MOONEY VR46 RACING TEAM AND LUCA MARINI PART WAYS AT THE END OF 2023
After six years together, starting from the 2024 season, to better follow their future objectives and goals, Luca will not race for the Tavullia Team in MotoGP
Tavullia (Italy) – Mooney VR46 Racing Team and Luca Marini announce, after six seasons of shared goals, that they will not continue together in the 2024 season. The time has come for both parties to pursue ambitious goals and results following different paths. All the management, the Team and the people involved in the project wish Luca the best for his future.
Luca joined the Moto2 Team at the end of 2017 and has achieved his most prestigious results within this family. First podium in the Moto2 World Championship (German GP) in 2018 and first win in the middle class in the same year (Malaysian GP 2018 – 6 victories in Moto2). Best overall result in the 2020 Championship when he is a contender for the Moto2 World title until the last race (final P2). Luca was the first rider to have brought the VR46 brand to MotoGP on the Ducati Desmosedici GP in 2021.
In the last two seasons (2022 – 2023), Luca is one of the protagonist of the successes of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team project, built around him to become among the most competitive riders in the Top class. He signs two pole positions, 4 podiums in the Sprint and two podiums in the Sunday race.
Luca Marini and VR46 Racing Team in numbers
888 total points (533 in Moto2, 355 in MotoGP)
P2 RIDERS World Championship 2020 (Moto2)
P1 TEAMS World Championship 2020 (Moto2 – with Bezzecchi)
6 wins (in Moto2)
17 podiums (2 MotoGP)
7 pole positions (2 MotoGP)
4 Sprint podiums
109 races with the Team (110 included ValenciaGP)
LUCA MARINI – 10
I spent most of my Championship career in this Team, so many of the most significant moments of my career so far are linked to this group of people. We have grown a lot together and have gained a lot of satisfactions. This will be my last race with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team: I thought a lot before making this decision and evaluated the new challenges I will face. I leave behind a fantastic Team that contributed to my growth and knowledge of the technical aspects and complexity that characterises this kind sport. It’s time to embrace a new path with enthusiasm, without denying what has been, but with the eyes focused on the future.
ALESSIO SALUCCI, TEAM DIRECTOR
I have really seen Luca grow, since he was a child, then from a motorsport point of view I had the pleasure of seeing him become one of the strongest riders in MotoGP. I’m happy to have shared six beautiful seasons with him in this project. From the first satisfactions in Moto2, the second place in the Championship in 2020, then the debut in MotoGP, the birth of our Team in the Top class and a 2023 where he managed to be a real protagonist. Luca is a professional with few equals, a technician, a true passionate enthusiast before being a rider and then a great worker. It is a pity to let him go, he will be a really tough opponent in the future, but an opportunity of this type is too much important not to be considered and I sincerely I wish him, together with the whole Team, the very best of luck.
Editorial Note: The following feature appears in the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
TRACK TEST: KRAMER GP2-890RR
138 Horsepower & 313 Pounds In A Great Chassis = Big Fun!
By Chris Ulrich
The KTM RC 8C took Kramer from a niche brand and thrust it into the spotlight. Now, after its second run of the KTM RC 8C model, Kramer has launched its own version combining an 889cc KTM engine with its signature chromoly trellis chassis to create the GP2-890RR, except with more power, a tunable ECU, and no wings. Now closing on its 10th year of operation, Kramer Motorcycles is hitting its stride. The company recently broke ground on a new factory in Burghausen, Germany and has been pumping out a steady stream of high-performance single-cylinder and twin-cylinder track-ready racebikes. The Kramer brand’s popularity showed at the recent AHRMA Barber Vintage festival, where there were 22 riders racing Kramer. That breaks down to 14 of the 690cc single-cylinder EVO2 690 bikes, six GP2-890R bikes, and two GP2-890RR machines. That’s pretty good market penetration.
I was at the Barber Vintage Festival to throw a leg over the 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR. Production was limited to 125 units, with 20 allotted to the U.S. market. Priced at $39,995, the latest up-spec Kramer packs a lot of value while also having an air of exclusivity. Looking at options in the same performance orbit in terms of horsepower, specs, and lap time production, a front running race replica Next Gen Supersport Ducati V2 runs $44,500 for the base package from HSBK while a Next Gen GSX-R750 from Team Hammer is $44,500 for a new 2023-spec bike.
Compared to earlier models, the upgraded, 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR has more power and more advanced electronics. A total of 125 are being built with 20 allocated for U.S. sale. Photo by Etechphoto.com.
The performance numbers on the Kramer GP2-890RR look good; the RR puts out a claimed 138 bhp at 10,100 rpm with 74 lbs.-ft. (100 nm) of torque at 8,200 rpm and weighs in at 313 pounds (142 kg). That’s roughly 130 bhp at the rear wheel, which puts the power output in line with the latest National Series power limitation map used in Next Gen Supersport, and the SSP soft minimum weight limit is considerable higher at 375 pounds (170 kgs).
Looking at lap-time potential, Chris Fillmore’s best lap time on a GP2-890RR in the 4SR AHRMA Pro Challenge race at Barber was a 1:28.414, while Xavi Fores on a Next Gen Ducati V2 turned a 1:27.500 during the 2023 MotoAmerica Extended Supersport race at Barber. So, on-track performance is pretty close.
Roadracing World featured the Kramer’s specs in the Inside Info section of the September 2023 edition, but it never hurts to review a few things. The Kramer mates a custom chromoly steel trellis frame with KTM’s 899cc four-stroke Parallel Twin engine. The Kramer spec engine uses Pankl titanium rods, high-compression two-ring Pankl pistons, race spec camshafts, and titanium valves. A set of 48mm throttle bodies is also used, with Kramer 3D printed intake funnels. This is a cool feature for anybody who wants to test different intake tract lengths.
The Kramer GP2-890RR makes eight more horsepower for 2024 and its chrome-moly steel-tube chassis is fully adjustable. Photo by Etechphoto.com.
The electronic system uses a Mectronik MKE7 ECU that has an internal 6-axis IMU. The ECU unit is affordable and capable, with features like 10 levels of traction control (+3, 0, -4, and off) available through the left handlebar switch. The ECU uses inputs from the wheel speed sensors to detect slip, then removes power by retarding timing and cutting the ignition. Anti-wheelie is also wheel-speed-based. The GP2-890RR is also equipped with a pit-lane speed limiter. The Kramer has three pre-set riding modes, Dry with aggressive throttle; Dry with softer throttle maps; and Rain. There is no engine braking adjustment on the dash, although the MKE7 does have a feature that allows for engine brake trim. Hopefully that is a feature for future upgrades as it makes adjusting the engine braking simpler. Maps and strategies are adjustable though Mectronik’s Mecal software and Kramer plans to have cloud support where Kramer owners can crowdsource maps. This could be either good or bad, depending upon which wannabe geek has mucked around with the maps.
The Kramer features an AIM MXS 1.3 data-logging dashboard with pre-set logging channels that are all streamed over the CAN line from the MKE7 ECU. As delivered, the GP2-890RR logs 14 channels, including wheel speeds, throttle position, and suspension positions. Data can be downloaded wirelessly and analyzed using AIM’s Race Studio 3 software.
