Charles Leclerc expresses doubts about Ferrari's performance ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix: "According to the projections…"

Charles Leclerc evaluates Ferrari's potential to secure a victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc is optimistic that Ferrari could contend for victory at the upcoming F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, he cautioned that their enhanced ability to manage tyres could potentially be a drawback this season.

Last year in Las Vegas, Leclerc secured the pole position with an impressive performance, but on race day, he ended up finishing in second place after being overtaken by Max Verstappen.

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In 2023, Ferrari performed exceptionally well during the qualifying rounds of the season, but faced challenges during the actual races.

A year later, their fastest performance is now happening on Sundays, which is the exact reverse of before.

Anticipating the race in Las Vegas, Leclerc believes that Ferrari's enhancement in managing tyre wear may lead to difficulties in getting the tyres up to optimal temperature during qualifying sessions.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to occur at night, and the temperatures might drop to below 10 degrees.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Leclerc expressed, "I believe that, theoretically, this is a circuit that suits us and where we should do well."

"While we've made significant strides in managing the tyres, the cold conditions at this track will make it challenging to get the tyres to perform optimally. Despite this, the outlook remains promising, though perhaps not as favorable as it was last year. Given the tight competition, I think we still have a good chance to come out on top."

Carlos Sainz, who is a teammate, secured a spot next to Leclerc on the front row for the race. However, he was forced to accept a penalty related to his engine after his Ferrari sustained serious damage from a manhole cover.

Sainz acknowledged that "Las Vegas owes us one" following the events of last year.

Sainz expressed optimism, saying, "We hope that Las Vegas will favor us this time. I believe we had a strong chance of winning the race last year."

The speaker expressed that they were unjustly penalized for an issue that wasn't their fault, which likely caused them to miss out on securing second place in the constructors' championship at that time. They hope that Las Vegas will bring something positive for them.

With three races remaining, Ferrari is still competing for the F1 constructors’ championship.

The Scuderia are trailing McLaren by 36 points as they aim to secure their first championship victory since 2008.

Evaluating the competition among the constructors, Sainz commented, "I believe this is our objective. Considering our current standing this year, you could argue that it's a somewhat challenging goal."

"It's a hopeful and bold goal. I believe setting high goals is essential, and this is certainly one of those."

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is the core of our objective reporting.

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It was too late to assist Valentino Rossi during his time at Ducati, but my current task is to support Marc Marquez. The hidden advantage that Ducati had wasn't able to salvage Valentino Rossi's unsuccessful stint with the team.

A vital component of Ducati's operations came too late to assist Valentino Rossi but plays an essential role in aiding Marc Marquez.

Michele Pirro is a reliable and experienced test rider for the manufacturer, playing a vital role in the development of the Desmosedici project.

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He came onto the scene in 2013, just as Rossi was leaving. The initial Ducati he tried out was the 2012 model, which had been a challenge for Rossi. Currently, Pirro is evaluating the Ducati as they get ready for Marquez to join in 2025.

This weekend, during the final race of the season at the Barcelona Grand Prix, Pirro completes a significant journey. He is competing on behalf of Rossi’s VR46 team, stepping in for the injured Fabio di Giannantonio.

Pirro expressed feeling a sense of pressure due to riding for Valentino Rossi's team, whom he considers the greatest rider of all time.

"I began my professional journey at Valentino."

"The initial occasion I tried out the Ducati, it was the same model that Valentino had previously ridden."

"My role is to assist Ducati. This is our final opportunity to test the 2023 bike and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses."

"I believe there aren't any! I plan to check it out. I'll compare it with the new bike next week to see if there's a difference."

This weekend, Pirro is set to take on the challenge of riding VR46’s GP23. It's been two and a half years since he last rode a year-old Ducati model.

During the postseason test on Tuesday, he will share insights from the previous year's bike with the new model as preparations intensify for the launch of the GP25.

