MOTO GP: The forgotten Championship?

Move over Pinball wizard’, Thars’ a new Italian threat on the Hunt!

 

Ticking over the one quarter mark of the 2026 MotoGP season, I thought I’d finally get round to reviewing the season’s start. Although just thru Round 5’s French Grand Prix.

 

Since after all, France becomes the racing epicenter in June. At some place called Le Mans. With the MotoGP event taking place upon its Seester’ track…

 

Although pretty sure that ‘Ol Ettore Bugatti would be rolling over at my use of Seester’ nomenclature…

 

Surprisingly, the 2026 MotoGP grid remains largely unchanged, with the exception of two riders. Being the additions of Diogo Moreira and Toprak Razgatlioglu.

 

22 year old Brazilian Moreira is the reigning Moto2 champion. Replacing Somkiat Chantra at Pro Honda LCR.

 

29 year old Razgatlioglu. from Turkey, the reigning three-times Superbike’s champion. Replaces Miguel Oliveira at Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP.

 

With only three riders being replaced due to injures to date. As VK8 Gresini Racing’s Fermin Aldeguer broke His leg during training, and was replaced by Ducati Corse test rider Michele Pirro in Thailand.

 

Then at Circuit Of The Americas, (COTA) Maverick “Top gun” Vinales, also known as Batman withdrew after practice due to a loose screw in His shoulder.

 

Uhm, a screw from His previous injury in Germany last year was inflicting pain and caused Vinales to not race at Austin…

 

Undergoing further surgery, Vinals had hoped the extended break in the MotoGP calendar would allow Him to be ready for Jerez. But the Spaniard wasn’t deemed medically fit for His home race.

 

Adding insult to injury, substitute rider Pol Espargaro suffered a hand injury prior to Jerez, leaving the Red Bull Tech 3 KTM squad with just Enea Bastianini competing, before Vinales was replaced by Jonas Folger for the French Grand Prix.

 

Yet through the French Grand Prix on the Bugatti circuit, the rider who’s been fairly untouchable was Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi! As the Italian began the season where He’d left off, scoring His third MotoGP win in-a-row; following last year’s triumphs at Portimoa and Valencia.

 

Bezzecchi “Blitzed” the field in Thailand, and comfortably won ahead of Pedro Acosta by 5.5 seconds. While the Aprilia RS-GP26 is now clearly the Scooter’ to beat! With Aprilia claiming four of the top five spots. With Bezzecchi’s teammate thee Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin sandwiched between Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez (third) and Ai Ogura. (fifth)

 

After passing polesitter Fabio Di Giannantonio in Brazil, Bezzecchi motored off to His fourth win in-a-row. Only the fifth rider to do so; behind Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo and Francesco Bagnaia.

 

Martin finished second, giving the factory Aprilia squad a 1-2 finish at Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna.

 

Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) saw Bezzecchi continuing His domination of MotoGP, claiming a fifth successive victory on the trot, with Martin runner-up again. While Ogura’s Aprilia “done blown Up!” With five laps remaining when in third.

 

“Watching”, Err listening to the Spanish Grand Prix highlights, the announcers screamed Oh No! Marc Marquez has crashed out again! As Marquez was chasing His younger brother Alex who was leading. With Alex snapping Bezzecchi’s win streak with His second win at home in Jerez, the second year in-a-row.

 

Also hearing that it was a belated 30th birthday present to the Spanish rider, with Bezzecchi settling for second.

 

Yet obviously, the biggest “Star” rider to suffer another injury was Marc Marquez at Le Mans Bugatti circuit! Crashing heavily during the Saturday Sprint race, Marquez suffered a broken foot. Then having surgery for both the foot and His shoulder. Removing two damaged screws from a previous surgery.

 

As the reigning MotoGP champion will miss the next few rounds, albeit no idea how long His recovery will take?

 

Listening to the highlights of this year’s French Grand Prix, with no idea Marc Marquez was out. Aprilia made history by claiming its first ever podium lock-out. With Jorge Martin hunting down Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi and winning for the first time in 588 days! The Martinator’s las W’ being at Indonesia in 2024…

 

Bezzecchi had to settle for second, with Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura third. Hearing that it was the First “Dry” podium for a Japanese rider since 2006! And first podium since 2012 “Wet” race.

 

Shinya Nakano was the rider at the 2006 Dutch GP. While Katsuyuki Nakasuga was the rider at the 2012 Grand Prix of Valencia. With both finishing second.

 

Yet what totally baffled me, was hearing the Announcer saying thee Martinator and Ogura very well may become Yamaha’s factory lineup next year, say What?

 

Apparently the door opens for Martin with Fabio Quartararo moving to Honda. And reportedly Francesco Pecco’ Bagnaia will take Martin’s Aprilia seat…

 

Although I cannot fathom why Martin would wish to leave Aprilia, since they’re the bike to have. Although I was totally unaware that next year MotoGP will move to its new 850cc format.

 

Whilst Martin had tried wriggling out of His Aprilia contract a year early last season. So who knows, will Jorge once again take the No. 1 plate to a new manufacturer, a la 2024?

 

Obviously, not if Marco Bezzecchi has anything to say about it! 

