Vr46 :Everything you want to know about ADV News, Photos & Exclusive stories.

Valentino Rossi's VR46 MotoGP team has made a late rider change for the season-ending Solidarity Grand Prix in Valencia. Michele Pirro will step in to replace Andrea Iannone, who had filled in for the injured Fabio Di Giannantonio at the Malaysian GP. Iannone, who made a comeback to MotoGP after a four-year absence, struggled with upper body pain during the Malaysian GP. Despite his best efforts, he could only manage a 17th-place finish. Due to these physical limitations, he will not participate in the Valencia GP. Ducati's test rider, Michele Pirro, will seize this opportunity to race at Valencia. This rare chance to compete in a MotoGP race will provide valuable track time and data for Ducati ahead of post-race testing. Pirro has been a consistent presence in MotoGP, participating in at least one race every year since 2012.

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Michele Pirro said: 'First of all, thanks to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Ducati for this great opportunity to close the season on a MotoGP. It is always nice to race in this category and then also with Valentino's colours, whom I thank together with Uccio and Pablo. I send a big hug to Fabio, he was doing really well but not being 100% physically fit on this engine size is complicated and next year he really has a great opportunity with the GP25. It will be interesting for me to race on the GP23, I will be able to see where we have made some steps forward. I have no expectations for the race, but I am happy to race, also for all the people affected by the floods in Valencia, and I hope to honour the Team and the working group. See you on the track!'

<h2>MotoGP Barcelona GP: The Solidarity Grand Prix</h2>

The 2023 MotoGP season will reach its dramatic conclusion at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya next week. Due to the damage caused by recent flooding at the Valencia circuit, the final race of the season has been relocated to the Spanish venue.

<img alt="MotoGP 1 " height="720" src="/uploads/2024/11/MotoGP-1-.jpg" width="1280" />

The championship battle between Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia and Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin is poised to go down to the wire. With Martin holding a 24-point lead and a maximum of 37 points still up for grabs, the title is far from decided.

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Barcelona will also mark a bittersweet moment for Aleix Espargaro, who was originally scheduled to retire at Valencia. The Spanish rider will now say goodbye to full-time MotoGP competition on his home track. After the season, Espargaro will transition to a new role as an HRC test rider, with occasional wildcard appearances.

MotoGP: Ducati Test Rider Michele Pirro Replaces Andrea Iannone at VR46 for Barcelona GP

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will take the reins of the GP23 MotoGP bike for the season finale at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Former MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone is making a surprise comeback to the Grand Prix circuit. He will replace the injured Fabio Di Giannantonio at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, riding for the VR46 Ducati team. Di Giannantonio, who dislocated his shoulder at the Austrian GP, was forced to end his season early to undergo surgery. His final race, the Thai GP, saw him achieve a strong fourth-place finish. With Di Giannantonio out, Iannone's name emerged as a top contender to replace the Italian and the VR46 team has now confirmed his participation in the upcoming Malaysian GP. Whether he will also race in the season-ending Valencia GP remains uncertain.

Andrea Iannone said: Riding the world champion bike is thrilling. MotoGP is the most technological and high-performing motorcycle; I am honoured that they thought of me, and I felt compelled to seize this opportunity as soon as it was offered to me. The challenge is definitely crazy, complex, and important, as I haven’t ridden a bike of this category for years and haven’t done any testing.

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'I am excited to work with Ducati and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, both for the very high level and for the friendship that has linked us for years. I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto, Gigi Dall’Igna, Claudio Domenicali, and Mauro Grassilli.'

<h2>MotoGP and Andrea Iannone&nbsp;</h2>

<img alt="MotoGP VR46 Andrea Iannone 1 " height="720" src="/uploads/2024/10/MotoGP-VR46-Andrea-Iannone-1-.jpg" width="1280" />

Andrea Iannone had a promising MotoGP career cut short due to a doping scandal. In 2019, Iannone, then riding for Aprilia, tested positive for a banned substance. He claimed that the positive test was a result of consuming contaminated meat while in Malaysia. However, this defense was rejected, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) successfully appealed to extend his ban to four years.

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This lengthy ban effectively ended Iannone's MotoGP career. After years of absence, he will be making a comeback, participating in a single race as a replacement rider. This short-lived return sparked discussions and debates within the motorsport community.

