Aleix Espargaro expressed concern over Jorge Martin transitioning from Ducati to Aprilia, stating, "The switch after such an extended period with Ducati's victorious motorcycle won't be simple."

Aleix Espargaro has expressed his support for Jorge Martin to clinch the MotoGP title, though he shares his concerns about the upcoming season.

Heading into the final race in Barcelona this weekend, Pramac's Martin is ahead by 24 points over reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia.

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In 2025, Bagnaia is set to continue with the top equipment in the sport, whereas Martin will transition from Ducati to Aprilia.

"Espargaro expressed great delight," he shared with Motosprint regarding Martin taking over his spot in the Aprilia team.

"The thought also intimidates me since transitioning from Ducati, where I've gotten accustomed to a victorious motorcycle, to Aprilia, which operates on an entirely distinct design, will undoubtedly be challenging after such a lengthy period."

"It's going to be tough, yet he's my closest pal, and entrusting my bike to him feels like a dream come true."

Experienced MotoGP rider Espargaro is set to retire following the race this weekend, now rescheduled to take place in Barcelona, his hometown, instead of the flood-affected Valencia.

Martin's Aprilia might sport the #1 if he secures the championship title this weekend.

Espargaro firmly believes his buddy, who didn't make it on the last day of 2023, will secure his inaugural championship.

"He announced Jorge as the winner."

"He holds a strong edge, demonstrating his speed in the recent competitions."

The distinction in skill that Pecco and Jorge hold over their counterparts is remarkable, echoing the iconic rivalries from historical racing periods.

"Each of them is worthy of this distinction."

Martin is determined to demonstrate that Ducati made a mistake by choosing Marquez over him for the 2025 factory ride, by clinching the championship title this weekend.

As soon as Ducati confirmed their choice of Marquez, he promptly inked an agreement to join Aprilia.

Martin has been bypassed for the Ducati factory team selection on three occasions.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide array of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Eddie Jordan asserts that Lando Norris lacks the necessary qualities to secure an F1 world title.

Eddie Jordan is of the opinion that Lando Norris lacks the necessary qualities to secure a world championship title in F1.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull is on track for his fourth consecutive world title after an impressive recovery, starting from 17th position to excel at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which was affected by rain. This performance has put him 62 points ahead of Norris, with only three races left in the season.

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Norris had secured the top starting position but fell behind early on and made several mistakes, finishing sixth after an ill-timed pit stop just before a red flag incident, which Verstappen took advantage of by making a cost-free tyre swap on his way to winning the race.

Renowned ex-Formula 1 team leader Jordan believes Norris needs to enhance certain aspects of his performance to genuinely contend for global championships.

"Jordan mentioned on the 'Formula For Success' podcast that Lando is still falling short. He pointed out that Lando hasn't made it in terms of the start or achieving pole position and making the first corner."

"Undoubtedly, his speed is remarkable. However, I don't possess any conviction that Lando displays the same capabilities I observed in Max's performance on Sunday. Absolutely not. I apologize, but it simply doesn't exist."

"Lando must engage in some deep self-reflection this winter, facing himself in the mirror and acknowledging: 'To rise as a formidable World Champion, there's a significant amount I need to grasp. It's time to revisit those clips that encapsulate the essence of being resilient, strong, and triumphant.'"

"Regrettably, as of now, he lacks it."

Jordan's response led fellow presenter and ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard to reply, "Wow, Eddie, you're really tough."

Jordan responded, saying, "The truth is, he hasn't turned those into victories on the track.

"He fooled around on the podium, he's messed around at the starting line."

"Truly, what should have been his total number of race victories this year?"

Verstappen's victory positions him close to clinching the 2024 world championship in the upcoming Las Vegas race.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing firsthand reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key individuals in the sport.

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Alpine has announced plans to adopt Mercedes engines and transmissions starting from the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Starting in 2026, with the introduction of new Formula 1 regulations, Alpine will be equipped with Mercedes engines and gearboxes.

The agreement is set to last throughout the period of F1's upcoming engine regulations, which span from 2026 to 2030.

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An official announcement reaffirmed the anticipated news, emphasizing that Alpine's main priority continues to be achieving peak performance in the upcoming 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Alpine is set to fill the position currently held by Aston Martin, who will be transitioning to Honda engines in 2026. Additionally, McLaren and Williams receive their engines from Mercedes.

In September, Renault declared that it would cease its Formula 1 engine project following the 2025 season's end. This decision forces Alpine to seek a power unit from a different supplier.

