Yuki Tsunoda Almost Deported Due to US Customs Incident

Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda shared that he faced a challenging situation with Customs authorities upon his arrival in the United States before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Yuki Tsunoda feared he might not be allowed into the United States to participate in the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a difficult experience at Customs.

The Japanese RB driver mentioned that upon his arrival in the United States for this weekend's race in Las Vegas, Border Control officials subjected him to additional questioning. This made him anxious about the potential risk of being sent back home.

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"After numerous conversations, they eventually allowed me entry," Tsunoda shared with reporters in Las Vegas.

"I almost had to return home. Everything's fine now, but fortunately, I'm still here. I was with my physiotherapist on the trip. Naturally, when you go through customs, you have to do it alone, correct?"

The official unexpectedly led me into the room, and during our conversation, I asked if I could bring along the individual I was planning to travel with. Perhaps he could assist in clarifying some more details about myself and the circumstances in Formula 1.

"They wouldn't let me bring them in or contact anyone. I wanted to reach out to the team or perhaps F1 for assistance, but inside that room, there was nothing I could do."

Tsunoda was taken aback by the situation, especially since he had made sure all his visas were in order and had encountered no issues on his earlier trips across the United States this year.

"I handled all the visa arrangements myself," he said. "It's been unfortunate. I suppose with the previous three instances, I was able to enter without any issues. So it was unexpected to be stopped and have an in-depth conversation this time."

The young man, aged 24, believes that his attire might have caused the authorities to question his identity as a Formula 1 driver.

"I'm not sure, perhaps I was in pajamas, and the color might resemble something else. It just seems like they were putting a lot of pressure on me, and I was unable to speak up," he explained.

"I feel that if I speak up, it might cause more problems for me. Fortunately, everything went well."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Sergio Perez criticizes his father's anti-gay comments directed at former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, describing the remarks as a "mistake."

Sergio Perez has expressed disapproval of his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, for making homophobic comments about former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.

Schumacher, a Formula 1 driver from 1997 to 2007, announced during the summer that he was in a relationship with someone of the same sex. The brother of Michael, a seven-time world champion, received a great deal of support for his decision to publicly identify as gay, with Lewis Hamilton among those offering encouragement.

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In reaction to remarks made by the former grand prix champion, now a commentator, regarding Perez's prospects with Red Bull, Perez Garibay seemed to mock Schumacher's sexual orientation.

A former Formula 1 racer, who has now become a journalist, initially claimed that Checo was no longer with Red Bull. The next week, Schumacher publicly revealed his sexual orientation, according to statements made by Perez Garibay to the Mexican press.

"I'm not sure if he had romantic feelings for Checo. Do you get what I mean? There are a lot of odd aspects here. It's hard to tell if he's a journalist, a lady, or a gentleman. However, his opinion holds no weight, not due to Checo Perez, but because of the remarks made by his ex-wife about him."

Perez was questioned on whether he planned to discuss his father's remarks made before the Las Vegas Grand Prix taking place this weekend.

"Without a doubt, I completely disagree with everything he said," Perez mentioned in an interview with Sky Sports F1.

"In my opinion, he made an error in that aspect. Although I disagree with all of his opinions, I have no influence over what my father chooses to express. I can only manage my own words."

"In my view, it's crucial for the sport to demonstrate that any incidents occurring during races should stay confined to the track. This perspective is vital, as we ought to serve as role models for others globally."

Schumacher stated that he "holds no anger" towards Perez's father despite his comments.

In a social media post, he expressed his unwavering support for his son, stating that as a father, he would fully back him and offer assistance.

In terms of style, I would approach things differently, but we are familiar with Mr. Perez and his emotional nature. Because of this, I don't hold any anger towards him. Nevertheless, I am convinced that performance on the track would serve as a more compelling argument.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. From the heart of the events, he often reports on the developments, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Max Verstappen expressed his astonishment at the abrupt timing of the decision to replace Niels Wittich as the F1 race director.

Max Verstappen has shared his astonishment over the unexpected exit of Niels Wittich, the F1 race director.