MotoGP: VR46 Announces Andrea Iannone as Fabio di Giannantonio's Replacement for 2024

Iannone’s MotoGP career ended on a low note after he tested positive for Drostanolone following the 2019 Malaysian GP, resulting in an 18-month ban that damaged his reputation. Now, he’s set to make a comeback, joining the VR46 team for his return to the sport.

Ducati has announced a partnership with the VR46 Racing Team. This two-year agreement was announced on the eve of the British Grand Prix. Ducati's previous exclusive factory support for Pramac Racing will conclude at the end of this season, with the latter team now aligning with Yamaha. In response, Ducati has deepened its collaboration with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 squad. In 2025, VR46 will receive comprehensive technical and sporting staff from Ducati. However, unlike the previous arrangement with Pramac, which included two factory-specification motorcycles, VR46 will field a single factory-spec machine. As a result, Ducati's allocation of top-tier motorcycles will be reduced to three for the upcoming season. The third GP25 is anticipated to be assigned to Fabio di Giannantonio, who is expected to secure a direct contract with Ducati, joining factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez on the grid.

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Alessio Salucci, Team Director Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team said: 'I can only be proud to announce that from the next year the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will be the Ducati Factory Supported Team in MotoGP. We will be on track with an official bike and a GP24. If they had said it a few years ago, I wouldn't have believed it. It's a truly significant moment for the entire group: having achieved this result in just three years, with a young team, with so many guys with us from Moto3, is something extraordinary. I want to thank all the people who work in the Team, the partners, in particular Pertamina Lubricants, Ducati and Gigi Dall'Igna for having believed in this project and having today managed to enhance it as it deserves. We have demanding years ahead of us, full of challenges, but we can't wait to test ourself and try to achieve ambitious results.'

<img alt="MotoGP VR46 Ducati Deal" height="720" src="/uploads/2024/08/MotoGP-VR46-Ducati-Deal.jpg" width="1280" />

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Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall'Igna said: ‘From day one, the VR46 Racing Team has shown its ability to work in perfect harmony with Ducati, and in recent years, we achieved important results together. We are happy, therefore, to be able to fortify our relationship further, providing the Pesaro-based team with full factory support starting next season. I am sure that together we can achieve other significant goals! Once again, I would like to thank Valentino, Uccio, Pablo, and all the people working with the team with great passion and dedication.’

While VR46 Racing Team has yet to officially confirm its rider lineup for the 2025 season, it is widely anticipated that Franco Morbidelli will join from Pramac Racing to partner with Fabio di Giannantonio.

MotoGP: Ducati Factory Support Confirmed for VR46 Team Starting 2025

The multi-year agreement grants Valentino Rossi’s VR46 MotoGP team access to the latest Ducati Desmosedici GP motorcycle and comprehensive technical support from Ducati.

The VR46 squad will debut their new "Pertamina" livery at an event in Italy later this month. The Indonesian oil company Pertamina has taken over as the new title sponsor for Valentino Rossi's team for the next third season in the premier class, replacing Mooney. Asmirandi Noor Huda, brand communications manager at Pertamina, revealed the debut date to TMC Blog as January 24th in Italy, while VR46 has not officially announced it. A hectic week of MotoGP launches begins with the Gresini Ducati on January 20, followed by the factory Ducati Lenovo team on the 22nd.

In 2023, VR46 made history by winning its first MotoGP races and, for a short time, sharing the lead in the world championship with Marco Bezzecchi. For the 2024 season, Bezzecchi will be back at the helm of the squad's equipment, which is a year old Ducati. Fabio di Giannantonio, winner of the Qatar Grand Prix, joins him from Gresini to replace Luca Marini.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-luca-marini-hails-honda-as-the-best-in-history-115774/">MotoGP: Luca Marini Hails Honda as the 'Best in History'</a>

<h2>MotoGP: VR46 and Pertamina&nbsp;</h2>

For the next three premier class seasons, Valentino Rossi's VR46 MotoGP team will be sponsored by the Indonesian oil giant Pertamina. The squad will be known as the Pertamina Enduro V46 Racing Team starting in the 2024 season. Notably, the announcement of Pertamina's entry into premier class title sponsorship occurred over the same weekend as the Indonesian Grand Prix, and the company is also the title sponsor of that race. According to VR46 Team Director Alessio Salucci, the upcoming alliance is "crucial" for Rossi's operation to keep its competitive advantage in MotoGP for the upcoming seasons.