MOTO GP: The Show must go On

With riders Deaths and serious injuries just being part of the business…

 

Par of being a one band Blind Word Butcher, aka Basement dwelling Blogger is you can never keep up with the onslaught of racing news. Nor know how much is too Mucho content here upon No Fenders, Eh?

 

Thus being fully ensconced in the single day Qualie’ at Mother Speedway, and awaiting the canned, highlights MotoGP package upon Ye Intrawoods’. Naturally I was totally unaware of the devastating outcome for two of these ultimate Kneedraggers’, i.e.; Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco.

 

Thanks to Raymond Hando’s Musing from the Weekend post on For the Love of Indy Blog, this is where I first became aware there had been two serious crashes at Circuit Barcelona de Catalunya’s Grand Prix.

 

Listening to the highlights, it sounded like KTM’s Pedro Acosta suddenly slowed for no reason. And as His hand shot up to warn riders behind Him, Alex Marquez who was in His slipstream had absolutely nowhere to go! Seeing Marquez presumably “High-side” with His bike’s carbon fibre bits exploding,! Cart-wheeling from striking Acosta’s rear tyre, reportedly at some 250kp/h! Wit the hapless rider tumbling in lock-step with His stricken Ducati thru the gravel trap!

 

Acosta’s Scooter’ had slowed suddenly due to an unexpected electrical problem. While Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo said He had “Goosebumps” riding past the accident scene!

 

Then upon the race’s restart; having been red flagged for Marquez’s savage accident. Pro Honda LCR’s Johann Zarco fell, causing the unexpecting duo of Luca Marini and Francesco Bagnaia to be caught up in Zarco’s accident. With one of Zarco’s leg’s becoming tangled between Bagnaia’s rear wheel and motorcycle!

 

Naturally I was stunned reading Monday morning, following the Catalan Grand Prix that Alex Marquez had suffered a broken neck and shoulder in this incident! Whilst Zarco tore ligaments and had a fibula tear in the ankle region. But acknowledged He hadn’t broken His femur…

 

As I hesitate to even remotely speculate upon Marquez’s injury, while Zarco got off with less serious damages to an extent, albeit will surely also be out of action for awhile.

 

Marquez underwent successful shoulder surgery to repair His fractured right collarbone. With no surgery performed upon His C7 vertebrae.

 

“Not Necessary”: Champion rides say MotoGP should have been Axed 

Golden Tailpipe Awards: The 2025 Streamliner edition, Positions 6-9

Otay Kiddoes', it's that time 'O year again, when I cap off another long, meandering past year's storytelling from thou Isle of Nofendersville, with my Zany End of Year Overall Winners selections…

 

As Y’all know thou Drill here upon Ye Isle ‘O Nofendersville, where the Nights are long and the Days spent type-type-typing Away Way too Mucho on thoust Keyboard! Alas, Once again it’s another long form No Fenders Two part Harmony, Err meandering prose for your consideration

 

As Here goes Nothin', with another Bevy 'O totally Un-Scientific, Zany Random Off Ye Cuff selections made below…

 

CATEGORIES

Rider of The Year, Sports Car Drivers of The Year, Freak of The Year and Quip of The Year

 

6. Rider of Year

Winner: Marco Bezzecci

Funny how I really don’t know anything about this ultimate Kneedragger’. Yet the 27yr old Italian celebrated His birthday in classico style by winning His third MotoGP Grand Prix of the season at Valencia complete with birthday cake and candles!

 

Although Bezzecchi tied with Alex Marquez for second most season wins, with three apiece. Even though Marquez “Jnr” rides for the satellite Gresini squad, and finished second overall vs. Bezzecchi’s third. Gresini do have the superior Ducati Desmosedici GP25 under Thar’ saddles.

 

Thus Bezzecchi gets the nod for riding a non Ducati Scooter’, along with winning three times for the Factory Aprilia outfit, where reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin was supposed to lead the charge, Ole!

 

Other Choices

Alex Marquez, Fabio Quartararo, Pedro Acosta, and Duh! Ye Pinball Wizar, aka Marc Marquez…

 

7. Sports Car Drivers of Year

Winner: Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas

This choice could go to several drivers like Romain Grosjean for wringing the neck out of the Lamborghini SC63, etc. As guessing you could make a case for most of the IMSA GTP drivers, Eh?

 

Chose to give the nod to The Heart Of Racing’s (THOR) regular season drivers Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn, since the Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie was at a deficit the entire season, playing catch-up upon it’s maiden campaign in the IMSA GTP category. Having missed the Rolex 24 for fears of reliability, and the added pressure of racing round the clock twice.

 

Yet this duo, with the addition of third Endurance driver Alex Riberas worked wonders with the crowd favourite shrieking Cossie’ (Cosworth) 6.5-liter normally aspirated V-12. Scoring it’s maiden podium finish at the season finale 10 hours Petit Le Mans with a fabulous second place finish!

 

Other Choices

Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti, Dane Cameron and PJ Hyett, and I suppose Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell

 

8. Freak of Year

Winner: Jorge Martin

Thee Martinator’ started off by High-siding His Aprilia Scooter’ just one hour into MotoGP Pre-season testing, suffering a broken hand and fractured foot! Before the season just went completely Pear Shaped to say the least!

 

Martin broke His opposite hand the Monday prior to the season opening round at Thailand. And then rushed back to action at Qatar where He lost control, got hit and ended up in hospital with eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung, Shiesa!