The engine production site of the French maker, located in Viry-Chatillon, Paris, will focus on advancing electric motor and battery tech, alongside continuing its involvement in motorsports activities.

For half a century, starting in 1977, Renault has been manufacturing engines for Formula 1, participating in the global championship since its entrance.

Alpine's 2024 season has been underwhelming, but an unexpected double podium finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has elevated the team to sixth in the constructors' standings, with three races left to go.

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. From the field, he reports on the events, sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Dan Fallows to Exit Position as Aston Martin F1's Technical Chief

Dan Fallows is set to depart from his position as the technical director for Aston Martin F1, yet he will continue his involvement with the broader organization.

Aston Martin has revealed that Dan Fallows will be resigning from his position as the team's F1 technical director.

On Tuesday, it was announced by the team based in Silverstone that Fallows will step down from his current role in November, yet he will "continue to be part of the group".

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In 2022, Fallows became the technical director at Aston Martin following a negotiated agreement with Red Bull, which allowed the esteemed designer to transition to the team.

Aston Martin has successfully lured esteemed Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull. The 65-year-old, who is believed to be on a deal that could reach £30 million annually, is set to begin his new role in March of the following year.

The announcement of Fallows leaving was somewhat unexpected, especially since he played a crucial role under Newey while they were at Red Bull.

"During my tenure with Aston Martin, it has been both a delight and an honor to lead the technical team on their path to achieving race victories and championship titles," expressed Fallows.

"I am ready to hand over the reins, yet I eagerly anticipate witnessing the team's forthcoming victories, which I believe are on the horizon."

Aston Martin Group's Chief Executive Officer, Andy Cowell, expressed his gratitude towards Dan for his involvement with Aston Martin Aramco over the past two years. He credited Dan with guiding the team to achieve the accomplishments of the AMR23, which managed to earn eight podium finishes in the previous season.

Aston Martin has faced a difficult season in 2024, currently ranking fifth in the constructors' standings with 86 points.

The squad's vehicle progression has faced ongoing challenges after kicking off the 2023 season with an impressive debut.

Lawrence Stroll, the proprietor of Aston Martin, harbors significant aspirations to transform the team into victors and competitors for the championship in the near future.

Aston Martin has appointed Enrico Cardile, previously the head of chassis at Ferrari, as their new Chief Technical Officer.

Lewis consistently visits various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Frequently covering the events firsthand, he shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Niels Wittich steps down from his position as F1 race director, with his successor already announced.

Niels Wittich has immediately resigned from his role as the F1 race director.

The FIA informed Crash.net that Wittich has departed from his position to seek out "new opportunities".

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Since 2022, the individual from Germany took over the role previously occupied by Michael Masi. Masi was dismissed due to the criticism over his management of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which led to a contentious end to the championship season.

Rui Marques, who has recently served as the race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, will take over Wittich's role starting from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"An FIA representative has announced that Niels Wittich has resigned from his role as F1 Race Director to seek new career prospects."

Niels has successfully carried out his various duties as Race Director with a high level of professionalism and commitment. We are grateful for his dedication and extend our best wishes for his future endeavors.

Rui Marques is set to take on the position of Race Director starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Marques comes with an extensive background, having held positions such as track marshal, scrutineer, both national and international steward, Deputy Race Director, and Race Director across different racing series.

"Previously, he served as the Race Director for both Formula 2 and Formula 3."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Reporting live from the events, he shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Adrian Newey is set to be a key member of an elite technical team at Aston Martin, joining their Formula 1 efforts in 2025.

Adrian Newey is set to collaborate with a number of respected Formula 1 personalities as he becomes part of Aston Martin's technical team.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the iconic Formula 1 car designer is set to join Aston Martin as the head of design. This move is part of the Silverstone-based team's significant investment in attracting top engineering talent from across the motorsport world.

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In the upcoming months, the team will be strengthened further with the addition of three new members, Newey among them, to an already impressive technical roster.

Andy Cowell, previously known for his expertise in engine technology at Mercedes, is set to become Aston Martin's next group chief executive officer, starting his role on the first of October.

Cowell, the mastermind responsible for the V6 hybrid engine that set the stage for Mercedes’ unparalleled success streak from 2014 to 2021, is set to take over the role of CEO at Aston Martin, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh.

In this position, the British national, aged 55, will assume full responsibility for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, directly answering to Lawrence Stroll, the team's owner.

Cowell is set to manage the shift to F1's updated regulations in 2026, coinciding with Aston Martin initiating their engine collaboration with Honda from Japan, essentially converting the squad into a factory team.

