Jorge Martin bounces back from his last outing at Jerez to secure the Tissot Sprint Race win at Le Mans. The win revived his “King of the Sprint” status having claimed the majority of Sprint race wins since its inception into the MotoGP race weekend format. The win didn’t come easy thought with Maverick Viñales and Marc Marquez giving Martin a run for his money. After breaking the lap record in qualifying and bouncing back from a late crash Martin charged with a full head of steam to finish almost 2.5 seconds ahead of Marc Marquez.
Marquez Continues to Improve
Marquez appears to be coming alive this season as he gets more and more acclimated with his Ducati with Gresini Racing. What seemingly felt like an outlandish idea. Marquez actually has the pace to be a title contender come the end of the 2024 season. He said, “That was literally the perfect start; I did well and was also lucky as I found the right space to dive in and kept the right speed. I got almost sandwiched between Bagnaia and Bastianini, but I got out of it with good speed. The thing I’m happy the most for was the pace we found in the 10-11 laps since I moved out to fourth. Tomorrow it’s going to be very challenging, and you never know how it’s going to end should it rain. Still, I’ll sleep soundly tonight.”
Last years champion Francesco Bagnaia lost out on valuable points after retiring from the sprint. The was an issue with Bagnaia’s bike that saw him drop form a comfortable P2 to P15 after a few corners. Bagnaia said, “Unfortunately these things can happen, but it surely wasn’t easy. Already from the warmup lap I felt something was different and I felt like it was difficult to do anything. The team is at work to understand what happened, but we’ll surely be good tomorrow and ready to do well. We’ve already shown we can be competitive this weekend and our pace is top-three worthy. We’re aware of our potential and we know that with a good start and the right feeling, we can battle for the win.”
Maverick Vinales finished third to keep himself in the points battle at the top of the drivers championship. Acosta was unable to keep his early season success streak alive having to settle for P6. The Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) had uneventful races finishing P10 and P13 respectively.
Full MotoGP Sprint Race Results
Jorge Martin leads the pack on day one of the French GP weekend at Le Mans. The battle for the top spot did not come easy. The top three riders were separated by 0.187s in practice today in France. Francesco Bagnaia finished 2nd as he will attempt to take back the hold on the world championship’s top spot. Jorge Martin is currently 17 points clear of Bagnaia heading into the weekend. To be at the front now is a good sign Martin has what it takes this weekend to keep Bagnaia at bay. The pair have been the topic of social media in the last week regarding what fans perceives as a growing rivalry.
Pedro Acosta continues his stroke of brilliance with a P3 in practice. Acosta has turned the MotoGP scene upside down with his early season success. Another top 3 finish puts Acosta ahead for the weekend. Just behind by 3 tenths Maverick Viñales finished 4th with Fabio Di Giannantonio taking 5th place.
MotoGP Practice Results from Le Mans
The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff
Press Release from the FIM…
The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), in the presence of Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Webb (IRTA, Secretary of the Meeting), Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Paul King (FIM CCR Director) and Dominique Hebrard (FIM CTI Technical Manager) met in Jerez on 26 April 2024.
The commission ratified the outline of new technical regulations to be introduced in the 2027 season:
MotoGP Class Technical Regulations – Effective Season 20271.9.1/2.2
MotoGP class engine displacement will reduce from 1000cc to 850cc. The maximum cylinder bore will reduce from 81mm to 75mm. Engines will remain 4-stroke only, with 4 cylinders.
2.4.2 Concessions
Manufacturers who have raced in 2026 will start the 2027 season in Rank B. Rankings will be revised at the mid-season checkpoint in 2027, based on the first part of the 2027 season results only – 2026 results, before the regulation changes, won’t be counted. The regular ranking system will resume at the end-season checkpoint at the end of 2027.
Any manufacturers who have not raced in 2026 will start 2027 season in Rank D. Their rankings will also be revised at the mid-season checkpoint in 2027, based on the first half of the 2027 season.
2.4.3.3 Engine durability
The number of engines available for use by each permanent contracted rider will reduce to 6 engines per season (up to 20 races), or 7 engines per season in the case of 21 or 22 races on the calendar.
Manufacturers in Concessions Rank D will continue to be able to use two additional engines per rider per season.
2.4.3.5 GPS
GPS data from all riders will be made available to all teams at the end of each session.
2.4.3.9 Transmission
In the MotoGP class the total number of gearbox ratios (pairs of gears) permitted will reduce to 16, plus 4 different overall ratios for the primary drive, for each season.
2.4.4.1 Minimum weight
The minimum bike weight in the MotoGP™ class will be 153kg.
2.4.4.4 Suspensions and dampers
No ride height devices of any kind will be permitted, including “holeshot” devices activated solely for race starts.
2.4.4.5 Fuel Tanks
Fuel tank capacity will be reduced to 20 litres for Grand Prix races and a maximum of 11 litres will be permitted for the Sprint.
