The Race MotoGP Podcast

The 2022 MotoGP season featured the biggest swing in championship battle fortunes in series history and a host of underdog contenders mounting surprise challenges.So ranking the top 10 riders of the year is a tough ask - one that Toby Moody, Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer attempt in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. And what they come up with is VERY different to the championship positions.Listen to the debate in full, including plenty of forthright arguments over riders that didn't even make the top 10 cut...Got a question for the show? Send a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VR46 Ducati MotoGP rider Luca Marini joins The Race MotoGP Podcast for this week's very special interview episode.The 25-year-old Italian, brother of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, ended his second season in the premier class in 12th place and will remain with the Rossi-owned VR46 outfit next year.Marini chats to Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy about his MotoGP methods and the balancing act between camaraderie and high-stakes competition within Rossi's increasingly-successful VR46 Academy talent programme.As the tallest rider in MotoGP, at 1m84cm according to the series, he also outlines his position on a combined rider/bike minimum weight and why he feels the series should act in this regard.Finally, Marini - increasingly regarded by a few as one of the grid's most eloquent and thoughtful figures - explains his attitude towards the media and opens up on whether he's uncomfortable facing questions about his legend brother. Got a question for the show? Send a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Official MotoGP track action signed off for 2022 with a single post-season test day in Valencia, with Japanese giants Honda and Yamaha both failing to impress.Honda's lead rider Marc Marquez saw insufficient progress from his RC213V bike, while Yamaha's hoped-for and expected engine gains were suddenly nowhere to be seen.Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss the feedback from the test along with how riders getting their first taste of new machinery fared.They find themselves particularly impressed with Miguel Oliveira's Aprilia debut and discuss what looked like a pair of low-key Honda baptisms for Joan Mir and Alex Rins.Finally, they tackle the question of whether or not champion Pecco Bagnaia should switch to number one next year.Got a question for the show? Send a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race MotoGP Podcast convenes to discuss the 2022 season finale in Valencia, as Pecco Bagnaia held on to clinch Ducati's first riders' title since 2007 in a nervier-than-anticipated weekend.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss Bagnaia's race and contact with rival Fabio Quartararo, and how the weekend had offered glimpses of genuine title intrigue before a Sunday that largely lived up to pre-weekend expectations.They also talk about whether Bagnaia's success shows Valentino Rossi's VR46 Academy is the now the template for talent development and how much credit Ducati deserves for identifying and improving its new champion.Suzuki's bittersweet farewell win - and whether it proved the manufacturer's board wrong - is also on the agenda, as is another statement ride by KTM's Brad Binder, the 2023 prospects of Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin and Aprilia's perhaps worst meltdown of the season.Got a question for the show? Send a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming into the 2022 MotoGP title showdown, Yamaha is hoping to end up on the other side of the kind of last-race drama that denied it and Valentino Rossi the 2006 crown.But how much encouragement can Fabio Quartararo really take from the late Nicky Hayden's triumph, and what is his likeliest path to a decidedly unlikely second championship this year?Toby Moody is joined by Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to discuss MotoGP's history of last-race title turnarounds, and why there is another example that's more relevant to Quartararo's hopes of defeating Pecco Bagnaia than the 2006 finale.They also talk about the battle for third place in the standings between Aleix Espargaro and Enea Bastianini, and the state of Honda's bid to avoid the ignominy of finishing last in MotoGP's constructors standings for the first time ever.Finally, they discuss the idea of safety cars in MotoGP and the current state of wet-weather racing in the series.Got a question for the show? Send a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sepang has left Pecco Bagnaia on the brink of the 2022 MotoGP crown - but also reinforced the fact he is set to face a monumental intra-team challenge at Ducati next year.Bagnaia's key Malaysian GP win under pressure from future team-mate Enea Bastianini takes centre stage in the post-Sepang episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, as the crew tackle the question of just how hard Bastianini raced Bagnaia and what his motivations were in the duel.Stand-in host Matt Beer is joined by regulars Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to also discuss Fabio Quartararo's heroic ride to keep his championship hopes alive going into Valencia, and what specific stars would need to align for the Frenchman to somehow overhaul Bagnaia.Also discussed is the end of Aprilia's title fairytale, another weekend of two halves for the pole record-smashing/bike-smashing Jorge Martin, and whether Marc Marquez's weekend was encouraging or par for the course.Finally, the crew dedicate a few minutes each to touch upon lacking MotoGP safety commission attendance at Sepang and the increasingly wacky Moto2 title race.