Pro Motocross: Live Coverage On NBC Highlights 2024 Broadcast Schedule

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

Pro Motocross: Live Coverage On NBC Highlights 2024 Broadcast Schedule

Four Live Network Telecasts on NBC Highlight Broadcast Schedule for 2024 Pro Motocross Championship

Pair of Encore Presentations on USA Network Combine for Six Network Showcases; Peacock Continues as Centerpiece of SuperMotocross Coverage

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 24, 2024) – The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicked off its 53rd season on Thursday with a press conference ahead of Saturday’s opening round at the Honda Fox Raceway National Presented by Fox Racing. Pro Motocross serves as the midway point of the SuperMotocross World Championship Series (SMX), beginning the summer portion of the regular season with Round 18. Southern California’s Pala Casino provided the setting for the industry gathering, after which the adjacent Fox Raceway saw all entered racers take to track for the first time.

A focal point of the press conference was the dynamic broadcast package that encompasses the SMX Series. Another successful season of Monster Energy AMA Supercross saw impressive growth across all areas, including a 30-percent increase in live minutes watched on Peacock, the centerpiece of SMX broadcasts that will carry wall-to-wall live coverage of all 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship. Additionally, network showcases of Supercross on NBC and USA Network, along with re-airs on CNBC, saw 24-percent growth in audience reach. Additionally, SuperMotocross Video Pass continued to drive a broader reach for the sport’s international audience, which included the introduction of a dedicated Spanish-language broadcast that contributed to more than 130 different countries being represented. To top it all off, a new partnership with Telemundo brought the Spanish-language broadcast to the domestic SMX audience in the U.S. for the first time, with three simulcasts on Telemundo Deportes’ YouTube channel and the Telemundo page on the NBC mobile app–the recent Supercross finale from Salt Lake City, the upcoming Pro Motocross finale from Indiana’s Ironman Raceway on August 24, and the SuperMotocross World Championship Final in Las Vegas on September 21.

The Pro Motocross Championship will carry the momentum into the summer with an action-packed broadcast schedule highlighted by four live network showcases on NBC–Round 3 from Colorado’s Thunder Valley Motocross Park on June 8, Round 6 from Michigan’s RedBud MX on July 6, Round 7 from Minnesota’s Spring Creek MX Park on July 13, and Round 8 from Washington’s Washougal MX Park on July 20. Additionally, USA Network will feature a pair of Sunday encore presentations, with Round 4 from Pennsylvania’s High Point Raceway, which will air on June 16, and Round 10 from Southern Maryland’s Budds Creek Motocross Park, which will air on August 17.

The entirety of the 2024 season will unfold live on Peacock, with uninterrupted streaming coverage of every moto across the 450 Class and 250 Class. Each Saturday on the championship calendar will begin with Race Day Live Presented by MotoSport.com, available exclusively on Peacock, with live coverage of the final timed qualifying sessions of the “A” groups from each division. Once the racing is complete, Peacock’s exclusive post-race show will bring viewers the latest from the paddock after the checkered flag has waved and the champagne has been sprayed.

All 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship will also re-air via tape delay on CNBC every Sunday night for viewers in the Pacific Time Zone at 11 p.m. PT and Monday morning for viewers in the Eastern Time Zone at 2 a.m. ET.

For international viewers, the SuperMotocross Video Pass will continue to provide fans around the world with the same award-winning production found domestically, with live streaming of every moto, from every round of the season. Viewers from more than 130 different countries have subscribed to Video Pass, which has seen even more growth this year with the introduction of the aforementioned Spanish-language broadcast hosted by veteran announcer Edgar Lopez and former racer Tommy Rios. With a continued influx of international talent contesting the Pro Motocross Championship, this reach is expected to expand even further. For a limited time, new subscribers can sign up for SuperMotocross Video Pass with a 50% discount.

For any fans unable to watch the action on television or a mobile device this summer, SiriusXM satellite radio will provide an audio simulcast of the broadcast of each round via NBC Sports Audio Channel 85.

The talented broadcast team bringing the action of the Pro Motocross Championship to viewers all summer long will consist of host and play-by-play commentator Jason Weigandt, the longtime voice of American motocross, and the analyst duo of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart in the booth. On the track, pit reporters Jason Thomas and Will Christien will bring the latest breaking news and perspective from the paddock and will be joined at select rounds by veteran reporter Katie Osborne.

