Charles Leclerc aims for championship as he faces competition from Lewis Hamilton near Ferrari's territory

Lewis Hamilton is the obstacle to Charles Leclerc's Formula 1 aspirations

Lewis Hamilton has received a reminder that Charles Leclerc harbors ambitions for his own F1 championship.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to team up with Leclerc at Ferrari, forming an iconic pairing

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, unique content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

This implies that Hamilton faces the challenge of surpassing an ambitious new team member in order to secure an unprecedented eighth championship title.

"Leclerc was cited by Gazzetta as saying, 'The memory of my initial race with Ferrari feels as fresh as if it happened just yesterday.'"

"However, I still have numerous ambitions I aim to fulfill, including securing a world championship title with Ferrari."

"The quicker I secure victory, the more joyous I become."

"I've consistently maintained that there were two races I aspired to triumph in throughout my life, Monaco and Monza. This year, owing to our collective efforts, we achieved that goal."

"Now, my sole focus is on securing a world championship title; it's all I'm working towards."

Leclerc faces the challenge of defeating F1's top achiever in the upcoming season if he wants to realize his championship aspirations.

"Leclerc mentioned, "Being aware of the talks with Lewis, having him on board presents an additional challenge for me, considering his numerous victories."

"I'm thrilled that Hamilton will be joining us, and I'm eager for the experience since there's something to learn from each team member.

"For me, it will also present a fantastic chance to demonstrate my capabilities behind the wheel."

"However, I have consistently maintained a great rapport with Carlos Sainz."

"Definitely, I plan to resolve some uncertainties regarding certain capabilities of Lewis. However, I will maintain my appearance, while he persists with his intriguing fashion choices."

This season marked a significant personal achievement for Leclerc as he clinched his first victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, the race in his hometown.

"I strive to excel at driving, understanding my capabilities and areas for improvement," he stated.

"Each time, from the very first lap, I strive to better myself."

Leclerc commented on overcoming challenges in his career, stating, "They were incredibly challenging to navigate, yet they also enlightened me to the fact that F1 isn't the be-all and end-all, which significantly reduced my stress levels."

I stepped back. The thrill of motorsport surpasses everything for me, yet health, along with family and friends, takes precedence.

"It may seem clear in hindsight, but it hadn't dawned on me earlier, and I believe grasping this concept has improved my driving skills as well."

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

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Mailing List

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing, in whole or in part, any text, photos, or illustrations is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Charles Leclerc Targets Championship as Lewis Hamilton Approaches Ferrari's Level

Lewis Hamilton poses a significant obstacle to Charles Leclerc's Formula 1 aspirations

Lewis Hamilton has been made aware that Charles Leclerc harbors his own ambitions for the F1 championship.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to team up with Ferrari, forming an iconic pairing with Leclerc

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive all the newest updates, unique content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers from the race track straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

This implies that Hamilton has to outperform an eager new team member to secure a historic eighth title and set a new record.

"Leclerc vividly recalls his initial race with Ferrari, as reported by Gazzetta."

"However, I still have numerous aspirations I aim to fulfill, one of which includes clinching the world championship title with Ferrari."

"The quicker I achieve victory, the more joyful I become."

"I've consistently maintained that in my life, there were two races I aimed to triumph in – Monaco and Monza. This year, due to our efforts, we achieved that goal.

"Currently, my sole ambition is to secure the world championship title; this is what all my efforts are directed towards."

Leclerc faces the challenge of outperforming F1's top champion in the upcoming season to realize his championship aspirations.

"Leclerc mentioned, "Being aware of the discussions with Lewis, having him onboard presents an additional challenge given his numerous victories."

"I'm thrilled that Hamilton will be joining us, and I'm eager for his arrival since there's something to learn from each teammate.

"For me, it will also present an excellent chance to demonstrate my capabilities behind the wheel."

"However, I've consistently maintained a great rapport with Carlos Sainz."

"Definitely, I plan to resolve a few uncertainties regarding what Lewis is capable of. However, I intend to maintain my appearance while he persists in exploring his unique fashion choices."

This season marked a personal triumph for Leclerc as he clinched his inaugural victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, a race held in his hometown.

"I strive to excel in driving, being aware of my own capabilities and limitations," he stated.

"Each instance I commence from the initial round, I strive to enhance my abilities."

