Moto GP News

Lorenzo victorious at chaotic Mugello

2012-09-18T13:07:00.002-07:00

Jorge Lorenzo has sealed his spot at the top of the rider table with a win at Italy's Mugello.

Before the race, Lorenzo's main rival and fellow compatriot Danny Pedrosa seemed to have anterior brake issues, with the front wheel seemingly locked into place. The Honda Repsol rider did not give up hope on the title as his bike appeared to be solved during the second warm up lap (the first deemed irrelevant due to Pedrosa's mechanical issues).

After the second warm up lap, Pedrosa was made to start from the back of the grid despite having secured pole position in qualifying due to his bike issues, effectively taking all pressure off Lorenzo. Half way through the first lap though Pedrosa's luck took a turn for the worst as a collision with Hector Barbera's Pramac forced him out of the race, allowing Lorenzo to cruise for the win.

Valentino Rossi surprised the Moto GP world by forcing his way to second place from the start of the race at his home GP, something that was unimaginable to even Ducati at the beginning of the season. This proves then that Ducati's recent upgrades seem to be successful. He then went on to seal second place.

Honda Gresini's Alvaro Bautista went on to seal an emotional podium place at the track dedicated to the late Marco Simoncelli. The Italian who sadly lost his life at the Malaysian GP last season would have been riding in Barbera's place this season.

Cal Crutchlow crashed out from the middle of the field after having dropped back a few positions from the start of the race.

The FIM are unhappy with the way the Pedrosa situation was handled, and may be leading an investigation into the stewarding at Misano.

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By Franco Migliore

Rossi's Return to Yamaha- winner or quitter?

2012-09-01T17:30:00.001-07:00

Valentino Rossi's return to the team that brought him to glory has been one of the most controversial stories in the sport since Valentino Rossi left the team that brought him to glory.

See the correlation? the seven times world champion is unarguably the face of the sport. The fact that his decision on what bike he wil be riding next season has affected Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow reinforces that. But is his decision to leave the Italian firm rightful or is he just hunting his former glory (he wouldn't be the first and surely wouldn't be the last).

Let us not avert ourselves from the fact that he has equalled the most titles ever won on two wheels. the fact that Rossi is probably the greatest rider this world has ever seen is undeniable. This fact beckons the question as to why Rossi hasn't achieved equal greatness on the Desmosedici. Is he passed his prime? well let us look back to the French Grand Prix, the track was greasy due to downpour and Rossi has not been on the podium for exactly a year. but somehow, in the wet, The Doctor manages to get a bike that lets be honest has only achieved glory once onto the podium. that result points the blame directly on to Ducati, as the evidence that Rossi has still got what it takes to win races is still there.

Rossi has had the courage to throw his gloved hands in the air and admit that the project is not working for him, and i respect him for that. It takes honesty to admit you have failed your objective. The fact of the matter remains though that Rossi deserves better. It is undignified for a man who has won world championships in every class he has raced in to be satisfied with a seventh place finish.

Yamaha has rightfully laced Rossi into the second riders bike behind Jorge Lorenzo. The pair have a lot of respect for eachother, with Rossi calling Lorenzo "The best rider" on the track and Lorenzo claiming that Rossi "Deserves better". One aspect that has got Lorenzo fans worrying though is that Valentino Rossi is Moto GP, therefore what he wants, goes. So will Yamaha favor the rider that has won them most of the trophies they have ever won in the class or will they be fair?

I firmly beleive that Rossi has not seen the podium for the last time, and his return to a competitive bike is guaranteed to fuel his hunger for more titles. One thing is for sure though, The Doctor is back!

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By Franco Migliore

Stoner: Ankle Op a Success

2012-09-01T17:12:00.001-07:00

Honda's Casey Stoner's ankle surgery was deemed a success on Thursday.

The Australian world champion damaged his right ankle in a high speed crash at the Indianapolis GP during qualifying.

"Doctors are pleased with how the operation went, and now must wait during this initial recuperation period to see how the ankle is healing." said HRC in a statement released shortly after the operation.

"With no complications or need for Stoner to stay in hospital, he has returned home and HRC will endeavour to share information on Casey's recovery as it is known."

Despite being in obvious pain Stoner soldiered on to finish the race in fourth position. He is hoping to return to the track before the Phillip Island Grand Prix, his home race.

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By Franco Migliore

Rossi "signs with Yamaha"

2012-08-07T06:29:00.003-07:00

Valentino Rossi has apparently signed a two year deal with Yamaha; according to Italian news giant TGCOM24.

The seven times world championship is rumored to have put pen to paper, but will announce the pheonomenal return to his most successful team on the 14th or 15th of august, or the Italian holiday "Ferragosto", however there is no official confirmation of the move yet.

Rossi would ride along side current world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, his previous team mate who has said that Rossi "Deserves a better bike".

The move would come after a two year disappointment at Ducati, with Rossi having yet to win a race on the Desmosedici and only stepping on the podium twice, both times at the French GP.

The move also means that Rossi's Ducati becomes available for Cal Crutchlow, who has been holding talks with Ducati since June.

Fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso will be disappointed with the move, with his dream of riding for the Yamaha factory team in ruins.

Updates on this story will follow.

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By Franco Migliore

Rossi: Money not a motivator

2012-08-01T18:57:00.002-07:00

Valentino Rossi has denied that it is his salary that will decide who he will be riding for next season.

The 7 times world champion has told how Ducati have actually offered him a lower salary than last season.

"Actually Ducati has made me a lower offer compared to the past. But this is not the important thing: with Ducati I'd get more money than with Yamaha anyway, so if money was important I would have already made my choice." The Italian said.

Rossi went on to say how a more competitive machine was the goal he was looking to achieve, whether it be at Ducati or Yamaha. when asked about his options to achieve his goal Rossi said : " There are two ways to get there: to pick an already competitive bike, or to take a fascinating long-term gamble in trying to sort out this bike with Audi's help."

Former team mate Jorge Lorenzo believes that Rossi "deserves" to be on a competitive bike. in response to Lorenzo's claim Rossi replied: "He is right: I, too, think I deserve a competitive bike."

Lorenzo and Rossi were team mates at Yamaha from 2008 when Lorenzo joined to 2010 when Rossi left. The pair shared exhilarating and often heated battles on the track, such as the memorable Catalunya GP in 2009 in which Rossi overtook Lorenzo in the final corner of the final lap to go on to win the race.

However all hostilities have subsided and Rossi has told of the respect he has for the Spanish rider.

"Jorge is among the few who have always shown respect towards me and I thank him for that."

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By Franco Migliore

Ducati tests new riders at Mugello

2012-07-31T11:42:00.001-07:00

Moto2 riders Andrea Iannone and Scott Redding will be testing the Desmosedici within the next few weeks, Ducati manager Vittoriano Guareschi has confirmed.

With Nicky Hayden signing a new deal with Ducati and Valentino Rossi still unsure about his future at the team, the Italian firm has decided to allow Iannone and Redding to test ride the Desmosedici.

Speculation over Rossi's commitment to the team has flared recently after his critisicms over the bike and various offers from other teams.

Sattelite teams Cardion AB and Pramac racing are also surrounded by speculation with Cardion rider Karel Abrahams being out with injury and Pramac's Hector Barbera suffering a broken left fibula and tibia.

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By Franco Migliore

Dovizioso: Yamaha chance may be gone

2012-07-30T16:54:00.001-07:00

Tech 3's Andrea Dovizioso has told over his worries that he will not get the factory ride he longs for as Valentino Rossi has been made an offer by Yamaha earlier this week.

Dovizioso has been trying to impress the Yamaha factory team all season, and has so far seemed to be successful with four podiums and averaging a fourth place finish, a massive success for a satellite team.

However, with MotoGP pinup Valentino Rossi being unsatisfied with his failing Ducati project and Ben Spies revealing of his departure, it seems that he is more than welcome to his old ride at Yamaha, a ride that has so far looked promised to Dovizioso.

"This is what I expect, but it looks like Valentino is really close. I don't know exactly, it's not fixed, but its really bad for me because I swapped to Yamaha because I believe I can find a place in the factory team." Dovizioso said.

Dovizioso believes that his riding at Yamaha has improved greatly since joining from Honda two years ago. The Italian has told how he is becoming more and more adapted to the bike, increasing his feel with the machine.

Dovizioso's fears come after Rossi revealed of his uncertainty of the decision he will be making with his future. Rossi has promised he will come to a decision "before Indianapolis", the next round of the premier series.

Rossi return to Yamaha a done deal?

2012-07-30T08:42:00.002-07:00

With Nicky Hayden sealing his future at Ducati and Ben Spies revealing his departure from Yamaha, it seems that Valentino Rossi's return to his most successful team is already written down.

Rossi's future at the italian firm has caused plenty of controversy in the last couple of months, with his open criticisms of the Desmosedici merely pouring fuel on the flame.

"I have no feel with the bike" being the most common phrase we've heard from the hearty Italian this year. He himself has admitted that he is struggling to find motivation in light of the hard times he's been suffering with Ducati.

"It's very difficult to keep concentration and to keep enough power - physically but also mentally - to stay concentrated when you understand that you can only fight for not very important positions." said Rossi.

The idea then that he acknowledges that he is fighting for insignificant positions when he had the most championships under his belt than anyone on the grid shows that he is extremely under-motivated.

Perhaps then in is the lack of motivation that makes him want to return to a winning firm, or it could be the colossal problems marring the Desmosedici that has impaired him from scoring positions that anyone with a brief understanding of the man himself would argue that he deserves.

One thing is for sure, whoever gets Rossi on their seat will be thanking their lucky stars as he is not only a legend on the track, but off it he brings in colossal coverage and publicity.

It has become apparent that Rossi is pondering on the attractive offers he has had, however he has said how he is not far from making a decision.

"I will decide in the next weeks, probably before Indy... But I think in the next days and next weeks I will take my decision."

Rossi falls as Stoner wins at Laguna Seca

2012-07-30T08:24:00.001-07:00

Casey Stoner stormed into yet another win as Valentino Rossi low sided out on the last lap.

The Repsol Honda rider exploded past championship leader Jorge Lorenzo to take the lead with only laps to go; going on to beat him by more than 3 seconds.

"I bided my time, hunted Jorge down and in the end went past." Said Stoner.

Stoner was the only rider up front to run the softer tyre's, a master-class in tactical riding.

Nicky Hayden, also riding at his home Grand Prix, had an amazing race keeping with the front runners throughout the race.

Tech 3's Andrea Dovizioso proved again why he deserves a factory ride as he defended his position from a constantly attacking Cal Crutchlow.

The race however concluded with Stoner first, Jorge lorenzo second and Dani Pedrosa in third.

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By Franco Migliore

Rossi: "The most difficult choice of my career"

2012-07-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Valentino Rossi is facing "the most difficult choice" of his career in deciding his future in Moto GP.

The 7 times world champion has revealed that his decision is not just based on machines; but also riders ahead of the 2013 world championship.

"I have three proposals on the table and all three of them have positive and negative aspects. With one of them there would be more uncertainties on how quickly positive results come, while with the other two it should be easier to get them quickly." Said the Italian.

After Ben Spies told of his departure from Yamaha at the end of the season, speculation has been stirring of the possibility of a possible return to his most successful team so far, Yamaha.

"Clearly that would be a difficult choice too, perhaps even more than the one I made in 2003," he said. Back then it was a matter of sorting out a bike that wouldn't go quick, while now it's a matter of beating the best rider in the world [Jorge Lorenzo] on equal machinery."

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By Franco Migliore.

Ben Spies leaves Yamaha

2012-07-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

Ben Spies will be leaving Yamaha at the end of the 2012 season on tuesday after a 2 year stay.

Spies revealed on twitter "big changes" would occur next season, then emailed Superbike planet to reveal his decision.

"I've known for quite a bit what my personal decision was, and just knew that now was the right time to [announce] it, with all the contracts happening with other riders, to be at the ballgame with that. That's basically it," said Spies.

The former World Superbike world champion is yet to disclose why he is leaving Yamaha, but has said how his goal was to remain focused for the remainder of this season.

"There's a litany of reasons behind it, and just to get back to being stress-free and doing what I want to do, and finishing the season strongly."

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By Franco Migliore

Ducati: Full range of new options for laguna Seca

2012-07-24T08:39:00.003-07:00

Ducati have confirmed that Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will be offered a wide range of updates for the Laguna Seca Race next weekend.

During recent tests at Mugello, Ducati have been trying new small chassis, electronic and engine developments.

Team boss Vittoriano Guareschi has said "At Laguna we'll have some of the updates that we tried at the Mugello test, and those will be followed in the next races by subsequent evolutions".

He continued 'We'll continue working with the settings that we've been perfecting for a few races according to our riders' respective needs, and we'll seal the fourth engines for both. Like the third one, already in use, it was made in a way that makes it possible to install new parts that are intended to improve rideability."

Valentino Rossi's testing woes continued this week as an ICU problem put him into the pits, ending his testing session. However, he has said that although the new packages will be installed this weekend, they are only a small fraction of the final package.

"Although my last test at Mugello was ended early, we were able to begin working with some details, and we'll probably be able to use some of them at Laguna," he said, "even if we're talking about a small percentage of the package that they're working on at Ducati."

Nick Hayden goes into his two home GP's urging Ducati to continue their developements at a steady rate.

"We've been getting a little closer to the front lately, but now is no time to rest. We have to keep working, because now the gains will be more difficult,"

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By Franco Migliore

Elias replaces Barbera at Pramac for US GP

2012-07-24T08:31:00.004-07:00

Toni Elias has been chosen to take injured Hector Barbera at Laguna Seca next weekend.

Elias moved down from the premier class into Moto2, a class in which he won a title in 2010, last year as he was replaced by Stefan Bradle at LCR Honda.

However, last month Elias split from the Aspar Squad earlier this month, leaving him without a ride at all.

His fate soon changed though as Barbera suffered a broken leg during training last week, forcing him out for up to six weeks. He was contacted by Pramac to ride for Barbera during his absence from the series.

I wish him the best of luck on his return to MotoGP.

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By Franco Migliore

Barbera out for up to six weeks

2012-07-22T11:58:00.003-07:00

Pramac rider Hector Barbera will not be able to ride for up to six weeks following his injury during training.

Barbera broke his left shin bone and fibula in a crash on friday.

"It is difficult to say how long the post-surgery rehabilitation will take. We need to evaluate the progress of the patient, but I think that we can reasonably think that he will able to run a race in four to six weeks, according to his feedback." Said DR Mir.

The tragic incident happened just after Barbera earned his first Moto GP front row start at Mugello, outpacing the factory Ducati team.

Barbera said "I could have had other brilliant results in the next rounds in Laguna Seca and Indy, but it's life and now I have to think only about my injury and my rehabilitation."

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By Franco Migliore

Ducati: New engine to be used at Laguna Seca

2012-07-18T15:53:00.003-07:00

Ducati are currently developing their fourth engine with brand new components; which will be used for the first time at the Laguna Seca race.

The Italian firm has stayed an extra three days with their testing team at Mugello to develop their fourth engine and chassis for drivability, a problem which team director Filippo Preziosi considers to be extensive.

"Now we are working on both the chassis and engine driveability. The problem is really huge. Last weekend was a step, but we know we have to work very hard to improve." Preziosi told MotoGP.com.

Nicky Hayden is said to be showing good lap times during testing, however team mate Valentino Rossi is being marred by hardware failure; Forcing the team to abandon his tests for his own safety.

"Monday was a half test with Valentino because unfortunately we had a hardware problem. So for safety reasons we stopped his test." Continued Preziosi.

Ducati Corse will include new parts in their fourth engine which will be premiered at Laguna Seca. However, which particular parts these may be are being kept top secret by tight lipped Preziosi.

"Now we have to finish the test and try some new things. We will offer them to our riders in the next test they will do in August…but it’s a secret."

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By Franco Migliore

Rossi offered a factory bike by HRC

2012-07-17T06:22:00.002-07:00

HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto has said that he would be willing to offer Valentino Rossi a factory bike for next season.

Nakamoto has said "I'd like to work with Valentino. When he was at Honda I was on the Formula 1 program, so the only time I've seen him racing with us from our pits was at the Suzuka 8-hour race,"

However, Nakamoto has said that Rossi's only opportunity with HRC would be with a satellite team, as all of the factory bikes are taken.

"It hasn't been possible to place him in the works team, but I'm ready to supply him with a factory bike in one of our satellite teams."

Rossi's future has been in much speculation throughout the season; as the Italian has struggled to get the right feeling with Ducati since his move there at the beginning of the 2011 season. He has often criticized the Desmosedici. However, Rossi has been encouraged by new owners Audi.

Rossi's future is pivotal to most of the riders looking for transfers, as his fate will prove the decider in Cal Crutchlow and Nicky Haydens future.

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By Franco Migliore

Dovizioso gives Yamaha massive ultimatum

2012-07-17T06:13:00.002-07:00

Andrea Dovizioso has told Yamaha that its "buying time" and that he may even leave the Moto GP series all together should he not get a factory ride.

The Tech 3 rider has excelled himself this season in a bid to land a factory ride; with Ben Spies' bike being his main target.

Dovizioso has had four podiums in the last five races, reinforcing his argument that he deserves more than a satellite bike. However, the Italian has said that should he not receive an offer from Yamaha soon, he may even join the World Superbike Series.

"Yamaha hasn't decided, it's buying time. I've already understood that meritocracy doesn't count so, despite my results, I already know that it's possible I may never have the factory bike, but I have alternatives - other teams and other makes - and I'm also considering something very different." He told Motosprint.

Lorenzo has been confirmed as Yamaha's first rider for next season, yet the fate of team mate Spies is still uncertain, with Dovizioso aiming to be first on Yamaha's list of signings.

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By Franco Migliore

Lorenzo thunders in for a win at the Italian GP

2012-07-15T13:10:00.002-07:00

Jorge Lorenzo increased his lead in the Moto GP world championship with a win at the Italian GP at Mugello.

The Yamaha Rider, who started in second place due to engine management problems in qualifying, overtook Dani Pedrosa into first position in the first corner. Lorenzo's perfect riding was only tested at the start of lap three at San Donato. Soon after though he already established a five second lead ahead of Pedrosa that was not reduced for the whole race.

"All weekend I've ridden well and clean, it was a tough race, I didn't think I would be able to get away, Pedrosa was always close but in the end I managed it and I rode much calmer." Said Lorenzo.

Pedrosa's main threat throughout the race was Pedrosa, although Tech 3 rider Andrea Dovizioso thundered into a heated battle with Lorenzo which lasted up until lap 5.

Valentino Rossi suffered another blow to his confidence as he missed the podium by only two places in front of his home crowd, despite being his second best finish this campaign.

Casey Stoner's explosive pace at the beginning of the race climaxed to more disappointment as he oversteered into the gravel on lap 15, ending with him finishing in eighth, allowing rival Lorenzo to put more distance between them in the championship.

Andrea Dovizioso displayed exactly why he would be a perfect substitute for Ben Spies at Yamaha's factory team in 2013 as he stormed into third place, a proud podium in front of his home crowd.

Pedrosa fastest in Italian GP as Rossi disappoints

2012-07-14T06:08:00.004-07:00

Dani Pedrosa blitzed qualifying at the italian GP as Jorge Lorenzo pitted early due to engine problems.

Pedrosa's increasing dominance in the series continues as he posted a lap time of 1:47.285, a quarter of a second faster than Lorenzo, who was on Pedrosa's tail prior to his mysterious pitting on his fastest lap.

Lorenzo had been blasting it around the track, on a lap which could of placed him in first place when he pitted.

"The engine was off" Jorge told the BBC.

Jorge eventually took second place in qualifying.

Valentino Rossi again failed to impress at his home GP, qualifying tenth, his average position this season, after changing suspension set ups in the last ten minutes of qualifying. To add to his dissapointment, team mate Nicky Hayden pulled off a fourth place qualifying spot.

However, a Ducati has finally made it on the front row. Hector Barbera, of Pramac Racing Team, running the same Ducati desmosedicis as the factory team blistered a third place spot for tomorrow's race.

"I like Mugello very much" he said.

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By Franco Migliore

Rossi: Future undecided

2012-07-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Valentino Rossi's future remains open, the Ducati rider has told.

Rossi seemed committed to staying with the Italian firm after encouraging talks with new owners Audi after the German GP last weekend. However, Rossi has told how he is yet to discuss his furute with Ducati and Audi bosses.

"I have to speak more with Ducati and Audi for the future," told the seven times world champion.

Rossi has also told how he remains unconfident in the project that has seen no major improvement in the last season and a half.

"I don't have assurances [that] we are able to fix the bike because in one year and a half we have not been able to fix it. It depends on a lot of things."

Rossi signed a two year deal with Ducati prior to the 2011 season with the vision that his expertise could solve Ducati's problems which have been costing them world titles. However, it seems that he has bitten off more than he can chew, achieving two podiums in two years and yet to taste a win on the Desmosedici.

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By Franco Migliore

Italian Moto GP: Qualifying Live

2012-07-14T05:15:00.002-07:00

After sweeping all of yesterdays practice sessions, Lorenzo goes in search of pole position in qualifying.

Lorenzo, the current championship leader, blistered free practice yesterday as he took first in all three sessions.

The Italian Summer weather is at its peak with clear skies and not a drop of rain in sight as the riders hit the track to blast in their qualifying times. Lorenzo Currently holds second place as Repsol's Dani Pedrosa is in first, however we do not expect it to stay that way.

Unusually, Stoner is in the pit, apparently ditching his initial set up.

Updates to follow as the Qualifying ends at Mugello.

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By Franco Migliore

Dovizioso: I want to get on a works bike

2012-07-12T14:33:00.002-07:00

Andrea Dovizioso has told how his main ambition of the 2012 campaign is to make it onto the Yamaha Factory bike.

The Tech 3 rider has told how beating Cal Crutchlow and Ben Spies consistently will be vital if he is to land a contract with the Yamaha factory team.

"Beating Spies and Crutchlow is fundamental in view of next year," he told Gazetta dello Sport.

Dovizioso has come to terms with the fact he cannot win the title in the 2012 campaign, but has said that finishing close is key to getting a ride on the second Yamaha on the grid, currently being ridden by Spies.

"I can't dream of going for the title but I want to get close , get on a works bike, and be ready next year."

Dovizioso has spoken of his confidence at learning more of a factory contract after Mugello.

"I have no indications to understand whether it's more a yes or a no. I'm confident because I don't see any particular reason why I shouldn't join the factory team. We'll know a bit more at Mugello, that's why I haven't thought about it yet. Now we'll sit around a table: I already have a scheduled meeting [with Lin Jarvis], even though we talk at every race he comes to."

Dovizioso enters his home race in fourth position of the World Championship.

Honda Gresini returns to white for Mugello

2012-07-12T13:55:00.002-07:00

Team San Carlo Honda Gresini will change its race colour from black to its original white for the italian GP in memory tragic Marco Simoncelli.

Gresini riders Alvaro Bautista and Michele Pirro, who started the season racing in black as a mark of respect to Simoncelli, have decided along with the Simoncelli family that for their home Grand Prix the team would return to white.

The young Italian sadly lost his life in a horrific accident at last years Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang; rocking the world of motor sport. He will be forever remembered for his contagious smile and fantastic sense of humor off the track, and for his swashbuckling riding style on it.

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By Franco Migliore

Ducati: German GP set up gives strong basis for Mugello

2012-07-12T03:41:00.003-07:00

Ducati believe that the set up changes the made at last weeks German GP will provide a sturdy platform for success at Mugello.

The rain hit practice sessions at the Sachsenring meant that Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden had little testing time. However, on sundays race, the duo were fighting for fifth place, arguably one of the best results for the team yet.

Rossi, who has been given new hope with Ducati's new owners Audi, has said that bulding upon the bike they already have is crucial.

"Sunday at the Sachsenring, we used a setup that enabled us to be more consistent and to stress the rear tyre a bit less so that we still had a decent pace at the end of the race," said the Italian.

the seven times world champion has also said that the team must work impeccably hard to impress as Mugello is their home GP.

"It's the Italian Grand Prix, so everyone, including myself, must make an extra effort to do well in our home race. We really have to try to do our best."

Vittoriani Guareschi, Ducati's Team Manager reflected on Rossi's belief that the German GP's set up is a step forward for the team.

"...We must manage to find the positive aspects of the setup that we identified in Germany. In this way, we can make it possible for Vale and Nicky to do their best, and also to enjoy themselves in a race that means a lot to both of them."

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By Franco Migliore

Marquez to step up to Moto GP in 2013

2012-07-12T03:27:00.001-07:00

Repsol Honda has confirmed that Marc Marquez will be replacing retiring Casey Stoner next season on a two year contract.

The promising Moto 2 rider, 2010 125cc World Champion and leader of the current Moto2 standings, has told how joining fellow compatriot Dani Pedrosa is a dream.

"To reach MotoGP next season with Repsol Honda is a dream come true," said Marquez to MotoGP.com.

The confirmation of the move has ended months of speculation. since Casey Stoner announced his early retirement and the turn-over of the rookie rule, the path was set in stone for Marquez to step up to Stoners ride.

However, Marquez has told how his main focus for this season is Moto 2 and winning the title. "Now my focus is on Moto2 where my team and I are working very hard and we are excited to achieve our goal, which is to win the world championship in 2012."

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By Franco Migliore