Marquez is aiming for the GP25 to help him secure his ninth career championship, which would match the record held by his competitor, Rossi.

Pirro mentioned that there is a chance to return to using the previous motorcycle model due to the unavailability of suitable tires.

"Indeed, it's a competition, yet there's a chance to explore the contrast."

"We haven't had any tires available for testing, yet we've been able to handle the situation."

"In the competitions, Ducati has performed exceptionally well, which makes me very pleased."

When not busy testing for Ducati, Pirro competes in Superbike races. However, he emphasizes that the MotoGP bike is completely different.

"It's an entirely different experience! The braking capabilities and the aerodynamics are on a whole different level," he remarked.

The braking and aerodynamic system presents more challenges when trying to operate it at the maximum capacity.

"The weekend as a whole, particularly with World Superbikes, presents challenges. However, the main distinction lies in the intensity of MotoGP, especially when it comes to braking and accelerating."

"As you get older, you experience a decrease in physical strength. My approach to riding differs from that of the younger riders, which makes it challenging for someone my age."

At 38 years old, Pirro observes as a fresh wave of Ducati riders take on the motorcycle he initially began testing during a time when the manufacturer faced significant challenges following Rossi's departure.

He stated, "Age is the issue!"

"The aerodynamics have changed significantly compared to a decade ago or even five years ago."

Enhancing the speed, the stopping power, and the initial burst off the start line is a completely different scenario than it was before.

"It's refreshing to observe the younger cyclists and their unique approach to riding, with their bodies fully leaning away from the bike."

"I attempt to do this, but it's challenging. Sometimes, when I leave the house, my shoulder might dislocate!"

"This is the typical routine for athletes."

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

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Monaco's Formula 1 Grand Prix has been rescheduled to prevent overlapping with the Indy 500 following a £150 million agreement. The Monaco GP is set to stay on the F1 schedule until the year 2031, with changes ensuring no conflict with the Indy 500 starting in 2026.

The Monaco Grand Prix has secured its place on the Formula 1 schedule until 2031 by signing a new six-year deal valued at £150 million. Additionally, starting in 2026, the race will be scheduled so that it does not coincide with the Indy 500.

Since 1955, Monaco has consistently featured on the Formula 1 schedule, with its renowned street circuit frequently described as the 'jewel in the crown'.

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In recent years, the iconic street circuit has faced criticism due to its limited chances for overtaking, leading to unexciting races.

However, because of how Monte Carlo is designed, it is improbable that there will be major changes to the layout.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the contract extension is valued at over £150 million, with the organizers consenting to an annual payment of £25 million.

The Monaco Grand Prix is usually held on the final weekend of May.

Starting in 2026, the Monaco Grand Prix will take place on the first full weekend of June.

This signifies that it will no longer coincide with the Indy 500, scheduled for the end of May.

Regarding recent developments, CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, expressed his happiness by stating, "I'm thrilled that Formula 1 will keep racing in Monaco through 2031."

Monte Carlo's roads are distinctive, playing a legendary role in Formula 1, with the Monaco Grand Prix being a coveted victory for every driver.

I want to express my gratitude to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, who is the President of the Automobile Club of Monaco, and all the individuals who played a role in continuing this significant collaboration.

This deal marks the beginning of a fresh collaboration and inventive approach between Formula 1 and Monaco. The forward-thinking direction provided by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco will enable us to develop a more efficient schedule, easing logistical demands and lessening the environmental footprint of our worldwide Championship, as we progress towards achieving our Net Zero target by 2030.

Charles Leclerc claimed victory at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, starting from pole position and securing a win at his hometown race for the first time.

Possessing a keen awareness of F1's disputes and narratives, Connor plays a central role in ensuring our reporting remains impartial.

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Aleix Espargaro expressed his deep affection for Jorge by saying, "I care for Jorge as if he were my own child." He is "completely certain" that he has a chance to bid farewell to Aprilia with a victory. Espargaro emphasized that his main concern is Jorge's ability to achieve the championship.

