The Race MotoGP Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Race Media Ltd
Everything you need to know from the fascinating world of MotoGP racing, with host Toby Moody, The-Race.com's MotoGP correspondent Simon Patterson, plus special guests. We'll be talking about all the races, the big storylines, and taking the occasional trip back into the sport's rich history as well. Join us for the ride!
Marc Marquez dominated yet another MotoGP weekend in off-track terms as he swept the paddock into a 'will he/won't he?'' frenzy at Misano with four days of speculation over whether he was about to break his factory Honda contract to join brother Alex on one of Gresini's year-old Ducatis for 2024. Then he tested Honda's 2024 bike on Monday and that prospect suddenly seemed a whole lot more realistic. Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer delve into all the drama Marquez created and assess the likelihood of the Gresini move actually happening in the Misano episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. They explain why their levels of scepticism fluctuated through the weekend, and what the consequences might be for the rest of the Ducati line-up if Marquez made the leap. And our panel makes it pretty clear what outcome they all want to see from this storyline too. Another past champion at a struggling Japanese manufacturer team gets some attention too - Fabio Quartararo may not be leaving Yamaha before 2024, but is he going to spend 2024 trying to get out? The San Marino GP itself is also discussed - with some feisty debate over whether Jorge Martin's flawless domination was actually that impressive given how battered his main rivals were from the Catalan GP. Dani Pedrosa's amazing (but not amazing enough to satisfy one panellist) comeback and Takumi Takahashi's embarrassing one feature as well. And we also pay tribute to IRTA chief Mike Trimby after his sudden death in the middle of the race weekend, and explain just how huge his contribution to modern MotoGP was.
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A few days on from a weekend in which he was the central figure in MotoGP's rider market for 2024, Johann Zarco speaks exclusively to The Race MotoGP Podcast about his decision to sign for LCR Honda. The 33-year-old Frenchman has elected to spurn a chance of continuing with MotoGP's most competitive bike in Ducati for a Honda 'project'. He explains why - and how the move came together - in a chat with podcast co-host Simon Patterson. Speaking at his home in France, Zarco also talks about how his failure at KTM impacted his thinking - and why he believes he will be more incorporated in the Honda RC213V's development than disillusioned predecessor Alex Rins was. He pontificates on having Marc Marquez as a Honda stablemate and candidly discusses the prospect of fighting for a factory Repsol Honda ride in the future. And he offers a detailed view of his mindset when it comes his pursuit of that ever-elusive first premier-class win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Race MotoGP Podcast delves into the events of the series' 2023 Austrian Grand Prix weekend, in which the two actual races wound up relatively serene thanks to Pecco Bagnaia's dominance yet the rider market proved as lively as ever. Stand-in host Glenn Freeman is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy, both fresh off chasing the latest developments in the Red Bull Ring paddock - where Johann Zarco's defection from the Ducati camp to Honda has been confirmed. They try to make sense of Zarco's move and a related (and perhaps even more surprising) development regarding Marco Bezzecchi's 2024 plans, one which suggests one of the best seats on next year's grid is now suddenly open. Also discussed is KTM tying down Brad Binder to a contract extension - on a weekend where Binder again proved an indispensable asset, while confusion over other places in the KTM/Gas Gas line-up continued to gather in the background. Of course, championship leader Bagnaia gets his share of plaudits - and the crew also debate the factors that influenced the quality of the racing on the weekend, as well as the causes of the Saturday multi-bike crash that Jorge Martin was penalised for.
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In the latest of our 'Toby Talks To' interview episodes, host Toby Moody sits down for a chat with legendary Spanish journalist Manuel Pecino - a veteran of 30 years in the MotoGP paddock and a man with the inside line on everything that's going on. There's plenty of chat about the old days, of course, but also a uniquely Spanish viewpoint on the careers of several Iberian giants of the sport, including Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo and Sete Gibernau. Pecino also shares his forthright views on Marc Marquez and Honda, discusses the joy that Valentino Rossi brought to his life, explains what he thinks MotoGP could learn from professional tennis, and regales Toby with plenty of behind the scenes paddock stories...
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Aprilia looked superb in MotoGP's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with Aleix Espargaro's last-lap pass on Pecco Bagnaia's Ducati to secure victory from 12th on the grid the icing on a cake that featured three bikes in the top five. So why have it and Espargaro been unable to do that all season? And is this the start of a trend or does it feel like a circumstantial anomaly. Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy, special guest Dre Harrison and Matt Beer debate that in the Silverstone episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. They also look at yet more wild developments in the rider market, including very revealing information from all parties in a potential Ducati reshuffle that features Johann Zarco potentially being edged aside despite doing nothing wrong right now. Championship leader Pecco Bagnaia gets his usual late-podcast mention for managing to shrug off wobbles without his points status looking in jeopardy, but the absolute state of Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo's weekends had fewer glass-half-full elements.
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The prospect of an exodus from the Honda ranks is the hot topic as MotoGP resumes following its summer break with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend. With Alex Rins linked to Yamaha, Joan Mir linked to Gresini Ducati and the LCR team linked to KTM, plus the door already being potentially open to a Marc Marquez exit, it's hard to see who'll be left riding Hondas in MotoGP in 2024 right now. Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer make their predictions on that front, and look at the likelihood and potential wisdom of the mooted Rins, Mir and LCR moves too. They also look ahead to a big MotoGP rule change coming into effect at Silverstone, and ask whether Casey Stoner's recent huge criticisms of modern MotoGP were fair.
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On this week’s episode we’re delighted to bring you another ‘Toby Talks To’ conversation, which this week sees host Toby Moody sit down for a lively chat with 1987 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner. In typically forthright style, Wayne talks us through his remarkable career, including how he got his move to HRC, what it was like to ride bikes that would frequently high side, and how he won the world championship in 1987. He also talks about his great rivals of the time, the role he played in bringing Mick Doohan to Honda, and why he chose to bow out of Grand Prix racing after the 1992 season, with a subsequent move into car racing. There is also chat about Casey Stoner, how Gardner nurtured his son Remy’s fledgling career on bikes, and what he would change about modern MotoGP. And finally, Gardner shares his thoughts on the plight of his former team, Honda, giving his view on what needs to change to bring them back to the front.