Each week in between races, fans can stay connected to the season through SMX Insider, the weekly news magazine hosted by Jason Weigandt and Jason Thomas, airing each Thursday on the SuperMotocross YouTube channel. Additionally, the Title24 podcast with Ricky Carmichael and fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ryan Villopoto, will bring an insider’s perspective from two of the sport’s most decorated champions each week and can be seen on Peacock and the Motorsports on NBC YouTube channel.

The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship will get underway from the motocross epicenter of Southern California tomorrow, Saturday, May 25, with the Fox Raceway National. Broadcast coverage will air exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Coverage of all four motos of the 250 Class and 450 Class will air at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET, followed by the post-race show at the conclusion of the afternoon.

MotoGP: Espargaro Breaks Lap Record Friday Afternoon At Catalunya

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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MotoGP: Espargaro Breaks Lap Record Friday Afternoon At Catalunya

Just hours after announcing he will retire at the end of the season, Aleix Espargaro led MotoGP Practice One with a new All-Time Lap Record at Circuito de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.

Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, the Spaniard lapped his 2.9-mile (4.7 km) home track in 1:38.562, eclipsing Francesco Bagnaia’s 2023 mark of 1:38.639.

Brad Binder was second-quickest with a 1:38.634 in spite of crashing his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC 16 twice in the session.

Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta was third with a time of 1:38.665 on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.

MotoGP Practice

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Espargaro smashes lap record ahead of Binder and Acosta as Marc Marquez faces Q1

It’s an Aprilia-KTM-GASGAS party on Friday at the top, setting the scene for an interesting Saturday in Barcelona

Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Friday, 24 May 2024

Practice at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya definitely didn’t disappoint, setting us up for an interesting super Saturday. First, 2023 Barcelona winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was back on top and with a new lap record. Second, it’s two RC16s on the chase as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) ended the session second and third, respectively. Third, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) will once again have to head through Q1… although it didn’t stop him in France.

It was a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 1-2 for the majority of the session, but it wouldn’t stay like that by the end of play. Espargaro’s new lap record but paid to that, although Binder got close with one last bid for it. On his last flying lap, the South African got within 0.072 of the top to complete a recovery in style, having crashed once early on at Turn 2 and then again at the very same Turn 2 later in the session.

Brad Binder (33) and Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Down in fourth it’s reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as he looks for his first GP podium in Barcelona, and on Friday he was the fastest of the Championship top three. The Italian set 23 laps across the session but had some drama after the flag came out, forced to push his bike back to the pitlane. Still, the #1 was able to end the day ahead of the second Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine of Jack Miller, who nevertheless completes the top five.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and managed to get the better of teammate Franco Morbidelli, who had a solid day and made it both Prima Pramac Racing machines inside the top 10, split by just 0.038. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) ends Friday in eighth after spending most of the session outside the top 15 positions but finding time in the closing minutes.

Pedro Acosta (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) heads through to Q2 from P9 on Friday, his second visit this season so far and on the way to his 200th Grand Prix start. Teammate Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), meanwhile, crashed at Turn 5 early on – rider ok but ending the session in 14th. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) rounded out the top 10.

There was plenty of drama, with a number of crashes at the end of the session playing some havoc with yellow flags too. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) crashed earlier at Turn 5, but things soon got worse for the Italian then crashed for a second time at Turn 9 in the last 10 minutes of the session. Di Giannantonio ended the hour-long session in 17th ahead of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Augusto Fernandez who also had a crash late in the session at turn four.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) also couldn’t improve after suffering a crash in the final five minutes, and with all that drama there was no space for many others to move forward either amongst the yellow flags. That included for his teammate Marc Marquez. The number #93 faces Q1 for the second time in two weeks, although in France it didn’t make too much difference… and he didn’t even make it through! Will he this time? Tune in on super Saturday to find out!

FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)

Q1: 10:50

Q2: 11.15

Tissot Sprint: 15:00

Jorge Navarro (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Navarro heads Roberts, Muñoz third as full-timers get deposed on Friday

Friday in Moto2™ ended in some wildcard glory at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, with Jorge Navarro (KLINT Forward Factory Team) taking to the top and with a new lap record. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was second quickest, with replacement rider Daniel Muñoz (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team) taking third fresh from doing the double at the venue in the Moto2™ European Championship last weekend, where Navarro also stood on the podium.