<h2>MotoGP: VR46 and Yamaha</h2>

An important decision will be made in the next months by the VR46 team as they near the end of their contract with Ducati. The Valentino Rossi team has to consider Desmosedici's competitive advantage with respect to the monetary rewards Yamaha may give as a supplier.

The VR46 team seems like the most likely candidate to receive the two M1s from Yamaha, considering the undeniable charisma that Rossi still possesses for the brand. This is especially proven by his recent agreement to be the company's principal ambassador until the end of 2024. Rossi is still a major attraction in MotoGP, even if he retired two years ago.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-ducatis-gigi-dalligna-anticipates-a-wider-gap-between-factory-and-satellite-teams-bikes-in-2024-115658/">MotoGP: Ducati's Gigi Dall’Igna Anticipates a Wider Gap Between Factory and Satellite Teams' Bikes in 2024</a>

Although VR46's Ducatis were a year old for the 2023 MotoGP season, they were more competitive than Fabio Quartararo's and Franco Morbidelli's Yamaha teams. With Bezzecchi at the wheel, VR46 was a formidable competitor for the MotoGP title. The squad is planning for another successful season in their current configuration in 2024 before making a much-discussed, maybe major, shift.

<a href="https://tmcblog.com/2024/01/05/pertamina-enduro-vr46-racing-team-akan-dirilis-24-januari-2024/">Source</a>

MotoGP: VR46 Likely to Unveil New Livery on January 24

The VR46 Racing Team has started to disclose details about its collaboration with Indonesian sponsors, particularly Pertamina Enduro, for the MotoGP 2024 season.

VR46's Marco Bezzecchi has won the first-ever Indian MotoGP.&nbsp;Francesco Bagnaia's massive error moves Jorge Martin closer to the championship lead. Bagnaia and Martin went toe-to-toe throughout the opening half of the race, as Bezzecchi faded into the distance. After appearing to have beaten the Pramac rider on the entry to turn 5, the reigning champion crashed. With Bagnaia out of the way, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo was able to take home his second podium of the year. The Frenchman came close to taking second from a weary Martin as the latter went wide on the penultimate lap. The Spaniard quickly rallied, retaking second place from Quartararo by the narrowest of margins before skipping Parc Ferme to ask for water from his pit box. Brad Binder of KTM finished in fifth place, with Joan Mir of Honda in sixth, his highest finish of the season.&nbsp;

<h2>MotoGP Bharat GP: Grand Prix of India Race Result</h2>

Behind the trio of Ducatis, Marc Marquez was running in fourth place when he lost control on the brakes and went down at Turn 1. Marquez rejoined in 16th place and moved up to ninth. Espargaro had to return to the pits at the halfway point due to a technical issue, joining Augusto Fernandez along with Fabio di Giannantonio.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The race winning trophy presented by the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myogiadityanath</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianGP</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/7Ufi1JzevC">pic.twitter.com/7Ufi1JzevC</a>
— MotoGP (@MotoGP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/1705901305095446575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-indian-gp-2024-dates-announced-race-to-take-place-on-october-6-114719/" rel="bookmark" title="MotoGP: 2024 Indian GP Race to Take Place in India on October 6 at the Buddh International Circuit">MotoGP: 2024 Indian GP Race to Take Place in India on October 6 at the Buddh International Circuit</a>

