The Formula 1 racer who lost his spot before his debut

The overlooked tale of a Formula 1 driver who was replaced before ever competing…

Having participated in only a single Formula 1 race, Jack Doohan is already facing significant pressure to maintain his position with Alpine for the 2025 season.

On Thursday, Alpine revealed that they have secured Franco Colapinto from Williams on a contract lasting several years, appointing him as their new test and reserve driver.

Amid numerous rumors about Colapinto and Flavio Briatore's interest, it seems Doohan's career in F1 might not last long.

Alpine has confirmed that Doohan will be driving at the beginning of the season, yet the Australian finds himself in a progressively uncomfortable situation.

Doohan managed to participate in his first Formula 1 race with the Alpine team, taking over for Esteban Ocon at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

A Brazilian driver named Luiz Razia was contracted by a Formula 1 team, but he did not participate in the season's opening race.

In 2013, the underdog team Marussia decided to go with a completely new F1 driver duo, selecting Razia and British driver Max Chilton.

Marussia was among the trio of teams that entered the racing lineup at the beginning of 2010.

By 2013, HRT had disappeared from the scene, whereas Marussia and Caterham had not yet managed to earn any points.

In an effort to stay in the Formula 1 race, Marussia brought Razia on board largely because of the substantial financial support he offered.

The Brazilian driver took over from experienced racer Timo Glock for the upcoming season, which, at least theoretically, significantly reduced the strength of their driver roster.

Razia's elevation from a backup driver to a main driver occurred quite late, with the official announcement being made only in February, coinciding with the start of the 2013 pre-season testing.

Razia's departure clears the path for a Ferrari protégé. Just three weeks later, Marussia let Razia go due to his Brazilian sponsors failing to make a second payment.

In a statement to Autosport, team leader John Booth clarified their choice by saying, "We've encountered circumstances that necessitated ending our agreement with Luiz Razia."

"After establishing the foundation for our operations in 2013 and implementing necessary changes, we had no choice but to adhere to the principles we deemed essential for ensuring our long-term success."

This meant that Razia, although he had signed with the team, was never able to make his first appearance in Formula 1.

It turned out to be a fortunate turn of events because Marussia managed to secure a deal with Ferrari's promising young driver, Jules Bianchi.

Bianchi excelled with the team, earning their initial points at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2014.

The French driver's impressive showings might have secured him a potential spot with Ferrari in the future if not for his unfortunate crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

In hazardous weather at Suzuka, Bianchi lost control of his vehicle, causing it to skid beneath a recovery truck.

He remained in a medically induced coma for the following nine months and sadly died on July 17, 2015.

The impact of Bianchi's contributions is still evident in Formula 1, particularly through the implementation of the Halo safety feature.

He was the godfather to Charles Leclerc, who is currently a driver for Ferrari.

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Fernando Alonso reveals intense neck exercise routine in preparation for the 2025 F1 season. The Aston Martin racer focuses on building remarkable neck strength during his gym sessions.

Fernando Alonso is rigorously working out to get ready for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The driver from Aston Martin offered an uncommon look into his fitness routine for the upcoming year.

At 43 years old, Alonso is the most senior driver in the lineup, but he continues to perform with no apparent decline in pace.

A photo he posted of his intense workout clearly demonstrated the power of his neck.

Getting started 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 12, 2025

Getting started 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f

Why do Formula 1 drivers work out their neck muscles? Formula 1 racers are well-known for having strong necks.

When navigating a corner at high speed, the gravitational forces can cause their helmet-covered heads to feel five times heavier than normal.

A previous trainer of Sebastian Vettel offered a straightforward explanation for why Formula 1 drivers need to have strong necks.

According to Antti Kontsas in an interview with F1.com, the neck plays a crucial role because it allows you to look ahead and see your path.

"The focus is on accuracy, down to fractions of a second."

"If you can't clearly visualize your path and struggle to maneuver effectively along the route, you won't be able to secure that small fraction of a second needed to advance."

"When you examine the footage from the helmet camera, you notice the significant amount of head movement and realize how challenging it is to precisely hit those apexes."

"Keeping your head steady improves the quality of information your brain receives, which can help you make better decisions while driving on the track."

