Alex Rins shares fascinating details about Yamaha's V4 MotoGP testing

The Spanish motorcyclist discussed the trials of the V4.

Alex Rins disclosed that Yamaha intended to trial its new V4 MotoGP engine this month; however, they had to scrap these plans because the engine was not prepared.

At the start of this year, Yamaha announced that it was developing a V4 engine for the first time during its time in MotoGP, after having consistently used an inline-four engine throughout the current era.

Transitioning to a V4 engine will align it with its competitors, but there is currently no specific schedule for when this engine might compete in races.

During an appearance on the Spanish version of motorsport.com's podcast, Rins shared an interesting piece of information that suggests the current development phase of the new V4.

Rins mentioned that the plan was to try it out during the private test conducted by KTM in Jerez earlier in December.

“Ultimately, it was incomplete and unavailable for testing.”

The podcast mentioned that Andrea Dovizioso was scheduled to conduct tests on the V4 at Jerez, provided the unit was prepared in time.

Yamaha's upcoming chance to experiment with their new V4 engine will be during the Sepang shakedown, as no further testing is scheduled until late January.

In a one-on-one discussion with Crash.net, Max Bartolini, Yamaha's head of technical operations, detailed the specific objectives the Japanese company aims to achieve by transitioning to a V4 engine.

"Starting with the V4, the engine is what everyone typically considers," he stated.

"However, I believe the primary benefit comes from the bike's design rather than its engine."

According to our engine team, there shouldn't be a significant difference when it comes to sheer power.

"There are certain methods to adjust the bike's setup that will be somewhat simpler with the V4. Additionally, it's about aligning more with the needs of the tyres, as ensuring the tyres perform well is always crucial."

According to reports, Yamaha performed well when paired with Bridgestone. They have also had several successful races using Michelin tires. However, Michelin tends to focus more on utilizing the rear tires rather than the front ones.

The V4 engine configuration offers an advantage by allowing the motorcycle to be designed with a focus on the rear tire's alignment. This presents a particular challenge.

"Frankly, creating the V4 engine is a challenging task, yet I believe it's even more crucial to design the motorcycle to complement the V4 engine."

Bartolini mentioned that there is no certainty about racing the V4 at any time next season.

As a company with concession status, Yamaha, along with Honda, has the ability to implement new engine designs in the 2025 season, which their competitors are not permitted to do.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special insights, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email inbox.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Website Layout

Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton Receives Cautionary Message Regarding Michael Schumacher’s Last Formula 1 Competitions

"Hamilton Takes Another Risk with Ferrari"

Lewis Hamilton has been warned that finishing his Formula 1 career on a high note isn't assured, as even Michael Schumacher couldn't achieve it.

David Coulthard has conveyed the disappointing news that Hamilton's switch to Ferrari may not yield the results he is anticipating.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, aiming to secure his record-breaking eighth Formula 1 championship.

He would surpass Schumacher, who had returned from retirement for a three-year period with Mercedes but did not manage to secure another grand prix victory during that time.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Coulthard stated, "Lewis Hamilton is not the sole focus of Mercedes, and Hamilton himself has expressed that he is not solely dedicated to the team."

Similarly, when Michael returned from retirement to join Mercedes, it was hard to picture him as anything other than a legendary figure associated with Ferrari.

However, the appeal of returning to Mercedes, coupled with his confidence and determination that he could still succeed, drew him back.

"He spent a few years there and performed decently, but it wasn't quite like his initial experience in Formula 1."

Former Formula 1 racer Coulthard commented, "Lewis is taking another gamble with Ferrari."

"This could potentially result in a revitalization of his performance and a battle for the world championship title. However, it will be difficult as he needs to overcome the speed of Charles Leclerc."

The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc in Ferrari's revamped team is astonishing in theory.

However, Coulthard is concerned that Hamilton may not be able to surpass Leclerc, especially since he has been consistently outperformed in qualifying by his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, throughout the year.

According to Coulthard, a crucial element shared by all the legends throughout history is their ability to qualify and compete in races.

