Honda's fresh MotoGP prospect acknowledges challenges with the ride height gadget.

"What's the contrast between Moto2 and MotoGP?"

Somkiat Chantra has confessed to having difficulties at the beginning with Honda's ride height mechanism.

A newcomer to MotoGP took part in three days of testing during the Shakedown, which is allowed under the regulations since this is his debut year in the category.

Chantra, along with fellow Honda riders and competitors from MotoGP, is set to participate in the official three-day test at Sepang this week, where he needs to continue getting accustomed to his bike.

"The initial test went well. We were using the new motorcycle," Chantra mentioned.

"We were making progress in improving our skills with the bike and were steadily getting better at it."

"The transition from Moto2 to MotoGP involves significant changes, including the introduction of advanced electronics and the use of ride devices."

"We made significant efforts to accurately position the ride equipment using the data. It was improving and nearing the ideal location."

Chantra was questioned about whether he was activating the ride height device too soon or too late.

He responded by saying, "Extremely late! In comparison to Takaaki Nakagami, I was much earlier."

Somkiat Chantra from Honda discusses how he's adjusting

Chantra finds the physical demands of handling a MotoGP bike to be a challenging learning experience.

He mentioned that they currently possess two bicycles. His team is not attempting to alter the configuration.

"They expect me to get familiar with the bicycle, grasp its functionality, and then return to share my impressions."

"Following the test in Barcelona, I experienced discomfort while riding the bike. Since that time, I have focused on improving the condition of my back and overall physical health."

"In Sepang, the track features high-speed turns. From my perspective, the key is having increased power to accelerate the motorcycle."

Chantra needs to keep in mind the numerous technological components on his Honda, which represent another significant change from Moto2.

He mentioned that his bicycle was equipped with two brakes: one at the back and another operated by hand.

"It's not the same. My team decided, 'let's maintain it this way.'"

"There comes a time when we apply the foot brake."

"During the initial day of the trial run, recalling all the details proved challenging."

"Following the completion of two laps, they altered the map…"

"However, each day, I made an effort to recall all the details."

Chantra felt uplifted after receiving a visit from Nakagami, a long-standing figure at Honda who is serving as a test rider this year.

Additionally, Ai Ogura, who is a friend of his, is also moving to MotoGP with Trackhouse.

"On the final day, Nakagami visited me. He made an effort not to make me feel pressured."

He told me to have fun with the bike.

Ai is making the transition from competing in Moto2 to participating in MotoGP.

"When we have leisure moments, we discuss MotoGP, focusing on its strength and velocity."

Statements given by Peter McLaren, the Editor of Crash MotoGP

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Lewis Hamilton Seeks Redemption in Third Ferrari Trial Today

Following his recent mishap, Lewis Hamilton returns to the track with Ferrari in Barcelona for his third test.

Lewis Hamilton is set to swiftly move past his recent accident in Barcelona by taking the wheel for Ferrari today.

The seven-time world champion experienced a slight hiccup in getting ready for his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1 after he collided with the team's 2023 vehicle during his third day of testing for the Scuderia in a private session.

On Wednesday morning, Hamilton experienced a collision with the barriers during a session. Ferrari swiftly minimized the significance of the event, considering it a typical aspect of private trials as he adjusts to unfamiliar equipment following a 12-year tenure with Mercedes.

The 40-year-old British racer has the chance to move past the incident as he makes his comeback to the Spanish Grand Prix track with Ferrari on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hamilton and his colleague Charles Leclerc will take turns behind the wheel as Ferrari undertakes a testing session to support Pirelli in the creation of their tyres for the 2026 season.

McLaren is participating in the trial, scheduled for two days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, happening on February 4th and 5th.

This occasion marks a distinct opportunity for Hamilton as he is set to experience Ferrari's significantly improved 2024 model, the SF-24.

This signifies Hamilton's initial venture behind the wheel of a new Ferrari, offering a valuable learning opportunity before he embarks on his inaugural season in the iconic red.

Following his initial appearance on the track driving Ferrari's 2023 model at Fiorano, Hamilton took the controls of the SF-23 for a second time during a comprehensive private testing session in Barcelona.

Hamilton's upcoming third trial will vary, with the agenda set by Formula 1's tyre provider to fulfill Pirelli's requirements, instead of being shaped by Ferrari and Hamilton's preferences.

