“Lots of factories have knocked on my door”
Following a bustling French GP, the motorsport circus now converges on the sun-drenched shores of Barcelona for the next leg of the journey. The latest episode of the podcast saw Trackhouse Racing’s rising star Raul Fernandez take center stage, delving into his career and season highlights, marking his inaugural appearance on the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya-themed show.
However, amidst the bustling atmosphere, emotions ran high as Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia Racing made a poignant announcement regarding his retirement from full-time racing. The heartfelt revelation unfolded in a singular Press Conference at 15:15, leaving a somber yet reflective mood hanging over the paddock.
As anticipation mounted for the upcoming weekend’s action, the first official press conference kicked off with Championship leader Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing, flanked by Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team, Marc Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™, and Enea Bastianini of Ducati Lenovo Team, hinting at the hotly debated topic on everyone’s lips.
Meanwhile, Press Conference 2 saw Maverick Viñales of Aprilia Racing sharing the stage with rookie sensation Pedro Acosta of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 and seasoned campaigner Alex Rins of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, adding another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
Stay tuned for a visual glimpse and insightful snippets capturing the essence of the opening day’s festivities!
Jorge Martin
How do you feel following your double victory in Le Mans, and do you consider Aprilia a threat this weekend?
“Well, it’s definitely going to be an interesting weekend. I’m pleased with our recent results, but I’m fully focused on the task ahead. Historically, grip has been a challenge for all of us here in Barcelona over the past couple of years. However, I believe our new bike will perform better than last season, and we have some other strategies to explore for enhancing our speed. Aprilia showed strong performance here last year, so our aim is to narrow that gap. But as we know, a lot can change from one season to another in terms of bike performance and tire behavior. Nonetheless, I feel confident and ready to deliver.”
Regarding your future plans, are you in discussions with KTM or Aprilia, and if not with Ducati, do you have a preferred option?
“Results from races like Le Mans or Jerez, or even here, won’t dictate my final decision. I understand Ducati’s need to carefully assess their options and requirements. So, I’ll wait patiently. Within the next couple of weeks, I’ll have a clearer picture as Ducati finalizes their decision, and I evaluate all available choices. It’s encouraging to have interest from various manufacturers, indicating that I’m doing a good job. At this point, all I can do is focus on performing my best here in Montmelo and Mugello, and let the future unfold as it may.”
PECCO BAGNAIA
How do you reflect on last year’s race at Catalunya?
“I’m certainly aiming to go beyond just three corners this time around! Despite the setbacks we faced last year, particularly on race day, there were positives to take from the weekend. We showed strong competitiveness during the first two days, and I felt confident going into the race. Unfortunately, unforeseen issues prevented us from completing the race. Nonetheless, we were in a good position to challenge the Aprilia, especially with the medium rear tire. Looking ahead, I anticipate our new bike may offer improved turning capabilities, albeit with potentially less grip. It’s a trade-off we’ll need to manage, but undoubtedly, the Aprilias will be the ones to watch.”
MARC MARQUEZ
What do you think is lacking to contend for the Championship?
“Well, what we’re missing compared to these two guys is consistency. They consistently show speed in every practice session and qualifying, always hovering within the top three positions. While I’ve demonstrated competitiveness and have been in close contention with them in Jerez and Le Mans, maintaining that consistency is the challenge. Montmelo presents an additional hurdle for me as it’s one of my more challenging tracks, coupled with the adjustments needed for our new bike. It appears they may gain an advantage in long corners with the new setup, but we’ll devise our own strategies to remain competitive and challenge the top contenders.”
Would you be content with riding a factory Ducati with another team, or is your preference to be in the factory team?
“My circumstances have evolved since last year. Initially, my focus for this season was to enjoy racing, regain my feeling on the bike, and gradually return to a competitive level to challenge these top riders. While contending for a Championship this year is feasible, having a smoother ride on track certainly aids one’s chances. Every rider seeks the best opportunities, and I’ve mapped out my priorities clearly. I’ve always been strategic in my decisions, and I’m already planning ahead for next year. So, let’s see if I can deliver strong performances on track to open up more options for the future.”
What’s your ideal scenario?
“My aim is to maintain or improve my pace on the racetrack, ideally staying in close contention with them. As I’ve experienced in Jerez and Le Mans, it’s already a positive sign that I can challenge them right up to the final corner. These two riders were the main contenders for the Championship last year and remain the toughest competition. Therefore, I’ll continue working with what I have to extract the maximum performance.”
