Luca Marini announces significant decision regarding Honda – unresolved queries persist

Luca Marini discusses Honda's advancements in Buriram

Luca Marini revealed that Honda is clear about the specific setup they plan to use for the MotoGP race in Thailand.

The company has finalized their choices for the season's first race following a decision made in Buriram.

Marini delivered a remarkable performance by securing the sixth-fastest time on the first day of the official MotoGP testing, held at the same track where the season's opening race is set to take place.

Marini responded, "In Sepang too, I started off quickly. However, subsequently, everyone else delivered an incredible lap time.

"Today mattered significantly as our attention was centered on the environment."

"We explored every option, implementing all available updates. During our time in Sepang, our attention was dedicated to finalizing the components for the inaugural race."

"Here, at the starting point of the inaugural race, our aim is to unleash the full capabilities of this motorcycle."

"We made efforts to enhance the bicycle, and it turned out to be a productive day for that purpose."

Marini has stated that Honda's setup will remain unchanged until the early stages of the 2025 season.

"Absolutely, the motorcycle will remain as is for the initial four competitions. We've made all our selections," he confirmed.

"After the initial quartet of races, we will gauge our capabilities and aspirations."

Luca Marini suggests Honda competitors might enhance their performance

On Wednesday in Buriram, Marini wasn't the sole standout Honda.

Johann Zarco finished in seventh place, while Joan Mir came in 11th.

It signifies a beacon of hope for the producer of the least impressive motorcycle in 2024.

Marini humorously remarked, "My mood always lifts when they can't keep up with my pace!"

"We need to pause and observe the initial race. Several competitors still have tricks up their sleeves."

"We can remain optimistic and make the most of what we have."

Marini suggested what Honda could potentially explore in their Thursday trials, saying, “Given the quality of the tyres at our disposal, completing the entire distance isn't crucial. The tyres maintain their performance consistently across an entire race without any issues.

"Completing 20 laps rather than 27 is fine; it's still acceptable."

"The key factor is the speed during the initial 10 laps. This allows you to secure a spot and maintain it by effectively handling the tyres."

Marini stayed guarded regarding Honda's expectations for the initial race on March 2.

"He mentioned, 'Our performance has enhanced since our previous race at this location, the motorcycle has improved.'"

"However, we acknowledge that the competition has the upper hand."

"We're making significant efforts to advance. From our perspective, everything has improved."

"However, it's crucial for us to grasp the speed of our competitors during a race weekend."

Statements made by Derry Munikartono, Editor at Crash Indonesian

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Lando Norris confidently addresses Max Verstappen and others regarding the F1 championship, stating, "I am at my peak in terms of physical and mental fitness. I believe our team is also at its strongest. It's essential that we are."

Lando Norris believes he is well-prepared to clinch the F1 world championship this year, stating, "I'm in the best condition I've ever been."

In 2024, Norris achieved a significant milestone by securing his first victory in a Formula 1 race at the Miami Grand Prix.

Norris guided McLaren to their first F1 constructors' championship in 26 years, surpassing Ferrari by 14 points.

Although there were several positive moments, Norris and McLaren felt a bit let down that they couldn't challenge Max Verstappen more strongly for the championship.

Verstappen secured victory in 7 out of the first 10 races, while McLaren regretted several lost chances due to mistakes in strategy and errors made by their drivers.

As Formula 1's technical rules stay unchanged during the off-season, there is widespread anticipation that McLaren will contend for both championships starting with the inaugural race in Australia.

During an appearance on ITV's program This Morning, Norris shared his reasons for feeling optimistic as he prepares for the upcoming season.

"Last year, I demonstrated something important to myself. I've always been someone who prefers not to get caught up in the excitement surrounding things. I tend to rely on tangible evidence, particularly in relation to my own actions."

"Last year, I demonstrated to myself that I am capable of winning races, taking control of an entire weekend, and competing with the top competitors globally. I needed to show myself that I could achieve this, and I succeeded in doing so. However, I am not claiming that it was flawless, as I certainly made some errors along the way."

"I made quite a few mistakes and missteps, but I'm glad they happened last year. Now, I can start this year with a sense of assurance. Feeling confident is unusual for me, but that's how I would describe myself now."

