Jorge Martin described his standalone title as "remarkable, yet achievable once more." Last season, independent racers secured two of the top three positions in the MotoGP World Championship.

The principal of the Trackhouse team, Davide Brivio, believes that the chances of Jorge Martin securing another Independent MotoGP title are increasingly likely in the coming years.

Martin achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first racer since the 500cc era, when Valentino Rossi did it, to clinch the premier-class championship while not being part of an official factory team.

Similar to Rossi's situation in 2001, Martin was equipped with full factory-spec equipment at Pramac. Utilizing this advantage, he managed to surpass Francesco Bagnaia, the official Ducati rider and current champion, by a margin of ten points.

According to Brivio, who has previously secured MotoGP championships while leading factory teams at Yamaha and Suzuki, the pivotal element in the transformation of independent teams from mere participants to title contenders is the advanced equipment they now receive.

Following the Trackhouse team unveiling, Crash.net interviewed Brivio regarding the importance of Martin's championship win and the chances of seeing another Independent MotoGP champion.

Brivio started by saying, "Looking ahead, I believe it's increasingly feasible, as MotoGP is evolving in this regard."

"In previous years, the top factory teams were equipped with superior gear and had the most skilled riders."

"However, the situation is now leveling out considerably. In the past two or three years, nearly all Independent teams have been equipped with factory bikes, identical to those used by their corresponding factory teams."

"At Aprilia, we use the same motorcycle model as our factory team. Ducati has adopted this approach for several years, and now Yamaha and Honda have joined in as well. It seems that this strategy is becoming a trend across the board."

"Initially, the gear hasn't changed, and this situation wasn't occurring several years back. This is why Independent teams now have better opportunities."

This season, 19 out of the 22 racers will be using the most current factory-spec motorcycles.

However, riders like Franco Morbidelli, Alex Marquez, and Fermin Aldeguer still find solace in the fact that they are equipped with the championship-winning Ducati GP24 from the previous year.

Marc Marquez, who was racing on a year-old Desmosedici for the Gresini team, secured a position among the top three in the world championship last year, making it two Independent riders in those top spots.

In the ultimate top ten rankings, independent riders took the majority, with six satellite team members (Martin, M. Marquez, Acosta, A. Marquez, Morbidelli, di Giannantonio) compared to only four riders from factory teams (Bagnaia, Bastianini, Binder, Vinales).

Brivio explained: "It's also about identifying the right racer, possibly signing a skilled young competitor before they join a major factory team!"

"This is our challenge too, isn't it? For instance, Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura are exceptionally skilled riders. Over the next two years, we'll aim to provide them with top-notch equipment, and hopefully, we'll achieve the desired results."

The factory team, in our situation, includes Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, who are both formidable riders. However, we have the capability to compete against them.

Overall, I believe that it's possible for another Independent champion to emerge in the future.

"When observing other teams, you notice that for Honda, Zarco performed better than the official factory riders at the conclusion of last season."

"What occurred with Martin and Pramac is quite remarkable. However, I believe it could happen once more."

"This creates a new opportunity. Everyone now has access to the same gear, so the focus shifts to recruiting skilled riders, effectively managing them, and ensuring the team operates smoothly."

"I understand that it could occur once more. Perhaps our task is to ensure it does."

As Martin and Marquez transition to factory teams, Enea Bastianini, who finished fourth for Ducati Lenovo last season, is now the top-ranked rider for an Independent team in 2025, representing Tech3 KTM.

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Mercedes overlooked while Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's top competitors highlighted

Ferrari's main challengers identified for the 2025 Formula 1 season

The competing Formula 1 driver roster poised to challenge Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari has been pinpointed.

Mercedes, the team Hamilton has parted ways with following their iconic partnership, has been overlooked as forecasts emerge for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

McLaren's pair of drivers has been pinpointed as the primary challengers for Ferrari.

According to specialists, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri form the duo expected to be the main competitors against Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

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"According to Connor McDonagh on the Crash F1 podcast, the team has found a harmonious duo. He mentioned that Lando, despite facing some negative feedback, showcased speed and skills worthy of a champion."

As the season began, several mistakes were made, but by its conclusion, he was vastly superior to Oscar.