"If Lewis, who is now 40, has slowed down in his football abilities, he might find it challenging to outperform Charles throughout the year."

"That's a valid question that people ought to be asking, but it's his responsibility to provide the answer."

"The responsibility is his, and it's not our place to belittle him or claim he's incapable."

"Each of these individuals has the power to determine their own future."

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the Formula 1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, photos, or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Fernando Alonso's determination to compete for a championship at the age of 45 is set to be challenged. "Adrian mentioned that it comes down to mental determination."

It has been proposed that Fernando Alonso needs to conquer the mental determination necessary to secure another F1 championship victory.

Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, stands to gain from collaborating with Adrian Newey as he approaches the final phase of his Formula 1 career.

Currently 43 years old, Alonso unexpectedly sees a chance to enhance his collection of titles beyond the two he secured with Renault.

He has a contract with Aston Martin that lasts until the conclusion of 2026. This will be the inaugural season in which he will drive a car entirely developed by Newey, who is set to join the team.

"Sky Sports' Ted Kravitz remarked that nothing is out of the realm of possibility."

Fernando Alonso will be 44 years old when Adrian initially begins to make an impact. By the time he gets behind the wheel of the first car designed by Newey and competes for the championship, he will be 45.

I inquired with Newey regarding this topic. Adrian mentioned that it largely depends on mental determination. If you still have the speed, but your mind grows weary, you eventually lose the desire to continue.

"If Fernando can defy those expectations and desires to continue, there's no reason preventing him from doing so."

"Could Fernando secure a third championship title at the age of 45? It's possible he might achieve that elusive 33rd victory in 2025 with a car shaped by Newey's expertise."

Both Newey and Alonso have expressed interest in collaborating with one another throughout the years.

Although they nearly ended up on the same team at Red Bull, Alonso ultimately decided not to join the initiative that would eventually lead to championship victories for Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, despite having discussions.

Ted Kravitz recalled that Paul Monaghan, who is currently with Red Bull, used to serve as the race engineer for Fernando Alonso when they were both at Renault.

"He played a significant role in persuading Fernando to join Red Bull in 2009."

"He was nearly there, yet ultimately, it wasn't meant to be."

Starting in March, Alonso will partner with Newey, who he considers his ideal collaborator.

However, he needs to overcome the challenges posed by his age to completely benefit from Newey's exceptional car design skills.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1, delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock directly in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy any part or the entirety of the text, photos, or images in any manner.

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

Marc Marquez credits the Gresini MotoGP team for playing a pivotal role in his career

The eight-time world champion highlights the significant impact Gresini had on his 2024 season

Marc Marquez mentioned that his season spent with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's spirit to the vibe found in a Moto2 team.

The Spanish racer made a significant gamble with his career by choosing to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule, at the close of 2023, in order to join Gresini's team and ride a GP23 Ducati in the previous season.

Marquez shifted gears to see if he still had the speed for MotoGP and if he could find joy in it again, following four challenging years since 2020, when an arm injury significantly impacted his career.

The eight-time global champion secured victories in three Grand Prix races, his first wins since 2021, and subsequently clinched a factory Ducati deal for the 2025 season.

In a conversation with journalists, among them Crash.net, during the season's last event, Marquez shared that his experience with Gresini reignited his love for the sport.

"He mentioned that being a part of a satellite team somewhat reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycles."

"Obviously, during my time at Honda, I was fortunate to have comrades and an excellent team of people around me."

"However, the reality remains that being part of a factory team adds a layer of seriousness to the situation."

"This version is definitely more relaxed and friendly. It brings to mind, albeit differently, the atmosphere of a Moto2 team I was part of – where conversing with the team leader was the norm."

Therefore, for those in charge of making the ultimate choices, you have the option to approach Nadia Padovani. You can discuss with her, expressing your thoughts, and she will respond, 'Alright, we can proceed'.

"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."

"With a capable satellite team and a strong motorcycle, remarkable achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, mirroring the success of riders in prior years with Gresini."