Aston Martin achieved a significant victory by securing Enrico Cardile, a central figure in Ferrari's Formula 1 technical squad.

Cardile, who dedicated nearly 20 years to Ferrari, holding his latest position as the technical director overseeing chassis and aerodynamics, is set to assume the position of chief technical officer at Aston Martin in 2025 after a break period.

Joining as a high-ranking official, Cardile will be positioned above Fallows in the hierarchy, enhancing the capabilities of Aston Martin's technical team.

Aston Martin Secures Bob Bell

Aston Martin has enhanced its team with the addition of Bob Bell, a seasoned F1 expert, who joined after departing his consultancy position with the underperforming Alpine team earlier in the year.

At the age of 65, he joins the team with a proven track record of success, previously holding the position of technical director for Renault when the French team clinched their most recent world championships with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

Bell's assignment entails supervising the technical, engineering, and performance aspects in his role as Executive Director (Technical) for Aston Martin. He directly reports to Team Principal Mike Krack.

Tom McCullough

Differing from the newcomers, Tom McCullough has been an integral part of Aston Martin's engineering team for a long time, first coming on board when the team was known as Force India, about ten years earlier.

McCullough has ascended through the engineering hierarchy to occupy the position of performance director at Aston Martin. In this pivotal role, he collaborates intimately with the engineering units within both sections of the garage, in addition to the performance teams stationed at the manufacturing site.

Aston Martin has appointed Luca Furbatto, previously the chief designer at Sauber, as their engineering director before the commencement of the 2022 season.

The designer, who has roots in both Italy and Britain, has significantly enriched Aston Martin's technical team with his vast knowledge and skills, drawn from over twenty years of service in prominent Formula 1 teams including BAR, Toyota, McLaren, and Toro Rosso.

Dan Fallows has stepped down from his role as technical director and will consequently not be collaborating with Newey any longer.

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He primarily reports directly from the venues, sharing the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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London is set to be the venue for a combined season kickoff event in February, showcasing the new liveries of all 10 Formula 1 teams along with their 20 drivers for the 2025 season.

F1 has revealed plans for an exclusive event in London on February 18 to kick off the season.

The O2 Arena in London is poised to host a grand assembly featuring all 10 teams and the 20 drivers from Formula 1 for a unified launch event. This special occasion, scheduled on the eve of the 2025 season, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the sport.

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The squads will utilize the occasion to showcase their 2025 color schemes for the upcoming season.

F1 is pledging to deliver an unprecedented event that will include live musical acts and various other forms of entertainment.

The event, spanning two hours and welcoming fans, will have tickets available for purchase starting Friday, November 15. Ticket prices vary, starting at £58 and going up to £113.

"In a historic first, we'll unite our supporters, the top 20 athletes in our sport, along with distinguished guests, to celebrate the launch of our new season and commemorate the 75th anniversary of our races," announced Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1.

“Heading into what promises to be an unforgettable 2025 season after all the thrilling events in 2024, this presents an amazing chance for enthusiasts of every generation to witness firsthand the remarkable spectacle known as Formula 1.”

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his pleasure, stating, “The FIA is thrilled to collaborate with our partners at FOM and all participating teams to organize the first-ever Formula 1 season kickoff event.

"The event will also act as an appropriate introduction to the festivities marking the sport's 75th anniversary during the 2025 season."

Brain Burke, the creative mastermind, led his team in executing the opening and closing ceremonies for the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, making the event memorable.

"Burke expressed immense pride in extending their collaboration with Formula 1 to develop fresh entertainment ventures, notably the upcoming inaugural event of the 2025 season, which marks the 75th anniversary of the sport."

"In partnership with all 10 teams, we guarantee fans an exhilarating live event that will showcase the new car designs, feature conversations with top F1 personalities, and offer innovative entertainment. This unprecedented event is a must-see!"

The occasion is scheduled to occur one week prior to the pre-season trials, set to be conducted at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 26th to 28th.

The 2025 season, featuring 24 races, kicks off with the Melbourne Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Frequently providing updates directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the influential figures within the sport.

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Pedro Acosta outlines his primary goal for the MotoGP season finale. He stated, "The primary aim is to conclude the season as the top-performing Pierer Mobility motorcycle."

Pedro Acosta, concluding his first MotoGP season at the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP this weekend, has a clear primary goal in mind.

This season, Acosta has achieved five podium finishes on Sundays and four in Sprint races. In contrast, the next-best KTM rider, Brad Binder, has managed one grand prix podium and one in a Sprint race.