The FIA, which oversees Formula 1, revealed that Wittich has resigned from his position effective immediately. This announcement came just before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with the organization mentioning that the German had left to "explore new opportunities."

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However, Wittich asserted that he did not leave of his own accord but was instead dismissed with three races remaining. Rui Marques, the race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, has taken his place.

The FIA's decision has caught F1 drivers off guard, among them three-time world champion Verstappen. In an interview with Sky Sports F1, he expressed his surprise by saying, "I think everyone was taken aback to see this happen with just three races remaining. But you'll need to question the FIA about it."

After the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association issued a message calling on the FIA to handle its members "as adults." They also requested that President Mohammed Ben Sulayem be mindful of his tone and choice of words when addressing or discussing the drivers.

Max Verstappen, on the brink of securing his fourth straight world championship title in Las Vegas this weekend, is eager for advancements to occur promptly.

Verstappen explained that they aimed to distribute a letter to ensure everyone understood their concerns and objectives, and they hoped to see the outcomes of this effort.

"Currently, no changes have occurred. The FIA has been busy with various matters that needed their attention. We'll monitor how things unfold in the upcoming races and maintain our dialogue with them as we move forward."

During the pre-event press conference, George Russell, who serves as a director for the GPDA, mentioned that the FIA has not yet replied to their letter. He also confessed that the drivers are "a bit tired of the entire situation."

"It appears to be a bit tougher to see changes happen or commitments honored," he remarked. "Perhaps the FIA or its president didn't fully grasp the depth of our concerns."

Throughout this year's 20 races, as well as those from the previous year, we've had discussions on various subjects. All the drivers seem to share similar views; we understand what we desire from the sport and have noticed the paths it's been taking. We believe some adjustments are necessary in certain areas and are eager to collaborate with the FIA to address these concerns.

"We believed that the president has not been doing that at all."

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McLaren is planning to change its approach to team orders following the decline of Lando Norris's slim chances at winning the F1 title.

Oscar Piastri mentioned that McLaren has altered their approach regarding team orders now that Lando Norris's chances of winning the F1 championship are essentially gone.

Lando Norris's hopes of clinching the world championship this year took a major hit when he dropped from first place to sixth at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Meanwhile, his title contender, Max Verstappen, made a remarkable comeback to win the race, despite starting from 17th position.

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Verstappen increased his lead in the championship standings to 62 points with only three races left, effectively dashing Norris's chances of securing his first drivers' title this year.

Max Verstappen is set to become the world champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend if he finishes the race with a lead of at least 60 points.

With Norris's championship aspirations dwindling, McLaren has decided not to require Piastri, who stepped aside for Norris to secure the sprint victory in Brazil, to act as a secondary driver any longer.

When questioned about whether he would now be on equal terms with Norris, Piastri responded to reporters in Las Vegas by saying, "Essentially, yes."

"There are still a few particular situations where my assistance might be required. However, in most cases, things have returned to their usual state."

"The chances in the drivers’ championship are quite narrow, but the constructors’ championship is definitely still within reach for us."

"It's not finalized yet, which is the most important aspect. There are only a few particular situations where I might still assist if requested, but my focus for the weekend is on achieving victory."

McLaren holds a 36-point advantage over Ferrari in the constructors' championship standings, with Red Bull trailing in third place, 49 points behind.

Though Piastri was content to assist Norris, he emphasized his intention to avoid being in a similar situation next year.

The Australian mentioned that, truthfully, they didn't feel too let down about letting it go.

Naturally, winning the sprint would have been fantastic, but it is quite a different situation compared to a grand prix.

"I demonstrated what I set out to achieve by securing the pole position, and that accomplishment was primarily for my own satisfaction."

Securing the top position in the sprint qualifying was perhaps more gratifying for me, even if I had emerged victorious in the sprint itself.

"I was confident that I executed the sprint correctly, which is beneficial for me."

"I'm glad that we no longer need to deal with those issues as frequently, and clearly, next year, my goal is to ensure that I'm not in a situation where the championship standings make me vulnerable to that."

