Trackhouse Racing Joins MotoGP with Aprilia

Trackhouse Racing a long standing staple organization in NASCAR has acquired the RNF Aprilia Racing team in a three year agreement that will see them to the MotoGP grid in 2024. The move comes after RNF CRYTODATA announce they would take legal action against Dorna for excluding the team from the 2024 MotoGP entrant list. With the Trackhouse deal, all threats of legal action are now off of the table.

From the Aprilia Racing Press Release…

Aprilia Racing has signed a three-year agreement with US outfit Trackhouse, already a major player in the NASCAR motorsport championship. Captained by former racer Justin Marks, the American team will bring the RS-GPs to the track as an Independent Team. Confirmed are riders Miguel Oliveira and Raùl Fernandez, in their second season riding the Italian prototypes.

A partnership that will see Aprilia Racing take charge of all technical aspects, collaborating closely with Trackhouse Racing on track and taking care of development during the season, through a dedicated structure that represents an important step forward in Aprilia’s MotoGP project.

Massimo Rivola – CEO Aprilia Racing

“We are happy and proud to welcome Trackhouse into the Aprilia Racing family. What they have been able to build in a very short time in NASCAR is an extraordinary presentation card, which anticipates the potential of this partnership. This is thanks to Justin Marks and his team, whom I got to know through my long-time friend PJ Rashidi, and with whom we were immediately in sync both in terms of technical ambitions and marketing and communication developments in such an important market as the US. Our commitment will increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly take on because, I am sure, it will allow us to grow even more”.

Words from the Involved Parties

Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Founder and Owner:

“Joining the MotoGP World Championship is a very exciting moment for our young company. Trackhouse has worked from day one to recognize unique and compelling motorsport opportunities and being able to expand to a global series like MotoGP is a massive step in scaling the company. We believe deeply in the mission of Dorna and are committed to bringing something new and exciting to the championship while working hard to help grow and amplify this amazing sport to millions of new fans in North America and beyond.”

Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer: “We’re super happy to welcome Trackhouse to MotoGP. We know this new team is a perfect fit for our sport: they’ve already shown they know how to win and arrive with a great personality. In the most competitive era the sport has ever seen, it’s even more vital than ever to have strong Independent Teams on the grid with solid projects. Trackhouse working with Aprilia, who will offer extensive support, is a really exciting prospect too. The RS-GP is a winning motorcycle and the combination of the bike, factory and Trackhouse’s approach with this team is something super exciting for MotoGP fans everywhere. We can’t wait to see Trackhouse come racing with us.”

Dan Rossomondo, Dorna Sports Chief Commercial Officer: “Trackhouse coming to MotoGP is great news. They get it – the racing success, which they’ve had plenty of already – and the marketing and promotion that comes with running a top level motorsport team. That combination of operational excellence, paired with their expertise off-track, is a standard we want throughout MotoGP. We know Trackhouse’s influence will be positive and an ally for our business objectives.”

The post season speculation has started with the most prominent story being Marc Marquez and his performance on his new Gresini Ducati during the Valencia season ending test. Marquez looked right at home on his new Ducati; something many anticipated before the move was complete. Now the the 2023 season has come to a close and Marc Marquez has finally undergone a much needed surgery. Marquez has been suffering from compartment syndrome also known as arm pump for the majority of the second half of the season. With the post season break it was the perfect opportunity to utilize some low stress healing time.

The Opinions on Marquez are Mixed At the Moment

While some praised Marquez’s pace in the Valencia Test others still had a bad taste in their mouth from the events that unfolded during the final race of the season. Marco Bezzecchi has been the most vocal in opposition to Marquez. Bezzecchi stated the following in an interview with DAZN following the Valencia Grand Prix, “Marquez decided to end my race in the third corner.  He did the same thing he did to me in Thailand. He hit me on the back. The problem is that this time he hit me much harder, and I hurt my shoulders and on my left foot. His style doesn’t deserve much explanation.

They decided not to show the replay because the action was very dirty. It’s Marquez, so no one can touch him. They investigate, but they don’t do anything. The stewards never touch Marc. He is the dirtiest rider in MotoGP.” Marquez simply responded by saying, “I’m not going to waste my time with this character, so next.”

Others Have a More Positive Outlook on Marquez and His Future

“The smile after his first run isn’t good news for the competition!” – Dani Pedrosa.

“When he signed with Gresini I said I wouldn’t be surprised if he was fastest at these tests, so I was close!”- Francesco Bagnaia

“I’ve already checked Marc’s data to see his style and it was really good from the start, so he was really fast, really quickly.” – Enea Bastianini. 