"They possess a vast history and extensive experience in handling various types of scenarios."

Last week, Marquez announced his transition to the factory Ducati team, which will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull. However, he is not expected to join forces with Monster Energy.

Recently, Crash.net had the opportunity to speak with Frankie Carchedi, Marquez's crew chief for 2024, in an exclusive episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, available for listening below.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers from the circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive up-to-date MotoGP coverage, exclusive insights, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the circuit to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing, whether entirely or partially, any text, photos, or illustrations is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Index

Crash.Net

Why Gresini's MotoGP Team, Reminiscent of Moto2, Was Vital for Marc Marquez

The eight-time global champion shares how Gresini significantly propelled him forward in 2024

Marc Marquez expressed that his season with Gresini Racing in MotoGP reignited his enthusiasm for motorcycle racing, comparing the team's ambiance to that of a Moto2 squad.

In a bold career move, the Spanish rider decided to leave the factory Honda team a year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023, opting instead to join Gresini's team and race with a GP23 Ducati last season as his performance started to decline.

Marquez decided to see if he could maintain his speed in MotoGP and still find joy in it, following a challenging four-year period starting in 2020 due to a significant arm injury that impacted his career.

The eight-time global champion secured triumphs in three grand prix events, achieving his initial wins since 2021, and subsequently landed a factory Ducati deal for 2025.

In a conversation with the press, which included Crash.net, during the season's last race, Marquez mentioned that collaborating with Gresini reignited his "love" for the sport.

"Being part of a satellite team reignited my enthusiasm for motorcycles," he shared.

Certainly, at Honda, as you're aware, I was fortunate to have companions and a truly excellent team of people.

"However, the reality is that being part of a factory team entails a more serious commitment."

"This version feels more relaxed and approachable, evoking memories of a time with a Moto2 team in a different sense, particularly in how you'd communicate directly with the team leader."

"Therefore, those in charge of making the ultimate choices, in this instance, you can approach Nadia [Padovani] and have a conversation with her. You can express your thoughts, and she'll respond, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"

"Undoubtedly, the key aspect is their possession of the bicycle."

"With a competent satellite team and a high-quality motorcycle, impressive achievements are possible, just as I experienced this year, similar to what other racers accomplished in past years with Gresini."

"They possess an extensive background and considerable expertise in handling a variety of circumstances."

Last week, Marquez announced his decision to join the factory Ducati team, which will result in the termination of his individual sponsorship deal with Red Bull. However, he does not plan to become a sponsored athlete of Monster Energy.

Recently, Crash.net had a discussion with Frankie Carchedi, the crew chief for Marquez's team in 2024, in a unique episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, accessible below.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of MotoGP straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, special content, one-on-one discussions, and exclusive offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part or all of the text, photos, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia’s Odd Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons

‘Grasping It Was Challenging’

Maverick Vinales has shared insights into an odd aspect of his time racing for Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the latter half of the season consistently posed challenges for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider teamed up with Aprilia towards the end of the 2021 season after parting ways with Yamaha under tense circumstances. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, concluding at the close of 2024.

Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory at the Grand Prix level aboard the RS-GP during the 2024 Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior round held in Portugal.

Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia were puzzled by their unexpected speed during that stage of the championship.

Vinales pointed out that it wasn't just in America where he felt at his peak with the Aprilia; he mentioned that during his tenure, the performance of the RS-GP consistently dipped in the latter part of the season.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of achievement during several races."

"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I'm confident that race could have been another victory for me, without a doubt. There were also several other races where I had a very positive vibe."

"The motorcycle demonstrated considerable promise during certain segments of the competition, yet from my experience over the years with Aprilia, a recurring challenge was the latter half of the season, which proved to be quite tough for all Aprilia riders."

"It's challenging to grasp since we usually perform well on these tracks. However, when we enter the latter half of the season, it consistently becomes tough."

During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, the Aprilia factory team secured three sprint race victories, one grand prix win, and finished in the top five in four of the Sunday races.

