Ferrari advised to present Max Verstappen with an "open-ended offer" to sign him

"The sentiment remains unchanged, Ferrari embodies a unique prestige…"

Ferrari was advised that they ought to have presented an enormous financial offer to secure Max Verstappen.

In a move that's shaping up to be one of the most significant in Formula 1 history, the sport's most accomplished team made a major investment to secure Lewis Hamilton.

Did they mistakenly choose the incorrect Formula 1 star to contract?

Dutch racer Tom Coronel believes Ferrari made a mistake by not reaching out to Verstappen before finalizing an agreement with Hamilton.

Coronel believes that Verstappen might also be tempted by the charm of Ferrari.

"The sentiment remains unchanged; Ferrari holds a unique place,” he expressed to Racingnews365.

"That's why I mentioned previously, prior to Hamilton revealing the change: had I been in Fred Vasseur's shoes, I would have offered the entire Verstappen team an open-ended financial offer."

Is Max Verstappen considering leaving Red Bull?

Verstappen has committed to Red Bull through 2028 with a deal so financially rewarding that it's only matched by Hamilton's recent agreement with Ferrari.

Nonetheless, twelve months earlier, significant tremors within the F1 paddock hinted at the possibility of Verstappen's departure.

The internal upheaval linked to Christian Horner led to uncertainties and prompted Toto Wolff to express Mercedes' intention.

There are also rumors suggesting that Aston Martin might make a remarkable offer to secure Verstappen.

Despite the driver's commitment to Red Bull after securing four consecutive championships, the year 2025 might challenge this dedication.

As we approach the last season under the existing engine rules, it's anticipated that the competition will become tighter than it was in 2024, a time when Red Bull's lead, thanks to having the quickest car in Formula 1, diminished.

Innovative ventures by prestigious brands such as Mercedes and Aston Martin, aimed at the upcoming engine regulation changes in 2026 and onwards, might attract Verstappen's interest if Red Bull doesn't match their progress.

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Theory on mechanical issues presented as reason behind Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari accident

"One aspect to consider is the challenge in handling the vehicle."

The particular vehicle Lewis Hamilton was operating during his accident in a Ferrari test session has been pinpointed as a potential factor.

Hamilton triggered a commotion due to a small mishap, leading to an early conclusion of a Ferrari testing day, subsequently delaying the schedule of his teammate, Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton was behind the wheel of the SF-23, the problematic 2023 Ferrari, which could have played a role in his minor accident.

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"Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that some aspects of it are shrouded in mystery."

Ferrari has chosen not to make any statements about the matter, preferring to maintain confidentiality understandably.

An informant has informed me that the occurrence was of a minor nature.

To them, it was merely a minor event and a routine aspect of the trial process, especially given Hamilton's experience with racing for Mercedes.

"Exploring a car's capabilities and finding its performance thresholds is a natural phase during the testing process, especially as a driver becomes familiar with the vehicle."

"If you continue testing for an extended period, you'll either encounter a problem or find yourself off the track."

"Certain aspects remain unclear, with varying accounts regarding the magnitude of the event and its exact location."

"According to various accounts, the extent of the damage varies, with some describing it as slight and others as significant. The exact details remain unclear as Ferrari has not disclosed any information."

SF-23 was observed following Lewis Hamilton's accident

"Lewis Larkam went on to highlight that this incident involved Ferrari's least impressive vehicle of the current era, dating back to 2023,"

"Partially because of Red Bull's supremacy. However, it proved to be quite challenging for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"That's an aspect to consider – the car was challenging to handle."

Hamilton recently tested a 2024 model by participating in a Pirelli tire trial for Ferrari.

It has been asserted that his accident will not lead to any lasting issues with confidence.

"Considering his resume, his expertise, and his achievements, it's difficult to believe that it would have impacted him," Connor McDonagh stated.