"I wouldn't say I'm too confident, but I'm in the best condition of my life, both physically and mentally. I believe our team is in top form as well, and it's essential that we are. While expectations are high, our resolve matches them. I'm feeling calm and eager, with a subtle sense of confidence."

Is Norris the top contender for 2025?

Several bookmakers suggest that Norris is the leading candidate to clinch the F1 world championship this year.

Norris finished the year on a high note with decisive victories in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

There is no doubt about his sheer speed, as he consistently maintained a comfortable distance from Oscar Piastri all year long.

Norris must exhibit greater assertiveness during close racing situations with competitors such as Verstappen. Additionally, he should demonstrate more confidence during the initial lap to hold onto his impressive qualifying spots.

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Pecco Bagnaia has decided to discard the 2025 frame, acknowledging the need to scrutinize Marc Marquez's information. "Thankfully, on the opposite end of the pit…"

Francesco Bagnaia acknowledged the need to review Marc Marquez's performance metrics following a challenging test day in Buriram.

Issues with the engine, chassis, and fairing led to a more challenging day for Bagnaia compared to his Ducati team colleague, Marquez.

"Bagnaia admitted that Wednesday was a challenging day."

We needed to put in considerable effort to address issues we encountered across multiple sectors.

Luckily, on the opposite side of the garage, they've achieved some advancement, so we'll examine their findings, which boosts my confidence.

"As always, my team performed excellently, and now we're taking a break. We'll resume our efforts from this point tomorrow."

Bagnaia concentrates on Ducati's 2024 MotoGP frame issues

Bagnaia has disclosed that he is prioritizing work on the 2024 Ducati MotoGP frame, opting to overlook the enhancements slated for the 2025 model.

The brand from Italy unveiled a fresh chassis design for the 2025 season during the previous year's testing session in Barcelona. Initially, Bagnaia had a favorable view of it while in Spain. However, the subsequent testing in Malaysia presented challenges, leading to Bagnaia setting aside the new chassis during this week's MotoGP testing in Buriram, at least temporarily.

"Frankly, our attention will shift more towards the 2025 chassis going forward," he stated.

"At present, our attention is directed towards different aspects of the motorcycle, as is typical, given the limited time we have to prioritize and make decisions on matters of greater significance."

Following the test in Barcelona the previous year, Bagnaia was initially pleased with the new chassis. However, he noted that his viewpoint shifted somewhat during the subsequent test in Malaysia.

Upon reaching Malaysia, we found that the new framework was functional; however, we encountered some problems. As a result, we opted to remove it and consider the possibility of reevaluating it at a later time.

Discover more: Marc Marquez points out significant flaws in the 2025 Ducati MotoGP power unit.

Pecco Bagnaia discusses the 2025 fairing

Comments from Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia on Ducati's engine for 2025 are in ⚙️🗣️#MotoGP #BuriramTest pic.twitter.com/BMuCMrdJ2m— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 12, 2025

Feedback from Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia regarding Ducati's 2025 engine ⚙️🗣️#MotoGP #BuriramTest pic.twitter.com/BMuCMrdJ2m

Bagnaia is moving forward alongside his Ducati Lenovo team member Marc Marquez towards adopting the 2024 Desmosedici engine and seems to be continuing with the 2024 frame as well. However, he is persisting in testing the 2025 fairing, despite not being completely convinced of its benefits.

Bagnaia noted that the track in Buriram offers an excellent testing ground due to its limited grip, highlighting his ongoing determination.

"Bagnaia believes this is the case due to the minimal grip at the Buriram International Circuit."

"Additionally, our tire casing is unique compared to the usual design, but it doesn't offer much traction, so that's a factor to consider."

On the initial day at Buriram, Bagnaia was the sole rider to test the 2025 fairing, encountering issues he chose not to elaborate on. These problems hindered his capacity to provide useful insights to the Ducati engineering team, particularly concerning the new fairing. As a result, further assessments are slated for Thursday.

"At this point, I believe the fairing is key since you have the opportunity to modify it only once throughout the season, and the 2024 version was performing effectively," commented Bagnaia.

"However, today I managed to do a few circuits on the 2025 model; the experience wasn’t completely straightforward due to some concurrent problems, but we endeavored to discover some positive aspects of it."