I met up with the Kramer brigade to ride the GP2-890RR during the Thursday practice day for the AHRMA Barber Vintage Festival. The two sessions I got were reasonably long and I was in the Pro Challenge group, so the traffic was light.
The GP2-899RR’s ergonomics have a racy feel; the bar angle is aggressive, but the seat-to-peg spacing is good and there is plenty of room to tuck in. The bike fit me pretty well; in fact I didn’t even have to the move the shift pedal for the test.
I worked hard on getting going pretty quickly; luckily, I have a ton of laps around Barber. The set-up on the bike I rode during the first session had been changed from the base setting. A stiffer 90nm rear spring was installed and the front forks were lowered in the triple clamps 3mm. These changes made the bike pitch over on the front in the braking zone and it was a little too unstable for my liking at the apex. It turned well and finished the corner; I just prefer a less aggressive front end.
I rode the standard setting during the second session, which raised the forks back to standard and had a 84nm rear spring on it. This setting was a little soft for me in the rear, but it improved braking stability; the bike wasn’t pitching over and I had feel from the front at the apex. Rear edge and drive grip was also improved. The biggest gain for me was how the front end worked. If I had another session I would have raised the front more and installed the stiffer rear spring to balance the bike. But the setting as the bike comes delivered worked well enough, and I could have ridden it all day.
The GP2-890RR engine has a broad and linear powerband, producing a deceptive amount of power from 6,000 rpm to the 11,500 rpm redline. As I found when I rode the 2021 RC 8C at Jerez, the 890 engine makes a deceptive amount of torque, so I liked running the GP2-890RR a gear higher than normal in each corner, and let the torque do the work. At Barber, the base gearing was a little tall for me to run third gear in some places–like Charlotte’s Web–but it was faster for me to lug the bike. The lightened rods, crank, and pistons help with acceleration, too. While running a gear higher let the bike roll through the middle of the corner and chug out for better acceleration, it hurt corner entry. The engine-braking force was too light in the higher rpm, so I was struggling to slow the bike down on corner entry. I’m sure using the rear brake would have helped, but I don’t know what that is. I adapted as the laps went on.
I did find myself turning down the traction control each lap during the sessions, eventually ending my second session on -3. Turning down the TC improved acceleration and didn’t have a negative effect on rear grip. The powerband is linear and the rear end has a lot of grip, so it’s hard to get in trouble on the throttle. I would have liked to try TC Off combined with the less aggressive throttle map if I had gotten another session. I think that would have been a good combination.
Overall Kramer has built a great package that can get around the racetrack and has plenty of adjustability to suit any rider. I’ve been writing about attainable performance a lot these days. And the Kramer model line-up sits at the top of the list of motorcycles that offer high performance that is attainable for most riders; add in its high-spec components and it has a bit of bling, too. The chassis can be pushed hard and there’s the right amount of power to balance the package. And it’s possible to ride the bike hard all day long without wearing yourself out mentally or physically! That’s a package worth $40,000!
Francesco Bagnaia (1) held off a late charge by Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) for the MotoGP win in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Francesco Bagnaia kept calm in a chaotic season-ending MotoGP race in Valencia, taking his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici to the win and his second straight MotoGP World Championship. Prima Pramac Ducati challenger Jorge Martin ran wide and later crashed out. KTM’s Jack Miller crashed out of the lead, while teammate Brad Binder ran wide while leading. Gresini Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio finished just behind Bagnaia in second, with Johann Zarco third. A post-race penalty for a tire pressure infringement dropped Di Giannantonio to fourth, promoting Zarco to second and Binder to third.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) was perfect when he needed to be, seizing the MotoGP win and the World Championship in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) leads Jorge Martin (89), Brad Binder (33), Jack Miller (43) and Johann Zarco (5) at the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Marc Marquez was taken out by Jorge Martin, ending the race for both. Photo by Michael Gougis.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#BACK2BACKgnaia: Pecco Bagnaia is the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion!
A dramatic finale sees #PECCOvsMARTIN conclude with some history made for Bagnaia as the reigning Champion defends the #1
Sunday, 26 November 2023
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion! Becoming the first rider to successfully defend the #1 plate since Mick Doohan, Bagnaia has also become the first rider to take back-to-back premier class crowns since Marc Marquez in 2019. And he rounded it off in style, taking his seventh win and 15th podium of the season in Valencia as drama hit for his sole remaining title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).
Born in Turin, Bagnaia first found success on MiniMotos before his career took to the international stage in 2011, racing in what was then known as the CEV on a 125. He moved up to the Moto3™ World Championship for 2013, before joining the VR46 Riders Academy and moving to the SKY VR46 the following season. In 2015 he moved to the Aspar team and raced a Mahindra, partnering with none other than Jorge Martin both that season and the year after. Pecco took his, and Mahindra’s, first Grand Prix wins in 2016 – winning him a bet with the team that saw him get the chance to ride their MotoGP™ bike at the Valencia Test too.
2017 saw a new challenge: Moto2™, and back with Sky Racing Team VR46. He took a number of podiums and was named Rookie of the Year, setting the perfect foundation for an assault on the crown the following season. His form was imperious, and he wrapped up his first title at Sepang to become the 2018 Moto2™ World Champion. From there he moved to MotoGP™ with Pramac and despite some serious speed in testing, it proved a tougher rookie although he did take a best finish of fourth at Phillip Island. 2020 saw him take a first premier class podium at Misano, before a move to the factory Ducati team for 2021.
That’s when his ascent really began. Three podiums and a pole in the first four rounds were a good start, and come crunch time he was the last remaining challenger to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) after a late season charge. Incredibly, his first win was a gloves-off duel with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) at Aragon, and his second victory came just a week later at Misano. He ended the year with victory too, but Quartararo took the crown and the world awaited a rematch in 2022.
Ultimately, that’s what we got. But it was a rollercoaster season for both, first for Bagnaia and then Quartararo. Still, arriving into the final round in Valencia the Italian had reeled in a 91-point deficit to lead the Championship by 23 points, making it the biggest potential comeback in history. And sure enough, he took ninth in the race, enough to secure the crown, and celebrated his first MotoGP™ World Championship as Quartararo fought to the end but couldn’t quite threaten for the win.
2023 began with a headline even before the wheels turned: Bagnaia would run the #1, becoming the first rider to do so since Casey Stoner in 2012. The year began fittingly enough with a masterclass in the season opener in Portugal, with Pecco winning both the first ever Tissot Sprint and the first GP race of the season. But it was a difficult weekend in Argentina with a P6 in the Sprint and a P16 in the race following a crash, meaning Pecco needed to bounce back in Austin. It was job done on Saturday as a second Sprint victory was secured, but Sunday saw Bagnaia crash out of the lead. Two zero points scores on consecutive Sundays were an early blow to the Italian and Ducati’s charge to try and retain the crown.