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On this week’s episode of The Race MotoGP podcast, Toby Moody speaks to Stuart Pringle, managing director of Silverstone circuit and the man responsible for running both the Formula 1 AND MotoGP British Grands Prix. During this Toby Talks To chat, Pringle gives his verdict on this year’s well-attended F1 Grand Prix at the track, before going on to explain how staging a MotoGP race differs from staging cars. He also talks about adapting the track for bike racing, dealing with Dorna and Liberty Media, the Circuit of Wales fiasco, and gives his view on why MotoGP shouldn’t be afraid to borrow from the F1 playbook. And finally, he responds to criticism from some fans about recent developments at Silverstone.
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Is the increasing likelihood of a Marc Marquez/Honda MotoGP split a sign that Honda didn't learn from the breakdown of its relationship with Valentino Rossi? That's just one of the many, many listener questions Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer tackle in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. Whether Fabio Quartararo should share the blame for Yamaha getting lost, what Miguel Oliveira's season might look like without injuries, the 2024 Honda line-up and the options for improving the grand prix weekend schedule are also on their list. And one particular mysterious under performer who was once tipped for great things prompted a particularly large number of questions.
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On the latest edition of Toby Talks To, Toby Moody sits down for an in-depth chat with Simone Battistella, long-time rider manager to the likes of MotoGP legend Andrea Dovizioso and Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista. They discuss how Simone got into rider management before diving into some of the specifics of the job: How a contract is negotiated, how bonuses are structured, the setting up secret meetings, and even the influence of pushy parents. They also talk about ‘get out clauses’ in contracts, particularly in relation to Marc Marquez’s situation at Honda, with Simone giving his opinion on what the Spaniard should do next. There are also some great stories about managing ‘Dovi’, including ones about the clandestine meeting at the beginning of his MotoGP journey with Ducati, the inside story of their divorce, and the parties that followed significant moments in the Italian's career...
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With Honda admitting it won't make Marc Marquez see out his 2024 contract if he wants to leave, The Race MotoGP Podcast delves into a weekend of rider market bombshells and looks at what might happen next. Marquez didn't even race (again) in the Dutch Grand Prix, yet his weekend of clumsy crashes, forlorn midfield performance and seismic media sessions is top of Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer's agenda in our post-race episode. The possibility of Alex Rins or Joan Mir also exiting Honda and whether Assen Moto2 race winner Jake Dixon could step straight into a 2024 factory MotoGP seat is discussed too. Eventually we also make it onto talking about the racing itself, and the very comfortable position Pecco Bagnaia has going into the summer break (despite Marco Bezzecchi's best efforts), plus Brad Binder's astounding deja vu podium loss. Later in the summer break we'll be answering listeners' questions on all things MotoGP 2023, but particularly any topics or riders you feel we haven't talked about enough so far this year. Send your questions by email or voice note to podcasts@the-race.com
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Before last weekend, Marc Marquez had never lost a MotoGP race he'd started at the Sachsenring. What a contrast the 2023 German Grand Prix was: five crashes (three of them within 20 minutes in a single qualifying session), a trundle backwards to a finish outside the points in the sprint and then a non-start in the GP after a final crash in the warm-up. So is it game over for the Marquez/Honda relationship? That's certainly what The Race MotoGP podcast panel Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer reckon. Marquez's astonishing(ly bad) weekend is the biggest topic of conversation in our Sachsenring episode, from his actions after the dramatic practice crash with Johann Zarco through to his subdued exit from the weekend just before the main race was due to start. But those who actually contested the grand prix do get a look-in too, as we celebrate an amazing battle between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia for victory, assess what might happen next in the title fight they're now in, and consider the chance of Martin edging out Enea Bastianini for a shock move to the works Ducati fold alongside Bagnaia in 2024. That great race followed criticism from some riders on Saturday of how "boring" MotoGP has become. Do they still have a point? And is the level of domination Ducati's now achieving - as it took eight of the top nine places in the German GP - as problematic as it might seem? We debate all that too.
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Pecco Bagnaia dominated on the track during MotoGP's Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, but Marc Marquez generated most of the headlines off it. From getting under Bagnaia's skin with his qualifying antics to raising the biggest questions yet over his Honda future with the remarks he made when questioned about the spate of crashes and injuries for its riders, Marquez gave Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer plenty to debate on The Race MotoGP Podcast. Bagnaia's controlled wins at the head of Ducati-dominated results are analysed too, as well as the intriguing battle developing in his immediate wake.
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The latest off-season episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast tackles a new batch of listener questions. Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss an alternative sprint format pitch, Alex Rins's decision to join LCR Honda and Franco Morbidelli's strife. They also answer questions about the post-2022 fate of Suzuki staffers; the Tech3 KTM rookie duo's disappointing season; the pros and cons of being part of the VR46 family; the procedure for an 'automatic' rookie of the year title; and whether Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia should've got more from the season. Additionally, they tackle a new MotoGP viewer's question about the series continuing to use grid girls. Got a question for the show? Send a voicenote to podcasts@the-race.com
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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 podcasts@the-race.com
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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 podcasts@the-race.com
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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.
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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 podcasts@the-race.com
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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 podcasts@the-race.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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 podcasts@the-race.com and we might answer it on the podcast!
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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 podcasts@the-race.com
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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 podcasts@the-race.com and we might answer it on the show!