"In truth, the only instance I really had to lend a hand was during that event in Brazil, and since then, there hasn't been anything significant. It's been more discussion than actual activity on the track."

Lewis is a frequent presence at Grands Prix events globally for Crash.net. He often provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Red Bull and Ferrari adjust their F1 vehicles following FIA's skid block regulations

Leading F1 teams, Red Bull and Ferrari, are said to be affected by the FIA's latest enforcement just before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

According to reports, Red Bull and Ferrari are some of the teams that have been required to modify their Formula 1 vehicles for the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to the most recent enforcement actions by the FIA.

The FIA, which oversees Formula 1, has released a technical directive that takes effect immediately before this weekend's Las Vegas race. This move aims to stop teams from taking advantage of a rule loophole related to plank wear.

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According to the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, a new technical directive from the FIA will ban teams from using "special protective plates that were installed by about half of the teams" on the skid blocks.

Motorsport and The Race have both covered the FIA's crackdown, noting that Ferrari and Red Bull are among the teams reportedly impacted. According to The Race, "at least half of the teams on the grid are thought to have responded to the situation."

As reported by The Race, Ferrari has implemented some adjustments to their vehicle, whereas Red Bull has introduced slight changes following the FIA's technical directive.

After the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Red Bull is said to have raised concerns with the FIA. While there was no indication of any illegal activities, the governing body of F1 has acted to prevent any potential exploitation of ambiguous areas in the rules.

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari faced disqualification from the United States Grand Prix last year after post-race inspections revealed that their vehicles had surpassed the permissible plank wear limit.

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Aston Martin clarifies the circumstances surrounding Dan Fallows' departure from his role as F1 technical director.

Aston Martin's performance director, Tom McCullough, has explained the factors that led to Dan Fallows leaving the F1 team.

At the beginning of this month, Aston Martin revealed that Fallows, who had come on board in 2022 after leaving Red Bull, had stepped down from his position as the technical director of the team located in Silverstone.

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Bob Bell, the executive director, will temporarily take over his role. Meanwhile, Enrico Cardille, previously the technical director at Ferrari, is set to join Aston Martin next year. He will work with Adrian Newey, who has been appointed as the managing technical partner.

In anticipation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix happening this weekend, McCullough suggested that Fallows was let go because of Aston Martin's disappointing results this season.

"The team's performance this year has not met our expectations," McCullough stated to the press in Las Vegas. "We haven't achieved the desired results, and ultimately, that has been a choice made by the team."

For the past two or three years, I've worked closely alongside Dan, who has been a significant influence on the progress of both the '22 and '23 cars. Frankly, he's contributed immensely to the team.

Working with him has been quite enjoyable from that perspective. However, in 2024, we have not met the performance expectations on the track that we set for ourselves and aimed to achieve.

Crafting these vehicles has been challenging, and at the end of the day, it's an industry driven by performance. Consequently, the team has chosen to implement a few alterations.

Aston Martin had an impressive beginning to the year 2023, positioning themselves as the closest rivals to Red Bull after the winter season, frequently competing for podium finishes.

Since then, the team's performance has significantly declined, and continuous development issues have stalled their advancement.

Throughout most of 2024, Aston Martin has been positioned in a remote fifth spot in the constructors' championship.

Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have been unable to secure a position above fifth place.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at the races, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Ducati aims for a 2025 test run of its MotoGP prototype planned for 2027

Gigi Dall'Igna provides insights into the potential debut timing of Ducati's 2027 model

Gigi Dall’Igna anticipates that the first version of Ducati's 2027 MotoGP prototype will make its track debut "next year".

In the 2027 season, MotoGP motorcycles will experience their most significant transformation in design since the 1000cc engines were introduced in 2012.

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MotoGP is set to transition to an 850cc four-stroke engine format, eliminating aerodynamics and completely banning ride height systems.

Although all manufacturers are being secretive about their development plans for 2027, Ducati's general manager has provided a hint regarding when he anticipates the brand's first prototypes will be tested on the track.