In Jerez, Bagnaia responded. A double podium – including a stunning Sunday victory holding off a KTM assault – saw him banish the Americas demons. But as the paddock descended on Le Mans, a dose of bad luck saw another Sunday DNF rear its head as Bagnaia and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) collided.
However, a stunning run of races would follow as a busy European leg began. Doing the double on home turf at Mugello acted as the springboard, with Germany providing us with a battle for the ages between what would become the two main title protagonists. Martin edged out Bagnaia at the Sachsenring, but Pecco would win a week later as his beloved TT Circuit Assen. At that stage, Bagnaia – having fallen behind in the first three races – boasted a pretty healthy 35-point Championship lead heading into the summer break.
A fourth consecutive Sunday top two result in a fascinating Silverstone encounter saw his title lead grow to 41 points post-summer before a commanding Sprint/race double in Austria meant his advantage climbed to 62 points. Then it was time to head to Barcelona.
P2 in the Sprint behind home hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) helped increase Bagnaia’s lead atop the Championship table. The latter was in a confident mood heading into Sunday and starting from pole position, Bagnaia grabbed the holeshot. As drama unfolded behind at Turn 1, Bagnaia’s race would end prematurely with a highside on the exit of Turn 2. Luckily, despite having his leg run over by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Pecco escaped serious injury, but it was a setback. And one that paved the way for Martin to begin to claw back points in the race for the title…
It began at Misano. The venue is the VR46 Academy’s backyard but it was Martin who bagged a full fat 37 points, with two podiums taken through the pain barrier nevertheless seeing Bagnaia’s points lead shrink to 36 ahead of the final leg of the season – eight races in 10 weeks, starting in India.
Bagnaia’s first visit to the Buddh International Circuit was a tougher one, with an unforced error seeing the #1 suffer a DNF on Sunday as Martin finished P2 to back up his Sprint win. Motegi then saw Martin take a clean sweep despite the incredible pressure of heavy rain and Bagnaia on his tail on Sunday. And so, heading to Indonesia, the gap between the Italian and Spaniard was just three points. It was game on.
The pendulum swung back in Bagnaia’s favour in Mandalika though. Martin crashed out of the lead on Sunday as Bagnaia carved his way through the pack from P13 on the grid, not having made it through to Q2, to win his first Sunday race since the Austrian GP. A huge result followed in Australia too. Martin was on course for a runaway victory at Phillip Island but an unforgettable final couple of laps saw Bagnaia finish P2 – with Martin slipping to P5 as his strategy to bolt early didn’t pay off.
Thailand saw the momentum shift back towards the purple corner in what was another epic duel. Bagnaia took P3 on Sunday behind Sprint and race winner Martin and Red Bull KTM’s interloper Brad Binder, but a track limits penalty for the South African then saw Pecco promoted to P2. Heading into the final three races of the season, Bagnaia’s lead was a slender 13 points.
A trip to Malaysia kicked off the triple-header of races that would decide whose hands would hold the 2023 crown. Martin beat Pecco in the Sepang Sprint but it was the red corner who returned the favour in the main event, with Bagnaia finishing P3 and Martin a distant P4.
Qatar was the next port of call. Martin won the Sprint in fine fashion and with Bagnaia struggling to a P5, the points gap was down to seven points ahead of the penultimate Grand Prix race of the season. The tables turned on Sunday though. Bagnaia finished P2 with Martin P10 after a tough race playing defense, and heading to the season finale in Valencia, Bagnaia was defending a 21-point lead – familiar territory for the 2022 title winner.
On Saturday it was a tense Sprint but a glorious display from Martin to pile on the pressure. The Spaniard won it as Bagnaia took only fifth, cutting the gap to 14 points ahead of the final race of the season.
Fittingly, the early stages of the Grand Prix race saw the two contenders locked together at the front, before drama then hit for Martin as he ran on into Turn 1, having been right on Pecco’s tail. He got back on track down in P8 and then tried a fight back, but it wasn’t to be as he later crashed out after colliding with Marc Marquez.
At the front, Bagnaia had his own battle still to fight, despite becoming Champion by default after Martin’s crash. After a tense final lap he just held off Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the drag to the line, signing off the season with a win and becoming the Champion of our 75th season of racing.
Complimenti, Pecco!
#BACK2BACKgnaia IN STATS
Having been crowned MotoGP™ World Champion in 2022 and 2023, Francesco Bagnaia becomes the third rider to take back-to-back MotoGP™ titles since the introduction of the class in 2002, along with only Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.
Bagnaia is the first rider to successfully race and defend the #1 in the premier class since Mick Doohan in 1998.
Bagnaia is the first Ducati rider to take more than one premier class world title. He is also the third Italian riding an Italian bike to take more than one premier class world title along Giacomo Agostini (MV Agusta) and Umberto Masetti (Gilera).
With 15 podiums in 2023, Bagnaia becomes the Ducati rider with most podiums in a single season, overtaking Casey Stoner, who held the previous record of 14.
Bagnaia becomes the fourth Italian with more than one premier class world title along with Giacomo Agostini (8), Valentino Rossi (7) and Umberto Masetti (2).
With 18 premier class wins, all with Ducati, Bagnaia sits in second on the list of Ducati riders with most wins in the class behind Casey Stoner (23).
With 35 premier class podiums so far, Bagnaia is the third Ducati rider with most podiums in the class behind Casey Stoner (42) and Andrea Dovizioso (40).
Bagnaia is the fifth rider who has clinched the title at the end of the year winning the opening Grand Prix race since MotoGP™ was introduced in 2002 along with Marc Marquez (2014), Jorge Lorenzo (2012), Casey Stoner (2007 and 2011) and Valentino Rossi from 2002 to 2005.
This season Bagnaia has stood on the MotoGP™ podium more than any other rider (15 times), including seven wins.
How does it feel?
“Incredible. I feel the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life. The thing is I’m happy also because I won the race. With the circumstances of today winning the race didn’t mean anything but it’s a goal that I’ve always want to do. I want to win a title with a win so I’m happy. It was quite scary out there because in the last five laps I started to feel cold on the bike and I was very scared about the front tire. I’m very happy right now I can’t breathe, it wasn’t an easy day because I was under quite a bit of pressure but I’m very happy!”
Do you agree that defending a title is harder than winning one?
“It was difficult because last year I arrived here and I was under more pressure than this year. I managed it quite well because I was thinking just about the race and I was conscious yesterday that we made the wrong choice with the tire, but I was prepared for today with a medium. It helped me to understand what the drop of the tire was so for me, it was useful.
“Barcelona was a turning point, from then on we started to struggle a lot. Not in Misano, there my big problem was being able to ride the bike because I was very much in pain with my leg. After that moment I started to struggle a bit with my speed in terms of qualifying and in terms of the Sprint. In the second part of the season I was always struggling in the Sprint. I wasn’t as fast as I was expecting. I wasn’t as fast as I was last season so next year for sure I’ll have to improve but in the past races I’ve done a big step forward, we just got a little bit unlucky. I’m very proud of my team and I’m very happy for their efforts because I think we did an amazing job. And I’m very happy and very proud of my family and my girlfriend, who have always been helping me in every situation and have showed me how happy I can be.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) battled with Aron Canet (40) in the Moto2 race at Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Fermin Aldeguer won his fourth Moto2 race in a row with his victory in Valencia. Aldeguer, on a Boscoscuro, finished 3.986 seconds ahead of Aron Canet, who was more than two seconds clear of Alonso Lopez on the second Boscoscuro. American Joe Roberts was eighth and fellow countryman Sean Dylan Kelly was 26th.