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two big errors by Fabio Quartararo in the Australian Grand Prix mean his title rival Pecco Bagnaia now has a pretty clear run at the 2022 MotoGP world championship.But is Quartararo messing up another title bid, or is it a massive tribute to him that he's even led the championship on a poor Yamaha?That's one of the many, many things Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and stand-in host Matt Beer debate in the Phillip Island episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Overshadowed by the dramatic title fights, Suzuki finally won a race again - just weeks before it exits MotoGP. After so many weekends when Suzuki hinted it had amazing race pace, this time it actually did - but why now? We explain.The podcast also dives into the clearest signs yet that Marc Marquez will be a 2023 title contender, Alex Marquez's penalty for slamming into Jack Miller, the effective end of Aprilia's championship dream and a bizarre race for long-shot championship protagonist Enea Bastianini.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the aero war turned MotoGP racing subpar, and what can be done to recapture the glorious duels of seasons past?This is the main topic of discussion in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, featuring host Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy.The quality of racing across the 2022 season and the impact and aesthetics of the aero appendages are touched upon, while Simon offers an important update on Michelin's development of its next MotoGP front tyre.The trio also look forward to the final three venues of the 2022 season, and answer a series of listener questions - such as whether Alex Marquez's move to Ducati is a potential precursor to brother Marc doing the same, and which riders on the grid are best-suited to winning on multiple bikes.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having cut a 91-point deficit to Fabio Quartararo to just two points in the last three months, momentum is with Pecco Bagnaia in the 2022 MotoGP world championship fight.But does that make him title favourite, or is reigning champion Quartararo still going to be too tough to overcome in normal circumstances? And can Aleix Espargaro still spring a surprise? And should we even count out Enea Bastianini and Jack Miller?Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join stand-in host Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to debate what might happen in the championship denouement after the action in Thailand.Likely form at the three remaining tracks, potential weather curveballs and the role of Ducati's massive gaggle of bikes and approach to team orders all play into our panel's deliberations.The latest information about Marc Marquez's progress back towards full fitness and competitiveness, Danilo Petrucci's comeback, the shocking video that emerged of a physical assault in a Moto3 garage in 2019, and Buriram winner Miguel Oliveira's wild form fluctuations are also discussed.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A potentially pivotal weekend in the MotoGP title race is discussed in the latest edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy for a Japanese GP debrief and an assessment of the last-lap Pecco Bagnaia crash that has allowed a struggling Fabio Quartararo to nearly double his points lead.They also discuss the Aprilia error that robbed Aleix Espargaro of a huge opportunity, the role Gresini Ducati rider Enea Bastianini is playing in the title race and a top-drawer Motegi MotoGP debut for KTM's Brad Binder.Also on the agenda are Marc Marquez's first pole since 2019 and his reasonably encouraging race performance.Finally, the crew talk about injured LCR Honda rider Takaaki Nakagami riding with a "glove full of blood" - and express their dismay at the possibility the local hero may have done further damage to his right hand.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francesco Bagnaia took another 20 points out of Fabio Quartararo's championship lead at Aragon - but should it have been 25?The Race MotoGP Podcast's latest episode centres around Ducati's decision to allow Enea Bastianini to fight, and ultimately defeat, Bagnaia for victory at the Spanish venue.Host Toby Moody is joined by Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to ponder whether Bagnaia may rue the five points he lost to Bastianini come the end of the season, and whether the good PR from avoiding team orders is worth the added risk to Ducati's chances of winning its first riders' title since 2007.They also discuss Quartararo's 'second crash' that came after his Marc Marquez-triggered Aragon GP exit, and a Brad Binder performance that led to him being credited as one of the best riders on the grid.Finally, the crew close out with a chat about the surreal Moto3 mechanic interference controversy from Saturday.