After finishing fastest in Free Practice, Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) was fourth at the end of the day, setting a 1:43.076. Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors SpeedUp) rounded out the top five in Moto2™ but was unable to improve on his time late in the session, instead forced into a save. Aiming to take his second Moto2™ victory will be Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), who was sixth – ending the day ahead of Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Filip Salač. The #12 was ahead of Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) who showed consistent pace throughout the session despite a crash in the morning.

Check out the full results below and come back for more at 9:25 local time (UTC+2) for Practice 2 before qualifying at 13:45 local time.

David Alonso (80). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alonso heads Rueda and Holgado as the top five in the standings stake their claim on Catalunya

CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team’s David Alonso ends Friday at the top of the standings at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, fastest in the morning and afternoon. The #80 put in an impressive 12 lap run at the start of P1 and then stamped some authority back on the session on his final exit. He ends the day 0.158s clear of Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) fnding a heap of time on Friday afternoon to end P1 in third.

It was a thrilling end to Friday with riders treating it like qualifying, as Holgado, Rueda, and then Alonso all switched the top spot between them with the pace beginning to heat up. However, Nicola Carraro (LEVELUP – MTA) crashed on his final lap, bringing out the yellow flag and taking away any chance for the #10 to improve. Another rider who had a bad end to Friday was Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), who ended Friday at the bottom of the standings after suffering from a technical issue – unable to set a time.

Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) continued to impress, showing consistent pace to end the day a mere 0.255s adrift from the top spot. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out the top five, with the #48 putting in fast laps in the early stages of the session. Moto3™ head back out in the morning for P2 before qualifying at 12:50 (UTC +2).

BMW Unveils New R20 Concept Bike

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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BMW Motorrad presents the BMW R20 concept.

A piece of art on two wheels presented at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

München/Cernobbio – May 24, 2024… In front of the picturesque background of Villa d’Este at Lake Como, BMW Motorrad unveils its latest design masterpiece: the BMW R20 concept. This motorcycle celebrates the highest craftsmanship and presents itself as the epitome of expressive and cool design, refined down to the last detail.

As part of the renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, famous for its elegance and historical significance for extraordinary vehicles, BMW Motorrad showcases the legendary air-oil cooled Big Boxer engine as a central sculptural element.

Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad describes the concept as follows: “The BMW R20 concept is a mechanical masterpiece. The Big Boxer is its center. Distinctly BMW Motorrad.”

The Boxer engine in the R20 displaces 2,000cc. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.

Authentic, high class, cool

The BMW R20 concept is a motorcycle that impresses with a powerful appearance in a casual gentleman style, while fulfilling typical attributes of BMW Motorrad: classic design and excellent engineering combined with thrilling mechanics.

Centered around the Big Boxer engine as the epicenter of great riding pleasure, the expressive tank presents itself like a sculpture, the rear is reduced to the essentials to emphasize the clean lines and the power of the motorcycle.

The chassis has been completely redeveloped and, with a black double-loop main frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubes, forms the backbone. With the black disc wheel at 17×6.25 inches at the rear, on which a tire of the dimension 200/55 is mounted, and a 17″ spoke wheel with black spokes and the tire dimension 120/70 at the front, the BMW R20 concept combines tradition and modernity. The proven BMW Paralever has been executed in a new two-arm variant, in which the swingarm is made of chrome-molybdenum steel and the Paralever strut is made of aluminum. The kinematics are designed so that the drive torque is completely balanced. The two milled aluminum rear axle carriers are another high-quality detail. The exposed driveshaft, conceptually adopted from the R18 – the visual highlight of the well-known R 18 models – has been shortened for integration into the roadster architecture. As suspension elements, fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline components work at the front and rear. The basic vehicle geometry has a steering head angle of 62.5°, as well as a wheelbase of 1,550 mm. Radially mounted brake calipers from ISR at the front and rear take care of the deceleration – with six pistons at the front and four pistons per brake caliper at the rear. Additionally, the 2-in-2 exhaust system delivers the appropriate sound character and perfectly completes the design.

As a Big Boxer Roadster, the BMW R20 concept sets new standards in the world of motorcycles and confirms BMW Motorrad’s commitment to the finest engineering and the pure passion for motorcycling.

