Motorsport Republica

The rivalry that changed MotoGP forever.
In this episode of Motorsport Republica, James and Tom dive deep into the most controversial feud in modern motorcycle racing: Valentino Rossi vs Marc Márquez.
2015 wasn’t just another MotoGP season — it was a turning point. Rossi was chasing an unlikely 10th world title at 36. Márquez was out of the championship but riding harder than ever. What followed was a season defined by tension, accusations, psychological warfare, and an incident that still divides fans to this day.
Support the show on Patreon for all of our exclusive access, our weekly “republica chats plus special podcasts, early access to guests & 20% off merch! patreon.com/MotorsportRepublica
This Episode is also bought to you by our major sponsor MotoHeaven. Be sure to check out all the latest motorcycle parts and accessories with no supplier bias. Jump onto www.motoheaven.com.au now.
This episode is also brought to you by OnTrack Experiences.
If you’re looking for the ultimate MotoGP experience, register your interest at ontrackexperiences.com.
Built for the ultimate MotoGP fans who want to experience the very best of a race weekend — on and off the track.

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MotoGP’s future is being shaped by money — and not everyone will survive it.
On this episode of Motorsport Republica, Tom & James sit down with “MotoGP finance guy” Dario de Wet to break down where the sport is heading beyond 2026 and what the numbers really say.
From China’s growing influence to the true cost of starting a MotoGP team.
Topics covered: • Is China entering MotoGP — and why now? • CFMOTO and the real cost of joining MotoGP in 2027 • Chinese GP 2027: expansion or overreach? • Are independent teams becoming more viable — or being squeezed out? • Why Moto2 and Moto3 may not race at every round from 2027 • Early predictions for the 2026 MotoGP season
Support the show on Patreon for all of our exclusive access, our weekly “republica chats plus special podcasts, early access to guests & 20% off merch! patreon.com/MotorsportRepublica
This Episode is also bought to you by our major sponsor MotoHeaven. Be sure to check out all the latest motorcycle parts and accessories with no supplier bias. Jump onto www.motoheaven.com.au now.
This episode is also brought to you by OnTrack Experiences.
If you’re looking for the ultimate MotoGP experience, register your interest at ontrackexperiences.com.
Built for the ultimate MotoGP fans who want to experience the very best of a race weekend — on and off the track.
Our Socials: WEBSITE: www.motorsportrepublica.com
SOCIALS: Instagram: Motorsportrepublica TikTok: Motorsportrepublica Facebook: Motorsport Republica

The boys are joined by Jack Appleyard, MotoGP’s pit lane reporter, for a wide-ranging chat that goes well beyond the racetrack.
They dive into the 2025 MotoGP season, break down the latest rider market rumours — including whispers of Pedro Acosta moving to Factory Ducati — and unpack how the championship is shaping up for 2026.
Jack also shares his incredible journey into MotoGP, explaining how he landed one of the most competitive roles in motorsport broadcasting, what life is really like inside the paddock, and which riders are the toughest interviews on the grid.
Plus, there’s plenty of off-track chat as the boys touch on Ashes cricket, media pressure, rider personalities, and the realities of covering the world’s biggest motorcycle championship week in, week out.
If you’re a MotoGP fan who loves insider stories, paddock insight, and honest discussion — this one’s for you.
Support the show on Patreon for all of our exclusive access, our weekly “republica chats plus special podcasts, early access to guests & 20% off merch! patreon.com/MotorsportRepublica
This Episode is also bought to you by our major sponsor MotoHeaven. Be sure to check out all the latest motorcycle parts and accessories with no supplier bias. Jump onto www.motoheaven.com.au now.
This episode is also brought to you by OnTrack Experiences.
If you’re looking for the ultimate MotoGP experience, register your interest at ontrackexperiences.com.
Built for the ultimate MotoGP fans who want to experience the very best of a race weekend — on and off the track.
Our Socials: WEBSITE: www.motorsportrepublica.com
SOCIALS: Instagram: Motorsportrepublica TikTok: Motorsportrepublica Facebook: Motorsport Republica

MotoGP is on the verge of major change — and Chris Vermeulen breaks it all down.
In this episode, former MotoGP and World Superbike star Chris Vermeulen joins us to talk MotoGP, ASBK, and the future of racing at Phillip Island. We dive into the impact of 2027 MotoGP regulations, how rider contracts and team dynamics are shaping the sport, and what these changes mean for the next generation of riders.
Chris also shares insights into rider mentality, lessons from his own racing career, and the challenge of balancing family life with life in motorsport. From ASBK involvement to the evolving World Superbike landscape, this is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at where motorcycle racing is headed.
.Support the show on Patreon for all of our exclusive access, our weekly “republica chats plus special podcasts, early access to guests & 20% off merch! patreon.com/MotorsportRepublica
This Episode is also bought to you by our major sponsor MotoHeaven. Be sure to check out all the latest motorcycle parts and accessories with no supplier bias. Jump onto www.motoheaven.com.au now.
This episode is also brought to you by OnTrack Experiences. If you’re looking for the ultimate MotoGP experience, register your interest at ontrackexperiences.com. Built for the ultimate MotoGP fans who want to experience the very best of a race weekend — on and off the track.
Our Socials: WEBSITE: www.motorsportrepublica.com SOCIALS: Instagram: Motorsportrepublica TikTok: Motorsportrepublica Facebook: Motorsport Republica

The MotoGP Christmas Special is here! Tom & James wrap up the year by reliving the best moments, funniest stories, and biggest talking points from the season on Motorsport Republica.The boys give a massive shout-out to all our listeners (sorry if we missed you!), crown our #1 ticket holder for the year, and tackle the big questions heading into next season.It’s the perfect festive wrap-up for MotoGP fans before the new season begins.
Support the show on Patreon for all of our exclusive access, our weekly “republica chats plus special podcasts, early access to guests & 20% off merch! patreon.com/MotorsportRepublica
This Episode is also bought to you by our major sponsor MotoHeaven. Be sure to check out all the latest motorcycle parts and accessories with no supplier bias. Jump onto www.motoheaven.com.au now.
This episode is also brought to you by OnTrack Experiences.
If you’re looking for the ultimate MotoGP experience, register your interest at ontrackexperiences.com.
Built for the ultimate MotoGP fans who want to experience the very best of a race weekend — on and off the track.
Our Socials: WEBSITE: www.motorsportrepublica.com
SOCIALS: Instagram: Motorsportrepublica TikTok: Motorsportrepublica Facebook: Motorsport Republica