Collin Veijer (95) leads Ayumu Sasaki (71), Deniz Oncu (53) and Joel Kelso (66) in the Moto3 race at Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Ayumu Sasaki won his first Moto3 race of the year in the season finale at Valencia. Riding a Husqvarna, Sasaki edged out the GASGAS of David Alonso, Ivan Ortola on a KTM and teammate Collin Veijer. 2023 World Champion Jaume Masia finished 13th.
Prima Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco was fastest in the MotoGP warmup on Sunday morning in Valencia. Brad Binder on the factory Red Bull KTM was second, ahead of Jorge Martin on the second Prima Pramac Ducati and Raul Fernandez on the satellite CryptoDATA Aprilia.
Start of the MotoGP Sprint race on Saturday in Valencia, with Maverick Vinales (12) leading Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (hidden), Brad Binder (33), Marc Marquez (93), Marco Bezzecchi (72), Johann Zarco (5) and Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo by Michael Gougis.
Jorge Martin kept his MotoGP title hopes alive with a win in Saturday’s Sprint race at Valencia. Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia finished fifth and now leads the title chase by 14 points, 442-428, over Martin. Brad Binder took second ahead of Marc Marquez, the eight-time World Champion on the podium in his final weekend with the Repsol Honda team.
Jorge Martin (89) came from sixth on the grid to win the MotoGP Sprint race on Saturday. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Aron Canet snatched the Moto2 pole on his final flying lap at Valencia. Fermin Aldeguer was not able to replicate his record-setting time in practice and was second, ahead of Marcos Ramirez. Americans Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly were seventh and 32nd, respectively.
Collin Veijer edged Ayumu Sasaki and Deniz Oncu to take the final Moto3 pole position of the 2023 season. Veijer was just short of the outright lap record, set in 2020 by Darryn Binder.
Maverick Vinales turned the first sub-1:29 lap at Valencia to take pole for the final MotoGP races of the season. Vinales’ 1:28.931 was 0.092 second quicker than Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. Title contender Jorge Martin was sixth and will start in the back of the second row.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: Bagnaia second, Martin sixth as Viñales sets stunning new lap record for pole
Bagnaia keeps his cool in Q1, Martin loses out on the front row… and Viñales steals the Q2 show for a first pole position with Aprilia
Saturday, 25 November 2023
The grid is decided as we prepare to crown the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, and it sets the stage for quite a showdown – or two. Despite a trip through Q1, Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) kept cool grab the upper hand on the grid, and he’ll line up second with a clean line of sight down to Turn 1.
After some serious speed but a dash of drama, rolling out of his final attempt after a second moment of Q2, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will line up in P6 on the outside of the second row.
Between the two, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Jack Miller and Brad Binder head into the race with likely very different targets… and ahead of them all, Friday’s fastest Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took a stunning first pole position since the 2021 Dutch TT.
Here’s how the final qualifying of the year unfolded!
Q1
After the first runs, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) led the way from Bagnaia, but when the field headed back out for a final crack at it, the #1 was setting red sectors to take over on top with just over four minutes remaining, beating the previous benchmark by three tenths.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had been on to challenge Alex Marquez but wasn’t able to best Bagnaia’s new best effort, but next time around the Frenchman was close again.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), meanwhile, was sat behind Bagnaia. But the number 23 wasn’t seriously threatening the top on first time of asking. Were there team instructions? Would there be should the ‘Beast’ take over in P1? Red sectors with two minutes to go made that question relevant, but the lap went away from him just enough for Bastianini to cross the line and take fourth.
And then Bagnaia pitted. With just over a minute still left on the clock, it was a confident move. Would it pay off? Alex Marquez didn’t seem to have anything left in the locker to improve, Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) slotted into third… and it all came down to Bastianini. But a red first sector went grey in the second on the timing screens, and Bagnaia headed through on top, joined in Q2 by Alex Marquez.
Q2
In Q2, Bagnaia’s first lap put him sixth over the line and then 11th by the time the field pitted. And when they did, it was Binder on provisional pole with Martin missing out by hundredths. But then the reigning Champion headed back out… and took over on top.
The next one was a fast one too, and Bagnaia shaved a tenth and a half off his own best. Next it was Martin’s turn to light up the timing screens, however, and with some company from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). There was an absolute heart in mouth moment not long after too: Martin headed wide and the open door was most definitely a tempting one, with Marquez setting red sectors behind the number 89. The two came very, very close to contact but there was none made as Marquez slotted back in behind the Ducati, and both finished the lap – with Marquez improving his time enough, still, to take P8.
Meanwhile, Viñales was on the move. Amongst the drama of the title contenders’ quite contrasting Saturday mornings, the Aprilia Racing rider pulled a stunner out of the hat. He was fastest on Friday and did it again to take a first pole with Aprilia and first since Assen in 2021, beating Bagnaia to it by 0.092.
Zarco slotted into third, Miller was able to leapfrog that former fastest effort from teammate Binder, and Martin now completes the second row after his one final shot at the top ended with a wobble.
THE GRID
Viñales heads Bagnaia as the reigning Champion stayed overwhelmingly cool despite the pressure, with Martin’s teammate Zarco an interesting presence alongside on the front row.
Miller and Binder, holeshot kings earlier in the season, are also quite a threat in fourth and fifth – adding a bit of an extra hurdle for Martin. For his part, the number 89 will want to make sure he has two very different starts to the one he suffered under the floodlights on Sunday at Lusail.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46) lines up in P7 ahead of Q1 graduate Alex Marquez, with Marc Marquez bumped down to P9 by the end of play – crashing out of his final effort at Turn 2, rider ok.
Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) completes the top ten ahead of Qatar GP winner Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) last in Q2.
The stage is set for a first match point for Bagnaia, and after on Friday it seemed it was advantage Martin – on track, at least – it looks a little different heading into the Tissot Sprint. Can Martin hit back once the lights go out? He’ll need to, as Bagnaia needs to gain just four points on him to take the crown, with the #1 21 ahead on the way in. The magic number for Bagnaia to wrap it up is a gap of 25 or more…
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Mooney VR46 Racing Team.
MOONEY VR46 RACING TEAM AND LUCA MARINI PART WAYS AT THE END OF 2023
After six years together, starting from the 2024 season, to better follow their future objectives and goals, Luca will not race for the Tavullia Team in MotoGP
Tavullia (Italy) – Mooney VR46 Racing Team and Luca Marini announce, after six seasons of shared goals, that they will not continue together in the 2024 season. The time has come for both parties to pursue ambitious goals and results following different paths. All the management, the Team and the people involved in the project wish Luca the best for his future.