Aleix Espargaro envisions an ideal outcome for the upcoming Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP final: achieving victory in his last race with Aprilia and witnessing Jorge Martin secure the world championship title.

Following a two-decade-long career in grand prix racing, local favorite Espargaro will step away from full-time competition on Sunday. He is set to embark on a new journey as a test rider with Honda.

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Espargaro could still compete in Catalunya as a wild-card entry, but this weekend marks the end of his eight-year tenure with Aprilia. It will likely be his last opportunity to secure a spot on a MotoGP podium.

Having clinched victories in three out of the past four races held in Barcelona, Espargaro is completely confident in his ability to contend for first place in both the Sprint and Sunday races.

"The previous time I visited, Thursday in Barcelona was quite an emotional day due to my retirement announcement during a press conference. However, starting Friday, everything felt like a typical weekend. This time, though, the weekend will be anything but ordinary," Espargaro stated.

The upcoming weekend holds significant importance. Clearly, this home track is my favorite place in the world. I am optimistic that we can gather substantial funds for the Valencia community and put on a great performance this Sunday.

The severe floods have led to the cancellation of the Valencia event, prompting a return to the track where Espargaro, back in May, established a new lap record to secure pole position, triumphed in the Sprint race, and finished fourth in the grand prix as the highest-placed non-Ducati rider.

He stated, "I've put more effort into preparing for the Grand Prix than ever before. My goal is to be competitive right from the start and to contend for the win."

Earlier this year at the first Barcelona Grand Prix, I was extremely focused, but this time around, it's a bit of a different story. This will be my final race riding the Aprilia, and I want to leave with no regrets. My goal is to enjoy the experience and keep a smile on my face. I'm going to give it my all to win, and regardless of the outcome, you'll see me smiling. I am aware that soon I'll be missing my mechanics and my Aprilia, so I want to make the most of it and have a good time.

Do you believe it is feasible to strive for a win?

"Absolutely, without a doubt."

This also applies to the Sunday race, despite Espargaro finishing ten seconds behind Francesco Bagnaia, who won the race in May.

Espargaro is more hopeful because the cooler weather allows him to use softer tires during the race.

"I feel assured since we competed using the hard tires back in May, and I anticipate we won't need them this weekend due to the cooler temperatures. I plan to opt for softer tire compounds."

"I was incredibly quick, setting a new lap record using the soft tire, and Michelin believes this tire can last an entire race. This gives me more confidence and makes me feel that our chances are better."

"Regardless, it will be incredibly challenging as the Ducatis have been performing exceptionally well over the past three months."

Among the airborne Ducatis is Espargaro's close friend and current world championship frontrunner Martin, who currently leads reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia by 24 points.

Martin has the opportunity to secure his inaugural MotoGP championship by either winning the Saturday Sprint or earning two more points than Bagnaia. If he doesn't achieve this, the championship decision will be postponed to the final grand prix on Sunday.

Espargaro expressed his deep affection for Jorge, saying he cares for him as if he were his own child and that his main concern is ensuring Jorge's success.

"Clearly, if he manages to perform well on Saturday, he might be able to assist me slightly on Sunday by not pushing as hard as they did in the previous races, where he and Pecco pulled away, leaving no opportunity for the others."

"If he secures the championship on Saturday, their team can approach Sunday's race with less pressure, giving us a better opportunity."

Imagine it comes down to Sunday, and Espargaro ends up in a battle against Martin.

"If I get the chance to contend for a win this Sunday, it would be incredible. However, considering that he's competing for the championship, my approach will have to be completely different."

"We'll have to wait and see. However, I really hope this turns out to be the issue!"

