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Jul 01

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: Acosta, KTM, MotoGP

Acosta undergoes under goes wrist surgery

Pedro Acosta has undergone surgery on his right wrist following his retirement from the Assen MotoGP. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rookie endured a troubled weekend at Assen, battling multiple technical issues aboard his KTM RC16. But it was a physical problem that ultimately forced him out of Sunday’s race (28 June). Acosta sat up exiting Turn 1 on lap 13 and coasted back to the pits, bringing his second consecutive DNF after retiring on the final lap of the Czech Grand Prix on 21 June. Given the string of mechanical setbacks, the immediate assumption was that another bike issue had sidelined Acosta. However, television footage showed the Spaniard shaking his right hand as he slowed, pointing to arm pump. KTM later confirmed he was suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The team has now announced that Acosta has undergone minor surgery to address the issue and is expected to return for the German Grand Prix on 10–12 July, pending a medical check. “Pedro Acosta underwent successful minor surgery this morning on his right wrist to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” KTM said in a statement. “He is expected to return for the German GP, pending a medical check next week.” […]

Jun 26

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: Ducati, Marquez, MotoGP

Marquez Extends Ducati Lenovo Deal Through 2028

Marc Marquez will remain with the Ducati Lenovo Team for at least two more seasons, with Ducati Corse confirming the eight‑time World Champion has signed on through 2027 and 2028. The extension solidifies a partnership that has already produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds in MotoGP history, highlighted by Marquez’s stunning 2025 campaign that delivered his seventh premier‑class crown — and his first in Ducati red. Marquez’s debut season with the Bologna factory was nothing short of dominant. With 14 Tissot Sprint victories and 11 Grand Prix wins, he clinched the title as early as Japan and set the all‑time single‑season points record, completing a comeback few in motorsport have matched. The 2026 season has been a different challenge. Injuries hampered Marquez early, but he has clawed back into contention with consecutive wins at Balaton Park and Brno. His Hungarian triumph doubled as a milestone moment: Ducati Lenovo Team’s 100th MotoGP victory and Marquez’s 100th career win across all classes, adding to Ducati’s centenary celebrations. Marquez said the renewal reflects both trust and long‑term ambition. “I’m red. I’m truly happy with this new agreement with the Ducati Lenovo Team and to continue being part of this family,” Marquez said. […]

Jun 25

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: Aprillia, Bagnia, MotoGP

Bumper four-year deal for Bagnaia

Aprilia has confirmed that Pecco Bagnaia will join its factory MotoGP team in 2027, partnering Marco Bezzecchi on a striking four‑year deal that keeps the reigning double world champion with the Italian manufacturer through 2030. The announcement follows the recent thaw in MotoGP’s “silly season” after factories reached a long‑term, Concorde‑style agreement with series organisers, clearing the way for long‑delayed contract news. Bagnaia’s move itself is no shock — it has been widely expected since pre‑season testing, when he was understood to have chosen Aprilia over Yamaha. What stands out is the length of the commitment. Multi‑year deals are common, but a four‑year factory contract is rare, signalling Aprilia’s intent to build its future around Bagnaia and Bezzecchi. With Marc Márquez extending at Ducati and Pedro Acosta confirmed as Bagnaia’s replacement there, Aprilia becomes the second manufacturer to lock in its full line‑up for the next two seasons. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said the move reflects a shared ambition with Piaggio chief Michele Colaninno to strengthen Italy’s presence at the top of MotoGP. He described Bagnaia’s arrival as both a point of pride and a responsibility the team is eager to embrace. Bagnaia will join championship leader — and […]

Jun 21

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: Aprillia, Bezzecchi, MotoGP