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

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Fernando Alonso demonstrates intense neck exercises in preparation for the 2025 F1 season. The Aston Martin racer is focusing on building impressive neck muscles during his gym sessions.

Fernando Alonso has been rigorously working out at the gym to get ready for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The Aston Martin driver offered an uncommon look into his physical training routine for the upcoming year.

At 43 years old, Alonso is the most senior driver competing, but he doesn't appear to be losing momentum.

A photo he posted from his intense workout clearly showcased the power of his neck.

Kicking off 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 12, 2025

Kicking off 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f

What is the reason behind the neck exercises of Formula 1 drivers?

Formula 1 racers are well-known for having strong, muscular necks.

When navigating a fast corner with a helmet on, the gravitational forces can cause their heads to feel five times heavier than normal.

A former trainer for Sebastian Vettel provided a straightforward explanation for why Formula 1 drivers need to have strong neck muscles.

Antti Kontsas explained to F1.com that the neck's significance lies in its role in allowing you to see your path ahead.

"It's entirely focused on accuracy, dealing with times measured in seconds and fractions thereof."

"If you can't clearly identify your destination and struggle to maneuver along the path, you won't be able to achieve those additional fractions of a second that make a difference."

"When you examine the footage from a helmet camera, you notice the significant amount of head movement and realize how challenging it is to precisely hit those apexes."

“The steadier your head remains, the more accurate the information your brain receives, which can assist you in making decisions while navigating the track.”

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Fernando Alonso demonstrates intense neck exercises in preparation for the 2025 F1 season. The Aston Martin racer is focusing on building remarkable neck strength during his gym sessions.

Fernando Alonso has been intensively working out to get ready for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The Aston Martin racer offered a seldom-seen look into how he trains his body for the upcoming year.

At 43, Alonso is the most senior driver on the circuit, but he continues to demonstrate no intention of easing up.

A photo he posted revealed the powerful muscles in his neck, a result of his intense workout sessions.

Kicking off the journey 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 12, 2025

Kicking off the journey 👍. @Scuola2000 #Granvara pic.twitter.com/NadS9bSg5f

What is the reason behind F1 drivers focusing on neck exercises?

F1 racers are well-known for having strong neck muscles.

When navigating a fast turn with a helmet on, the gravitational pull can make a person's head feel five times heavier than normal.

A previous coach for Sebastian Vettel clarified that there is a straightforward reason why F1 drivers need to have strong neck muscles.

Antti Kontsas explained to F1.com that the neck's significance lies in its role in helping you see your path ahead.

"The focus is on accuracy, measuring down to hundredths and tenths of a second."

"If you can't clearly identify your path and struggle to maneuver effectively on the course, you won't be able to gain those crucial fractions of a second that can make a difference."

"When observing footage from the helmet camera, you notice the significant amount of head motion and realize the challenge of precisely hitting those apexes."

"The steadier your head remains, the clearer the information your brain receives, which can assist you in making decisions while navigating the track."

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

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Lewis Hamilton's initial simulation session at Ferrari's main office has been highlighted. Reports suggest that Hamilton's initial activities at Ferrari's Formula 1 base have been disclosed.

Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to have his inaugural day at Ferrari's Formula 1 headquarters on January 20.

According to the Italian outlet Autoracer, the seven-time world champion is set to have his inaugural session in Ferrari's simulator at Maranello early next week.

Hamilton is expected to make his first appearance on the track for Ferrari next week, although the specific date has yet to be officially announced.

According to a report from Autoracer, the event is expected to occur on January 22. However, it notes that Ferrari might opt to utilize their Fiorano test circuit on January 21, 22, or 23, contingent on weather conditions.

Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari in a vintage car, speculated to be the F1-75 model from the 2022 season. Alternatively, Ferrari might opt to utilize their SF-23 vehicle from two years prior.

Ferrari plans to utilize one of their designated Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) days to give Hamilton his initial drive.

Ferrari has laid out a comprehensive testing schedule to prepare Hamilton for his debut season with the team.

Ferrari has reserved the Barcelona track for a minimum of four days towards the end of the month to give Hamilton extra time to practice with their previous F1 cars.

Fred Vasseur, the head of the Ferrari team, expressed complete confidence that Hamilton will adjust smoothly to his new surroundings after his 12-year tenure with Mercedes, stating he is "not concerned in the slightest."