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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 podcasts@the-race.com
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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 rumours
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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 market
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A key move behind the scenes in MotoGP this winter is KTM's decision to replace longstanding team manager Mike Leitner with Pramac Ducati's Francesco Guidotti, after a disappointing season for the Austrian manufacturer, which failed to build on the progress it made in 2020.Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss what the move means for both teams, and assess how much KTM has achieved since it joined the MotoGP grid in 2017.
Ranking the top 10 riders of the 2021 season is the mission in our latest episode.But with panel Toby Moody, Simon Patterson, Valentin Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer having all put forward their own individual top 10s to create our definitive rating, there's plenty of passionate debate over who ended up where once everyone's scores were factored in.And the end result is a top 10 with a very different look to the final championship standings, after a year in which very little ran according to the form book amid the shock breakthroughs, surprise underperformers and even mid-season splits.The Race MotoGP Podcast will continue through the off-season with regular episodes tackling the latest news in what's already proving to be an eventful winter, assessing 2021 in depth and looking ahead to a tantalising 2022 season.
Every MotoGP manufacturer was in action at Jerez last week for the traditional post-season test, which serves as a starting point for preparations for the new season. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy cover all the major talking points, from Ducati's early warning shot, concern for 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo, and what sort of shape Honda is in despite Marc Marquez having to miss the test due to injury.
Valentino Rossi's farewell and Ducati's ominous performance at the Valencian GP are discussed in our latest episode.Host Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to discuss the MotoGP sign-offs enjoyed by Rossi and compatriot Danilo Petrucci.They then offer their takes on whether the fears of Ducati dominance in 2022 on the back of its incredible form in the 2021 run-in are overblown or valid.There's a discussion on standout rookie Jorge Martin and his sickness-overcoming performance, while Alex Rins' latest crash and champion Fabio Quartararo's inconclusive weekend are also touched upon.And the hosts also discuss what to make of Yamaha's apparent continued efforts to lure away KTM's golden boy Raul Fernandez, while Simon provides an update on MotoGP's Indonesian 2022 debutant venue Mandalika.
After another victory for Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati, in a race with five Ducatis in the top nine positions, Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy look at what this could mean for the Italian marque's title prospects in 2022. We also explain why it was the correct decision to red flag the Portimao race late on, and look at a rare error from newly-crowned champion Fabio Quartararo. Talking of champions, Casey Stoner was back in the paddock, with plenty to say and a few ideas about how he could stick around more often in the future. Marc Marquez's concussion-enforced absence is discussed, although this episode was recorded before an update on his condition and the news that he would definitely miss this weekend's Valencia event was issued.
The post-Emilia Romagna Grand Prix edition of The Race MotoGP podcast discusses Fabio Quartararo's day of glory at Misano and the riders who are best poised to challenge him in 2022.Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join host Toby Moody for a customary overview of the weekend's premier-class action, as well as the extravagant title celebrations that were due to be postponed until Francesco Bagnaia's sudden late-race crash.There is also a discussion of Bagnaia's star-making season, as well as an assessment of where MotoGP's former king Marc Marquez is on his road to recovery and what Pol Espargaro's second-place should tell his employer Honda.Enea Bastianini earns plaudits for his second podium appearance, as does Miguel Oliveira despite his podium-denying crash, while in the final part the crew talks about the one-year deal handed to the new Yamaha satellite team RNF.
The post-Grand Prix of the Americas edition of The Race MotoGP podcast delves into the controversies that dominated the COTA weekend, along with analysing Marc Marquez's second win of the season.While the 20-lap MotoGP showdown on Sunday proved relatively serene, it came after a weekend in which the possibility of a race boycott was breached, and also followed a few hours after a massive Moto3 crash that left one rider with a rare two-race ban.Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join host Toby Moody to discuss the merits of that stewards' decision, as well as the debate around the state of the Circuit of the Americas' bumpy surface.Also in the episode, all three of the MotoGP podium finishers receive their fair share of praise, with the podcast crew delving into the ramifications of another Marquez victory, and what it tells us about his ongoing recovery from his 2020 injuries.
The post-San Marino Grand Prix edition of The Race MotoGP podcast centres on the battle between Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo.Jack Miller's role in helping Bagnaia win the Misano battle is flagged up, even if the Italian remains unlikely to win the war given Quartararo's 48-point advantage.There's also a chat about Suzuki's season given the latest frustrating outing for Joan Mir and Alex Rins, and a look at the current slumps faced by Johann Zarco and Miguel Oliveira.Finally, Misano star Enea Bastianini gets his due credit, while the efforts of big-name returnees Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Dovizioso are also assessed.
After the stunning battle for victory between Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez at Aragon, Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy look at what the outcome told us about both riders and how the hierarchy of talent at Ducati is shifting. There's also discussion of why Fabio Quartararo was off the pace, how he limited the damage to his championship lead, a sense of frustration for reigning champion Joan Mir at Suzuki, plus Maverick Vinales' Aprilia debut and what's going on with the plans for Valentino Rossi's VR46 team in 2022.
Is the 2021 MotoGP title race now over? Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy reflect on a commanding victory for Fabio Quartararo and discuss all the other major talking points from the Silverstone weekend, including Aprilia's first podium, whether Pol Espargaro's pole position was a sign of a genuine turnaround, and what his Honda team-mate Marc Marquez was doing when he clumsily took Jorge Martin out of the race on the opening lap.
The Austrian Grand Prix was decided in a tense and at times terrifying final couple of laps, as riders who had switched to wet-weather tyres hunted down those who stayed out on slicks - and could barely keep their bikes upright - when the rain hit.Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss all the major talking points from the second weekend at the Red Bull Ring, including how Brad Binder made his tyre gamble pay off, what it means for KTM to win in Austria again, Fabio Quartararo's incredible aggression during the dry part of the race, Marc Marquez's fall after one of his better Sunday performances, and if 'flag to flag' racing really has a place in MotoGP.We also react to the latest news around Maverick Vinales' future, as his Aprilia deal was made official on Monday following his suspension by Yamaha for the Austrian GP weekend.