One thing is certain, with 8 riders on almost equal machinery on the grid in 2024. It could be anyone’s championship next year. Bagnaia had a successful year to secure his third world title but now that Marquez is in a groove it may be another and possibly the last chance we get to see Marquez make a run for another MotoGP championship. The build up to the 2024 season will be something to keep eyes on as the riders develop more chemistry with their teams and they all come back well rested for the long 2024 campaign.

Do you think Marquez will return to his dominant form in 2024? Let us know what you think here: Will Marquez Dominate in 2024?

Given the most recent drama with the CryptoDATA RNF Team being denied entry into the 2024 MotoGP season. The team has released the following statement.

From CryptoData RNF Racing…

“Dear partners, motorsport fans and media representatives,

Our team, CryptoDATA RNF, is dealing with a paradoxical situation, which seems taken from a comedy film, but with much more serious side effects. Dorna, the governing organisation of MotoGP, approached us with a kind of proposal worthy of Hollywood scripts: to sell our team at a bargain price. We thought of asking them for an autograph as well, to remember such a “generous’ offer.

The story begins in 2023, when Dorna promised an American team a spot in the championship, possibly the 12th, which, oh surprise, was vacant! We can already imagine the discussions in the Dorna offices: “Let’s give the Americans 12th or CryptoDATA. What could go wrong?” Well, a lot.

After turning down KTM on the grounds that 12th was “reserved for a factory”, they realised they couldn’t offer our place without our consent. Then they came up with a buyout offer so low I thought it was a joke. I politely declined, but the pressure didn’t stop.

Now, it seems Dorna wants to knock us out of the Championship in 2024, citing reasons so creative they could write a novel. Despite a contract valid until 2026, it seems that their slogan is ‘My championship, my unwritten rules… the ones written in the contracts don’t matter”.

We’re not just disappointed, we’re ready to fight back. After a month of intensive documentation and preparation for such a situation, we will go to court with a demand for substantial compensation for damage to our business and reputation, and for the limitation of participation in the championship.

We close this release with a message for Dorna: even in motorsport, where speed is of the essence, ethics and legality should not be overridden. We look forward to seeing each other on the courts with the same passion we met on the track.

BTW, stay tuned, we will soon make public the “orchestrated spiciness” behind the show that fans watch on TV.

Respectfully,

That Romanian who will overturn their chariot
Ovidiu Toma

Its clear that a legal battle between the team and Dorna is on the horizon. We will continue to report on this story as it develops.

Just as the MotoGP season ended, the first test day for the riders was upon us. Riders in one team’s colors this past weekend are now in a completely new camp. With the 2024 MotoGP field now set, riders looked to get acquainted for the first time with their new machinery. One such rider was non other than Marc Marquez who crashed out of the final race of 2023.

The Valencia Test was the first opportunity to see Marquez on a Ducati alongside his brother Alex Marquez as the two will race for Gresini Racing in 2024. Marc did not disappoint. He was the fourth fastest on the day solidifying that the move was a positive one for him and he felt right at home. Fastest on the day was Aprilia’s Maverick Viñales who fell behind in the championship fight early in the 2023 season without ever finding the rhythm to make a meaningful run for the title. However, starting fastest in testing is always a good metric to see where you stand against the others in the early stages of development.

Acosta Makes Debut

Pedro Acosta made his MotoGP debut at the test day in Valencia. After winning the 2023 Moto2 championship Acosta was eager to get as much time on the new MotoGP bike as possible. He stated the following, “I am super happy with our first day because we improved all day and we leave Valencia with a big step made already!

The first run, we did not touch anything, we just tried to understand what it was being on a MotoGP bike, how the carbon disks work, and everything else in general. Then we tried to focus on the devices, on the brakes, then the electronics so I could have a clear idea of each area. This has helped us understand how we will need to approach the winter period, and what we need to do to arrive in Malaysia prepared, so we can make another step.” Acosta finished 18th fastest on the day.

Brad Binder Showing no Signs of Slowing Down

Brad Binder ran second fastest on the test day. After what seemed like a sure 1-2 finish in the season finale for KTM. Luck did not seem to fall their way. Binder however look hungry as ever for progress. He stated, “Today we tried a few different things with aero, some exhausts. We didn’t have anything big or radical but we learnt a lot about what we did use, and that’s the most important thing. We played with some electronics to try and put the bike a bit more ‘in our hands’ and that was cool but there is still some room to work. Everything was pretty much the first starting point towards the next test in Malaysia.”  

Full Valencia Test Day Results

After many months of contract signings and negotiation. The 2024 MotoGP grid is finally set. The latest signing came at the very last hour with Fabio Di Giannantonio signing with VR46 for the 2024 season alongside Marco Bezzecchi. With the season over and all moves confirmed the riders can enjoy the winter test day which is set to take place later today in Valencia at Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

The 2024 MotoGP Grid

The Valencia Grand prix was set to be a showdown that would see Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia and Jorge Martin fight until the the final lap to decide the 2023 world championship. However, that epic finish did no come as Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez came together and crashed on lap 5 of the 27 lap race. Martin was attempting to fight through the pack from P7 while maintaining a 1.8 second gap to Bagnaia who was failing to pull away from the pack.