It's possible to find instances of novice drivers encountering difficulties – for instance, Pierre Gasly experienced a significant accident during a 2019 test session that had an impact on him. Similarly, Logan Sargeant had a promising beginning but then faced several accidents that negatively impacted his performance at Williams.

"This was an integral aspect of the testing process, and an experience he can benefit from learning."

"In 2023, navigating sharp turns at high speeds proved challenging with the car."

"The issue would be more significant if he were behind the wheel of the 2025 vehicle in Bahrain or Australia during a practice session."

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Toto Wolff Acknowledges Potential Performance Inconsistencies at Mercedes

Toto Wolff has conceded that Mercedes might still face varying levels of performance.

Toto Wolff has admitted that Mercedes is likely to face challenges in eliminating their inconsistent performance throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Mercedes secured four wins in the previous season, shared between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with their performance varying significantly as the season progressed.

The Silver Arrows team found themselves at a loss to account for their outstanding performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Russell spearheading a comprehensive first and second place finish, yet they struggled to replicate this success on different race weekends.

Mercedes team leader Wolff has acknowledged that his team probably won't fully solve the issue before the upcoming season begins.

Wolff mentions that Mercedes aims for their new W16 competitor to possess a broader performance range compared to the previous model, the W15.

"Wolff emphasized the importance of frequently aligning with the positive side, in his dialogue with German magazine Auto Motor und Sport."

You begin to link together various patterns – circuits where your car performs well, training sessions where you tested your car's limits, tire formulations that work best with your car, and optimal track temperatures for your vehicle's performance.

"I trust that during the winter, we'll make the correct deductions and realign our development strategy for the 2025 vehicle."

"These fluctuations are something we can't fully eliminate. Expect to witness them across all teams next year as well."

Wolff is of the opinion that, while Mercedes had its challenges, all top Formula 1 teams experienced comparable difficulties at various points in 2024.

"Wolff also mentioned that each of the four teams victorious in the 2024 races have gone through their share of highs and lows."

No one has yet created a vehicle that performs excellently on every racetrack and in all types of weather.

McLaren's vehicle was superbly designed for optimal downforce and warm climate conditions. Similarly, the Ferrari leaned towards excelling under those circumstances as well.

"Our vehicle excelled in speed during sharp turns and in cooler weather conditions. The Red Bull had the capability to perform well in one aspect at times and excel in another at different times."

This year, Russell will team up with 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who steps in for Hamilton after his surprising move to Ferrari.

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Williams suggests possibility of Franco Colapinto's comeback as part of agreement with Alpine

Remarks from Williams' leader James Vowles suggest a potential re-engagement option for Franco Colapinto.

Williams has suggested that Franco Colapinto might make a comeback to the squad even after inking a deal with Formula 1 competitors Alpine.

Following an outstanding performance in an unexpected nine-race appearance with Williams the previous season, Colapinto caught the attention of Alpine, who quickly signed him to their lineup of reserve drivers as uncertainties grew over Jack Doohan's future in F1.

Williams has brought on board Carlos Sainz, post his stint with Ferrari, to team up with Alex Albon. This move, alongside giving Colapinto his first opportunity, means there's no available space within the Grove-based team for the time being.

Consequently, Williams was ready to let the 21-year-old Argentine move to Alpine.

Williams' team leader, James Vowles, noted that Alpine offers Colapinto the most favorable chance to secure a regular racing position within the forthcoming two years, however, he emphasized that this does not ensure it will happen.

"At the Autosport Awards, Vowles expressed to Sky Sports his belief that those who merit their place in Formula 1 should indeed be behind the wheel of an F1 car."

"He hasn't been positioned as a backup driver for our team, specifically. We've secured two excellent drivers for the upcoming two years. There's no available spot for him here, and his optimal chance lies with Alpine.

"There's no absolute assurance of an available seat in 2025, yet it presents the most favorable chance within the upcoming two years. My choice in this matter was influenced by his needs and what would contribute to his future success."