The Frenchman remarked, "We understand that there are numerous procedures to absorb over these few days, but he has the necessary experience to manage it."

"We benefit from having a simulator, which will allow him to conduct both race and qualifying simulations. This will enable him to get fully acquainted with the steering wheel and all the specific features of the car. However, I am not concerned about this, as it is not the most difficult obstacle we face."

Lewis Hamilton is set to debut as a Ferrari driver with his new teammate Charles Leclerc at a special F1 season launch event. This event will take place on February 18 at the O2 Arena in London.

The day after, Ferrari is set to unveil their 2025 competitor in Maranello.

Following the launch on February 19, Ferrari plans to utilize one of their allowed 'filming days' to carry out a shakedown of their new Formula 1 vehicle at the Fiorano circuit. This event will mark the initial occasion for Hamilton and Leclerc to get behind the wheel of the 2025 model.

Hamilton and Leclerc are set to participate in Ferrari's official pre-season testing sessions in Bahrain, scheduled from February 26 to 28. The 2025 season will then begin with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, which will be Hamilton's first race with Ferrari.

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Liam Lawson comments on his disagreement with Fernando Alonso: “My goal wasn't to upset him”

“I wasn’t trying to upset him, but I simply raced him the way I usually do with others, and it ended up irritating him. So, I just aimed to handle the situation as best as I could.”

Liam Lawson has looked back on his conflict with Fernando Alonso after their heated competition at the 2024 United States Grand Prix. He admitted that it was not his intention to irritate Alonso.

Lawson is gearing up for an important year as he joins forces with Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

With only 11 races under his belt, Lawson enters the new season facing intense observation, as Red Bull aims to compete for both championships.

The New Zealander has demonstrated his willingness to be assertive during races, engaging fiercely against Alonso and Sergio Perez several times.

After the sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas, Lawson and Alonso were spotted engaged in an intense conversation in parc ferme.

Looking back on his meeting with Alonso, Lawson shared with Stuff.co.nz: "I entered the situation in a distinct position. I had the chance to participate in six races, which was my opportunity to demonstrate that I deserved a spot in Formula 1, be it with VCARB or Red Bull. That was the only chance I got."

The individuals mentioned, particularly Fernando, have been competing for quite a while. I took advantage of each lap I had the opportunity to drive in the car.

"I didn't mean to upset him, but I simply raced him the way I usually do with others, and it ended up having that effect. I just aimed to get the best outcome from the situation."

Lawson is determined to maintain his aggressive style in Formula 1, a characteristic that has marked his journey in racing and one that he intends to keep.

His demeanor both during races and in other settings likely caught the attention of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who are optimistic that Lawson might provide a substantial improvement over Perez.

In 2024, Red Bull dropped to third place in the constructors' championship, coming in behind McLaren and Ferrari.

Lawson remarked, "To be truthful, I don’t believe I've changed in any way. Perhaps the issue was that I didn't have much television exposure before, or something similar, I'm not certain. Fundamentally, this is the way I've consistently approached racing. The journey to Formula 1 frequently feels unjust, and I've always needed to capitalize on every chance I get."

"I've been very fortunate with how things have lined up, so I approached the race just as I typically do. The added pressure, being aware of the stakes, might have triggered some of my less admirable moments. However, I'm continuously learning, and I take lessons from these experiences."

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Francesco Bagnaia reflects on 2024 MotoGP errors: ‘I pondered over them extensively during my honeymoon’

Two-time MotoGP world champion anticipates a “challenging” 2025 season

Ducati MotoGP racer Francesco Bagnaia reflected extensively on the mistakes that led to him losing the 2024 championship, even while he was on his honeymoon.

Last year, Bagnaia missed the chance to secure a third consecutive MotoGP championship, falling short to his Pramac Ducati competitor Jorge Martin by 10 points during the final race of the season in Barcelona.

Despite Bagnaia securing victory in 11 grand prix races, in contrast to Martin's three wins, he was ultimately kept from clinching another title due to eight instances where he failed to score points throughout the season.

Bagnaia has consistently admitted to his mistakes, and he mentioned to Sky Sports Italy that he even reflected on them while on his honeymoon.

"Bagnaia mentioned at Valentino Rossi's 100Km of Champions event that the 2025 season is expected to be both exciting and challenging due to the increasing number of races and the rising level of competition."