He will also take control of an altered SF-24, which has been adjusted to mimic the downforce and performance traits of the upcoming regulations set to be implemented next year.

This will still offer Hamilton essential time on the track to adjust to Ferrari's operational methods and further develop a rapport with his new race engineer, Ricardo Adami.

Hamilton has achieved significant progress from his initial two tests with Ferrari, gaining insights into the starting and clutch operations, and adapting to the Ferrari-specific braking mechanisms and pedal setup.

It is anticipated that this will be Hamilton's final occasion behind the wheel of a Ferrari prior to his initial experience with the team's 2025 contender during a short trial run on February 19.

Hamilton and Leclerc will share three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain for Formula 1, scheduled from February 26 to 28, ahead of the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, on March 16.

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Jack Doohan remains optimistic about his Formula 1 prospects, amidst speculation that Franco Colapinto might take his place.

Jack Doohan expresses enthusiasm about solidifying his position at Alpine while gearing up for his debut F1 season.

Doohan is preparing for his inaugural full season in F1, yet there's growing speculation regarding the stability of his future after Alpine chose to bring on Franco Colapinto as a backup driver.

Colapinto is perceived as a significant challenge to Doohan, and his entry into the scene is expected to significantly increase the competitive pressure on the 22-year-old Australian, who is the son of Mick Doohan, a five-time MotoGP champion.

Williams has decided to let Colapinto go, as they're unable to provide him with a spot to race, following their decision to bring Carlos Sainz on board from Ferrari to team up with Alex Albon.

However, Doohan, who secured a 15th place finish in his first race for Alpine at the 2024 season's concluding grand prix in Abu Dhabi, delivered a confident reply amidst the persistent speculation at the Autosport Awards.

"Doohan expressed his excitement to Sky Sports, saying, 'This period is incredibly special to me. I'm thrilled to be involved.'"

"I spent the entirety of last week and the beginning of this one with the team, seizing the day to document our experiences as we look forward to the upcoming year."

"I'm highly driven. I'm eager to hit the ground running, engaging physically by working with my hands and feet, and navigating that car to the best of my ability.

"Joining and being one of the 20 drivers on the grid is an extraordinary opportunity, and I'm eager to secure my spot here for years to come."

Alpine promises equal opportunity for Doohan

Alpine's leader, Oliver Oakes, has affirmed that Doohan will be given an equal opportunity to showcase his skills in his first F1 season, competing alongside Pierre Gasly.

"Oakes mentioned on the James Allen On F1 podcast that Jack has faced some tough criticism from online commentators, but he's assured a proper opportunity to prove himself next year."

"I believe the goal isn't to burden him with [pressure]. It's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. And in my view, F1 is all about the small details.

"A significant number of individuals rely on a driver to perform every weekend, and it's crucial that we ensure the top drivers are behind the wheel, both presently and moving forward."

It's been disclosed that Doohan entered into a brief agreement with Alpine, allowing the French team the flexibility to alter their driver lineup as they deem appropriate.

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Christian Horner discusses the mounting expectations on Liam Lawson

Red Bull is gently integrating Liam Lawson into the team dynamics in preparation for the 2025 F1 season.

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has emphasized the significance of avoiding any added stress on Liam Lawson as he prepares for his debut Formula 1 race with the squad.

Lawson, with only 11 Formula 1 races under his belt, faces the formidable challenge of competing against Max Verstappen in 2025.

Throughout the six races they competed in as teammates in 2024, the New Zealander was unable to secure a better qualifying position than Yuki Tsunoda, despite the gap between them frequently being narrower than one-tenth of a second.

The primary objective for Lawson is to outperform Sergio Perez, whose performance led to Red Bull's decline to third place in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' rankings, trailing behind McLaren and Ferrari.

During a conversation with TikTok influencer Lissie Mackintosh at the Autosport Awards, Horner provided an update on Lawson's progress in his initial weeks with Red Bull.

"Horner mentioned that they have made a significant effort to avoid placing any stress on him up to this point, allowing him to gradually adapt."

Currently, he's in the United States. Next week, he's scheduled to return to the simulator.

"He's performing adequately, and we're making efforts to gradually integrate him."