"McLaren's vehicle offers the most equilibrium, while Ferrari's excels in extended straight paths and sharp corners. McLaren holds a slight advantage."

"It's impossible to overlook these team-ups between drivers."

Uncertainties Surround Mercedes and Red Bull

Lewis Larkam stated: “Given their performance at the end of the last season, McLaren emerges as the initial front-runners as we head into the new season.

The team boasts a formidable duo of drivers who have proven their ability to collaborate effectively. Despite the confusion caused by team orders, they managed to emerge victorious.

The primary focus is on the team rosters. McLaren boasts a robust team, and while Ferrari was already competitive, their lineup has now improved further.

"Regarding Mercedes and Red Bull, uncertainties linger about Liam Lawson's potential performance."

"Kimi Antonelli has demonstrated remarkable speed, yet Mercedes has acknowledged they anticipate he will commit errors."

"Toto Wolff anticipates being extremely frustrated."

Conversely, when he succeeds, it promises to be quite remarkable.

"Taking into account the current scenario, it appears that McLaren and Ferrari hold the advantage regarding their selection of drivers."

"Hence, throughout the season, these two teams are expected to be the main contenders for the constructors' championship."

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Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia in Another Collision? "Crashes are Unwanted, but…"

Despite becoming factory Ducati teammates, Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez's strategies remain unchanged.

Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, the new teammates on Ducati's MotoGP factory team, have cautioned that similar incidents to last year's crash in Portimao could happen again in 2025.

In the final laps of the race, Marquez overtook Bagnaia at the entrance to the Turn 5 hairpin as they battled for fifth position.

As the Gresini racer veered a bit off course at the turn's peak, the Italian attempted to maneuver underneath. However, their paths intersected as they exited, causing both to crash.

Bagnaia had to withdraw immediately, and Marquez finished in 16th place, ending the race without earning any points.

In a YouTube interview titled 'Pecco & Marc Face to Face' by Ducati, the duo was questioned about whether becoming teammates would alter the way they compete against one another in scenarios such as the one in Portimao.

Bagnaia replied, "It varies, but for me, the answer is no."

"I agree," Marquez stated.

The eight-time world champion mentioned that situations like these are inevitable when competing at the highest level of racing.

"No one intends to crash or cause an accident. However, when we're pushing the boundaries, there's often a misunderstanding where you expect one action from the other person, and they expect something different from you. It's a case of differing expectations," Marquez explained.

"Neither of us earned any points, so it wasn't a positive experience!"

Following Maverick Vinales' withdrawal from second place, Bagnaia would have secured fifth position regardless of whether he overtook Marquez again.

The Italian pointed out that the points that slipped away in Portugal could have closed the ten-point gap to Jorge Martin in the ultimate world championship rankings.

"Consider this race; I came in fifth position, earning eleven points. That was sufficient for me to claim the championship!" exclaimed Bagnaia.

Last season saw more intense competition between Bagnaia and Marquez, with Portimao being just one instance. The two multi-champions clashed again, yet managed to stay upright, during an exhilarating race in Jerez where Bagnaia ultimately claimed victory.

According to some forecasts, Bagnaia and Marquez might compete fiercely for wins in each race this season, making more confrontations likely.

Keeping the team in a state of 'harmony'—a term chosen by Mauro Grassilli, the sporting director at Ducati, during the unveiling—might thus present a significant challenge.

Marquez emphasized that the laid-back environment of the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort offered an ideal opportunity for the new team members to build a connection.

Marquez explained that this approach promotes team cohesion, highlighting that at the racetrack, each rider is typically situated on opposite sides with their respective teams.

"It's the most effective method to foster a positive environment and maintain the excellence of the bike, which Ducati already exemplifies, but we must ensure it remains at that standard. This approach also helps in understanding one another and strengthening team cohesion."

Marquez and Bagnaia are set to ride their initial MotoGP laps of the season during the Sepang test, scheduled for February 5th through 7th.

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Lewis Hamilton evokes parallels to Michael Schumacher due to the crucial "human element" in achieving success.

"The significance of this hasn't waned over time, and I believe Hamilton is among the few capable of infusing such energy into the team."

F1 official Johnny Herbert has observed parallels between Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher regarding their ability to rally a team, highlighting the crucial role of the "human element".

