The Race MotoGP Podcast

Most people predicted that Marc Marquez's arrival in the factory Ducati MotoGP team was going to be bad news for Pecco Bagnaia, but this bad?Ducati's lead title hope for the last four seasons (and twice world champion for it) hasn't beaten his new team-mate in a straight fight at all yet or even looked like doing so.Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer put Bagnaia's disappointing 2025 form centre stage in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Is Bagnaia tinkering with the ‘GP25-ish' too much searching for something that will prove impossible to find and does he just need to get on with riding it?Does Bagnaia now have to start thinking about a move away from Ducati?And is Fermin Aldeguer already poised to take his place? We let long-time Aldeguer advocate Val go suitably nuts about the Gresini rookie's rise as he starts to prove Ducati right for committing to him so early.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to ⁠⁠Patreon for 75% off your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠Check out our latest videos on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Use code 'INRCKZ1' on this link to get the new Insta360 X5 action camera with a free Replacement Lens Kit: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_term=THERACE&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=TheRACE&utm_content=date20250419A3LaunchMotoGP's French Grand Prix at Le Mans was a completely crazy race - but then even crazier news emerged the morning after.Here's a special double episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast starting with Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy on the bombshell news that Jorge Martin is seemingly looking for a way out of Aprilia having barely even raced for it.How that's even possible, where he would go and what Aprilia would do are all debated in an emergency mini-episode recorded as Simon was about to get on a plane out of France.And then we're onto the episode we actually planned to bring you - as Johann Zarco's outstanding victory in MotoGP's bizarre 2025 French Grand Prix gave Simon, Val and Matt Beer a LOT to debate.Has MotoGP underestimated a rider who just left Marc Marquez standing in wet conditions? Why did so many other riders who had the chance to match Zarco's strategy choose not to?Did the new rules prompted by Marquez's dash off the Austin grid work on their first appearance and was this actually a great race (Matt thinks so and Val sort of agrees) or a rubbish and processional non-spectacle? (Simon thinks so).Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to ⁠⁠Patreon for 75% off your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠Check out our latest videos on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enjoy a free preview of the first episode of our mini series on the Isle of Man TT, available exclusively to members on Patreon.With a month to go until practice week gets underway, Megan White and Simon Patterson spoke to Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport for the TT.He revealed some of the exciting new features fans can expect for this year, delved into the changing talent path of road racing, and revealed some crucial work the TT is doing around safety.Want to enjoy the whole episode and even more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon. Head to ⁠⁠Patreon for 75% off your first month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Fabio Quartararo the first truly elite MotoGP rider to be trapped in the series' midfield for as long as he has been?Host Valentin Khorounzhiy discusses this with Simon Patterson on the latest edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast, ahead of Quartararo's home race at Le Mans that comes on the heels of a best-in-years weekend at Jerez.The show also delves into Quartararo's decision to stay put at Yamaha for 2025, the chances of him doing so again in 2027 - and the question of whether his lack of championship opportunities as he enters his theoretical prime as a rider is weighing on him.Finally, Val and Simon talk about the rest of Yamaha's line-up, discussing whether Jack Miller should count on a 2026 extension, whether Alex Rins's disappointing-so-far Yamaha tenure is likely to improve and whether it would make sense for Yamaha to try to bring in Toprak Razgatlioglu.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to ⁠⁠Patreon for 75% off your first month! Follow the Race Moto channel on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ Check out our latest videos on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ducati's 100% win rate in the 2025 MotoGP world championship masks the fact it's not actually ever managed to race its full 2025 bike spec, its superstar new signing has crashed in confusing circumstances in two of the last three grands prix and its double champion is a tentative and puzzled shadow of his best form right now because he's not ever quite sure what to expect from his bike's handling.So what's Ducati been working on to solve Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia's problems? A hungry and tired Simon Patterson in a very dark Spanish hotel room joins Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to discuss everything that happened in Monday's test and what it means for the rest of the season.As well as Ducati's issues and Marquez and Bagnaia's contrasting handling of them, we also get into potentially significant development steps for Yamaha and Honda, and the realisation that Aprilia might have bigger problems than Jorge Martin's long-term absence.We also debate the big question of the Jerez race weekend: what's going on at KTM that's resulted in Maverick Vinales suddenly becoming its standout rider and Pedro Acosta suddenly looking overhyped? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ducati's 100% win rate in the 2025 MotoGP world championship masks the fact it's not actually ever managed to race its full 2025 bike spec, its superstar new signing has crashed in confusing circumstances in two of the last three grands prix and its double champion is a tentative and puzzled shadow of his best form right now because he's not ever quite sure what to expect from his bike's handling. So what's Ducati been working on to solve Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia's problems? A hungry and tired Simon Patterson in a very dark Spanish hotel room joins Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to discuss everything that happened in Monday's test and what it means for the rest of the season. As well as Ducati's issues and Marquez and Bagnaia's contrasting handling of them, we also get into potentially significant development steps for Yamaha and Honda, and the realisation that Aprilia might have bigger problems than Jorge Martin's long-term absence. We also debate the big question of the Jerez race weekend: what's going on at KTM that's resulted in Maverick Vinales suddenly becoming its standout rider and Pedro Acosta suddenly looking overhyped? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Marquez has won three of the 2025 MotoGP season's grands prix so far but crashed out of the other two - and that means he's once again lost the championship lead after the Spanish Grand Prix. Simon Patterson and Matt Beer convene for a quick mini-episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast to try to figure out what's going on with Marc's errors, how Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha came so close to winning a race and what Alex Marquez finally getting that elusive grand prix victory (and retaking the points lead) means for the season. And The Race Members' Club had plenty of opinions on all three topics for us to factor in too. We'll be back for a full podcast after Monday's post-race test at Jerez to go deeper into the weekend's many storylines. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to ⁠Patreon.com/therace⁠ Follow the Race Moto channel on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠ Check out our latest videos on ⁠YouTube⁠ Download our app on ⁠iOS⁠ or ⁠Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Marquez has won three of the 2025 MotoGP season's grands prix so far but crashed out of the other two - and that means he's once again lost the championship lead after the Spanish Grand Prix.Simon Patterson and Matt Beer convene for a quick mini-episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast to try to figure out what's going on with Marc's errors, how Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha came so close to winning a race and what Alex Marquez finally getting that elusive grand prix victory (and retaking the points lead) means for the season.And The Race Members' Club had plenty of opinions on all three topics for us to factor in too.We'll be back for a full podcast after Monday's post-race test at Jerez to go deeper into the weekend's many storylines.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to ⁠Patreon.com/therace⁠ Follow the Race Moto channel on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠ Check out our latest videos on ⁠YouTube⁠ Download our app on ⁠iOS⁠ or ⁠Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the European leg of the 2025 MotoGP season kicking off at Jerez, what is the biggest question facing every manufacturer? Megan White and Valentin Khorounzhiy try to answer that question for each of Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Ducati. What does Aprilia do now that Jorge Martin - on whom there is another injury update - is facing a further spell on the sidelines? How should Honda play the expiring contracts of Johann Zarco and Luca Marini? How good does the Yamaha V4 engine - now being extensively track-tested - need to be before it is brought to races? And what can KTM learn from Maverick Vinales' formbook-breaking Qatar GP run? Finally, what approach should Ducati take to its longer-term rider roster? Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the European leg of the 2025 MotoGP season kicking off at Jerez, what is the biggest question facing every manufacturer?Megan White and Valentin Khorounzhiy try to answer that question for each of Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Ducati.What does Aprilia do now that Jorge Martin - on whom there is another injury update - is facing a further spell on the sidelines? How should Honda play the expiring contracts of Johann Zarco and Luca Marini?How good does the Yamaha V4 engine - now being extensively track-tested - need to be before it is brought to races? And what can KTM learn from Maverick Vinales' formbook-breaking Qatar GP run?Finally, what approach should Ducati take to its longer-term rider roster?Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's no MotoGP race this weekend, so as a bonus we thought we'd share Val's Qatar GP rider rankings Q&A, which is usually members-only content. Regular listeners will know that Val's rider rankings are posted to The Race website after each race. We then invite The Race Members' Club to send in follow-up questions, which Val then answers in an exclusive video posted to Patreon. For example, in this one he muses on where Fabio di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez would have placed had they not crashed into other riders. If you enjoy this episode and would like to get every subsequent one, plus ad-free episodes and our exclusive MotoGP Revisited series on the 2015 season, why not join The Race Members' Club today? And don't worry if you're only interested in MotoGP and none of The Race's four-wheeled coverage - we have a riders-only tier! Head to Patreon.com/therace today to sign up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no MotoGP race this weekend, so as a bonus we thought we'd share Val's Qatar GP rider rankings Q&A, which is usually members-only content.Regular listeners will know that Val's rider rankings are posted to The Race website after each race. We then invite The Race Members' Club to send in follow-up questions, which Val then answers in an exclusive video posted to Patreon.For example, in this one he muses on where Fabio di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez would have placed had they not crashed into other riders.If you enjoy this episode and would like to get every subsequent one, plus ad-free episodes and our exclusive MotoGP Revisited series on the 2015 season, why not join The Race Members' Club today? And don't worry if you're only interested in MotoGP and none of The Race's four-wheeled coverage - we have a riders-only tier!Head to Patreon.com/therace today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A frenzied Qatar Grand Prix weekend is discussed on the latest edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast, with Maverick Vinales stealing the spotlight away from the Marc Marquez-Alex Marquez-Pecco Bagnaia title fight. Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss the Vinales performance - and the fact it has been effectively stricken from the record books by a tyre pressure penalty. But why was Vinales so quick, how encouraged should KTM be and what does the weekend say about Pedro Acosta? In terms of the title fight, should Bagnaia be worried about another heavy defeat versus Marquez - or can he simply view it as a consequence of his qualifying error? There's also a discussion of Jorge Martin's latest bad injury and of the collision between Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio that left the former apologetic and the latter deeply incensed. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A frenzied Qatar Grand Prix weekend is discussed on the latest edition of The Race MotoGP Podcast, with Maverick Vinales stealing the spotlight away from the Marc Marquez-Alex Marquez-Pecco Bagnaia title fight.Simon Patterson and Valentin Khorounzhiy discuss the Vinales performance - and the fact it has been effectively stricken from the record books by a tyre pressure penalty.But why was Vinales so quick, how encouraged should KTM be and what does the weekend say about Pedro Acosta?In terms of the title fight, should Bagnaia be worried about another heavy defeat versus Marquez - or can he simply view it as a consequence of his qualifying error?There's also a discussion of Jorge Martin's latest bad injury and of the collision between Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio that left the former apologetic and the latter deeply incensed.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Superbike Championship superstar Toprak Razgatlioglu is being linked to MotoGP yet again - but this time with a twist. Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer gather on The Race MotoGP Podcast to assess whether the mooted plan for Razgatlioglu to be part of Honda's factory 2027 MotoGP line-up is realistic and how he might fare. With Jorge Martin expected to finally start his double-injury-delayed title defence at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, we discuss what to expect from him and what an earth is going on at Aprilia in his absence. And there's a little teaser of our Patreon exclusive Jack Miller Q&A - when the Pramac Yamaha star very much enjoyed answering The Race Members' Club's questions about his life, career and Cal Crutchlow. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World Superbike Championship superstar Toprak Razgatlioglu is being linked to MotoGP yet again - but this time with a twist.Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer gather on The Race MotoGP Podcast to assess whether the mooted plan for Razgatlioglu to be part of Honda's factory 2027 MotoGP line-up is realistic and how he might fare.With Jorge Martin expected to finally start his double-injury-delayed title defence at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, we discuss what to expect from him and what an earth is going on at Aprilia in his absence.And there's a little teaser of our Patreon exclusive Jack Miller Q&A - when the Pramac Yamaha star very much enjoyed answering The Race Members' Club's questions about his life, career and Cal Crutchlow.