ENEA BASTIANINI
How do you assess your competitiveness heading into this weekend?
“I’ve had some tough luck at the Catalan GP in recent years, with crashes in both 2022 and last year due to various circumstances. It’s a unique race because of the low grip levels, so having a solid base setup is crucial. We’ll see how things unfold this year.”
Are moves to Gresini or Aprilia potential options if you can’t continue as Pecco’s teammate next year?
“I understand that Ducati faces a challenging decision-making process, especially with the strong performance of the top four riders in the World Championship standings. With Pecco already locked into a contract, it adds another layer of complexity. Currently, my situation isn’t unfavorable, considering the impressive speed of the Ducati across different circuits, which has notably improved since last year. While securing a factory ride for next year is a possibility, I’m also aware of the formidable speed demonstrated by riders like Jorge and Marc. It’ll undoubtedly be a tough call, but I’m optimistic about remaining with Ducati.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
What are the expectations for you heading into this weekend?
“Last year’s performance by Aprilia here in Montmelo was exceptional, but every season brings its own challenges. It’s crucial for us to stay composed and remain adaptable to any conditions that come our way. While we approach the weekend with the belief that we can contend for victory, we must also acknowledge the differences from last year, particularly in terms of tire behavior. The competition is fierce at the moment, but we’re determined to extract the maximum potential from our package. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be pushing to the limit. When we push the bike to its fullest potential, we’ve shown that we’re capable of winning races, and that’s our primary objective.”
Reaction to Aleix’s retirement:
“Aleix’s decision caught me by surprise; I had anticipated him continuing in racing. At Aprilia, we’ve both played integral roles in shaping the team, and he’s been a significant part of my journey. However, if this is the path he feels is right for him, then I respect his decision. I want to express my gratitude for the experience of being his teammate; he’s certainly been one of the toughest competitors I’ve faced. Nevertheless, with a long season still ahead of us, I believe he’ll be motivated to pursue further victories, and his speed will undoubtedly benefit the team immensely.”
PEDRO ACOSTA
Do you believe you have the pace to contend for victory?
“Given that this track is relatively new to us on a MotoGP™ bike, we’re essentially starting from scratch. This past week, we’ve put in extensive work to address the issues we faced in Le Mans. While we made significant progress on Sunday, we’re aware of the challenges that Montmelo presents. Understanding how our bike performs here is crucial, especially considering the difficulties we encountered last season. We’re leveraging all available data from Jack and Augusto to fine-tune our approach and improve the bike’s performance.”
Reaction to Aleix’s retirement:
“Over the past five seasons, Aleix and I have maintained a professional relationship. However, as he began to express his emotions and sentimentality, I found myself on the verge of tears, thinking, ‘How could I not be moved?’ But ultimately, I’m genuinely thrilled for him. Aleix finds joy in many aspects of life, such as cycling, and I believe he’ll relish his new priorities and endeavors. It’s been an honor to share a MotoGP™ season with him, and I’m excited for what lies ahead for him.”
ALEX RINS
How do you feel about reaching your 200th Grand Prix milestone, and do you anticipate being more competitive?
“I wasn’t aware that the Catalan GP would mark my 200th Grand Prix, so it adds a special touch to the occasion. Following our recent tests at Mugello, where we assessed new and existing components, I’m feeling optimistic about our competitiveness. The new fairing we tested in Jerez showed promise, and we’ve made further adjustments based on our findings at Mugello. Barcelona’s track is enjoyable, albeit challenging due to its low grip levels, particularly when it comes to managing tire wear. Nevertheless, I’m prepared and eager to tackle the weekend head-on!”
Reaction to Aleix’s retirement:
“Aleix’s decision to retire is significant news, but I’m genuinely thrilled for him. It’s clear that this is a decision he’s made because it aligns with his desires and aspirations. Despite facing both triumphs and trials throughout his career, Aleix has always exhibited a fighting spirit. His dedication and relentless training regimen exemplify his commitment to achieving his goals. I couldn’t be prouder of him, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. After concluding this season, it’s time for him to savor moments with his loved ones.”
Prima Pramac reveal special edition colours
The Prima Pramac Racing team unveiled a striking special edition livery for the 2024 Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, transformed into an art exhibition by the talented artist Miguel Caravaca. The design celebrates the individuals who contribute to the team’s success, turning both the bikes and the team’s box into captivating works of art. The unveiling took place on Thursday evening, and the response has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Do you share our enthusiasm for this visually stunning creation?
MotoGP Official Press Release