A major shock ran through the MotoGP paddock in Austria on Thursday when it was revealed Yamaha had suspended its rider Maverick Vinales due to “unexplained irregular operation of the motorcycle by the rider during last weekend” in the Styrian GP. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy get together for a special episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast to discuss what's going on.
MotoGP returned from its summer break with the first of two back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss all the major talking points from a busy weekend on and off track, including the rise of Pramac from plucky underdog to race winner with the sensational Jorge Martin, if Suzuki's vital upgrade can get Joan Mir back into title contention, and why the Red Bull Ring always seems to feature scary incidents when MotoGP comes to town.
The day has finally come: Valentino Rossi announced ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix that he will call time on his MotoGP career at the end of the 2021 season. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss the Italian's decision, look back at some of the moments that defined his iconic career, and look ahead to what to expect from the remaining races of his career.
MotoGP returns from its summer break with a double head in Austria. Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy to look ahead to the rest of the season, working out if anyone can challenge Fabio Quartararo for the title, who we can expect to pick up race wins over the rest of the year, and if Marc Marquez will come back from a few weeks off having taken another step forward with his recovery from his 2020 injuries.
Suzuki won its first title at the top level in MotoGP for two decades last year, as Joan Mir was the man to capitalise on Marc Marquez's absence to take his first championship. This year Marquez is back and not at his dominant best, but another Suzuki title appears increasingly unlikely. Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy join guest host Glenn Freeman to look at the factors behind what seems likely to be an unsuccessful title defence, as well as catching up on the news of racing comebacks for GP winners Cal Crutchlow and Dani Pedrosa.
Livio Suppo has the remarkable achievement on his CV as a MotoGP team boss of tasting championship glory with two manufacturers. The Italian was the man in charge of Ducati when it decided to enter grand prix racing for 2003, and he took the red bikes through a rollercoaster first few years until everything came good with Casey Stoner in 2007. In the years that followed he would switch to Honda, where he tasted championship success again with Stoner, and then the early years of Marc Marquez's dominance of the series. In this incredible interview, Suppo talks host Toby Moody through his career in great detail, all the way from his early experience in the paddock with Benetton in the 1990s, to the role he played in getting Ducati to make the leap into MotoGP, the gambles taken that led to that first title, what it was like working with Stoner, why he switched to Honda, the emergence of Marquez, what led to his departure from HRC and what he thinks of the Japanese firm's current situation in MotoGP.
Maverick Vinales' sensational exit from Yamaha and expected confirmation at Aprilia is the big topic of the post-Dutch TT edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast.While Fabio Quartararo's imperious, points lead-extending performance is touched upon, host Toby Moody along with Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson dedicate most of the episode to the Vinales news.Listen to find out why the podcast crew are more or less unanimously excited about Vinales on an Aprilia, and why him ditching a title-calibre bike for one that is yet to grace a MotoGP podium makes more sense than it would seem initially.There's also a discussion of what Vinales can do for the various facets of Aprilia's MotoGP operation, and whether the Italian marque is right to be committing to the Spaniard instead of continuing to explore the option of filling the seat with Andrea Dovizioso.
MotoGP technology expert Neil Spalding returns to The Race MotoGP Podcast for an in-depth look into the latest tricks being used by Ducati in the Italian manufacturer's quest to improve the aerodynamic performance of its bike - and how it appears to be finally tackling the difficult challenge of creating downforce that can be useful in the corners when the bike is leaned over.
Marc Marquez's sensational German GP victory is the main topic of conversation for Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy, while at the other end of the field, questions are asked about the disastrous turn Maverick Vinales' season has taken since he won at the start of the year in Qatar.
The big talking points from MotoGP's Catalunya Grand Prix are all covered in detail by Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy, from KTM's incredible turnaround after a terrible start to 2021, to Fabio Quartararo's unzipped leathers and why the Yamaha rider needed to be stopped by race control. We also look at Maverick Vinales' busy off-track weekend, which featured both news of a shock crew chief swap and a social media clarification. Plus, how bad have things got for Honda?Finally, there's a chat about the state of Joan Mir's title defence and an update on the state of play in the 2022 silly season, including whether Barcelona moved the needle on Valentino Rossi's retirement decision.
We look back on all the major talking points from a sombre weekend in the MotoGP paddock, and remember Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier, who lost his life following an accident in qualifying.
Valentino Rossi heads to the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in the worst form of his MotoGP career. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss what should be next for the sport's biggest star of the last two decades, and how the championship and Yamaha could possibly come to terms with him deciding to call it a day if that's the choice he makes later this year.Never miss a moment of the MotoGP action with the new BT Sport Monthly Pass with no recurring contract. Find out more here: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3041&awinaffid=879859&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Fsport%2Fmonthly-pass
Jack Miller made it back to back MotoGP wins in the crazy conditions of Le Mans, so does that prove he's the real deal in 2021 after all the doubts from the early races? Glenn Freeman stands in for Toby Moody as host this week to look back on the French Grand Prix with Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy. We also explain why Fabio Quartararo celebrated his third place like it was a victory, if Marc Marquez threw away a real victory shot when he crashed out of the lead, and why Suzuki's weekend was so terrible. ** Catch all the action from MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 with the new BT Sport Monthly Pass. Watch on two devices simultaneously and cancel any time - to find out more visit: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3041&awinaffid=879859&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Fsport%2Fmonthly-pass
Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy look back on all the MotoGP action from the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. They explain how Ducati landed a 1-2 at a track where it has traditionally struggled, what Fabio Quartararo's arm pump problem could mean for his season, and if time is finally up for Valentino Rossi.
Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss if Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha have found the magic formula for 2021 following another victory in the Portuguese GP. We also try to work out what's going wrong for Maverick Vinales on the other factory bike, and the man Quartararo swapped seats with - none other than Valentino Rossi.There's also our verdict on Marc Marquez's racing comeback and what to expect from the Honda rider over the rest of the year, as well as looking at the likelihood of his old rival Andrea Dovizioso making a comeback with Aprilia.