Vowles subtly suggested that Colapinto's departure from Williams might not be permanent, stating, "It's not a farewell to him; he will continue to be part of our team in the future. So, in my eyes, it's more of a long-term investment."

Vowles' remarks suggest that if Colapinto hasn't secured a position at Alpine within two years, Williams might consider bringing him back if they are in need of a driver.

Williams characterized the partnership with Alpine as a "long-term agreement" upon its revelation in January.

During his speech, Colapinto expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply thankful to Williams Racing and all the team sponsors for their support since I was welcomed into the Academy, and for providing me with the chance to become a Formula 1 driver.

I am forever thankful as they turned my aspirations into reality. I want to express my gratitude to the mechanics and the entire team for their tremendous hard work in preparing the car for the race, which enabled me to earn points.

"To our devoted fans, your unwavering support has meant everything to us. Through highs and lows, you've stood by us; you are truly unmatched."

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David Coulthard offers insight into Lewis Hamilton's accident in Barcelona

"Regardless of your status, whether you were the legendary Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, or today's Ferrari star, Lewis Hamilton, anyone can experience a mishap at some time."

Former Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has implied that Lewis Hamilton's accident in his initial test in Barcelona was due to the variance in how the Ferrari engine delivers power.

Last week in Barcelona, on his second day of trials, Hamilton experienced a mishap with the SF-23.

The seven-time world champion emerged unscathed following a collision with the barriers in the last section of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Details regarding the event have been minimally disclosed, however, it resulted in Charles Leclerc being unable to participate subsequently.

Ferrari quickly minimized the seriousness of the accident, mentioning that it is a typical process of acclimatizing to a new team.

This might be seen as a positive sign for Hamilton, considering he experienced a crash during his initial test with McLaren back in 2007, and history repeated itself with Mercedes in 2013.

Coulthard proposes a theory about Hamilton

In a first for his Formula 1 journey, Hamilton is behind the wheel without the power of a Mercedes engine.

McLaren was equipped with Mercedes engines throughout his six-year tenure from 2007 to 2012.

He dedicated twelve seasons to Mercedes, spanning from 2013 to 2024.

Different F1 engines come with their own unique characteristics, which Hamilton needs to adjust to.

Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, Coulthard commented, "His recent test in Barcelona garnered significant attention due to a minor incident he had; such incidents, no matter how minor, are often referred to as crashes."

"Last night, I attended the Autosport Awards and had the chance to walk the red carpet. The journalists from the more gossip-focused publications in attendance were all buzzing, asking, 'So, what's the latest on the crash?'"

"Making a mistake on the track is a risk that comes with the job. It's irrelevant whether you're the legendary Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, or today's Ferrari racer, Lewis Hamilton; anyone can slip up at any given moment."

"In my view, it boils down to this. He needs to acquaint himself with the Ferrari's control systems and how its power is deployed."

"We're working with hybrid engines, which means we don't have the typical acceleration from torque that you get with an internal combustion engine; instead, the power from the electric energy is immediate. I think he was just so focused on the Mercedes hybrid Formula 1 engine that he was taken by surprise."

Hamilton's second Formula 1 trial in Barcelona proceeded without any issues while he was behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2024 Formula 1 contender – the SF-24.

The upcoming track outing for the 40-year-old is scheduled to take place at Fiorano during the unveiling of the 2025 car.

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test – Day 3 Highlights

Review of the last day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test that took place on Friday.

The concluding day of the MotoGP official test at Sepang for 2025 kicked off in Malaysia on Friday morning.

On the initial day of the shakedown, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo led the pack with the fastest time, but by the second day, VR46 Ducati's Franco Morbidelli had surpassed him to claim the top spot.

Following the first day's events, three competitors are sidelined due to injuries: Defending titleholder Jorge Martin from Aprilia, Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46, and Raul Fernandez representing Trackhouse Aprilia.

Teams have only five days allotted for formal pre-season trials, with three days scheduled at Sepang followed by two at Buriram, leading up to the inaugural race of the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand on February 28.