Over the past 10 races, it achieved only two top-three finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a Grand Prix, dropping to third place in the team rankings, behind KTM – the team Vinales will be joining in 2025 through the Tech3 squad.

Vinales suggests that Aprilia started each season at the peak performance of their bike, whereas their competitors improved and performed better as the year progressed.

"When questioned about the reasons behind this pattern, he replied, 'I'm not sure, as we've attempted every possible solution.'"

"We altered the swingarms, the chassis, and everything else in an attempt to comprehend the issue at hand."

"However, my perspective is that we began at our peak while others initially faced some difficulties adapting to the new bike, and then they progressed further."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, unique content, conversations, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether in whole or in part, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Vinales Sheds Light on Aprilia's Unusual Tendency in Recent MotoGP Seasons

'Grasping it was challenging'

Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time at Aprilia in MotoGP, pointing out that the "latter half of the season always proved to be quite challenging" for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider switched to Aprilia toward the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha, completing three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer through to the conclusion of 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his maiden grand prix victory on the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following a commendable performance in the preceding Portugal round.

Later on, he conceded that both he and Aprilia were at a loss to explain their exceptional speed during that stage of the competition.

Vinales observed that his peak performance on the Aprilia wasn't exclusive to his time in America, mentioning that during his tenure, the RS-GP consistently experienced a decline in performance as the year progressed into its latter half.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned experiencing a strong sense of satisfaction during several races."

"At Le Mans '23, I experienced a crash. However, I firmly believe that race had the potential for a win. There were also several other races where I felt particularly confident.

"The motorcycle demonstrated significant promise during certain stages of the championship, yet from my experience with Aprilia over the years, the latter half of the season consistently proved to be a challenging period for all the Aprilia bikes.

"It's perplexing because we usually perform well on these tracks. However, entering the latter half of the championship season, challenges always seem to arise."

During the initial 10 races of the 2024 season, Aprilia's official team secured victories in three sprints, triumphed in one grand prix, and finished among the top five in four Sunday races.

Over the previous 10 races, it secured only two podium finishes in sprints and a single top-five placement in a grand prix, dropping to third place in the constructors' rankings, behind KTM. Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025 with the Tech3 squad.

Vinales suggests that the explanation lies in Aprilia starting each season at the peak of the bike's performance, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.

"When questioned about the reasons behind this trend, he expressed uncertainty, stating, 'We've attempted every possible solution.'"

"We modified the swingarms, the frame, and all other components in an effort to grasp the root of the issue."

"Perhaps my perspective is that we began at our peak performance, while the others initially found it challenging to adapt to the new bike, before they eventually made progress."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter to receive the newest updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discover More

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to fully or partially replicate text, photos, or images in any manner.

Site Map

Collision.Net

Title: The Significance of the Gresini MotoGP Team for Marc Marquez, Comparable to Moto2

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez discusses the pivotal support he received from the Gresini team in 2024.

Marc Marquez expressed that his time racing with Gresini Racing in MotoGP rekindled his enthusiasm for motorcycles. He compared the team's environment to that of a Moto2 team.

The Spanish rider made a significant career gamble as his performance started to decline, deciding to leave the factory Honda team one year ahead of schedule at the conclusion of 2023. He switched to a GP23 Ducati with the Gresini team last season.

Marquez decided to test if he could still perform at high speeds in MotoGP and find joy in the sport, following four challenging years since his significant arm injury in 2020.

The rider, who has claimed the world championship title eight times, secured three grand prix wins, marking his first triumphs since 2021, and secured a deal with the Ducati factory team for the 2025 season.

During the season's final round, Marquez shared with reporters, such as those from Crash.net, that partnering with Gresini reignited his "passion" for racing.

He compared being part of a satellite team to his enthusiasm for motorcycles.

Certainly, during my time at Honda, I had close friends there and worked with an excellent team of people.

"However, being part of a factory team means that everything becomes a bit more serious."

"In this situation, everything feels more laid-back and familiar. It brings to mind, albeit differently, my time with a Moto2 team, where I would have direct conversations with the team leader."