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Acosta enters Barcelona holding a slim three-point advantage over his upcoming factory teammate as they compete for fifth place and the highest-ranking non-Ducati rider in the overall standings.

After traveling through a significant portion of Asia, we finally got some rest, and it felt wonderful to return home!" Acosta expressed.

"We're heading to Barcelona for the last round, a track I enjoy and where I feel confident and capable of performing well."

In May, when MotoGP made its stop in Catalunya, Acosta secured fifth place in the qualifying round. He went on to finish third in the Sprint race and was in contention for the lead during the grand prix before he unfortunately crashed.

In the Sprint race, Binder suffered a crash, but managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the main grand prix.

Acosta mentioned that the primary goal is to end the season as the top-performing bike from Pierer Mobility, and securing a podium finish at home would be a great bonus.

"We're committed to putting on a great performance and striving to collect as much as possible for the Valencia community. Let's do this!"

Should Acosta maintain his grip on fifth place, he would outperform the championship standing of Johann Zarco, another rookie for Tech3 MotoGP, back in 2017.

Augusto Fernandez, who is currently a teammate of Acosta, is set to participate in his last race as a regular MotoGP competitor in Barcelona, as he is anticipated to transition to a role involving Yamaha testing.

"In light of the events in Valencia, we are dedicating this weekend's race to them,” Fernandez commented, alluding to the severe floods that led to the relocation of the season's final race to Barcelona.

"In my opinion, following our top 10 finish in Malaysia, we can look forward to a promising weekend, particularly as we head to Barcelona, which is one of my favorite tracks!"

In 2025, the GASGAS brand will no longer be featured on the grid as Tech3 will revert to the Red Bull KTM colors with a completely new team of riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

"This weekend marks our final appearance in red, so let's give it everything we've got one last time!" stated team manager Nicolas Goyon.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Michelin reveals an 'exceptional' set of tires for the MotoGP championship showdown in Barcelona. Competitors will have a choice of seven distinct tire types for the newly scheduled final race of the season in Barcelona.

The venue for the final race of the MotoGP season has been switched from Valencia to Barcelona at the last minute. As a result, Michelin will supply what it describes as a 'special tyre package' for this crucial championship event.

Due to the severe flooding in Valencia, the circuit switch will result in Michelin providing a combination of the tyres that were used in Barcelona back in May, along with additional compounds that are better suited for the significantly cooler weather expected this weekend.

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The outcome is a selection of seven distinct tire choices. This includes four options for the front: an asymmetric Soft, a symmetrical Medium, a symmetrical Hard compound, and an asymmetric Hard. Additionally, there are three asymmetric rear tire options available in Soft, Medium, and Hard. Notably, the Medium and Hard rear tires were previously classified as Soft and Medium in May.

"From May to November, the variations in temperature required us to make adjustments," stated Piero Taramasso, who manages two-wheel racing at Michelin.

The circuit's setup doesn't significantly alter the conditions, yet this challenging track is infamous for offering minimal traction. Additionally, it features an asymmetrical design that exerts considerably more pressure on the right side of the tires.

"In line with the guidelines for these situations, we will supply extra rubber mixtures for both the front and rear."

"We began with the setup utilized in May and introduced a softer rear tire option for potentially cooler track conditions. This addition will enhance the existing Soft and Medium compounds, which will now serve as Medium and Hard. These configurations proved highly effective in both the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix events."

The trio of rear tires will feature an asymmetrical design, with extra reinforcement on the right side. As for the front tires, the decision was made not to include the Hard compound Michelin Power Slick that was available in May, as it is believed it would not be utilized.

"We will retain the Soft and Medium tire options and introduce two asymmetrical designs typically used in Valencia, the Sachsenring in Germany, or Phillip Island in Australia. However, these will feature additional reinforcement on the right side."

"Our goal is to provide our partners with a range of solutions for optimal tire temperature management, ensuring the final stages of the championship are as thrilling as the exciting races witnessed throughout the season."

Jorge Martin enters the final race of the weekend with a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia. The race offers a maximum of 37 points.

On the final lap of the Barcelona Sprint in May, Bagnaia lost his leading position by falling, but he managed to secure a win against Martin in the grand prix.