“I didn't lag too much, because truthfully, even without executing a time trial with this fairing, my time was only 0.8 seconds behind compared to when I did a time trial. So, it's not a huge gap, but we need to concentrate more on it tomorrow.

"We need to begin virtually from scratch tomorrow to gather additional feedback."

He emphasized, “Conducting a lengthy session on Thursday will be crucial, but initially, we must provide more insights to our team. This is because offering any feedback today was challenging due to the day's unfortunate circumstances.”

Statements given by Derry Munikartono, the Indonesian Editor for Crash.

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Maverick Vinales calls for patience over KTM switch

The Spanish rider downplays worries following poor first day testing results at Buriram

Maverick Vinales has expressed that he's unworried about where he stands in the MotoGP pre-season tests on the KTM, feeling confident that he will adapt seamlessly in due time.

The KTM team members Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder finished among the top 10 on the first day of testing in Buriram, whereas the Tech3 duo of Enea Bastianini and Vinales found themselves in 16th and 18th positions, respectively.

On Wednesday, Bastianini conveyed to the press that he's facing difficulties adjusting to the RC16 as he continues attempting to pilot it similarly to how he would a Ducati.

Vinales, after spending three years with Aprilia, is facing challenges adjusting to the unique characteristics of the KTM. However, he remains confident that everything will fall into place in due time.

"He believes it's about dedicating time and having faith in the advancement," he stated.

"Undoubtedly, there will come a moment, sudden as a click, when all our efforts pay off. Hence, it's crucial that we persist in enhancing and adjusting to the bike."

"At present, our preference would be to find ourselves in a different situation, yet it's essential that we continue to deepen our understanding of the motorcycle."

In response to whether this pre-season has been more difficult than anticipated, Vinales commented, "Not really, each pre-season brings its unique challenges.

"Likely, our focus should shift from what it was in the past years. It's all about the journey. We must find joy in the effort and aim to make incremental progress daily."

"I generally enjoy everything about the bike. The only issue is mastering its full potential, which I believe will happen in time. I just need to put in more practice laps."

Regarding the aspects he must enhance, Vinales acknowledges his proficiency in handling the middle part of a corner and coming out of it but admits he has yet to master the braking technique necessary for the RC16.

"He clarified, stating, 'When it comes to peak performance and fuel, I'm quite knowledgeable.'"

"Thus, it seems I'm at a pretty high standard. However, the braking technique required differs significantly from what was needed with past brands."

"Thus, it requires patience, it's not effortless."

"Subsequently, installing new tires makes everything more challenging."

"Thus, adapting to the system requires patience. I'm quite familiar with the process, having acclimated myself over the past years. The key is to stay composed, and eventually, everything will fall into place."

Statements given by Derry Munikartono, the Indonesian editor for Crash.

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The F1 Manager game can be downloaded at no cost today. Starting February 13, this game is available for free download.

Starting on Thursday, February 13, you can download the F1 Manager game at no cost.

Visit the Epic Games Store and look up 'F1 Manager 2024'.

You can claim it at no cost until Thursday, February 20.

Each Thursday, the Epic digital store offers complimentary items, and this week, there's a special treat for fans of Formula 1.

F1 Manager 2024 is a game created by Frontier Developments and it was initially launched in July of last year.

This is an authorized Formula 1 product, offering an in-depth racing simulation experience.

As the player, you take on the role of the team's principal.

Picture yourself in the shoes of Toto Wolff or Christian Horner, ready to make pivotal choices that will determine whether your team triumphs or falls short.

The 2024 edition of F1 Manager marks the third release in the series, introducing for the first time a 'Create a Team' feature that lets players manage an imaginary 11th team.

The commentary team includes David Croft and Karun Chandhok from Sky Sports.

Cut costs and get insight into the world of an F1 team leader by visiting the Epic Games Store and grabbing a free download of F1 Manager 2024.

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Formerly, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports for ten years, reporting on a range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Joan Mir discusses Romano Albesiano's influence at Honda

"I believe our performance has improved compared to last year."

Following two particularly challenging years in MotoGP during 2023 and 2024, Joan Mir has expressed optimism about Honda's advancements with its RC213V model in 2025.