Luca joined the Moto2 Team at the end of 2017 and has achieved his most prestigious results within this family. First podium in the Moto2 World Championship (German GP) in 2018 and first win in the middle class in the same year (Malaysian GP 2018 – 6 victories in Moto2). Best overall result in the 2020 Championship when he is a contender for the Moto2 World title until the last race (final P2). Luca was the first rider to have brought the VR46 brand to MotoGP on the Ducati Desmosedici GP in 2021.
In the last two seasons (2022 – 2023), Luca is one of the protagonist of the successes of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team project, built around him to become among the most competitive riders in the Top class. He signs two pole positions, 4 podiums in the Sprint and two podiums in the Sunday race.
Luca Marini and VR46 Racing Team in numbers
888 total points (533 in Moto2, 355 in MotoGP)
P2 RIDERS World Championship 2020 (Moto2)
P1 TEAMS World Championship 2020 (Moto2 – with Bezzecchi)
6 wins (in Moto2)
17 podiums (2 MotoGP)
7 pole positions (2 MotoGP)
4 Sprint podiums
109 races with the Team (110 included ValenciaGP)
LUCA MARINI – 10
I spent most of my Championship career in this Team, so many of the most significant moments of my career so far are linked to this group of people. We have grown a lot together and have gained a lot of satisfactions. This will be my last race with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team: I thought a lot before making this decision and evaluated the new challenges I will face. I leave behind a fantastic Team that contributed to my growth and knowledge of the technical aspects and complexity that characterises this kind sport. It’s time to embrace a new path with enthusiasm, without denying what has been, but with the eyes focused on the future.
ALESSIO SALUCCI, TEAM DIRECTOR
I have really seen Luca grow, since he was a child, then from a motorsport point of view I had the pleasure of seeing him become one of the strongest riders in MotoGP. I’m happy to have shared six beautiful seasons with him in this project. From the first satisfactions in Moto2, the second place in the Championship in 2020, then the debut in MotoGP, the birth of our Team in the Top class and a 2023 where he managed to be a real protagonist. Luca is a professional with few equals, a technician, a true passionate enthusiast before being a rider and then a great worker. It is a pity to let him go, he will be a really tough opponent in the future, but an opportunity of this type is too much important not to be considered and I sincerely I wish him, together with the whole Team, the very best of luck.
Racing Editor Chris Ulrich on the 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR, the latest version of the Kramer-built, track-only bike branded as a KTM RC 8C and first sold by KTM dealers starting in 2021. The GP2-890RR is sold through selected Kramer dealers as well as direct from Kramer USA. Photo by Skwid Motorsports Media.
Editorial Note: The following feature appears in the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.
TRACK TEST: KRAMER GP2-890RR
138 Horsepower & 313 Pounds In A Great Chassis = Big Fun!
By Chris Ulrich
The KTM RC 8C took Kramer from a niche brand and thrust it into the spotlight. Now, after its second run of the KTM RC 8C model, Kramer has launched its own version combining an 889cc KTM engine with its signature chromoly trellis chassis to create the GP2-890RR, except with more power, a tunable ECU, and no wings. Now closing on its 10th year of operation, Kramer Motorcycles is hitting its stride. The company recently broke ground on a new factory in Burghausen, Germany and has been pumping out a steady stream of high-performance single-cylinder and twin-cylinder track-ready racebikes. The Kramer brand’s popularity showed at the recent AHRMA Barber Vintage festival, where there were 22 riders racing Kramer. That breaks down to 14 of the 690cc single-cylinder EVO2 690 bikes, six GP2-890R bikes, and two GP2-890RR machines. That’s pretty good market penetration.
I was at the Barber Vintage Festival to throw a leg over the 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR. Production was limited to 125 units, with 20 allotted to the U.S. market. Priced at $39,995, the latest up-spec Kramer packs a lot of value while also having an air of exclusivity. Looking at options in the same performance orbit in terms of horsepower, specs, and lap time production, a front running race replica Next Gen Supersport Ducati V2 runs $44,500 for the base package from HSBK while a Next Gen GSX-R750 from Team Hammer is $44,500 for a new 2023-spec bike.
Compared to earlier models, the upgraded, 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR has more power and more advanced electronics. A total of 125 are being built with 20 allocated for U.S. sale. Photo by Etechphoto.com.
The performance numbers on the Kramer GP2-890RR look good; the RR puts out a claimed 138 bhp at 10,100 rpm with 74 lbs.-ft. (100 nm) of torque at 8,200 rpm and weighs in at 313 pounds (142 kg). That’s roughly 130 bhp at the rear wheel, which puts the power output in line with the latest National Series power limitation map used in Next Gen Supersport, and the SSP soft minimum weight limit is considerable higher at 375 pounds (170 kgs).
Looking at lap-time potential, Chris Fillmore’s best lap time on a GP2-890RR in the 4SR AHRMA Pro Challenge race at Barber was a 1:28.414, while Xavi Fores on a Next Gen Ducati V2 turned a 1:27.500 during the 2023 MotoAmerica Extended Supersport race at Barber. So, on-track performance is pretty close.
Roadracing World featured the Kramer’s specs in the Inside Info section of the September 2023 edition, but it never hurts to review a few things. The Kramer mates a custom chromoly steel trellis frame with KTM’s 899cc four-stroke Parallel Twin engine. The Kramer spec engine uses Pankl titanium rods, high-compression two-ring Pankl pistons, race spec camshafts, and titanium valves. A set of 48mm throttle bodies is also used, with Kramer 3D printed intake funnels. This is a cool feature for anybody who wants to test different intake tract lengths.
The Kramer GP2-890RR makes eight more horsepower for 2024 and its chrome-moly steel-tube chassis is fully adjustable. Photo by Etechphoto.com.
The electronic system uses a Mectronik MKE7 ECU that has an internal 6-axis IMU. The ECU unit is affordable and capable, with features like 10 levels of traction control (+3, 0, -4, and off) available through the left handlebar switch. The ECU uses inputs from the wheel speed sensors to detect slip, then removes power by retarding timing and cutting the ignition. Anti-wheelie is also wheel-speed-based. The GP2-890RR is also equipped with a pit-lane speed limiter. The Kramer has three pre-set riding modes, Dry with aggressive throttle; Dry with softer throttle maps; and Rain. There is no engine braking adjustment on the dash, although the MKE7 does have a feature that allows for engine brake trim. Hopefully that is a feature for future upgrades as it makes adjusting the engine braking simpler. Maps and strategies are adjustable though Mectronik’s Mecal software and Kramer plans to have cloud support where Kramer owners can crowdsource maps. This could be either good or bad, depending upon which wannabe geek has mucked around with the maps.
The Kramer features an AIM MXS 1.3 data-logging dashboard with pre-set logging channels that are all streamed over the CAN line from the MKE7 ECU. As delivered, the GP2-890RR logs 14 channels, including wheel speeds, throttle position, and suspension positions. Data can be downloaded wirelessly and analyzed using AIM’s Race Studio 3 software.
