EXCLUSIVE: Insights into Marc Marquez's new look and branding for the offseason test

Information on Marc Marquez's first appearance with the factory Ducati team this Tuesday, reported by Lewis Duncan

Information has come to light regarding the color scheme and branding of Marc Marquez's factory Ducati during the MotoGP postseason test held on Tuesday.

A year after his initial appearance with Ducati during the post-2024 season test in Valencia with the Gresini team, Marquez is set to join the factory team's garage this Tuesday.

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According to information obtained by Crash.net, Marquez is set to participate in Tuesday's event wearing factory team colors. However, his motorcycle and his racing suit will not feature any branding, except for the Michelin logo and other neutral sponsor logos.

Marquez is associated with Red Bull as an athlete, whereas the official Ducati team is linked with Monster Energy.

There are additional conflicts with sponsors, including Marquez's connection with Samsung, which is at odds with Ducati's main sponsorship deal with Lenovo.

At this point, it is uncertain what the future holds for Marquez’s personal sponsors, including Red Bull, which have played a crucial role in supporting him through the challenging initial period of his recovery from the arm fracture he sustained at the 2020 Spanish Grand Prix.

During the previous year’s test session in Valencia with the Gresini team, Marquez rode a GP23 motorcycle. The bike did not feature the team’s colors, and his leathers showcased only his personal sponsors.

Last year, Marquez's initial trial on the Ducati created significant buzz, as his debut with the official team is anticipated to be a major discussion topic this week.

Ducati's team manager, Davide Tardozzi, has taken steps to temper the high hopes surrounding Marquez's potential performance on the motorcycle.

Tardozzi expressed to Crash.net that their sole anticipation is to collaborate and become familiar with one another.

On Tuesday, there won't be any victories to celebrate. The focus should be on putting in the effort. The person who leads on Tuesday evening won't necessarily be the champion the following year.

During the summer, Marquez entered into a two-year contract with Ducati to compete alongside Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time world champion. He declined an opportunity to ride a factory GP25 for Pramac.

Due to strategic maneuvering, Jorge Martin has joined Aprilia, with the Spanish rider becoming part of the Italian team as the current world champion.

Throughout the season, Marquez has been racing on the GP23 with the Gresini team and has successfully secured victories in three grand prix events.

However, on Tuesday in Barcelona, he will have the opportunity to experience Ducati's GP24, the motorcycle that clinched this year's championship, as well as the prototype GP25, both for the first time.

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Barcelona MotoGP Rider Evaluations: Terrible Marks for a Pair of Aprilia Competitors

Crash.net provides an analysis of the performance ratings for each MotoGP rider at the final race of the season, the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP.

Here are our evaluations of the riders following the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP, where five participants received scores under five.

Francesco Bagnaia – 9

Francesco Bagnaia had an outstanding performance in Barcelona, possibly showcasing his best weekend of the season. Despite an unusual crash during the start practice in FP1 at the first turn, he made very few errors throughout the event. He expertly managed the Sprint race and similarly kept Marc Marquez in check during the Grand Prix, even using a rear tire that, after Saturday's sessions, was not widely regarded as a viable choice for the race.

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However, he drops his 10 because he began Sunday as the World Champion and finished it as an ex-champion. There was little he could do on Sunday, but maybe that's the issue — it should have never reached that point, and he had the power to stop it from happening.

Marc Marquez – 8

By his usual exceptional standards, Marc Marquez often struggles at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. His only truly commanding performance at this track occurred in 2019 when his competitors eliminated each other, and during the Saturday session in 2016 after the track layout was altered mid-weekend.

It's quite odd, actually, since one would assume that a low-traction surface like Barcelona's would ideally complement Marquez's approach.

On Saturday, the Sprint race at the Catalan track highlighted Marquez's vulnerabilities. However, by Sunday, he skillfully handled a soft rear tire to remind Bagnaia that even with Jorge Martin moving to Aprilia next season, securing the 2025 championship won't be a straightforward task for the Italian.

Marc Marquez described his second-place finish in the season's final Grand Prix as the ideal conclusion to his tenure with Gresini. Additionally, this result allowed him to surpass Enea Bastianini and secure third place in the championship standings.

Jorge Martin – 9

Although typically two third-place finishes wouldn't earn Jorge Martin a score of nine, this weekend was an exception. He secured the championship without ever appearing at risk of losing it.

Throughout all of 2024, Martin remained largely unaffected by the stress of the situation. He consistently positioned himself in ways that would not jeopardize his chance at securing his first top-tier championship title.

Why not give him a perfect score of 10? The reason is that he didn't come in first place in the race

Alex Marquez – 8

Achieving a fourth-place finish is likely the best outcome Alex Marquez can expect, considering the noticeable disadvantage of the Desmosedici GP23 compared to the GP24. This is especially true given that one of the GP23 bikes is being ridden by his renowned brother.