Leclerc remarked on overcoming challenges in his career, stating, "Those were tough to handle, yet they also showed me that F1 isn't the be-all and end-all, which in turn, significantly reduced the pressure on me."

"I stepped away. The thrill of motorsport surpasses everything else for me, yet health, along with family and friends, takes precedence.

"It may seem clear, but it didn't dawn on me until recently, and I believe grasping this concept has improved my driving skills as well."

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, one-on-one chats, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the text, photos, or images wholly or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Site Index

CrashDotNet

Guenther Steiner reflects on a major regret during his tenure at Haas

"Each day felt identical, as if we were merely performing a task.”

Guenther Steiner believes he ought to have departed from Haas well before he actually did.

The previous head of the team stepped down from his role at the conclusion of the previous year, yet he felt the signs were clear that his departure was imminent 18 months prior.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 insights, behind-the-scenes, one-on-one conversations, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Steiner played a key role in establishing the Haas F1 team from scratch.

"I don't harbor any negative sentiments towards the team," he shared on the Sky F1 podcast.

"It becomes clear once you've left. When you're involved, your focus narrows to 'This must be accomplished'."

"One never questions the rationale behind their actions, pondering why on earth they're engaged in such nonsensical endeavors."

Reflecting on the past…

"I ought to have departed mid-2022. That's when things began to turn challenging."

"It was unclear to me how we could move forward."

"We used to attend races, thrilled to even earn a single point. Yet, how sustainable is that? It's possible to continue for a while, but personally, I couldn't."

"I must set my sights on a goal larger than merely scoring a single point, as I've already achieved that and have the proverbial t-shirt to show for it."

"Starting an F1 team involves initial establishment, aiming for points accumulation, and then targeting podium finishes. It's essential to have a clear objective."

"When Covid struck, all progress halted. Each day blended into the next, as we merely went through the motions of our work."

In 2022, Haas kicked off the season with a fresh driver lineup consisting of the relatively unseasoned Mick Schumacher and Nikita Maz

Mazepin was quickly dismissed, paving the way for Kevin Magnussen to step in.

Magnussen secured the 13th position in the drivers' standings, while Schumacher took the 16th spot. In the constructors' rankings, Haas claimed the seventh place.

In 2023, the team experienced a regression, marking what would be Steiner’s last year serving as the head of the team.

Despite Steiner's strategy to replace rookie racers with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, Haas ended up last in the constructors' standings.

With Ayao Komatsu at the helm this season, the future looks promising for Haas.

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

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Recreating or copying any portion of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Key Characteristic of Michael Schumacher Highlighted by Former Ferrari Colleague

Former Ferrari Teammate Speaks on Michael Schumacher's Remarkable Resilience

A former Ferrari colleague has lauded Michael Schumacher's exceptional talent.

Schumacher's streak of winning five straight Formula 1 titles with Ferrari is a significant chapter in the history of the sport.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive talks, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Stefano Domenicali, who currently serves as the CEO of Formula 1, was employed at Ferrari during a portion of Schumacher's peak career years.

"Domenicali mentioned to Gazzetta that he has never blamed the team at any point."

An exceptional sense of power that defined him.

"I've encountered numerous drivers, yet from this perspective, Michael was exceptional."

Hamilton has equaled Schumacher's once-unprecedented tally of seven F1 titles.

Hamilton has the chance to set a new all-time record by securing his eighth title if he secures a victory with Ferrari in the upcoming season.

"Domenicali mentioned that Ferrari is set to welcome Hamilton soon, and he also expressed his fortunate experience of collaborating with Fernando Alonso, highlighting Alonso's proof that age does not define limits."

"Despite his seemingly detached demeanor, Kimi Raikkonen possessed a remarkable level of sensitivity."

Domenicali revealed the key to becoming a victorious racer.

"He must first have faith in his unparalleled strength," he stated.

"Furthermore, he needs to possess the capability to pause at any moment within his performance and optimize it, while also collaborating seamlessly with both the machinery and his teammates."

"Next, you bring down the shade and must show no mercy."

"Considering a margin of just two-tenths, we're essentially discussing a negligible difference."

"Attention to detail is essential."

Comparison of two Ferrari legends

During his tenure at the iconic Italian brand, Domenicali served alongside Luca di Montezemolo and Jean Todt, both celebrated figures in Ferrari's history.

"Domenicali mentioned, "These individuals not only regarded me highly but, more importantly, they showed great respect for Ferrari."