Both Alex Marquez and Luca Marini suffered fractures on Saturday, ruling them out of today's race. In qualifying for the Sprint race, Alex Marquez injured three ribs, and Marini shattered his left collarbone after he collided with teammate Marco Bezzecchi on Turn 1. Both of them won't be able to make it to the Japanese Grand Prix this coming weekend, either.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="410">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" width="64">Pos</td>
			<td width="171">Rider</td>
			<td width="175">Team</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">1</td>
			<td>Marco Bezzecchi</td>
			<td>Mooney VR46 Ducati</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">2</td>
			<td>Jorge Martin</td>
			<td>Pramac Ducat</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">3</td>
			<td>Fabio Quartararo</td>
			<td>Monster Yamah</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">4</td>
			<td>Brad Binder</td>
			<td>Red Bull KT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">5</td>
			<td>Joan Mir</td>
			<td>Repsol Honda</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">6</td>
			<td>Johann Zarco</td>
			<td>Pramac Ducati</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">7</td>
			<td>Franco Morbidelli</td>
			<td>Monster Yamaha</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">8</td>
			<td>Maverick Viñales</td>
			<td>Aprilia Factory&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">9</td>
			<td>Marc Marquez</td>
			<td>Repsol Honda&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">10</td>
			<td>Raul Fernandez</td>
			<td>RNF Aprilia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">11</td>
			<td>Takaaki Nakagami</td>
			<td>LCR Honda&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">12</td>
			<td>Miguel Oliveira</td>
			<td>RNF Aprilia&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">13</td>
			<td>Pol Espargaro</td>
			<td>Tech3 GASGAS&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">14</td>
			<td>Jack Miller</td>
			<td>Red Bull KTM&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">15</td>
			<td>Stefan Bradl</td>
			<td>LCR Honda&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">16</td>
			<td>Michele Pirro</td>
			<td>Ducati Lenovo&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">DNF</td>
			<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio</td>
			<td>Gresini Ducati</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">DNF</td>
			<td>Francesco Bagnaia</td>
			<td>Ducati Lenovo&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">DNF</td>
			<td>Aleix Espargaro</td>
			<td>Aprilia Factory</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">DNF</td>
			<td>Augusto Fernandez</td>
			<td>Tech3 GASGAS&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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<h2>MotoGP Bharat GP: Honda’s Joan Mir Finish 5th</h2>

<img alt="MotoGP Honda 1 " height="720" src="/uploads/2023/09/MotoGP-Honda-1-.jpg" width="1280" />

Joan Mir had a strong weekend finish, moving up to 5 place overall. He also left the queue with the first bunch. He maintained a steady pace throughout the race and finished fifth, his best finish of the year. Mir now has 11 points heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, which Honda will be hosting.

Márquez continued his strong Sunday performance and moved up to the front of the pack during the start of the race. On lap six of the race, though, he was involved in a minor crash that dropped him many places in the standings. The Repsol Honda Team rider re-entered the race in 16th place but made up significant ground to finish ninth.

<a href="https://twitter.com/Michelin_Sport/status/1705894713658646711/photo/2">Source</a>

MotoGP Bharat GP: VR46's Marco Bezzecchi Wins Inaugural Indian GP at BIC; Martin, Quartararo Complete Podium

Mooney VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi created history when he won the first Grand Prix of India at Greater Noida's Buddh International Circuit. Jorge Martin of Ducati finished in second, just edging out Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha for the podium.

Marco Bezzecchi claims pole position for the inaugural Indian MotoGP at the Buddh International Circuit. In addition to the VR46 rider, Jorge Martin and reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who has had multiple spectacular braking moments with his rear tyre high in the air, will make up the all-Ducati front row. However, on the second row, Joan Mir surprised everyone by finishing ahead of Marc Marquez and the rest of the Desmosedici riders to take fifth place. Mir and Marquez both tried to beat Bagnaia by running behind him in the slipstream. When the start of the session was delayed, Aleix Espargaro was released from the pits but had to wait at the end of the pit lane. He was upset with his Aprilia crew. After being forced back to the garage by several Moto3 mechanics, the Spaniard let his frustrations be known. Similarly to Raul Fernandez, Alex Marquez advanced through Qualifying 1, although Alex Marquez was forced to sit out of Qualifying 2 after sustaining injuries to his hand and ribs in a highside. Now, Marquez must undergo additional examinations at the hospital.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-bharat-gp-rider-praises-buddh-international-circuits-technical-layout-after-fridays-indian-gp-114716/" rel="bookmark" title="MotoGP Bharat GP: Riders Praise Buddh International Circuit’s Technical Layout After Friday’s Indian GP">MotoGP Bharat GP: Riders Praise Buddh International Circuit’s Technical Layout After Friday’s Indian GP</a>

<h2>MotoGP Bharat GP: Qualifying Result</h2>

<img alt=" Marco Bezzecchi From VR46" height="720" src="/uploads/2023/05/-Marco-Bezzecchi-from-VR46.jpg" width="1280" />

Fabio Di Giannantonio was the fastest&nbsp;rider who did not make it out of Q1, missing out by only 0.010 seconds due to his injured Gresini teammate's poor performance. Brad Binder (KTM) led Q1 in the starting, but his first flyer after a tyre change only improved marginally before yellow flags relegated him to 14th place as a pained Marquez struggled to escape the crash site. Due to Binder's unfortunate timing, all four KTM RC16s were left stranded in Q1, making KTM the worst-performing manufacturer of the day.