Following the news that Marc Marquez has finally been cleared to return to racing in MotoGP, Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy to discuss how fast he can be on his return, and debate whether MotoGP - and his opposition - has changed in his absence.
MotoGP's second race in Qatar produced an action-packed Doha GP, but should the race officials should have intervened when Jack Miller and Joan Mir started swapping paint? Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy discuss how far is too far in the 'rubbing is racing' debate, as well as looking at all the other big talking points from the second weekend of MotoGP's double-header in the desert to kick off the 2021 season.
The 2021 MotoGP season kicked off with the first of two back to back races in Qatar, and Yamaha's Maverick Vinales came through against a clutch of Ducati's to take the first win of the season. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy review all the major talking points from the event, plus the latest news on the futures of the recovering Marc Marquez, and his out of work (for now) former rival Andrea Dovizioso.
Ahead of the 2021 MotoGP season kicking off in Qatar, Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy try to work out what to expect this year. Are we in for another wide-open title fight, where will Marquez fit in, and how much can we read into the condensed pre-season testing programme that took place at only one circuit?
Valentino Rossi has been unveiled at his new home for the 2021 MotoGP season, moving from the factory Yamaha team to the satellite Petronas squad. Toby Moody, Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss how Rossi came across in his media appearance as part of the team's launch, what they're expecting from him this year, and if he's still capable of winning another grand prix.
Following the death of MotoGP team boss Fausto Gresini, Toby Moody and Simon Patterson reflect on his legacy in motorcycle racing. They also recall their favourite moments from Gresini's riders and bikes over the years, how the team dealt with two major tragedies in the 21st century, and how its Aprilia project is shaping up in 2021
Toby Moody and Simon Patterson reflect on the 2021 MotoGP launches from Ducati, KTM and Yamaha, and how the championship's tech freeze for this year will affect each manufacturer on the grid. They also round up the latest news in the world of grand prix motorcycle racing, from updates on Fausto Gresini's health in hospital, to the 2021 calendar, Marc Marquez's battle back to fitness and Joan Mir deciding not to use the number 1 plate for his title defence.
We look ahead to the 2021 MotoGP season with Toby Moody and Simon Patterson revealing their wishlist for the new campaign. Find out what we want to see from MotoGP this year, from a Marc Marquez return, Suzuki's life after Davide Brivio's departure to F1, Jack Miller riding for the factory Ducati team, our hopes for the calendar in another disrupted season, how Yamaha can bounce back from a turbulent 2020, if KTM can build on its breakout year, what to expect from Valentino Rossi's change of teams, and how and when The Doctor can get his own team onto the grid in the future. There's also talk about if MotoGP can match the on-track drama of 2020, Pol Espargaro's chances on a works Honda, what Aprilia can do - and a call to bring back wildcard entries for 2021!
Our first episode of 2021 is a tech special, with Neil Spalding joining Toby Moody to look at the challenges facing every manufacturer as they bid to improve their machinery for the new season. Toby and Neil cover what's left for Suzuki to find, why Yamaha's focus will need to be on more than just its controversial engine, how KTM will handle losing its concessions now it's a race winner, if politics or engineering have let Ducati down, how dangerous Honda could be now it's developed a bike for riders other than Marc Marquez, and where does Aprilia go from here. We also take a selection of your questions at the end!
For our final episode of 2020, Toby Moody and Simon Patterson take your questions on all things MotoGP: from 2020 discussion points, rider market moves, some historical chat and even if it's possible to buy your own ex-factory MotoGP bike! Thanks for supporting the show during 2020, we can't wait to get going with more episodes when 2021 begins.
It's time to look back on an unforgettable year in MotoGP. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson explain how all the major storylines shaped the season, from Joan Mir giving Suzuki its first championship in 20 years, a dream turning into a nightmare for Fabio Quartararo and most of the Yamaha riders, Ducati's disaster, KTM's emergence as a race-winner, and what Honda learned about itself in the absence of Marc Marquez. And we can't resist being impatient and looking ahead to 2021 a bit too.
Following the news that Marc Marquez has had a third, eight-hour operation on his injured arm, Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss the potential fall-out and the impact it could have on the 2021 MotoGP season.
The final round of MotoGP's crazy 2020 season was all about one man: local hero Miguel Oliveira, who dominated the race from pole position at the Algarve circuit. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson reflect on the last round of the season, and look at why there was more to it than local knowledge. With another win for KTM to round out the year, they look ahead to the prospects and expectations on the Austrian manufacturer for 2021 now it's established as a MotoGP race winner. There's also talk of Suzuki's weekend to forget, more problems at Yamaha, and why Valentino Rossi should be happy that he's switching from the works team to Petronas, alongside his buddy and 2020 runner-up Franco Morbidelli. Plus, we couldn't ignore the Jorge Lorenzo vs Cal Crutchlow spat that blew up over Yamaha's choice of test rider for next year.
MotoGP has a new world champion: Suzuki's Joan Mir. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson reflect on the second race weekend at Valencia, where Mir was crowned for 2020. Simon explains why he was backing Mir much earlier in the season, and what Suzuki got right this year that no other team could. There's also a detailed look at what went wrong for Yamaha's main hopes in Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo, and how the latter's season has completely fallen apart. Toby also raises the question of if Valentino Rossi has become anonymous after single-handedly helping MotoGP to explode throughout the 21st century, and there are some crucial updates on Marc Marquez as it emerges he could even be in a race against time to be fit for the start of 2021. Plus we discuss Jorge Lorenzo's reaction to being replaced by Cal Crutchlow as Yamaha's test rider, and why Andrea Iannone was slapped with the maximum ban on the table in his doping case.