Lawson's rapid ascent to Red Bull by 2025 is being compared to Alex Albon's similar rise.

Albon was elevated to a higher position halfway through his debut season in 2019, replacing Pierre Gasly.

Initially, Albon showed promise, but he faced challenges throughout his entire season with the team, failing to outperform Verstappen in any qualifying sessions.

Albon was let go by Red Bull at the close of 2020, clearing the path for Perez to become a part of the team.

At a Ford gathering, Horner expressed his belief that Lawson, his latest recruit, possesses the "resolve and talent" necessary to hold his own against Verstappen.

"Having Liam join us this year is fantastic," Horner stated.

"Taking on the role of Max Verstappen's partner is arguably the most challenging position in Formula 1. However, in Liam, we believe we've found an exceptionally gifted driver."

"He's a fresh face in the sport, finding his footing, and in my opinion, he possesses the talent, drive, and mindset to handle it. Honestly, he appears as though he could be part of a pop group…"

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Valentino Rossi recounts a story involving Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari garage.

Valentino Rossi looks back on his initial meeting with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.

Valentino Rossi, a renowned figure in MotoGP, reminisced about a meeting with Michael Schumacher during a Ferrari test session in the mid-2000s.

The motorcycle champion, who has claimed the title nine times, has had several opportunities to test drive Formula 1 cars over the years.

His most notorious performance for the Scuderia took place in Valencia in 2006.

The Italian's display was so remarkable that it sparked discussions about the possibility of him transitioning from MotoGP to Formula 1.

In the end, Rossi stayed in MotoGP and went on to win two additional championships in the following years.

During a conversation with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Rossi shared his experience of meeting Schumacher and admitted to feeling "anxious" before their meeting.

Rossi disclosed that he had supported Jacques Villeneuve, probably during the 1997 F1 World Championship, since the Canadian driver was in a direct competition with Schumacher for the championship.

"I have fantastic memories of Schumi," he mentioned.

"It was acknowledged that in the past, I had placed a wager in favor of Jacques Villeneuve, which meant I was betting against him."

"When we ended up in the garage, I started feeling quite anxious."

"These days, he glances at me and probably considers me a fool. However, he was incredibly kind and offered me plenty of guidance. Truly a wonderful person."

Rossi's Notorious Ferrari Formula 1 Trial

Rossi participated in multiple Formula 1 trials with Ferrari, primarily driven by his passion for the experience and not with the intention of transitioning from motorcycle racing.

In 2004, he got his initial taste of Formula 1 equipment and even donned one of Schumacher’s extra helmets.

A year later, Rossi was given another opportunity to participate, this time during a test session at Fiorano.

In 2006, his test performance was particularly outstanding, prompting Ferrari's president, Luca di Montezemolo, to propose that Rossi could join the team in a third car, should the regulations permit it.

In the 2006 event in Valencia, Rossi was only 0.7 seconds slower than Schumacher's lap time, but there are a few conditions to consider.

Rossi was behind the wheel of an altered model of the 2004 vehicle equipped with a less powerful V10 engine. In contrast, Schumacher was driving the latest F248F1 car from 2006, which was fitted with a V8 engine.

Rossi continued to make a strong impression on Ferrari, and there were later assertions that he might have had the opportunity to compete in Formula 1.

One option was to start racing with the smaller team, Minardi, to build experience before progressing to a higher-ranking team like Ferrari.

In 2008, Rossi was given another opportunity to test drive for Ferrari, using the vehicle that came close to winning the F1 drivers' championship, ultimately losing to Lewis Hamilton.

On this occasion, it was an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of a friend and their team.

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Stunning costs of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's high-end timepieces unveiled

The opulent watches owned by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc grabbed attention after a Ferrari photo session.

During a photo session for Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were seen flaunting high-end Richard Mille timepieces valued at nearly $1 million.

In 2025, Hamilton and Leclerc are set to join forces aiming to bring an end to Ferrari's extended period without a championship title in F1.

Hamilton has transitioned away from Mercedes, concluding a 12-year partnership with the German automotive giant, as Leclerc has been at the forefront of Ferrari's efforts since 2019.

The arrival of the seven-time world champion has led to heightened attention from the media after Hamilton's initial week at Maranello.