Montezemolo revitalized a company that had somewhat lost its way. He brought clarity to its values, and the results are evident in its performance.

Regarding Todt, I dedicated more hours in his company than I did with my spouse.

"I acquired a method of working that is both detailed and accurate, and he always emphasized the importance of placing trust in those he worked with."

Domenicali spoke about his departure from Ferrari ten years earlier, stating, "It was difficult because, after spending 23 years there, there's a risk of believing you're out of alternatives."

"I felt at ease, acknowledging that things hadn't progressed favorably and it was appropriate to accept accountability and resign from my position."

"It resembled a conduit, followed by the pivotal moment that guides you towards the correct path and allows you to confront decisions with serenity."

"I recall the warmth and support from everyone at the company on the day I announced my departure."

"I departed knowing I had finished a significant voyage, despite being uncertain about the future."

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

CrashNet

Kimi Antonelli Shares Insights on Lewis Hamilton's Driving Technique, Likens It to His Own

Kimi Antonelli Reflects on His Early Experience with Mercedes Team

Kimi Antonelli asserts that his approach to racing closely resembles that of Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes has made the daring move to substitute seven-time F1 champion Hamilton with newcomer Antonelli for the upcoming season.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, in-depth interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Toto Wolff's confidence in the exceptionally talented young driver ensures he will take on a racing role with significant anticipation.

According to Gazzetta, Antonelli remarked, “He’s extremely gracious and engages in conversation with me frequently.

"In regards to its driving dynamics, it shares similarities with my preferences, particularly in its tendency to understeer significantly."

During my time in Singapore, absorbing his conversation with the engineers provided me with a wealth of knowledge.

"I'll need to adjust to listening to all the engineers through headphones, given that I'm not much of a talker."

"However, if their communication serves the purpose of imparting valuable knowledge, I must thoroughly acquaint myself with the protocols involved."

"Pressing the incorrect key can create chaos."

A chair equipped with a driving wheel is set to be delivered to my home shortly to familiarize itself with the different departure methods and procedures.

"Additionally, it's essential to memorize the location of every button so you don't have to glance at them."

Mercedes meticulously selected Antonelli to follow in Hamilton's footsteps, subjecting him to numerous evaluations.

He identified the reason he was chosen: "The remarkable quickness I demonstrated immediately.

"Initially, I found it challenging to keep up with the speed of the race, but following a test run in Spa, there was a noticeable improvement, and they were persuaded."

"Two days afterward, I received the news that I had been selected for 2025."

"Currently in Formula 1, there's a wealth of data available including real-time telemetry which provides guidance, yet they still allow me a significant degree of autonomy."

"At Spa, I had an excellent trial session where I mastered predicting tyre wear."

Antonelli's initial rounds during the Formula 1 weekend didn't unfold as expected.

He participated in the first practice session at Monza, but his session was cut short due to an accident.

"He expressed that the initial lap was an exceptional emotional experience, especially with the crowd filling the stands."

"After that, I became a bit mischievous. Now, I'll have two additional chances in Mexico and Abu Dhabi."

"Russell wasn't exactly thrilled, but I had already picked up speed before heading out to the Parabolica."

"I get along well with George; while his guidance hasn't been particularly impactful, things are currently okay between us. However, I aim to outperform him in the coming year."

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Further Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Index

CrashDotNet

Ferrari emphasized the necessity of having “transparent regulations” for competitors like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

“There’s no doubt that the moment you pull down the visor…”

Ferrari has been instructed to clarify their guidelines for their team members, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, for the upcoming season.

Hamilton's anticipated move from Mercedes to Ferrari is expected to energize the Formula 1 scene in 2025.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive stories, conversations, and special deals straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Together with Leclerc, he will create an exciting pair, and their interaction will be closely observed.

"Being a fan of Ferrari, this presents an incredible chance since Lewis [aims to consolidate matters]," shared Stefano Domenicali, former Ferrari team leader and now CEO of F1, with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He aims to secure his eighth championship and establish himself as the greatest of all time."

"In dealing with Charles, respect must be maintained, yet it's evident that once you drop the visor…

"Regardless of the situation, it's essential that both the team and management guidelines are well-defined."

In 2025, F1 is set to introduce an exceptional group of newcomers to the racing lineup.