I met up with the Kramer brigade to ride the GP2-890RR during the Thursday practice day for the AHRMA Barber Vintage Festival. The two sessions I got were reasonably long and I was in the Pro Challenge group, so the traffic was light.
The GP2-899RR’s ergonomics have a racy feel; the bar angle is aggressive, but the seat-to-peg spacing is good and there is plenty of room to tuck in. The bike fit me pretty well; in fact I didn’t even have to the move the shift pedal for the test.
I worked hard on getting going pretty quickly; luckily, I have a ton of laps around Barber. The set-up on the bike I rode during the first session had been changed from the base setting. A stiffer 90nm rear spring was installed and the front forks were lowered in the triple clamps 3mm. These changes made the bike pitch over on the front in the braking zone and it was a little too unstable for my liking at the apex. It turned well and finished the corner; I just prefer a less aggressive front end.
I rode the standard setting during the second session, which raised the forks back to standard and had a 84nm rear spring on it. This setting was a little soft for me in the rear, but it improved braking stability; the bike wasn’t pitching over and I had feel from the front at the apex. Rear edge and drive grip was also improved. The biggest gain for me was how the front end worked. If I had another session I would have raised the front more and installed the stiffer rear spring to balance the bike. But the setting as the bike comes delivered worked well enough, and I could have ridden it all day.
The GP2-890RR engine has a broad and linear powerband, producing a deceptive amount of power from 6,000 rpm to the 11,500 rpm redline. As I found when I rode the 2021 RC 8C at Jerez, the 890 engine makes a deceptive amount of torque, so I liked running the GP2-890RR a gear higher than normal in each corner, and let the torque do the work. At Barber, the base gearing was a little tall for me to run third gear in some places–like Charlotte’s Web–but it was faster for me to lug the bike. The lightened rods, crank, and pistons help with acceleration, too. While running a gear higher let the bike roll through the middle of the corner and chug out for better acceleration, it hurt corner entry. The engine-braking force was too light in the higher rpm, so I was struggling to slow the bike down on corner entry. I’m sure using the rear brake would have helped, but I don’t know what that is. I adapted as the laps went on.
I did find myself turning down the traction control each lap during the sessions, eventually ending my second session on -3. Turning down the TC improved acceleration and didn’t have a negative effect on rear grip. The powerband is linear and the rear end has a lot of grip, so it’s hard to get in trouble on the throttle. I would have liked to try TC Off combined with the less aggressive throttle map if I had gotten another session. I think that would have been a good combination.
Overall Kramer has built a great package that can get around the racetrack and has plenty of adjustability to suit any rider. I’ve been writing about attainable performance a lot these days. And the Kramer model line-up sits at the top of the list of motorcycles that offer high performance that is attainable for most riders; add in its high-spec components and it has a bit of bling, too. The chassis can be pushed hard and there’s the right amount of power to balance the package. And it’s possible to ride the bike hard all day long without wearing yourself out mentally or physically! That’s a package worth $40,000!
Circuito Ricardo Tormo (a.k.a. Valencia) and the surrounding area, seen before devastating floods. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) held off a late charge by Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) for the MotoGP win in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Francesco Bagnaia kept calm in a chaotic season-ending MotoGP race in Valencia, taking his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici to the win and his second straight MotoGP World Championship. Prima Pramac Ducati challenger Jorge Martin ran wide and later crashed out. KTM’s Jack Miller crashed out of the lead, while teammate Brad Binder ran wide while leading. Gresini Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio finished just behind Bagnaia in second, with Johann Zarco third. A post-race penalty for a tire pressure infringement dropped Di Giannantonio to fourth, promoting Zarco to second and Binder to third.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) was perfect when he needed to be, seizing the MotoGP win and the World Championship in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) leads Jorge Martin (89), Brad Binder (33), Jack Miller (43) and Johann Zarco (5) at the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Marc Marquez was taken out by Jorge Martin, ending the race for both. Photo by Michael Gougis.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#BACK2BACKgnaia: Pecco Bagnaia is the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion!
A dramatic finale sees #PECCOvsMARTIN conclude with some history made for Bagnaia as the reigning Champion defends the #1
Sunday, 26 November 2023
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion! Becoming the first rider to successfully defend the #1 plate since Mick Doohan, Bagnaia has also become the first rider to take back-to-back premier class crowns since Marc Marquez in 2019. And he rounded it off in style, taking his seventh win and 15th podium of the season in Valencia as drama hit for his sole remaining title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).
Born in Turin, Bagnaia first found success on MiniMotos before his career took to the international stage in 2011, racing in what was then known as the CEV on a 125. He moved up to the Moto3™ World Championship for 2013, before joining the VR46 Riders Academy and moving to the SKY VR46 the following season. In 2015 he moved to the Aspar team and raced a Mahindra, partnering with none other than Jorge Martin both that season and the year after. Pecco took his, and Mahindra’s, first Grand Prix wins in 2016 – winning him a bet with the team that saw him get the chance to ride their MotoGP™ bike at the Valencia Test too.
2017 saw a new challenge: Moto2™, and back with Sky Racing Team VR46. He took a number of podiums and was named Rookie of the Year, setting the perfect foundation for an assault on the crown the following season. His form was imperious, and he wrapped up his first title at Sepang to become the 2018 Moto2™ World Champion. From there he moved to MotoGP™ with Pramac and despite some serious speed in testing, it proved a tougher rookie although he did take a best finish of fourth at Phillip Island. 2020 saw him take a first premier class podium at Misano, before a move to the factory Ducati team for 2021.
That’s when his ascent really began. Three podiums and a pole in the first four rounds were a good start, and come crunch time he was the last remaining challenger to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) after a late season charge. Incredibly, his first win was a gloves-off duel with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) at Aragon, and his second victory came just a week later at Misano. He ended the year with victory too, but Quartararo took the crown and the world awaited a rematch in 2022.
Ultimately, that’s what we got. But it was a rollercoaster season for both, first for Bagnaia and then Quartararo. Still, arriving into the final round in Valencia the Italian had reeled in a 91-point deficit to lead the Championship by 23 points, making it the biggest potential comeback in history. And sure enough, he took ninth in the race, enough to secure the crown, and celebrated his first MotoGP™ World Championship as Quartararo fought to the end but couldn’t quite threaten for the win.
2023 began with a headline even before the wheels turned: Bagnaia would run the #1, becoming the first rider to do so since Casey Stoner in 2012. The year began fittingly enough with a masterclass in the season opener in Portugal, with Pecco winning both the first ever Tissot Sprint and the first GP race of the season. But it was a difficult weekend in Argentina with a P6 in the Sprint and a P16 in the race following a crash, meaning Pecco needed to bounce back in Austin. It was job done on Saturday as a second Sprint victory was secured, but Sunday saw Bagnaia crash out of the lead. Two zero points scores on consecutive Sundays were an early blow to the Italian and Ducati’s charge to try and retain the crown.
In Jerez, Bagnaia responded. A double podium – including a stunning Sunday victory holding off a KTM assault – saw him banish the Americas demons. But as the paddock descended on Le Mans, a dose of bad luck saw another Sunday DNF rear its head as Bagnaia and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) collided.