The Spanish rider, now in his third year with HRC, believes that the RC213V has made progress and is more competitive this season compared to the last. This comes after he secured the 11th spot on the second-to-last day of MotoGP preseason trials in Buriram, while his fellow Honda HRC Castrol team member Luca Marini clinched the sixth position.

"Surpassed expectations? Not quite," stated the rider from Honda HRC Castrol. "However, there's an improvement. I sense that our performance has enhanced compared to last year.

"We are nearing the right speed and approaching the desired lap times."

"Therefore, my answer is affirmative; we're better equipped this year compared to the previous one—not to the fullest extent, but progress has been made. The motorcycle handles better now, and today we enhanced its braking capability. However, it's been somewhat challenging due to technical issues we encountered this morning, leading us to alter our original strategy. This likely indicates that tomorrow, we'll be testing more elements than initially intended."

"Regardless, it's fine, such incidents occur, and I believe that tomorrow, we'll make further progress. I think we have room for it."

Joan Mir discusses Romano Albesiano's influence

Mir elaborated on the issues he faced earlier in the day, mentioning that they were related to the ride height mechanism.

"He mentioned that they encountered a few technical issues with the rear ride height device as it wasn't functioning properly, but they were able to resolve them."

"A technical glitch was the reason our schedule was pushed back, but ultimately, I believe it turned out fine."

In 2025, Honda will see a significant shift as Romano Albesiano joins from Aprilia to assume the position of technical director at HRC.

Mir was questioned on whether he observed any alterations in the operational approach following Albesiano's entrance at the conclusion of the previous year.

He mentioned, "I believe the atmosphere in the garage remains consistent as I collaborate with my team. However, it's evident that there has been progress with the motorcycle, demonstrating that success is achievable."

"If we execute our tasks accurately, our biking efficiency will enhance, and the truth is, we've seen significant progress in a brief period."

"Now, I'm on a bicycle that, for the most part, offers a comfortable riding experience. It's a fact that we're still lagging behind in terms of acceleration and maximum speed, and there's a significant amount of vibration, but today we enhanced the braking system. We're gradually making progress."

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Alex Albon encounters a crucial trial against Carlos Sainz

Alex Albon meets his most significant test in F1 since competing with Max Verstappen, according to Lewis Larkam.

Williams enters the 2025 Formula 1 season with its most formidable pair of drivers in recent memory.

Securing Carlos Sainz's autograph following his replacement at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton marked a significant triumph for Williams, especially considering their status as one of the underdogs in Formula 1.

Williams outperformed competitors such as Alpine and Sauber to secure the 30-year-old Spanish driver, who will join forces with Alex Albon. This move equips the team based in Grove with a strong duo of drivers, marking them as one of the top pairings in the competition.

This will present Albon, aged 28, with his most challenging challenge to date at Williams. For the first time since his stint with Red Bull, Albon will have a truly fast teammate in Sainz.

Up to this point, Albon has experienced a relatively smooth journey since rejoining the Formula 1 grid with Williams in 2022, following a challenging 18-month period with Red Bull where he struggled beside Max Verstappen.

Albon ascended to a position with Red Bull midway through the 2019 season, only to be let go after a challenging 2020 season where Verstappen managed to qualify ahead of him in every race.

Originally from Britain but racing under the Thai flag, he was relegated to the position of reserve driver for Red Bull in 2021, but managed to make a comeback as a primary driver for Williams in the next season

In the subsequent three years, Albon has managed to restore his standing and emerged as one of the most reliable competitors among the midfield drivers. His noteworthy achievements have sparked speculations about a possible comeback to Red Bull.

Albon effortlessly surpassed Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant, and for the most part outperformed F1 newcomer Franco Colapinto while they were teammates for a short period at the tail end of 2024.

Up to this point, Colapinto has emerged as Albon's closest competitor within the Williams team, managing to qualify ahead of his seasoned teammate in both Baku and Austin. However, he has only managed to surpass Albon in terms of race pace on a single occasion.

However, following a tenure as Williams' uncontested top driver, Albon's standing may now be at risk.