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A potentially pivotal mid-season test at Misano takes centre stage in the newest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss Marc Marquez's two-day return to action on a Honda MotoGP bike, as well as the ramifications of the apparent top speed improvement made by Yamaha with its 2023 prototype.The crew also talk about Honda keeping Takaaki Nakagami for another season with the LCR squad and the corresponding decision for Ai Ogura to remain in Moto2 for now.Finally, a batch of listener questions are answered, including on Dani Pedrosa's impact on KTM's peaks-and-valleys MotoGP trajectory and on what MotoGP should do to increase the currently paltry female presence on the grid and within its fanbase.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fourth consecutive win for Francesco Bagnaia to further close up the 2022 title battle is the main subject of the post-Misano episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.But how worried should Quartararo be - and did Ducati actually not make it easy enough for Bagnaia?Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to hash out the conclusions from the race, Ducati's team order reluctance, and why it may get worse for Quartararo before it gets better.There are also extensive discussions of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, whose excellent Misano weekends mark them out as potential 2023 title hopefuls.A miserable weekend for Honda and a surprising technical development on its end are touched upon, as is Jack Miller's early-race crash - and why it shows Ducati wasn't wrong to look beyond him for 2023.Finally, the crew salute the retiring Andrea Dovizioso and delve into the messy impending separation between KTM and Remy Gardner.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ducati completing its MotoGP works line-up for 2023 and other silly season developments are the topic of conversation in the latest edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to talk about Enea Bastianini getting the nod over Jorge Martin to replace Jack Miller at the factory Ducati team.The crew ponder the upsides and downsides of the choice, and discuss whether it may set Martin on a course for a Ducati exit down the line.They also touch upon KTM's decision-making in light of the revelation that Remy Gardner expects to drop off the grid for 2022, and debate whether Raul Fernandez is likely to succeed in course-correcting his MotoGP career with his switch to Aprilia.Finally, they discuss Honda-related matters - like the hold-up in confirming Joan Mir for 2023 and the MotoGP outlook for protege Ai Ogura - and tackle a batch of listener questions.*NOTE - This episode was recorded before Mir's move to Honda and RNF's line-up of Miguel Olivera and Raul Fernandez were made official.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our brand-new app on iOS or AndroidFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francesco Bagnaia's win in the Austrian GP was his third in a row - but did it do anything to make the success of Fabio Quartararo's title defence less likely?That is the central topic of the post-Red Bull Ring edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast, with host Toby Moody back and joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy.The crew discuss the quality of Quartararo's run to second place, whether there has been a change to Bagnaia and the importance of Jack Miller's role as Bagnaia's impressively loyal rear gunner.They also delve into Aleix Espargaro's weekend, as well as another brutal grand prix for both Honda - with the recovering Marc Marquez in attendance - and Suzuki, which now has Joan Mir on the injured list.Finally, Toby gives his verdict on the 2023 sprint race plans...Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP's all-new sprint race format, to be used at every weekend of the 2023 season, is discussed in a special episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.The Race's MotoGP writers Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson give their takes on the shock news and their opinions on sprint races.They also talk about the known specifics of the format and how it compares to F1's sprint weekend, and which riders may benefit as a result in 2023.Riders' reactions to the news, ranging from happy to annoyed but with nearly all of them surprised, are also touched upon, as is the fact that a MotoGP rider is back on the public agenda as a result.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The two contenders for the vacant Ducati 2023 MotoGP ride, Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martin, are refusing to make the decision at all simple for the Bologna factory.In the pre-Red Bull Ring of The Race MotoGP Podcast, host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss the dilemma facing Ducati, and why Bastianini and Martin are almost equally viable options despite being very different MotoGP riders.The crew also discuss the role Francesco Bagnaia's status may play in the choice, and debate what Ducati should do from not only a sporting perspective, but in terms of keeping the riders in question happy and willing to commit to its for the longer-term.A host of reader questions - including whether MotoGP riders are amiable and how much riders actually learn about rival MotoGP bikes before making a team switch - is tackled in the second half of the episode.