Marquez's performance is not at the peak of his potential, especially when conditions are ideal for him. However, finishing the season with two consecutive fourth-place results is a solid finish to what has occasionally been a lackluster second season with Gresini for Marquez.

Aleix Espargaro – 7.5

Aleix Espargaro wrapped up his MotoGP journey by securing fifth position, but the overall experience felt somewhat underwhelming.

On Saturday, taking a lap on his vintage 2005 125cc bike was quite a spectacle, and his impressive performance in Q2 secured him the second spot on the grid. However, his starts were lackluster, and honestly, this reporter isn't particularly thrilled about the idea of assisting Martin in winning the title.

However, if that's the way he chose to end things, that's his decision. Ultimately, Martin was well beyond requiring the help that Espargaro was willing to offer.

Brad Binder – 7

The KTM team faced a challenging weekend in Barcelona. Their bike struggled with cornering, and the qualifying session was a complete fiasco. Additionally, Pedro Acosta experienced a mishap when his fairing was torn off during the first lap of the Sprint race. Despite these setbacks, Brad Binder managed to secure a position within the top six.

Binder showcased a remarkable comeback in both races. While he has already gained a reputation for such feats, moving from 18th to ninth place in the Sprint and then from 18th to sixth in the Grand Prix is commendable, even by the South African's standards.

Binder's achievement also allowed him to surpass Acosta for fifth place in the riders' rankings, making him the highest-ranking competitor not riding a Ducati. However, it also marked his third consecutive year without securing a Grand Prix win.

Enea Bastianini – 6.5

When considering Enea Bastianini's performance in MotoGP, his skill in conserving tires and finishing races strongly often comes to mind. However, his abilities in Sprint races might not be the first thing you associate with him.

Bastianini concluded his tenure as a factory Ducati racer by achieving a remarkable feat: securing a spot on the podium in seven consecutive Sprint races, capped off by finishing in second place on Saturday. This accomplishment is both impressive and unexpected.

His Grand Prix might not have been any of those things. It ended up being a source of frustration and disappointment when Bastianini ruined his race by cutting through the chicane during a duel with Aleix Espargaro and was unable to bounce back from the mistake.

Though his involvement in the podium competition might not have significantly impacted the outcome, he offered little support to Bagnaia in the championship battle during this final race. As Espargaro mentioned post-race, ending up seven seconds behind the winner while riding a factory Ducati in 2024 raises questions.

Franco Morbidelli – 6

Franco Morbidelli is set to continue for another year with the Desmosedici GP24. However, if his initial performance is any indication, the 2025 season might not be particularly exciting for the rider who has claimed victory three times in the premier class.

The Italian's season concluded in a manner consistent with how it had progressed overall: it wasn't terrible, but it also lacked the speed of the other GP24s.

Marco Bezzecchi – 6.5

Marco Bezzecchi, who will take over Franco Morbidelli's spot at the VR46 team next year, finished just after him. Ending his stint with VR46 on a ninth-place note, a team he evidently cherishes, likely wasn't the result Bezzecchi had hoped for this weekend. Throughout the event, the Italian racer occasionally displayed flashes of promise that hinted at a stronger performance.

Despite his efforts, he couldn't secure a qualifying position better than the third row, which effectively diminished his opportunity to compete for strong placements by Saturday lunchtime.

In positive developments for Bezzecchi, he is set to join Aprilia as a factory rider on Tuesday. However, the idea of partnering with Jorge Martin, who secured 32 podium finishes this season, might be somewhat intimidating for Bezzecchi, considering he achieved just one podium spot in 2024.

Pedro Acosta – 6

After securing the 10th spot in Barcelona, Pedro Acosta mentioned experiencing issues with his brakes. This conclusion to his debut season was consistent with how the latter part of his season had unfolded overall.

At the beginning of 2024, Acosta played a crucial role in the initial races, but as the year progressed into the latter half, he has taken on a more secondary role.

It's challenging to place all the blame on him, given Ducati's increasing dominance. However, the end of the season has been disappointing for him, as illustrated by the events of the last weekend. He didn't finish the Sprint race after colliding with Marc Marquez on the first lap and secured a 10th-place finish in the Grand Prix, seemingly due to brake issues.

Fabio Quartararo received a rating of 6.5. While Yamaha appeared to improve during the overseas races, the final race of the season in Barcelona seemed to suggest the opposite.

Kudos to Quartararo for his remarkable performance in the Sprint, where he competed fiercely against Morbidelli, Marc Marquez, and Bezzecchi. Despite his efforts, a final lap overtake by Binder pushed him out of the points.