Next season, Martin is set to replace Espargaro and may carry the #1 plate, which gives Aprilia a strong incentive to support Martin's bid for the championship.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading coverage on the Suzuki departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Carlos Sainz refutes the idea that he would have been turned down by Red Bull, stating, "I would have a good relationship with him." He points out that his recent partnerships with Charles and Lando have been smooth, with no issues arising between them.

Carlos Sainz has refuted claims that his strained relationship with Max Verstappen was the reason he was not considered for a Red Bull seat in the 2025 F1 season.

Sainz was considered as a potential teammate for Verstappen in 2025, but Red Bull chose to extend Sergio Perez's contract instead.

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The Spanish driver was not considered by Mercedes when they were searching for someone to take Lewis Hamilton's place.

Sainz was left with several choices among the midfield teams and eventually decided to join Williams.

One reason for Red Bull's choice to turn down Sainz could be the friction that occurred in 2015 between his group and the Verstappen family at Toro Rosso.

The duo shared the track as teammates for a little more than a season until Verstappen was elevated to Red Bull in 2016.

Reports suggest that tensions arose within the team after an altercation between the two fathers, Carlos Sainz Sr and Jos Verstappen.

Sainz is confident that a decade later, both he and Verstappen have significantly grown and developed.

In an interview with the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, he expressed his belief that he would have a good rapport with him. "Back then, we were just 16 and 19, but we've grown up significantly since then," he noted.

At Toro Rosso, the approach is to place drivers in competition with one another, with the aim of determining who excels and earns a promotion to Red Bull. This is essentially the purpose of Toro Rosso.

"You don't travel there as a unit for the team's overall ranking, because if you did, the actions of the two drivers would be entirely different."

"With Charles and Lando, my two most recent teammates, there were no issues at all."

"If my connection with Max was the cause of not getting there, I would say everything would have been fine. If the choice was based only on that factor, it would just be incorrect, and I've already communicated this to them."

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is the driving force behind our objective reporting.

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Marc Marquez hints at his strategy for the season's final race by stating, "I don’t receive a bonus." Currently, Marquez is in fourth place as he approaches the Barcelona round.

Marc Marquez has expressed that securing third place in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship holds "no significance" for him, and he added that he "doesn't receive any extra compensation" for achieving that position.

As the season wraps up this weekend with the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, Marquez holds a narrow lead of one point over Enea Bastianini for the third position in the rankings.

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The competition is set to continue until the grand prix on Sunday. Bastianini, who is preparing for his final race with Ducati, mentioned on Thursday that securing third place in the rankings is "important" to him.

However, when Marquez was questioned about his viewpoint on Thursday, he stated, "Trust me, the third place doesn't matter at all."

"No, I don't receive any extra reward for finishing in third place. It doesn't matter to me at all. Perhaps there is something for Enea, but I'm not familiar with the details of his contract."

"For me, it doesn't matter at all. Can you recall who came in third place in 2022? Or in 2015? I took the third spot, yet no one seems to remember."

"Honestly, finishing in third place isn't going to have any impact on my life."

"The achievements I reached this year have transformed my life. In the most recent two races, I indeed had the speed, as I observed. I decided to take greater risks, thinking, ‘Alright, let's push the limits and see the outcome’."

"I took too many chances and ended up losing two races, falling in both consecutively."

"Let's find out what we can accomplish this weekend, though I've already met my objectives. It's more crucial to end things on a positive note for the team rather than focusing on myself."

This weekend's race, marking the 20th round of the season, will be Marquez's final appearance with the Gresini team. He is set to join the factory Ducati team next, taking over the spot left by Bastianini, who is moving to KTM.

After a challenging conclusion to his stint with Honda, Marquez found success again with Gresini, describing it as the "ideal family" that revitalized his MotoGP career.

"Last night, we had a heartfelt dinner, as Gresini has quickly become a crucial team in my career after just one season," he stated.

"I discovered an ideal environment for a fresh start, as people often mention on social media, to reignite my sense of competitiveness. I found the perfect family-like atmosphere, with my brother as a teammate and a team that consistently maintained their approach."