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Silverstone MotoGP race provided one of the closest finishes ever - with the top nine split by only four seconds. But was the race actually any good, and why were so few people there to witness it?Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and special guest Josh Suttill to discuss the merits of the 20-lap contest and the low fan attendance figures.They also talk about the state of the title race after Silverstone, and whether winner Francesco Bagnaia can be seen as back in the hunt - with Aleix Espargaro hurting himself and Fabio Quartararo having an uncharacteristically muted weekend.Honda's continued MotoGP travails against the backdrop of its Suzuka 8 Hours success are another topic of conversation, as is Johann Zarco's latest pole-to-heartbreak outing.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the top riders in modern MotoGP as good as the greats who came before, or did Marc Marquez's injury rob them of a chance to prove themselves?The relative merit of the 2022 grid, top to bottom, is discussed in the final summer break edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to reminisce on how the MotoGP roster has been transformed, and on what that means for the current crop. Also discussed is how the premier-class grid compares to that of the World Superbike championship.They also delve into the top MotoGP-linked names set to miss out on a grid slot in 2023 because of a talent logjam, chief among them defending WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu and Moto2's joint points leaders Celestino Vietti and Augusto Fernandez.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the MotoGP summer break rumbles on, The Race MotoGP Podcast returns with another listener questions special - but this time with a retro theme.The man who was for so many the voice of 800s and 990s, Toby Moody, is joined by Simon Patterson to reminisce on a golden period for motorcycle sport, with the duo answering questions on all manner of topics, including the 2002 season, the late, great Daijiro Kato and - of course - Valentino Rossi.There are also questions on the best tracks of the 800 and 990 eras that are no longer used today, the riders from that era who failed to live up to their potential, and a great hypothetical question about how Casey Stoner would have coped going up against Marc Marquez...If you'd like to submit a question for an upcoming show, send a voicenote or sound file to [email protected] and we might answer it on the podcast!Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s pod is a classic two-parter, starting off with some quick-fire reaction to the news that Alex Rins will ride a Honda for LCR from 2023, as part of a two-year agreement between Rins, the team and Honda Racing Corporation. Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join guest host Matt Beer to give their views on the move, before regular Host Toby Moody sits down for a very special chat with legendary crew chief Tom Jojic. In a wide-ranging chat the Canadian shares his experiences of a life in the MotoGP pit lane working for the likes of Team Roberts, Kawasaki and KTM. There are great stories about Kenny Roberts, the inner workings of HRC, the complexities of being a crew chief and much more.Next week’s show is a listener questions retro special! To ask your question, send us a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As MotoGP's summer break continues, The Race MotoGP Podcast crew tackle another big batch of listener questions on the latest episode.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to respond to your submissions, which cover Pedro Acosta's status as the next big thing, the Yamaha decisions that led to it losing its satellite team and whether Johann Zarco could make a play for this year's MotoGP title.Francesco Bagnaia's car crash and failed alcohol test is also touched upon, with the crew explaining what action they want to see from either MotoGP or Bagnaia's employer Ducati.Amongst the other questions is a call for Moody, Patterson and Khorounzhiy to each pick out the non-rider staff members they would choose if they were to start MotoGP teams. Who will they go for? Find out the answer to this and many other questions on this week's pod.And if you'd like to submit a question for our upcoming retro-focused listener questions special, send a voicenote or sound file to [email protected] and we might answer it on the show!Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MotoGP summer break may be in full swing, but The Race MotoGP Podcast never sleeps! This week, Toby, Simon and Val introduce a very special conversation with Tech3 KTM rider Remy Gardner, in what is the first of a string of special episodes to keep you entertained until racing returns. In a relaxed and revealing long-form chat, Gardner opens up on his life in and away from MotoGP, including his thoughts on how his debut season in the premier class is going so far and why media depictions of his relationship with team-mate Raul Fernandez shouldn’t be believed. But most revealingly of all, the reigning Moto2 champion speaks frankly about the enormous toll racing in MotoGP plays on riders’ bodies, detailing the extent of the injuries he’s sustained to date and why he and many other riders fear for their quality of life after racing. Warning: This podcast contains graphic descriptions of injuries. Listener discretion advised.