"We are addressing it," Dall’Igna mentioned before the Barcelona test concerning the rules for 2027.

"We're exploring some fresh concepts and are actively engaged in the process. It's challenging to determine a specific timeline at the moment. Currently, we have just the concepts. However, I'm confident that something will materialize by next year."

Beginning with the 2025 season, manufacturers without concessions will be required to halt engine development due to new regulations set to take effect in 2027.

This will place additional focus on Ducati's off-season progress for 2025, as the company aims to maintain its leading status in the championship standings.

In 2024, Ducati showcased their supremacy by winning 19 out of 20 grand prix races and securing the first four positions in the riders' championship standings.

When questioned about whether the upcoming halt on engine development might affect Ducati's dominance before 2027, Dall’Igna responded: "I'm not sure. The new season is like starting a brand-new chapter."

"The producers facing difficulties at the moment might be able to leap ahead. It's unpredictable."

"You need to concentrate on addressing the issues at hand and work on improving the bike to the fullest extent. This is our responsibility and what we must accomplish."

According to the existing concession regulations, Ducati faces the most stringent limitations because of its position in the competitive hierarchy.

In addition to the engine development freeze that will take effect next year, which KTM and Aprilia are also set to follow, Ducati faces restrictions on fielding wildcard entries and will have a reduced number of tires available for testing.

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2024 Official Barcelona MotoGP Test – Final Standings

Conclusive lap results from the official MotoGP test on Tuesday, held post-race in Barcelona, Spain.

X Rider has climbed X spots since the last hour.

Rider maintains the same position as the last hour.

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X Rider has dropped X places since the last hour.

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Documented Achievements of Barcelona's MotoGP

Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro clocked at 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time in the race: Pedro Acosta clocked at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday for an official day of testing with their teams for the 2025 season.

The trial marked the first appearance of freshly crowned world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, alongside Marc Marquez who joined Ducati Lenovo. Pedro Acosta made his debut with Red Bull KTM, while Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were seen with Tech3 KTM. Franco Morbidelli took to the track with VR46, and the newly unveiled Pramac Yamaha team featured Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, it was the inaugural MotoGP run for Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR).

During his first outing on the GP24, Gresini's Alex Marquez topped the charts for the majority of the day, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the later part of the afternoon.

Former Ducati title-holder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo momentarily eclipsed Marquez in speed, until the #73 made a comeback.

Champion Martin managed to lower his shoulder, followed by a thumbs-up gesture and a beaming smile, following his initial laps with Aprilia. Subsequently, Martin experienced his first tumble on the RS-GP, during an attempt to keep up with his close pal Aleix Espargaro, at the fifth turn.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while decelerating for the same turn shortly after 3pm, resulting in significant damage to his RC16. Martin indicated that red flags were necessary to remove debris from the circuit, leading to a halt in the session shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to sixth place in his initial attempts wearing the factory red colors, but later fell out of the top ten.

The eight-time world champion increased his speed to end just slightly behind Bagnaia in fourth position during his last lap, humorously gesturing with a middle finger to his old Gresini team as he made his way back to the factory pits.

First-time MotoGP riders Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced falls in their debut but managed to escape unharmed, while Luca Marini was visibly upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

During a practice start, following the completion of a testing session, Aldeguer shattered his Ducati's screen by hitting it with his helmet!

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

Several cyclists were once more experimenting with the use of radio communication systems integrated into their helmets.

Trials were conducted between 10 am and 5 pm in the local time zone. The following sanctioned MotoGP trials are scheduled for February in Sepang.

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday to engage in a day of formal trials with their 2025 squads.

The trial run showcases the inaugural appearances of world champion Jorge Martin alongside Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, Marc Marquez joining Ducati Lenovo, Pedro Acosta stepping into Red Bull KTM, with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales teaming up at Tech3 KTM. Additionally, Franco Morbidelli will be seen at VR46, alongside the fresh Pramac Yamaha initiative featuring Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Moreover, this event marks the first MotoGP rounds for Ai Ogura with Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra joining LCR.