"The ideal way to express gratitude is by aiming for a successful race weekend and striving to conclude it on a positive note."

"However, as I mentioned to them last night, the future is always uncertain. This group is incredibly professional, and with them, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to."

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Lewis Hamilton honors Michael Schumacher, calling him a 'legend' in a heartfelt note.

"Their greatness, humility, and genuine nature speak volumes about Michael's principles more than I possibly could."

Lewis Hamilton has honored Michael Schumacher by sharing a heartfelt message, praising the German as a "legend" and an "inspiration."

Hamilton and Schumacher are the top drivers in Formula 1 history, each having secured seven world championships.

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At the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton matched Schumacher's record by securing his seventh championship title.

In the foreword of the new book titled ‘World Championship Cars – Michael Schumacher’, the present Mercedes driver praised Schumacher.

The book commemorates Schumacher's inaugural F1 championship win in 1994, marking the 30th anniversary of the achievement.

Hamilton expressed, "Michael is one of the iconic figures in our sport. Those who are passionate about motorsport from a young age often admire certain individuals, and there's no question that Michael served as an inspiration for aspiring drivers."

His quickness, strong work ethic, unwavering dedication, and consistent performance throughout his lengthy career are truly commendable.

He mentioned that regarding Michael's legacy, he prioritizes Michael's character over his achievements. It's not the accolades or victories that matter, but the family he built with Corinna.

"Their remarkable qualities, modesty, and genuine nature speak volumes about Michael's principles more than I could ever express."

In 2025, Hamilton aims to follow in Schumacher's footsteps by securing the world championship title while racing for Ferrari.

Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher achieved a remarkable feat by securing five of his seven championship titles while driving for the Scuderia, showcasing his dominance in

After Schumacher left, Kimi Raikkonen has been the sole driver to clinch a world championship title while racing for Ferrari.

In 2008, Felipe Massa was defeated by Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso came close to winning but fell short in both 2010 and 2012.

Sebastian Vettel was unsuccessful in surpassing Hamilton in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Connor is central to our impartial coverage, always tuned into the controversies and narratives of Formula 1.

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Honda outlines expectations for various track conditions in Barcelona.

"The extended right-hand turns result in significant wheel spin…"

This weekend's final MotoGP event in Barcelona is expected to have atypical conditions, yet Honda rider Luca Marini believes the circuit will remain "challenging" in terms of tire wear.

During this year's Catalan Grand Prix, which took place earlier in May, the ambient temperature reached 26°C. However, this weekend, temperatures are predicted to be in the mid to high teens.

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Marini commented that, in his view, the only difference the cooler temperatures make is that the track offers better grip.

"However, the track is quite tough on the tires due to its design; the lengthy right-hand turns cause a significant amount of spinning."

"However, having slightly better traction, easier braking, and increased speed on the straightaway with reduced temperature would be beneficial."

The question arises: Will this weekend mirror the events of the Catalan Grand Prix held in May?

"I'm not sure," Marini remarked. "It's hard to determine at the moment. What is certain is that it will improve grip for everyone, as many people are having significant issues with rear grip."

"In my view, this could work in our favor, particularly for Honda and Yamaha. We'll have to wait and see."

"Since the Grand Prix in Barcelona, our motorcycle has undergone significant changes. We'll evaluate whether we're making progress and assess the extent of the bike's improvements."

Due to severe flooding at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, the final round of the 2024 season had to be relocated from Valencia to Barcelona at the last minute. As a result, Michelin faced a delay in choosing the tire compounds for this race.

Marini expressed that it makes no difference to him. He stated, "It's not an issue whether they have to select the tires at the start of the season or not."

"I believe they did an excellent job this year, with the exception of the allocation for Sepang, which was unusual and not ideal. However, the arrangements for all the other races were flawless."

He mentioned, "I believe the weather outlook is excellent, and it seems we've been fortunate. In my view, Michelin has provided us with a great selection."