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast tackles all things Dutch TT, including Fabio Quartararo's failed overtake on Aleix Espargaro and subsequent penalty and the Spaniard's incredible recovery ride.Why did Quartararo attempt the lunge in the first place, and did the much-criticised FIM stewards panel get it right or wrong in sanctioning him for Silverstone?Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss these questions, along with a closer look at Espargaro's ride back through the field and whether he would've denied Francesco Bagnaia the win without the incident.They also touch upon the milestone podiums of Marco Bezzecchi and Maverick Vinales and the improved form of the factory KTM team.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fabio Quartararo ending an abject Honda's Sachsenring MotoGP streak in style takes centre stage in the post-German Grand Prix edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is, as always, joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss Quartararo's latest imperious performance, whether he has an Achilles' heel in 2022.There's also a brief discussion on whether the current Quartararo is already better than Yamaha legend and three-time champion Jorge Lorenzo, and whether the Frenchman could've prevailed if pitted against a peak Marc Marquez this year.Honda's milestone non-score is touched upon too, as is the fact its riders were suffering from unpalatable heat from the RC213V - leading usual company man Stefan Bradl to lash out.Khorounzhiy puts forward a theory of why Maverick Vinales may be a genuine MotoGP title contender in 2023, while the crew also talk about Francesco Bagnaia's latest crash and a pivotal weekend for one of the VR46 Ducati riders.To end the episode, they give their answers to a listener question on whether series promoter Dorna needs to cap the number of Ducatis on the grid.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast's Q&A special tackles listener questions on the quality of MotoGP TV coverage, the best races to go to and the current state of play at Yamaha.Host Toby Moody is joined by Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to respond to submissions from 15 listeners from all around the globe.The crew are asked how Yamaha is placating Fabio Quartararo's demand for more engine power, whether Quartararo should be asked to do more to help the other Yamaha riders to get up to speed and if Yamaha could yet be tempted to sideline the struggling Franco Morbidelli to revive its chase after Raul Fernandez.They also give their verdict on whether Marc Marquez could ever end up at LCR Honda and whether the MotoGP TV feed is missing too much of the mid-pack and back-of-the-grid track action.All three name their favoured current grand prix destinations, and debate just how problematic MotoGP's ongoing aero development war really is.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A potentially pivotal Catalan Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona is discussed in the newest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to debate whether Fabio Quartararo's commanding win, coupled with the misfortunes of his nearest title rivals, has already left him with one finger - if not one hand - on a second consecutive MotoGP title.There's also a discussion of Aleix Espargaro's late-race blunder and Takaaki Nakagami's first-lap crash, the lack of a penalty for which seems to have further exposed the MotoGP grid's lack of confidence in the current stewarding regime.The crew also highlight some of the meaningful efforts further down the grid, and give their answers to a listener's question on why Aprilia has re-committed to Maverick Vinales.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Italian Grand Prix weekend at Mugello - and the huge Marc Marquez announcement that came in during it - is the subject of the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Marquez and his employer Honda announced that the six-time MotoGP champion would be going in for a fourth operation on his right humerus bone, requiring another lengthy spell on the sidelines - and prompting a striking admission that without this surgery Marquez felt he was headed for a swift retirement.Host Toby Moody is joined by Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to discuss the Marquez news, Francesco Bagnaia's Sunday triumph and the flatter-than-usual atmosphere at an under-attended Mugello.They also touch upon Suzuki's horror weekend, Fabio Quartararo's continued brilliance, Aprilia's 'Leicester-like' title push and its 2023 signing of Yamaha satellite team RNF.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy tackle a range of questions submitted by our listeners about the world of MotoGP, from the rider market to the good and the bad of MotoGP Unlimited on Amazon Prime.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enea Bastianini's spectacular win in the French Grand Prix at Le Mans and his subsequent comments about the 2023 Ducati factory line-up are the headline topic of conversation in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.The only repeat winner in MotoGP so far this year, Bastianini rather sensationally claimed after the finish that Ducati's under-contract factory rider Francesco Bagnaia prefers Jack Miller as his team-mate going forward because Miller is easier to beat.