Luca Marini leads the way, with Valentino Rossi in 6th position and Michael Dunlop ranking 45th at Tavullia

Outcomes from the preliminary rounds at the 100km of Champions event hosted by Valentino Rossi

Luca Marini led the way during Thursday's practice session at Valentino Rossi’s 100km of Champions event.

Rossi's yearly antics are slated for Friday and Saturday; however, competitors from different leagues gathered a day in advance to train on the dirt track.

Marini, a standout rider for Honda in MotoGP, led the pack in the initial stages.

GPOne disclosed the sequence…

Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop, champions of the Isle of Man TT race, found themselves trailing at the end of their initial laps in Tavullia.

Pedro Acosta failed to clock in any time.

The Americana competition is scheduled for Friday evening.

In the previous year, Marini emerged as the winner in the Americana, which suggests a promising outlook for him once more.

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Yamaha brought on Jorge Lorenzo as a precautionary measure in case Valentino Rossi decided to pursue a career in Formula 1. The team was concerned about what would happen if Rossi chose to depart or abandon them.

One of the main reasons Yamaha decided to sign Jorge Lorenzo was their concern that Valentino Rossi might transition to a career in Formula 1.

Between 2004 and 2006, Rossi took the opportunity to try out Ferrari's Formula 1 cars. He has stated that during that time, Stefano Domenicali, who was in charge of Ferrari, was interested in having him change his athletic career to Formula 1.

At the age of 27, Rossi claims he received an opportunity to drive for Minardi, which used Ferrari engines in Formula 1, with the hope of eventually advancing to the prestigious Ferrari team.

Former Yamaha executive Lin Jarvis has confessed that the decision to bring Lorenzo on board was aimed at compensating for the departure of Rossi to Formula 1.

In a conversation with MotoGP World, Jarvis explained that when Vale joined, they secured victories in 2004 and again in 2005. However, following those initial triumphs, Valentino began to seriously contemplate a move to Formula 1.

"It was almost like Yamaha was getting reacquainted with MotoGP. We managed to secure wins in the first and second years, but then there was the question of what would happen if he decided to depart or abandon us?"

"We needed to find the next champion rider, take him under our wing, and develop his potential."

"In fact, Jorge began racing for our team in 2008, although we had signed a contract with him back in 2006!"

"We signed him on the condition that if Valentino made the switch to Formula 1, we would have our next top racer lined up, as it was clear to us that Lorenzo had a fierce competitive spirit."

Iconic Rivalry Between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

The period when Rossi and Lorenzo raced together for Yamaha was marked by a legendary conflict.

A partition was set up in the Yamaha garage to prevent the exchange of data, symbolizing the tense relationship between the parties involved.

In a well-known incident in 2015, Rossi accused Marc Marquez of being the reason he lost the championship, which was won by Lorenzo.

"Jarvis mentioned that when Jorge joined in 2008, he finished in third place in 2009, moved up to second place, and by 2010, he had become the champion."

"This posed a challenge for Valentino to come to terms with it."

Valentino decided to make a move and joined Ducati back then. The years 2011 and 2012 marked his transition to Ducati, which was the initial major change.

In the years 2011 and 2012, Valentino did not achieve success with Ducati, leading him to return to our team in 2013.

"The situation flipped. We welcomed Valentino back during the time when Jorge was reigning as the top figure."

"In a daring decision, Jorge ultimately chose to depart."

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Enea Bastianini parts ways with his longstanding MotoGP manager during a KTM turmoil

Tech3 KTM competitor aligns with London's MSM Group

Enea Bastianini, who has clinched victory in seven MotoGP races, has ended his partnership with his longstanding manager Carlo Pernat, opting to sign with the London-based agency MSM instead.

Bastianini stands out among the Italian riders in the top tier of racing, as he is not affiliated with the VR46 Academy and instead has had his career managed by Pernat up to this point.

In addition to managing Bastianini, Pernat has had a role in guiding the careers of notable riders such as Andrea Iannone and Loris Capirossi throughout his career.