In May's races, the medium front tire was the preferred choice, paired with soft rear tires for the Sprint race and medium rear tires for the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the era of Valentino Rossi. He is now closely covering the developments surrounding Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Miguel Oliveira is making his comeback for a farewell performance with Trackhouse at the Barcelona MotoGP. Both Oliveira and team manager Wilco Zeelenberg are preparing for their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make his comeback in MotoGP for his final appearance with Trackhouse Aprilia during the season-ending Solidarity Barcelona event this weekend.

Portimao has been absent from the past five races after sustaining wrist fractures, which occurred because of a traction control malfunction while practicing in Mandalika.

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Oliveira, who marked a significant milestone for Trackhouse by securing its first-ever top-three position during the Sachsenring Sprint, is set to ride his last laps on an RS-GP ahead of his inaugural test session with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.

Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to compete in MotoGP.

"I'm not setting high expectations since I'm unsure of my wrist's limitations until I actually get back on the bike. This Grand Prix brings a mix of emotions, but my goal is to finish strong with the Trackhouse team."

"Clearly, our goal is to quickly raise both hope and money for those impacted by the disastrous occurrences in Valencia, and I'm genuinely excited about it!"

With Oliveira's exit and the introduction of a completely new factory team consisting of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, Raul Fernandez will be the sole rider staying with Aprilia in 2025.

In May, during the Barcelona round, Fernandez captured attention by securing a front-row start on his 2023-spec bike and impressively taking the lead in the Sprint race, although he eventually crashed.

After being advanced to the RS-GP24, the Spanish rider secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"To begin with, our race will be dedicated to all those impacted in Valencia," Fernandez stated. "The events that occurred there are still very distressing, so we aim to compete on their behalf."

"Barcelona is a favorable circuit for us, and even though our primary focus will be on preparations for the next year, I hope to conclude the final race of the season on a positive note."

"The outcome we achieved in Barcelona previously gives me a lot of hope. However, I prefer to remain composed, focus on each session individually, and put forth my best effort."

Reigning Moto2 champion Ai Ogura, who is stepping in for Oliveira, is set to make his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.

This weekend marks the departure of more than just the Portuguese member from Trackhouse; team manager Wilco Zeelenberg is also saying goodbye.

"Naturally, we hope that the event in Barcelona will be extraordinary, especially given that the circumstances prompting our visit aren't ideal. We should make every effort to support the people in Valencia however possible," stated Zeelenberg.

According to the MotoGP organization, the focus is not on racing in Valencia, but rather racing for it. This sentiment is beautifully expressed and adds a unique significance to this second event in Barcelona.

"For our team, this event holds significance as Miguel is returning from an injury, and Raul had taken the lead in the Sprint race at this local event earlier in the summer."

"We previously had good performance with our bike at that location, so we're hopeful we can replicate those past race results."

"I'm excited about attending the last MotoGP race of this season, which could also be the final race of my career."

Ex-grand prix competitor Zeelenberg, who claimed victory in the 1990 West German 250GP, achieved his first significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship for Yamaha.

The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the new team member, Jorge Lorenzo, in a garage that was physically split with Valentino Rossi.

Until 2015, the Yamaha factory team assigned a manager to each rider. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's title was changed to 'Rider Performance Analyst' to better describe his growing emphasis on coaching the riders.

By the time Lorenzo departed for Ducati in 2017, he and Zeelenberg had secured three world championships and achieved victory in 43 races.

The rider from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha to collaborate with Maverick Vinales, a newcomer who impressively secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1 motorcycle. However, more than a year passed without Vinales achieving another win, leading to clear frustration.

Zeelenberg, along with crew chief Ramon Forcada, who played a vital role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the new Petronas Yamaha initiative in 2019. Zeelenberg resumed his position as a team manager with this move.

The Sepang initiative unearthed future star Fabio Quartararo, achieving six victories, marking the inaugural wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, and secured the runner-up position in the 2020 championship with Franco Morbidelli.

Following Valentino Rossi's last MotoGP season, the departure of Petronas led to a restructured team emerging under the leadership of Razlan Razali. This new iteration, known as RNF, initially partnered with Yamaha and later switched to Aprilia bikes.

Zeelenberg guided the team through turbulent times, which included an unsuccessful partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued to be the team manager as the new Trackhouse era began this year.

There are no plans to replace Zeelenberg, which indicates that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities as the team manager.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently at the center of the unfolding saga regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Davide Tardozzi cautioned that Ducati is set to face a setback in their public relations efforts. "It will be painful, there's no question about it…"

Ducati is likely to come out on the losing end of the public relations battle if Aprilia reveals a bike with the #1 plate for their 2025 model, according to what Davide Tardozzi has

Jorge Martin from Pramac Ducati heads into the final MotoGP race of the season in Barcelona with a 24-point advantage.