The BMW R20 features a shortened and exposed rear drive shaft. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.

Living Big Boxer Culture

The centerpiece of the BMW R20 concept continues to be the air-oil-cooled Big Boxer engine, now with a displacement of 2,000 cc. For the concept bike, new cylinder head covers, a new belt cover and a new oil cooler were developed, in order to be able to mount the oil pipes partially hidden.

A special highlight is the side view: The eye follows the path of the air as it flows through the open intake funnels into the throttle bodies and cylinders, before escaping through the open exhaust system and the tailpipes in megaphone design, creating the typical Big Boxer sound.

Bold in Style

The aluminum tank got a new design and presents itself in the progressive color “hotter than pink” from the 1970´s. The BMW R20 concept is color-coordinated with the cylinder head covers, belt cover and air intake funnels made of polished and anodized aluminum, as well as the Paralever strut, footrest system and the ISR brake calipers in gunmetal.

The taillight has been perfectly integrated into the single seat, which is upholstered with quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather, and emphasizes the dynamic roadster appearance with its compact rear. The modern LED headlight is presented in form of a 3D-printed aluminum ring with integrated daytime running light. The main headlight appears to float optically in the middle of this daytime running light ring.

Each of these details contributes to the unique character of the concept bike and underscores its overall statement:

The BMW R20 concept takes the Big Boxer Culture to a new level.

“The R20 concept is a bold interpretation of the BMW Motorrad DNA,” says Alexander Buckan, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “It combines modern technical elements with a classic roadster design. Its oversized proportions and minimalistic aesthetic make it an unmistakable character.”

Moto2: Navarro P1, Roberts P2 Friday Afternoon At Catalunya

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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Moto2: Navarro P1, Roberts P2 Friday Afternoon At Catalunya

Jorge Navarro edged out Joe Roberts at the top of the time sheet in Moto2 World Championship Practice One Friday afternoon at Circuito de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.

Riding a KLINT Forward Factory Team machine on Pirelli control tires, Spaniard Navarro lapped the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) racetrack in 1:42.807, which surpassed Manuel Gonzalez’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:42.860 set Friday morning.

American Roberts was the best of the rest with a 1:43.015 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Daniel Munoz was third with a time of 1:43.044 on his Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Kalex, while Gonzalez slipped to fourth with a 1:43.076 on his QJMOTOR Gresini Kalex in the afternoon session.

Moto2 P1

Moto3: Alonso Leads Practice Friday Afternoon At Catalunya

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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Moto3: Alonso Leads Practice Friday Afternoon At Catalunya

David Alonso led Moto3 World Championship Practice One (P1) Friday afternoon at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. On board his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO fitted with Pirelli control tires, the Colombian lapped the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) course in 1:46.897. That was enough to top the 27-rider field, but it was slightly slower than the new All-Time Lap Record of 1:46.838 he set Friday morning.

Moto3 P1

MotoGP: Martin Quickest In Practice Friday Morning At Catalunya

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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MotoGP: Martin Quickest In Practice Friday Morning At Catalunya

Jorge Martin topped MotoGP Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. On board his Michelin-shod Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24, the current World Championship point leader lapped the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) track in 1:39.579 to lead the field of 23 riders.

Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was second-best with a 1:39.871 on his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP23.

South African Brad Binder posted a third-quickest 1:39.958 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine.

MotoGP FP1

Moto2: Gonzalez P1, Roberts P4 In Opening Practice At Catalunya

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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Moto2: Gonzalez P1, Roberts P4 In Opening Practice At Catalunya

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding a QJMOTOR Gresini Racing Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) course in 1:42.860. That was fastest enough to lead the field of 32 riders and to eclipse Remy Gardner’s 2021 All-Time Lap Record of 1:42.977.

American Joe Roberts was fourth in the session with a time of 1:43.320 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 FP1

Moto3: Alonso Breaks Record In Opening Practice At Catalunya

David Swarts

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May 24, 2024

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Moto3: Alonso Breaks Record In Opening Practice At Catalunya

David Alonso was fastest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO on Pirelli control tires, the young Colombian lapped the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) course in 1:46.838. Not only was that good enough to top the 27-rider field, it was also good enough to demolish Gabriel Rodrigo’s 2021 All-Time Lap Record of 1:47.597.

