Neil Morrison
@neilmorrison87
MotoGP reporter, commentator Bylines in: MCN, AMCN, Cycle News, Motomatters, Motocourse Speak on: @paddockpasspodcast.com
Aprilia confirm signing Pecco Bagnaia from 2027 on a *four-year* deal.
Just in from the FIM: - start devices removed from Assen - grid layout adjusted from Sachsenring - manufacturers limited to running 6 bikes from ‘28
Salac exhausted after his comeback & home podium. But delighted. “This is the best day of my life.”
Hakim Danish is the first Malaysian GP race winner since 2016 & the first to win a dry Grand Prix ever! Fantastic to see another fast rider from South East Asia winning in Moto3.
This is good to see. Bezzecchi went to see the marshal this morning to apologise. Ended in an embrace.
Bezzecchi's response to yesterday's events is in (via his Insta).
Aprilia’s appeal has been rejected! Bezzecchi will not take part in tomorrow’s Czech GP!
Wow. Bezzecchi’s been *suspended* from the rest of the Czech GP after his actions in the gravel trap today! It’s a big call. But after seeing the footage I don’t think it’s unjust…
Pedro was having issues with his ride height device from lap one. Crashed trying to get it to release and come up.
Was put to Ai he’s the youngest ever MotoGP pole sitter from Japan & that must make him happy. Deadpans: “Because we have so few, that’s why I’m the youngest.”
Alex was faster this weekend than expected. Plus, important mentally to come back this weekend. But stiff, tired and wanted to avoid risks so felt better to withdraw before Quali.
Marc is back, wearing protection on his right foot. Says he's here as he's confident he can do the full weekend. But knows he can't "with maximum intensity."
In this week's MCN: Ahead of the factory's home GP, Aprilia Technical Director Fabiano Sterlacchini tells me about changes he implemented when joining at the end of 2024 & how he approaches the job: "I like to define my role (as) the director of an orchestra."
Just in from Ducati: Following a positive medical check, Marc Márquez will travel to Mugello tomorrow. He is scheduled for a final trackside assessment on Thursday to secure the 👍 to race.
Bit of a coup for Pramac - Ross Brawn of F1 fame will now serve as advisor to Team Principal Paolo Campinoti.
New column for @motomatters.com: asking if Fabio Di Giannantonio is currently MotoGP's most underrated rider. Story behind recent surge, Barcelona heroics & unlikely title challenge here. motomatters.com/index.php/an...
rom avoiding this ➡️ this. We speak about how #motogp got lucky *twice* on Sunday in our Catalan GP Review show. Just how did Diggia get back in the zone + to claim a 2nd MotoGP win? & we cover Acosta's wild weekend, Aprilia's downturn, & more! soundcloud.com/the-paddock-...
Just posted on Alex's Insta. Great to see him sat up and smiling!
“We’re lucky. Considering what happened to Alex, someone saved us (today).” Also revealed he had big impact in cervical in Turn1 crash, started to feel dizzy 3 laps into 2nd restart & had to slow down. “Maybe I wasn’t ready to race.”
As if enough didn’t happen today… Mir loses his 3rd place due to tyre pressure infringement (Raul too). Bagnaia promoted to the podium for time being (also under investigation).
“I will not talk about the race because it’s not important - just send all my strength to Alex and Johann.”
Martin ‘disappointed’ with himself & apologised to team and Paolo Bonora. “I pushed him because I was so frustrated about the situation. I will improve. Disappointed about my reaction but I was really hot about what happened.”
“Really a terrible day for us. We’re the best riders in the world, we know how to focus ahead of starts. But when I saw Johann (after the crash) I had flashbacks to Suzuka (in ‘25). Now adrenaline has gone it’s coming a really bad feeling in the stomach.”
Pedro asked if he thought about a last corner move on Alex. ‘No, I was too f**ked!’
The new fairly hefty aero on Pecco Bagnaia’s Ducati swingarms this morning.
Ogura asked about this moment earlier & dealing with languages / conversations he doesn't understand. "In 2024, except me, my crew chief and Yamanaka, it was all Spanish, and they talked only Spanish - that's my life since long, long ago!"