However, due to what the stewards deemed as a racing incident Marquez made contact with the front wheel of Martin’s Ducati which resulted in Martin running off track and Marquez high siding ending any championship hopes Martin had with 22 laps to go in the race. The incident denied MotoGP fans the closing lap show down we all hoped for. Martin was visibly distraught after the incident.

The Aftermath

Martin was clearly disappointed but offered his congratulations to Bagnaia after the race. Marquez had the following words:

“Of course it was a super emotional Sunday, honestly a super emotional week and it was hard at some points to contain the feelings. Sadly, we didn’t finish the race today, I was feeling really strong today and I honestly think a podium was possible today and even maybe more. It wasn’t our mistake, and I don’t push against Martin because he was in attack mode. It happens when you’re fighting for a championship.

But the most important thing today is to remember all of the incredible times I have had with HRC and the Repsol Honda Team, they will be the team of my life. We have written an incredible story together and they have become more than just my team, they have become my friends and my family. Thank you for everything since 2013, I will not forget any of you.”

Bagania is a Three Time World Champion

Francesco Bagnaia automatically secured the championship on lap 5 when Martin crashed out of the race. However, he ended up with a win in the final race of the season making it 2 MotoGP championships in a row that followed his first in Moto2 in 2018. Bagnaia had the following words:

Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“I’m super happy, more than this is impossible, also because we won the race so it’s fantastic. I want to say a big thanks to all the team, they did an amazing job, from Barcelona, it was quite tough for us, but we deserved this title more than anyone. I didn’t see anything behind me, I was thinking Jorge was still in the race, and I was quite scared about that…I just was thinking of winning the race because it was the best way to finish the season.”

KTM Drops the Ball

After being notified of Martin’s exit during the race via his team pit board; Bagnaia appeared to relax and settle in on the moment on track. What he did not realize is that he’d being finishing the race in first place after both KTMs made catastrophic mistakes out front. First it was Brad Binder who ran wide in turn 10 and had to take an escape lane leading to Binder losing multiple positions on lap 16. Then on lap 19 Jack Miller crashed out of the race after a low side in the same turn from the lead. KTM was visibly gutted after giving up a potential 1-2 with two individual mistakes. However, Binder was able to fight back to secure a P3 finish to salvage a consolation on the day. Binder and Miller had the following words after the race.

Comments from the Binder and Miller

Brad Binder, 3rd: “A 3^rd place is a 3^rd place, even if we didn’t actually go to the podium! I gave away a couple of podiums this year, so I know it’s not fun. Anyway, quite cool to finish in 3^rd after coming close. I took an un-needed Long Lap but did well to save the crash because the front tire had been cooling down. A tricky day. I tried to fight my way back through but had no rear tire left at the end. We won two Sprints this year but it would have been good to sign off with a main victory. We just need a little bit more in this off-season to fight. Thanks to all my crew. We’ve made a big step this year and there’s more to come.”

Jack Miller, DNF: “Not much to say. I didn’t do much different compared to the previous lap. I’d had a few moments with the front so decided to take it easy and not do anything too savage and, yeah, she just got away from me. It could have been an amazing result…but we’ll take stock and bounce back. It has been a year of firsts in many ways and a bittersweet way to end because it’s nice to know we have pace and we’re heading in the right direction. We have been working our butts off. The rider is just one small part because there is so much going on behind the scenes. It’s a battle to better a MotoGP during a season like this and with the small window. Everyone has worked tirelessly, so I thank them all for that.”

Full Valencia Grand Prix Result are Below

Final MotoGP World Standings

Starting from P6 Jorge Martin turned nothing into magic by taking the win in the Valencia Sprint race. The win cut Francesco Bagnaia’s championship lead to 14 points as the two head into the final race of the season. Bagnaia starting from P2 found himself in trouble after dropping back to P5 and never really amounting a defense to the lost positions. Martin had the opposite experience jetting to the front of the pack. Martin took advantage of a mistake made by Brad Binder which saw him through with 6 laps to go and he wouldn’t look back. Marc Marquez started his final weekend with Honda with a hard fought P3.

Post Sprint Championship Scenarios

With one race to go and the 2023 MotoGP championship on the line the following scenarios are how Francesco Bagnaia or Jorge Martin can clinch the title.

Bagnaia is 2023 MotoGP World Champion if:

• He finishes in the top five,
• He finishes P6, P7, P8, P9, P10 and Martin doesn’t win,
• He finishes P11, P12, P13, P14 and Martin doesn’t finish better than P3
• He finishes P15 or fails to score any points and Martin doesn’t finish on the podium.