2.4.4.7 Reduction of aero surfaces
The maximum permitted width of the high portion of the front fairing Aero Body will reduce from 600mm to 550mm, the maximum rear end height will reduce from 1250mm to 1150mm, the foremost point of the front fairing (nose) will be moved back by 50mm, and the rearward taper of the front fairing aero appendices will also narrow.
Homologation of aero surfaces
The rear end of the machine – any aerodynamics behind the rider – must be homologated as part of the Aero Body. Manufacturers will be permitted to make one update per season.
2.4.5.1 Fuel and Oil
The use of 100% non oil-refinement origin fuel is confirmed from 2027.
The FIM, together with MSMA and the MotoGP fuel suppliers, will clarify all technical details via the TWG1 working group, including representatives from Dorna and IRTA, beginning in May 2024.
A regularly updated version of the FIM Grand Prix Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed shortly HERE
Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez put on a show for MotoGP fans in Spain this weekend. After Jorge Martin took the win in the Spanish Grand Prix Sprint Race it was all eyes on Bagnaia in the Grand Prix. Bagnaia has struggled to find the start he had in 2023 which saw him dominate at different stages of the season. This is mostly in part to the early success seen by rival Jorge Martin however Martin’s race didn’t go as planned.
Martin Crash Allows Bagnaia Back Into Title Discussion
Jorge Martin crashed from the lead on lap with 15 laps left in the race. He did not finish the grand prix. The DNF didn’t do him any favors in the championship race with Bagnaia now jumping up to second place after the weekend in Jerez. However, Martin still holds a 17 point lead. Despite this Bagnaia was extremely positive after the win. “It was simply fantastic,” he said. “We needed such a win, not only for myself but also for the team and everybody working with me. It was a very intense race, and it was crucial to make it to the lead on lap one.
The overtake on the outside was really a nice one, I enjoyed it a lot. The race was decided in the last five laps when Marc closed the gap I only tried to wait and fend off his attacks straight away and after his second attempt I decided to push as hard as I could in order to create a safety margin up to the finish line. I managed to set the fastest lap at the end, and everything went perfectly. I’m really happy, this is my third consecutive win in the full race here and that makes everything even more special.”
Multiple DNFs in Spain
Similarly to the Sprint race 8 riders did not finish the race. Amongst them was Pedro Acosta who showed early promise in the weekend with a 3rd place finish in the sprint. Acosta had a major crash in morning warm ups before the grad prix but the team was able to successfully get him out for the race. Acosta has been the subject of chatter in the MotoGP paddock given what he has been able to accomplish in his rookie season. He said, “It is never easy to destroy one bike in the morning and then jump into the race on another bike with different clutches or other parts. Anyway, considering the events of the morning, we managed to save the result after a bad start in the race.
The contact with Johann Zarco is what is likely to happen when you start from the middle of the grid, so we know that we need to qualify well, and avoid the mistakes made yesterday. Then we recovered pretty well in the race, we learnt a lot today, took experience, so we need to be happy with today.”
CIRCUITO DE JEREZ, SPAIN – APRIL 26: Pedro Acosta, Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 during the Spanish GP at Circuito de Jerez on Friday April 26, 2024 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images)Another Podium for Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez finished second in the race. He appears to be getting faster as the season progresses and he gets harmonized with his new station. One thing thats clar is he still ahs what it takes to compete at the top level. Marquez said, “I rode even too conservatively in the first five laps. Yesterday’s crash played a part and I wanted to make sure I made it to the finish line. Then I saw the chance to win and I gave it a try. Pecco defended the position strongly and it was good this way. Now winning is not a dream anymore, so let’s enjoy this return to speed and to podium ways.”
Full Spanish Grand Prix Results
World Standings After the Spanish Grand Prix
Fabio Quartararo has lost his 3rd place finish result in the Spanish GP Sprint race for breaching the tire pressure limits set by the governing body. A a result Quartararo’s penalty drops him behind in fifth place, while Pedrosa moves up to third and Franco Morbidelli is promoted to fourth.
Quartararo said, “On the first lap, I gained close to ten positions, and I think this was the key to be fighting for a podium position. The track conditions were really tricky, and this caused many crashes at the front of the pack. Many people crashed in one particular corner, so I thought there was something on the track there, but I stayed focused, and I think it was great for us to be fighting, with Dani especially. He was behind me all the Sprint race: I could hear his bike. I didn’t know until the last two laps that I was fighting for third position, but it was nice. Especially the last lap was quite impressive. The penalty is a shame, but tomorrow we can try again. Hopefully, we can make a similar start, but realistically, if we’re able to finish inside the top 10, I think that would be a really great result.”