Moto3 FP1

MRA: 15th Annual Endurance Race Scheduled June 29 At High Plains

David Swarts

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May 23, 2024

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MRA: 15th Annual Endurance Race Scheduled June 29 At High Plains

MRA: 15th Annual Endurance Race Running At High Plains Raceway Scheduled for June 29th

Byers, CO – The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) is excited to announce the much-anticipated round four of its championship series at High Plains Raceway (HPR) on June 29th and 30th. This event is a highlight for motorcycle racing enthusiasts, featuring the 15th Annual 4-hour endurance race on Saturday, June 29th.

The weekend promises a packed schedule with MRA sprint races on both Saturday and Sunday, utilizing the full course configuration of HPR. The spotlight of the weekend is the action packed 4-hour endurance race, set to begin at approximately 3 PM on Saturday. This year’s endurance race will showcase three competitive classes: True Endurance (one bike, multiple riders), Pony Express (multiple bikes, multiple riders), and Titanium Butt (one bike, one rider). Racers will battle for podium finishes, trophies, and well-deserved bragging rights, along with a cash payout for each class!

Racers are encouraged to register online for all sprint and endurance events by Monday night, June 24th, by visiting Motorsportreg. Late registrations will incur a $40 fee.

The MRA is dedicated to organizing exciting, competitive, and safe motorcycle racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding areas. For more information about the MRA and its activities, please visit our website at https://www.mra-racing.org/.

We invite racers and fans alike to experience the excitement and thrill of this annual event. Join us for an unforgettable weekend of high-speed action and endurance racing at High Plains Raceway!

MotoGP: Vinales Surprised By Espargaro’s Retirement

David Swarts

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May 23, 2024

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MotoGP: Vinales Surprised By Espargaro’s Retirement

“Lots of factories have knocked on my door”

After a packed out French GP, it’s time for another and this time in the Mediterranean jewel of Barcelona. First, the podcast welcomed Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez to talk about his career and season, with the #25 joining the pod for the first time at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.

Then it was an emotional interlude as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) announced his retirement from being a full-time rider in a one-off Press Conference at 15:15.

The first press conference for the weekend ahead then got in gear, with Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) joined by Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). Guess the topic!

Then, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was joined by rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) in Press Conference 2.

Here are some photos and quotes from the opening day!

JORGE MARTIN

How are you feeling after a double win in Le Mans and are Aprilia a threat?

“For sure it will be a challenging weekend, I am happy about the last result but it is in the past and now we have to focus. I remember that we have struggled with the grip in the last two years here for all of us, so let’s see how the new bike performs here. I think it will be better than last season and we also have some other ideas to try and get faster. Last year Aprilia was on another level here, so the target is to close that gap but nobody knows how the bike or the tyres from one season to another. I am confident that I feel good at the moment and that I will do a good job.”

Are you in talks with KTM or Aprilia and if it’s not with Ducati have you got a preferred option?

“I think the results at Le Mans or Jerez or what will happen here will not change the final decision. I understand Ducati as they need to understand what they need and how to put it together. So let’s wait, in the next two weeks, I will decide my future as I will know the Ducati decision and all my choices. I am happy that lots of factories have knocked on my door which means I am doing a good job. Now we have to wait and I cannot control what will happen so I will try my best here in Montmelo and Mugello and we will see what the future brings us.”

Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.

PECCO BAGNAIA

How are you feeling after last year’s race at Catalunya?

“I hope to make it further than three corners this season! Last year was great as the first two days we were competitive and then in Sunday’s race we had some issues and didn’t have the opportunity to finish the race. Last year we were very competitive, we were feeling great and I was able to compete with the Aprilia. On the Sunday with the medium rear tyre, I think our potential could have been very promising. I think the new bike will make us have less grip but will help with turning which could be a good compromise but for sure the April’s will be the one to beat.”

MARC MARQUEZ

Can you explain what is missing to fight for the Championship?

“We are missing the consistency of these two guys because they are fast every practice and every qualifying practice. They are always inside the top three or the top three, and although I am fast, I feel competitive, and in Jerez and Le Mans I was super close to them, I need to find this consistency which will be a challenge Montmelo because it is one of my tricky tracks plus with the new bike it looks like they will gain in the long corners but we will find our own way to be fast and fight with the top guys.”