In the Grand Prix, he just wasn't fast enough, which might have been partly due to his decision to use the hard-compound rear tire, as it appeared to give him no benefit throughout the 24-lap race.

Miguel Oliveira – 6.5

Miguel Oliveira's final performance for Trackhouse ended in a somewhat disappointing 12th place. However, considering it was his first competition since September, he showed remarkable consistency and notably outperformed his teammate, Raul Fernandez.

Jack Miller – 4

While KTM had a tough time in Barcelona, Jack Miller's experience was even worse. During his media briefing on Saturday, he bluntly referred to his Sprint performance as "terrible."

Struggling with maneuverability and lacking traction at the back, Miller had a poor qualifying session and didn't perform much better in the race, marking a disappointing conclusion to his stint with KTM.

From a historical perspective, hopping onto a Yamaha should have instantly resolved those cornering issues on a Tuesday. However, it's no longer 2018.

Johann Zarco – 6.5

Throughout the 2024 season, Johann Zarco has consistently excelled in qualifying sessions, particularly towards the latter part of the year. He has frequently succeeded in securing a spot for the Honda RC213V in Q2.

Once more on Friday, he ended up in fourth position during Practice, but that turned out to be the highlight of his weekend.

Zarco concluded his debut complete season riding for Honda in 14th place. Despite this, he distinctly positioned himself as the leading Honda rider, solidifying his status in that role.

Maverick Vinales – 3

Maverick Vinales finished his race with Aprilia in the 15th position, trailing his official team partner, Espargaro, by 17 seconds. Overall, it was a disappointing performance for the Spanish rider, who is set to join Tech3.

Luca Marini – 5.5

Luca Marini's remarkable composure while handling the RC213V this season stands out as one of the most notable achievements in MotoGP.

Marini's performance has not been as notable, particularly when set against Zarco. On Saturday, the Italian acknowledged that Zarco is employing a "unique" approach to gain additional speed on the Honda.

Takaaki Nakagami – 5.5

During the Friday morning's first practice session for MotoGP in Barcelona, Takaaki Nakagami managed to secure the fastest time. His impressive final lap on a new tire paid off, serving as a reminder to all that he was actively competing.

It's unfortunate that Nakagami, who appears to be a quite well-liked racer, got very little television coverage over the weekend. The only exception was a brief moment at the end of FP1, whereas Espargaro, another rider retiring, garnered a significant amount of attention.

Espargaro has a more impressive track record in MotoGP compared to Nakagami. However, the broadcast subtly transitioned Nakagami into his new HRC development position without much fanfare, while Espargaro's retirement took center stage throughout the weekend.

Regarding Nakagami's performance, it was satisfactory: he secured 17th place in both races.

Raul Fernandez – 3

This weekend, Raul Fernandez switched back to the 2023 aerodynamics used by Aprilia, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference. As the only rider confirmed to continue with the Noale-based team for 2025, Fernandez finished 18th in the Grand Prix. He was 29 seconds behind the winner, seven seconds behind the underperforming Vinales, and 17 seconds behind his teammate Oliveira. This performance comes at a circuit where he previously led laps during the Catalan Sprint six months ago.

Augusto Fernandez – 4

Augusto Fernandez entered Barcelona with a hopeful outlook after securing a 10th place finish at Sepang just two weeks prior. Was his performance in Malaysia a significant milestone, or merely a temporary success?

If you thought the answer was 'breakthrough,' you'd be mistaken. Fernandez returned to his usual performance style this weekend, finishing in 19th place, which is typical for someone ranked towards the lower end of the top 20. This came after an incredibly unusual collision with his teammate, Acosta, during the first practice session (FP1), which resulted in a red flag being issued.

The most aggravating aspect of Fernandez's year, aside from his performance, is likely Yamaha's unexplained delay in naming him as a test rider for the 2025 season.

Michele Pirro – 6

This weekend, Michele Pirro aimed to prepare himself for the post-race test scheduled for Tuesday. Therefore, experiencing a crash just five minutes into the first free practice session on Friday morning likely wasn't part of his strategy.

However, other than that, he practically made no mistakes, which is essentially the most you can hope for from a substitute rider.

Alex Rins – 2.5

It was a challenging weekend for Alex Rins, who ended up in 21st place during the race. He only managed to finish ahead of Stefan Bradl. This result came after he received a double long lap penalty for failing to complete the initial single long lap penalty he was given for cutting the chicane between turns 1 and 2.

Stefan Bradl – 6

Similar to Pirro, Bradl participated primarily to prepare for Tuesday's testing session. His performance wasn't outstanding, but it was satisfactory. Additionally, his Team HRC bike sported an impressive livery.

Joan Mir – 4

Joan Mir concluded the Barcelona GP in a familiar fashion during his stint with Repsol Honda: by crashing out. He faced issues with rear tyre vibrations on Saturday, which also hindered his performance, leaving him without a solid Sprint result to rely on.