"The individuals responsible for making the ultimate decisions should approach Nadia Padovani. You can express your opinion to her, and she will respond with something like, 'Alright, we can proceed.'"

"Naturally, having the bicycle is the crucial aspect."

"A well-equipped satellite team can accomplish impressive results, as I experienced this year, similar to what other riders achieved in past years with Gresini."

"They possess extensive history and substantial experience in handling various situations."

Last week, Marquez announced that by joining the factory Ducati team, he will conclude his individual sponsorship with Red Bull, but he has no plans to sign with Monster Energy as a sponsor.

Crash.net recently had an interview with Frankie Carchedi, who will be Marquez's crew chief for 2024, to talk about the upcoming season. This conversation is featured in a special episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, which is available below.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Layout

Crash.Net

Christian Horner clarifies the decision to advance Liam Lawson ahead of Yuki Tsunoda within Red Bull.

Christian Horner mentioned that it was a closely contested decision for Red Bull to opt for Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda for the F1 2025 season.

On Thursday, Red Bull revealed that Lawson would be stepping up from the affiliated team Racing Bulls to join Max Verstappen on the track in 2025, following the team's choice to part ways with Sergio Perez.

After participating in just 11 Grand Prix races across two years and not clearly surpassing his teammate Tsunoda, the 22-year-old driver from New Zealand was ultimately chosen as Red Bull's upcoming racer.

Horner clarified that the choice to elevate Lawson was determined by slight differences.

"Horner conveyed to ESPN that there was hardly any difference in performance between the two competitors."

Yuki is known for his speedy driving skills. With around three to four years of experience under his belt, he recently excelled in the tyre evaluation in Abu Dhabi, earning high praise from the engineering team for his performance.

When examining Liam's performance metrics, it's evident that his race speed has shown slight improvements. Upon comparing his qualifying speeds to Yuki's, they are remarkably close, indicating strong potential. Considering Liam has only participated in 11 Grand Prix events, it's reasonable to expect his performance to enhance further. He has demonstrated significant mental strength and determination.

Several aspects of Liam have really made an impression on me, notably his adaptability. No matter the circumstances, he rises to the occasion. Reflecting on his first race in Zandvoort, stepping in after Daniel suffered a finger injury, it's remarkable how he went toe-to-toe with Max right from his very first lap.

He possesses the tough, determined mindset of a racer. After spending a year in the DTM, he swiftly adapted to piloting a Ferrari GT car, competing alongside Alex Albon, where he often had the advantage.

"Once more, his skill in racing tactics stands out as a significant asset. He's willing to engage closely in races, even to the point of contact if it's needed. I believe he's going to perform excellently for our team."

The engineering team has appreciated collaborating with him during this year's activities. He also demonstrates a strong commitment to his work. Therefore, it's wonderful to know that Yuki will continue to be a part of the Racing Bull environment next year. Moreover, he'll be ready to step in whenever needed.

Red Bull aims not to overly burden Lawson

As Verstappen's fifth collaborator at Red Bull, Lawson becomes his fourth new partner following Daniel Ricciardo's departure from the team at the conclusion of 2018.

Previous drivers Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez were let go because they couldn't match Verstappen's performance.

Horner has admitted that Lawson has a challenging job ahead in competing with Verstappen, recognized as the toughest assignment in F1, but he emphasized that Red Bull will ensure not to overwhelm their secondary driver with pressure.

"Horner emphasized the importance of not overwhelming him with expectations or allowing him to overburden himself, especially when he's up against the top driver of his era."

"In my opinion, he should essentially disregard the information regarding car 1's situation and concentrate solely on collaborating with his engineering team on their tasks. By doing their utmost, he should be in a good position. We aim to provide him with the necessary support in this endeavor."