"We plan to utilize the dual compound for the front tire, as the left-hand turns—particularly turns two and five—tend to pose a challenge here."

"It will be intriguing to observe the performance of the soft compound front tomorrow morning. During practice, the hard compound with the double compound might prove to be an excellent choice for the race. This, in my opinion, is the most fascinating aspect."

Regarding the rear tyres, they are providing an exceptionally soft compound, which is the softest available throughout the season. It feels somewhat unusual to have such a soft tyre at the Barcelona track, known for being tough on tyres. However, achieving fast lap times with this setup is certain to be incredibly enjoyable.

Marini mentioned that he previously proposed that manufacturers be given greater flexibility in selecting their tyre allocations for each race.

He mentioned that he occasionally wonders whether it might be ideal for manufacturers to select their own tires.

"For instance, consider the volume or quantity, if that's feasible."

"The situation with the compounds is challenging. In my opinion, having only five medium compound fronts available is insufficient. This is the tire we know performs best or is the most manageable with just one compound. If the double compound doesn't perform well, we're forced to compromise FP1 by using a suboptimal tire, just to preserve more medium options. These medium tires are undoubtedly the most suitable for the current temperature conditions."

"From my perspective, this could be an effective solution, but they are resistant to making changes."

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

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Aleix Espargaro reflects on his departure from Aprilia in MotoGP, noting, "In recent times, we've claimed victory in three out of the last four races at this venue." As he prepares for his final race with Aprilia, Espargaro is determined to secure a podium finish, stating, "Our performance here has been remarkable."

Aleix Espargaro is aiming to recreate his impressive performance at Montmelo one last time as he prepares for his final race with Aprilia in MotoGP.

On Sunday, the well-known racer will officially conclude a 20-year career in grand prix racing at the rescheduled season finale in Barcelona. Following this, they will embark on a new phase as a test and wild-card rider for Honda.

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Since joining Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has been the standout rider on the RS-GP, achieving significant milestones like securing its first pole position, podium finish, race victory, and even leading the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's teammate, will put a stop to Espargaro's streak in 2024. Vinales will enter the final round with a 43-point lead over Espargaro, making it impossible for Espargaro to catch

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to have outpaced Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his flawless performance at the Circuit of the Americas. On the other hand, Espargaro might have posed a tighter challenge had he not been hindered by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

When looking at their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro holds the upper hand. Last season, he achieved flawless victories in both races. This year, in May, he secured the pole position and won the Sprint race, finishing fourth in the grand prix, 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Expectations are soaring for Espargaro to enhance his record with Aprilia, which currently includes 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint race victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, all as he gears up for his final weekend 'in black'.

Espargaro expressed that the Barcelona circuit feels like home to him, highlighting his fondness for it and its compatibility with both his and Aprilia's racing style.

"We've seen remarkable success recently, clinching victory in three of the past four races and setting a new track record. These achievements suggest that we have the potential to remain in the lead."

"I am eager to complete my final race with Aprilia in a strong position, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I plan to concentrate completely from the beginning and we'll put in our utmost effort to achieve a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team's director, commented that it would be a memorable moment to watch Aleix conclude his Aprilia journey at his local circuit in Montmeló, the place where he recently secured a pole position and a sprint race victory.

The positive development for Espargaro and Aprilia is that the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP in Sepang will not be a concern in Barcelona's cool autumn weather.

In contrast, the 2024 aerodynamic package seems to be less effective in the quicker turns at the Circuit de Catalunya. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez attracted attention while riding the 2023 model bike back in May.

In addition to his race this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin closely. Martin, who will be riding for Aprilia in 2025, has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati this Saturday.