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss that claim as well as Bastianini's performance.They also touch upon Bagnaia's costly error, Honda's miserable weekend and KTM's apparent interest in Alex Rins and Miller amid unrest within its current line-up.Khorounzhiy puts forward his argument for why Fabio Quartararo is comfortably the top rider in the MotoGP field right now, while Aleix Espargaro also receives extended praise.Finally, some of YOUR questions are answered and discussed. If you'd like to ask the team a question, send a voicenote to [email protected] The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The potential 2023 destinations of Joan Mir and Alex Rins now that Suzuki is heading for the exit are discussed in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to debate whether Mir would be better off at Honda or Aprilia - seemingly his two most logical suitors.As for Rins, the crew try to figure out what his options might be and whether his bike development acumen could be enough of a pull for Yamaha and its star rider Fabio Quartararo.Also discussed is whether Suzuki could yet make a u-turn on its decision while MotoGP still awaits a formal announcement.And the podcast also looks forward to Le Mans, highlighting riders who they believe might make a splash this weekend.READ MORE: Mir's manager on Suzuki shock and Honda rumoursFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzuki's shock decision to withdraw from MotoGP at the end of 2022 is the subject of a special episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss the likely initial fallout from Suzuki's exit. What MotoGP can do to fill the soon-to-be-vacated grid slots - and why plugging the gap with an independent team is much less straightforward than it might seem - is one of the topics explored.The 2023 options for its two riders Joan Mir and Alex Rins are also brought up, as are the ramifications for both Mir's and Rins's chances to remain in the title fight this year.READ MORE: What Suzuki's shock MotoGP exit means for the 2023 rider marketFollow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That is the question on the minds of The Race MotoGP Podcast's crew, following Francesco Bagnaia's resurgent Jerez win to deny Fabio Quartararo - as the pair finished nearly 11 seconds clear of the chasing pack.Host Toby Moody is joined by Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson to discuss all the main storylines from the Spanish Grand Prix.Beyond Bagnaia and Quartararo, the crew discuss just how real Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia's title aspirations are and what they learned from Marc Marquez's slightly surprising ride to fourth place.They also heap praise upon VR46 Ducati's standout rookie Marco Bezzecchi, while wondering whether Suzuki and KTM might both be on a path to back-to-back disappointing years.Follow The Race on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeFor MotoGP news, analysis and must-read features visit the-race.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fabio Quartararo's unstoppable ride to his first victory of his 2022 title defense at Portimao is the central topic of the latest episode of The Race MotoGP podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss how Quartararo's landslide win fits into a campaign that had been largely disappointing so far, and whether it could be enough to get him to commit to Yamaha longer-term.There's also a discussion of the noticeably low fan attendance during the weekend, the Jack Miller crash that also wiped out Joan Mir, the rain-induced Moto2 near-pileup and an uncharacteristically muted race from Marc Marquez.Poleman and second-place finisher Johann Zarco also gets a segment dedicated to him, as the crew debate whether he's likely to win a race this season and his chances to remain at Pramac Ducati. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race MotoGP Podcast crew debate their winners and losers of the 'flyaway' start to the 2022 season in the latest episode of the show.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss who has the most reason to be satisfied with the topsy-turvy first four races of the campaign, and who seems to be hitting below par.Along the way, they touch upon Suzuki's title hopes, the potential contract impasse between Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia, and Yamaha's lack of obvious fallback options should it lose Fabio Quartararo for 2023.Finally, the crew name the races they're most excited about from the upcoming European leg of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enea Bastianini's MotoGP victory at the Circuit of the Americas this Sunday felt almost inevitable for much of the weekend - but did Marc Marquez's "magnificent" ride prove he should've won instead?The two top-class performances are discussed at length in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, featuring Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy.The trio discuss whether Bastianini is now a bona fide 2022 title contender and whether Ducati would really be open to entrusting the hopes of ending its long awaited riders' championship drought to someone riding