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He is the leading contender to secure his inaugural championship, but he plans to join Aprilia in 2025. As a result, Ducati's competitor might have the opportunity to display the prestigious #1 plate on Martin's motorcycle next year.

Ducati's team leader, Tardozzi, emphasized that their satisfaction will come from Martin winning the championship on a Ducati, no matter how next year's Aprilia might look.

Michael Laverty from TNT Sports remarked, "There's no question that it's going to hurt."

"They may try to present it positively by noting he is recorded as the Ducati champion, but they will not win the public relations battle next year."

"And Aprilia is set to win. They'll definitely put the #1 plate on their bike!"

"You would take advantage of that opportunity."

Francesco Bagnaia, the champion for the last two years, is faced with the daunting task of mounting a significant comeback in Barcelona to keep his title.

He arguably doesn't have much support on the track, as his teammate Enea Bastianini has no obligations to Ducati following their decision to replace him for the 2025 season, and he is set to join KTM.

Marc Marquez will be teaming up with Bagnaia soon, but he's probably not interested in participating in the championship battle.

Laverty informed Ducati that they cannot compel Enea to offer assistance. He added that Martin has demonstrated greater consistency and has made fewer errors.

"They have a two-time world champion, yet this hasn't been Pecco's successful season."

Pramac is on the verge of achieving a major success by outperforming their own factory team for the championship.

It would be notable for their partnership to conclude, as Pramac has committed to becoming a satellite team for Yamaha starting in 2025.

Neil Hodgson commented, "It's enormous. That team is a satellite team, meaning they don't have as many staff members."

"Joining the official factory team is a significant advancement."

"A satellite team has never before won the MotoGP championship. I remember Valentino Rossi secured his victory in 2001 riding a full factory motorcycle."

"However, we have not experienced it, particularly at this level."

"It’s a significant achievement for a satellite team to outperform the main factory team."

"If it occurs, and it's with Pramac? They are known as the approachable team, consistently maintaining a friendly demeanor."

Paolo Campinoti, the team leader, has dedicated 25 years to this paddock and has invested millions of his personal funds into it.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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New Development in Surprising F1 Race Director Change: Niels Wittich Refutes Resignation Claims

The abrupt departure of Niels Wittich during the F1 race director switch is examined as additional details come to light.

Niels Wittich has refuted claims that he resigned from his role as the race director for Formula 1.

On Tuesday, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, made a surprising announcement that Wittich, who had been in the role since 2022, would be stepping down immediately to "explore new opportunities."

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In an interview with the German outlet Motorsport-Magazin, Wittich stated, "I have not stepped down."

New details shared by Craig Slater, a reporter for Sky Sports, seem to support Wittich's assertion. The reports suggest that the German is facing growing tension in his relationship with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

According to high-level insiders, it appears he was essentially dismissed from his position, rather than choosing to resign with three races remaining. This contradicts the official statement released by the FIA, as noted by Slater.

Various sources have informed me that Wittich and the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had a strained relationship, which has played a role in the situation.

Examining the potential causes for Wittich's unexpected exit with only three races left in the season, Slater commented, "Wittich has faced some criticism."

Reflecting on the events at Interlagos and those leading up to it, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix experienced significant rainfall. This brought about situations where the red flag could have been deployed sooner.

I’ve talked to a few people who thought that Wittich might not have made the best decisions in some important situations.

"Did he have some issues with the race stewards? This seemed to come to light in Austin amidst the debate about Max Verstappen's racing style, especially concerning his defensive maneuvers."

Rui Marques, who is presently the race director for F2 and F3, will take over as Wittich's successor starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"It's a challenging role," Slater remarked. "This has been the case ever since the passing of the esteemed Charlie Whiting just before the start of the 2019 season. People recall the notorious Abu Dhabi race incident that led to Michael Masi losing his position as race director, and now it seems this demanding role has become overwhelming for Wittich."

"Joining the fray with only three races left comes with its own challenges, particularly since the Drivers' Championship is technically still up for grabs, despite Max Verstappen being the clear front-runner. Additionally, the battle for the Constructors' Championship is still in progress."

“This is a challenging event for someone taking on their initial role as race director. Being a street circuit, last year’s inaugural race was marked by numerous incidents. There was also debate concerning the track's certification, a responsibility that falls to the race director. Additionally, there was an issue with a loose drain cover. Rui Marques is certainly facing a tough introduction to this role.”

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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