The Race MotoGP Podcast

MotoGP's 2024 title fight is still raging on, but its 2025 season is beginning to take shape in the background - with several important developments occurring between the two Misano rounds.A positive test for a prototype new Michelin front tyre hints at a '25 introduction that would have wide-ranging consequences - including, crucially, an apparent big boost to Pecco Bagnaia, the new tyre's biggest fan of the grid.But why is Bagnaia so enamoured with it, who else is keen - and does it offer a sudden MotoGP pathway for World Superbike dominator Toprak Razgatlioglu?Plus, we discuss what factories ran in that same Misano test - and why there's talk of an impending engine freeze.Finally, we talk about MotoGP's plans for gradual implementation of in-race radio after the latest trial.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Jorge Martin's disastrous pit decision in the San Marino Grand Prix prove decisive in the 2024 MotoGP world championship fight?At least one member of The Race MotoGP Podcast panel reckons so.Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate all the events of Misano from Martin's championship-lead-slashing tyre choice blunder to the implications of Marc Marquez's win for his 2024 and 2025 seasons - and for perceptions of Pecco Bagnaia.The end of the Repsol Honda era being announced on a day when there weren't even any Repsol Hondas on the grid plus Yamaha's subtle rise are also discussed as we answer plenty of questions from The Race Members' Club too.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Marquez is finally a MotoGP race winner again, but his utter domination of the Aragon Grand Prix weekend was slightly overshadowed by his brother Alex taking out erstwhile championship leader Pecco Bagnaia in a frightening crash.And that frightening crash split opinions in the paddock and prompted some new conspiracy theories, which Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer dig into on The Race MotoGP Podcast.Marc Marquez's win, how he suddenly became so fast again and what it means for his 2025 partnership with Bagnaia in the works Ducati team, are all debated too, plus whether a sensible Jorge Martin is more worrying for his rivals than the old Martin even if he's not quite as fast right now, and why Bagnaia's weekend was so bad even before the Marquez crash.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Ducati monopolising the wins and even the podium finishes so emphatically at present, The Race MotoGP Podcast throws the spotlight on the rest of the field this week.Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy are tasked by Matt Beer with creating a top six ranking of the best non-Ducati riders of the 2024 season so far.Who's overcoming their equipment disadvantage most impressively, who probably should be doing a bit better even though they don't have a Ducati, and how are the riders stuck on Yamahas and Hondas actually doing? We debate all that plus how the riders at struggling manufacturers feel about their career choices and when the underdogs we're celebrating might win again.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A less-than-thrilling Austrian Grand Prix meant plenty of interest in off-track MotoGP matters at the Red Bull Ring as the final pieces of the 2025 line-up jigsaw slotted into place.The reasons for Jack Miller, Miguel Oliveira, Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra's recently confirmed or now near-certain new deals prompted several strong questions from The Race Members' Club for Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy, Megan White and Matt Beer to tackle on The Race MotoGP Podcast.The lack of excitement on track at the Red Bull Ring, whether Marc Marquez is excelling on an outdated bike or throwing away chances, and Pedro Acosta's awful weekend are also delved into.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh from returning to MotoGP as Yamaha's stand-in rider, Remy Gardner is our special guest on this week's episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.The 2021 Moto2 champion is characteristically open about how long his single MotoGP season with KTM brought him and offers plenty of insight into switching between World Superbikes and MotoGP with Yamaha in 2024.He also shares his thoughts on the impact good friend Pedro Acosta is making in his old MotoGP team Tech3, while answering a host of questions from The Race Members' Club.And there's an extract from our behind the scenes Silverstone special that ran in MotoGP Extra on the Members' Club, plus Simon Patterson gives his take on Toprak Razgatlioglu's astonishing World Superbike season and why he's not in MotoGP, plus the quality of racing in both WSBK and its all-female support series WorldWCR.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when some people thought it was all over and Pecco Bagnaia was going to cruise to the 2024 MotoGP world championship, the British Grand Prix rewrote the script again.Bagnaia's sprint crash and a very sensible weekend from Jorge Martin mean a new championship leader and has Enea Bastianini's double win now made this a three-way fight? And is it problematic for Ducati that two of those three are leaving it after 2024?Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy, Megan White and Matt Beer debate all that in this week's episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.And they and Oliver Card - fresh from a behind-the-scenes Silverstone trip for a special episode of MotoGP Extra for The Race Members' Club - discuss another disappointing Silverstone MotoGP turnout and why an event that has so much going for it just isn't getting anywhere near Formula 1's British GP numbers.