Hamilton sets off on a fresh adventure with Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season, departing Mercedes after a 12-year stint.

This week marked the inaugural visit to Maranello for the seven-time world champion, who then proceeded to pilot Ferrari's 2023 Formula 1 contender on the track.

Hamilton is optimistic that his move to Ferrari will lead to an unprecedented eighth F1 championship victory.

Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher secured five out of his seven Formula 1 championships while with Ferrari, frequently praised for his skill in collaborating with the team on a personal level.

In a conversation with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert expressed his belief that Hamilton has the potential to emulate Schumacher's achievements.

"Herbert emphasized the significance of the feedback from the drivers, noting that despite the reliance on simulators and algorithms as primary tools for car development in recent years, the insights from the drivers remain crucial."

"Take Mercedes as an instance, where they faced significant challenges until they began to pay more attention to their drivers' feedback, which proved beneficial. It's critical to recognize the role of human input. A driver such as Hamilton possesses an exceptional talent for articulating the sensations of the car's performance and his anticipations of it."

"Michael Schumacher was the first person I observed accomplishing this task, ensuring that Rory Byrne, Ross Brawn, and Jean Todt were on the same page. He effectively communicated his expectations for the car, enabling them to work on their respective contributions. This was particularly important for Rory, the designer, as it equipped him with the necessary information to provide Michael with what he needed."

Hamilton possesses the capability to deliver significant impact at Ferrari

Despite encountering personal difficulties throughout 2024, the 40-year-old Hamilton is believed to retain the drive necessary to contend for the championship this year.

Ferrari has not clinched an F1 championship title since securing the constructors’ championship in 2008.

Over the past twenty years, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel were unable to secure a championship for Maranello, a fate Lewis Hamilton aims to alter during his tenure with the squad.

Herbert, who previously shared a team with Schumacher at Benetton, is sure

Hamilton is expected to greatly influence Ferrari.

"He emphasized the personal touch that Michael Schumacher brought to a team," he continued.

"Today, that remains significant, and I believe Hamilton is among those capable of delivering such strength to the team."

"There's no justification for Ferrari not to have enhanced their performance from the previous year. Granted, I understand that all the competitors are likely to make some progress, but that shouldn't stop Ferrari from doing so as well."

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Sean Dylan Kelly, who recently suffered an injury, shares news following a significant head scan. The MotoAmerica competitor shares a vital update after his accident.

Sean Dylan Kelly announced that the head scan results showed no issues.

A MotoAmerica racer was taken to the hospital following a frightening crash during practice.

Following a significant and unusual crash on his supermoto, he ended up with a neck brace and was hospitalized over the weekend.

Kelly has announced that the results of the head scan showed no issues.

"I’m grateful that all the medical examinations have turned out positively. I plan to rest for a few additional days, and then I will return to my usual activities."

"I am incredibly grateful to everyone for their overwhelming love and support. It truly means the world to me."

Last season, Kelly secured a fourth-place finish in the MotoAmerica Superbike category while riding for the TopPro BMW team.

He made a return after a challenging 2023 season plagued by injuries as a Moto2 competitor. Due to these injuries, he was dropped by American Racing halfway through the season.

Kelly is now able to anticipate getting back into action in the United States, even after his concerning accident during preseason training.

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Lando Norris is poised to challenge all competitors in the 2025 F1 season

McLaren's own Lando Norris has expressed confidence in his prospects for the F1 championship as the 2025 season approaches.

Lando Norris has announced his determination to compete fiercely with all contenders as he aims to secure his inaugural F1 world championship by 2025.

The driver from McLaren fell short in the 2024 world championship, ending up 63 points adrift of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining.

Following his most successful Formula 1 season yet, which contributed significantly to McLaren's capture of the constructors' world championship, the 25-year-old British driver, who secured four victories and eight pole positions, is focused on surpassing his achievements in the upcoming season.

"Coming to terms with the fact that 'it's over' is quite challenging," Norris explained to the BBC podcast F1: Back at Base.

Ever since I was young, this has been my passion, the only thing I've ever wanted to pursue. Thus, when that spark fades away and it all comes to an end, it's painful.

This past year, I've actually felt quite pleased with how I've conducted myself. I take pride in how I've managed to excel despite the challenges we've faced, achieving results whenever necessary.