Last month, Hamilton had the opportunity to pilot the 2023 Ferrari contender at Fiorano, followed by another session in Barcelona.

The Barcelona trial didn't unfold as expected, as Hamilton faced a crash on the second day of the event.

Hamilton and Leclerc Showcase Expensive Timepieces

During Ferrari's promotional campaign in the off-season, Hamilton and Leclerc participated in a photoshoot to display the racing attire for the next season.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash.net – Formula 1 (@crashnetformula1)

The timepieces sported by the pair of Formula 1 celebrities grabbed attention.

Hamilton sported an eye-catching Richard Mille RM 74-02, crafted from 18-carat red gold and black gold carbon.

Valued at $600,000, after undergoing four years of development.

The timepiece combines multiple layers of carbon TPT and gold sheets.

Leclerc's Richard Mille RM 72-01 Flyback Chronograph carries a value of $335,000.

Leclerc's timepiece features a mix of titanium and red gold hues, and it strays from the classic 3-6-9 o'clock arrangement.

In 2022, it was reported that a Richard Mille watch belonging to Leclerc was stolen in Italy, with an estimated value of approximately $320,000.

McLaren racer Lando Norris was robbed of his watch following the Euro 2020 championship game at Wembley.

According to an article from The Sun, thieves accosted Norris, making off with his watch valued at £40,000.

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Juan Pablo Montoya Shares Insight on McLaren's Driver Relationship Following Past Team Instructions Mishap

Juan Pablo Montoya offers his perspective on the driver chemistry at McLaren as the new season approaches.

Juan Pablo Montoya anticipates that McLaren will make a decision on whom to support between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri following the first 10 races of the 2025 F1 season.

Navigating the issue of team orders presented a challenge for McLaren in the 2024 season as they found themselves back in the race for the championship.

Despite Norris being McLaren's top contender for the championship, Piastri only learned about the team's intention to use team orders during the Azerbaijan race.

Following three competitions (the Austria sprint, Hungary, and Italy), Piastri outperformed Norris, leading to a loss of important points for his teammate in the championship standings.

Norris emphasized his desire to triumph over Piastri on merit, relying solely on team directives during the sprint event in Brazil.

In a conversation with Crash.net, facilitated by CasinoApps, Montoya shared his insights on the driver lineup at McLaren before the upcoming season.

"Montoya praised Lando Norris for elevating his performance last season, as he initially believed Oscar Piastri would outperform him."

"Piastri must elevate his performance this season. Applying adequate pressure on Norris could make their dynamic fascinating to observe."

"McLaren must make it clear to both of their drivers from the season’s outset that they stand on equal footing, with no favoritism involved. They aim for both vehicles to excel, yet they'll concentrate resources and chances on the driver who is ahead in the championship standings."

"McLaren plans to choose who to focus on after the first 10 races, it seems. This will likely provide a clear picture of who has a shot at the title."

Is McLaren leading the pack for F1 2025?

Last year, McLaren secured their initial F1 constructors' championship since 1998.

Throughout most of the season, McLaren possessed the quickest vehicle among the competitors, yet they were unable to fully leverage this advantage due to errors made by their drivers or missteps in strategy.

Given that the regulations will stay the same over the winter, McLaren is likely feeling optimistic about their prospects for another championship fight.

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Williams enhances Carlos Sainz's F1 2025 readiness with exclusive testing

Carlos Sainz is advancing his efforts for his inaugural Formula 1 race with Williams.

Carlos Sainz has accelerated his readiness for his first F1 season with Williams through an exclusive test session in Spain.

The Spanish driver took control of Williams' 2023 vehicle, the FW45, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday, driving additional laps as Williams seized the chance to familiarize Sainz with their setup through some TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) activity.

Under the updated Team Personnel and Competitor (TPC) regulations in Formula 1, participants in the global championship will be restricted to a total of 1,000 kilometers, which can be covered across no more than four days of testing throughout the season.

In the same vein, Ferrari has taken advantage of TPC regulations to prepare Lewis Hamilton for his inaugural season with the team, following his move to replace Sainz as the seven-time world champion embarks on the 2025 racing season.

In contrast to Hamilton, Sainz managed to make an early appearance for Williams during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, following Ferrari's consent to release him ahead of schedule for the four-time grand prix event.