On Friday, the London-based agency MSM revealed that it had secured Bastianini to join as part of its management team.

The cause behind Bastianini parting ways with Pernat remains unclear, with the seasoned manager currently at the age of 76.

Bastianini's prospects in MotoGP are currently in jeopardy due to KTM's financial troubles, which might lead to the brand leaving the series by 2026. This comes as a result of KTM's decision to enter self-administration at the end of last year as a step in its restructuring efforts.

Bastianini inked a long-term agreement with KTM to compete for Tech3 starting in 2025, after spending the past two seasons as a factory rider for Ducati.

The Italian racer will now be managed by MSM CEO Enrico Zanarini, who boasts a background in motorsport, having previously managed Formula 1 drivers such as Eddie Irvine and Giancarlo Fisichella.

"Zanarini expressed that Enea's commitment to performing at the peak of competition is in complete harmony with our goals."

"We are thrilled to back him in his quest for outstanding achievement."

Bastianini stated, "Collaborating with MSM signifies a fresh and optimistic chapter in my professional journey."

Leveraging MSM's proficiency and unwavering assistance, I am optimistic about our success, encompassing all aspects of performance, whether it's during competitions or behind the scenes.

"Entering the 2025 MotoGP season, my resolve to perform at the top of my game has never been stronger."

MSM boasts a broad roster of motorsport stars, including ex-F1 racers such as Jean Alesi, Daniil Kvyat, Jacques Villeneuve, and Antonio Giovinazzi.

The company also acts as legal representative for ex-MotoGP and World Superbike star Max Biaggi, in addition to F1 Academy racers Hamda Al Qubaisi and her sibling Amna.

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Exciting F1 2025 forecast is promising news for Fernando Alonso

Is Fernando Alonso's long-awaited 33rd victory on the horizon?

Fernando Alonso has gained some encouraging support, suggesting that his extended period without an F1 grand prix victory will conclude in 2025.

This year marks the beginning of Alonso's 21st season in Formula 1, having already competed in 400 grand prix races.

Since 2013, while racing for Ferrari, Alonso has not been able to increase his total of 32 grand prix victories.

Is Fernando Alonso set to clinch his 33rd Formula 1 victory in 2025? Experts suggest that the seasoned driver could achieve this milestone while competing for Aston Martin this year.

According to Lawrence Barretto on F1.com, consistently competing for victories or podium finishes would be a challenging goal. However, the team is expected to improve sufficiently so that on certain weekends, circumstances will favor double world champion Alonso, allowing him to demonstrate his enduring skill at the age of 43 and potentially achieve his first win since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.

At the beginning of 2023, it seemed as though Alonso's 33rd victory was becoming more likely.

During his first race with Aston Martin, he secured a podium finish at the season-opening event in Bahrain.

He managed to finish in the top three positions in six out of the first eight races of the season.

However, a victory never came to fruition, and Aston Martin has faced difficulties ever since.

In the previous year, Alonso didn't have many highlights on the track, with his best result being a fifth-place finish in Saudi Arabia.

The addition of Adrian Newey to the team in March 2025 marks a thrilling period for Aston Martin.

It's still uncertain if the brilliance of car designer Newey can influence this season's vehicle enough for Alonso to break his streak without a victory.

Newey's primary attention is directed towards the period starting in 2026 and the future, as that is when the new F1 regulations will be implemented.

Despite this, Aston Martin boasts a remarkable technical team that includes former Mercedes employee Andy Cowell and former Ferrari veteran Enrico Cardile, all working towards providing Alonso with the resources he requires.

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Aprilia encourages its MotoGP racers to share their thoughts: 'Occasionally, it's okay to express harsh words to one another'

Aprilia's chief executive shares a strategy for overcoming challenging times

Aprilia's Chief Executive Massimo Rivola has cautioned about challenging times on the horizon for MotoGP in 2025, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue among its racers, even if it involves harsh exchanges.