"I've erred in my ways, yet concurrently, those errors have been significant learning experiences for me.

"Entering the upcoming year with the mindset of 'we possess the necessary qualities, we have a car'… I'm confident in my driving abilities and believe I have all that's required."

Heading into 2025, I feel thrilled about the extensive knowledge and improvements I've gained and am eager to face any challenges that come my way.

"In the past, self-assurance was a challenge for me, and it's only over the course of this season that I've managed to gather sufficient confidence to believe in my abilities as a driver capable of securing a championship next year. I'm ready to contend with anyone who challenges me for the title.”

McLaren Needs to Elevate Performance by 2025

After securing their first constructors' championship since 1998 and finishing the season with the top-performing vehicle, McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency.

"Believing that just because we secured the constructor championship, we automatically deserve it in the coming years would be extremely shortsighted," Stella mentioned on the same podcast.

"Earning this requires not only excelling in your role but also surpassing your achievements from 2024. It's crucial to explore the numerous chances we have to improve further."

We secured the 2024 constructors' title, yet our performance edge averaged merely 0.04%, with our points lead standing at 2%.

Amassing more than 666 points in a season implies that failing to improve next year could lead to experiencing a defeat.

"We aim to avoid any setbacks and maintain our streak of success, which means we must set higher goals moving forward."

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The F1 subreddit, hosting 4.8 million members, prohibits content from Twitter/X

A fresh strategy unveiled

A standalone subreddit dedicated to Formula 1 has sparked attention by introducing an audacious new strategy.

The r/formula1 subreddit has successfully established an impressive community consisting of 4.8 million members (referred to as drivers in this context…).

At present, it stands among the upper 1% of subreddits in terms of

"Beginning from today, content related to Twitter/X is prohibited on the r/formula1 subreddit," was announced on Wednesday.

"We strongly encourage all reporters, content creators, photographers, and figures associated with Formula 1 to equally share their works on different platforms."

They continued by clarifying: "For a considerable duration, this subreddit has enforced limitations on the types of content that are permissible to be shared.

The source rating system, which assesses the quality of news websites, remains in use today for the purpose of filtering out sensationalist and derivative content.

"Additionally, access restrictions on Instagram have been a hindrance due to its mandate for an account to browse posts. It's undeniable that Twitter's value as a source has diminished in recent years, characterized by the necessity to log in, the inundation of automated accounts, the emphasis on content from subscribers, and the amplification of provocative material."

"However, in contrast to news websites within our rating system, there wasn't a practical substitute for Twitter. Now, with the rise of feasible options and the discussion from yesterday's proposal indicating a community preference for these alternatives, we believe it's an opportune moment to experiment with the subreddit's functionality sans Twitter content."

It signifies an innovative approach to distributing Formula 1 material, excluding Elon Musk's X (previously Twitter).

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George Russell possesses everything necessary to guide Mercedes to an F1 championship after Lewis Hamilton's era. "In my opinion, George is the one. He has all the qualities needed to drive a team to victory in races and secure a championship. But is this the right moment for him to step up?"

Ex-F1 racer Johnny Herbert thinks George Russell possesses everything needed to take charge of Mercedes once Lewis Hamilton leaves.

In 2025, Russell will lead the Mercedes team along with 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has been chosen to take Hamilton's spot.

In what many consider his strongest season with Mercedes, Russell secured two victories in 2024 and consistently outperformed Hamilton.

In an interview with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert expressed his support for Russell as a potential leader for Mercedes in securing future F1 championships.

"According to him, with Mercedes having both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli under the guidance of Toto Wolff, it will be intriguing to watch who will ultimately prevail."

"I think George is the most likely candidate. He possesses all the qualities needed to guide a team to victory in races and to potentially secure a championship title. However, is this the right moment for him to take on that role?"

"Is this the ideal moment? Can it realistically happen this year? This might be their greatest chance due to the expected competitiveness of the races. With the races being tightly contested, they'll likely have chances to secure victories and aim for the championship."

"Looking ahead to 2026, the landscape changes entirely. It's a year shrouded in uncertainty, and it's up to a team to take charge and set the course. Mercedes has the potential to do just that."

What will the 2025 F1 season hold for Mercedes?