Kimi Antonelli is set to take over Hamilton's position at Mercedes, according to Ollie Bearman who has secured a spot with Haas, while Jack Doohan has been announced as a new driver for Alpine. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson has filled the vacancy left by Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull.

"Domenicali commented, "There's a multitude of young drivers, and what stands out to me is the unique personality each one brings."

"We're currently in a lucky stage where the drivers aren't causing any issues."

"The vitality of the youth is crucial for us; Formula 1 needs to break free from its self-absorption."

"I'm looking forward to experiencing a variety of personalities and expertise."

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Digest

Receive the newest Formula 1 updates, special content, one-on-one conversations, and exclusive offers straight from the circuit to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the text, photos, or images entirely or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Directory

Collision.Net

Francesco Bagnaia remarked, "I accomplished what was necessary." Meanwhile, he noted that Martin appeared anxious, which he deemed typical. Despite this, Bagnaia expressed confidence in Martin's ability to handle the pressure when competing.

Current MotoGP titleholder Francesco Bagnaia achieved exactly what was necessary by securing both the pole position and the Sprint race win at the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season-ending event.

This situation has set up a title-deciding match on Sunday against Jorge Martin, who is currently leading the

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

After being overtaken by Martin and Enea Bastianini at the first turn of the race, Bagnaia quickly regained his position and maintained the lead for the rest of the race.

Bastianini, a fellow team member, executed a maneuver on the final lap to overtake Martin and snatch second place away from the Spanish rider.

Bagnaia mentioned, "I slightly misjudged the initial braking and left a bit too much room, allowing both of them to pass me."

"After that, I was able to maintain a speed that allowed me to create some distance and savor the experience. Even though I wasn't exerting much effort, the gap continued to widen. So all was well."

"Tomorrow, we'll need to switch out the rear tire since the current soft one may be too delicate and might cause issues towards the end of the race."

"Besides that, I accomplished what was necessary: securing the pole position and winning the Sprint race."

"I had wished for more competitors to be involved, but we are aware of our capabilities at this point and throughout the season. Even when one of us faced difficulties, we still secured second place because we are operating at a different level."

"I believe Enea performed excellently today. However, I will require something additional for tomorrow."

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

This implies that should Bagnaia secure his eleventh victory of the season, Martin finishing ninth would still ensure he wins his first top-tier championship title.

However, the stress involved suggests that the situation for the #89 may not be as straightforward as it appears.

When asked if the situation for tomorrow poses a mental challenge, Bagnaia responded, "Not for me, but it does for him."

"I vividly recall the situation in 2022, when Bagnaia was tasked with defending a 23-point advantage, and I believe Jorge is currently feeling some of that pressure."

Throughout the entire weekend, I observed that he appeared quite anxious, which is completely understandable. However, I believe that once he's in the race, he is capable of handling the pressure effectively.

"He performed exceptionally well today, beginning from the second row and securing a spot on the podium."

"In my view, it won't be too challenging for him tomorrow."

Bagnaia is aware that Aleix Espargaro, who starts from the front row for Aprilia, will attempt to help Martin if the opportunity presents itself, as he has already provided a slipstream to the Pramac rider during the qualifying session.

Bagnaia expressed amazement at their relationship and mentioned that Jorge is set to join Aprilia next year, where they are eager to have the top spot in the team.

"Aleix will never challenge or pass Jorge, and that's something I need to accept."

"Whatever is destined to occur tomorrow, will indeed take place."

"I anticipate a race similar to today's: Jorge maintaining a steady pace without taking any chances, as he has substantial leeway. Even if I secure first place, he could still comfortably end up in 9th."

"This is a challenging situation for me, much like the one I experienced in 2022."

Bastianini, a fellow team member, is currently engaged in a competition with Marc Marquez for the third-place position in the world championship standings.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the developments surrounding Suzuki's withdrawal and the injury troubles faced by Marc Marquez.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the track directly in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce the content, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Marc Marquez shares his thoughts and suggestions for the two contenders vying for the championship in Barcelona. Marquez offers his insights on the pivotal race happening this Sunday.

Following the initial excitement of securing a front-row position during qualifying, Marc Marquez faced a reality check in the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP Sprint.

Having difficulty finding his stride during his last appearance with Gresini, the eight-time world champion indicated on Friday that finishing in the top five seemed to be his most optimistic outcome.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

A draft from the current champion and soon-to-be teammate Francesco Bagnaia helped Marquez secure a spot on the front row during qualifying, a position Marquez acknowledged was 'not genuine'.