In the meantime, the Barcelona MotoGP event, organized in support of solidarity, will serve as Vinales' last appearance with Aprilia before he moves to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following victories in the first three rounds, which included Sprint races, Vinales has not secured a podium finish since then. As a result, he has fallen behind Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder's KTMs in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

Vinales expressed his fondness for the Montmeló circuit, highlighting it as one of his favorite venues due to its proximity to his home. He noted that competing in his home Grand Prix always fills him with enthusiasm.

"The forecast indicates that the weather will be erratic, featuring cooler temperatures."

"This weekend is going to be quite unique: we'll be competing in Valencia, and it's also going to be my final race with Aprilia, so I'll put in my maximum effort."

Vinales has participated in 64 races with Aprilia, during which he secured one MotoGP victory, achieved wins in two Sprint events, reached the podium 13 times, and earned 2 pole positions.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes the sprint race setup: "MotoGP is not challenging enough"

Casey Stoner shares his opinion on the current MotoGP weekend structure.

Former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format, arguing that it artificially alters the dynamics of the grand prix races.

Last year, MotoGP implemented a new format featuring a sprint race on Saturdays at each event, and Francesco Bagnaia emerged as the 2023 champion.

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As we approach the season finale this weekend, Bagnaia is currently 24 points behind Jorge Martin. Despite this, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 Sunday races, while Martin has only managed to win three.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprint races might play a vital role in securing his inaugural championship title, provided he maintains his substantial lead. His victory in the Saturday sprint in Barcelona would officially crown him as the champion.

However, Stoner, who has won the championship twice, expressed to GPOne: "Motorsport is meant to showcase top riders on the most challenging vehicles to operate, but currently, MotoGP isn't challenging enough."

"The riders lack sufficient command over the motorcycle, largely due to the engineers having too much influence."

"They scheduled the sprint race, which cuts down the time available for drivers to focus on preparations for the longer race."

"It is not intended for a world championship to involve small-scale models; instead, it should be a test of endurance."

"It's similar to announcing a marathon and then declaring that running 10 laps isn't enough because a marathon is 43 kilometers long!"

"It is extremely demanding and challenging work. Therefore, we require consistency because the world championship is intended to be a long-distance competition."

"You need to consider the entire race distance rather than just rely on participants who excel briefly using the soft tyre."

“It is important to note that points should not be awarded for sprint races, as the main race on Sunday is when points are traditionally earned.”

"Preparing a bike for a race is quite challenging. It's essential to ensure that you can maintain concentration for the duration of the event."

"Currently, our emphasis is on a single lap, as it's crucial to advance past Q2 right from the initial practice session."

"This prevents everyone from focusing on race preparations and completing those tasks."

"I believe this explains why, on Sundays, there's often a significant gap between the riders, as not everyone is prepared to match the race pace."

Considering the advancements in electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated: "Overall, I believe that MotoGP bikes have become some of the simplest motorcycles to handle globally."

Casey Stoner claimed the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 while racing with Honda.

His win with Ducati turned out to be misleadingly hopeful for the brand. Over the following 15 years, they faced difficulties and failed to secure a championship title, even after bringing on board Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

In 2022, Bagnaia broke that streak, while Stoner has frequently criticized the modern technology used in MotoGP bikes.

He has criticized the format that's been in place for two years, which might help Martin win the championship over Bagnaia.

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

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Jorge Lorenzo's decisive opinion on the rivalry between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia

A detailed examination of the competition between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin by the two-time champion

Jorge Lorenzo has shared his thoughts on the championship showdown involving Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.

Pramac's Martin is ahead of factory Ducati rider Bagnaia by 24 points as they head into the final race of the season this weekend in Barcelona.

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Martin has the opportunity to claim his first title by defeating reigning champion Bagnaia, provided he secures victory in Saturday's sprint.

"Considering the current rankings, Martin has a stronger opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed until the very end," stated Lorenzo, a two-time MotoGP champion, in an interview with Motosprint.

Jorge would need to make numerous errors to lose the championship. He worked diligently with a sports psychologist to manage his enthusiasm, yet he still committed errors, similar to Bagnaia.