a year-old Desmosedici for a satellite team.They also talk about Alex Rins' stellar start to the year, Fabio Quartararo's ever-evolving disillusionment with the 2022 Yamaha M1 and KTM's worryingly 2021-esque outing.Finally, the topics of erstwhile points leader Aleix Espargaro's difficult weekend and the state of the Circuit of the Americas track surface after the partial repaving round off the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A landmark MotoGP win for Aprilia and Aleix Espargaro takes centre stage in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss Espargaro's journey to his win, his race-long battle against Jorge Martin and the impact Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has had on the project.There's an in-depth look at how the weekend arrived at an ultra-condensed two-day format due to a substantial freight delay that at one point threatened the race.Also discussed are Fabio Quartararo's ongoing discontent at Yamaha, yet another polarising weekend for Ducati and the latest on Marc Marquez's recovery from diplopia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The return of Marc Marquez's diplopia and the impending ban on front ride height devices are the two main topics of discussion in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss whether Marquez should take fewer risks in light of his latest big accident at Mandalika.They also wonder whether, with 11 points on the board and given his ongoing spell on the sidelines, his 2022 title aspirations are already unsalvageable.The news that MotoGP will ditch front ride height adjustments devices from 2023 onwards - and whether that goes far enough - is also touched upon, as is the prospect of MotoGP going electric in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP returned to Indonesia for the first time in 25 years, and after the race almost didn't happen, KTM's Miguel Oliveira took another commanding victory.Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy look into how Oliveira did it, and whether display of controlled dominance tells us anything new about the up-and-down Portuguese rider, or about the KTM bike in 2022.We also analyse Marc Marquez's latest terrifying crash which ruled him out of the race, Fabio Quartararo's wet-weather redemption and the continued travails of pre-season favourite Francesco Bagnaia. Plus there is talk of Suzuki's true form, and how a forced Michelin tyre carcass change turned the weekend upside down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week MotoGP's long-awaited 'Unlimited' behind the scenes documentary series made its debut on Amazon Prime Video. However, this landmark moment in MotoGP history was marred by what's been described as a 'technical error'. Simon Patterson joins host Matt Beer to explain what's gone wrong and the potential damage that has been done, before Valentin Khorounzhiy joins them for a full review of the series.There's also a look ahead to MotoGP's next race of the season in Indonesia, and if we should revise our expectations for reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo, and the factory Ducati team that was expected 2022's expected dominant force. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ducati came into the 2022 MotoGP season as strong favourite and duly won the Qatar Grand Prix opener.But that victory came with its old-spec bike, Enea Bastianini and Gresini Racing, as the factory Ducatis had an absolutely horrible time.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Matt Beer as The Race MotoGP Podcast tackles all the storylines from Lusail - as the circuit name's now officially spelt to mirror the nearby city and stadium.With Gresini having not won since 2006, lost its founder Fausto Gresini to COVID last year and only just returned to racing under its own identity in MotoGP after seven seasons running Aprilia's works project, Bastianini's win was hugely emotional. We debate whether it's the start of something big or a romantic one-off.As the underdogs won, plenty of big names had things to rue. We delve into Ducati's extraordinary apology to Pecco Bagnaia, Suzuki's failure to convert its pace into results, the ongoing misery at Yamaha and the odd sight of Marc Marquez being beaten by a team-mate.And we celebrate more of the unexpected successes too, from Brad Binder and KTM coming close to victory to Aprilia and Aleix Espargaro looking so at home at the front. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy examine the hopes and fortunes of every manufacturer on the MotoGP grid ahead of the 2022 season kicking off in Qatar this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the excitement builds for the new MotoGP season, and with testing complete, Matt Beer, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy answer questions from our audience about the upcoming season - and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo's annoyance at the bike Yamaha has provided him with for his title defence got even louder at the final pre-season test in Mandalika.Is it just a negotiating tactic for a pay rise or a longer contract? Or would Quartararo really walk out on Yamaha?Is Pol Espargaro's Honda seat vulnerable if he does so? And does he risk burning bridges with the team behind his MotoGP rise?Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and stand-in host Matt Beer tackle those questions as The Race MotoGP Podcast delves into everything that went on in the Mandalika test.Our panel explains exactly why the track surface was so problematic, and could still be in parts when MotoGP makes its racing debut there next month.The massive progress Honda and Suzuki seem to have made, a few signs of vulnerability at Ducati, and MotoGP's latest concerning incident involving concussion are just some of the other topics addressed.And with MotoGP's answer to Drive to Survive hitting Amazon Prime soon, we look at the paddock's hopes and fears for its equivalent of the documentary series that has done so much for Formula 1's growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With an Aprilia 1-2 on day one and an older-spec Ducati run by an independent team fastest on day two, MotoGP's first 2022 pre-season test wasn't short on surprises.Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join host Matt Beer to go beneath the headline times to make sense of what went on at Sepang last weekend.They explain why Aprilia and Enea Bastianini/Gresini's headline times are much more significant than just being typical testing anomalies.And they look at how that one weekend of testing might've instantly impacted the 2023 rider market, with Fabio Quartararo's unhappiness at Yamaha suddenly much more acute but Suzuki having - maybe - renewed Joan Mir's faith.Big changes at Honda, teething troubles at Ducati and a puzzle at KTM are also analysed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After two years of restricted development amid the pandemic, this winter MotoGP teams have finally had chance to properly get stuck in on tackling problems that in some cases they've been grappling with since the end of 2019.So as the field hits the track for Sepang testing, The Race MotoGP Podcast looks at what to expect, which teams' bikes will have changed most and who has most riding on the crucial pre-season days ahead.Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy plus stand-in host Matt Beer debate everything from whether Yamaha actually wants to follow Fabio Quartararo's technical demands to Honda's hopes of finally updating an aero package that dates back to 2019, plus the hints that KTM might make a big step forward for personnel reasons rather than technical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race MotoGP podcast welcomes special guest Danilo Petrucci in its latest edition, as the Italian discusses his first attempt at the Dakar Rally.Petrucci, a two-time race winner in grand prix racing's premier class, left MotoGP at the end of last season but was set up with a shot at the Dakar by employer KTM - which yielded a stage win and several other standout performances.Joining host Toby Moody and MotoGP writers Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy, Petrucci discusses the highs but also the lows of his experience in Saudi Arabia, telling stories of frantically trying to find a path when getting lost in the desert and of coming close to pulling out of the rally entirely shortly after his fifth-stage triumph.The Italian also addresses the one part of the Dakar he still struggles to accept, and touches upon why he is set to make a return to road racing in MotoAmerica this season instead of tackling the cross-country world championship - and what this means for his future Dakar plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Marquez was a last-minute addition to a Honda media event last week, and during his time answering questions on his recovery from his latest injuries, he opened up a great deal. Guest host Matt Beer discusses what Marquez told us with Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy, plus what we should expect from him after another winter of recovery, and the importance of Honda making a big step with its machinery for 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first episode of 2022 we're switching our attention to 2023... in line with the series' tendency to finalise rider contracts a year in advance.Host Matt Beer - filling in for Toby Moody, away on Dakar Rally duties - is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss the biggest question marks of the impending 2023 rider market.With only three riders signed through '23, the trio ponder whether the series' two latest champions Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo could really be on the move - with both having made it clear that they will be listening to offers.They also consider the futures of the likes of Suzuki's Alex Rins, KTM's Miguel Oliveira and Ducati's Jack Miller - as well as looking into potential reshuffles in the satellite rosters.At the end of the show, they finalise their rough mock-up of the 2023 grid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's fitting to end the year by saying goodbye and thank you to Valentino Rossi with our final episode of 2021. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy reflect on the great Italian's journey through grand prix racing, from his early days in 125s and 250s, to how he took MotoGP by storm. We look back on the successes, the failures, the rivalries, the mad celebrations, the injuries, and most importantly the incredible memories Rossi's career has given everyone who follows two-wheeled racing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.