After colliding with Pedro Acosta in the early laps of the Sprint, Marquez found himself in seventh place, which is where he ended the race.

Despite the complications, Marquez believed there wasn't much else he could have accomplished.

"Marquez expressed some optimism following the qualifying session, but after a challenging first lap in the Sprint race, they returned to their initial position. He also confirmed that there was no damage to the bike from the contact."

"Our speed allows us to place anywhere between 5th and 10th, and we were currently in 7th. To tell the truth, if it weren't for the events on the first lap, we would have secured 6th place, but not higher."

"If we don't make improvements by tomorrow, the race is going to feel extremely lengthy."

He stated, "My struggle isn't with the bike; it's with the track."

"In May, things felt pretty good. I had a sense of the track's boundaries, but this weekend is a different story. I'm working on becoming more competitive little by little, but it's been challenging."

Due to Marquez's difficulties, he has fallen to fourth place in the world championship standings, trailing Enea Bastianini by five points as they approach the last grand prix.

In the Sprint, Bastianini secured second place, positioned between Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

When asked about the championship-deciding race on Sunday, where Martin will only need to finish in ninth place if Bagnaia secures a victory, Marquez commented:

"In my opinion, achieving ninth place should be straightforward for Jorge, but anything can happen in a race."

What guidance did he offer?

"Marquez chuckled and said, 'Pecco should repeat his performance from today… and Jorge should do the same!'"

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Headlines

Additional Reports

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to fully or partially reproduce the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Analysis: What Jorge Martin or Pecco Bagnaia require to clinch the championship

The scenarios that will determine the 2024 MotoGP title winner

Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia are the sole contenders for the MotoGP title this Sunday, as the season concludes with the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP race.

Martin leads Bagnaia by 19 points, and there are still 25 points available to be won.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Martin simply has to secure a position within the top nine, regardless of whether Bagnaia comes in first, to win the championship.

Bagnaia needs to secure a victory in the race and rely on Martin finishing in 10th place or worse.

Bagnaia will have the advantage of beginning the race from the front position, while Martin will take off from the fourth spot on the grid.

Bagnaia turned his pole position into a win during the sprint race on Saturday, with Martin securing third place.

Ducati's factory team rider, Bagnaia, is currently aiming to hold onto his championship title after securing victory for the last two consecutive seasons.

Martin from Pramac is competing for his inaugural championship. Last season, he fell short on the last day to Bagnaia.

This year, both have had the same equipment, even though Martin is part of a satellite team for Ducati.

If Martin clinches the championship, he will carry the #1 plate to Aprilia for the upcoming year.

He decided to leave Ducati when he was passed over for the 2025 official position, which went to Marc Marquez instead.

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Updates

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and deals from the racing world straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Map

Crash.Net

Aleix Espargaro shares his reasons for feeling "not very happy" about supporting Jorge Martin's pursuit of the championship. He describes the situation as "beautiful" for himself.

Aleix Espargaro expressed his dissatisfaction about having to assist Jorge Martin during the qualifying session at the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix. Despite this, he found the act of helping to be a rewarding experience.

Heading into Saturday's event at the Barcelona finale, Martin stood on the brink of securing the 2024 title, holding a 24-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia before the sprint race.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Bagnaia secured the pole position in qualifying, placing Marc Marquez in the front row as well. Meanwhile, Aprilia's Espargaro took the second spot, positioning himself between the two, and also assisted Martin in achieving fourth place on the starting grid.

Martin ended up finishing third in the sprint after being overtaken by Enea Bastianini, while Bagnaia claimed victory. This result has left a 19-point difference in the standings, setting the stage for Sunday's decisive race.

In discussing his efforts to assist his good friend Martin in pursuing the championship, Espargaro commented, "I communicate with Jorge more frequently than I do with my wife."

"You might think we have frequent conversations. While I’m glad to offer my assistance, I truly wish he could soar and be the quickest on his own."

"It's a wonderful feeling for me because I've been tracking his performance in the qualifiers for the past three seasons. So, being able to assist him one last time in securing this title makes me feel really good."

Celebrating the 125cc win is the perfect conclusion to a career.

Following a fourth-place finish in Saturday's sprint, Espargaro took a cooldown lap on the 125cc Honda that he originally competed with at the beginning of his grand prix journey. Meanwhile, Matteo Baiocco was responsible for riding the RS-GP back to the pit area.