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race MotoGP Podcast is always fond of a provocative prediction, so naturally with the season about to resume for its second half at the British Grand Prix this weekend, Matt Beer tasks Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and wildcard guest Lewis Duncan with making some about everything that might happen on track in the rest of the season.Our panel have very different takes on how the title fight between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin might play out from here, but the disagreement gets even more vehement when it comes to Yamaha's chances of success over the rest of 2024.What Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder and the resurgent Franco Morbidelli might achieve between now and the final also prompts plenty of debate.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the 2025 MotoGP rider market reaches its final stages, The Race MotoGP Podcast looks at who might be ousted from the field after 2024 and who's likely to replace them.We know Aleix Espargaro is retiring and Ducati's committed to bringing Fermin Aldeguer up from MotoGP, but what other departures and debuts are on the cards?Simon Patterson and Matt Beer are joining by wildcard pundit Lewis Duncan to debate all that, with a particular focus on what'll come out of Trackhouse next as two grand prix winners fight over its second seat alongside someone the podcast panel are VERY split over.And there's also an excerpt from our members-only MotoGP Extra special on the WorldWCR all-female series, which is coming soon.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola joins The Race MotoGP Podcast for a special summer break episode.As part of an extensive chat, Rivola discusses Aprilia's signing of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi and some of the alternatives that were considered, the exits of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales and the line-up questions facing the satellite Trackhouse team.Afterwards, there is an extensive discussion between podcast regulars Matt Beer, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy over whether Bezzecchi deserved the nod over the likes of Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio, how Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez compare and whether Aprilia is living up to expectations or not.Rivola also tackled a varied selection of questions from The Race Members Club for a forthcoming bonus episode. Sign up to the motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when Jorge Martin looked set to regain the 2024 MotoGP world championship fight momentum, his crash from the lead with just two laps of the German Grand Prix to go changed everything (again).Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer give their takes on why it happened, the repercussions for the title battle and whether Martin will ever change in The Race MotoGP Podcast.Last week we thought we really might be talking about Marc Marquez's first Gresini Ducati win at the Sachsenring but his weekend turned out very differently. We have plenty to say about that - and so did The Race Members' Club, whose questions now feature in all our post-race episodes.The Race Members' Club now features MotoGP content and a motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon - offering exclusive bonus podcasts each month, ad-free episodes from our main series and the chance to have your questions answered on our post-race episodes. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Pecco Bagnaia now right on Jorge Martin's tail in the MotoGP championship fight and the shadow of both Martin and Pramac's Ducati exits hanging over the rest of the season, is the 2024 title battle only going one way?That's what Simon Patterson, guest pundit Megan White and Matt Beer debate on the Dutch TT episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast - with a few interjections from Valentin Khorounzhiy from somewhere in the Styrian hills.They also discuss the huge news of Lewis Hamilton's potential arrival in MotoGP as a team owner and Marc Marquez's weird weekend - which included the return of tyre pressure penalties.That penalty system is one of many topics we're quizzed about by The Race Members' Club via Patreon as part of our new MotoGP coverage strand there.The Race Members' Club now features MotoGP content and a motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon - offering exclusive bonus podcasts each month, ad-free episodes from our main series and the chance to have your questions answered on our post-race episodes. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Ducati and KTM, it's now Aprilia that can claim it's put together a 2025 MotoGP superteam after securing Marco Bezzecchi alongside Jorge Martin in its all-new factory line-up.But as Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate on The Race MotoGP Podcast, while signing the second and third placed riders from the 2023 world championship looks great on paper, there are definite question marks around whether this is all going to work.We also examine all the repercussions elsewhere in the field, from what happens at Aprilia satellite team Trackhouse - whose riders get very different responses from Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola - to whether the exodus of strong satellite riders from Ducati marks a significant end of an era and also why on earth it seems Joan Mir might want to prolong his Honda stint.And the World Superbike Championship has entered the MotoGP rider market in earnest too. Are we going to see Toprak Razgatlioglu or even Andrea Iannone on the 2025 MotoGP grid? And if so, where and how would it go? We give our takes on all of that too.The Race Members' Club now features MotoGP content and a motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon - offering exclusive bonus podcasts each month, ad-free episodes from our main series and the chance to have your questions answered on our post-race episodes. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was KTM's turn to rock the MotoGP rider market this week as it announced current Ducati and Aprilia factory riders Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales would join its satellite team Tech3 Gas Gas for 2025.With Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder already set for the works squad, that gives KTM an extremely strong line-up to take on Ducati with next year.Or does it? Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy have very different views on how Vinales in particular will fare at KTM as they join Matt Beer to discuss it all on The Race MotoGP Podcast.What happens next for ousted KTM pair Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, and who Aprilia signs to replace Vinales are also hot topics.And we delve into everything that's happening around the rest of the Ducati line-up too, where it's not just riders moving around but teams too.Joan Mir's efforts to escape Honda and top Moto2 riders' hopes of reaching MotoGP for 2025 are assessed as well, and we also reveal what we'll be up to in the new MotoGP section on The Race Members' Club, which is now available on Patreon too.Want extra MotoGP podcast content? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon where we have an exclusive two-wheeled Riders tier. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when it seemed Ducati's 2025 MotoGP factory line-up plan was set, it was abruptly turned inside out. Now Marc Marquez is heading for a works seat and championship leader Jorge Martin is heading into the arms of Aprilia.Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer gather for an emergency extra episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast to explain what changed and why it happened so quickly, with Simon reliving how the news spread through the paddock at Mugello testing and just how fast Aprilia moved to get its man once it knew it had chance.We share your takes on what's happened and questions about the repercussions of it, covering everything from how Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia will work together (or not) in the factory Ducati team to whether Aprilia is going to live up to Martin's demands and expectations, plus all the other repercussions around Pramac, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales' futures.Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/therace Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pecco Bagnaia's double win at Mugello was a huge boost to his 2024 MotoGP championship bid. And as Simon Patterson reports from the scene as he joins Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer for The Race MotoGP Podcast, it was greeted by a more passionate crowd than the Italian Grand Prix has enjoyed in Mugello's barren years since home idol Valentino Rossi retired.So as well as discussing the impact of Bagnaia's win on his title bid, we also delve into what it all means for Italy, MotoGP and Rossi's legacy.Was Jorge Martin's combination of crash and last-lap position loss a sign of him returning to old bad habits or proof he can actually calmly sustain a title bid even on a bad weekend?And how big an equipment disadvantage is Marc Marquez up against and is he holding Ducati to ransom over 2025 or just innocently focusing on what's best for him?We debate those topics, compare Pedro Acosta to Thanos from the Marvel movies and Val wrecks his house while discussing stewarding and penalties - but his rage isn't the for the reason you might expect.Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/therace Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pecco Bagnaia went from a bizarre final lap crash while leading MotoGP's Catalan Grand Prix sprint to pulling off a very intelligent Sunday race win that keeps things poised in the title fight.But he was just one of three riders to crash from the sprint lead - all for different reasons. And with Bagnaia, championship leader Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez finding ways to all take nearly identical points hauls from Barcelona despite having wildly contrasting weekends, this strange event gives Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer plenty to delve into on The Race MotoGP Podcast.That includes the latest round of 2025 rider market talk, with Aleix Espargaro's retirement announcement - and surprise likely next move - kicking things off, new talk of how Ducati might resolve its Martin/Marquez factory seat debate emerging and some very leftfield moves appearing in paddock speculation.Throw in Enea Bastianini protesting the stewards by ignoring their penalties and Val and Simon having a passionate argument over Yamaha's form, and there's plenty packed into the episode.Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We debate YOUR suggestions for what to change about MotoGP in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.And we've never had such a huge influx of listener input when we've done a callout for questions or suggestions.With the 2027 rules freshly announced and plenty in the paddock making suggestions for what they think could be better about MotoGP regulations, organisation, officiating or promotion, your ideas covered everything from rules preventing riders remounting after crashes to MotoGP test chances for Moto2 stars to race format rejigs and electronic active suspension.All that, and much more, is debated by Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer.Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP 2024's 'big three' Jorge Martin, Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez produced an absolutely epic French Grand Prix weekend at Le Mans between them.But which of them looks most like the 2024 champion, and are two of them set to be 2025 team-mates?Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer delve into both elements of that situation in The Race MotoGP Podcast, assessing what Le Mans told us about the trio's various strengths in the title fight and the varied scenarios around who Ducati will place where in 2025.The future of championship leader Martin's Pramac team is another key element of that jigsaw that's discussed.KTM's enormous reliance on Pedro Acosta, the prospect of Acosta and Martin as team-mates and Aprilia's place in both the title fight and the rider market are also delved into.Plus Simon gives his take on the incredible French GP crowd experience and how their heroes Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco tackled coming to their home race on uncompetitive bikes.Don't forget in the next episode we'll be debating YOUR ideas for how to improve MotoGP. Send them in written or voice note form to [email protected] or contact us via our MotoGP social media channels @theracemoto on X or Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP has unveiled its new rules for 2027, with some of the current bikes' most controversial elements outlawed and others pegged back.But has it all gone far enough and are these the right moves for the world championship?Simon Patterson gives his initial take on the changes to engine capacity, aero allowance and concessions, plus the ban on ride-height devices, in a bumper episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Plus Matt Beer invites Simon and Valentin Khorounzhiy to suggest the changes they'd each like to see - whether in the regulations, presentation or marketing of MotoGP.And now we'd like to hear your suggestions too. Email your ideas for MotoGP changes to [email protected] in written or voice note form, or via our MotoGP social accounts @theracemoto on X or Instagram and we'll share them - and give our takes - on a future episode.Follow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever since Marc Marquez get himself a Ducati, the MotoGP world has been waiting eagerly to see a head-to-head victory fight between him and reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia.That's exactly what the Spanish Grand Prix became - and it was absolutely worth all the anticipation.Does Bagnaia's defeat of Marquez show Ducati's current number one has his famous new stablemate covered? Or does the fact Marquez is so quick on a Ducati (and an old-spec one at that) already show Bagnaia will need to raise his game?That's one of the big debates between Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast, along with what championship leader Jorge Martin should be thinking about it all after crashing out of the race lead.The 15-crash madness of the Jerez sprint and an extraordinary stewards' office rant by Johann Zarco also feature.Follow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP begins the European leg of its 2024 season at Jerez this weekend, and that's often when the championship takes on its defining shape.But several riders arrive in Spain fighting for their future and several teams fighting to salvage their season already.On this week's episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, Matt Beer invites Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to nominate the riders or teams they think are in most trouble after the opening three rounds - and to assess the extent of their plight on a 1 to 5 ranking where 1 equals 'will be fine by Mugello in June' and 5 equals 'may as well write the rest of 2024 off'.Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have we been wrong about Maverick Vinales all along? The man with the reputation for going backwards in MotoGP races won from 11th place at Austin with a supreme performance in an absolutely epic race.Regular Vinales defender Valentin Khorounzhiy and regular Vinales sceptics Simon Patterson and Matt Beer therefore have plenty to debate in The Race MotoGP Podcast as they assess what Vinales achieved in the Grand Prix of the Americas, why it hasn't happened more often and whether it can keep on happening.What Marc Marquez's season looks like from here after a crash from the lead that leaves him a distant eighth in the championship, what Pedro Acosta's latest insanely good performance means for not just the other KTMs but everyone else on the grid, Jorge Martin's title credentials and Pecco Bagnaia's odd lack of form are also delved into.And does a race like Austin's Sunday event show modern MotoGP isn't as bad as aero critics and detractors suggest? Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Fabio Quartararo made the right decision by keeping faith with Yamaha for his MotoGP future despite all the frustrations he's endured?Is this just a case of the money being too good to turn down or is Yamaha definitely a better prospect than Aprilia for the next phase of the 2021 world champion's career?That's what Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate in part one of the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.But that's only half the episode, as we also have an exclusive interview with MotoGP sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta about the championship's future and upcoming new rules era.Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Davide Brivio - architect of Yamaha's Valentino Rossi glory years and Suzuki' shock 2020 title - is back in MotoGP after his truncated Formula 1 detour, but he's not in the part of the field you might expect.In an exclusive chat with The Race MotoGP Podcast, Brivio explains why he picked newcomer Trackhouse Racing for his return to the motorcycle racing world, and what he hopes this NASCAR-to-MotoGP wildcard can achieve in both 2024 and beyond.And he also opens up for the first time on exactly why he thinks his switch to F1 with Alpine didn't work out.Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should motorcycle racing fans be delighted or worried that a deal's in place for Formula 1 owner Liberty Media to buy MotoGP promoter Dorna?In an extra episode, the Race MotoGP Podcast delves into what the Liberty news mean for MotoGP, as Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer look at what it's likely to mean in terms of practical reality, and address some of the concerns motorcycle fans might have based on some the F1 world's least positive impressions of Liberty.They also outline what they want to see from the new ownership, and explain why Liberty is confident this deal can go ahead despite the fact that the last time MotoGP and F1 nearly came under the same ownership the process rapidly turned into MotoGP being sold off.Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first big flashpoint of Marc Marquez's Ducati career came in just his second MotoGP race weekend with his new employer, as he and reigning champion stablemate Pecco Bagnaia collided in the Portuguese Grand Prix.Who was most at fault? And what does it mean for the title fight and Ducati internal relations? Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate that in The Race MotoGP Podcast.We also get into Pedro Acosta's incredible podium in only his second MotoGP race weekend. Are his performances more impressive than even Marquez's (eventually title winning) rookie season? One of our panel reckons so.Maverick Vinales' breakthrough win and weird grand prix exit, whether sprint wins really count, Jorge Martin's new maturity and title chance and Ducati's growing 2025 rider headache also feature.Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're answering your questions on The Race MotoGP Podcast this week, including on the prospect of mid-season rider changes at two teams in particular.Might KTM want Pedro Acosta in its factory line-up sooner rather than later, and if his Tech3 team-mate Augusto Fernandez's struggles continue is there a danger of him not seeing out the season?Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer tackle those plus questions on whether a rotation system could be used to trim the calendar, how Moto2's Pirelli switch has changed the series and whether it's a good or bad thing, MotoGP's next-generation regulations and how we'd define 'natural talent' in motorcycle racers. And with a major piece of rider market news having broken with the announcement that Ducati is definitely promoting Fermin Aldeguer into MotoGP 2025, we also explain why Ducati has so much faith in the Spanish teenager and why it can't yet say which of its teams he'll be riding for.Click here to take our quick survey about your podcast habits and you could win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchersJoin The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pecco Bagnaia showed exactly what he's a double MotoGP world champion by controlling the Qatar Grand Prix despite a slightly shaky qualifying and sprint.But will this race really be remembered for the debut of another champion? Though it only resulted in ninth place in the end, Pedro Acosta's swashbuckling style on and off the track made a huge impression on The Race MotoGP Podcast panel Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer - who debate how long it'll take Acosta to win races, and whether KTM can wait to get him into its main team.KTM and Aprilia's chances of challenging Ducati this year, how Marc Marquez's title prospects look after his Ducati race debut, and miserable weekends for a 2023 title contender and fallen giants Honda and Yamaha also come in for plenty of discussion.Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow the new Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Marquez's move to Gresini Ducati is a huge curveball for the 2024 MotoGP season, but will he actually be a title contender? Or will this be a repeat of last year's epic Pecco Bagnaia versus Jorge Martin battle? And either way, who'll come out on top?The Race MotoGP Podcast gathers Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer to predict the 2024 championship order - and argue over each other's choices. As well as plenty of debate about Marquez, Bagnaia and Martin, we also discuss whether how far up the title fight pecking order Enea Bastianini's winter progress might take him, and why Marco Bezzecchi seems set for a much tougher season.There's also plenty of chat about who's best placed among the non-Ducatis - and who we really don't expect to get anywhere near the top championship placings.Join The Race's GridRival league and you could win $5000. Free to join. Free to play. Click here to sign up.FEBRUARY IS FREE! Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 18 of the 22 riders on the grid out of contract at the end of the year, multiple past champions either unhappy with their current machinery or clearly in stopgap mode with their 2024 teams, and uncertainty over which brand some satellite teams will actually be with next season and what that'll mean for their line-ups, the 2025 MotoGP rider market is set to be a wild one.But can The Race MotoGP Podcast accurately predict how it will turn out.Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy pitch their cases for Matt Beer to adjudicate on as our panel attempt to improve on the 50% success rate they had last time they tried to predict a full grid rider line-up a whole year in advance.Who'll be on the move? Who'll reluctantly sit tight due to a lack of options? Who's heading out of MotoGP, and who's usurping them from the grid? How much will Simon and Val disagree on? Listen to find out.FEBRUARY IS FREE! Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reigning double MotoGP world champion Pecco Bagnaia ended 2024 pre-season testing with a ferocious burst of pace in Qatar that makes him an instant strong favourite for the opening round there next month and the title itself.But while Bagnaia has the edge and bags of confidence right now, he's far from the only rider looking strong at the end of the winter, as Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer discuss on the Qatar test episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.We look at the off-season transformation of Bagnaia's team-mate Enea Bastianini, the test form of last year's runner-up Jorge Martin and of course Ducati's superstar new signing Marc Marquez - who also answers a few of your questions in this episode.And we assess who has the best chance of barging into the potential Ducati 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 formation, and analyse whether Yamaha and Honda are actually making any progress yet.FEBRUARY IS FREE! Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez joins The Race MotoGP Podcast for an exclusive interview less than three weeks before his competitive debut on the Ducati.In a candid chat with MotoGP writer Simon Patterson, Marquez discusses the short-term ambitions of his Gresini Ducati move and how everything about it is being influenced by his keen awareness of the inexorable march of time.He sets out his targets for 2024 and emphasises the impact of his injuries on the competitive picture, while also giving his assessment of Honda's MotoGP developments since their split.Finally, he gives his expectations for how the 2025 silly season will go for him.FEBRUARY IS FREE! Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With one MotoGP pre-season test down and one to go, several riders go into next week's final two days of running in Qatar with significant problems to solve.And those problems have implications beyond the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix and even the 2024 campaign too, given how wild this year's rider market is set to be.Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer look at who's under pressure and how that pressure is multiplied by the moves teams will already be making towards their 2025 line-ups in a year when only four of the 22 riders on the grid have a contract for next season sorted.Those 2025 prospects weigh on everything in MotoGP at the moment, with even Honda's launch of its strikingly Repsol-light new livery turning into chat about whether Marc Marquez will be back there as early as next year.Speaking of Marc Marquez... he will be our very, very special guest for an exclusive interview on the next episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, and we'll put some of your questions to him. Send them to [email protected] and we'll pick a selection of the best to fit into Simon's one-on-one with the seven-time MotoGP champion later this week.FEBRUARY IS FREE! Join The Race Members Club and have a free month on us! Click here to sign upFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between Marc Marquez beginning life at Gresini Ducati properly, the massive changes many manufacturers were planning over the winter and the hints of something from Ducati that would change the aero game, the first 2024 pre-season MotoGP test was very eagerly awaited.Simon Patterson joins Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast from Kuala Lumpur airport for an urgent dissection of everything we learned from three days of lap record smashing running at Sepang.Marquez's mood after a shaky first day, shifts in the Ducati power balance and some contrasting impressions of Yamaha and Honda's progress are among the many, many topics discussed.And when it comes to picking out a standout performer from the test, we get very excited about the 'next Marquez' - sole 2024 MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Marquez's move from Honda to Gresini Ducati means a change of crew chief for the first time in his whole MotoGP career - and we've got his new crew chief Frankie Carchedi with us on The Race MotoGP Podcast for an exclusive chat.Carchedi talks Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy through his experience of working with Marquez so far and his feelings about being at the centre of the biggest MotoGP rider move in years.And he also offers plenty of unique insight into MotoGP crew chief life and methods.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After making very rapid waves in NASCAR, Trackhouse Racing enters a very different world in 2024 as it joins the MotoGP grid as Aprilia's new satellite team.Trackhouse chief Justin Marks joined The Race MotoGP Podcast for an exclusive chat about the creation of his team's first motorcycle racing project ahead of its launch event in Los Angeles last Friday night, opening up about what drew him to MotoGP and what he expects his team to achieve in its earlier-than-planned debut season.And Marks gave our regular panel Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer plenty to talk about, from where Trackhouse fits into MotoGP's plan to get itself back on the USA's radar to whether the team's 2024 riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez are just going to be inherited stopgaps rather than parts of what's clearly a long-term project.