In the first qualifying session, he performed reasonably well. However, he narrowly missed securing one of the two spots for the second qualifying session, being edged out by Fabio Quartararo. This, nevertheless, was a positive indication that Mir still possesses some speed.

In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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Kimi Antonelli shares initial thoughts on encounters with Max Verstappen

Kimi Antonelli talks about his connection with Max Verstappen

Kimi Antonelli has shared his initial experiences meeting Max Verstappen for the first time.

The current F1 titleholder will face a new competitor in the 2025 season as Antonelli makes his debut in a highly anticipated rookie year.

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Young driver Antonelli is set to take over Lewis Hamilton's spot at Mercedes.

Antonelli was questioned about whether competitors in the racing field could maintain friendships.

According to Gazzetta, he confirmed this by saying, "Yes, away from the track."

"However, when you're on the track, there's no time to focus on others. No one offers you any assistance, and you can't expect to receive any."

"In that situation, you're competing solely for your own benefit."

Antonelli expressed favorable opinions regarding Verstappen, saying, "I've had several conversations with him, and he is an excellent individual whom I admire greatly."

"We've competed with him in the simulator, and he pays close attention to the lower racing divisions."

"While he appears quite strict on the track, he is actually quite laid-back and typical when away from it."

Verstappen was initially the much-celebrated young prodigy making his debut in Formula 1.

In the coming year, Antonelli will team up with Ollie Bearman, with Jack Doohan and Liam Lawson also being promising young choices.

Antonelli identifies a Formula 1 idol.

Antonelli was reminded that achieving entry into Formula 1 by the age of 18 is a significant accomplishment.

He mentioned that he hasn't come to terms with it yet, but he might do so while in Melbourne.

"It's going to be thrilling, but right now I'm focusing on self-improvement."

"You focus solely on your task, keeping your mind clear of other thoughts. You concentrate on the beginning and attempt to imagine the different scenarios that could unfold."

"You might feel nervous, but I focus on the task at hand."

Antonelli cited Ayrton Senna as his Formula 1 idol.

"I did extensive research on him," he mentioned.

"I realized that he was not just an excellent driver, but also a wonderful individual."

"I like to believe I am similar to him in that I would gain a lot of knowledge."

"When I was young, I was a fan of Sebastian Vettel."

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

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Criticism directed at the FIA president for his approach to managing Formula 1

"He’s not helping his own cause…"

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership in Formula 1 has faced criticism, highlighting a significant shortcoming.

Three years ago, Ben Sulayem took over from Jean Todt as the president of the FIA, but his tenure has frequently been marked by controversy.

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Guenther Steiner, who previously served as the team principal for Haas, has shared his perspective on Ben Sulayem's character and also pointed out some of his shortcomings.

In an interview on the Sky F1 podcast, Steiner expressed his admiration for Ben Sulayem's forerunner, saying, "I got along well with Jean and held him in high regard for his accomplishments throughout his career."

"He achieved numerous championship victories and subsequently excelled as the president of the FIA, a feat that is quite challenging to accomplish."

Steiner stated, "I've been acquainted with Mohammed for quite some time. We both have a background in rallying, and I've spent a significant amount of time with him."

"As an individual, I've always had a fondness for Mohammed. He possesses a great personality."

"As the president, he occasionally becomes overly engaged in the sport."

"He's not helping his own cause by doing that."

To effectively manage a federation such as the FIA, it's essential to have individuals who handle its operations, since being the president is a significant responsibility. Engaging in everyday management tasks likely leaves insufficient time to perform them to the required standard.

"He ought to surround himself with competent individuals. He participates actively, but occasionally faces criticism."

"In this role, you must become accustomed to receiving criticism. It can't always focus on your strengths."

"When you're in the public eye, receiving compliments often comes hand in hand with facing criticism."

"It's impossible to be friends with everyone."

In the previous year, Ben Sulayem's choice to penalize F1 drivers for wearing jewelry sparked a major controversy.

Lewis Hamilton found it particularly annoying.

This season, Ben Sulayem has reprimanded Max Verstappen for using profanity during a press conference.

This led Verstappen to reject the requirement for community service, while Hamilton and Lando Norris defended him.

Steiner remarked on the prohibition of swearing by questioning the timing and relevance, saying, "Why bring this up now? We're talking about something that doesn't merit a discussion."

Max remarked on his vehicle. Is it correct? Not really. Is it incorrect? Not exactly.

"The more often you mention it, the more it stirs up debate."

"If you want to prevent this from occurring, you could address it during a drivers' meeting by saying, 'Hey everyone, could you please help me by reducing the amount of swearing?'"