Mercedes might face difficulties again in the 2025 season.

They have found it challenging to understand the existing technical rules, resulting in varied performance levels.

Nonetheless, Herbert believes they might "catch people off guard."

"The unexpected standout of 2025 could be Mercedes, according to some observers. Although they have enjoyed success in the past, their recent performance hasn't been as strong," he commented.

"Although their performance has improved, it still falls short of expectations. Among all the teams, they are the ones who have not lived up to their potential. Now is the moment for them to realize the capabilities they have always possessed."

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SEE: Christian Horner Takes Red Bull F1 Vehicle for Its Maiden Spin

Observe as Christian Horner pilots a Red Bull F1 vehicle for his initial drive.

Red Bull has shared a video showcasing the moment their team leader, Christian Horner, took the wheel of one of their Formula 1 vehicles for the initial time.

Horner took control of the RB8, the vehicle Sebastian Vettel used to clinch the 2012 drivers' world championship, during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Over the same weekend, he also piloted the team's 2011 RB7.

Despite serving as the constant team principal of Red Bull since 2005, Horner had not yet had the chance to pilot one of the team's vehicles. His most recent experience in the driver's seat of an F1 vehicle dates back to 1993, during which he took a Lotus for a spin at Hethel.

On Wednesday, Red Bull unveiled fresh behind-the-scenes clips featuring Horner behind the wheel during a pre-Goodwood warm-up at Silverstone and also at the Festival of Speed.

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The event marked the 20th anniversary of Red Bull, and Horner took over the driving duties for Vettel, who was initially planned to be behind the wheel.

"I enjoyed it. This was my initial experience driving a Red Bull vehicle and definitely my first encounter using a hand clutch along with two pedals," he conveyed to journalists at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

"Sebastian Vettel was supposed to pilot one of the vehicles at this event, but he's vacationing with his family and couldn't attend Goodwood. Therefore, the team proposed that I take the wheel," Horner mentioned.

"I haven't been behind the wheel of a single-seater since 1998 or piloted a Formula One vehicle since 1993.

Yesterday, I had the chance to operate a vehicle equipped with a hand clutch and a brake controlled by the left foot. It was an incredible honor and privilege to be behind the wheel of such a remarkable car, one that has clinched championships.

The speed of these vehicles is astonishing, and the impact of aerodynamics on them is significant.

The most striking moment for me occurred during lift-off; it felt as if someone had tossed out an anchor.

"It resembles slamming on the brakes in a regular vehicle. Then, when you apply the brakes, you're fighting to prevent your chin from touching your chest. I found it so exhilarating that I overshot the pitlane and ended up taking another lap."

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Unveiled: Lewis Hamilton Marks His First Ferrari F1 Test Lap Time

Details emerge from Lewis Hamilton's initial Formula 1 testing session with Ferrari on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Lewis Hamilton made his much-anticipated first appearance on the track as a Ferrari F1 driver.

The seven-time world champion took Ferrari's 2023 Formula 1 car for a spin at the team's Fiorano testing circuit, aiding in his adjustment to his new team.

According to AutoRacer, his lap was clocked at a precise one minute per round. The report suggests that minor errors and chilly weather conditions affected his lap time.

Hamilton made his first appearance on the track at 9:16 am local time (8:16 GMT), navigating a wet circuit under foggy skies for an installation lap.

The British driver, aged 40, completed roughly 30 circuits in four sessions during the morning, achieving approximately 100 kilometers out of the maximum 1000 kilometers that current racers are permitted to undertake for their squads, according to Formula 1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) limitations.

Lewis Hamilton initially tested out Pirelli's 'Academy' tyres designed for wet conditions during a non-race weekend session, and then moved on to dry weather slick tyres for his last stint, completing roughly five laps.

Hamilton's control seemed compromised, experiencing multiple minor skids and veering off track during his first 10-lap stint.

Hamilton finished his running just after 11:00 local time (10:00 GMT) due to deteriorating weather conditions.

In the afternoon, Charles Leclerc, the team's new addition, stepped in to pilot the SF-23 during a session in the rain, later exciting the devoted fans by performing several donut maneuvers.