Bezzecchi banned from Czech MotoGP for striking marshal

MotoGP championship leader Marco Bezzecchi has apologised after an extraordinary incident that led to his suspension from Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix at Brno. Bezzecchi crashed out of fifth place during Saturday’s sprint race and, in a moment of anger, was seen running toward a track marshal and striking him twice in the face as the official attempted to recover his bike. The footage prompted an immediate investigation, with stewards citing unsportsmanlike conduct and issuing a race ban. In their decision, officials ruled that Bezzecchi’s actions were “prejudicial to the interests of the sport,” noting that physical aggression toward circuit staff violates core MotoGP regulations. Aprilia appealed the penalty, but the appeal was dismissed within hours. The appeal panel stressed that while riders may experience heightened emotions after a crash, physical confrontation with marshals cannot be excused, adding that the sport depends on officials being able to perform their duties “without fear of intimidation, abuse, or physical assault.” Bezzecchi sought out the marshal on Sunday to apologise in person before releasing a public statement acknowledging his behaviour was unacceptable. The suspension marks a significant setback for the Italian rider, whose championship lead over teammate Jorge Martin had already been cut to […]

Jan 18

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: MotoGP, Phillip Island

Phillip Island MotoGP Future in Doubt

Phillip Island’s long‑running Motorcycle Grand Prix is at risk, with Melbourne media reporting that MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports is pressuring the Victorian Government to relocate the event to Melbourne’s Albert Park if the contract is to continue beyond 2026. According to The Age, a government source said Dorna’s position has hardened since Formula 1 owner Liberty Media acquired a majority stake in the company last year, with a growing preference for street‑based circuits. The Victorian Government has reportedly increased its financial offer to keep the event at Phillip Island but is unwilling to commit to the extensive upgrades required to host MotoGP at Albert Park. The stalemate has prompted the South Australian Government to enter confidential discussions with Dorna about staging the race on a street circuit in Adelaide. Circuit co‑owner Andrew Fox said Albert Park residents would likely oppose a MotoGP event due to the significant vegetation removal and circuit expansion required, noting that motorcycle racing typically demands more space than Formula 1. Bass Coast Shire Mayor Rochelle Halstead reaffirmed the council’s strong support for retaining the event on Phillip Island, emphasising its economic and cultural importance. “For decades, the MotoGP has put Phillip Island on the world stage,” […]

Sep 13

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: MotoGP, Pirelli

Pirelli’s MotoGP tyre test ahead of 2027 takeover

Pirelli will conduct its first MotoGP tyre test at Misano on Tuesday, 16 September, as preparations continue ahead of its entry into the championship in 2027. One of the key changes to MotoGP’s technical rule book for 2027 is the appointment of a new official tyre supplier. French manufacturer Michelin, which has been MotoGP’s exclusive tyre supplier since 2016, will hand over to Pirelli, which already produces tyres for Moto2, Moto3 and World Superbike Championship, in addition to Formula 1. The Milan-based brand will thus be responsible for all three categories of the world championship, a production challenge that has prompted a careful step-by-step approach in developing tyres to meet MotoGP standards. Since the announcement in early March, Pirelli has been working on developing a range of base tyres to begin development. Initially, a first test was planned at Aragon in early June, but the first on track running will instead take place at Misano, which is also staging the San Marino Grand Prix this weekend and MotoGP’s official test on Monday. Five test riders will be taking part in Pirelli’s first tyre test on Tuesday, each representing a different manufacturer. Those selected are Michele Pirro (Ducati), Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia), Daniel Pedrosa (KTM), Takaaki Nakagami (Honda), […]

Sep 05

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: MotoGP, Steiner, Tech3

Guenther Steiner leads acquisition of Tech3 team

Red Bull KTM Tech3 is poised to enter a transformative new era, as a consortium led by a prominent motorsport figure secures full ownership of the MotoGP outfit—including its Moto3™ operations. This strategic shift will take full effect in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the team’s evolution. Under the new leadership structure, Guenther Steiner will take the helm as CEO, while project partner Richard Coleman steps into the role of Team Principal. Founder and current Team Principal Hervé Poncharal will continue to guide Tech3 through the ongoing season before transitioning into a consultancy role. In this capacity, Poncharal will focus on mentoring emerging talent and sharing his decades of invaluable MotoGP experience. Despite the ownership change, the team will retain its identity as Tech3, continue racing with KTM machinery under existing agreements, and remain headquartered in its long-standing base in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France. Steiner, renowned for his candid leadership as the founding Team Principal of the Haas F1 Team, began his motorsport journey in rally engineering. Over the past four decades, he has held senior positions at Jaguar Racing and Red Bull Racing, building a reputation as one of the sport’s most seasoned figures. Coleman brings over ten years of […]