Throughout the day, Alex Marquez of Gresini topped the charts during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the middle of the afternoon.

Ducati's departing titleholder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, alongside Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, were momentarily faster than Marquez, until he made a comeback with the #73.

After completing his initial laps on the Aprilia, world champion Martin expressed his satisfaction with a thumbs up and a beaming smile. However, Martin experienced his first fall on the RS-GP while pursuing his close pal, Aleix Espargaro, at Turn 5.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while braking for the same turn just after 3pm, resulting in his RC16 being completely wrecked. Martin alerted that red flags should be deployed to remove debris from the circuit, leading to the session being halted shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to the sixth position early on while riding in factory red colors, but then dropped out of the top ten. Later in the day, he increased his speed in the afternoon sessions.

Newcomers Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced their initial crashes in MotoGP unscathed, while Luca Marini was notably upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro has embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

The testing session is scheduled from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, based on the local time zone. Following this session, there won't be any sanctioned MotoGP tests until the upcoming February in

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's also leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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F1-inspired two-way radios trialed in MotoGP during Barcelona's Tuesday session

Ducati observed evaluating novel communication setup with Pirro, though a broad rollout not anticipated by 2025

On Tuesday in Barcelona, Ducati MotoGP leaders Davide Tardozzi and Michele Pirro conducted trials of a dual-channel radio setup, but it's understood from Crash that this technology won't be broadly implemented until 2025.

MotoGP has been contemplating the implementation of radio communication for a while, experimenting with rudimentary systems that have garnered mixed reactions during various trials.

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In a recent trial conducted at the Misano circuit, a communication setup was evaluated, allowing pre-set messages to be transmitted from the race officials directly to the competitors.

On Tuesday during the testing session in Barcelona, Ducati appeared to advance their experimentation by testing a dual-direction system with Pirro.

This morning, the technology crafted by Dorna Sports was utilized by Tardozzi and Pirro, with Tardozzi successfully transmitting real-time messages to his racer.

The effectiveness of this trial remains uncertain. When contacted by Crash.net, Ducati chose not to provide any comments.

Francesco Bagnaia gave it a go as well, yet he believes the system he experimented with isn't quite there yet.

He confirmed his actions when questioned by Crash, responding with, "Yes, I'm responsible."

"I completed the task, yet the outcome remains incomplete. Upon evaluation, the system failed to operate as expected. There was no response due to its malfunction, which also caused me minor discomfort. Moreover, the connecting cable is excessively large, posing potential risks. Therefore, the project is still in progress, and further testing will be conducted once it's prepared."

According to information obtained by Crash.net, the system tested by Ducati on Tuesday is unlikely to be implemented across MotoGP in the near future.

MotoGP continues to experiment with various technologies, including both the two-way channel and the single-direction communication approach.

Currently, a communication system will only be broadly implemented after undergoing extensive testing and ensuring its safety for use.

Definitely, Thailand won't be rolling out a new communication system for riders by the beginning of the 2025 season.

Crash recognizes that enthusiasm for the concept varies among riders, and as such, the adoption of a radio system in an official race would initially be optional.

The approach of sending pre-recorded messages from race control to participants is expected to be the initial system widely adopted. Crash has learned that all such messages have already been captured.

MotoGP is considering incorporating team-sent messages, like strategic directions, into the one-directional pre-recorded system through the dashboard display.

During this year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Jorge Martin attributed his loss of the lead in the sprint race to being sidetracked by a dashboard notification about a warning for exceeding track limits.

Martin potentially gained an advantage through the use of team radio during the flag-to-flag race at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Currently, this project is in its early phases of creation, with its main goal centered on enhancing the safety features within MotoGP.

Cyclists have previously mentioned that radios would be beneficial for immediate alerts regarding dangers on the course, or to communicate with race officials about the necessity of a red flag.

Currently, as Liberty Media takes ownership, numerous parallels are being made between MotoGP and Formula 1. However, Crash has learned that there is no effort to promote team radio as a feature for broadcasting.