Williams acknowledged that Sainz participated in a private session with his new teammate Alex Albon at the venue of the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, but did not offer any additional information regarding the specifics of the test.

Noises we've been longing for over the winter hiatus 🤩🔉 pic.twitter.com/tOW80zO3il— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 2, 2025

Noises we've been longing for over the winter hiatus 🤩🔉 pic.twitter.com/tOW80zO3il

The team from Grove is set to reveal their latest vehicle on February 14th at Silverstone, where it's anticipated that Sainz and Albon will perform the first test runs of the FW47 for video and marketing activities.

Furthermore, it remains uncertain if Williams will participate in additional running sessions prior to the official F1 pre-season testing scheduled in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.

Sainz Gels Seamlessly with Williams Team

Since starting at Williams' Grove base in January, Sainz has quickly made his mark, with team leader James Vowles noting his positive influence.

"Vowles mentioned to Autosport at the Autosport Awards this week that he's thoroughly enjoying it,"

As soon as he got into the car in Abu Dhabi, it was clear his focus had shifted. This is his desired place, his chosen pursuit. He's becoming a key player in our journey to success. He's integrating seamlessly.

He's an exceptional individual who not only carries a history of racing victories but also possesses a strong ambition and passion for Williams' success.

This morning, Alex, him, and I spent three to four hours together, discussing our plans for the year, the adjustments we've made, and our future direction.

"His input, along with Alex's, is crucial in propelling the team ahead, especially now that the focus has shifted to refining minor details to shave off milliseconds, rather than tackling the major issues we usually address."

"In just a matter of weeks, we're seeing genuine progress driven by new ideas and concepts, showing us ways we can transform and advance."

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EXCLUSIVE – Aki Ajo: “Busy” Shakedown, “numerous innovations” at KTM

“We are extremely pleased with the progress made at the factory”

Aki Ajo, the new team manager for Red Bull KTM MotoGP, stated that the Austrian manufacturer successfully achieved its winter development goals, introducing "numerous innovations" during the "busy" Sepang Shakedown test.

The progress of the RC16 project is uncertain as KTM is currently dealing with financial difficulties.

Factory test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro participated throughout the three days of the Shakedown. They tested some noticeable new components, like the rear seat unit and exhaust, as well as other parts that were concealed within the bike's structure.

When questioned by Crash.net about whether the winter development proceeded normally despite KTM's existing financial challenges, Ajo affirmed, "Yes, definitely."

"We are thrilled with the progress made at the factory in recent months. We believe that all planned tasks were completed, and possibly even exceeded expectations."

"Our [Shakedown] test was extremely busy as we had numerous new elements and various aspects that needed to be understood, validated, and examined."

"Testing will proceed for an additional three days at the Official test, with numerous items requiring verification."

"However, I believe we are currently in a favorable position."

"There are still numerous days of testing ahead, including in Buriram, but we've already seen several encouraging outcomes."

Espargaro, who led the times on the first day, ultimately secured the fifth position on the Shakedown leaderboard, trailing Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo by half a second. Pedrosa ended up in ninth place, 1.286 seconds behind the leader.

According to the transponder codes, Espargaro appeared to be riding two motorcycles that are set to be given to Brad Binder for the upcoming Official test. Meanwhile, Pedrosa was on the bikes designated for the new factory team rider, Pedro Acosta.

When asked if he believes KTM has the potential to compete with the current MotoGP champion Ducati, Ajo responded:

"We embody a competitive nature and naturally aim for victory. As you mentioned, Ducati previously set the standard and was the most formidable. Naturally, our goal is to close the gap and ultimately become the top contender."

"To start with, it's important to acknowledge that we're the most recent entrant in MotoGP, having joined in 2017, and for the past two years, we've been the second-leading manufacturer."

"We should view this optimistically, although we certainly desire additional progress."

"The level of competition is extremely high. In the past, we referred to certain teams within the factories as satellite teams, but now I'd describe them as secondary factory teams."

Acosta demonstrated the capabilities of KTM's secondary factory team, Tech3, by securing nine podium finishes and came close to beating Binder for the fifth spot in the world championship last year.