Trials at Sepang are scheduled from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, succeeded by practice launches…

Several participants are currently embarking on trial starts, while others will return to the track at Buriram for the last pre-season trial set to take place next Wednesday and Thursday.

End-of-Day Report: 2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test Results, Day 3

In the closing moments, Joan Mir advances to 8th position, while Enea Bastianini betters his lap time yet remains in 18th place.

In a recent update, Maverick Vinales, the fresh addition to the Tech3 KTM team, has advanced from 18th to 16th position, trailing Alex Marquez by 1.372 seconds.

Marc Marquez Dash Trial:

Presently competing: Marco Bezzecchi, Alex Rins, Ai Ogura, Luca Marini, Enea Bastianini, Somkiat Chantra, Michele Pirro, Lorenzo Savadori, Andrea Dovizioso.

Meanwhile, enthusiasts are beginning to head towards the start/finish line, getting ready for the practice starts that are scheduled after the testing concludes at 6pm.

As we near the last 30 minutes of the testing session and the temperature drops with the setting sun, is it possible that we'll witness a competitor attempt a quick lap time improvement by opting for a fresh soft rear tire?

Fabio Quartararo has expressed his pleasure at the progress Yamaha has achieved in overcoming the qualifying disparities they faced throughout the previous season. This comes after he recorded his fastest lap ever at Sepang, merely 0.231 seconds behind the test front-runner, Alex Marquez.

Yet, the mantra remains 'no expectations' (his team leader even sports it on a t-shirt), simply striving to achieve whatever's within reach.

As the Sepang test enters its closing hour, eight competitors continue to navigate the circuit.

Fabio Quartararo doesn't fall into that category; he's scheduled to speak with the press shortly, indicating his tenure here, including two days at the shakedown, has likely concluded after five days.

The Yamaha team's racer maintains his third-place position, trailing behind Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, after achieving his inaugural 1-minute and 56-second lap at Sepang.

Joan Mir maintained an average lap time of 1 minute and 59.703 seconds over ten laps.

It

Franco Morbidelli, across 13 laps, recorded an average time of 1 minute and 59.687 seconds.

(Average time across the initial 10 laps: 1 minute and 59.469 seconds)

Pedro Acosta's mean time over 10 laps stands at 1 minute and 58.596 seconds.

Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez each completed a simulation of a 10-lap Sprint, with Bagnaia recording an average time of 1 minute and 58.243 seconds, while Marquez slightly outpaced him, averaging 1 minute and 57.930

Currently leading the pack is Alex Marquez with the quickest time, followed by Fabio Quartararo in third place. Ai Ogura finds himself in 14th, with Maverick Vinales not far behind in 18th position. Michele Pirro is currently 20th, and Lorenzo Savadori rounds out the group in 21st place.

4pm Outcomes: Sepang MotoGP Official Test Results for 2025, Third Day

By 3:30pm, the light rain had ceased. Riders like Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller from the Pramac team have wrapped up their testing, while some are still on the track pressing on.

Crews are currently preparing and packing boxes for their upcoming relocation to Thailand next week.

It's just past half-past two in the afternoon, and the rain lights have been activated at Sepang, prompting everyone to return to the pits for the time being. Similar to the past few days, the precipitation seems to be more of a light sprinkle rather than a significant downpour, at least for the moment.

Joan Mir has entered the pit lane, bringing a quiet moment back to the racetr

Results at 2pm: Official MotoGP Sepang Test 2025, Third Day

In the meantime, Mir persists.

Marini emerged safe and returned his Honda to the pit area.

Luca Marini experienced a fall at turn 9 while on an extended circuit with his teammate Joan Mir.

Marco Bezzecchi, the first to address the trackside press today, mentioned that his 8th place time was actually his initial attempt at a time attack on the Aprilia.