"We're optimistic that next year, we can offer a vehicle that matches his needs as perfectly as it does for Max, and then we'll observe his performance."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, special content, discussions, and offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically delivering reports directly from the event, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Mailing List

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether it be text, photos, or illustrations, fully or partially, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Vinales sheds light on an unusual aspect of Aprilia's recent MotoGP efforts

‘Comprehending it was challenging’

Maverick Vinales has commented on an unusual aspect of his time with Aprilia in MotoGP, observing that the RS-GP consistently faced significant challenges during the latter half of the season.

In the final part of the 2021 season, the Spanish rider became part of Aprilia after a contentious departure from Yamaha. He then completed three entire seasons with the Italian company, continuing until 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his solitary grand prix victory riding the RS-GP at the Americas GP, following an impressive performance in the prior race held in Portugal.

Nonetheless, he later confessed that both he and Aprilia are unsure about the reasons behind their high speed during that particular stage of the championship.

Vinales mentioned that the United States wasn't the only place where he felt at his peak with Aprilia. However, he observed that during his tenure, the RS-GP's performance consistently declined in the latter part of each year.

He mentioned in Barcelona last month that there were several races where he felt fantastic.

"In the 2023 Le Mans race, I had an accident. However, I believe that this race had the potential to be another victory for me. There were also other races where I felt really confident."

"The motorcycle demonstrated impressive capabilities during certain segments of the championship. However, a recurring issue throughout my time with Aprilia was that the latter half of the season proved to be quite challenging for all the Aprilia bikes."

"It's challenging to comprehend since these tracks usually work well for us. However, when we reach the latter half of the championship, things consistently become tough."

During the initial 10 rounds of the 2024 season, the factory Aprilia team secured three wins in sprint races, clinched a grand prix victory, and achieved top-five finishes on four Sundays.

Over the past ten races, the team only achieved two sprint podium finishes and secured a top five position in just one grand prix. This decline resulted in the team dropping to third place in the constructors' championship, falling behind KTM. Notably, Vinales is set to join KTM in 2025, aligning with the Tech3 team.

Vinales suggests that this was because Aprilia started each season with their bike already performing at its peak, whereas their competitors improved as the year progressed.

When questioned about the possible reasons behind this trend, he responded by saying, "I'm not sure, as we've exhausted all options."

"We modified the swingarms and chassis, among other components, in an effort to figure out the issue."

"Perhaps what I think happened is that we began at our peak performance, while others were having some difficulties with their new bikes, and then they improved."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock sent straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Join our MotoGP Mailing List

Receive the most recent updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP world straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating any portion of the text, images, or drawings is not allowed in any manner.

Site Map

Crash Network

Vinales uncovers an unusual trend in Aprilia's latest MotoGP efforts

‘It was hard to comprehend’

Maverick Vinales has shared his thoughts on an unusual aspect of his time with Aprilia in the MotoGP series, pointing out that the "second half of the season was consistently challenging" for the RS-GP.

The Spanish rider became part of the Aprilia team towards the end of the 2021 season after a contentious departure from Yamaha. He completed three entire seasons with the Italian manufacturer, continuing until the conclusion of 2024.

In 2024, Vinales secured his inaugural and sole victory on the RS-GP at the Americas Grand Prix, following an impressive performance in the prior race in Portugal.

Later on, he confessed that both he and Aprilia are unsure about the reasons behind their impressive speed during that stage of the championship.

Vinales mentioned that the United States wasn't the sole instance where he felt at his peak on the Aprilia. He also observed that during his time there, the performance of the RS-GP typically declined in the latter half of each year.

"Last month in Barcelona, he mentioned that there were several races where he felt really good."

"In the 2023 Le Mans race, I unfortunately had a crash. However, I believe that could have been another victory for me, definitely. There were also other races where I felt really positive."

Throughout the championship, the bike demonstrated significant promise in certain sections. However, a recurring theme during my time with Aprilia has been the challenging nature of the latter half of the season for all Aprilia motorcycles.

"It's challenging to comprehend since these tracks usually favor us. However, once we reach the latter half of the championship, things consistently become tough."

During the initial 10 rounds of the 2024 season, the factory Aprilia team secured three wins in sprint races, clinched a grand prix victory, and finished in the top five on four Sundays.