If the systems reach a stage where they are secure and all users are satisfied, then they may be implemented in a widespread application.

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Fabio Quartararo expressed satisfaction, saying, "It's rewarding to see your name leading the board."

He then added, "It's just a test, but it slipped my mind!"

After Alex Marquez secured the leading position in the MotoGP test times on Tuesday in Barcelona, merely two competitors managed to challenge the dominance of the Gresini team's rider.

The initial rider was Ducati's own and the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia. However, the greater shock came from Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.

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Despite Marquez's quick reaction, Quartararo maintained the second position until the end of the 2024 season, equipped with updated aerodynamics, alongside a newly designed chassis, swingarm, and engine for evaluation.

"Quartararo expressed surprise at leading, stating, 'I just forgot it was merely a test! We usually need to move on quickly.'"

Seeing your name at the top brings a sense of satisfaction. Even when it's merely a test, you return home feeling positive.

"We're still quite a distance from the leading competitors, but at least for today, I was able to have fun, maintain a strong pace, and execute several impressive laps."

Back at the track where he secured an eleventh-place finish in Sunday’s final grand prix of the season, Quartararo recorded a top lap time of 1 minute and 39.199 seconds, ending up 0.396 seconds slower than Marquez.

The Frenchman stated that the updated chassis provided the most noticeable enhancement, particularly in facilitating the entry into corners.

"He mentioned that they saw some improvements in certain aspects thanks to the new chassis. However, he noted that traction hadn't seen enhancements yet, but there are plans to introduce a significantly different and more substantial upgrade in Malaysia."

"We made advancements in transitioning from straight-line speed to maximum lean. This marked our most significant progress. Our next focus is on enhancing the process from being at full lean to straightening up.

"However, we've already identified how to enhance the entrance. Now, our task is to figure out how to better the departure."

Quartararo mentioned, "We also experimented with a new engine and tested a top fairing. Essentially, the goal wasn't necessarily improvement, but rather to maintain the same performance level. Similarly, with the new swingarm, our objective was the same."

"The goal wasn't enhancement, but rather to explore possibilities of slightly decreasing the weight."

On Tuesday, Yamaha witnessed four of its MotoGP racers hit the track together for the first time since 2022, as Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira made their first appearances riding for the newly formed Pramac Yamaha squad.

"Having four riders and four factory bikes is fantastic," remarked Quartararo.

"Moreover, riders hailing from two distinct manufacturers and engineers originating from various manufacturers have contributed, and I believe we've made progress during today's practice session."

When queried about his conversation with Miller, Quartararo responded, “I only chatted briefly regarding his sensations, and also, he hasn't yet switched to the hard front tire.

"Understanding our bike fully requires more than a single day. However, it's crucial to take into account and listen to their feedback. I believe the bike shines in certain areas, particularly in how it handles at the front, but it also has several shortcomings that need addressing."

Team member from the factory, Alex Rins, secured the eighth fastest time.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. Currently, he's spearheading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Marc Marquez shares initial impressions on testing Ducati's latest model

"I experienced the complete 2025 setup: Chassis, motor, and various aspects"

In a repeat of his performance from his Gresini debut a year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his inaugural MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team rider in fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he made his first appearance on a Desmosedici riding a satellite bike at Valencia. This year, his attention shifted to testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting an eye-catching bright red paint job, the eight-time world champion found himself primarily within the bottom half of the top ten throughout the day.

A final push elevated him to fourth place, trailing behind the session's top performer, his younger sibling and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda from 2013 to 2023, trailed closely by just 0.056 seconds behind his new teammate, the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 model, moving directly from the year-old GP23 to the upcoming 2025 model for the next season.

"Marquez acknowledged spending the majority of the day, approximately 90% of it, utilizing the GP25. He mentioned, "Most of my time was dedicated to assisting the engineers with their work."

"Joining the official team signifies adherence to a stringent strategy, outlining all the necessary experiments and tasks, where the rider becomes a vital asset under the engineers' guidance, essentially serving the engineering team's objectives."