"When you're driving at a speed of 360 km/h and someone suddenly swerves in front of you, it's hard not to react. You might call them a 'fool,' but it's not something you genuinely mean."

"The television censors it regardless!"

"We are individuals driven by emotions."

"A sport is characterized by the emotions it evokes. Without these feelings, the sport wouldn't capture our interest."

"People blew it out of proportion. Someone said the F-word? Fine, just avoid using it in the future and let's move forward…"

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

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Francesco Bagnaia remarked, "I accomplished what was necessary" – Martin "seems anxious, which is understandable."

"He appeared rather anxious, and that's to be expected. However, I believe he's capable of handling the pressure well during the race."

Defending MotoGP titleholder Francesco Bagnaia achieved what was necessary by securing pole position and winning the Sprint race at the concluding Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP event of the season.

This has set the stage for a championship-deciding race on Sunday against the current leader in the world

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Following a brief setback to Martin and Enea Bastianini at the race's first turn, Bagnaia quickly overtook both riders and maintained the lead thereafter.

Bastianini, his teammate, executed a final-lap maneuver on Martin, snatching away the Spaniard's second-place position.

"I slightly miscalculated the initial braking, leaving too much space, which allowed both of them to pass me," Bagnaia explained.

"At that point, my speed was sufficient to create a lead and simply relish the experience. I was extending the lead without exerting too much effort. Thus, all was well.

"Looking ahead to tomorrow, adjustments will be necessary, particularly with the replacement of the back tire. The current soft tire is excessively soft, which might lead to issues during the final laps."

"Besides that, I accomplished what was necessary: securing the pole position and then coming out on top in the Sprint."

"I was optimistic about having a wider selection of competitors, yet we're aware of our current capabilities and our consistent performance throughout the season. Despite any challenges one of us faced, we secured a second-place finish, demonstrating that we operate on a superior level."

"I believe Enea performed exceptionally well today. However, for tomorrow, I'm expecting an additional effort."

Certainly, Martin continues to hold a strong position, as finishing third in the Sprint has given the Pramac racer a 19-point lead going into Sunday.

This implies that even if Bagnaia secures his eleventh victory of the season, Martin finishing in ninth place would suffice for him to secure his inaugural title in the premier class.

However, the stress implies that it may not be as straightforward as it seems for the #89.

"When asked whether tomorrow's scenario presents a mental challenge, Bagnaia responded, 'Not for me, but it does for him.'"

"I vividly recall back in 2022 [when Bagnaia was defending a 23-point advantage], and it seems to me that Jorge is feeling the pressure somewhat."

Throughout the entire weekend, it was noticeable that he was quite anxious, which is a typical reaction. However, I believe that when he is in the midst of a race, he handles the pressure quite effectively.

"Today, he performed exceptionally well, having begun the race from the second row and ultimately securing a place on the podium."

"I believe it won't be too difficult [for him] tomorrow."

Bagnaia is aware that Aprilia's leading rider, Aleix Espargaro, might help Martin during the race if the opportunity presents itself, as he has previously given Martin a slipstream during the qualifying rounds.

"Bagnaia expressed amazement at their bond, and he also mentioned that Jorge is set to join Aprilia next year, with the team aiming to have the top rider in their garage."

"Therefore, [Aleix] will never go on the offensive against Jorge or pass him. It's something I need to be aware of.

"Regarding what's to come tomorrow, it will unfold as it's meant to."

"However, I anticipate a race similar to today's: Jorge effortlessly leading while avoiding any risks, and he possesses a significant advantage since even if I secure a victory, he can still place 9th."

"This presents a challenging scenario for me, akin to what I experienced in 2022."

Bastianini, a team-mate, is currently engaged in a competition with Marc Marquez for the third position in the global championship.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the racing world, including the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Haas' future in Formula 1 could have been different if a certain driver had not backed out of their agreement. "We were close to securing his signature on a contract, but he backed out at the last minute," a source revealed.

Guenther Steiner disclosed that Nico Hulkenberg changed his mind about signing with Haas, years before eventually becoming a part of the team.

Nico Hulkenberg has delivered an outstanding performance for the Haas team this season, which aligns with the departure of Guenther Steiner from his role as team principal. As a result, Hulkenberg has secured a significant transfer to Sauber/Audi for the year 2025.

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At the age of 37, Hulkenberg has completed two seasons with Haas, although he nearly joined the team at an earlier stage in its development.

Steiner mentioned on the Sky F1 podcast that Nico consistently found himself in situations where his talent was not utilized effectively due to unfortunate timing and placement.

"I made an attempt to recruit him. Although I'm not suggesting he would have immediately excelled during our initial year, I held a high opinion of his abilities."

"We were close to getting him to agree to a contract, but he backed out at the last moment."

"I finally managed to catch him! Everything turned out well."