After Acosta's first season has concluded, the new Tech3 team will consist of seasoned riders Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, both of whom have multiple race wins to their names. Ajo believes that this shift will allow KTM to adopt a somewhat different approach in 2025.

"When we have the opportunity to include riders such as Maverick and Enea in our team at Tech3, it influences our operations to some extent. It impacts the manner in which we conduct testing and how we optimize our resources."

Having newcomers on the team is always a positive thing. However, it might require some adjustments in the way we operate, including our testing procedures. When working with riders who have more experience, we might have the opportunity to test a greater variety of elements and make comparisons.

"A key objective for us is to strengthen our relationship with our second factory team, aiming for even greater closeness. Our goal is to operate as a unified entity."

He stated, "Essentially, we have a team of four factory riders. I'm already quite familiar with three of them, and we're in the process of developing a rapport with Enea."

"Having collaborated extensively with Brad, Pedro, and Maverick before, this is undoubtedly a positive aspect. We are familiar with one another, understand what to anticipate, and have mutual respect."

Ajo emphasized that advancement isn't solely about the quantity of new components; it's also about enhancing their utilization and improving team collaboration.

"We're focusing on every aspect, including the chassis, engine efficiency, and electronics," he stated. "However, from my perspective, it's not just about the technical specifications and innovations."

"My approach, which I believe is shared by our top technical experts, focuses on comprehending and enhancing our overall system."

"I'm referring not just to the bicycle and its technical aspects, but also to the collaboration among individuals, particularly in terms of how we provide everything needed for the riders and support them as effectively as we can."

The Sepang test, which includes all riders for the 2025 season, is scheduled from Wednesday through Friday.

For two decades, Peter has been a notable presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Anticipation Surrounds Sepang Test Featuring Marc Marquez's Ducati Aerodynamics

This week's 2025 Sepang pre-season test is spotlighted in the latest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast.

The 2025 MotoGP season roars back with excitement as the initial official pre-season testing session is scheduled from March 5th to 7th in Malaysia.

Some test riders, newcomers, and concession riders have already hit the track at Sepang for the initial shakedown. However, this week, the full lineup for the 2025 season will gather in Malaysia for their first group session since November 19.

This pre-season is packed with excitement as there are numerous rider changes, three fresh additions to the lineup, and the ongoing pursuit to bridge the gap with Ducati.

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In this episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, presented by Jordan Moreland, the crew discusses the anticipated outcomes of the upcoming test.

On the flip side, there are certain aspects that might not live up to expectations.

Ducati has garnered attention by making minor aerodynamic adjustments during the shakedown. However, Crash's Senior Journalist, Lewis Duncan, believes that the Italian company is unlikely to implement a major overhaul in their aerodynamic design at this time.

He mentioned that Gigi Dall'Igna often has a surprise in store, and he expected that a major change to the fairing would likely be unveiled by the time they reach Buriram.

Historically, during the final test, Gigi tends to introduce new changes. By that stage, it’s typically too late for the teams to react and say, "We need to swiftly adjust something."

All eyes will be on the Ducati team to observe their developments. It's known that the new chassis they tested last year was already an improvement.

"Imagine adding that to the package they already have, along with some improvements. Ducati is going to be very tough to defeat."

"It's always fascinating to observe Ducati's actions. The aerodynamic adjustments that were noticed seem to be just a preview. I doubt this will be the complete new aerodynamic setup that Dall'Igna hinted at."

"Ducati has historically been bold in making significant changes to various components, as this might be their final opportunity to do so."

"It's likely that this will be the final significant aerodynamic update, as it's difficult to foresee them investing a substantial development budget into a project that will be significantly reduced by 2027."

"I would have expected Gigi to create something remarkable for the final update of the aero era."

Yamaha's V4 Engine Appearance at Sepang?

The developments at Yamaha will be under careful observation this winter. However, according to Peter McLaren, the editor of Crash MotoGP, the V4 engine won't be making an appearance this week.

McLaren mentions that they are aware of its development and are eager to find out when it will be ready for the race track.

There was speculation that the date might coincide with this test event. The Yamaha unveiling took place on the first evening of the shakedown.

On the first day, only Andrea Dovizioso took the Yamaha test bikes for a ride, and they appeared quite similar to the existing inline-four engine model.

"You could both see and hear the difference when it comes to a V4 engine. This is why Yamaha has been quite open about it."