After receiving input from riders and tyre suppliers on Friday about the hot and humid conditions, event organisers decided to reduce the MotoGP Sprint, Moto2, and Moto3 races by one lap, and the MotoGP Grand Prix by three laps.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="617">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" width="64">Pos</td>
			<td width="205">Rider</td>
			<td width="182">Team</td>
			<td width="64">&nbsp;</td>
			<td width="102">Time</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">1</td>
			<td>Marco Bezzecchi</td>
			<td>Mooney VR46 Ducati&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'43.947s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">2</td>
			<td>Jorge Martin</td>
			<td>Pramac Ducati</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.043s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">3</td>
			<td>Francesco Bagnaia</td>
			<td>Ducati Lenovo</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.256s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">4</td>
			<td>Luca Marini</td>
			<td>Mooney VR46 Ducati</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.268s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">5</td>
			<td>Joan Mir</td>
			<td>Repsol Honda</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.507s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">6</td>
			<td>Marc Marquez</td>
			<td>Repsol Honda</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.522s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">7</td>
			<td>Johann Zarco</td>
			<td>Pramac Ducati&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.568s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">8</td>
			<td>Fabio Quartararo</td>
			<td>Monster Yamaha&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.777s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">9</td>
			<td>Maverick Viñales</td>
			<td>Aprilia Racing</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.794s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">10</td>
			<td>Aleix Espargaro</td>
			<td>Aprilia Racing</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+0.803s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">11</td>
			<td>Raul Fernandez</td>
			<td>RNF Aprilia&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>+1.247s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">12</td>
			<td>Alex Marquez</td>
			<td>Gresini Ducati&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>No Time</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">13</td>
			<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio</td>
			<td>Gresini Ducati</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'44.529s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">14</td>
			<td>Brad Binder</td>
			<td>Red Bull KTM&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'44.651s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">15</td>
			<td>Takaaki Nakagami</td>
			<td>LCR Honda</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'44.735s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">16</td>
			<td>Jack Miller</td>
			<td>Red Bull KTM</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'45.03s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">17</td>
			<td>Franco Morbidelli</td>
			<td>Monster Yamaha</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'45.037s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">18</td>
			<td>Augusto Fernandez</td>
			<td>Tech3 GASGAS&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'45.066s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">19</td>
			<td>Miguel Oliveira</td>
			<td>RNF Aprilia</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'45.375s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">20</td>
			<td>Pol Espargaro</td>
			<td>Tech3 GASGAS</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'45.452s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">21</td>
			<td>Stefan Bradl</td>
			<td>LCR Honda&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'45.517s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20">22</td>
			<td>Michele Pirro</td>
			<td>Ducati Lenovo&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1'46.147s</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Also Raed:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-bharat-2023-marc-marquez-reveals-his-special-helmet-design-ahead-of-grand-prix-of-india-114700/" rel="bookmark" title="MotoGP Bharat 2023: Marc Marquez Reveals his Special Helmet Design Ahead of Grand Prix of India">MotoGP Bharat 2023: Marc Marquez Reveals his Special Helmet Design Ahead of Grand Prix of India</a>

<h2>MotoGP Bharat GP: Race Distances Shortened Due to Hot And Humid Weather Conditions</h2>

<img alt="Ducati MotoGP jpg" height="720" src="/uploads/2023/05/Ducati-MotoGP.jpg" width="1280" />

The first practice sessions for the first-ever Grand Prix of India were held yesterday at the Buddh International Circuit, giving the riders their first look at the BIC layout. The MotoGP riders have suggested changing the race distances at the Grand Prix after yesterday's practice session proved difficult owing to the hot and humid weather.&nbsp;

Officials have opted to cut one lap from the Tissot Sprint, Moto2, and Moto3 races after hearing riders' opinions and taking recommendations from the official tyre supplier into account. While Sunday's MotoGP Grand Prix will have a shorter race due to a reduction of three laps.&nbsp;

As a result of the race being shortened, riders may need to come up with new tactics in order to compete efficiently in what is expected to be an extremely competitive setting.

MotoGP Bharat GP: VR46's Marco Bezzecchi Takes First Ever Indian GP Pole Position at BIC

Pole position for the maiden Indian Grand Prix went to VR46 Ducati MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi, who finished ahead of Pramac's Jorge Martin by just 0.043 seconds. Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion, completed the front row for the factory Ducati team despite a rough Friday.