Indeed, the bicycle possesses certain advantages that perform slightly better. However, ultimately, it remains a bicycle, and your riding skills are crucial. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The sensation was incredibly positive, especially when interacting with the team. This is the most crucial aspect when forming an initial impression, and we collaborate effectively."

When asked which experience is more satisfying, Marquez responded:

"The performance of the engine has improved on straight paths, which is a significant advancement over last year's model. Additionally, it appears that the bike behaves differently when entering corners. I still need to figure out the maximum capabilities in that aspect."

"He explained that he experimented with the entire set, including the frame, engine, and various other components. As a result, it's unclear which specific parts contributed to the distinct feel."

"Pecco then took a slightly different approach in his work. However, what mattered most was that our observations were very much alike. We identified the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things significantly for the engineers."

Ducati's test pilot Michele Pirro indicated that the GP25 is particularly favorable for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At this moment, Marquez is holding off on forming an opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend because, in Pecco's case, we expressed similar observations. Indeed, it performs exceptionally well in certain areas, yet it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"Thus, it's time for assessment, as it's essential to maintain a 'steady' motorcycle throughout all 22 races. Not just quick on one type of circuit."

Was it odd to switch to riding in red, having spent years competing against the Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Actually, it was delightful," Marquez remarked. "Particularly joining a team that has shown superior performance in the recent years.

"Being part of the top team on the track comes with the obligation to perform quickly. Thus, it was delightful to be a part of that team in the garage."

Indeed, it was odd to find Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering my numerous clashes with Dovizioso!

"However, our relationship has always been strong and courteous. This is beneficial, especially since we are already acquainted."

Marquez's next opportunity to ride the GP25 will come in February at Sepang.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's health complications.

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Francesco Bagnaia Expresses Relief at Skipping Post-Title MotoGP Test in Barcelona

Bagnaia Shares Thoughts on Forgoing Barcelona Test After Race

Francesco Bagnaia mentioned that not participating in testing following the season's last race, as the MotoGP world champion, was advantageous for him because it allowed him to concentrate more on refining the GP25.

The two-time world champion relinquished the top spot to Jorge Martin in the final race of the Solidarity GP in Barcelona last weekend.

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This signifies that for the first time since 2021, Bagnaia started the subsequent year's testing without being the reigning champion.

Explore further: The lasting legacy of Bagnaia as an exceptional MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia clocked the third quickest time after 58 laps aboard his Ducati, mainly focusing on testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting his testing on Tuesday held any extra meaning as he aims to reclaim the championship, Bagnaia stated, "I must admit, not being the reigning world champion made me concentrate more on the motorcycle.

"Being a world champion certainly brings happiness and a sense of improvement, but it also makes me focus less on getting better."

The progression from the GP23 to the GP24 model this year has been significant, with Bagnaia commenting on Tuesday that the foundation of the 2025 motorcycle is more robust than at any comparable stage in past years.

"Does the GP25 stand out? It's worth mentioning that after conducting various tests today, the GP25 has shown to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he remarked.

"I believe our team, along with our engineers, will be putting in significant effort this winter, as there's a need to enhance the foundation we've experimented with."

Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same sentiment regarding the motorcycle, which is crucial for aligning our efforts in its development, and that's fantastic.

Regarding control, the GP24 remains superior when it comes to braking.

"This year, I made significant progress with the GP24, especially in the braking department. Thus, I believe we should continue to pursue this path."

"The GP25 exhibits excellent handling around sharp turns, and its performance remains commendable even on worn tires. This is a positive aspect. Additionally, the upgraded engine possesses significant power."

"Typically, we don't begin from this stage with a new bike; some adjustments are usually necessary. However, the foundation is solid, and I'm pleased about that."

He mentions, "I believe the gap between 24 and 25 is significant, and I don't foresee a major advancement for Malaysia since I feel we've already made that leap."

"We must organize it, and in terms of configuration, we have to adjust it for the new bicycle."

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