He completed the lap 0.7 seconds faster than the top-performing Aprilia during the qualifying session last November, and also managed to beat his own qualifying time from 2024 on a VR46 Ducati by the same gap.

Bezzecchi humorously remarked that he hasn't forgotten how to ride! He plans to attempt a Sprint trial later, though a complete race run-through isn't feasible due to ongoing tests he needs to conduct.

Team members from HRC Castrol, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, are currently on the circuit together, likely evaluating the performance of the RC213V in turbulent airflow.

Just past half-past one and the circuit is quiet except for Franco Morbidelli, with the majority of teams and riders pausing for an informal lunch break.

The major discussion at the moment revolves around the likelihood of rainfall this afternoon. According to some weather predictions, we might see showers, possibly starting by 2pm. However, there are differing opinions suggesting otherwise.

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VR46 confirms that an injury Fabio di Giannantonio sustained resulted from a mishap during celebrations

Fabio di Giannantonio's attempt at showing off backfired

Fabio di Giannantonio's expensive injury was the result of a celebration gone wrong, leading to his crash.

The VR46 Ducati competitor experienced a severe crash during the first day of the MotoGP Sepang preseason trials.

He sustained a collarbone fracture and was declared unfit for the last two days of testing in Sepang, with plans for surgery to fix the injury.

No television coverage exists of his accident that occurred on Wednesday.

It has been officially verified that the speculation about his accident being a result of a failed attempt at a wheelie is indeed true.

"Upon reaching Sepang, he was filled with immense eagerness, having not been on a MotoGP bike since October," VR46's Uccio Salucci shared with Sky Italy.

As the session concluded, he performed a wheelie, however, the front tire was slightly off by 0.3 degrees, ultimately sealing the deal for him.

"Fortune was not on his side, there's really nothing you can tell someone in such a situation…"

Di Giannantonio was sidelined for the concluding segment of the previous season because of an injury.

This season, he has the advantage of riding a factory-spec Ducati, making him one of the exclusive riders alongside Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia to benefit from such equipment.

He remarkably recorded the seventh quickest lap on the first day in Sepang.

However, his excitement about making a comeback to MotoGP and recording a commendable time was cut short when his attempt at showing off backfired disastrously.

Di Giannantonio's broken collarbone has left his recovery timeline uncertain.

However, the season's onset puts the third Ducati GP25 competitor in a significantly challenging position, following an incident that occurred under remarkably odd conditions.

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Lewis Hamilton is "not adequately prepared" with "the team of Charles Leclerc." "Despite being the statistical greatest of all time, he requires more time on the track."

Lewis Hamilton has been cautioned that he is trying to make up ground at Ferrari.

Last month, Hamilton had his initial experience with his new team during a private session at Fiorano. Since then, he has also had a chance to drive in Barcelona, getting his first impressions of Ferrari's Formula 1 vehicle.

He was absent from the postseason test in Abu Dhabi, during which Carlos Sainz was one of the drivers making their first appearance for their new teams ahead of the 2025 season.

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"Lewis is significantly lacking in his readiness as he was absent from the postseason testing in Abu Dhabi, where Sainz participated on behalf of Williams," Connor McDonagh shared on the Crash F1 podcast.

"Although the distance covered isn't extensive, it's vital for familiarizing oneself with the controls, gaining momentum, and forming connections."

"Although he is considered the greatest of all time based on statistics, he requires more experience on the track

"Each interaction with the team is crucial since he is trailing behind Sainz and Esteban Ocon, both of whom have already had experience with their new teams."

Lewis Hamilton informed that 'the team belongs to Charles'

Lewis Larkam noted, “When he moved from McLaren to Mercedes, it took some time for him to adjust and perform at his best.

"He needed half a season to consistently match Nico Rosberg's speed, and it took another half a season to secure his first victory with Mercedes."

"We should not downplay the importance of the adjustment period."

The team is essentially under Charles' leadership; he understands its operations thoroughly. He feels at ease and is aware of what lies ahead. Meanwhile, Hamilton is trying to keep up.