Aprilia, along with riders Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, has the potential to be quick, while KTM, even after a challenging winter, boasts some exceptionally strong competitors. Meanwhile, Yamaha and Honda are expected to improve, particularly Yamaha.

"We need to reflect on our mistakes from this year and work on improving them."

"Successes from the previous year can be repeated, but we should continually strive for improvement."

"I frequently reflect on my actions, and even during my honeymoon, it occupied my thoughts considerably."

In 2025, Bagnaia is set to encounter his toughest competition in MotoGP when he joins forces with eight-time world champion Marc Marquez at the factory team.

The pair is set to unveil Ducati's 2025 season during a public event scheduled for January 20th in Italy.

Last weekend, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi teamed up for Rossi's 100Km of Champions event and secured a sixth-place finish.

Rossi finished in second place alongside his teammate Luca Marini, as Diogo Moreira and Thomas Chareyre emerged victorious in the competition.

During a winter interview with Crash.net, Honda's official racer Marini expressed his belief that Marquez and Bagnaia have the potential to "compete for a win in every race" in the 2025 season.

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Sergio Perez considers taking a six-month hiatus from racing but remains open to the idea of returning to Formula 1 if an appealing project arises.

Sergio Perez has revealed that a captivating opportunity might lure him back to Formula 1, although he intends to take a six-month hiatus from the sport.

Following a disappointing 2024 season, Red Bull opted to part ways with Sergio Perez. They have chosen to bring in Liam Lawson to join Max Verstappen for the next season.

In 2025, Perez will not participate in an F1 race for the first time in 14 years.

Perez made his first public appearance since leaving Red Bull last month, addressing students from schools in León, Mexico, where he is originally from.

In response to a question about his future plans and the possibility of returning to Formula 1, Perez said, "To be honest, I'm not sure. It's too early to make a decision. The events at the season's end unfolded rapidly, and I wasn't anticipating it."

Currently, I find myself in an amazing and almost surreal situation that I hadn't fully appreciated before. If you were to ask me about it now, I couldn't say for sure. I'm extremely content with my life and eagerly anticipating what the future holds.

Certainly, if an appealing and engaging project comes my way, I will absolutely take it into consideration and reflect on it. Everything will unfold when the time is right. At the moment, my main focus for the upcoming months is to enjoy myself, engage in activities I've missed out on, travel, and spend time with my family.

"Within the upcoming six months, I will decide on the direction I want to take for the next phase of my career."

Perez experiences a transformation after leaving F1

Perez, who is a parent to four children, is enjoying the opportunity to spend more quality time with his family now that he has more free time.

"It's amazing," he mentioned. "It's difficult to put into words, but I feel like a changed person. It's an experience I've never had before. I'm completely content."

"I would return to Formula 1 if it brings me the greatest joy. My only consideration is what will bring me more happiness in the future."

It is possible that the "interesting project" mentioned by Perez might be referring to Cadillac.

Considering his extensive experience, Perez emerges as a clear choice for the American team as they prepare to join Formula 1 in 2026.

The addition of their team to Formula 1 would create two extra spots in the grid lineup, making it the 11th team in the competition.

However, Perez would encounter strong competition, as Valtteri Bottas has also shown interest.

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Red Bull's reign in Formula 1 is nearing its conclusion, akin to climbing to the peak of Mount Everest. "When you are at such a high point, introducing new advancements becomes extremely challenging."

Former Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has expressed his view that Red Bull’s reign in the sport was bound to conclude after the 2023 season. He likened the situation to reaching the near peak of Mount Everest.

In 2023, Red Bull achieved a remarkable feat by securing victories in 21 out of the 22 races, marking a historic season for the team

In 2024, the team ended up in third place in the F1 constructors’ championship, managing to secure victory in only two of the final 14 races.

Although Max Verstappen secured his fourth straight championship, it marked the conclusion of Red Bull's period of supremacy.

Analyzing the challenges faced by his previous team last year, Coulthard admitted that following their historic season, Red Bull struggled significantly to come up with new innovations.

He expressed to Motorsport-Total.com that his experience has taught him that past victories don't guarantee future success. Reflecting on the previous year, he acknowledged it was exceptionally commanding.