The Italian team has overhauled its roster for the upcoming season, welcoming reigning world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi to its squad.

In 2024, Aprilia achieved victory in a grand prix, but faced challenges with its RS-GP model as the season progressed, ultimately falling to third place in the rankings, trailing behind KTM and the winning brand, Ducati.

Martin has quickly worked to temper anticipations of defending his title in 2025 during his inaugural season with Aprilia.

In a recent backstage footage featured on MotoGP's official site, showcasing Martin and Bezzecchi's initial trial with Aprilia in November, Rivola also cautioned about the "challenging times" to come.

"He started his address to the entire Aprilia team, focusing on Martin and Bezzecchi, by saying, "We're going to face some challenging times, and some that are even more difficult."

"The solution to getting through these times is really straightforward: discuss everything."

"What's the progress like? At times, it's necessary to alter the way you communicate with one another."

"Occasionally, you might even find yourselves saying 'fuck off' to one another."

"No worries. The adrenaline surge will actually make things smoother for you."

"Our plan is to provide both of you with the optimal circumstances we can achieve, ensuring complete transparency and honesty without any manipulation or deceit."

It's important to recognize that you play a pivotal role in supporting numerous families who are employed by you, carrying this duty as part of your responsibilities.

Starting 2025, Aprilia welcomes not only new riders but also appoints Fabiano Sterlacchini, formerly associated with KTM and Ducati, as its new technical director.

He steps into the shoes of Romano Albesiano, who has transitioned to the position of technical director at Honda. This move comes after Aleix Espargaro made the switch from Aprilia to the Japanese brand, having joined as its test rider.

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In 2025, three prominent F1 racers are confronted with significant queries to address.

It

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell, who are among the leading figures in Formula 1, each have something to demonstrate.

Following a season of mixed outcomes, uncertainty looms over all three as they approach the upcoming Formula 1 campaign.

As 2025 approaches, marking a crucial year for the trio, the question remains: will they be able to silence their critics with their actions?

Is Lewis Hamilton Capable of Overcoming Qualifying Decline?

For someone of his caliber, Hamilton experienced a forgettable year in 2024.

Despite clinching victories in two races and breaking a 945-day winless streak with an outstanding performance at Silverstone, the seven-time world champion ended the season in seventh place in the championship rankings, marking the lowest finish in his remarkable 18-year career.

Hamilton's last season at Mercedes didn't unfold as expected, with his teammate Russell significantly outperforming him in the qualifying rounds, leading to a decisive 19-5 loss for Hamilton. Russell also dominated on race days, securing a comfortable victory.

As Hamilton approaches 2025, the primary concerns revolve around his speed in single laps. Once considered his strongest suit, lackluster performances during the 2024 qualifiers have led Hamilton, who holds the record for the most pole positions in F1 history, to question if he's lost a bit of his sharpness.

Transitioning to Ferrari, Hamilton confronts a significant obstacle as he must not only adjust to a different team and vehicle after a dozen years with Mercedes but also compete with Charles Leclerc, who is considered by many to be the quickest driver in a single lap.

Will the 40-year-old be able to prove wrong those doubting that he's beyond his prime? In 2025, Hamilton faces a significant challenge at Ferrari.

Has Lando Norris proven he can clinch an F1 championship?

Last season, Norris silenced numerous skeptics by showcasing his talent, positioning himself as the main competitor to Max Verstappen for the championship title.

The year 2024 will be remembered as Norris's most successful season in Formula 1 to date. He overcame his 'Lando NoWins' moniker by securing his first win in Miami, followed by three more remarkable victories, leading him to finish second in the championship, right behind Verstappen.

Despite being 25 years old, the British racer has much to demonstrate as 2025 approaches, notably his ability to address errors and vie for championship honors throughout a full season. Doubts remain about his psychological toughness as well, as Norris often berates himself for what he considers substandard performances—a trait some commentators view as a vulnerability.