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Marquez's 2025 MotoGP winning streak ended with a crash from the lead at Austin, but that wasn't actually the most attention-grabbing part of his weekend.His audacious premeditated gamble that he could get the start aborted so he could switch to the right tyres for the drying conditions without getting a penalty paid off, but raised big questions over the robustness and interpretation of the rules around such situation.Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer explain what happened and why it was so contentious, as well as delving into Marc's subsequent crash and how much he should be castigated for it.Plus our takes on Pecco Bagnaia's sudden title bid revival, Alex Marquez's appearance as world championship leader, Joan Mir and Pedro Acosta's shunts, and a reminder of just how good Jack Miller can be.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Marquez's 2025 MotoGP winning streak ended with a crash from the lead at Austin, but that wasn't actually the most attention-grabbing part of his weekend. His audacious premeditated gamble that he could get the start aborted so he could switch to the right tyres for the drying conditions without getting a penalty paid off, but raised big questions over the robustness and interpretation of the rules around such situation. Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer explain what happened and why it was so contentious, as well as delving into Marc's subsequent crash and how much he should be castigated for it. Plus our takes on Pecco Bagnaia's sudden title bid revival, Alex Marquez's appearance as world championship leader, Joan Mir and Pedro Acosta's shunts, and a reminder of just how good Jack Miller can be. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two rounds into the 2025 MotoGP season and it's a great year to be a Marquez. Almost everyone else has work to do.But who's in most trouble?That's the question Matt Beer posed to Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. They didn't disagree too much in their answers as they highlighted two manufacturers and one rider in particular who are disappointing, but Matt felt they were missing someone…Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two rounds into the 2025 MotoGP season and it's a great year to be a Marquez. Almost everyone else has work to do. But who's in most trouble? That's the question Matt Beer posed to Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy in the latest episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. They didn't disagree too much in their answers as they highlighted two manufacturers and one rider in particular who are disappointing, but Matt felt they were missing someone… Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Marquez declared his brother Alex to be his main 2025 MotoGP title rival after their battle for victory in the Argentine Grand Prix. Was he getting carried away with sibling affection or is Alex really capable of denying his big brother a first championship in six years? Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate that in the Termas de Rio Hondo episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. Even if Alex's title challenge can't be sustained, right now he's in a better form and championship situation than Marc's works Ducati team-mate Pecco Bagnaia. We hear Bagnaia's explanation for his current lack of pace, and give our take on where he's lacking. Plus Ai Ogura's bizarre disqualification explained, Honda's progress debated after Johann Zarco's amazing weekend, fondness for the resurgent Franco Morbidelli and The Race Members' Club reminds Simon that he predicted first-lap crasher/otherwise anonymous performer Marco Bezzecchi was going to win this race (which prompts a small argument about penalties). Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month! Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Marquez declared his brother Alex to be his main 2025 MotoGP title rival after their battle for victory in the Argentine Grand Prix.Was he getting carried away with sibling affection or is Alex really capable of denying his big brother a first championship in six years?Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer debate that in the Termas de Rio Hondo episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.Even if Alex's title challenge can't be sustained, right now he's in a better form and championship situation than Marc's works Ducati team-mate Pecco Bagnaia. We hear Bagnaia's explanation for his current lack of pace, and give our take on where he's lacking.Plus Ai Ogura's bizarre disqualification explained, Honda's progress debated after Johann Zarco's amazing weekend, fondness for the resurgent Franco Morbidelli and The Race Members' Club reminds Simon that he predicted first-lap crasher/otherwise anonymous performer Marco Bezzecchi was going to win this race (which prompts a small argument about penalties).Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP's 2027 rules reset has become even more seismic with the news the substantial technical regulation changes will coincide with Pirelli ousting Michelin as the series' tyre supplier. Simon Patterson joins Matt Beer to explain all the implications for the championship, teams and riders, and to answer The Race Members' Club's questions about the potential consequences. We discuss what Pirelli's work (and controversies) on the MotoGP ladder, in World Superbikes and even Formula 1 tells us about how its tyres might impact the quality and style of racing in MotoGP. Is the tyre change a guarantee of a wide open and competitive 2027 season? Simon reckons so - find out why on the pod. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month! Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MotoGP's 2027 rules reset has become even more seismic with the news the substantial technical regulation changes will coincide with Pirelli ousting Michelin as the series' tyre supplier.Simon Patterson joins Matt Beer to explain all the implications for the championship, teams and riders, and to answer The Race Members' Club's questions about the potential consequences.We discuss what Pirelli's work (and controversies) on the MotoGP ladder, in World Superbikes and even Formula 1 tells us about how its tyres might impact the quality and style of racing in MotoGP.Is the tyre change a guarantee of a wide open and competitive 2027 season? Simon reckons so - find out why on the pod.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn't just Marc Marquez dominating the 2025 MotoGP season-opener - it was the Marquez family, as his brother Alex not only backed him up in qualifying and both races but was also allowed to lead much of the grand prix to ensure Marc dodged a likely penalty. Has that set the tone for the whole season to come? In the Thai Grand Prix episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer look at everything that led to the Marquez domination including Pecco Bagnaia's inability to challenge his team-mate all weekend. The quirk of his team switch that led to Marquez being at risk of a tyre penalty is explained too, along with the effect of the ferociously hot temperatures on a weekend that left many riders literally burned by their bikes. Star rookie Ai Ogura and what his performance means for Aprilia features too, and we pass judgements on weekends of both highs and lows for Honda and Yamaha, but mostly lows for KTM.  Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month! Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It wasn't just Marc Marquez dominating the 2025 MotoGP season-opener - it was the Marquez family, as his brother Alex not only backed him up in qualifying and both races but was also allowed to lead much of the grand prix to ensure Marc dodged a likely penalty.Has that set the tone for the whole season to come? In the Thai Grand Prix episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast, Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer look at everything that led to the Marquez domination including Pecco Bagnaia's inability to challenge his team-mate all weekend.The quirk of his team switch that led to Marquez being at risk of a tyre penalty is explained too, along with the effect of the ferociously hot temperatures on a weekend that left many riders literally burned by their bikes.Star rookie Ai Ogura and what his performance means for Aprilia features too, and we pass judgements on weekends of both highs and lows for Honda and Yamaha, but mostly lows for KTM. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Race MotoGP Podcast (part-)convenes for an emergency episode in the lead-up to the 2025 season opener in Thailand. Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson discuss Jorge Martin's second pre-season injury, sustained in motocross training that was part of his rehab from the first injury, and the reports that it could write off nearly a quarter of his first season with Aprilia. They also talk about KTM having its restructuring plan greenlit by creditors in Austria - preserving the company in its current state the day after BMW had been credited with a reported interest in buying it outright. The mention of BMW briefly takes us into World Superbike land, where its MotoGP-linked star rider Toprak Razgatlioglu was notably unhappy after the season opener - and dropped a heavy-handed exit hint. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month! Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Race MotoGP Podcast (part-)convenes for an emergency episode in the lead-up to the 2025 season opener in Thailand.Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson discuss Jorge Martin's second pre-season injury, sustained in motocross training that was part of his rehab from the first injury, and the reports that it could write off nearly a quarter of his first season with Aprilia.They also talk about KTM having its restructuring plan greenlit by creditors in Austria - preserving the company in its current state the day after BMW had been credited with a reported interest in buying it outright.The mention of BMW briefly takes us into World Superbike land, where its MotoGP-linked star rider Toprak Razgatlioglu was notably unhappy after the season opener - and dropped a heavy-handed exit hint.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the massive grid shake-up and a wild winter of injuries and financial catastrophes, MotoGP enters its 2025 season this weekend with a lot of unknowns. So it's with some trepidation that The Race MotoGP Podcast's Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy, Megan White, Matt Beer and Ollie Card attempt to predict the 2025 final top 10 championship order. How much will KTM's crisis affect Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder on track this year? What will missing basically all of pre-season do for champion Jorge Martin's Aprilia acclimatisation? Is the Marco Bezzecchi resurgence real? Who's right out of our Yamaha sceptics and Yamaha optimists? And, of course, who'll win that Marc Marquez vs Pecco Bagnaia Ducati duel? Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month! Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the massive grid shake-up and a wild winter of injuries and financial catastrophes, MotoGP enters its 2025 season this weekend with a lot of unknowns.So it's with some trepidation that The Race MotoGP Podcast's Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy, Megan White, Matt Beer and Ollie Card attempt to predict the 2025 final top 10 championship order.How much will KTM's crisis affect Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder on track this year? What will missing basically all of pre-season do for champion Jorge Martin's Aprilia acclimatisation?Is the Marco Bezzecchi resurgence real? Who's right out of our Yamaha sceptics and Yamaha optimists?And, of course, who'll win that Marc Marquez vs Pecco Bagnaia Ducati duel?Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace for 90% of your first month!Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ducati ended the 2025 MotoGP pre-season by going back to its 2024 engine and chassis - permanently in one case, probably temporarily in the other. But it still looks like it'll dominate the season even after that change of plan, as Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer explain on a slightly delirious end of pre-season testing episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast. We assess where the Marc Marquez vs Pecco Bagnaia power balance stands, and how the works team's switch back to largely 2024 kit affects those who thought they might have an early advantage from running older Ducatis - particularly Marc's brother Alex. Our star of pre-season isn't actually a Ducati rider: it's Aprilia signing Marco Bezzecchi. We explain why, and give our take on what Bezzecchi's strong test in injured champion Jorge Martin's absence means for Aprilia's season. Plus what to make of Yamaha, Honda and KTM's test form. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ducati ended the 2025 MotoGP pre-season by going back to its 2024 engine and chassis - permanently in one case, probably temporarily in the other.But it still looks like it'll dominate the season even after that change of plan, as Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer explain on a slightly delirious end of pre-season testing episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.We assess where the Marc Marquez vs Pecco Bagnaia power balance stands, and how the works team's switch back to largely 2024 kit affects those who thought they might have an early advantage from running older Ducatis - particularly Marc's brother Alex.Our star of pre-season isn't actually a Ducati rider: it's Aprilia signing Marco Bezzecchi. We explain why, and give our take on what Bezzecchi's strong test in injured champion Jorge Martin's absence means for Aprilia's season.Plus what to make of Yamaha, Honda and KTM's test form.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yamaha was the big winner of the first full MotoGP test of 2025, with genuine evidence of a breakthrough over the winter and Fabio Quartararo looking the most likely rider in the field to take the fight to Ducati at the front right now. Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy join Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to look at Yamaha's progress, the reasons for it and whether that makes it a little race winner or even title challenger or just a firm second best to Ducati. Which Ducati is even fastest right now, though? We also discuss the dilemma facing factory team-mates Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, and the opportunity for the three riders on the very well sorted 2024 Ducati to make a spectacular start to the season. Honda's perplexing test, how Aprilia fared in Jorge Martin's absence and the many question marks around KTM are also assessed. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yamaha was the big winner of the first full MotoGP test of 2025, with genuine evidence of a breakthrough over the winter and Fabio Quartararo looking the most likely rider in the field to take the fight to Ducati at the front right now.Simon Patterson and Val Khorounzhiy join Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to look at Yamaha's progress, the reasons for it and whether that makes it a little race winner or even title challenger or just a firm second best to Ducati.Which Ducati is even fastest right now, though? We also discuss the dilemma facing factory team-mates Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, and the opportunity for the three riders on the very well sorted 2024 Ducati to make a spectacular start to the season.Honda's perplexing test, how Aprilia fared in Jorge Martin's absence and the many question marks around KTM are also assessed.