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2024 MotoGP launch season gets into full swing, The Race MotoGP Podcast joins Simon Patterson on his Italian road trip from Gresini to VR46 via a four-day Ducati extravaganza.He keeps Matt Beer and Valentin Khorounzhiy posted as he follows up attending Marc Marquez's debut in Ducati colours with a factory Ducati team launch where the main revelation was news of an aero change too significant to risk revealing before testing. We explain why Ducati - for all its domination - is potentially vulnerable around aero development, despite pioneering wings on MotoGP bikes in the 2010s.As for Valentino Rossi's new-liveried team, we ponder the early dynamic surrounding new signing Fabio Di Giannantonio and whether the 2023-spec Ducatis can really keep up with their factory-spec brethren.We also discuss the off-the-record element of major launch events and how useful they can be for relationships with riders, plus Ducati's attempt to transfer its MotoGP and World Superbike domination to motocross.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MotoGP world finally got to see Marc Marquez in something other than Repsol Honda colours and Marquez finally got to share his thoughts on riding a Ducati when his new team Gresini held its 2024 launch on Saturday night.Simon Patterson dived straight from the Italian disco venue to join Matt Beer and Valentin Khorounzhiy on The Race MotoGP Podcast so he could report back on the mood at an event unlike any other satellite team launch MotoGP has experienced before.They discuss Marquez's reports on the bike and his expectations, hear exclusively from his new crew chief Frankie Carchedi, and explain why Gresini's livery looks exactly like last year's even though you might've expected an influx of new sponsors to arrive with Marquez.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP could finally shake off its Valentino Rossi hangover in 2024 as Marc Marquez's team switch creates huge sporting intrigue in a championship that's already just experienced its best title fight in years.But while interest in MotoGP is clearly rising right now, is it accessible enough to new fans and can it keep them hooked? Are its approaches to television and streaming right for this era? Is the fan experience at races good enough?The Race MotoGP Podcast put your questions on all of this to Dorna's chief commercial officer Dan Rossomondo, and we debate his answers and everything else off-track MotoGP with our regular panel Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer plus The Race Media's creative lead Oliver Card - a recent MotoGP convert of exactly the kind Dorna needs to entice and keep on board.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, host Toby Moody sits down for an in-depth chat with a MotoGP legend: Sito Pons. A familiar face in the MotoGP paddock for more than 40 years, the Spaniard has achieved nearly everything possible in Grand Prix racing, winning the 205cc world title twice, managing a race-winning premier class team, working with some of the best riders in the sport's recent history, guiding Pol Espargaro to the 2013 Moto2 championship, and much more. Listen in as he discusses his incredible career - and why he's now chosen to step back from running a team.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race MotoGP Podcast begins 2024 with some characteristically bold predictions for the MotoGP season ahead.Matt Beer tasks Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy with some big picture topics - such as who'll do significantly better or worse than in 2023, whether Ducati will be more or less dominant, who'll be first to commit to a 2025 team switch.And they don't waste any chances to disagree with each other or challenge the premise of the question as they make their cases for why 2024 will turn out in the ways they expect.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023 MotoGP season had at least three realistic title contenders, 10 race winners if you count sprints too, eight polesitters (three of whom weren't even race winners), and 15 grand prix podium finishers.So picking and ranking the top 10 riders was not an easy task when Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorouzhiy, Matt Beer and guest pundit Glenn Freeman joined forces to do so on The Race MotoGP Podcast. Unsurprisingly there were some _very_ different positions suggested for many riders.Take a listen to the full debate in a bumper episode to round off our season.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had far more questions than we could hope to fit in a single episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast when we asked what you still wanted answered about the 2023 season or 2024 prospects.Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer tackle the first batch in the latest episode, and they're headlined by some Ducati rider line-up intrigue - particularly around Franco Morbidelli and Enea Bastianini.A conspiracy theory around 2024 newcomer Trackhouse, the mysteries of Maverick Vinales and a theory for how to stop rider injuries deciding title fights are among the many other topics that feature.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidClick here to join The Race Members' Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A long chat with much-hyped MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta headlines the first off-season episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. Valentin Khorounzhiy is joined by Simon Patterson, who spoke to Acosta as well as MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia and Moto3 champion Jaume Masia during the FIM prize gala in Liverpool.In an extensive conversation, Acosta reflects on his first taste of KTM machinery in the premier class - which he is now very bullish about being a "nightmare" for its rivals in the not-too-distant future. The Moto2 champ also shares his infectious enthusiasm for MotoGP rivalries of old and gives his take on being talked about as 'the new Marc Marquez' in a paddock where "the guy who smiles at you isn't your friend sometimes".Meanwhile, Bagnaia looks back at the title decider he'd prevailed in - and sets the stage for 2024 after what he believes was a very encouraging post-season test. Finally, Masia talks about his swift-looking Moto2 adaptation and the erosion of the 'middle class' of riders in grand prix racing - while the podcast crew also discuss his much-debated Moto3 title triumph.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just two days after the 2023 MotoGP season ended, the 2024 MotoGP season began with a hugely eagerly anticipated Valencia test headlined by Marc Marquez jumping on a Ducati for the first time.Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer have plenty to say about just _how_ quick he was, what it means for the 2024 title fight and the Ducati dynamic in The Race MotoGP Podcast.But, ironically, the team Marquez had just walked away from had a hugely encouraging day too. Has Honda come good just a little too late?We delve into that plus Yamaha's latest efforts to get back towards the front, the MotoGP debut of Pedro 'the next Marquez' Acosta and some very big news about a rules package designed to bring Ducati back into its rivals' range.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Patterson joins Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss the 2023 MotoGP season finale in Valencia, in which Pecco Bagnaia claimed his second successive championship crown as title rival Jorge Martin endured an incident-laden final Sunday of the year that ended in a collision with Marc Marquez. There's also news on the future of RNF Aprilia, whether Fabio Di Giannantonio will indeed be on the grid next year, and much more...Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when he seemed to have Pecco Bagnaia on the ropes once again following a hard-charging sprint win, Jorge Martin's terrible Sunday race leaves him back in title long-shot status with just the Valencia finale to go.Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join Matt Beer to explain exactly what went wrong for the furious Martin on The Race MotoGP Podcast, and make their predictions for how this epic season will finally be resolved next weekend.Bagnaia's Qatar GP could've been even better had he not been defeated in the victory fight by Fabio di Giannantonio - a man who pretty much no one would've tipped for a MotoGP race win just a few months ago, and who doesn't even look like he'll have a place on the 2024 MotoGP grid. We delve into the various rider market machinations that mean that's the case and try to plot some alternative scenarios that would get all the worthy riders in the field.And there's also plenty of debate about Aleix Espargaro and Franco Morbidelli's actions on and off track after their practice spat that dramatically spilled over.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP championship rivals Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin went wheel to wheel again in the Malaysian Grand Prix, while also dodging other Ducatis, but the big theme of their weekend was tyre pressures and the potential for penalties over them.Are we at a point when the tyre pressure monitoring is going to decide the world title outcome while wrecking all the racing up to then and beyond?That's the worst-case scenario Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer consider on The Race MotoGP Podcast, as well as what can be done about it.How the title fight stands now, the spectacular resurgence of Enea Bastianini, a gung-ho Alex Marquez cameo and a sad MotoGP return for World Superbike steamroller Alvaro Bautista are also delved into.And as Honda's quest to find a 2024 Marc Marquez replacement takes yet another twist, we debate whether Luca Marini and Repsol Honda are right for each other, and what it means for everyone else who's been swept into this particular rider market saga.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or AndroidVroom is the better way to buy and sell used cars, so head over to Vroom.com NOW Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just three grands prix to go, only 13 points separate Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin in a 2023 MotoGP world championship that just keeps delivering twists.Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate how the denouement might unfold in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Will Bagnaia and Martin keep it clean? Will it go down to the very last race?Can Ducati afford not to find a way to put Martin in its 2024 factory team line-up if he's world champion?Marc Marquez's prospects in his final races at Honda, the miserable but ultra-close Honda vs Yamaha fight to avoid being last in the manufacturers' championship, and the surprise new contender to fill Marquez's Honda seat in 2024 are also discussed - pretty vehemently in some cases.Follow The Race on Twitter to take part in The Race F1 Cup!Check out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.