However, a stunning run of races would follow as a busy European leg began. Doing the double on home turf at Mugello acted as the springboard, with Germany providing us with a battle for the ages between what would become the two main title protagonists. Martin edged out Bagnaia at the Sachsenring, but Pecco would win a week later as his beloved TT Circuit Assen. At that stage, Bagnaia – having fallen behind in the first three races – boasted a pretty healthy 35-point Championship lead heading into the summer break.
A fourth consecutive Sunday top two result in a fascinating Silverstone encounter saw his title lead grow to 41 points post-summer before a commanding Sprint/race double in Austria meant his advantage climbed to 62 points. Then it was time to head to Barcelona.
P2 in the Sprint behind home hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) helped increase Bagnaia’s lead atop the Championship table. The latter was in a confident mood heading into Sunday and starting from pole position, Bagnaia grabbed the holeshot. As drama unfolded behind at Turn 1, Bagnaia’s race would end prematurely with a highside on the exit of Turn 2. Luckily, despite having his leg run over by Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Pecco escaped serious injury, but it was a setback. And one that paved the way for Martin to begin to claw back points in the race for the title…
It began at Misano. The venue is the VR46 Academy’s backyard but it was Martin who bagged a full fat 37 points, with two podiums taken through the pain barrier nevertheless seeing Bagnaia’s points lead shrink to 36 ahead of the final leg of the season – eight races in 10 weeks, starting in India.
Bagnaia’s first visit to the Buddh International Circuit was a tougher one, with an unforced error seeing the #1 suffer a DNF on Sunday as Martin finished P2 to back up his Sprint win. Motegi then saw Martin take a clean sweep despite the incredible pressure of heavy rain and Bagnaia on his tail on Sunday. And so, heading to Indonesia, the gap between the Italian and Spaniard was just three points. It was game on.
The pendulum swung back in Bagnaia’s favour in Mandalika though. Martin crashed out of the lead on Sunday as Bagnaia carved his way through the pack from P13 on the grid, not having made it through to Q2, to win his first Sunday race since the Austrian GP. A huge result followed in Australia too. Martin was on course for a runaway victory at Phillip Island but an unforgettable final couple of laps saw Bagnaia finish P2 – with Martin slipping to P5 as his strategy to bolt early didn’t pay off.
Thailand saw the momentum shift back towards the purple corner in what was another epic duel. Bagnaia took P3 on Sunday behind Sprint and race winner Martin and Red Bull KTM’s interloper Brad Binder, but a track limits penalty for the South African then saw Pecco promoted to P2. Heading into the final three races of the season, Bagnaia’s lead was a slender 13 points.
A trip to Malaysia kicked off the triple-header of races that would decide whose hands would hold the 2023 crown. Martin beat Pecco in the Sepang Sprint but it was the red corner who returned the favour in the main event, with Bagnaia finishing P3 and Martin a distant P4.
Qatar was the next port of call. Martin won the Sprint in fine fashion and with Bagnaia struggling to a P5, the points gap was down to seven points ahead of the penultimate Grand Prix race of the season. The tables turned on Sunday though. Bagnaia finished P2 with Martin P10 after a tough race playing defense, and heading to the season finale in Valencia, Bagnaia was defending a 21-point lead – familiar territory for the 2022 title winner.
On Saturday it was a tense Sprint but a glorious display from Martin to pile on the pressure. The Spaniard won it as Bagnaia took only fifth, cutting the gap to 14 points ahead of the final race of the season.
Fittingly, the early stages of the Grand Prix race saw the two contenders locked together at the front, before drama then hit for Martin as he ran on into Turn 1, having been right on Pecco’s tail. He got back on track down in P8 and then tried a fight back, but it wasn’t to be as he later crashed out after colliding with Marc Marquez.
At the front, Bagnaia had his own battle still to fight, despite becoming Champion by default after Martin’s crash. After a tense final lap he just held off Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the drag to the line, signing off the season with a win and becoming the Champion of our 75th season of racing.
Complimenti, Pecco!
#BACK2BACKgnaia IN STATS
Having been crowned MotoGP™ World Champion in 2022 and 2023, Francesco Bagnaia becomes the third rider to take back-to-back MotoGP™ titles since the introduction of the class in 2002, along with only Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.
Bagnaia is the first rider to successfully race and defend the #1 in the premier class since Mick Doohan in 1998.
Bagnaia is the first Ducati rider to take more than one premier class world title. He is also the third Italian riding an Italian bike to take more than one premier class world title along Giacomo Agostini (MV Agusta) and Umberto Masetti (Gilera).
With 15 podiums in 2023, Bagnaia becomes the Ducati rider with most podiums in a single season, overtaking Casey Stoner, who held the previous record of 14.
Bagnaia becomes the fourth Italian with more than one premier class world title along with Giacomo Agostini (8), Valentino Rossi (7) and Umberto Masetti (2).
With 18 premier class wins, all with Ducati, Bagnaia sits in second on the list of Ducati riders with most wins in the class behind Casey Stoner (23).
With 35 premier class podiums so far, Bagnaia is the third Ducati rider with most podiums in the class behind Casey Stoner (42) and Andrea Dovizioso (40).
Bagnaia is the fifth rider who has clinched the title at the end of the year winning the opening Grand Prix race since MotoGP™ was introduced in 2002 along with Marc Marquez (2014), Jorge Lorenzo (2012), Casey Stoner (2007 and 2011) and Valentino Rossi from 2002 to 2005.
This season Bagnaia has stood on the MotoGP™ podium more than any other rider (15 times), including seven wins.
How does it feel?
“Incredible. I feel the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life. The thing is I’m happy also because I won the race. With the circumstances of today winning the race didn’t mean anything but it’s a goal that I’ve always want to do. I want to win a title with a win so I’m happy. It was quite scary out there because in the last five laps I started to feel cold on the bike and I was very scared about the front tire. I’m very happy right now I can’t breathe, it wasn’t an easy day because I was under quite a bit of pressure but I’m very happy!”
Do you agree that defending a title is harder than winning one?
“It was difficult because last year I arrived here and I was under more pressure than this year. I managed it quite well because I was thinking just about the race and I was conscious yesterday that we made the wrong choice with the tire, but I was prepared for today with a medium. It helped me to understand what the drop of the tire was so for me, it was useful.
“Barcelona was a turning point, from then on we started to struggle a lot. Not in Misano, there my big problem was being able to ride the bike because I was very much in pain with my leg. After that moment I started to struggle a bit with my speed in terms of qualifying and in terms of the Sprint. In the second part of the season I was always struggling in the Sprint. I wasn’t as fast as I was expecting. I wasn’t as fast as I was last season so next year for sure I’ll have to improve but in the past races I’ve done a big step forward, we just got a little bit unlucky. I’m very proud of my team and I’m very happy for their efforts because I think we did an amazing job. And I’m very happy and very proud of my family and my girlfriend, who have always been helping me in every situation and have showed me how happy I can be.”