Charles Leclerc, who is now racing alongside Hamilton, is embarking on his seventh season in Formula 1 as a driver for Ferrari.

In the previous season, he secured third place in the drivers' championship and achieved victory in three grand prix races.

Leclerc stands out for his speed in single-lap performance, a category in which Hamilton has faced difficulties in the last two seasons.

The combination of these two drivers is considered by many to be the strongest duo in Formula 1 for 2025, and they are expected to propel Ferrari towards success in the constructors' championship. In the previous season, they surpassed Red Bull, securing a position just behind McLaren.

Nonetheless, Sainz clinched victory in two grand prix races last year, setting a high standard for Hamilton to meet as he first needs to get accustomed to his new vehicle.

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Michelin reveals to Jorge Martin and Aprilia the reason behind the crash

Michelin provides new insights into Jorge Martin's accident

Michelin disclosed a temperature variation in Jorge Martin's back tire when he experienced a crash during the MotoGP Sepang trial on Wednesday.

The accident, which was Martin's second of the day, resulted in the current World Champion sustaining broken bones in his left hand and foot, sidelining him for the rest of the testing period.

At the moment of the accident, the Spanish rider was equipped with medium-compound tires, identical to those he was using during his initial crash of the day.

During the incident, Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, noted that the tyre's temperature was standard when the crash occurred. However, Piero Taramasso, the two-wheel motorsport manager at Michelin, clarified on Friday that although the tyre's surface temperature appeared normal, there was a noticeable difference in the internal temperature of the tyre compared to that of Martin's Aprilia teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, at the moment of the accident.

"Taramasso expressed gratitude towards Aprilia for providing them with all the necessary data."

"Within the past hour, we've managed to review all the information. Given the extensive amount of data, such processes naturally require some time."

Initially, Massimo Rivola indicated that the temperature of the tyres was satisfactory. However, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tyres, which can change significantly based on factors like the bike's sliding and spinning.

"The backside temperature, or the [value] that helps us determine whether the tyre is functioning properly, refers to the temperature of the inner layer. This information, for example, is derived from the sensor installed by McLaren."

Taramasso provided further information, clarifying that the teams typically measure what he calls the "cavity temperature" to assess a tyre's temperature in the pits, referring to the temperature of the air within the tyre.

He emphasized that the temperature within the cavity differs from that of the tyre's inner layer, which pertains to the internal rubber temperature. Furthermore, he mentioned that it is typical to observe a variance in temperature readings from a single tyre.

"Taramasso elaborated, explaining that upon examining the data, it became evident that just before the accident, when Jorge Martin exited the pit for his final attempt, his tyre temperature was 15 degrees lower."

"Thus, a change of 15 degrees is significant."

Moreover, when he had the accident, we analyzed his tire temperature against that of Marco Bezzecchi's rear tire. Given that both were using the same model of bike, identical medium compound rear tires, and at the same instance, we noticed his tire was 15 degrees cooler.

Taramasso clarified that the typical temperature range for the inner layer of a rear tire is from 90 to 100 degrees. Thus, the decrease of 15 degrees in Martin's tire temperature at the moment of his accident corresponds to a reduction of approximately 15 to 16.6 percent.

Taramasso added, “Certainly, a significant factor is that, alongside the track conditions which, it's important to note, were quite treacherous with slipperiness, cold and windy weather, and temperatures only reaching 30 degrees compared to the usual 50 degrees, plus the overnight rain – all these unfavorable conditions combined with the tyre not being prepared were the reasons behind the crash.”

Additionally, Taramasso explained that Martin's choice to use the medium tyre during that stage of the testing, despite it being largely overlooked throughout the week's sessions, was strategically aimed at conserving soft-compound tyres for future use.

"Currently, every team begins with the medium compound," mentioned Taramasso.

"During a race weekend, on Fridays, all teams initially opt for the medium compound tires, regardless of whether they're the ideal choice for the conditions, aiming to conserve their soft tires for later."