Norris's aspirations for his first world championship were thwarted as McLaren began the season at a disadvantage, leading to Norris falling behind Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining. Norris conceded that errors were made by both himself and McLaren in the previous year and confessed he “wasn’t ready” to compete directly against the seemingly unstoppable Verstappen.

In 2024, McLaren emerged as the leading team, securing their first constructors’ world championship in over two decades. As they head into the upcoming season, they're viewed as the top contenders. With expectations high, Norris is anticipated to have a vehicle that's competitive right from the start, provided the Woking-based team continues to perform at their current level.

It's yet to be determined if Norris has what it takes to consistently challenge Verstappen throughout a 24-race season. However, he's not short on self-belief, confidently declaring after his victory at the Abu Dhabi final: "Next year is going to be my year as well."

Could George Russell emerge as the frontrunner for Mercedes?

Russell’s inclusion on this roster might catch some off guard, especially considering his remarkably successful 2024 season and his notable achievements when pitted against his esteemed (ex) teammate at Mercedes, Hamilton.

Nonetheless, Russell faces ongoing expectations to excel. As the assumed lead driver for Mercedes, he is tasked with propelling the team ahead into the future without Hamilton, working alongside the young newcomer, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is entering the upcoming season without a contract for 2026, placing his future in uncertainty. Despite Mercedes leader Toto Wolff affirming Russell and Antonelli as the team's long-term prospects, Wolff has also indicated his willingness to bring Verstappen on board if the chance presents itself.

Wolff, having previously missed the chance to sign Verstappen, is determined not to let a similar opportunity pass by again. Consequently, Russell must maintain his peak performance to deter Wolff from persisting in his efforts to attract Verstappen.

Struggling to decisively outperform Mercedes talent Antonelli right from the start could raise some concerns for Wolff, and might put Russell at risk of being replaced – a scenario that appears highly unlikely right now.

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Max Verstappen insists his threat to exit Red Bull was genuine, following the removal of a clause linked to Helmut Marko.

Max Verstappen insists his threat to walk away from Red Bull during the previous F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix "wasn't just talk."

The future of the Dutch racer turned into a hot topic of discussion and conjecture following the controversy involving Red Bull team leader Christian Horner and the ensuing internal discord among the team members at the beginning of the previous year.

Verstappen, bound by an agreement with Red Bull until 2028's conclusion, caught the attention of Mercedes' team leader Toto Wolff, who expressed interest in him as a potential successor after the surprising announcement of Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari.

During the season's second race in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen hinted at exiting Red Bull should his close confidant and advisor, Helmut Marko, also depart.

Verstappen's remarks intensified speculation about a division, but he subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to stay with Red Bull following his fourth consecutive world championship victory with the squad.

Nevertheless, during a conversation with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen clarified that his remarks made in Jeddah were intentional.

Verstappen expressed, "I believe I was clear in expressing my views on the matter. It was also significant for me to convey those thoughts when I did. My words were sincere, not a mere pretense. The team is well aware of this as well."

Verstappen acknowledged that he was not entirely comfortable with the current developments at Red Bull but emphasized that he would not have made a hasty decision.

"When asked if I had any uncertainties regarding my continued association with Red Bull at that point, I must admit, my confidence wasn't at its peak," he elaborated. "There were numerous factors at play."

"However, at the same time, I don't believe in the notion that the moment something isn't right, you can simply declare: I'm out of here. That's not who I am."

Clause linked to Marko eliminated

Verstappen's career prospects were previously bound to Marko due to a departure clause that was part of his agreement.

Marko disclosed to De Telegraaf that the clause in question has been either modified or eliminated.

Red Bull's team leader, Horner, confirmed to Autosport that there has always been confidence in Verstappen's dedication, even amidst last season's rumors.

"His dedication has remained steadfast," Horner stated. "He takes pleasure in the company of those he trusts and collaborates with, and he truly appreciates being a member of this team.