"When you're near the peak of Everest, it becomes incredibly challenging to introduce new ideas or changes."

In the 2024 F1 season, Red Bull managed to secure victory in more races compared to McLaren and Ferrari, despite the latter two teams placing higher in the constructors' championship standings.

Coulthard mentioned that the team followed a specific strategy with the car, which allowed them to secure ten (nine) Grand Prix victories, surpassing any other competitor.

"The key focus is always on correlation. When it functions well, it proves effective, but if it doesn’t… If the process were straightforward, you could simply provide the guidelines to an AI system."

"If it were that easy, everyone would simply construct identical cars. However, that's not how it works."

Coulthard praises McLaren's transformation

McLaren has experienced an extraordinary two-year period.

At the beginning of the 2023 season, their vehicle was the least competitive, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggling at the rear of the lineup.

A significant improvement in Austria changed their season dramatically, with Norris frequently securing podium finishes just behind Verstappen during the latter half of the year.

In 2024, improvements in Miami transformed the team from being the third fastest to strong challengers for the championship.

Coulthard commented on the consistent capability of leading teams to perform well from one season to another. He praised McLaren for their impressive improvement, saying, "Congratulations, McLaren! What a remarkable transformation."

"People often mention that it has been 26 years since their last victory in the constructors' championship. However, someone pointed out to me that they actually secured the title with Hamilton and Alonso, although the win was later annulled."

"I had also forgotten about that. Yet, setting that aside, it happened a very long time ago."

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Former Formula 1 driver supports Jack Doohan's potential despite Franco Colaptino joining

"Jack is talented and intelligent. He appears quick on the track. He has an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities, and I am confident he will succeed."

Valtteri Bottas has expressed his support for Jack Doohan, believing that the newcomer has the potential to "demonstrate his abilities" at Alpine. Bottas referred to Doohan as "promising" and praised him as an "intelligent young man."

In 2025, Doohan will participate in his inaugural complete F1 season with Alpine, partnering with Pierre Gasly.

The Australian driver made his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concluded the season. He took the place of Esteban Ocon, who left the team before the event.

Even though Doohan has only participated in one Formula 1 race, he is already facing significant pressure to maintain his position.

Franco Colapinto has joined the team on a long-term contract as their new test and reserve driver.

There is a strong expectation that if Doohan does not perform well, Colapinto will be brought in during the middle of the season.

Valtteri Bottas, who will take on the role of reserve driver for Mercedes in the 2025 Formula 1 season, was questioned about his thoughts on the driver lineup at Alpine.

In a conversation with F1 photographer Kym Illman, Bottas expressed that it's premature to make a judgment, emphasizing that only time will ultimately reveal the outcome.

"Jack is a talented and intelligent young person. He appears to be quick. He now has an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, and I am confident he will succeed."

Unusual Season Awaits Bottas

Bottas is set to spend the upcoming season on the bench following Sauber's decision not to select him.

Sauber decided to team up Nico Hulkenberg with newcomer from Brazil, Gabriel Bortoleto.

As a result, Bottas found himself without a racing position, which led him back to Mercedes to take on the role of test and reserve driver.

Since 2013, the Finnish driver has consistently participated in every Formula 1 season, securing 10 victories along the way.

Bottas admitted that it will require a period of time for him to get used to his new position, which does not involve racing each weekend.

"When the lights turn off on Sunday, that's when you'll notice the most significant change," he mentioned.

"I'm not participating directly; instead, I'll be observing from the outside. It's definitely going to feel strange and will require some adjustment. However, I'll make an effort to stay occupied."

"There's a lot more involved. Simulator training plays a significant role and is becoming increasingly crucial each year, as there are no restrictions on the number of days or kilometers for this type of work."

"There are plans for tire testing, including sessions with Pirelli, particularly in preparation for the regulation changes set for 2026. Additionally, I will be involved in various events with sponsors."

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Valentino Rossi announces his racing plans for 2025. The MotoGP icon will compete in the LMGT3 category of the World Endurance Championship after initially being uncertain about his schedule for 2025.

The WRT BMW team revealed that MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi is set to participate once more in the LMGT3 category of the World Endurance Championship in 2025.