On Saturday, the 35-year-old disclosed to the press that his wife, Laura, had arranged the surprise, and he hadn't anticipated it.

"When questioned about whether he could still ride his old bike, he responded, 'Not really, since I was already 179 centimeters tall at the age of 15.'"

"I weighed about one or two kilograms more than I do currently. So, I'm not sure how I managed to fit on that bike back then."

"It's astonishing how large modern bikes are when compared to those from earlier times. Even the Moto3 bikes are larger than the old 125cc models, which is remarkable. I have a deep love for my wife and never expected such a surprise."

"I believe the perfect conclusion to my career is taking a lap with both the first bike from the world championship and my present bike. In my opinion, it was an excellent concept."

The upcoming Solidarity GP on Sunday will be Espargaro's final race as a regular competitor, a reality that he acknowledges is beginning to feel real to him.

He described the entire weekend as unusual when Crash.net inquired whether his upcoming retirement was beginning to feel genuine.

"Yesterday, I spent an hour in the garage with my team. There were unexpected moments; I watched some videos and ended up shedding quite a few tears."

"This weekend has been filled with emotions. One thing is certain: I've been incredibly fortunate to connect with Aprilia. Their affection for me is truly remarkable."

"I had a great time and I'll definitely miss the team. Even if I decide to return as a wildcard entry in the future—something I'm not planning at the moment but may consider if necessary—the experience won't be the same because the vibe in the garage is truly incredible."

"I'm quite an emotional person, as you're aware, so managing my feelings won't be easy."

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying any part or the entirety of text, images, or drawings in any manner is prohibited.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Jorge Martin expressed determination in his quest for the championship, stating, "I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to secure the title." He emphasized the importance of managing risk, particularly in the final lap, by saying, "If an incident occurs, I must keep the risk in check and avoid unnecessary confrontations. Nonetheless, I'll do what's necessary to clinch this title."

Jorge Martin's initial opportunity to secure the 2024 MotoGP championship disappeared as Francesco Bagnaia clinched a win in the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP Sprint.

Martin was aiming to surpass Bagnaia by two points to clinch the title ahead of schedule. However, a late maneuver by Enea Bastianini on the other Lenovo Ducati saw Martin drop to third place, ultimately losing five points to his competitor.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Beginning from the fourth position, Martin aimed for the lead at the first turn but found himself trailing the red cars after navigating the initial corners.

The Spanish rider engaged in a series of exchanges with Bastianini, the competitor he notably collided with during the final lap of the Misano race, before finally securing the second position.

However, he was unable to catch up to Bagnaia and instead was overtaken by Bastianini in a surprising move at Turn 5. Although initially frustrated, Martin later acknowledged Bastianini's impressive performance.

The Sprint was filled with tension. Initially, I felt anxious about the tire selection. They informed me that Pecco had opted for the hard front tire, but I was uncertain whether to rely on that decision, especially since he made a similar last-minute switch in Malaysia.

Ultimately, I turned to myself and thought, "Which tire would be the most effective for the race?" I concluded that the medium tire would be the best choice. However, toward the end, it was definitely pushing the boundaries.

"I got off to a strong start, but I might have been overly hopeful in the first corner. Then, Enea overtook, which made things a bit chaotic! After that, I began battling with him. This caused us to lose some time and miss the opportunity to keep up with Pecco."

"I believe I could have gone a little faster, but racing with Enea took a toll on my tires. In the end, I aimed to balance speed with safety, and I feel that securing a podium finish today was an excellent achievement."

Bastianini's last maneuver came as a surprise. I could hear his motorcycle approaching from a great distance. Initially, I assumed he might be having an accident, so I instinctively moved aside, ready to veer off the track if necessary.

"He performed exceptionally well. He's engaged in his own competition with Marc, so I can relate to his struggle. Tomorrow promises to be an exciting race, and I aim to take pleasure in it while figuring out ways to enhance my competitiveness."

Martin is set to enter the 40th and concluding race of the season holding a 19-point advantage over Bagnaia. This implies that, regardless of whether the current champion secures a victory, Martin's task is simply to place within the top nine to maintain his lead.

"The plan, in my opinion, should remain unchanged: aiming for a spot on the podium," Martin stated. "I have to manage the risks a little better, but I believe that today's competition with Enea helped me stay focused throughout."