The craziest season in MotoGP's modern era now appears set to crown a champion before the final race of the year. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson get together after the first of Valencia's double header races to discuss how Suzuki and Joan Mir took control of the championship battle, on a weekend where everything that could go wrong did go wrong for Yamaha. There's also a look at KTM's fortunes after a pole position and a podium finish, the futures of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, how Valentino Rossi's VR46 team will take its first steps into MotoGP's top class next year, plus the latest concerning signs in Marc Marquez's long and difficult recovery from injury.
The first weekend of MotoGP's Valencia double header has been marred by the row over the penalty Yamaha has picked up for an infringement surrounding its engines. In this special episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, Toby Moody is joined by Simon Patterson and MotoGP technology expert Neil Spalding to explain what's happened, why rivals are so upset, and the possibility of further ramifications for the championship.
MotoGP technology guru Neil Spalding joins Toby Moody to discuss the the big talking points under the skin of the 2020 MotoGP bikes so far this year. We start off with an in-depth look at Ducati, which went from being the only credible rival to Marc Marquez and Honda in recent years, to losing its way completely when the Spaniard ended up on the sidelines. Neil explains what hasn't worked for Ducati in 2020, how bad things have got inside the team, and why Johann Zarco could be the secret to its success in the future.There's also plenty to talk about with the other manufacturers on the grid: Yamaha: How it has bounced back from those early-season engine problems, but is there more pain to come? Honda: Why did it end up with a bike that only Marc Marquez could ride, and what has it done recently to become competitive again? Suzuki: How it's winning this wide-open championship, the secrecy around its updates through the year, and the risk it took with Alex Rins last time out that it won't take with points leader Joan Mir.KTM: Why has it slipped back since those early-season wins? The explanation is actually quite straightforward, and suggests KTM's in for an even bigger challenge in 2021. APRILIA: Why the season hasn't matched the high hopes the team had at the beginning of the year. Plus, can it find a star rider for 2021?
The second MotoGP race in as many weeks at Aragon threw up just as many surprises as every other race this year. But, as Toby Moody and Simon Patterson explain, a clearer picture is starting to emerge in the championship fight, with some of the contenders starting to fall out of contention, and some big names effectively accepting defeat. And will it matter if the champion at the end of the year hasn't won a race?
Can you win a MotoGP championship without winning a race? Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss everything going on in MotoGP from a busy first weekend at Aragon, which started with Valentino Rossi testing positive for COVID-19, and ended with what Simon believes could be a decisive moment in the championship battle in favour of Joan Mir, even though he hasn't claimed a win yet.Fabio Quartararo's disastrous tumble down the order is explained, as is Maverick Vinales' gamble for the race, Honda's change of fortunes with Alex Marquez, what's making Suzuki tick so well behind the scenes, plus the latest infighting at Ducati. We also look at the prospect of Andrea Dovizioso spending next year as a test rider, and if he could end up doing so with the number 1 on his bike! And despite Toby's frustrations with the whole saga of Andrea Iannone's doping case, Simon explains the latest developments, and how it's impacting what could happen next in the 2021 rider market.
The French Grand Prix at Le Mans was the first wet MotoGP race since 2018, and it threw up a shock result that was eye-catching even by 2020's standards. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson look back on all the talking points from the weekend, including how Andrea Dovizioso failed to capitalise on a day that the Ducati was the bike to have, and the first signs that the rest of the title contenders were riding with their championship hopes weighing heavily on their minds. There's also a look at the latest theories on when Marc Marquez will return, if Valentino Rossi's legendary consistency is gone for good, and what to expect from the final five rounds of the season.
With no MotoGP race to look back on this week, Toby Moody and Simon Patterson look to the future to explain what is likely to happen when MotoGP's next round of contracts with its teams are up for renewal. The process will almost certainly result in a shuffle of the satellite teams, with the series' ambition to be for all six factories to have four bikes on the grid. If that happens, who gets the Suzuki and Aprilia deals, and what happens to Ducati's third team? And is Valentino Rossi's VR46 outfit waiting in the wings to pick up a deal? There's also talk about why a global recession shouldn't hit MotoGP as hard as the last financial crash did, and how the championship bounced back from having races less than a decade ago where it looked like it was scrambling to fill the grid. Toby and Simon also look to how next year's calendar may look if there's more disruption, and they run through who pays for what to give you a better idea of how this year's schedule came together in the most challenging of times.
Valentino Rossi was even more of a centre of attention than usual at MotoGP's Catalan Grand Prix - his 2021 Petronas SRT Yamaha deal finally done, his best form of the year so far, but then a crash as he chased victory.Toby Moody and Simon Patterson give their take on the wild highs and lows of Rossi's weekend, and how that crash happened.The race also provided another big twist in the crazy title battle. Is it now a two-horse race between Fabio Quartararo and Joan Mir after new blows for Andrea Dovizioso and Maverick Vinales.
MotoGP's second race at Misano was by no means a clone of the first from a week before. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss all the big talking points from the second leg of the Italian double-header:- Did Pecco Bagnaia have the strangest reason ever for crashing out of the lead?- Can the Yamaha bike only win from the front?- What's gone wrong for Fabio Quartararo since starting the season with a double victory?- Are MotoGP's strict track limits rules correct?- Why Valentino Rossi believes he can still win the title- Why Simon is picking a new title favourite who hasn't won a race yet- Can Andrea Dovizioso stay out front, or has he shot himself in the foot?- What went wrong for Alex Rins?- KTM's improvement from 'Misano 1'- The signs of Alex Marquez and Repsol Honda turning a corner- Why MotoGP's trial of radio communication with riders was a failure- The latest on Rossi's move to Petronas Yamaha, and why that team may be casting glances towards a future with Suzuki+ much more!