Certainly, given his exceptional skills, it's natural for him to be highly sought after by every team leader, especially around the holiday season. However, as long as we manage to supply him with a car that's up to par and create an atmosphere that he finds pleasure in competing within, I believe there's no reason for him to look for opportunities elsewhere.

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Did concerns over reputation lead Red Bull to dismiss Yuki Tsunoda?

Yuki Tsunoda recognizes potential reason behind Red Bull's decision to exclude him from F1 in 2025.

Yuki Tsunoda has acknowledged that his debut season in Formula 1 resulted in a perception issue, potentially causing him to be passed over for a position with Red Bull.

The 24-year-old racer from Japan was overlooked by Red Bull, opting instead for Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson to join world champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 racing season after choosing to part ways with Sergio Perez.

Despite participating in just 11 Grand Prix events across two seasons and not clearly surpassing Tsunoda in performance while they were teammates at Red Bull's affiliate team, Lawson was still chosen.

Tsunoda, entering his fifth season with Racing Bulls, believes his prospects of moving up to the main team were negatively impacted by his frequent emotional reactions over the team radio, a pattern that emerged during his inaugural F1 season in 2021.

"Tsunoda admitted to Motorsport that he believes some of the blame falls on him due to his inability to deliver top performances from the get-go in his first year, which has shaped perceptions about his capabilities."

"In 2024, despite my strong performance, I believe I didn't receive as much recognition as some other drivers, but that's just how things are. My approach is to simply continue with my efforts and excel, proving any doubters wrong."

"I strive to minimize their justifications or explanations for why I'm not in the position. Therefore, I concentrate on the aspects within my control and beyond that, I simply embrace the circumstances. I believe I can perform better than their expectations."

Tsunoda feels that he has made significant efforts to enhance his temperament over the past few years.

He mentioned that his ability to communicate, especially his use of language over the radio, has gotten better. He also noted an increase in calmness, the quality of technical feedback, and a higher level of focus.

"I've certainly noticed progress over the course of the year, and it pleases me greatly. The area that requires further enhancement is the technical feedback, particularly the extent of feedback that can be provided during a race. I believe I can contribute more in this aspect, and at times, it lacks consistency."

Maintaining a steady level of performance proved to be a challenge for us. There are instances where, despite delivering a solid performance personally, the car's performance doesn't necessarily match up. However, I'm quite satisfied with the level of consistency we've achieved. I often reflect on how I could have improved in a few races, yet it's clear that I've managed to maintain a reliable level of performance.

"I began on a strong note, consistently scoring points due in part to the car's solid performance. However, there came a time when we struggled to enhance our car through upgrades, and as a result, Haas among other rivals began to surpass our car in terms of performance."

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's advisor, hinted that Tsunoda's tendency to have emotional reactions played a part in the choice to elevate Lawson over him.

Discussing the decision not to choose Tsunoda over Lawson for Red Bull, Marko explained to Sport that although Tsunoda currently exhibits greater speed, his performance is marred by a lack of steadiness and ongoing errors.

"His episodes of rage have significantly diminished but still pose a problem. He struggles to maintain control," the 81-year-old from Austria noted.

"Our view is that Tsunoda would face considerable psychological difficulties if he came to the understanding, while competing against Max, that he was unable to surpass him or perhaps even struggle to match his performance, realizing that the situation was not unfolding as he had previously envisioned."

Tsunoda's prospects after 2025 remain unclear, as Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, has acknowledged that Tsunoda might depart from the squad's roster of drivers.

"Frankly, the opinions on social media don't concern me much, as those expressing them aren't fully aware of the situation," Tsunoda mentioned.

What truly counts is the team's opinion of me, and I genuinely sense a strong backing from them. They've been understanding about each race's outcomes, and without a doubt, I've received a significant amount of trust from them. This is what's most important, and I deeply value their support.

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Lewis Hamilton provides a sneak peek into his readiness for the 2025 F1 season with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is already gearing up for his 2025 debut in Formula 1 with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude towards fans for their birthday greetings on social media, stating that he is "diligently preparing" for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season.

Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday on Tuesday, gearing up for the upcoming F1 season with Ferrari.

In 2025, Hamilton will embark on a new chapter of his career, joining the ranks of F1's most decorated team following his departure from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion aims to set a new record with the Scuderia, as no driver aged 40 has secured a Formula 1 Grand Prix victory since Nigel Mansell achieved the feat in 1994.

Hamilton expressed his gratitude to his supporters for the birthday wishes they sent, using his Instagram story

He shared a photo of him snowboarding, accompanied by a message that read: "Completed another orbit around the sun. Appreciate all the birthday wishes. Deep in work mode already. Will catch up shortly."

Hamilton is anticipated to make an informal debut with Ferrari later this month, driving a model from a previous year.

Ferrari is eager to have Hamilton pilot their 2022 contender, aiming to accelerate his preparation before the upcoming pre-season test in Bahrain next month.

Hamilton couldn't participate in the off-season testing in Abu Dhabi with Ferrari because of existing contractual obligations with Mercedes.

This implies that Hamilton is at a slight disadvantage at the start of the year as he gets acquainted with Ferrari's operations, familiarizes himself with the controls on the steering wheel, and builds rapport with his new engineering team.

Questions arise over Ferrari's choice to swap Sainz with Hamilton

Hamilton's performance in 2024 has led to doubts concerning Ferrari's choice to substitute Carlos Sainz with him.

Hamilton's last season at Mercedes proved challenging, as he faced difficulties throughout most of the year.

Despite breaking his winless streak at the British Grand Prix, George Russell had the advantage over Hamilton for most of the year.

Hamilton's performance has declined to the point where he has conceded that he no longer possesses the speed he once had.

In the downtime, Alpine consultant Flavio Briatore and former F1 team leader Eddie Jordan expressed their preference for retaining Sainz to partner with Charles Leclerc, instead of acquiring Hamilton.

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EXCLUSIVE: MotoGP's Latest Team Aims to Distinguish Itself from Major Manufacturers

Lewis Duncan of Crash.net interviews Davide Brivio to explore Trackhouse Racing's ambitions and strategy.

The Trackhouse team, led by Justin Mark, aims for more than merely participating; it was already clinching victories in the NASCAR Cup Series by its second year in 2022.

In a historic motorsport moment destined to be replayed in highlight reels, Ross Chastain secured the last spot in the championship playoffs by executing a wallride maneuver that propelled him from 10th to 5th place at the finish line in Martinsville.

The squad, which has international music icon Pitbull as a partial owner, arrived at the 2023 Chicago street race featuring Supercars legend Shane Van Gisbergen, who emerged victorious in his first NASCAR appearance.

Several months down the line, Trackhouse made an unexpected decision by declaring its intention to join the MotoGP World Championship in 2024. Marks had been considering this step for some time. However, the disbandment of the RNF team, following the sale by its main sponsor CryptoDATA, which left both the team and MotoGP in a bind, presented Trackhouse with an irresistible opportunity.

The organization assumed control of RNF's operations, rebranded the entity, enhanced its relationship with Aprilia, and introduced a team owned by Americans to the MotoGP lineup.

During its debut season in the top-tier category, the team secured its first sprint race podium in Germany, thanks to Miguel Oliveira, who is set to join Pramac Yamaha in 2025. Raul Fernandez achieved a sixth-place finish at the Catalan Grand Prix, marking the team's best Sunday performance of the season, just a day after he fell while leading the sprint race.

In other aspects, Trackhouse managed to secure ninth place in the team standings, outperforming only the underperforming Honda teams. Oliveira's injury negatively impacted the latter part of the season, and Fernandez faced challenges after transitioning mid-season from the RS-GP23 to the evidently inferior RS-GP24, leaving him struggling throughout the remainder of the season.

Davide Brivio discusses Trackhouse's aspirations in MotoGP

Although Americans are often seen as bold and extravagant, Trackhouse's first appearance in MotoGP wasn't quite as attention-grabbing on the racetrack.

