4 points on Martin in the championship race.
Full Catalan GP Sprint Race Results are Below
World Championship Standings
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) topped practice ahead of teammate Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). The pair were separated by 0.362 seconds. Viñales finished just 0.013 seconds ahead of championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Brand Binder (KTM) rounded out the top five. Espargaro broke the lap record during the session setting a 1m38.686s.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) started practice off with grip issues and fell back in the pecking order to P20. After making some changes Bagnaia was able to improve to third but questions are looming as to if the Ducati will be able to bounce back from an issue in qualifying with less time to make adjustments. Bagnaia currently holds a 62 point lead in the championship. A win this weekend is imperative with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing) knocking on the door.
After crashing in FP1 Marc Marquez finished the session main practice. Marquez complained of an issue with his thumb but it did not eliminate from the practice session. It was a very poor practice session for the Japanese manufacturers. The Yamaha and Honda teams finished at the very bottom of the table filling the last 6 positions. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) finished P17 the leader of the bottom six.
Full Catalan GP Practice Results are Below
Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed that Enea Bastianini will remain with the factory squad in 2024 alongside Francesco Bagnaia. Bastianini missed the majority of the beginning of the 2023 season due to injury and never really was in championship contention due to Bagnaia’s early dominance. As reported by MotoGP.com, Tardozzi said, “We confirmed officially that Enea will be with us next year too. He deserves another year with the factory bike because of what he has done in the past.”
Bastianini after he broke his shoulder blade at the season-opening Portuguese Grand Prix. The injury forced Bastianini to sit out until the Italian Grand Prix in Bologna.
With the announcement the Ducati Lenovo Team have locked their lineup for 2024. The teams that have not yet announced full lineups are Prima Pramac, Gresini Racing and Mooney VR46. We will report back in the coming weeks as we near the end of the season.