The world championship was marked by numerous errors, yet it appears to be Martin's season. I would be delighted if this turns out to be true, as he is an intelligent and gifted young man who certainly deserves to secure at least one MotoGP title.

"I can relate somewhat to Martin, as well as to Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo."

"Pecco and Jorge both have a tendency to lean significantly off their bikes, and Jorge, in particular, shares a burst of energy akin to mine, allowing him to accelerate quickly and distance himself from competitors."

"Martin and Pecco both maintain a steady and smooth performance once they take the lead, similar to how I used to be."

Marc Marquez, as an example, may not always be the most precise, but he possesses different strengths. He tends to be more detached, dynamic, and aggressive.

The final event of this weekend has been moved to Barcelona due to the deadly floods that hit Valencia.

Bagnaia stated that he would refrain from participating in Valencia due to the calamity, even if it meant losing the championship.

Lorenzo commended the champion's perspective, saying, "In the face of a disaster like what happened in Valencia, sports take a backseat."

"Expressing myself like Bagnaia did? I believe his message was well-received, and I think I could have done the same. Hats off to him, though, as he has shown himself to be quite a gentleman."

Bagnaia and Marquez will compete against each other for the last time before they come together as teammates for the factory Ducati squad in 2025.

Lorenzo mentioned that the outcome will be determined by the events that unfold during the race.

"If tension exists in that area, it will also affect things externally. However, if one is significantly quicker than the other, the issue won't occur."

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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One year after Marc Marquez's influential smile, he discusses how he has adjusted to riding a Ducati. Marc Marquez outlines the process of getting accustomed to his GP23.

Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin illuminated the MotoGP scene.

During the post-season test in Valencia, when he tried out the Ducati for the first time, his demeanor was incredibly telling and noticeably different from his recent behavior while riding his Honda.

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This weekend in Barcelona, Marquez will compete on the year-old Desmosedici for the final time before transitioning to Ducati's factory equipment as part of their official team in 2025.

Marquez shared with Motosan that the smile he had last year marked the beginning of his journey with Ducati. He explained, "It was more about finding inner peace, as making such a significant decision naturally comes with some uncertainties."

"Having ridden the same bicycle for a decade, I was uncertain about my ability to handle the Ducati."

"However, it's not that I doubted my abilities; if I had, I wouldn't have chosen to proceed."

"I was taken aback, as I was already feeling great from the first round."

"One of my key strengths as a cyclist is adjusting to the current circumstances."

"The potential for improvement varies, but I like to achieve peak performance as soon as possible."

In May, Marc Marquez showcased two of his finest performances of the MotoGP season at the Catalunya circuit. Astonishingly, he secured podium finishes twice, despite starting from 14th position. #MotoGP

Marquez described the process he underwent to transition from riding an underperforming Honda to mastering the GP23 Ducati. This particular Ducati model had clinched the championship the year before and is currently ranked just after the GP24.

He mentioned that the initial step is learning how to operate the motorcycle and then adjusting to it accordingly.

"There comes a time when you can no longer adjust, and you begin to focus on what is necessary to feel more at ease or identify where you are at the greatest disadvantage."

"Upon reaching that point, the technician and the rider start to establish a connection. This marks another shift in the process."

"When you approach those competitive times, you'll encounter your initial barrier, which is not very high and can be easily overcome."

"After that, you bypass it and begin focusing on more technical adjustments. I mentioned this in both Jerez and Austin."

"However, with each attempt, the barrier becomes taller; you keep trying to return, repeating this process until you find the solution and progress."

This season, Marquez has made a comeback to winning grand prix races, achieving three victories on Sundays.

With just one round remaining in the championship, he holds the third position, leading Enea Bastianini by a mere point.

Marquez has undoubtedly been the quickest among the four GP23 racers, securing him a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.

The next phase in his impressive ability to adapt involves getting used to improved Ducati machinery.

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

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