Circuito Ricardo Tormo (a.k.a. Valencia) and the surrounding area, seen before devastating floods. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Fermin Aldeguer (54) battled with Aron Canet (40) in the Moto2 race at Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Fermin Aldeguer won his fourth Moto2 race in a row with his victory in Valencia. Aldeguer, on a Boscoscuro, finished 3.986 seconds ahead of Aron Canet, who was more than two seconds clear of Alonso Lopez on the second Boscoscuro. American Joe Roberts was eighth and fellow countryman Sean Dylan Kelly was 26th.
Circuito Ricardo Tormo (a.k.a. Valencia) and the surrounding area, seen before devastating floods. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Collin Veijer (95) leads Ayumu Sasaki (71), Deniz Oncu (53) and Joel Kelso (66) in the Moto3 race at Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Ayumu Sasaki won his first Moto3 race of the year in the season finale at Valencia. Riding a Husqvarna, Sasaki edged out the GASGAS of David Alonso, Ivan Ortola on a KTM and teammate Collin Veijer. 2023 World Champion Jaume Masia finished 13th.
Johann Zarco (5) led the MotoGP warmup at Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Prima Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco was fastest in the MotoGP warmup on Sunday morning in Valencia. Brad Binder on the factory Red Bull KTM was second, ahead of Jorge Martin on the second Prima Pramac Ducati and Raul Fernandez on the satellite CryptoDATA Aprilia.
Circuito Ricardo Tormo (a.k.a. Valencia) and the surrounding area, seen before devastating floods. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Start of the MotoGP Sprint race on Saturday in Valencia, with Maverick Vinales (12) leading Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (hidden), Brad Binder (33), Marc Marquez (93), Marco Bezzecchi (72), Johann Zarco (5) and Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo by Michael Gougis.
Jorge Martin kept his MotoGP title hopes alive with a win in Saturday’s Sprint race at Valencia. Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia finished fifth and now leads the title chase by 14 points, 442-428, over Martin. Brad Binder took second ahead of Marc Marquez, the eight-time World Champion on the podium in his final weekend with the Repsol Honda team.
Jorge Martin (89) came from sixth on the grid to win the MotoGP Sprint race on Saturday. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Aron Canet (40) earned the Moto2 pole at Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Aron Canet snatched the Moto2 pole on his final flying lap at Valencia. Fermin Aldeguer was not able to replicate his record-setting time in practice and was second, ahead of Marcos Ramirez. Americans Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly were seventh and 32nd, respectively.
Collin Veijer (95) took the Moto3 pole at Circuito Ricardo Tormo. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Collin Veijer edged Ayumu Sasaki and Deniz Oncu to take the final Moto3 pole position of the 2023 season. Veijer was just short of the outright lap record, set in 2020 by Darryn Binder.
Maverick Vinales (12) took the MotoGP pole position in Valencia. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Maverick Vinales turned the first sub-1:29 lap at Valencia to take pole for the final MotoGP races of the season. Vinales’ 1:28.931 was 0.092 second quicker than Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. Title contender Jorge Martin was sixth and will start in the back of the second row.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: Bagnaia second, Martin sixth as Viñales sets stunning new lap record for pole
Bagnaia keeps his cool in Q1, Martin loses out on the front row… and Viñales steals the Q2 show for a first pole position with Aprilia
Saturday, 25 November 2023
The grid is decided as we prepare to crown the 2023 MotoGP™ World Champion at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, and it sets the stage for quite a showdown – or two. Despite a trip through Q1, Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) kept cool grab the upper hand on the grid, and he’ll line up second with a clean line of sight down to Turn 1.
After some serious speed but a dash of drama, rolling out of his final attempt after a second moment of Q2, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will line up in P6 on the outside of the second row.
Between the two, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Jack Miller and Brad Binder head into the race with likely very different targets… and ahead of them all, Friday’s fastest Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took a stunning first pole position since the 2021 Dutch TT.
Here’s how the final qualifying of the year unfolded!
Q1
After the first runs, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) led the way from Bagnaia, but when the field headed back out for a final crack at it, the #1 was setting red sectors to take over on top with just over four minutes remaining, beating the previous benchmark by three tenths.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had been on to challenge Alex Marquez but wasn’t able to best Bagnaia’s new best effort, but next time around the Frenchman was close again.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), meanwhile, was sat behind Bagnaia. But the number 23 wasn’t seriously threatening the top on first time of asking. Were there team instructions? Would there be should the ‘Beast’ take over in P1? Red sectors with two minutes to go made that question relevant, but the lap went away from him just enough for Bastianini to cross the line and take fourth.
And then Bagnaia pitted. With just over a minute still left on the clock, it was a confident move. Would it pay off? Alex Marquez didn’t seem to have anything left in the locker to improve, Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) slotted into third… and it all came down to Bastianini. But a red first sector went grey in the second on the timing screens, and Bagnaia headed through on top, joined in Q2 by Alex Marquez.
Q2
In Q2, Bagnaia’s first lap put him sixth over the line and then 11th by the time the field pitted. And when they did, it was Binder on provisional pole with Martin missing out by hundredths. But then the reigning Champion headed back out… and took over on top.
The next one was a fast one too, and Bagnaia shaved a tenth and a half off his own best. Next it was Martin’s turn to light up the timing screens, however, and with some company from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). There was an absolute heart in mouth moment not long after too: Martin headed wide and the open door was most definitely a tempting one, with Marquez setting red sectors behind the number 89. The two came very, very close to contact but there was none made as Marquez slotted back in behind the Ducati, and both finished the lap – with Marquez improving his time enough, still, to take P8.
Meanwhile, Viñales was on the move. Amongst the drama of the title contenders’ quite contrasting Saturday mornings, the Aprilia Racing rider pulled a stunner out of the hat. He was fastest on Friday and did it again to take a first pole with Aprilia and first since Assen in 2021, beating Bagnaia to it by 0.092.
Zarco slotted into third, Miller was able to leapfrog that former fastest effort from teammate Binder, and Martin now completes the second row after his one final shot at the top ended with a wobble.
THE GRID
Viñales heads Bagnaia as the reigning Champion stayed overwhelmingly cool despite the pressure, with Martin’s teammate Zarco an interesting presence alongside on the front row.
Miller and Binder, holeshot kings earlier in the season, are also quite a threat in fourth and fifth – adding a bit of an extra hurdle for Martin. For his part, the number 89 will want to make sure he has two very different starts to the one he suffered under the floodlights on Sunday at Lusail.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46) lines up in P7 ahead of Q1 graduate Alex Marquez, with Marc Marquez bumped down to P9 by the end of play – crashing out of his final effort at Turn 2, rider ok.
Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) completes the top ten ahead of Qatar GP winner Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) last in Q2.
The stage is set for a first match point for Bagnaia, and after on Friday it seemed it was advantage Martin – on track, at least – it looks a little different heading into the Tissot Sprint. Can Martin hit back once the lights go out? He’ll need to, as Bagnaia needs to gain just four points on him to take the crown, with the #1 21 ahead on the way in. The magic number for Bagnaia to wrap it up is a gap of 25 or more…
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www.roadracingworld.com
November 12, 2026
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Disability profiles supported in our website
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Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
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Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