Martin is 2023 MotoG World Champion if:

• He wins and Bagnaia doesn’t finish better than P6
• He finishes P2 and Bagnaia doesn’t finish better than P11
• He finishes P3 and Bagnaia doesn’t finish better than P15

Valencia Tissot Sprint Results

Full Championship Standings

Maverick Viñales flips the script in Valencia and Jorge Martin follows taking advantage of Bagnaia mistake. Viñales broke the lap record at Circuit Ricardo Tormo setting a 1m29.142s lap. The title fight behind intensify. With the title on the line Francesco Bagnaia finished P15 in practice which will send him to Q1 while Martin finishing P2 will enter Q2. The track position gained will be a heavy advantage for Martin as Bagnaia will have to fight through the field to protect his championship points lead. The championship scenarios for Martin are heavily dependent on the results of the Sprint race. Bagnaia controls his future but with his relegations to Q1. It may be the worst timing for him to be fighting out of Q1 in order to protect his championship lead.

This weekend is the start of the rider exodus as this will be the last time Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Yamaha), Johann Zarco (Pramac Ducati), Fabio di Giannantonio (Gresini Ducati) and Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Tech3) will suit up for their respective teams.

Full Valencia Practice Results

As we head into the final MotoGP round of the year there are two riders still in championship. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). The pair head into the final race in Valencia with a 21 point gap. In the lap outing at the Qatar Grand Prix Martin started the weekend off in good shape cutting the deficit down to 7 points after the sprint race. However, a disastrous Qatar Grand Prix saw Martin drop well behind Bagnaia after Martin was plagued with a tire issue.

How Can Bagnaia Clinch the 2023 MotoGP Championship?

Below are the scenarios that would seal the title for Bagnaia.

• He wins and Martin doesn’t finish better than P3
• He finishes P2 and Martin doesn’t finish better than P5
• He finishes P3 and Martin doesn’t finish better than P7
• He finishes P4 and Martin doesn’t finish better than P8
• He finished P5 and Martin doesn’t finish better than P9
• He finished P6 and Martin fails to score any point

Martin has more of an uphill battle if he is to win the title. We will report scenarios after we know the outcome of the Saturday’s sprint race.

Francesco Bagnaia got the Job done in Qatar. After the Grand Prix he shut the door on any ground gained by Jorge Martin in the Sprint. Bagnaia now holds a 21 point lead over Martin in the title race with one round left to go. Martin has an extreme uphill battle that will also likely require a bit of luck if he is to have any chance at the title in 2023.

What Went Wrong in Qatar for Martin?

After taking the top spot in the Tissot Sprint in Qatar Jorge Martin was looking poising to take the lead in the championship. However, that opportunity faded away with a disastrous outing in the Grand Prix. Martin finished P10 in a race where he was fighting the bike the entire time and essentially was a sitting duck out on the track. “You saw the start. I had a big spin and the rear tire wasn’t working well.” said Martin. “I’m really disappointed a Championship is decided by a bad tire. It’s happened to me and it’s a pity but it is what it is. I struggled a lot, I didn’t have rear grip, I couldn’t turn, I couldn’t open the throttle but with my experience, I at least made some points which wasn’t easy.

“Anything can happen in Valencia. Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] can make a mistake, I can for sure win both races but I can win if I don’t have a tire like today. It’s not decided yet, but it’s not the same to arrive to Valencia close than in this condition.”

Bagnaia Had the Following Words after the Qatar Grand prix

“I never saw him. I thought he was fourth, but I didn’t see he was behind like this and my team didn’t say anything to me. Last year I remember my feeling (going into the final round). Even if it was a 23-point gap, I was very much under pressure but this year is different. I think we can manage the situation better and Jorge will have to totally attack. We are in the best position.”

Fabio Di Giannantonio Secures First MotoGP Win

In contrasting news to Jorge Martin, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing) secured his first MotoGP win outpacing Bagnaia and playing a bit of damage control for Martin in the championship standings. It is Di Giannantonio’s second year in MotoGP and to win a race this soon speaks volumes to his talents and ability. Hwoever, Di Giannanotino does not have a seat for 2024. With almost no options left ont he grid some of us including Di Giannatonio are wondering why?

“I am speechless about this argument.” Di Giannatonio said referring to not having a seat for 2024. “I think I am doing everything on time. It’s just my second year in MotoGP. If you look at the other riders, we are in the best Championship in the world, the highest level of motorbikes in the world. The guy who finished last today was a World Champion, so the level is super high! It takes time to make things work out, finally we made it, but I think we’re completely on time.

I think it’s quite strange this situation, that a rider like me does not have a seat with one week to the end of the season, and some other riders already have it. In the end, it is what it is, and I just have to be focused and just try to enjoy every moment of my bike.”

Full Qatar Grand Prix Race Results

Standings After Qatar