 

Further endearing Himself to Aprilia, He unwisely tried escaping His contract during recovery, before reneging. Returned to action before breaking His Collarbone at Motegi when colliding with teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Adding insult to injury, by having to serve a double long lap penalty at the season finale at Valencia for causing the collision at Motegi!

 

Honourable Mention

Max Verstappen

Regardless of Max Blunderhead’s adamant dismissal of His ridiculous crashing into Bosom Buddy George Russell in Barcelona. Where Circus Maximus got off lightly with only a ten second time penalty. Nonetheless, Maximus Hothead’s dropping from fifth place to an eventual tenth place finish, cost Him nine points! Before losing the Drivers Championship to Lando Norris by two points…

 

Move “Was Not Right” says frustrated Verstappen

 

Other Choices

Josef Schlick’ Newgarden

 

9. Quip of Year

Winner: “You Fired me Once!”

Those were the cheeky words of Martin BillyBob’ Brundle during His Jeddah Grid Walk, when speaking to HMS Monogram, aka Flavio Briatore. Who replied It was a Mistake…

 

As how many remember that Brundle drove one season for Benetton in 1992? As “Understudy” to someone named Michael Schumacher…

 

Honourable Mention

“In 200 years no one will care. We’ll All be Dead!”

Those were the salient words of Lando Norris Wayback’ in August, when then trailing McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in this year’s title fight. In regards to whether or not He won the championship.

 

“I’ve got four of those trophies at Home”

Typical Max Speak during the three title rivals Thursday press conference preceding the championship weekend’s title decider on Yas Isle. With Verstappen taking it even further by saying He knows what His signature looks like! Since reportedly, every F1 Drivers World Champion “signs” the vaunted championship trophy…

 

As that's a Wrap for the Year Kiddoes, as it's been Ah, Uhm? Oh Yeah, Ah blast as always…

 

Arrivederci

Tomaso 

MOTO GP: The Year of Marc Marquez

Although He didn’t survive the season unscathed…

 

The 2025 MotoGP season was largely ruled by Ye Pinball Wizard, aka Marc Marquez. Although you’d have to say it was split into two parts, i.e.; Pre-Japanese Grand Prix, and Post Japanese Grand Prix. As Motegi brought the inevitable High’s and Low’s to the current and former MotoGP World Champions.

 

This year’s dominant force was Marc Marquez. As the 32 year old Spaniard totally crushed the competition on His Factory Ducati. Winning an impressive total of 11 Grands Prix races. Along with six Sprint race wins and eight poles.

 

As Marquez made His intentions known early, storming out of the gate. Scoring two straight “Clean” sweep weekends in Thailand and Argentina, i.e.; claiming pole and winning both Sprint and Grand Prix races. Before coming up short at the Circuit Of The Americas, (COTA) crashing out of Sunday’s U.S. Grand Prix; round 3 of 22. After claiming pole and winning the Sprint race in Austin.

 

Marquez stamped His authority upon this year’s title by reeling off seven straight Grands Prix wins. From Motorland Aragon in Spain, to the Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary. (Rounds 8-14) Spanning from June 8th to August 24^th

 

Marquez’s points lead was so commanding that He clinched the title when finishing runner-up at Motegi, behind His shrinking violet Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia, with five races remaining.

 

As Bagnaia finished fifth overall, 257 points adrift of Marquez. (545-288) With Marc’s younger brother Alex Marquez, Marco Bezzechi and Pedro Costa sandwiched in-between Him standings wise.

 

Whilst Marc Marquez’s championship triumph was short lived. As the Spainard was involved in a crash with Marco Bezzecchi at Indonesia a week later, suffering a broken right collarbone, the same side as His famous arm injuries. With Doctors discovering during surgery that He’d twisted some titanium screws in the arm! As Ye Pinball Wizard eventually sat out the rest of the season recovering…

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum was reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin, whose debutante season for Aprilia can only be described as a Nightmare! Beginning by crashing only an hour into Pre-season testing at Sepang! Breaking His right Hand and fracturing His left Foot, Yikes!

 

Then on the Monday preceding the season opening round in Thailand, Jorge crashed again. This time breaking His left Hand, forced to sit out the first three round, before making His Aprilia debut at Qatar.

 

Yet this debut seemed rushed, as thee Martinator’ definitely wasn’t 100% physically recovered, and disaster struck again! As Jorge lost control of His Scooter’ with Fabio di Giantonnio having nowhere to go, striking Martin. With Jorge suffering eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung!

 

Martin did little to endear Himself to the team, announcing He planned to leave early, foregoing the second year of His contract due to lack of performance, before ultimately rescinding this  claim during His Qatar injury recovery.

 

Martin returned to action at the Czech Grand Prix on July 20th, (Round 12) before suffering His latest setback. Having collided with Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi at Turn-1 of the Sprint race’s start atMotegi, suffering a broken collarbone.

 

Martin made His seventh Grands Prix weekend start at the season finale in Valencia. Where He served a double long-lap penalty for causing the Motegi collision with Bezzecchi. Before retiring at halfway distance due to lack of physical stamina.

 

Meanwhile, Bezzecchi’s year aboard Aprilia has gone the polar opposite’s of Martin’s. With the Italian celebrating His 27th birthday at Velencia claiming His third MotoGP victory of the season. Having won seven days prior at Portimoa, along with His earlier win at Silverstone.