Toby Moody and Simon Patterson look back at all the MotoGP action from the first weekend of the Misano double-header. There's talk about another fairytale win in MotoGP, and why Valentino Rossi will be pleased about it even if his own race drifted away near the end and he lost a podium finish on the final lap. We look at if Rossi's VR46 team would ever step up to MotoGP, and would it do so with a manufacturer other than Yamaha? The 2021 rider market remains in focus, as does the prospect of Andrea Dovizioso winning the title for Ducati on his way through the exit door. Will the Italian's experience punish the inconsistency of the rest? Repsol Honda's position at the BOTTOM of the teams' standings is in the firing line, while there's also an explanation for KTM's "return to normality" after the highs of recent races. And Simon provides some numbers on how much faster the closed-up field is going in 2020 even without Marc Marquez on the grid.
Toby Moody and Simon Patterson tackle your questions about all things old and new in MotoGP, with a guest appearance from Neil Spalding to answer the most technical of them. Perhaps most importantly, Neil explains why his MotoGP Technology book features some pictures from 2006 when Valentino Rossi didn't run his 'The Doctor' stickers on his Yamaha! Talking of Rossi, the show kicks off with Simon explaining why the Italian's deal to move to Petronas Yamaha hasn't been made official yet. There's also plenty of 2020 title battle talk, looking back at the best eras of MotoGP and 500s, some suggestions for Andrea Dovizioso's post-Ducati future, and if there are more satellite teams on the horizon. Plus much more!
Yamaha started the 2020 MotoGP season in commanding fashion with Fabio Quatararo at Jerez, but now engine woes threaten to derail its hopes of winning the championship in Marc Marquez's absense. MotoGP technical expert Neil Spalding joins Toby Moody to give the full story on what's going on with Yamaha's engines, and why it might have passed up its best opportunity to safeguard against more dramas over the remainder of the season. For more of Neil's brilliant tech insight visit https://motogptechnology.com/ to check out his incredible book on what goes on under the skin of MotoGP machinery.
Toby Moody and Simon Patterson try to catch their breath after another phenomenal 2020 MotoGP race, and they attempt to work out what's coming next in this most crazy of seasons. They look at the big talking points from the second race in Austria, including KTM going from strength to strength (and losing its concessions as a result), Miguel Oliveira's journey to becoming a winner in the top class, why a win at last for Tech3 was so popular (and some stories from the past about that team), and how MotoGP now has a competitive model F1 can only dream of. They also look at the latest scary accident for Maverick Vinales and explain what caused his brake failure, plus there's an update on Marc Marquez's condition - should he try to ride at all this year?
Toby Moody and Simon Patterson reflect on a weekend that will forever be remembered as a lucky one for MotoGP. They look at the accident in the premier class where Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales narrowly avoided disaster, while there was also drama in Moto2. The racing itself was exciting either side of the red flag stoppage, and we also look at Andrea Dovizioso's win against the backdrop of him confirming his Ducati exit, plus more drama for Pol Espargaro, the politics behind Yamaha's attempts to fix its engine concerns and much more from the weekend.
With three races in the books for MotoGP 2020, Toby Moody is joined by technical guru Neil Spalding to look at what we've learned about the secrets of the machines on the grid so far this season. That means a big chat about how Honda has got itself into so much trouble with a bike only Marc Marquez can ride, and what it will have to do to fix that - plus Neil's theory on what might have caused Marquez's crash at Jerez. Yamaha's engine dramas are also in the spotlight, as are the struggles for its three riders on factory 2020-spec machinery in Brno, and why Maverick Vinales appears lost. Yamaha's problems are nothing compared to the factory Ducati team, which is all at sea. And how did Johann Zarco manage to star on its 2019 bike? Find out much more about the man Toby and Neil refer to as 'Lorenzo 2' and why that's working so well for him at a reborn Avintia team. There's also an explanation of what KTM does differently to all of its rivals, and how that helped it win in Brno, plus why Suzuki has little to show for getting everything right technically, and a look at if the Aprilia is as good as we keep being told it is.
Toby Moody and Simon Patterson are back to discuss a wild weekend at Brno for MotoGP. They look at how everything came together for Brad Binder to take KTM's first victory in the premier class, and ask if the result would have been any different if a fit Marc Marquez was on the grid. There's also terrible weekends for the remaining Hondas, the factory Ducatis, and the works Yamahas. The revival of Johann Zarco is a big talking point, along with his clash with Pol Espargaro, controversial penalty and skillful 'long lap'. There's updates on the condition of Marquez, whose absence has blown the 2020 season wide open, and a look ahead to the upcoming double-header in Austria. The Red Bull Ring is usually Ducati and Honda territory - surely that won't be the case this year...?
MotoGP's second race in as many weeks at Jerez gave us plenty to talk about. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson look back on how wise it was for Marc Marquez to try to ride just days after surgery on his arm, Fabio Quartararo's position as runaway championship leader, Valentino Rossi's Yamaha 'politics' comment and the manufacturer's engine worries, and if Ducati is in trouble.
The 2020 MotoGP season is finally up and running, but Fabio Quartararo's long-awaited first victory wasn't the biggest talking point of the weekend. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss all the major stories from Jerez, where the destiny of the 2020 title was thrown up in the air when Marc Marquez crashed while charging back through the field after an earlier off. How bad could the injury be, and what does it mean for the rest of the season? We also look at the fortunes of MotoGP's other big names, ahead of doing it all again at Jerez in a few days' time for round two.
Toby Moody, Neil Spalding and Simon Patterson are back for a second crack at previewing the 2020 MotoGP season, which finally gets underway at Jerez. We look at the likely fortunes of all the manufacturers, including how Honda could have used the enforce break to work on its chassis concerns from pre-season. There's also more rider market chat following the latest confirmed moves. Cal Crutchlow is leaving Honda: where could he end up, and has Honda just let its best test rider go? The guys also come up with a solution for the Andrea Dovizioso/Ducati stand-off, in the form of a world champion who might fancy a call-up from the sidelines...
Andrea Dovizioso's broken collarbone just weeks before the delayed start of the 2020 MotoGP season is the main topic of our latest podcast. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss the latest on the situation of the man who has finished second in the championship for the last three years, how the injury could affect his 2020 season, and if it will have any influence on his place in the 2021 rider market. Talking of deals for the future, we round up the latest jigsaw pieces being put into place, including KTM's reshuffle that involves Danilo Petrucci riding a Tech3 bike next year. There's also discussion on the developments in Andrea Iannone's doping case, how the calendar looks so far, and Simon's take on journalists not being allowed to attend the early races of the season.
MotoGP's 2021 rider market shows no signs of waiting for racing to get underway this year before it sorts itself out. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson bring you up to date with all the done deals and growing speculation around how the entire grid will look next year, including the latest rumour that Pol Espargaro could be in line for Alex Marquez's seat on the second factory Honda. Plus much more on the timeline for Valentino Rossi to make a decision on his future, how long Cal Crutchlow will stick around in MotoGP, what the disruption means for any plans Jorge Lorenzo had to evaluate a comeback, and how Jack Miller's move to the works Ducati team could change the way Andrea Dovizioso feels about interest from KTM.
Casey Stoner's second MotoGP title is our focus this week, with Toby Moody and Neil Spalding looking back at the long and difficult journey Honda went through to finally win a championship in the 800cc era. Neil explains why Honda struggled when the new rules came in for 2007 after it had dominated during the 990cc rules, and the measures it took over the years that followed to have a bike ready to make Stoner a champion again in 2011. We also look at the struggles of Yamaha and the Valentino Rossi-Ducati combination that year, plus the memorable cameos during that season from Marco Simoncelli, before the tragic events of Sepang that year robbed the MotoGP paddock of one of its fastest riders and biggest personalities
Jorge Lorenzo was a man reborn at the start of this year, free of the demons that plagued the end of his full-time MotoGP career, back in the Yamaha fold and looking forward to making a wildcard appearance at Barcelona. While those plans are now on hold, Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss Lorenzo's journey to retirement at the end of last year, via his heroics with Yamaha, the combustible relationship with Ducati that fell apart just before things came good on track, and why things didn't work at Honda in 2019. They also take an in-depth look at where his head is at in 2020, after Simon got to sit down for one of the most open interviews he's ever done with a big-name MotoGP rider during pre-season. And could we see Lorenzo race full-time in MotoGP again, perhaps alongside Rossi either at the Petronas team or in a special 'legends' line-up?
Toby Moody and Neil Spalding take themselves back to the remarkable 2006 MotoGP season, when Nicky Hayden and Honda defeated the seemingly unstoppable Valentino Rossi/Yamaha combination. They recall why Hayden was on a 'special' development Honda that year, and how it ended up being a 'patchwork' bike. They also look at what caused the chatter problems that derailed Rossi's season, and the non-scores that proved so costly for The Doctor. Ducati was in the mix with Loris Capirossi until the horror shunt at Barcelona, which also effectively ended Sete Gibernau's career as a top-line rider. The Michelin v Bridgestone tyre war was in full effect by this point, and the two companies went about MotoGP in very different ways. The year reached a conclusion with Hayden and Honda seemingly throwing it away as Rossi hacked away at the points deficit, culminating in the implosion that was Dani Pedrosa taking Hayden out in the penultimate round - one of MotoGP's greatest races at Estoril. But the drama wasn't done there, and Toby and Neil recall their memories of being in Valencia when Hayden was crowned, Rossi fell, and Troy Bayliss blew everyone away on a one-off return to Ducati. And finally, Neil tells us what it was like to ride Hayden's bike the following day!
Andrea Iannone's 18-month ban for failing a drugs test is the subject of our latest MotoGP podcast, with Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discussing how a career that promised so much has come to what looks like an ignominious end. Simon details how Iannone ended up with the length of ban that he did, and we also take a look at the highs of the Italian's career, before detailing how things had spiralled downwards on-track even before this scandal kicked off late last year. Plus, Toby and Simon discuss the chances of Iannone ever riding at the top of the motorcycle racing pyramid again.
MotoGP technical guru Neil Spalding joins Toby Moody to revisit Valentino Rossi's dramatic switch from Honda to Yamaha for the 2004 MotoGP season. As well as recalling their personal memories of being in the paddock when Rossi announced he was leaving the dominant force of MotoGP's then-new four-stroke era, they explain in depth how the technical battle was shaping up between Honda and Yamaha in those crucial early years after the 500cc bikes were sidelined. Rossi's stunning debut win for Yamaha is revisited, including mentions of the key personnel from the team that made his remarkable achievements that year possible. Toby and Neil also look at where Yamaha stands today as a result of its mid-2000s turnaround, and if it is about to go through a similar process from 2019 to 2020 as it did from 2003 to 2004.
The delayed start to the MotoGP season is likely to have an impact on one of the biggest storylines of 2020: What Valentino Rossi decides to do in his future. Toby Moody and Simon Patterson discuss if Rossi still has 'it' on a motorcycle, his motivation, his opposition, his status in the sport and if he could really contemplate stepping down to a satellite team now Fabio Quarataro is taking his Yamaha seat for next year.
Is the door open for someone to beat Marc Marquez and Honda to the 2020 MotoGP title after their troubled winter? For our first full episode, Toby Moody and Simon Patterson are joined by technical guru and author of MotoGP Technology Neil Spalding to unpick how pre-season went for every manufacturer on the grid. Check out the latest edition of Neil's book at https://motogptechnology.com/
As an introduction to our brand new MotoGP podcast for the 2020 season, host Toby Moody and The-Race.com's MotoGP correspondent Simon Patterson are joined by technical guru Neil Spalding for a quick look at what they are excited about for the new season. Our full season preview will be dropping very soon - make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it! Keep up with all the latest goings-on in MotoGP and all other major motorsport series at The-Race.com