Over the past 10 races, the team only achieved two podium finishes in sprint events and secured just one top-five finish in a grand prix, causing it to drop to third place in the constructors' championship, falling behind KTM. Notably, Vinales is set to join KTM's Tech3 team in 2025.

Vinales suggests that the reason for this trend is that Aprilia starts each season with their motorcycle performing at its peak, whereas their competitors improve as the year progresses.

"I'm not sure, as we've attempted all possible solutions," he replied when questioned about the reason behind this trend.

"We modified the swingarms, chassis, and other components in an effort to figure out the issue."

"Perhaps my thought is that we began at our peak performance while others initially faced challenges with their new bikes, and then they advanced to the next level."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Stay Informed

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Updates

Receive the most recent MotoGP news, special content, interviews, and offers straight from the paddock to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying any portion of the text, images, or drawings is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Site Directory

Crash.Net

Christian Horner suggests Yuki Tsunoda might be dropped by Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda's future with Red Bull is uncertain, as Christian Horner has acknowledged the possibility of his departure when his existing Formula 1 contract concludes.

Christian Horner hinted that Yuki Tsunoda might part ways with Red Bull after the 2025 Formula 1 season concludes.

Red Bull chose not to elevate Tsunoda, instead selecting Liam Lawson from Racing Bulls to join Max Verstappen for the upcoming season, following the decision to let Sergio Perez go after a disappointing performance.

The 24-year-old racer from Japan, who managed to qualify ahead of Lawson in every one of the six races they competed in together in 2024, will continue with the affiliate team Racing Bulls for the last year of his agreement.

For the first time, Red Bull's team leader Horner has acknowledged the possibility of releasing Tsunoda if he becomes unnecessary for the main team.

Horner conveyed to the press, including The Race, "It's clear to us that if we can't offer Yuki a chance this year, 2025, we have to question whether it's logical to retain him."

"It's not feasible to keep a driver on the support team for half a decade. Continuously playing second fiddle isn't sustainable. At that juncture, the options are either to release them or consider a new approach."

Horner mentioned that he had a conversation with Tsunoda regarding the "extremely close" decision, emphasizing that the Honda-supported driver is committed to demonstrating that he is worthy of an opportunity with Red Bull.

Horner mentioned, "He expressed his pleasure in indulging in wagyu beef during his break, aiming to prove that he deserves such a chance."

The Racing Bulls squad is optimistic about advancing further next year by implementing the Red Bull rear suspension and gearbox, along with other permitted components. With the team and its new leadership gaining maturity, it's expected that they will progress.

"He seems quite resolved. He's aware that circumstances can shift rapidly. Who could have predicted nine months back that we'd be discussing Liam Lawson as our driver for 2025 today?"

"In this fast-paced industry, he understands the necessity to prove himself as the proactive one making the moves."

What alternatives are available to Tsunoda?

As we touched upon in our initial conversation last Thursday, Tsunoda is at a pivotal point in his Formula 1 career after being overlooked.

Should Tsunoda choose to part ways with Red Bull, an interesting possibility for him might arise at Aston Martin.

Thrillingly, Aston Martin is set to be Honda's official Formula 1 team, as the Japanese company will replace Mercedes as their engine supplier starting in 2026, following a new agreement.

Tsunoda's affiliation with Honda has led to him being associated with Aston Martin.

However, this decision would hinge on elements beyond Tsunoda's influence. The initial factor is contingent on Fernando Alonso's decision to remain in F1 racing, while the second revolves around Lance Stroll's retention.

Before deciding on Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg, Haas and Audi had reportedly taken a keen interest in Tsunoda, who is expected to have attracted attention from multiple parties.

Cadillac, as it enters Formula 1 as the 11th team in 2026, will introduce two new seats to the competition.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, in-depth interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Reporting directly from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with F1 Crash

Keep Up with MotoGP Crash

Reproducing the text, photos, or illustrations either in full or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Index

Crash.Net