 

Bezzecchi secured third in the final points standings, and presumably leaves Martin looking over His shoulder, as the Italian becomes Aprilia’s top hope? Whilst Raul Fernandez would likely be “Next Man Up” at Aprilia, since Honda supposedly hasn’t completely closed the door on Martin joining in 2027.

 

Trackhouse Racing’s (Raul) Fernandez scored His maiden MotoGP win Down Under at Phillip  Island (Australia) enroute to finishing 10th overall. While rookie teammate Ai Ogura impressed early season, before ultimately finishing P16 overall.

 

The only other rider with multiple wins were Peco’ Bagnaia winning twice, i.e.; Austin and Motegi. While Alex Marquez finished runner-up overall to brother Marc on the back of three wins aboard the satellite Gresini Duc’. Taking wins at Jerez, Barcelona and Sepang.

 

Alex’s teammate, rookie Fermin Aldeguer won convincingly in Indonesia. With Johann Zarco taking a solitary win at Home on the Le Mans circuit aboard His Castrol LCR Honda in wet weather conditions…

 

Thus three riders scored their debutante MotoGP victories this year, i.e.; Alex Marquez, Raul Fernandez and Fermin Aldeguer.

 

As that’s only the Grands Prix Sunday races, since I’m sure others won some of the Sprint races. Yet as always, Ducati claimed the Lion’s share, with a total of 17 Grands Prix W’s. Followed by four wins from Aprilia and a single win for Honda. Which presumably will continue next year, before the next major regulation change in 2027.

 

As Marc Marquez becomes tied with thee Doctor, aka Valentino Rossi and the great Giacomo Agostini win seven World Championships apiece in the premiere GP500/MotoGP category. And you’d have to say odds favour Marquez winning His eighth title next year… 

MOTO GP: Steiner leads Tech3 Takeover

As may be NetFlix will need to start a Real Housewives of MotoGP series, Eh?

 

Herr Guenther’, aka Guenter Steiner, former Haas F1 Team Principal who resides in North Carolina. Leads a consortium that has bought the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP team from current owner Herve Poncharal, and will take over ownership beginning in 2026.

 

Poncharal will stay on as team consultant next year, and the satellite KTM squad will remain in its base in France, along with all of its current staff.

 

Steiner, (age 60) will be the team’s CEO, with Richard Coleman becoming the new Team Principal, in what’s rumoured to have been a $20m Euros transaction. Apex Management Group and Icon Capital led the group of investors in this purchase. With the deal being announced at the Barcelona MotoGP round.

 

Steiner says that Dorna Sports told Him to “Not F**K IT UP!” As presumably this scratches Herr Guenther’s itch to return to the Paddock, albeit in two wheels instead of four…

 

As Poncharal founded Tech3 in 1990, first contesting the 250cc Grand Prix category, which the team won with Olivier Jacque in 2000 riding a Yamaha.

 

For 2001,  the team based in Bormes les Mimosas, France graduated to the GP500 series, forerunner of today’s MotoGP, continuing with Yamaha. As the team would include the impressive lineup of Ben ELBOZ’ Spies and Colin Edwards in 2010.

 

Tech3 made the shock decision to switch to KTM Scooters’ for the 2019 MotoGP season, becoming KTM’s satellite squad.

 

Miguel Oliveira won His and Tech3’s maiden MotoGP race at Spielberg the following year, on Tech3’s 373rd start. And Oliveira backed this up by winning again at season’s end at His Home race in Portugal.

 

Tech3’s current MotoGP riders are Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, who ranked P14-15 Overall respectively prior to Barcelona. Whilst Tech3 also competes in Moto3 currently with riders Jacob Roulstone and Valentin Perron.

 

Meanwhile, and Don’t tell DC Comics about this! But just think of the fun they could have with Herr Guenther’, Vinales who’s nickname includes Top Gun and Batman. Whilst Bastianini is known as The Beast, just Sayin’, Hya! 

Another lost weekend of Shouting

As Are, You, Excited Now? Speak up you frothing Announcers…

 

Hmm, why did that title make me immediately think of an ‘Ol Rush song titled Between the Wheels, and the words Another Wasteland, Eh? Although it’s actually “another War, Another Wasteland and Another Lost Generation”, Righto Geddy…

 

“To live between the Wars in our time

Living in real time

Living in Good times

Holding on to Yesterdays,

 

You know how that Rabbit feels

Going under your speeding wheels

Wheels can cut you down

But the Wheels of time

Just pass you by”

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1eUnNOvpY

 

Spent the entire weekend of April 11-13 consuming four separate motor racing series, i.e.; IndyCar, IMSA, formula 1 and MotoGP, Gulp! With my primary focus upon Indy Cars at The Beach’, ergo Long Beach. Along with the IMSA Sprint race which featured the return of Robert Wickens; beginning with Friday’s first IndyCar practice session.

 

Catching half of Saturday morning’s second IndyCar practice on (Fox Sports) FS1, as FS2 pulled Ye ‘Ol Switcheroo. Bumping the MotoGP Sprint race to that afternoon in favour of showing us more Bassmasters, Fish On!

 

Then IndyCar’s Qualie’ session capped off by the 140mins IMSA Sports Car “Sprint” race.