"The objective is to stay focused, have fun, and definitely, if anything occurs on the final lap, I need to manage the risk and avoid getting into a confrontation."

"I will take the necessary actions to secure this championship."

Considering his lead in points, Martin's toughest challenge on Sunday is likely psychological.

He confessed that he felt very anxious following the qualifying session and barely ate anything throughout the day. "I was really on edge then, but I attempted to get some rest and took a cold shower." By the time the race began, he was much more relaxed and felt he was in a positive frame of mind.

"I was curious about how I would feel during the race, and once I'm riding, everything seems to be relatively manageable. The sensation is present."

The only thing left to decide is the selection of tires for tomorrow. I believe everyone will likely make similar choices. The plan is to simply mirror what the competitors do, and that's all.

"The strategy for tomorrow is to follow the usual routine. I'll aim to give my all, striving for top performance. If I can maintain my lead by the end, I'll do so; otherwise, I'll keep pushing hard. Ultimately, it will depend on the circumstances."

"It's challenging for both Pecco and me. However, securing this title in the end would be incredibly moving."

Sunday's race will mark the final event for Martin and the Pramac team with Ducati.

Next season, Martin will be moving to Aprilia and aims to bring the top spot with him. Meanwhile, Pramac will be transitioning to Yamaha.

For the past two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's decision to leave and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates Additional Headlines Stay Updated with Crash F1 Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any part of this text, including photographs or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Pedro Acosta criticizes Marc Marquez for "unnecessary" collision during the Barcelona MotoGP sprint race, stating, "He approached it as if it were just a regular lap."

Pedro Acosta expressed that Marc Marquez's effort to pass him during the MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix sprint, which led to a collision that ended the race, was "unnecessary."

During the 12-lap sprint on Saturday, the Tech3 rider managed to climb to fourth position just after the first two corners. However, he and Marquez collided as they navigated through Turn 3.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Acosta was positioned on the inner side, while Marquez was moving faster on the outer side. They collided, resulting in the front fairing of the Tech3 GASGAS being torn away.

As a result, Acosta had to withdraw from the race after just the first lap, resulting in his 13th zero point finish during his debut season.

On Saturday night, when questioned by the press, including Crash.net, Acosta expressed disapproval of Marquez's tactics.

"Those two corners were really frustrating," Acosta commented.

"We didn't even get to begin the race, so it's hard to comment on it."

"Once more, during the weekend, we performed well and felt quite competitive, maintaining a strong rhythm and pace."

"Due to external factors, we ended with another zero. That's just the way it is."

"I didn't notice anyone until Marc collided with me. I was positioned fully on the inside right, and he approached as if it were a regular lap, while I was caught in the middle."

"He entered as though the track was empty. I won't comment on whether he was to blame, but it happened at the third corner on the first lap. Such an aggressive move wasn't needed. Nonetheless, that's how racing goes."

Acosta dismissed the idea that the incident stemmed from the existence of two possible paths between Turn 2 and Turn 3. He compared it to the contentious clash between Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia at the Aragon race.

"I'm not sure about that, as I was right at the front," he mentioned.

"In the second corner, Marc was trailing me, and so was [Franco] Morbidelli."

"Sure, he managed to go faster. But still, I was present. Yes, he increased his speed, passed me, and when he began to cut across, I collided like this."

"I was completely bent over and couldn't see anything beyond. It was similar to the situation with Alex and Pecco in Aragon. Ultimately, I ended up ahead."

On Saturday in Barcelona, Acosta was the top-performing KTM rider, securing a sixth-place start, while Brad Binder, the next fastest on an RC16, qualified in 18th position. This led Acosta to believe that the sprint race had the potential to yield a strong finish for him.

He stated, "It's evident that numerous possibilities existed."

During FP2, we maintained a strong speed, and even with the medium rear tire, we felt confident in our ability to perform well and maintain a competitive pace in the race.

"I initially felt more apprehensive about the hard front, but after a warm-up and two laps, it turned out to be fine."

The officials decided not to penalize the incident, and Marquez finished in seventh place during the 12-lap sprint race.

In a conversation with the press, he stated that he was "battling against the track" and that finishing in sixth place was the best outcome he could have achieved on his Gresini-operated GP23, had he avoided the collision with Acosta during the first lap.

Marquez also stated that he was not injured in the crash.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

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

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated on Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

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

Site Index

Crash.Net