Facing Sainz, who has clinched victory in four grand prix races, Albon acknowledges the need to elevate his performance. This competition marks his most significant challenge since competing against Verstappen five years earlier.

Given his competitive performance against Charles Leclerc during their four years together at Ferrari, it's anticipated that Sainz will outperform Albon and take over as the unofficial leading driver for Williams.

James Vowles, the principal of the Williams team, has quickly taken note of Sainz's impressive work ethic and his seamless adaptation to the team dynamics.

"From the instant he got into the vehicle in Abu Dhabi, it was evident his focus had shifted. This is his desired place and pursuit, contributing to our triumphs. He's seamlessly integrating," Vowles shared with Autosport recently.

He's an exceptional individual who not only carries a legacy of victories with him but also harbors a strong ambition and passion for Williams to achieve success.

His input, along with Alex's, is crucial in propelling the team ahead, especially now that we've reached a stage where the focus has shifted to refining minute details in pursuit of milliseconds, rather than tackling the major tasks we used to.

"In just a matter of weeks, there's been a significant surge of optimism stemming from new ideas and concepts, showing us ways we can evolve and progress."

It seems like Albon's career might head in one of two possible directions.

Should Albon equal Sainz in terms of pace and driving skill, his reputation will undoubtedly improve, solidifying his status as a top-tier driver.

Conversely, if he faces a decisive defeat, the reputation he painstakingly rebuilt could quickly crumble.

Recent campaigns have highlighted that both Albon and Sainz are among the most undervalued drivers in Formula 1.

In the broader scheme of things, Williams is focused on advancing their position on the grid before the major F1 rule changes set for 2026. However, the competition between Albon and Sainz is shaping up to be a fascinating secondary story in 2025.

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Uncovered: Ferrari's pivotal design choice for Lewis Hamilton's vehicle

Insight surfaces on significant detail of Lewis Hamilton's SF-25

According to sources, Ferrari plans to modify the front suspension setup of their upcoming 2025 Formula 1 vehicle, which will be Lewis Hamilton's debut model with the squad.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, an Italian news outlet, the SF-25 will showcase a redesigned front pull-rod suspension system. This modification, aimed at enhancing aerodynamics, comes under the guidance of Loic Serra, the new technical director for chassis.

Ferrari is altering its design to enhance the energy exerted on the tires, aiming to improve its peak performance during a single lap, addressing a flaw observed in the SF-24 model.

There are expectations that both wear and tear on tires and slippage could be minimized, in addition to benefits related to packaging and aerodynamics.

Ferrari plans adjustments to Lewis Hamilton's vehicle

According to a report from La Gazzetta, Ferrari's 2025 contender will feature "additional advancements in the floor area and the belly design" to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

Should it be officially approved, Ferrari is set to align with Red Bull, McLaren, RB, and Sauber in adopting pull-rod front suspension systems, diverging from the alternative push-rod setup preferred by the remainder of the teams.

Technical collaborator Haas has chosen not to adopt Ferrari's latest front suspension model, opting instead to stick with the pushrod variant for the 2024 season.

Addressing the media in December, Fred Vasseur, the team principal for Ferrari, disclosed that their 2025 vehicle will carry over "less than one percent" of the components from its prior model.

"Often, it's not until later that you recognize the risks you've been taking," Vasseur noted.

"The vehicle is undergoing a total overhaul; I believe fewer than 1% of components will be shared with the 2024 model. This represents a new direction, yet it's a situation that all parties are facing."

Ferrari is optimistic that the SF-25 will propel the squad to its first F1 world championship victory since 2008.

Last season, the Scuderia team missed out on the constructors' championship by a margin of 14 points, as McLaren edged them out to claim the title.

Ferrari's lineup has been significantly enhanced with the addition of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, who will be teaming up with Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton is aiming for his groundbreaking move from Mercedes to Formula 1's most iconic team to assist him in achieving an unprecedented eighth world championship title.

The unveiling of the SF-25 is scheduled for February 19, where it's anticipated that Hamilton and Leclerc will perform the first brief test drive at Fiorano immediately following the reveal.

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Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net, frequently delivering reports directly from the events. He shares the narratives of the significant figures in the sport.

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Sebastian Vettel cautioned against a return to Formula 1, issuing a warning deemed "unrealistic."