 

Next I “watched”, Err listened to the Bahrain Grand Prix Sunday morning, followed by the Long Beach Grand Prix and the nightcap being MotoGP’s delayed airing of the Qatar Grand Prix.

 

Now perhaps it’s just Mwah, but All of these races seemingly blurred into one long set of Boring motor races! Especially both F1 and MotoGP, the latter definitely not worth waiting until 9PM Pacific to watch, Urgh! As what did Raymond Hando say about late race start times ruining your day?

 

So, I didn’t catch the Australian Grand Prix, other than listening to the Highlights package. Being the most exciting of the season’s first four races, largely due to inclement weather, i.e.; passing rain shower…

 

Yet Formula 1 has largely been processional, even though I’m happy that Oscar Piastri has won twice from pole. Other than I hope He won’t get too swell-headed over thinking He can win the championship. As He’d be smart to ask His manager Mark Handlebarz’ Webber how that worked out Yas Isle 15 years ago!

 

Cannot say that IndyCar has been Uber exciting either, albeit at least there’s been passes for the win, even if Alex Palou won the first two races, followed by second place at Long Beach, where effectively Kyle Kirkwood led wire-to-wire from pole.

 

As it’s funny how at least the DW12 seems more capable of following other racecars and allowing for passing, but is this a biproduct of Firestone’s different rubber coumpounds?

 

Whilst Pirelli makes a range of different compound tyres for Formula 1, the choice of five various compounds in this range seems to be too small for meaningful tyre performance drop-off. As just consider how many drivers ran a one stop race at Shanghai…

 

As it’s even more funny how the current F1 chassis regulations introduced in 2022 were specifically designed to allow for the trailing car to run closer behind and encourage passing! Yet the ten F1 Constructors designs has seemingly converged to the point that this is no longer applicable.

 

Making a Farce of Formula 1 further, is the FIA instituting a mandatory second tyre stop at Monaco this year, to artificially induce some passing upon the narrow streets of Ye Principality, where overtaking is nye impossible…

 

Meanwhile, Team Penske and it’s factory Porsche 963’s have been untouchable. With the team’s No. 7 entry having won the first three races, Yawn! As don’t know if Long Beach was their second 1-2 finish?

 

Whilst Ye Pinball Wizard’, aka Marc Marquez returned to His domineering, winning ways in Qatar. Claiming His fourth, consecutive pole, along with four consecutive Sprint races on the trot. Plus His third Grand Prix win in Doha, Yawn!

 

Oops, what about the Shouting you might be saying? As I just don’t understand why the various TV Announcers think they need to Shout at us to get excited?

 

Although I did tune-in to my very first dosage of the new FOX TV announce lineup. For which I must say, Will Buxton seemed completely, totally out of place!

 

While Jack Harvey didn’t seem “Stiff” to Mwah, just think it’s His dry, British accent coming across…

 

As my favourite Announce Duo of the weekend was IMSA Radio’s John Heindhaugh and Ryan Marin during the Long Beach Sprint race. As Marin manages to interject enthusiasm without shouting or screaming. And Heindhaugh’s always entertaining.

 

Whilst the King of Screamers Kroftie’, aka Sky sports f1 lead Pundit David Kroft was doing His usual bit to keep me awake thru another boring F1 race!

 

And I don’t wanna say that the Long Beach IndyCar race was boring, But! Even Mark Gravelly’ James didn’t bother shouting euphorically over Kirk Kirwood winning, which speaks volumes to Mwah.

 

Yeah, it’s gonna be a Gory long, Hard season of motor racing, if this it what will typically transpire the rest of the year, outside that ‘lil ‘Ol Oval track at 16th and Georgetown. Provided we Don’t have more multiple faux Red Flag stoppages, or some Golf game on Thy Telie!

 

Then again, I suppose a boring race weekend is better than NO racing at all, Eh?

 

Partial song lyrics from: Between the Wheels by Rush. From their 1984 Album Grace Under Pressure. 

Think You’re Having A Bad Day?

As perhaps I should have chosen U2’s Sunday, Bloody Sunday instead?

 

Naturally, Y’all can figure out why that ‘Ol “Tell Me why I Don’t like Mondays” song I Don’t like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats springs to mind here, Righto?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yteMugRAc0

 

As I realize it’s what He gets paid millions of dollars, Euros whatever to do for a living, but you’ve still got to feel for thee Martinator’s Nightmarish year! And how much things would be going differently if not romping on that cold Michelin tyre at Sepang during pre-season testing Wayback’ in February…

 

Thus we know that Jorge Martin crashed heavily and broke His hand and fractured a foot during that test outing. Requiring surgery to His right hand to place a screw in a metacarpal. While His left foot was left to heel on it’s own.

 

Then on the Monday preceding the season opener Thailand MotoGP race, Martin injured Himself again in a training accident. Suffering multiple fractures to His left hand, including the thumb carpal! Needing further surgery to repair His broken wrist…

 

Martin ultimately missed the first three rounds at Thailand, Argentina and Circuit Of the Americas, (COTA) before making His Aprilia debut at Qatar.