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three riders are out injured after only one day of MotoGP 2025 pre-season testing proper, headlined by world champion Jorge Martin. Simon Patterson joins Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast for an additional episode digging into what we know about the cause of Martin's horrible crash on his first run with the 2025 Aprilia, what the prognosis is for his recovery and what it means for his and Aprilia's season. For the other two injured riders, a heavily compromised pre-season might be even more of a blow. It's the third time in his four MotoGP pre-seasons (and second in a row) when Raul Fernandez has been injured in a testing crash, while for Fabio Di Giannantonio it's a fresh injury on his first day following major shoulder reconstruction surgery. And it seems the circumstances of the crash were pretty embarrassing too… Injuries aside, there's also a look at what we could learn from the times, upgrades and riders' moods on day one. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three riders are out injured after only one day of MotoGP 2025 pre-season testing proper, headlined by world champion Jorge Martin.Simon Patterson joins Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast for an additional episode digging into what we know about the cause of Martin's horrible crash on his first run with the 2025 Aprilia, what the prognosis is for his recovery and what it means for his and Aprilia's season.For the other two injured riders, a heavily compromised pre-season might be even more of a blow.It's the third time in his four MotoGP pre-seasons (and second in a row) when Raul Fernandez has been injured in a testing crash, while for Fabio Di Giannantonio it's a fresh injury on his first day following major shoulder reconstruction surgery. And it seems the circumstances of the crash were pretty embarrassing too…Injuries aside, there's also a look at what we could learn from the times, upgrades and riders' moods on day one.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MotoGP's fallen/recovering giants Yamaha and Honda held back to back 2025 season launch events in the final days before pre-season testing begins in earnest, and Simon Patterson has returned from them with very different impressions of the two once-great teams. He joins Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to explain why Yamaha looks so much more convincing going into 2025 - and it goes far deeper than just a better executed (and better timed and located) launch event. What both teams have changed behind the scenes and how their riders feel about those efforts, whether Honda's big signing will be allowed to do his best work and whether Yamaha is definitely as set on a V4 engine switch as everyone expects as among the other topics discussed. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MotoGP's fallen/recovering giants Yamaha and Honda held back to back 2025 season launch events in the final days before pre-season testing begins in earnest, and Simon Patterson has returned from them with very different impressions of the two once-great teams.He joins Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast to explain why Yamaha looks so much more convincing going into 2025 - and it goes far deeper than just a better executed (and better timed and located) launch event.What both teams have changed behind the scenes and how their riders feel about those efforts, whether Honda's big signing will be allowed to do his best work and whether Yamaha is definitely as set on a V4 engine switch as everyone expects as among the other topics discussed.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At a time when you might've thought it would want to avoid too much questioning given its parent company's financial crisis, KTM boldly made its entire MotoGP rider and management line-up available for the media as it launched its 2025 programme on Thursday. Fresh from quizzing them all, Val Khorounzhiy joins Matt Beer for an extra episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast to discuss what KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer revealed about the firm's future, 2025 preparations and even hopes of still being on the grid for the 2027 rule changes. We also discuss how the riders are handling the unusual situation, and ask whether new factory team boss Aki Ajo's assessment of what KTM still lacks might be a touch optimistic. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a time when you might've thought it would want to avoid too much questioning given its parent company's financial crisis, KTM boldly made its entire MotoGP rider and management line-up available for the media as it launched its 2025 programme on Thursday.Fresh from quizzing them all, Val Khorounzhiy joins Matt Beer for an extra episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast to discuss what KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer revealed about the firm's future, 2025 preparations and even hopes of still being on the grid for the 2027 rule changes.We also discuss how the riders are handling the unusual situation, and ask whether new factory team boss Aki Ajo's assessment of what KTM still lacks might be a touch optimistic.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As KTM prepares to launch its 2025 MotoGP campaign under the cloud of insolvency, is a series legend trying to lure away the Austrian firm's greatest asset?Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson discuss reports that Valentino Rossi has sounded out Pedro Acosta over a MotoGP future together during the latter's appearance at the Ranch.Is it even possible that Acosta would leave KTM early - and are things actually looking up for its MotoGP project following the latest news from its insolvency process and its recent CEO change announcement?Plus, with Franco Morbidelli officially ‘debuting' as a VR46 rider during its own season launch, is it really possible that Rossi would willingly sideline Morbidelli?Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As KTM prepares to launch its 2025 MotoGP campaign under the cloud of insolvency, is a series legend trying to lure away the Austrian firm's greatest asset? Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson discuss reports that Valentino Rossi has sounded out Pedro Acosta over a MotoGP future together during the latter's appearance at the Ranch. Is it even possible that Acosta would leave KTM early - and are things actually looking up for its MotoGP project following the latest news from its insolvency process and its recent CEO change announcement? Plus, with Franco Morbidelli officially ‘debuting' as a VR46 rider during its own season launch, is it really possible that Rossi would willingly sideline Morbidelli? Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're winding the clock back to the epic and hugely contentious 2015 MotoGP season in a series of mini-podcasts exclusively for The Race Members' Club on Patreon this year. As voted for by the members, Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy, Megan White and Matt Beer are reliving 2015's unforgettable Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez vs Jorge Lorenzo three-way title fight round by round, with a few bonus detours along the way. To give you a free taste of what it's all about, here's a segment from MotoGP 2015 Revisited's first episode on the Qatar Grand Prix, which is available in full through The Race Members' Club on Patreon now. MotoGP now expects Ducati to dominate, but back at the start of 2015 it hadn't won in half a decade and was only just finding its feet again - with a little help from Dorna's rule concessions but also as its new technical chief Gigi Dall'Igna began to work his magic. But Ducati still had to take on Yamaha's legendary Rossi + Lorenzo line-up, and even they weren't really expected to beat Honda rider Marquez to the championship given how he'd crushed the field in 2014 and followed up his astonishing 2013 title win as a rookie with an even more impressive campaign. His 2015 campaign didn't exactly begin well, though… here's what Simon, Val, Megan and Matt made of it all. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're winding the clock back to the epic and hugely contentious 2015 MotoGP season in a series of mini-podcasts exclusively for The Race Members' Club on Patreon this year.As voted for by the members, Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy, Megan White and Matt Beer are reliving 2015's unforgettable Valentino Rossi vs Marc Marquez vs Jorge Lorenzo three-way title fight round by round, with a few bonus detours along the way.To give you a free taste of what it's all about, here's a segment from MotoGP 2015 Revisited's first episode on the Qatar Grand Prix, which is available in full through The Race Members' Club on Patreon now.MotoGP now expects Ducati to dominate, but back at the start of 2015 it hadn't won in half a decade and was only just finding its feet again - with a little help from Dorna's rule concessions but also as its new technical chief Gigi Dall'Igna began to work his magic.But Ducati still had to take on Yamaha's legendary Rossi + Lorenzo line-up, and even they weren't really expected to beat Honda rider Marquez to the championship given how he'd crushed the field in 2014 and followed up his astonishing 2013 title win as a rookie with an even more impressive campaign.His 2015 campaign didn't exactly begin well, though… here's what Simon, Val, Megan and Matt made of it all.Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/theraceFollow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and TwitterCheck out our latest videos on YouTubeDownload our app on iOS or Android Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Patterson reports from a pause in the four days of festivities, multiple unveilings and ski races that kicks off Ducati's 2025 MotoGP season to join Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer on The Race MotoGP Podcast. They discuss how Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati bosses tackled the potential pitfalls of the new superteam all-champion line-up. With all the talk at the launch extremely measured and polite, is this just the calm before an on-track storm or a sign of how Marquez and Bagnaia will actually get on during a title fight? Or are we past the ‘age of the bastard' these days? All that, their difference in racing ethics, whether Ducati will be more or less dominant in 2025 and everything both Marquez and Ducati have given up in order to get together is discussed too, as well as how Marc's old team Gresini kicked off its campaign at Imola a few days earlier. Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for that episode, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace Follow the Race Moto channel on Instagram and Twitter Check out our latest videos on YouTube Download our app on iOS or Android Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices