MotoGP riders and Team Managers reflect on Valencia season finale

4 months ago 74

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Marco Bezzecchi ended the 2025 MotoGP season with a composed lights-to-flag victory at Valencia, heading home teammate Raul Fernandez to deliver Aprilia a historic 1–2 finish.

Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the podium after a late move on Pedro Acosta.

The final round also produced several key developments for riders and manufacturers heading into 2026.

MotoGP Rider Quotes

Marco Bezzecchi – P1

“This was a fantastic season finale. Raúl definitely put me to a hard test during the race because he was really fast and good, especially in the finale, but at the start I had set up the race well and created some margin that I knew I’d be able to manage. The last two laps were not easy, but I wanted this victory so much and I just stayed super focused, trying not to make any mistakes whatsoever.”

Raul Fernandez – P2

“I’m very happy. My shoulder is not at 100% but I tried to give 100% – so, I’m really happy. If someone would have told me one week ago that we would have been fighting for the victory here, I would have never believed it. This is really nice teamwork; my team is always supporting me and also my family. I think this podium is for my parents – they have had an amazing day with my brother winning his first Moto3 race and now we are on the podium as well. I’m super happy and I can’t wait to enjoy with them. This year was quite long – I need some rest and after that we have to prepare 2026 very well. I think we are not ready to fight for the title, that would be too optimistic, but we are ready to do these kinds of races, in some circuits and this is important and gets me experience in fighting at the front.”

Fabio Di Giannantonio – P3

“Double podium in one weekend: this has been my best season in MotoGP. I’m super happy to finish the season like this. I also had a lot of fun today in the battles. At the start I didn’t have the pace to stay at the front, then I settled into my rhythm, even though it was too late to catch the first two. But I managed the rear tyre well and got to the end in good shape. In the last two laps I made my decisive overtake and took third place. I’m very proud of my team; we’ve always stuck together, even in the tough moments. We never gave up and always worked at our maximum. On Tuesday we have the tests for 2026, and we’ll already start working to be even stronger next year.”

Pedro Acosta- P4

“It could have been better but we gave what we could. We really had to manage the tires today and we missed grip at the start. For how we started the championship then to come back to 4th is not too bad and we were consistently in the top five but it was still not enough. I learned a lot as a rider…but I want more. We’ll cross our fingers for the Tuesday test and we’ll see what we have but then we have time until the test in Sepang next year.”

Fermin Aldeguer – P5

“It’s always important to finish the season with a good result. To overtake your teammate at the last corner is not the most pleasant thing; I wish it were another rider. Thanks to Gresini and Ducati for allowing me to experience an incredibly smooth season, and now it’s time to think about 2026.”

Alex Marquez – P6

“We don’t know exactly what happened. We need to analyse the data. Between the fifth and the seventh lap, we lost a lot of performance and now we’ll work to get a better understanding of it. A sixth place is not the type of result we wanted to finish the season with, especially after feeling good on the bike in the early stages. Still, it’s a 9 out of 10 season.”

Luca Marini – P7

“A fantastic result in the end, we really needed this seventh place and I was so focused on getting it. With how we were looking until this morning, it seemed hard at some points, but I think it shows the progress we have made this year to be able to overcome this. Thank you to my crew, to Honda, not just for today but for the whole year – we have improved the whole bike so much and we’re already looking forward to next year. I’m really happy to stay inside the Honda family because it’s a great group and we are all working together very well and heading in the right direction. Something to celebrate tonight before it’s straight back to work on Tuesday. Thanks to everyone.”

Brad Binder – P8

“I wanted more from today. I had a good start again, not quite like yesterday, but I wanted to pick-off more guys but I lacked a bit more pace and the best I could manage today was 8th. A tough year. I feel like I can do a lot better than I did. Things did not gel this season, even if we did make some small improvements at the end. I’m looking forward to Tuesday.”

Jack Miller – P9

“It was a good race, even though I suffered from having to push too much to stay with the guys. In turns 1, 2, 6 and up to 8 the tyre was spinning massively, but you can‘t sacrifice anything there because the others aren‘t, and they‘re gaining. So we‘re spinning more than the others, with less acceleration. I tried to manage the left-hand side of the tyre on entry and control the way I was carrying the speed, but in the end, with ten laps to go, the tyre gave up and I was just bleeding time, trying to survive. We know the issues. Now we‘ll put this bike in the cellar and start working on the new one to see what we can do. It won‘t be as big a step as the one I had during the year, going from what I knew to this bike. Over the season we‘ve been up and down — some good highlights and some decent lowlights too — but in the last couple of races, since Australia, we‘ve managed to understand the front end a bit more. Maybe we lost a little in terms of outright performance, but we gained good feedback in stability and in managing the tyre. Now I understand this bike more and more. Next year‘s bike will be different, but the DNA is the same. Finally, let me say goodbye and thank you to Miguel, who raced his last MotoGP race today. He has been a fantastic rider for this sport, and we‘ve shared great times together, as we‘ve been racing each other since we were kids. It‘s sad to see him leave the paddock, but I‘m looking forward to seeing his journey in Superbike. And I‘m ready to start working with Toprak: he‘s another fantastic rider, and I‘m excited to see what he can do.”

Enea Bastianini – P10

“The start was so good! It was a bit strange though, because I saw all the early incidents, with Franco hitting Aleix on the grid, and then Zarco taking down Bagnaia in T4! I am happy with our first 4-5 laps, I had enough confidence to recover quite a few positions. Later on, after 10 laps, the front tyre started dropping a lot, and I could not give more sadly. I am usually quite good at managing tires, but today somehow we just did not make it work. I am quite happy with my defense against Joan Mir also, I did not let it go, and it is positive for us to finish with a top 10. 2025 has been full of ups and downs, we were competitive again in the middle of the season, but then I dropped again, and we struggled a bit more. Tuesday’s test will be very important for us with my new crew chief, we are all very tired, but we really want to have a good day. Also, thank you to Hervé and Mathilde, who are leaving, they have been both great.”

Miguel Oliveira – P11

“It was a good farewell race for me. We made a few adjustments for the warm-up, the bike felt a lot better, and the race confirmed that. I had a good, consistent pace, and starting so far back, I was happy to recover seven positions. It was a race where I enjoyed myself — a nice way to say goodbye to my fans and also to the team. Jack finished in the top ten and I was very close, so it was a good day for us. Now I feel excited for the new adventure, but also sad to leave… a mix of emotions. I‘m facing a new challenge that feels as scary as it is exciting. It‘s sad because I know I still have a lot of potential in this paddock, and leaving like this is not easy. But today was a good day — a day of celebration — and I‘m happy to finish this way. I‘ve had a career that many riders can only dream of. I‘ve had the privilege to win in different categories, and I‘ve been part of great teams that helped me bring out my best potential, especially in Moto3 and Moto2. I am indebted to many manufacturers, many teams, and many people I‘ve met over these years who brought out the best in me. Whatever I achieve in the future will also be the result of all these experiences.”

Johann Zarco – P12

“I’m really sorry for Pecco. I was trying to avoid contact with Binder while attempting to overtake Quartararo. In the change of direction, when I made the move, it was very hard to stop the bike, and I ended up crossing Pecco’s line. The impact was strong, and I’m sorry to have ended his race. I was expecting the penalty. Then I was almost last, so I took it easy and stayed consistent without overheating the tyre. The lap times were quite good, and I tried to gain as many positions as possible. I finally crossed the line in 12th, and I finish the year as the top Honda rider, which is positive. We are ready for the test and for what’s coming!”

Joan Mir – P13

“From the start of the race, we didn’t have the best grip but I was able to be quite comfortable. Then I did the Long Lap Penalty, and I had to restart my progress, coming through quite well again until there was quite a big drop in performance at the end of the race. We need to check and understand why we had such a big drop. Anyway, we have a chance now to look back at the whole season and be pleased with the high points in Motegi and Sepang. Of course, there were complicated moments, but I think overall we need to be pleased with what we have done over this year and aim to do more in 2026. The direction of travel is correct and on Tuesday we continue our work.”

Alex Rins – P14

“This last race was quite demanding. It was difficult to manage, due to rear tyre degradation, similar to in Portimão. This weekend was a little bit hard for us, but I think I was able to manage it in a good way. We finished a difficult season with a lot of learning and improvements on my personal side and with my team. Now, we start a new chapter. We are going to focus on the V4. I’m super excited to jump on the bike on Tuesday!”

Nicolò Bulega – P15

“We made a modification to the bike in this morning’s warm up and it worked, as I had better grip. The start to the race wasn’t the best as I had to ride with a lowered front fork up to turn five. Then, I struggled with grip, especially at the rear-end, and under acceleration. In any case, I’m satisfied with this experience: I made my debut at the penultimate event and the level is extremely high. I’ll try to make a step forward in Tuesday’s test, trying to lap as much as I can and to improve my confidence with the bike.”

Augusto Fernandez – P16

“I think we performed quite well on Friday. On the Saturday and Sunday, we have confirmed what the next step will be – the direction we need to take during the winter is clear. It’s been a positive weekend. Our pace is not super far off, and the bike is behaving quite well. I’m curious to see the other guys now, and hopefully they will confirm the same thing. We will keep working to get the package ready for Sepang in February.”

Somkiat Chantra – P17

“Today was my last MotoGP race, and I enjoyed it as much as possible. I want to thank LCR for the work done this year; we worked hard, and I learned a lot. Being the first-ever Thai rider to reach MotoGP is an honour. I’m ready for my next chapter. Many thanks to everyone who supported me throughout this journey.”

Aleix Espargaro – DNF

“Our pace was good all things considered. A shame what happened on the grid but honestly, I feel bad because Morbidelli has picked up an injury. We were racing with some damage and at the start it was OK, but the exhaust was dragging and the footpeg was getting more and more loose, so I had to retire. Overall, I am happy with what we have shown this weekend, of course it would have been great to have some more tangible rewards, but this can happen. Very happy with the work all Honda has done to end the year in this way.”

Fabio Quartararo – DNF

“The first four corners were a nightmare because I had an issue with the clutch. I didn’t disengage the front device until Turn 4. I lost many positions, and my pace was not great. I was pushing a bit more at the end to see what my pace was with the used tyre. I was catching Bastianini a bit. We were struggling to overtake, but I was still trying to be as close as possible. I didn’t do anything unusual, but I crashed. So, it was a race to forget.”

Maverick Viñales – DNF

“I am keeping the highs of this season, when I was at the level, I was at the front fighting with the top guys, which is what I want to remember from this year. Tuesday’s test will be important for us as we continue the rehabilitation. Then, we will have the full winter to spend time in the gym, work on myself, and come back stronger, which is the only mindset I have. I am of course hungry for results, I still want to fight for victories, so I am already looking forward to next season.”

Jorge Martin – DNF

“I think withdrawing from the race was the right decision because I’m rather tired and I think it’s smart to turn up fresh on Tuesday so we can do a good test, since we have several things to try. There was no point in tiring myself out now without achieving anything of substance.”

Ai Ogura – DNF

“For sure this is not the way we wanted to finish the season. It’s quite a shame that we ended the last race like this but, overall, I think this weekend we were quite competitive and we can be happy about that. After this kind of race, we just need to move forward, so I’m looking forward to Tuesday’s test. Overall, I’m very happy about this year, especially the last few races when we were quite there. So, let’s have a good test on Tuesday and move on to 2026.”

Francesco Bagnaia – DNF

“Unfortunately, these situations are part of our sport. It was a racing incident. It was surely positive the fact that I didn’t get hurt, as during the crash the boot hit the wheel. I felt better at the start compared to yesterday: I overtook some riders and some more straight afterwards, and recovered six positions in total. Then the incident happened. It was a really challenging season, so now I want to focus on Tuesday’s test. The goal is to make a step forward and lay the foundations upon which we’ll start working towards 2026.”

Team Managers

Massimo Rivola – Aprilia Racing

“Finally a season finale as protagonists. It was fantastic to see two Aprilias out front, as we wait for Jorge and Ai to be at 100% as well. The statistics this year are extremely important. Marco had a perfect season, finishing third in the championship with a good margin. As manufacturers, we have seen our growth and we surpassed 400 points to clinch second place. All of this must not be enough for us, but it should be motivation for a 2026 as protagonists. A 2026 that actually begins already on Tuesday, and where we can’t wait to test the many upgrades that are being cranked out constantly from Noale. An immense thank you to the Piaggio Group for supporting us with great faith, and obviously to all the guys and girls in Noale who have done a brilliant job and who will certainly do an even better job next year. Forza Aprilia!”