"We had a conversation with Kevin Magnussen when he wasn't actively competing."

"Ferrari provided significant assistance to us in preparing for the inaugural race. We reached an agreement with them to bring Esteban Gutierrez on board."

"The following year, we brought Kevin on board after he had spent a year with Renault."

"We missed out on signing Hulkenberg in 2016, but we managed to bring him on board two years ago."

"I have no reason to be angry if he chooses to do something. However, if I make a choice, he shouldn't be upset with me!"

"That's the way we do things…"

"Our drivers have consistently been quite good."

Steiner explained his approach to persuading drivers during Haas' initial stages by saying, "Communicate your objectives clearly. Present what you can realistically accomplish in a convincing manner."

At that point, individuals became intrigued.

The situation was challenging, as some teams were unsuccessful or had already failed, and a fresh team was set to arrive.

I described our plan, and that's the reason they showed up.

"Being fortunate is crucial. It's about being in the right spot at the right moment. There were a couple of drivers without a position."

"We used that to benefit ourselves."

Last year, Steiner made a significant shift in strategy by teaming up Hulkenberg and Magnussen, moving from working with rookie drivers to experienced veterans.

After Steiner stepped down from his position, Hulkenberg has notably stood out for exceeding expectations.

Magnussen is expected to exit Formula 1 as he is no longer with the Haas team.

In 2025, newcomer Ollie Bearman will team up with Esteban Ocon, with Ayao Komatsu at the helm.

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

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Marc Marquez shares his insights and recommendations for the two contenders battling for the championship in Barcelona

Marc Marquez comments on the significance of Sunday's race

Following the promise of a leading position at the start during the qualifiers, Marc Marquez faced a return to reality in the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP Sprint.

Battling to find his rhythm during his last outing with Gresini, the eight-time world champion indicated on Friday that achieving a top five finish seemed like the most he could hope for.

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Assistance from the current champion and soon-to-be teammate Francesco Bagnaia helped Marquez secure a spot on the front row during the qualifying round, a feat he confessed was 'unreal'.

An encounter with Pedro Acosta during the initial turns of the Sprint resulted in Marquez ending up in seventh place, which is where he ultimately finished.

Despite the absence of complications, Marquez believed his capabilities were fully stretched.

"After making it through qualifications, I felt somewhat hopeful. However, following the Sprint race, especially due to the challenging initial lap, we ended up back where we started," Marquez stated, dismissing any notion of damage to his motorcycle from the collision.

"Our speed puts us in the range of 5th to 10th place, and we finished in 7th. To be frank, if it weren't for the initial lap, we would have been in 6th place, but no higher."

"For tomorrow, there's a need for enhancement; otherwise, the race will seem endlessly extended."

He stated, "My battle isn't with the motorcycle; it's with the track itself."

"In May, the sensation was quite decent. I was able to sense the track's boundary, but this weekend, I find myself beginning from a contrasting stance. Gradually, I'm making efforts to enhance my competitiveness, yet I'm facing difficulties."

Marquez's struggles have resulted in him dropping to fourth in the global rankings, falling behind Enea Bastianini by a margin of five points as they approach the season's concluding grand prix.

Bastianini secured the second-place spot, flanked by Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, in the Sprint race.

When asked about the upcoming championship showdown on Sunday, where Martin just needs to finish in ninth place to secure the title if Bagnaia emerges victorious, Marquez commented:

"I believe securing the ninth position for Jorge should be straightforward, but then again, anything can happen in racing."

What guidance did he offer?

"Pecco must replicate his performance from today… And Jorge must do the same!" Marquez said with a laugh.

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Williams addresses involvement in Las Vegas Grand Prix after rumors of crash damage

Williams acknowledges impact of crash damage but dispels rumors

Williams has denied allegations suggesting that they might not participate in the upcoming F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend.

The Formula 1 team has clarified the situation following unfounded rumors suggesting that damage from recent crashes might compel them to miss the upcoming event.

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Formula 1 journalist Lawrence Barretto announced on social media that he has recently spoken with Williams.

Sources indicate that despite widespread rumors, the team insists they will still compete in Vegas, even after suffering significant setbacks from three crashes in Brazil.

According to reports, both vehicles are expected to be prepared for the race in Nevada.

"The team and suppliers have done an outstanding job."

Sports analyst Will Buxton remarked, "It appears that James Vowles' candid remarks about the repercussions of the Brazilian Grand Prix have been exaggerated to absurd levels in recent days."

"The team will not skip the event in Vegas and will have both of their vehicles ready."

The 2024 Formula 1 season will wrap up with three consecutive races, starting next weekend in Las Vegas.

In the last two races held in Brazil and Mexico, Williams experienced a total of five accidents.

