Paddock Pass Podcast

In the latest episode of RNF Unlocked, Wilco Zeelenberg talks to Neil Morrison and David Emmett about his history of racing at Assen, how he sees the track, and what he expects from Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. He also gives his insight into the state of MotoGP, Marc Marquez' fitness, and more.

Once upon time, a Ducati win at the Sachsenring was merely the hallucination of a fevered imagination. But those dark days for Ducati are long past, and with the Italian manufacturer locking out the top five at the tight and twisty German circuit, the Paddock Pass Podcast crew dig into what happened to turn it around.

In addition to diving into Ducati, Neil Morrison, David Emmett, and Adam Wheeler take a long look at Marc Marquez' and Honda's miserable weekend at the Sachsenring, with 5 crashes for Marquez and just 1 Honda on the grid on Sunday. They ask whether this is the end for Marquez and the Repsol Honda team, and what his options are if it is. And we discuss what KTM is going to do about Pedro Acosta now that he keeps winning.

The men behind the clipboards: Crew Chiefs Noé Herrera and Giovanni Mattarollo talk about the challenges they face as crew chiefs. They talk about how they work together despite being rivals, how they manage the relationship with their riders, and their journeys that brought them to MotoGP.

We feared Mugello would be empty, but the Italian fans did not disappoint, the legendary Tuscan track filling up with a joyous and enthusiastic crowd to watch Pecco Bagnaia romp to a comfortable victory in a less than thrilling race. But there was still plenty for Adam Wheeler, Neil Morrison, and David Emmett to sink their teeth into in this episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast.

From the media center at the Isle of Man TT, Steve English and Gordon Ritchie look back at the Misano round of WorldSBK, and all the news that emerged from it. Steve and Gordo discuss Toprak Razgatlioglu's announcement that he is switching to BMW, and the repercussions that may have. They discuss Scott Redding's future, and whether it is in WorldSBK or even MotoAmerica. They talk Ducati, how Danilo Petrucci is still working to adapt, the rumors of a Marc VDS team entering WorldSBK, and they take a look at what Honda could do next.

In the latest episode of the RNF Unlocked podcast, Razlan Razali and Wilco Zeelenberg talk about their expectations for Mugello. Razlan and Wilco explain the difficulties of dealing with injured riders, how to handle replacements, and what they expect of Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez at Mugello. Wilco tells us all about the experience of the Aprilia All Stars day, and the logistical challenges that presented to the team. And they look ahead to the challenges of racing at Mugello.

After three weekends away, MotoGP is back at Mugello. Adam Wheeler, Neil Morrison, and David Emmett look ahead to motorcycle racing's greatest stage, and ask what might happen this weekend. We touch on Pol Espargaro's decision to not race at Mugello, but his hope to return before the summer break. And we ask whether we will see a return of the crowds after last year's disappointing attendance numbers.

Ahead of the Isle of Man TT, which started last week, Steve English sat down with top TT photographer Tony Goldsmith and Cycle News editor and TT racer Rennie Scaysbrook to preview and discuss the growing popularity of the event.

We have a very special guest on this episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast. David and Adam traveled to Bologna to interview Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, to ask about Ducati's stellar year in racing and sales in 2023, about MotoE and the future of road bikes, and about the lessons learned from racing which transfer to street production.

Before we get into the interview, Steve English, David Emmett, Adam Wheeler, and Neil Morrison talk Pecco Bagnaia's statements on the difference between satellite and factory bikes, an injury update, and why Toprak Razgatlioglu decided to stay in WorldSBK with BMW

The Le Mans MotoGP round was all about the big numbers: 116,000 fans on race day and 286,000 over the whole weekend for the 1000th Grand Prix. In this episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast, we take a deep dive into exactly what makes Le Mans such a popular venue, and what lessons other promoters can learn from their experience.

Then we get into the racing proper, hearing from Jorge Martin's Pramac Ducati crew chief Daniele Romagnoli after his sprint race win, and discuss the revival of Marc Marquez as a factor. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola explains what makes consistency so difficult. And as always, we finish up with our winners and losers, and hear from new Tech3 GasGas team boss Nico Goyon about Augusto Fernandez' impressive fourth place.