Davide Brivio – Trackhouse Aprilia Team Principal

“Of course, a great way to finish the season. I think in these last races at the end of the season, Raul showed how much he has improved. We had a very good end of season. Of course, the highlight was the win in Australia but, also today, we were really close. Honestly speaking, at the end, we remain with a little bit of disappointment for the second position, but it is very good and I think it shows how much we grew up in this end of season. Congratulations to Raul for the way he managed the race, the way he tried until the end and I’m very pleased to see him maturing more and more and being more and more confident. Of course, a big pity for Ai. I think he was in a good shape, he could have done some good recovery, but he crashed. Overall, we are happy about this season because we saw him improving step by step with good signs of how his potential could be. Now, we will, of course, concentrate on Tuesday’s test but the target is to have Raul and Ai next year fighting more in front. Thank you to Raul, thank you to Ai for this season and also, a big thank you to all the team – we went through ups and downs this season but everybody stuck together and kept working hard. A really big thank you to everybody involved, here at the track and also at Trackhouse, over in North Carolina. We learned a lot this year and we will try to bring everything together next year.”

Pablo Nieto – VR46 Team Manager

“We’re very happy to end the season with a podium. I think Diggia was really competitive throughout the whole weekend. Finishing third both in the Sprint and on Sunday is a great way to close the year and gives us huge motivation for next season. It’s a pity for Franky, he was feeling really good this weekend. Unfortunately, he fractured the fifth metacarpal in his left hand and will have to miss Tuesday’s test. Despite this small injury, overall I’m happy because he had a really strong season. We finish the season in the Top3 in the team Standings, and this is a very positive result that rewards the work of the whole team.”

Aki Ajo – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager

“A solid finish to the season for us with three riders in the top ten and we can be happy with this. We had high expectations because the progress has been good and positive in the last months and in Portimao last week we were close to the top with Pedro. Tracks and circumstances change and the competition in MotoGP is so tight that results can be different. Anyway, we can be very happy with our trajectory this season. If someone had asked me at the Grand Prix of the Americas where we’d be at the end of the year then I would not have dreamt or imagined we’d be in this situation. We always want more but we have made big steps. We need to push on because we are getting closer to our target.”

Gino Borsoi – Prima Pramac Yamaha Team Director

“It was a nice way to end the season. A great race from Miller and a great race from Oliveira as well, in what was the best possible way for him to say goodbye to MotoGP — with a race that, once the problems of the past days were solved, saw him riding for a long time with the pace of the frontrunners. He deserved it, and the whole team deserved it. I‘m happy he can leave our team and MotoGP with a smile. Miller made us dream of finishing inside the top eight right until the end, before the tyre dropped off a bit in the final laps. But finishing in the top ten was our goal, and we achieved it. We didn‘t miss the show at the end — as always, we know how to stand out — and it was a great way to close the season.”

Nicolas Goyon – Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager

“Last race of the season, and one thing is sure, Enea Bastianini is a racer! The weekend has been a summary of the season, meaning poor qualifying and incredible race pace. He achieved a strong top 10 from P20, so as I have already mentioned, our main focus during the pre-season tests will be on the one fast lap to improve the grid positions. Maverick Viñales had to retire a few laps to the end as his shoulder was getting weaker and weaker, so he just prefered returning to the pit box before making a mistake. The recovery has been a long road, and it is still going on, Maverick will need the next two months to be back at his 100%, which is our target. To finish, I would like to congratulate both our riders for their season. It has been a long one, the first with 22 rounds, with highs, including a podium with Enea, and lows, but it is racing, and I am sure that we will be back stronger next season. Finally, the whole team would like to say a huge thank you to both Hervé Poncharal and Guy Coulon, the founders of Tech3 thirty-six years ago in 1989, who both transmitted their passion for motorcycle racing to thousands of people. I really hope that the team’s future will be as bright as it has been in the last decade.”

Massimo Meregalli – Monster Energy Yamaha Team Director

“This was not the way we wanted to end the season and say goodbye to the inline-four engine. We are disappointed for Fabio. He didn’t have as good a start as yesterday and his early pace was not what we expected. He was gaining in the later stages, but then a crash ended his race. The main thing is that he is unharmed and okay for the important upcoming IRTA test. Rins also struggled at the start, but I’m sure he did enjoy battling with Chantra in the last race. We have completed the race weekend. I want to thank the Yamaha engineers, the Yamaha staff, the hospitality staff, the team crew, and the riders for their great dedication. Moreover, I’d like to thank our sponsors and partners for their continuous support. We now shift our attention completely towards 2026, which, for us, already starts on Tuesday.”

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