These events inevitably strain the team's financial resources and place significant demands on the factory to supply spare parts for upcoming races.

James Vowles, the head of Williams, has acknowledged that the team has experienced repercussions due to their frequent accidents.

"No team in the competition can handle five significant crashes over the course of two race weekends," Vowles stated.

"The quantity of spare parts we have is not enough to handle that level of wear and tear."

However, he promised, "I am optimistic about Vegas."

"Last year, our speed was impressive at that location, and I am sure the car will perform efficiently in similar conditions."

"We will make every possible effort to ensure both cars meet the highest standards, while also having enough spare parts available to achieve this goal."

Attention will once more be focused on Williams' driver Franco Colapinto, who has made a significant impact in Formula 1 after taking over mid-season for the underperforming Logan Sargeant.

Williams has secured a deal with Carlos Sainz from Ferrari to compete with Alex Albon in 2025, leaving no space for Colapinto on the team.

Colapinto is rumored to be in contention for a racing position with Red Bull, whether in their primary team or their secondary team, and his future is still uncertain.

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

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Explored: How Jorge Martin or Pecco Bagnaia can clinch the championship

The various outcomes determining the 2024 MotoGP champion

Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia are the sole competitors in contention for the MotoGP championship this Sunday, during the final race of the season at the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP.

Martin leads Bagnaia by 19 points, with only 25 points remaining up for grabs.

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Martin simply has to secure a spot among the top nine in the race to clinch the championship, regardless of whether Bagnaia takes first place.

Bagnaia needs to secure victory in the race and wishes for Martin to end up in 10th place or worse

Bagnaia has secured the pole position to start from, at a minimum. Martin finds himself in the fourth spot on the starting lineup.

Bagnaia transformed his pole position into a win during Saturday's sprint race, with Martin securing third place.

Ducati team's Bagnaia is currently upholding his championship status, having secured victories in the last two consecutive seasons.

Pramac's Martin is competing for his inaugural championship. He fell short on the last day of the previous season to Bagnaia.

This year, they've operated with similar equipment, even though Martin was part of a Ducati satellite team.

If Martin secures the championship, he will bring the top spot to Aprilia the following year.

He chose to leave Ducati when they preferred Marc Marquez over him for the official 2025 racing seat.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, providing coverage on a wide array of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Aleix Espargaro reveals his mixed feelings about aiding Jorge Martin's championship pursuit

"It's a wonderful feeling for me"

Aleix Espargaro has expressed dissatisfaction with having to assist Jorge Martin during the qualifying round at the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix, yet he also acknowledges that it was a "beautiful" gesture.

Martin entered the final showdown in Barcelona on Saturday within close reach of clinching the 2024 championship, holding a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia before the sprint race.

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Bagnaia secured the pole position, managing to position Marc Marquez in the front row as well, while Aprilia's Espargaro came in between them in second place, also aiding two Martin in achieving fourth place on the starting grid.

In the end, Martin had to settle for third place in the race, finishing behind Enea Bastianini, while Bagnaia claimed victory. This result means Bagnaia now leads by 19 points going into Sunday's final race.

Espargaro mentioned, “I communicate with Jorge more frequently than I do with my spouse,” highlighting his dedication to supporting his good friend Martin in his pursuit of the championship.

"So, it seems you think we communicate quite a bit. Honestly, I'm not thrilled about being able to assist him, as I would prefer for him to be the one soaring and speeding ahead."

"It’s truly wonderful for me, as I've tracked his progress through the qualifiers over the past three seasons. So, to have this one final opportunity to assist him slightly in securing this championship brings me great joy."

Celebrating 125cc: 'The perfect conclusion to a career'

Upon securing a fourth-place finish in Saturday's sprint, Espargaro took a commemorative cooldown lap on the 125cc Honda, the same model he competed with at the outset of his grand prix journey, while Matteo Baiocco took the RS-GP back to the pit area.

On Saturday, the 35-year-old disclosed to the press that the unexpected surprise, orchestrated by his wife Laura, caught him off guard.

"When questioned about his ability to fit on his previous bicycle, he responded, 'Not really, given that I stood at 179cm tall by the time I was 15 years old.'"

"At that time, I weighed about one or two kilograms more than I do currently. Hence, it baffles me how I managed to ride that bicycle."

The scale of contemporary motorcycles is astonishing when contrasted with older models; even the Moto3 bikes surpass the size of the 125s. It's truly remarkable. I have a deep affection for my wife. This surprise was beyond my wildest dreams.

"I believe there's no finer conclusion to my career than taking a lap on the world championship's inaugural bike alongside my present motorcycle. To me, it seems like a stroke of genius."

The upcoming Solidarity Grand Prix on Sunday will signify Espargaro's final event as a regular competitor, a reality he acknowledges is beginning to dawn on him.