 

Now I could play Monday morning Quarterback here, but that seems pointless. As All racing drivers and riders seemingly live under the mantra of you’re only as good as your last race. And you don’t want to be out of circulation too long, less being forgotten or replaced…

 

Yet with the amount of physical pain Jorge was enduring at Qatar, it now seems obvious He rushed His return to racing, before disaster struck once again the Hapless, reigning MotoGP World champion.

 

Arse-suming Y’all know that Martin lost control of His motorcycle during Sunday’s Grand Prix, with Fabio di Giannantonio directly behind Him. With the Italian rider having nowhere to go and striking the fallen Martin in the back on-track with His front wheel!

 

Jorge ultimately suffered eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung! Staying in Hospital for several days with a chest tube to drain fluids from His lung cavity before being released. But having to wait for His lung to sufficiently heal, i.e.; one to three weeks before being cleared to fly home, due to the altitude’s pressure difference. Before further treatment, rest and recovery, all under the supervision of His phalanx of medical professionals, i.e. Doctors and Physio’ commencess…

 

Martin will obviously miss several more races, with scuttlebutt suggesting the Spaniard will be out of action a further three months, with test rider Lorenzo Savadori further deputizing at Jerez, and presumably afterwards.

 

Yeah, now I know Why I don’t like Mondays… 

Alien Shivers in Lone Star State

But at least like All Ghoulish Ghosts, He didn’t Break any bones!

 

Whale’, my original working title was COTA Ghost Haunts Marquez, or something to that effect. Although when attending multiple U.S. grands Prix at Circuit Of The Americas, I believe that Austin Sherpa Claudio told me that they were Aliens! Although back then I think that The doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi was the lead Alien, ci? With Jorge Lorenzo and Rossi’s arch nemesis Ye Pinball Wizard, aka Marc Marquez making up this trio of Kneedraggers’ who could simply do things out of this world on their Scooters!

 

Although before I attended those COTA rounds over a decade ago, the Aliens were known to be Rossi, Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and apparently even Danni Pedrosa was included…

 

Whilst don’t know about Y’all, but I’m getting really tired of playing TV Network Wackamole for MotoGP! And after first thinking that Tru TV was Dropping the Ball again, since I couldn’t find the Austin round of MotoGP on it’s programming lineup. I was surprised to discover that it was on Fox Sports now instead…

 

Although not sure how effective hosting the premiere Kneedraggers motorcycle racing on the planet on FS1 and FS2 is? Hmm, makes me think of IndyCar and Motorsports, sans NASCAR getting third or fourth preference, but I digress!

 

As others will already be far ahead of Mwah, since it wasn’t until after COTA that I discovered that Fox Sports had inked a multi-year contract to host MotoGP beginning this season. While I have to say that I found last year’s Tru TV and Turner Sports Simulcast of the former Eurosports coverage far superior…

 

Although I didn’t know about it until after Sunday, Ye Pinball Wizard reportedly had His first crash aboard the Werks’ Ducati during Friday practice, which sounds like it was an outlier of things to come, Eh?

 

During Saturday’s Sprint race, Marc Marquez left an ominous, long black rubber streak upon the circuit when He nearly went down during the beginning stages of the Sprint. When being harried by Pecco’ Bagnaia and brother Alex for the lead! Yet Marc managed to inexplicably save His “slide” by simply putting the Hammer down and romping off for what the announcers gushed over being “Five for Five, in 25!”

 

As Marquez had set history to that point, having claimed all three pole positions, all three Sprint races, and both Sunday races to date.

 

But All streaks must come to an end sometime, to which Marquez’s was no exception. Seemingly enroute to another dominating victory on Sunday, leading by a comfortable 2.2-seconds. Marquez planted His front tyre on the white kerbing which still had some Slippery liquids on it. Lost traction and control of His bike and presto-change-O-O-Oh’, Crashed whilst leading!

 

As I have to say I admired Marquez’s spirit and determination to not Quit, which is probably why He’s a multi-times MotoGP World Champion! Even though He’d destroyed His all important fairing, along with ripping off a footpeg. Marquez tried soldiering on in P18 and dropping for five more laps before retiring.

 

As the announcers prattled on about how you simply cannot ride a modern MotoGP bike without a fairing due to the incessant buffeting. Especially when you’re doing routine laps above 300 Clicks’, i.e.; over 186mph, Sheisa! Since I think they were reaching 200mph at COTA?

 

Whilst I haven’t even discussed the pre-race rain shower that reaked havoc upon the grid. As Fabio Quartararo crashed during a “sighting” lap when trying to navigate the wet Ash-fault’ on a “Dry” Scooter’, i.e.; dry, slick tyres. With satellite Yamahopper’ rider  (Jack) Thriller’ Miller stopping to pick up the French rider.

 

Have to say it was during that Saturday’s Sprint race when Marquez almost crashed that I began wondering to myself how long it will be until He crashes again? And how long until He injurs Himself again?

 

Since Sunday’s race saw Werks’ Ducati teammate Bagnaia picking up the pieces after having aggressively broken up the Marquez train, as the two Spanish riders have been glued together, finishing 1-2 in every event until Sunday! As Pecco’ had barged His way into second place before Marquez crashed out!