Last year, Rossi entered the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the first time, following his transition from MotoGP to GT racing in 2022, specifically in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

The experienced Italian racer, behind the wheel of car number 46 in the championship, secured two podium finishes: a second place at the Imola circuit and a third place at the Fuji track. Additionally, the driver achieved top-five finishes in races held in Qatar and Brazil.

The vehicle failed to reach the end of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

Rossi had mentioned earlier that he was uncertain about his 2025 plans because, having recently become a father again, he intended to reduce his involvement in racing.

WRT has announced that he will stay in the World Endurance Championship, teaming up once more with Ahmad Al Harthy. Additionally, Kelvin van der Linde, who has won the Nurburgring 24 Hours twice, is joining the team.

Rossi expressed his excitement about extending his journey in the FIA WEC, noting that his first season had been impressive.

"We had successful races with two podium finishes and aim to improve our strength and speed."

"We will collaborate closely with BMW to enhance our capabilities and become more competitive in each race."

"Undoubtedly, Le Mans holds the utmost significance for us. Although we faced some bad luck last year, we are determined to compete for a podium finish in 2025."

Van der Linde commended Rossi for being a versatile GT driver and expressed confidence in the potential of the #46 team.

He expressed his enthusiasm about becoming a part of the #46 team alongside Vale and Ahmad, two drivers he closely followed in the FIA WEC the previous year.

"Vale has developed into a versatile GT driver. Having collaborated with him previously, I am familiar with his dedication and his analytical approach to his work."

Ahmad is among the top Bronze drivers in the group, and we can feel proud to have him with us.

"We could form an excellent team together."

Each of us has gone through our inaugural LMGT3 season in the WEC, and we can combine what we've learned to aim for significant achievements, particularly at Le Mans, where we are all eager to excel. I'm thrilled and eager to get started.

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The CEO of Ducati announced that Marc Marquez set a record lap time on the new Panigale V2 at the Aspar Circuit. The eight-time world champion tested the motorcycle at Aspar Circuit the previous week.

Claudio Domenicali, the head of Ducati, stated that Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, equaled the "unofficial lap record" at the Aspar Circuit using the new Panigale V2 in its standard form.

Last week, Marquez participated in a winter training session at the Aspar circuit in Spain. He rode a 2024 race-version Panigale V2. The event was also attended by Jorge Martin, the 2024 MotoGP world champion.

In a LinkedIn post, Domenicali mentioned that he reached out to some contacts to arrange for Marquez to test the 2025-spec V2, which had previously been used for promotional purposes.

According to reports, Marquez completed a lap of the track in 1 minute and 12.2 seconds using the 2025 model, and it seems he matched this time with the 2024 race-specific V2 as well.

In a conversation with Marc right before Christmas, while exchanging the customary holiday greetings, Domenicali learned that Marc had scheduled a training session at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia.

The idea was to conduct a session using a 2024 Panigale V2 because he was informed that the completely new 2025 model wasn't ready for racing yet.

Eager to know his thoughts on our latest baby track bike, I couldn't resist reaching out. While on my skiing vacation in the mountains, I took the opportunity to make some calls to ensure he could take it for a spin. This was the same bike featured in our official launch video and photos.

At the end of the day, I was unexpectedly contacted by Marc.

He expressed to me that he was impressed with the bike's responsive steering, exceptionally comfortable seating arrangement, and its energetic power output. Additionally, he mentioned that he completed a lap in 1 minute and 12.2 seconds.

My team told me that this equals the unconfirmed fastest lap time for the Supersport category.

Marc took the 2024 Panigale V2, equipped for racing, around the track and matched his lap time. In contrast, the 2025 Panigale V2 was a street-legal model, featuring a catalytic exhaust, along with a headlight, taillight, and kickstand.

"We're eager to put the 2025 Panigale through its paces in full racing configuration with Marc and Pecco Bagnaia. This model will boast 126 horsepower, up from the current 120 horsepower, and will be almost 10 kilograms lighter by eliminating all the components needed for street legality."

I am extremely satisfied with how the bike performs, as it is built to balance achieving fast lap times on the track and providing enjoyment on winding mountain roads.

Thank you, Marc, and kudos to the Ducati engineering team for crafting this motorcycle. We're excited to introduce the new Panigale V2 to our lineup. As always, prioritizing a lightweight design has shown to be a successful strategy.

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