He described the weekend as quite unusual when Crash.net inquired whether his impending retirement had begun to feel like a reality.

"Yesterday, I spent an hour in the garage with my team. There were a few unexpected moments, I watched several videos – they moved me to tears."

"The weekend has been quite sentimental. One thing stands out: I've been incredibly fortunate to connect with Aprilia. It's remarkable how much affection they have for me."

"I had a great time and will certainly miss everyone. If circumstances lead me to consider wildcards in the future, something I'm not keen on at the moment, it would be a completely new experience, given the incredible ambiance within the garage."

"Given my nature as someone who's quite sensitive, managing my emotions is going to be quite challenging."

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Speculation dismissed that McLaren "sabotaged" Lando Norris' championship aspirations

"McLaren understands they can't simply overlook a talent like Piastri"

It has been strongly asserted that McLaren did not jeopardize Lando Norris' chances of winning the F1 championship.

With just three races remaining in the season, Norris trails Max Verstappen by 62 points in the drivers’ championship, having lost important points at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Formula 1.

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At the beginning of the season, McLaren made it clear that they would not designate a lead driver or give preference to either Norris or Oscar Piastri. In contrast, Verstappen was clearly recognized as Red Bull's primary driver.

Craig Slater from Sky Sports inquired whether this situation affected Lando's confidence or his perception of having complete support from the team.

Martin Brundle responded emphatically, stating, "Definitely not. Lando made it clear that he doesn't want to win a world championship by having his teammate constantly give him advantages."

McLaren understands that they cannot simply position a talented driver like Piastri as the team's second in command, expected to give way at every chance.

"It is challenging mentally to move past that and maintain your trustworthiness and good name."

"McLaren has gained some valuable insights this year as they find themselves leading the pack for the first time in many years."

"They have undoubtedly supported Lando, providing him with full backing and a car that boasts impressive speed."

Lando Norris has raised concerns about the current F1 red flag regulations after they seemed to benefit drivers who made late pit stops, such as Max Verstappen, during the Brazilian Grand Prix. Is it time for a rule change? 💭 pic.twitter.com/dsWYcVCM0w— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) November 4, 2024

Norris has been advised to conserve his energy. McLaren's impressive performance this season has led to both Norris and Piastri securing their maiden grand prix victories.

The team has recently changed their approach to focus on prioritizing Norris, ensuring he has the greatest opportunity for success.

However, Verstappen took a strong lead in the championship standings after securing victory in Brazil.

With only three rounds left, Norris is aware that his chances of securing the title are quite small.

According to Brundle, he should focus on pushing himself, the McLaren team, and his vehicle to their limits and then observe the outcome.

"Concentrating on a different vehicle or driver is an inefficient use of energy."

He must get ready for a championship battle next year, which is expected to be legendary and an unforgettable season.

"The vehicles have reached their maximum potential, hit their upper limit, and we understand how tight the competition will be."

The main goal for him is to maintain his speed for the longest time possible. Any other concern would only divert his attention.

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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Carlos Sainz expressed that it would be painful if Ferrari is in contention for the 2025 championship, acknowledging that he played a role in shaping the team. He remarked, "I clearly contributed to the development of this team."

Carlos Sainz admitted he would feel let down if Ferrari secured a drivers' championship after his departure.

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari resulted in Carlos Sainz leaving the team, leading him to secure a contract with Williams.

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This suggests that Hamilton has the potential to secure an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 championship title with Ferrari, a team eager to break their championship drought that has persisted since Kimi Raikkonen's victory in 2007.

Carlos Sainz, who has been instrumental in preparing Ferrari for a comeback to winning grand prix races, is determined not to be left out.

He expressed to Sky Sports his passion for participating in development activities and his dedication to staying at Maranello to help enhance the team.

"When I joined Ferrari in 2021, my goal was to secure a championship. This year, we have a chance to achieve that in the constructors' category."

"It would be more painful if they are competing for the championship next year."

"I'll feel like I played a role in shaping this team into one that competes for championships, and then not being around for the next season."

"However, you move on. I'm eagerly anticipating being at Williams."

"This is simply how events have unfolded."

Is there a possibility of Sainz rejoining Ferrari?

Sainz faced inquiries regarding a potential return to Ferrari, reminiscent of Raikkonen's well-known comeback.

Hamilton, who is taking over, is already 39 years of age.

Sainz expressed his belief that one should never rule anything out completely.

"In all my experiences, I aim to part ways amicably."

"I strive to place myself in advantageous situations. I'm someone who connects well with others and maintains a laid-back attitude."

"I'll keep that door ajar."

"In the coming years, joining Ferrari is not a possibility for me as I have a commitment with Williams."

"What about four, six, eight, or even ten years from now?"

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

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