 

As have to say the rider I’m most impressed by early on is Alex Marquez, the younger and mostly overlooked brother of Marc. Who’s been outstanding on the satellite Gresini squad on it’s year old Desmosedici GP24 Duc’. Leaving Austin with the MotoGP championship points lead, by one marker ahead of His brother. Having finished Vice champion, Err runner-up in all six races…

 

Another rider who’s impressed Mwah is Japanese MotoGP rookie Ai Ogura, riding for the Trackhouse MotoGP Team, on the “second” tier Aprilia outfit’s bikes.

 

As believe He netted an impressive fourth place finish in the season opener at Thailand, and was sixth overall prior to Qatar. Where Aprilia’s top Dawg’ and reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin will make His debut for the Italian manufacturer, having been medically cleared by MotoGP on Thursday, prior to Qatar’s Friday practice.

 

As it was just plain weird not having thee Martinator’ on the MotoGP grid these past three events. Since with a nickname like that, you’d Arse-sume’ He’d fall into thoust “Alien” category, Eh?

 

Although Jorge’s certainly being Haunted by the Ghouls of Christmas Past right now! 

Disappointment abounds over Airwaves, at Racetrack

Can you Hear me now Fox and IndyCar Radio? As I just remembered that ‘Ol Internet  Error code 404…

 

Jumping ahead of myself here. But as David Land recently used the word “Optics” in His discussion regarding the Thermal Club IndyCar race. I’d have to say that MotoGP has a Ginormous optics issue Stateside!

 

As seriously, the lone United States Grand Prix isn’t even aired live, WTF! And dually treated like the proverbial Red Headed Step Seester’ by being aired at 6:30PM Pacific on FS1. Although that’s only if the NASCAR race at Martinsville doesn’t run long, or the NHRA experience any problems…

 

As how many people will either know about where the MotoGP race is being broadcasted or care about tuning in?

 

“It’s A Shame, such A Shame

No one was able to ease the pain

A Red-Headed Wild Flower

Growing in the wrong garden”

 

Sing it Little River Band…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAe7ARwDYzU

 

Yet this No Fenders post is supposed to be about the Thermal Club IndyCar race, along with the Chinese Grand Prix Formula 1 held in Shanghai, which for Mwah, were both fairly processional races. Whilst I’ll leave the debate over whether or not IndyCar should return to the Thermal Club for others to pontificate over.

 

Surely Y’all have read, heard or witnessed FOX’s “Brownout” during the Thermal Club IndyCar race. Which according to the IndyStar’s Nathan Browne lasted for 20 mins from approximately lap 28 to 42, when a circuit breaker “tripped” itself in one of the two IMS Productions Broadcast Trucks. As the root cause seems to have been the Heat, with the Fahrenheit nudging up against 90 degrees ambient.

 

Yet one must say it’s a sad state of affairs when your default is to switch to the NASCAR race in progress whilst trying to fix this failure…

 

Being ensconced once again on the tranquil Vashon Island for the St Pete IndyCar season opener. I grew very annoyed with the multiple Dumping's the IndyCar Radio Broadcast had during the race. Even totally losing the broadcast twice, for which I just had to wonder if it was our internet service on Ye Island? Although as far as I know, no Washington Sate ferry’s have “accidently” cut any telecommunications cables from the Mainland, but I digress…

 

Yet the Thermal Club’s IndyCar Radio broadcast mimicked St Pete’s, Urgh! As perhaps the new IMS Production trucks have a new Bark ‘O Meter installed? Since it seems that whenever Mark Gravelly’ James goes into full-stop manufactured frothing, Screaming excitement, the Intrawoods’ drops the broadcast! Thus again, the programme went “Dark” on the opening lap of the race, as I frantically refreshed the page to try finding out what I’d missed? When apparently Sparky’, aka Devlin DeFrancesco tried His Bestest Paul Tracy Chrome Horn treatment on ScottyMac’, ergo Scott McLaughlin. With Sparky’ chirping at McLaughlin after the race…

 

Then again, the Internets’ feed Dumped when James went into a lather over Alex Palou chasing down the race’s leader Pato O’Ward, WTF! Actually it was All of the excitement over Palou going wheel-to-wheel with Christian Lundgaard which I had to frantically refresh. And then again at the finish of the race!

 

Hmm, perhaps the new, waxed string used for IndyCar Radio events melted in the Coachella Valley Heat, Eh?

 

And this doesn’t include when the broadcast was dropped momentarily before resuming broadcasting. With James noting how they’d lost timing and scoring during the race, presumably when FOX had gone Dark for those twenty minutes.

 

Although there was less dropping of the broadcast for this second race of the season. Nonetheless, when Dumping at the race’s crucial points, it just makes the whole event feel overly disjointed and somewhat hard to enjoy! Since after all I’d Arse-sume that most of us loyal, diehard racing Aficionados tune-in for entertainments sake, Eh? And I’d guess that the touted Youth Generation Demographic IndyCar is so desperately chasing doesn’t put up with such continuing nonsense!

 

Meanwhile,you’d have to say that the Chinese Grand Prix was even duller than the IndyCar race, for which I was happy with the outcome of Oscar Piastri, my Numero doce F1 driver leading wire-to-wire. As the only real excitement during the Sunday morning’s 9AM Pacific replay,Err Encore presentation with copious amounts of the Mothers shoe Polish lady Nicole Briscoe’s insessant interuptions was the Ferrari Boyz’ playing Argie-Bargie. As what front wing endplate Ma? As Leclerc is Faster than you Louis, please confirm…

 

Nope, the real Shanghai fireworks occurred some three hours after the race, when both Suderiea cars were DQ’ed, the first time in Ferrari’s 75yr history to have both racecars disqualified from an event! Although Pierre Gasly’s Alpine was also disqualified.