Unfortunately, for 8 time world champion Marc Marquez a win in the Spanish GP was brutally denied as Marquez crashed out of the sprint race with one corner to go in the race. The crash meant that Jorge Martin who had been on the hunt inherited the position. Marquez had no chance to recover having to settle for P7. His crash also improved Pedro Acosta’s result. Acosta who has been in great form in his debut MotoGP continues to score points and challenge the veterans. Acosta beat Fabio Quartararo finished third in his best finish thus far this year.
Multiple riders didn’t finish the sprint as it was littered with crashes. The track had dried after a wet qualifying session. Martin was able to avoid incident and he and the Pramac Racing side were seen in full celebration.
Sprint Race Results
New World Championship Standings
The battle for the top 10 in MotoGP’s Spanish Grand Prix this weekend was a splash of intensity, Bagnaia lead practice on day one of action in Spain. Jorge Martin finish fifth in the session behind however he never looked particularly running at full pace during the session. Maverick Vinales continued his run for the top spot by finishing one tenth behind Bagnaia. Marc Marques also showed glimpses of his old self finishing P3 in the on the day.
Full Practice Results Are Below
Maverick Viñales scored the double in America this weekend after winning the sprint race yesterday and the grand prix earlier today to score maximum points for Aprilia Racing. Viñales put on a masterclass after an extremely poor start that saw him drop to P12 in the early stages of the US Grand Prix. After making multiple passes seemingly on every lap completed Viñales found himself lunging for the podium and eventually back into first place.
Additionally, with the win Vinales became the first MotoGP rider in history to win with three different manufacturers. “I made a lot of sacrifices to get here and it is all finally paying off,” he said. “This shows us that you can never give up. You must have faith in your own abilities and keep growing. This is a historic achievement and I knew from the first day I arrived with Aprilia that I would be able to accomplish it. I wish to thank everyone who gave me the strength to continue, the folks in Noale, my team, and my family”.
Pedro Acosta Solidified His Presence at Circuit of the Americas
In an equally brilliant performance. Pedro Acosta solidified his place in MotoGP as the rookie has now secured back to back weekends with a podium. Acosta finished P2 in the United States Grand Prix and did so with a sense of mastery typically seen by seasoned veterans of the sport. Acosta said, “What a race. It’s a long time since I enjoyed a race as much. You cannot imagine how fun I had passing the boys. I overtook them, they overtook me, I had to recover positions: it was super-nice. We learned a lot from Saturday and used it for Sunday and we have to be really happy about that.”
The rookie bested Enea Bastianini who benefited from Marc Marquez and his unfortunate DNF in the race to take third. Bastianini beat out the current championship leader Jorge Martin to the podium. However, Martin didn’t lose much ground as he scored good points in the sprint and grand prix allowing him to retain his lead into the next round by 21 points over Bastianini.
Maverick Viñales is a back to back Tissot Sprint race winner after winning at Circuit of the Americas today. Viñales won the race in decisive fashion finishing 2.2 seconds ahead of second place finisher Marc Marquez. Jorge Martin found his way on to the podium after a hard fought race. After starting from pole position Viñales never looked back leading the race from start to finish.
The battle behind ensued between Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta. After the pair traded attempts at passing. Acosta attempted a late move on Marquez and ended up running wide losing out on position. Jorge Martin who had a poor early race stayed within striking range and was there to capitalize on Acosta’s mistake and claim a late podium. The finish meant that Martin would retain his championship lead and extended his margin over currently second place sitter Enea Bastinaini to 24 points. If Martin can turn tomorrows grand prix into a win he may hold an early advantage in the race for the title.
Viñales said, “It’s incredible when everything works so well, I am really happy. I feel like this is one of the best moments of my career, especially in terms of my riding abilities. Physically, I feel strong, and that is fundamental on this track. I’d also like to thank the team. They are focused and motivated. We were hungry for this win”.
Action picks on the final day of MotoGP in the United States with morning Warm Ups.
Full Tissot Sprint Race, US GP Results
Jorge Martin appears to be emerging as the man to beat thus far in 2024. Martin narrowly edged out Maverick Viñales by less than a tenth of a second in practice on day one of the US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. However, Martin’s pace was record breaking; shattering the lap record by half a second. Marc Marquez also appears to be on the move up the table after finishing P3 in practice after a battle with Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia.
Despite the early success Martin will need to carry his pace through the weekend. Martin has yet to show up on both Saturday and Sunday to secure maximum points on the weekend. With an 18 point lead over KTM Racing’s Brad Binder, Martin will look to break away from the pack in the points standings. Doing so will put the pressure to perform on the other Ducati riders; especially Francesco Bagnaia. With Martin and Bagnaia battling back and forth last year; they set the tone for 2024. Bagnaia currently sits 23 points behind in the championship race and looks to narrow that gap tomorrow in the Sprint Race.
Of note, rookie Pedro Acosta led the KTM riders finishing P5 in Practice. Brad Binder who sits in second place in the championship finished P14. A far cry from his form thus far this season.
Full Practice Results Below