During the midday recess, Hamilton made his way to welcome the enthusiasts who had endured the chilly, gloomy weather to line up along the edge of the race track's boundary, eager for an initial look at their newly acclaimed idol and Ferrari’s latest high-profile acquisition.

Sky Sports News correspondent Craig Slater reported from the scene, stating that "thousands" of fans were present at the test event, which was officially held without any public admission.

The excitement around Hamilton's inaugural week with Ferrari, beginning with a Monday trip to the renowned Maranello base, allegedly set off a 'state of emergency' in the area.

On Wednesday, Hamilton's first trial would have offered him preliminary insights into Ferrari's Formula 1 vehicles and allowed him to understand the performance of the Ferrari engine.

Up until now, across his 18-year career in Formula 1, Hamilton had exclusively raced with Mercedes engines.

The day also provided Hamilton with the opportunity to familiarize himself with the team's operational procedures and establish a connection with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

Hamilton is authorized to undertake an additional 900 kilometers of driving in vintage Ferrari F1 vehicles. It's reported that Ferrari has reserved the Barcelona track for a subsequent TPC session with Hamilton towards this month's conclusion.

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Lewis Hamilton Speaks Out for the First Time After Driving a Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton Shares His Initial Thoughts on Driving a Ferrari for the First Time

Lewis Hamilton has shared his initial reactions after driving a Ferrari for the very first time.

On Wednesday in Italy, Hamilton took control of his new Formula 1 team's vehicle for the first time.

Following his inaugural 30-lap journey in the Ferrari, he shared his initial thoughts.

"Hamilton mentioned, "Throughout my career, I've had the fortune of experiencing numerous milestones, including my initial test, debut race, first podium finish, initial victory, and premier championship."

This morning, I had the exhilarating experience of driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time, and I must say, it was among the most incredible moments I've ever felt.

As I ignited the engine and maneuvered out of the garage, a broad grin spread across my face.

The experience took me back to when I first drove a Formula 1 car. That initial trial was thrilling and memorable. Now, nearly two decades later, I find myself reliving those same feelings.

Even before stepping in, it was evident to me how fervent the Ferrari clan is, encompassing all team members to the devoted Tifosi!

"Seeing it up close as a driver for Ferrari has been incredibly inspiring. The enthusiasm is deeply ingrained in them, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by it."

"I feel incredibly thankful for the warmth and affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's a significant amount of work ahead, but I'm eager to dive in."

A mother's affection is eternal! ❤️ At Lewis Hamilton’s initial Ferrari F1 trial, he was accompanied by his mother, Carmen 🫶 pic.twitter.com/OapqgNNU0r

New team member Charles Leclerc commented, "Returning to the car for the first time after the break is always exhilarating. It feels wonderful to be racing again and seeing the large number of supporters who came to cheer us on."

Experiencing the high enthusiasm around the team is truly inspiring. The day turned out well, despite a slight drizzle during my drive.

Certainly, it was delightful to witness Lewis taking his initial spins in a Ferrari, marking a memorable occasion both for him and the team. I'm now eagerly anticipating my return to the cockpit next week and am ready to put in the effort for the upcoming season.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed, "Every season, the initial outing on the race track always brings about a sense of nostalgia, akin to returning to school after a long break, and today was particularly sentimental as it marked Lewis’ inaugural day with our team.

Greeting a fresh face behind the wheel is consistently a significant occasion. Perhaps today didn't hold the same level of uniqueness for Charles, yet it was refreshing to observe him in good shape, at ease, and eager to return to the race track.

Regarding the technical aspects, Charles and Lewis navigated their circuits under less-than-ideal weather conditions, yet they managed to readjust and fully engage with the racetrack atmosphere in preparation for the upcoming official trial in Bahrain, scheduled for a month from now.

"The team in the garage used it as a practice session. That was their only intention for the day."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned a wide array of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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EXCLUSIVE – Brad Binder examines the unique way Pedro Acosta rides

"It's exciting to have him join as a teammate. He has a few skills that he does exceptionally well."

For his sixth season in MotoGP, Brad Binder will welcome a new teammate. Pedro Acosta, who was a standout rookie last year, is moving up to the factory Red Bull KTM squad, taking over the spot previously held by Jack Miller.

Acosta will join his fourth different MotoGP teammate in Binder, following previous partnerships with Pol Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Miller. However, Binder is the first teammate with a notable age gap, as Binder is 29 and Acosta is 20.