 

Both Gasly and Leclerc’s cars were disqualified due to being underneath the minimum weight, presumably due to running ultra-long stints on the Hard Pirelli tyre compound, having both been one kilo underweight, i.e.; 2.2lbs.

 

As recall that George Russell was stripped of His victory at Spa-Francorchamps last year when suffering a similar fate, having run an extra-long stint on the hard rubber compound, albeit several other drivers at Shanghai also ran long stints to no detriment. Meaning that Ferrari and Alpine simply cut the margins too close.

 

Hamilton’s Ferrari SF25 was disqualified for excessive plank wear, with the minimum allowance being 9mm after race’s end. WithLouis’s Ferrari measuring 8.6mm on both the RHS and Centerline, and 8.5mm on the LHS, or visa-versa, since I don’t remember now. Other than the “Jabarock” glass infused “plank” to prevent teams from running their chassis too low was worn below the minimum ground clearance, and so it goes…

 

And that’s before we even get to Red Bull’s latest round of Driver Whackamole! Whilst hopefully IndyCar can sort out it’s media transmissions issues before Long Beach, which presumably will be another Hot race? 

MotoGP’s 2025 Season gets off to Rough Start

Even though The Boyz’ are Back on the Championship Trail now…

 

Yeah, it’s old news over the spate ‘O crashes during the Sepang Pre-season test prior to going racing at Thailand on March 2nd. As MotoGP seems to be the hardest of the major racing categories for me to follow, other than “Watching”, Err listening via TruTV, even if my Gory Freakin’ Cable TV bill just increased again, seriously Spectrum? Right, I keep forgetting Spectrum’s motto, We Care, chuh-Ching!

 

Thus we know that thee Martinator’, nee Jorge Martin crashed heavily and broke His hand and fractured a foot during testing, reportedly also shattering His helmet’s visor upon landing violently! Requiring surgery to His right hand to place a screw in a metacarpal. While supposedly His left foot wasn’t operated on.

 

As I’d have to say that Moto Matter’s David Emmett gave the most “clear” observation of what really happened at Sepang during Martin’s “High-side” crash on Day-1 of testing. Noting how Aprilia Boss Massimo Rivola’s “Job” is to shield His star rider from media  criticism. Blaming Michelin for Jorge’s crash, while the tyre supplier’s infra-red tyre casing sensor noted Martin’s inside tyre temperature being lower than prescribed.

 

Thus I’d agree that Martin simply pushed to hard too soon on a “cold” Michelin tyre and paid the price for His normal aggressiveness just an hour into testing…

 

Meanwhile Aprilia satellite Trackhouse Racing rider Raul Fernandez also crashed at Sepang on Day-1, breaking a meta carpel in His hand a la Martin; with no word if both Aprilia crashes were tyre related?

 

Whilst sadly, one of my many favourite MotoGP riders, Fabio di Giannantonio broke His collarbone at Sepang when doing a “Wheelie” that went wrong, Butterfingers!

 

All three riders underwent immediate surgery in Europe. With both Martin and di Giannantonio skipping the final Pre-season test on February 10-12 at the Chang International Circuit in order to be fit for the season opener. While Trackhouse confirmed that Fernandez would attempt to take part in the final test at Buriran, in order to get more valuable “Saddle”, Err Seat-time.

 

Whilst I’ve no idea how long di Giannantonio’s injury recovery time will be? Although Arse-sume He’ll be racing with a titanium plate or hardware attached to His damaged collarbone in order to resume racing…

 

Then on the Monday preceding the season opener Thailand MotoGP race, Martin injured Himself again in a training accident. This time suffering multiple fractures to His left hand, including the thumb carpal!

 

Thus Jorge needed further surgery to repair His broken wrist. And was set to miss at least the Thailand race with test rider Lorenzo Savadori replacing Him. Although I don’t see how Martin will be suitably recovered for the Argentina round a Fortnight later.

 

Having been away on Holiday once again, Groan! During both the Thai and Argentine Grands Prix, obviously I don’t know the current health status of these three riders, albeit Martin seems the most doubtful to have raced yet?

 

Whilst naturally, I Arse-sume that di Giannantonio and Fernandez have been competing, and that Ducati as typical has won the first two rounds at Thailand and Argentina. Presumably an intra-team scrum between Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. For which are Emmett’s choice for who’ll win this year’s MotoGP title. As talk about going out on a limb with that prediction…

 

And will this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) see Ye Pinball Wizard’, nee Marc Marquez return to His throne as King of COTA, now that He’s once again on a fully competitive Scooter’, having crushed the competition so far!

 

Whilst in my absence, Jorge Martin divulged the Thursday prior to the Argentine GP that His recovery was taking longer then expected. And that not only would He not compete in Argentina, but would also definitely miss the COTA round. Along with prossibly the following Qatar Grand Prix. Which I’m guessing He’ll miss. Meaning theMartinator’ will presumably miss at least the first four rounds of this year’s MotoGP Championship, scuttling His title defense…