"In this instance, the approach likely mirrored previous tactics: initiating with the medium tires given their awareness of the superior performance of the soft ones, they opted to begin with the medium selection to effectively clear the track."

"However, everyone was experiencing the same situation. Likewise, the tool we frequently utilized throughout the exam, without encountering any issues – this was also the case during the Shakedown period."

In conclusion, Taramasso responded to remarks made by Aprilia on Wednesday, suggesting that a defective tyre was responsible for the accident.

"An inexplicable accident occurred, with no error from the motorcycle or the rider," Massimo Rivola stated on Wednesday.

"Taramasso mentioned on Friday that he had communicated with them and shared all the reports."

"Thus, they comprehend the information we present, and it's not merely my perspective, it's factual – these are statistics, and they trust in statistics."

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test Outcomes – Day 3 (Friday)

Recorded lap times up until 6pm, marking the conclusion of the third and last day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP official testing on Friday.

Here are the concluding lap times from Friday, marking the last day of the official 2025 Sepang MotoGP trials.

The final morning at Sepang was marked by an intense first hour of time trials, culminating with Ducati Lenovo's record pole sitter, Francesco Bagnaia, leading by 0.224 seconds ahead of Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.

However, Alex Marquez from Gresini took the lead with the GP24, surpassing the GP25 by a mere 0.007 seconds, a position he held onto until the testing concluded at 6pm.

In the afternoon, approximately 50% of the participants engaged in practice runs for the Sprint race, during which Alex Marquez once more achieved the quickest time aboard the Gresini GP24. Below are the top average times recorded during the Sprint practice sessions (It's worth noting that Fabio Quartararo's most extensive session today was limited to just six laps):

As a guide:

I'm sorry

X Rider has moved up X spots since the last hour.

Rider remains in the same spot as the last hour.

X Rider has dropped X places since the last hour.

Quickest Time on the Second Day:

Franco Morbidelli on a Ducati clocked 1 minute and 57.210 seconds.

Quickest opening day record:

Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha clocked at 1 minute and 57.

Quickest Trial Run Duration:

Fabio Quartararo, riding for Yamaha, clocked a time of 1 minute and 57.794 seconds on

Verified records from the Sepang MotoGP:

Fastest Circuit Time: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati clocks in at 1 minute and 56.337 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time in the race: Alex Marquez on a Ducati clocked at 1 minute 58.979 seconds (2023)

Following the Sepang trials, just a single official practice session in Buriram, scheduled for February 12-13, stands between competitors and the kickoff of the Thai season beginning February 28.

The technical details for Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia motorcycles will remain unchanged from the Thai Grand Prix through to the close of 2026, in an effort to decrease expenses related to development before the introduction of the 850cc generation in 2027.

Honda and Yamaha currently have the liberty to proceed with engine improvements, thanks to their D-level concession status.

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Is Carlos Sainz not getting the recognition he deserves? Overshadowed after changing F1 teams

"He also happens to be at Red Bull during a time when they favor Verstappen. As a result, he ends up somewhat in the background."

Carlos Sainz's worth and talent are not fully recognized in the world of Formula 1, as stated by his father, Carlos Sainz Sr.

Carlos Sainz will join Williams for the 2025 Formula 1 season after Ferrari chose to replace him with Lewis Hamilton.

The Spaniard's last season with Ferrari could be considered his most remarkable. He secured two wins while Ferrari came close to winning their first constructors' championship since 2008.

Nevertheless, Sainz is set to move down the starting order to align with Williams, as both Mercedes and Red Bull decided against selecting him.

Mercedes made the decision to elevate Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take over from Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

Red Bull opted not to select Sainz, instead picking Liam Lawson to team up with Max Verstappen.

During an appearance on El Cafelito, Carlos Sainz Sr. stated that his son is "overshadowed" in Formula 1.

"He believes that the worth and talent of the individual are not fully recognized."