Would you be happy with a factory Ducati in another team or would you like to be in the factory team?

“My situation has changed a bit from last year as for this season I was looking to have fun, to find the feeling and step by step I am coming back to a good level to be able to fight with these guys. But if you want to fight for a Championship it is possible this year but if you have an easier life on track it helps you. Every rider is looking for the best and I know which is my first idea, I am very clever, I was clever in the past, I was clever last year, and I am clever for next year on what I want to do. So let’s see if I can do I great job on the track to have more options for next year.”

What is your idea?

“To be fast on the race track or close to them because as I said in Jerez or in Le Mans it is already great that I can fight with them until the last corner. These are the two guys that were competing for the Championship last year and are the two strongest opponents out there. So I will keep working with what I have to try and find the maximum.”

ENEA BASTIANINI

How competitive do you feel heading into this weekend?

“I have been really unlucky at the Catalan GP in the last two years as in 2022 I crashed and last year I made a big mistake at turn one and crashed with other riders. Let’s see how it goes this year as it is a strange race because the grip is low, so it is important to have a good base set up.”

Are a move to Gresini or Aprilia options that you’re considering if you can’t stay as Pecco’s teammate next year?

“I know it is probably the most difficult decision for Ducati at the moment as we are the top four in the World Championship and with Pecco already under contract it can be a difficult decision. At the moment my situation is not bad as the Ducati is so fast at all tracks and it has improved since last year. I could be a factory rider for next year but I know the speed of Jorge or Marc so it will be difficult but I am confident that I will stay here.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES

How high are the expectations for you to deliver this weekend?

“It is true that last year here in Montmelo it was extraordinary for Aprilia but every year is different so from my point of view we have to remain calm and it is important to be ready for any condition. Of course, we arrive here thinking that we can fight for victory but we need to remember it is a different year and that the tyres feel different. The competition is high at the moment but we will try and take the maximum from what we have and if I have the opportunity I will go for it on every occasion. We need to try and remember that when we bring the bike to its maximum we are able to win races and that is what we are trying to do here.”

Reaction to Aleix’s retirement:

“I didn’t expect it, I was expecting him to continue racing. In Aprilia, we are both commanding the team and he has been an important part of my journey. But if he has decided like this it is because he feels it is right. I just wanted to say that it has been a pleasure to have been his teammate. He was one of the toughest teammates I have had. However, we still have a long season ahead, so I think he has to be very motivated to try and achieve more victories and if he is fast it will help me a lot.”

PEDRO ACOSTA

Do you think you can have the pace for the victory?

“It is a new track for us on a MotoGP™ bike so we need to start from zero and we have worked like hell this week to avoid the problems that we had in Le Mans. On Sunday we made a big step but we need to start from zero now as we know it is a tricky track. We also need to understand how our bike will work here as last season it was not easy so we need to use all the data from Jack and Augusto to understand how we can improve the bike.”

Reaction to Aleix’s retirement:

“For the last five seasons, we have had a professional relationship but when he started to talk and get sentimental I was close to crying and I said “Man how could I not cry”. But I am super happy for him and we know that he enjoys many things in life like cycling. I think he will start to enjoy his new life and priorities and I am super happy about this and the chance to share a MotoGP™ season with him.”

ALEX RINS

How do you feel it will be your 200th GP and do you expect to be more competitive?

“I didn’t know it was my 200th Grand Prix so it will be a little more special now. As you mentioned after Le Mans we were at Mugello, testing some new items and reconfirming some items from Jerez. I was surprised as the fairing we tested in Jerez was working well so we have two bikes with the new aero and something new that we tested at Mugello which we need to reconfirm. I am super excited to begin the Catalan GP as it is a really nice track but low grip so it will be difficult to manage the tyre life but I am ready!”

Reaction to Aleix’s retirement:

“It was very big news but I am super happy for him because if he decides to stop racing it is because that is what he wants and deserves. He has had some really great and difficult seasons in the past but he is a fighter. He trains really hard, day by day to achieve his goals and I am super proud of him and wish him luck in the future. After he finishes this season it is time for him to enjoy time with his family.”

Pro Motocross: Live Coverage On NBC Highlights 2024 Broadcast Schedule

May 24, 2024

Hunter Lawrence (96). Photo courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.