“However, the reality is, the timing clock is unforgiving, and by the end of his tenure, his lap speeds just weren’t up to par.”

David Coulthard thinks that Sebastian Vettel would be engaging in a fantasy if he contemplates making a comeback to F1.

Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the close of 2022 after two disappointing seasons with Aston Martin.

The German racer transitioned to Aston Martin following Ferrari's decision to replace him with Carlos Sainz.

Nonetheless, his drive diminished as a result of his unsuccessful attempts in racing green, culminating in his decision to retire.

The possibility of coming back to F1 has been suggested multiple times, despite Vettel affirming his contentment outside of the sport.

Vettel is rumored to be considering a comeback with Audi, and there have also been speculations about him potentially stepping in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

In a conversation with Lucas Stewart on his YouTube platform, Coulthard provided a passionate answer to an inquiry regarding the potential comeback of Vettel to F1.

"Coulthard exclaimed, "No! He's only faster in his own make-believe world if he believes that taking a few years off will increase his speed."

"However, the truth is undeniable as the stopwatch confirms, and his performance in terms of lap times towards the end of his career simply wasn't up to par."

Is a Vettel Comeback to F1 Possible?

Vettel, a distinguished F1 competitor, boasts an impressive record with four global championships and more than 50 wins.

His standing was negatively impacted in his last two seasons with Ferrari, where he was partnered with Charles Leclerc.

In the end, he departed from the squad when they brought in Sainz as his replacement.

Despite showcasing moments of excellence with Aston Martin, highlighted by a podium finish in Azerbaijan in 2021, his edge over Lance Stroll did not stand out markedly, particularly when juxtaposed with Fernando Alonso's performance over the previous two seasons.

Conversing with Sky F1 previously, Vettel discussed the possibility of his return, stating, "In a sense, yes, since I'm currently without a team. However, the real question is whether I'm actively seeking one. That really hinges on what's being offered."

"I stepped away from Formula 1 with no plans to return, yet I did mention that nothing is certain. So, I believe that sentiment remains true."

"He mentioned, 'Life's direction is unpredictable,' implying that it might lead him back to driving or perhaps not."

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Bernie Collins reveals her top prediction for the 2025 F1 championship: "It must be…"

Bernie Collins forecasts the winners of both the drivers' and constructors' championships for the 2025 F1 season.

Former Formula 1 strategist Bernie Collins is firmly convinced that Lando Norris and the McLaren team are the top contenders for this year's world championship.

In the previous year, McLaren clinched their initial Formula 1 team championship since 1998, outpacing Ferrari by a narrow margin of 14 points.

The in-season improvements to their car played a key role in the Woking-based team's climb up the rankings, after initially trailing behind Red Bull and Ferrari.

Given the stability in F1's technical rules through the off-season, it's broadly anticipated that McLaren will kick off the 2025 season as the leading team.

Norris secured a victory at the final Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of the season, starting from the front and finishing ahead of both Ferraris.

During her appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Collins shared her initial forecasts for the upcoming F1 season when prompted.

The F1 analyst from Sky Sports is supporting Norris and the McLaren team to clinch the championships in 2025.

"Collins believes that McLaren is the team to watch. Considering their performance at the end of the previous season, they're positioned as the top contenders once more.

"I believe that's the case for both of them. Heading into this, they ought to have quite a bit of confidence."

In response to a question about the drivers' championship, she said, "I believe it should be Lando, considering his performance at the end of the previous year."

Is it possible for Norris to outperform Verstappen in 2025?

As we approach 2025, the looming question is if Norris has what it takes to surpass Max Verstappen for the championship title this year.

In 2024, Verstappen surged ahead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship, claiming victory in seven out of the first 10 competitions.

Yet, McLaren failed to leverage their car's superior capabilities.

Their victories in Canada and Britain were squandered because of flawed tactics, and Norris found himself regretting his inferior racing skills compared to his teammate Oscar Piastri during the events in Hungary and Italy.

Norris concluded the year on a high note, notably surpassing Piastri in performance.

The UK racer impressively took control of both the Dutch and Singapore Grand Prix, and managed to hold off strong competition in Abu Dhabi, securing the constructors' championship for McLaren.