"He also finds himself at the same time as Verstappen. This is the period when Red Bull opts for Verstappen, leaving him somewhat overshadowed."

"He eventually becomes a driver for Ferrari, which is quite challenging. Just picture yourself being a Ferrari driver but racing for McLaren."

"The most impressive version is yet to arrive." Sainz's quick pace and diligent work ethic render him a valuable addition to any Formula 1 team in the competition.

Even though Sainz has become a part of Williams, he remains optimistic about competing at the front of the pack in the next few years.

Whether they continue with Williams for development or go back to a leading team.

Carlos Sainz has the opportunity to bolster his standing in the racing world by partnering with Alex Albon to guide the Williams team in the coming years.

Carlos Sainz Sr. believes that his son's performance will get better.

He expressed his belief that the most outstanding version of Carlos is yet to be seen. "That's how I feel," he mentioned.

"He is a driver who consistently progresses, making it seem like he unveils his most improved self each year."

"There are some drivers who perform exceptionally well right from the start but then leave quickly. Carlos, on the other hand, gets better with each passing year."

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test: Alex Marquez Leads on Last Day

Gresini Team's Rider Tops in Friday's Speed Trials

Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez emerged as the leader on the last day of the Sepang MotoGP pre-season trials, slightly outperforming his team peer Francesco Bagnaia.

The beginning segment of the final day was reserved for time trial attempts, witnessing an intense qualifying simulation phase where the lead position switched multiple times.

On Friday, Gresini's Alex Marquez topped the charts by clocking a time of 1 minute and 56.493 seconds on his GP24, securing the fastest time by the conclusion of the second hour.

Marquez's performance remained unbeaten up to the finish line, as he completed 50 laps on his GP24, concluding a successful test session for the Spanish rider.

Two-time world champion Bagnaia was at the forefront during the first hour with a lap time of 1 minute and 56.5 seconds. This remained his fastest lap, yet it placed him just 0.007 seconds away from the leading position.

Fabio Quartararo secured a third-place finish for Yamaha, clocking in an impressive time of 1 minute and 56.724 seconds. This time set a new record for the Japanese manufacturer at the Sepang circuit, surpassing their previous best by a substantial margin of eight-tenths of a second.

On Thursday, Franco Morbidelli, leading the pack, secured the fourth position riding for VR46 Ducati, whereas Marc Marquez, representing the official Ducati team, grabbed attention with his swift pace during a sprint simulation on Friday.

On Friday, he managed to finish 70 laps as Ducati aims to decide on its engine choice for the 2025 season.

Pedro Acosta led the KTM pack, finishing sixth and 0.682 seconds behind the leader, while the highest-placed Honda, ridden by LCR's Johann Zarco, secured seventh place.

Joan Mir secured the eighth position riding his official Honda, following a last-minute boost that brought his time down to 1 minute and 57.279 seconds. Meanwhile, Alex Rins ensured that two Yamahas were among the top 10, clocking in at 1 minute and 57.351 seconds to take the 10th spot.

Marco Bezzecchi led the Aprilia riders by finishing ninth with a time of 1m57.328s, clocking in 61 laps on his RS-GP to optimize data collection for the manufacturer, especially since Jorge Martin and Trackhouse's Raul Fernandez were not present.

Fermin Aldeguer led the newcomers, securing the 11th spot for Gresini, while Jack Miller finished in 12th place for Pramac Yamaha, wrapping up his last day ahead of schedule after completing an extensive test schedule.

On Friday, Andrea Dovizioso was seen riding for Yamaha, completing a total of 58 laps. He recorded his fastest lap time at 1 minute and 59.929 seconds, placing him in 22nd position, just behind Aprilia's test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

The final phase of testing is scheduled to take place over the course of two days next week, on February 12th and 13th, in Thailand. This will precede the season's kickoff at the end of the month in Bur

Complete Results from the Third Day of MotoGP Testing in Sepang

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