Yamaha, once the dominant force in MotoGP, now finds itself facing challenges in the premier class. Yamaha Motor Racing's Managing Director Lin Jarvis is entrusted with improving the team's performance in MotoGP. During a recent interview, the individual clarified Yamaha's reasoning for the selection of Alex Rins over Franco Morbidelli for the 2024 season, while also shedding light on the challenges encountered by Japanese manufacturers in the MotoGP realm. Jarvis spoke on Yamaha's desire to field a satellite team, as well as the criteria they would use to choose a satellite team. He admitted that Ducati has an upper hand since they have eight motorcycles on the grid, giving them a wealth of information from which to develop upgrades. Yamaha had wanted a satellite team for a long time, but they were unable to agree on terms with RNF and hence did not sign a multi-year deal. For Yamaha, this is the first season ever without a satellite team.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-frustrated-quartararo-says-yamaha-future-decision-at-misano-test-114216/">MotoGP: Frustrated Quartararo Says Yamaha Future Decision at Misano Test</a>

<h2>Yamaha Eyes Valentino Rossi's VR46 Team</h2>

<img alt="Yamaha Valentino Rossi" height="720" src="/uploads/2023/05/Yamaha-Valentino-Rossi.jpg" width="1280" />

Yamaha asserts that if their bike is competitive enough, Valentino Rossi and the VR46 team will make the switch to Yamaha. This weekend's Austrian <a href="https://www.autox.com/moto-gp/">MotoGP</a> is a big opportunity for the Mooney VR46 team to build on a great year. The team's existing contractual agreement as a satellite team for Ducati is set to continue in the next year, with no plans of termination. However, Yamaha has expressed a desire to entice the team to join their ranks for the 2025 season.

Yamaha is now concentrating on improving their package in order to get back in the game. For the Japanese manufacturer, gaining the trust of a satellite team is crucial to Yamaha's success, and they have faith in the company's future. The objective is to enhance their performance in order to recruit a satellite team in the future. Yamaha is the lone manufacturer with just two motorcycles competing this year. This trend is certain to continue into next year, with Ducati's eight motorcycles and KTM's four motorcycles set to grow.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a data-bind="text: post_title, attr:{href: post_url}" href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-motorsport-legend-valentino-rossi-becomes-yamaha-brand-ambassador-113074/">MotoGP: Motorsport Legend Valentino Rossi Becomes Yamaha Brand Ambassador</a>

<h2>MotoGP: Yamaha 2023 Struggle</h2>

<img alt="MotoGP Yamaha" height="720" src="/uploads/2023/06/MotoGP-Yamaha.jpg" width="1280" />

Yamaha has prioritised increasing the M1's top speed for the year 2023 given that they know it is their greatest weakness in comparison to Ducati's. After some preliminary winter testing, the Japanese team felt more confident about their chances. However, the beginning of the new season showed that Yamaha's early confidence was unfounded and negatively impacted the team's overall performance. And the M1's underwhelming performance was mostly due to its inability to attain its advertised top speed. Because of this, Yamaha was no longer able to maintain the same level of unique agility that had previously set it apart from competitors and given it a substantial edge.

In the standings, Quartararo is in 11th with teammate Franco Morbidelli not far behind in 12th. &nbsp;Quartararo has a total of one grand prix podium, which includes the memorable third-place finish in the sprint races of the Americas GP and Dutch GP. With the end of summer vacation came renewed optimism that things would begin to improve. At Silverstone, though, Yamaha riders performed below average in terms of point totals.

Yamaha has fallen to last place in the constructors' standings, behind leader Ducati by 233 points and also trailing behind Honda by just five points. Because of their problems, Honda and Yamaha are once again a subject of debate over potential concessions to rescue the stumbling Japanese giants.

<a href="https://www.gpone.com/en/2023/08/12/motogp/lin-jarvis-for-yamaha-it-makes-sense-to-have-rossis-vr46-team-its-the-best.html">Source</a>

MotoGP: Yamaha Eyes Valentino Rossi's VR46 for its Satellite Team

Yamaha is certain that Valentino Rossi and the VR46 team will move to their bike if it is competitive enough. The Mooney VR46 team has had a fantastic year with Ducati bikes, and this weekend's Austrian MotoGP is an ideal chance to continue that trend.

Vr46