Aug 16

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: MotoGP

Casey Stoner Sounds the Alarm Over MotoGP’s Future

Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has voiced serious concerns about the direction of grand prix motorcycle racing, warning that the series’ upcoming 2027 regulations may not only fail to improve safety and spectacle—but could actually make the sport more dangerous. A key component of MotoGP’s planned overhaul is the shift to lighter, 850cc machines. But Stoner, speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, argued that the changes miss the mark. He’s long been critical of the increasing reliance on electronic rider aids, which he believes create a false sense of security and encourage riders to push beyond safe limits. Stoner’s latest critique came as MotoGP unveiled new control software aimed at reducing slides and wheelspin—technology that Dorna, the sport’s commercial rights holder, claims will enhance safety by preventing highside crashes like the one Pecco Bagnaia suffered at the 2023 Catalan GP. But Stoner isn’t convinced. “You can twist the throttle with nearly 300bhp and nothing happens,” he said. “These are the best riders in the world, riding the easiest bikes to ride. That’s not something I’m interested in.” He recalled his own frustrations from 2012, when electronic interference began to erode the raw connection between rider and machine. “I didn’t […]

Aug 10

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: Binder, KTM, MotoGP

Beirer Admits KTM “Not at All Satisfied” with Binder’s 2025 Season

Brad Binder returns to the Red Bull Ring hoping the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix can reignite his faltering MotoGP campaign. The South African rider is enduring the toughest season of his premier-class career, and KTM’s motorsport director Pit Beirer has made it clear: the team is “not at all satisfied” with what they’ve seen so far. The Austrian GP holds special significance for Binder. It was here in 2021 that he claimed his second—and most recent—MotoGP victory, gambling on slick tyres in a dramatic late-race downpour. But four years and 78 Grands Prix later, that win remains his last. As the championship resumes after its summer break, Binder finds himself in unfamiliar territory: struggling for form, confidence, and results. Binder has scored just 68 points across the first 12 rounds of 2025—his lowest tally at this stage of any season. Not even his rookie year in 2020, when he sat 12th with 76 points, saw him this far down the standings. His best result this year remains a sixth-place finish at Jerez in April. The arrival of Pedro Acosta to the factory KTM team has only intensified the spotlight. The 21-year-old rookie has already amassed 124 points and delivered KTM’s […]

May 21

by darren in The Feed 0 comments tags: Miller, MotoGP, Yamaha

Jack Miller Back with HRC Next Year

Jack Miller’s place on the MotoGP grid for 2026 is far from assured — but Honda are keen to secure the Aussie’s services for their WorldSBK team, according to recent reports. While it’s understood a formal offer hasn’t been signed off, sources in the paddock suggest that Miller is firmly on Honda’s radar. The Japanese manufacturer — still trying to unlock results since returning to full-factory status in 2020 — is believed to be considering new and experienced talent for a reset, and Miller’s vast MotoGP experience with four brands makes him a standout candidate. Miller remains committed to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha, and is focused on turning his form around approaching the second half of 2025 season. The Queenslander had a positive outing in Austin, finishing fifth and delivering one of Yamaha’s better results to that point. He also showed encouraging one-lap speed in Thailand, qualifying fourth and looking strong early in the sprint before crashing out while running at the front. However, consistency has eluded the 29-year-old. He has failed to finish the past three races, crashing out at the Qatar and French rounds, while a technical issue forced him out at Jerez. The French GP in particular […]