In earlier racing classes, I've worked with teammates who were younger than me, but moving into MotoGP, this will be the first experience of its kind, Binder mentioned to Crash.net. "Pol was a few years my senior, while Jack and Miguel are roughly my age."

"In any case, I'm eagerly anticipating it."

"Without a doubt, Jack has been a fantastic colleague, and I've really enjoyed working with him over the past few seasons. However, I believe Pedro offers a fresh dynamic to the team."

"His unique way of riding is impressive, and his methods are exceptionally precise. It's going to be exciting to have him on the team."

Binder achieved a milestone by securing KTM’s inaugural MotoGP victory in just his third race. This triumph occurred a year before Acosta made a sensational entry into the grand prix circuit, clinching the Moto3 championship as a rookie in 2021.

Last season, they encountered each other on the racing circuit when Acosta's advancement to the main KTM team for 2025 became almost inevitable, thanks to his achievement of five podium finishes and four Sprint podiums while with Tech3.

Binder achieved his only podium finishes during the initial round in Qatar. However, he managed to surpass Acosta, securing his position as KTM’s leading racer by finishing fifth in the overall world championship standings.

When asked to clarify what he meant by Acosta's unique way of riding, Binder elaborated:

"There are specific skills he excels at, especially when it comes to braking. He consistently knows just how far to push the limits without exceeding them and manages to bring the bike to a stop at precisely the same spot every time!"

"One remarkable aspect of his riding technique is how effectively he can maneuver the bike."

"I'll meet up with Jack outside of the racing environment."

Binder's aggressive and uncompromising approach during races is quite different from his relaxed and friendly demeanor when he's not on the track.

Similar to numerous other racers, the athlete from South Africa resides in Andorra throughout the European racing season, with Miller being one of his nearby residents.

Binder commented on the Australian's move to Pramac Yamaha, noting, "I might not see Jack as often at the MotoGP circuit, but I am confident that our relationship off the track will remain the same."

"When we're away, especially in Andorra, we often spend a lot of time together. Our homes are just about 300 to 400 meters apart, making it very convenient. I believe it will be exciting for him as well, offering a fresh experience and a new endeavor."

Beyond the allure of a MotoGP event, a rider's existence is largely governed by an unyielding schedule of training.

According to Binder, the simplest activity to engage in while in Andorra is cycling. "There's a small café nearby, and nearly every day, a group of four or five people is eager to go for a ride," he remarked.

A message simply appears in the group chat asking, "8 or 9 o'clock?" That's essentially the usual routine. The trail includes some incredibly steep ascents, which are awe-inspiring. It takes about an hour and a half to climb up, but only 20 minutes to return home!

"Competing in races involves a very narrow margin. It's a situation where you're either fully involved or not at all." Binder, who started competing on the world stage in his early teenage years, mentioned that he has never considered any alternative career paths outside of being a professional motorcycle racer.

"I'm almost certain, about 95%, that I'd be working in engineering alongside my father," he mentioned.

As kids, we always handled the maintenance of our bikes ourselves, and even now, I continue to do the basic tasks at home, such as replacing tires, brake pads, oil, and other similar things.

"It's the most significant activity I love doing outside of racing."

"Definitely, at some point in my professional journey, after my racing days have concluded, that will be my next focus."

In a similar vein, what is Binder's opinion on what sets apart riders who succeed in reaching MotoGP from other skilled young riders who do not make it?

"Indeed, it's quite a delicate balance," he responded.

Throughout the years, it's common to witness some young athletes dominate their competition when they first start. However, after a while, they seem to lose their way for a few seasons, and that's the end of their momentum.

"Motorsport is an all-or-nothing endeavor. There is no middle ground. You either succeed, or you need to look for a different career."

"It's crucial to ensure that any 'rough patches' you encounter—since everyone experiences them—are kept brief."

"If they continue for an extended period, the outcome is unpredictable."

Binder, who clinched the Moto3 World Championship title in 2016 and finished as the second-place competitor in the Moto2 category in 2019, is gearing up to begin his 14th year in grand prix racing, set to commence in Thailand

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For two decades, Peter has been present in the racing scene, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is now closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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