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Eddie Jordan announces significant venture into a different sport

Renowned former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has played a crucial role in rescuing the London Irish Rugby Club.

A group supported by ex-Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan has finalized a deal to save the London Irish Rugby Club.

London Irish found themselves compelled to go into administration and faced a suspension from all rugby activities due to outstanding salaries. The punishment came as a result of their failure to meet a payment deadline or finalize a takeover.

They have been prohibited from participating in the Premiership and are currently barred from competing in any rugby league.

However, the consortium spearheaded by F1 icon and Irish entrepreneur Jordan has successfully acquired the team, pulling it out of administration.

Jordan's team, known as 'The Jordan Associates,' claims they aim for a quick comeback to competition.

"The main objective of the new owners is to elevate London Irish Rugby Club back to the forefront of global professional club rugby, with a focus on quickly ascending to the top-tier competitions," it stated.

The team at Jordan Associates is shifting its focus towards facilitating a complete and enduring comeback for London Irish in competitive rugby, working closely alongside the fan base of London Irish.

Kyle Jordan, a senior partner at Jordan Associates and the youngest son of Eddie, expressed immense enthusiasm about guiding London Irish to unprecedented success.

"Our backers provide more than just monetary support; they possess a deep-seated enthusiasm for rugby and a dedication to community engagement, especially aiming to connect with Irish people around the world to strengthen the identity of the exile brand."

The Formula 1 team known as Jordan Grand Prix, named after its founder, participated in the sport from 1991 to 2005, securing four race victories during that period.

In December, the 76-year-old disclosed he was fighting a particularly aggressive type of bladder and prostate cancer that had metastasized to his spine and pelvis.

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Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He typically provides firsthand reports from the events, sharing insights about the key figures in the sport.

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Allegation suggests significant choice regarding Jack Doohan 'already concluded'

Does Jack Doohan's future in F1 appear bleak? A victorious F1 driver believes that might be the case.

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is of the opinion that the Alpine team has made up its mind to swap Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto.

Expectations are quickly escalating for F1 newcomer Doohan to secure his position even before his inaugural full season kicks off, especially after Alpine chose Colapinto as a backup driver for the 2025 season.

There are hints that if Doohan doesn't deliver strong performances in the early races of the upcoming season, Colapinto, who made a notable impression as an unexpected substitute for Williams towards the close of 2024, might take over his position.

Flavio Briatore, serving as the executive advisor for Alpine's Formula 1 team, confirmed that Doohan will begin the season partnered with Pierre Gasly. However, he also mentioned that the team is open to the possibility of altering their driver lineup during the course of 2025.

Montoya is among the individuals who believe the exchange is unavoidable.

"Montoya conveyed to AS Colombia that the challenging aspect regarding Doohan is that it appears the decision has already been made when observed from an outsider's perspective. He believes it's likely to occur."

"I believe Formula 1 recognized the significance of Colapinto's fanbase and is already providing support behind the scenes to foster its growth."

"That's really fascinating! Our conversation touched on the chances available at Alpine, discussing the racers within their academy, as well as those competing in F2 and F3 – all of whom are exceptionally talented drivers!"

Franco, who was part of the Williams Academy, has unexpectedly received an opportunity to compete in races. As a result, none of the current Formula 2 drivers will secure the spot, leaving Franco as the chosen one for the seat.

In his first Formula 1 race during the final event of the previous season in Abu Dhabi, Doohan secured the 15th position, stepping in for Esteban Ocon who left his spot earlier than planned to join Haas.

Alpine team leader Oliver Oakes has emphasized that Doohan will receive a genuine opportunity to showcase his talent during his first Formula 1 season.

Colapinto recently took to the track for the first time with Alpine in Barcelona, a fact made public through a video Briatore shared on his Instagram.

Colapinto and Doohan were given the opportunity to test drive Alpine's A523 model for the year 2023 during the team's TPC sessions.

Alpine did not disclose specific aspects of the trial, but it is probable that the French team evaluated Colapinto and Doohan's lap times against each other.

Colapinto is anticipated to be the primary candidate to replace Doohan should he underperform.

Alpine maintains their stance on not intending to change, yet Briatore shows no hesitation in making tough decisions.

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