During my conversation with Paolo Pavesio, who has taken over the role previously held by Lin Jarvis, he candidly acknowledged the existence of the V4. However, he also mentioned that it is not yet prepared to be raced.

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Dani Pedrosa unexpectedly changes his leathers brand

Quiet transition observed during Shakedown by KTM's test rider

Dani Pedrosa presented a somewhat unexpected appearance during the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test.

On the first day of testing his manufacturer's bikes, Pedrosa stepped out of the KTM garage wearing racing leathers from a different brand.

Check out this Instagram post shared by Crash MotoGP (@crashmotogp_).

For the first time since 2006, he donned Dainese.

Switching from Alpinestars gear marks a significant change. Not long ago, while practicing with Pedro Acosta, Pedrosa was seen in Alpinestars apparel.

However, his subtly altered appearance was just one of several low-key highlights from the unbroadcasted rehearsal.

Pedrosa was actively engaged in his role as a test rider for KTM, working together with Pol Espargaro.

The rider who holds the record for being the most accomplished in MotoGP without securing a championship title is still highly regarded by fellow racers for his exceptional skills in bike development and his prowess on the racetrack.

In the previous year, Pedrosa participated solely in the Spanish MotoGP, where fellow competitors remarked on how the seasoned racer still possesses his abilities.

However, his real importance to KTM lies in his role in refining their motorcycle. As a member of their testing squad, he hit the track during the initial shakedown session, ahead of the return of the regular MotoGP riders for the official MotoGP test this week.

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

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Williams enhances Carlos Sainz's readiness for the 2025 F1 season with a private test session. Carlos Sainz is intensifying his efforts as he gears up for his first appearance with the Williams F1 team.

Carlos Sainz has intensified his training for his first Formula 1 season with Williams by participating in a private testing session in Spain.

On Sunday, the Spanish driver took the wheel of the team's 2023 vehicle, the FW45, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This session was aimed at accumulating more miles, as Williams seized the chance to assist Sainz in familiarizing himself with some Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) activities.

According to the updated TPC regulations in Formula 1, drivers participating in the world championship can only cover 1,000 kilometers across no more than four testing days throughout the season.

In a strategic move, Ferrari has leveraged TPC regulations to assist Lewis Hamilton in preparing for his inaugural season with the team. This follows the seven-time world champion's appointment to replace Sainz for the 2025 season.

In contrast to Hamilton, Sainz got the opportunity to make an early appearance for Williams during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, thanks to Ferrari granting him an early release ahead of the four-time grand prix.

Williams verified that Sainz participated in a private session with his new teammate, Alex Albon, at the Spanish Grand Prix location on Sunday, but did not offer any additional information about the test.

The noises we longed for over the winter hiatus 🤩🔉 pic.twitter.com/tOW80zO3il— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 2, 2025

The noises we longed for over the winter hiatus 🤩🔉 pic.twitter.com/tOW80zO3il

The team located in Grove plans to reveal their latest vehicle on February 14th at Silverstone. It is anticipated that Sainz and Albon will be the first to test drive the FW47 for filming and promotional activities.

Additionally, it is uncertain if Williams will participate in more driving sessions prior to the official F1 pre-season testing scheduled in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.

Sainz is integrating seamlessly at Williams. Since starting at the Williams' Grove headquarters in January, team leader James Vowles notes that Sainz's influence is already noticeable.

"He's thoroughly enjoying the experience," Vowles mentioned to Autosport during the Autosport Awards held earlier this week.

From the instant he got into the car in Abu Dhabi, it was clear that his focus had shifted. This is his desired place, his chosen path, and he plays a crucial role in our journey to success. He is integrating seamlessly.

He is an outstanding individual who not only possesses a winning track record but also carries a strong ambition and determination for Williams to achieve success.

"This morning, I spent three to four hours with Alex and him. We discussed our plans for the year, the adjustments we've made, and our future direction."

His input, much like Alex's, is crucial for advancing this team, as the focus has shifted from major objectives to fine-tuning details, where every millisecond counts.

"In only a matter of weeks, we've begun to see genuine positive progress from new ideas and concepts on how we can change and advance."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-site coverage, sharing the experiences and insights of key figures in the sport.

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