Away from the public eye, Trackhouse created quite a buzz. They recruited Davide Brivio, a former team manager for Yamaha and Suzuki, who had been with Alpine from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, they executed one of the most surprising signings during the silly season.

An American-owned racing team seemed poised to bring the first full-time American MotoGP rider since 2015 into the spotlight. However, Joe Roberts ended up without a position after the dust settled. Initially, there were speculations about Jack Miller and Sergio Garcia, but ultimately Ai Ogura was chosen, securing a two-year deal.

By this stage, the Japanese competitor was having an impressive season, securing two victories despite an injury that kept him out of the Austrian GP. His absence did not hinder his progress. He clinched a third victory at Misano, and his steady performance, combined with teammate Garcia's difficulties after being turned down for MotoGP, positioned him as a strong contender for the Moto2 championship. When he claimed the title at the Thai Grand Prix, the 2025 contract he had with Trackhouse proved to be a wise decision.

Looking back on his inaugural year leading Trackhouse, Brivio tells Crash, "We owe a big thank you to Ai for helping us make the right decision by winning the championship!"

The unexpected aspect of Ogura's contract with Trackhouse was not the team's decision to partner a Japanese rider with a Spaniard rather than selecting an American for one of the RS-GPs. It was surprising that Ogura was even available in the market to begin with.

Honda had been eagerly anticipating Ogura's interest in joining MotoGP, yet the team's lackluster performance in recent seasons made him hesitant. His decision to leave the Honda Team Asia project for the 2024 season in Moto2 indicated that Ogura was carefully considering his best path to advance to the premier class, rather than opting for the simplest one. Brivio noted this deliberation in Ogura's approach as memorable.

Brivio expressed that in Ai, they observed a true warrior, someone who is persistent and resilient. Even if he starts off poorly, he manages to persevere and bounce back.

His approach to riding might serve as a solid foundation for developing a MotoGP riding technique.

"We also appreciate his demeanor; he appears to be someone who is highly dedicated and concentrated on his tasks—a diligent and earnest worker. These are just some of the qualities we admire."

Ogura's relaxed attitude towards racing was clear during his initial MotoGP test in Barcelona last November. Many newcomers usually discuss how carbon fiber brakes differ from the steel brakes used in Moto2.

For Ogura, it wasn't exactly a dramatic experience. The intense pace of MotoGP bikes also didn't catch him off guard as much as he had anticipated.

Is Ai Ogura the next big star like Maverick Vinales or Joan Mir? The rich legacy of Japanese riders in MotoGP is something Ogura will constantly encounter each time he races. Although Takaaki Nakagami has been representing Japan since 2018, Ogura is seen as the first Japanese talent in recent years with the promise to achieve something remarkable.

Trackhouse is aware of this, but it's reasonable that the expectations for his first year are kept modest.

Brivio, who has a history of supporting promising young individuals and recognizing what they require to succeed, will take care of that.

At Suzuki, he selected Maverick Vinales directly from Moto2 to join the team for its re-entry into MotoGP in 2015. By the following year, Vinales had begun winning races. However, the plan to develop him as a "Suzuki rider," as Brivio described, did not materialize as expected when Yamaha signed Vinales for the 2017 season. Nonetheless, Brivio successfully shaped Alex Rins into a rider capable of winning multiple races, and Joan Mir achieved Suzuki's first world championship in two decades in 2020.

According to Brivio, Suzuki's circumstances arose out of necessity. He openly acknowledges that, despite not being a brand-new manufacturer, they were essentially starting fresh with a new project. At that time, it was challenging to gain the trust of top riders. Therefore, for various reasons, they opted to focus on a project involving young riders.

However, Brivio takes pleasure in nurturing young racers. With Trackhouse, he is moving forward in this direction.

Brivio explains that Trackhouse reached a stage where they felt the need to take action, considering future prospects as well. He mentions that making a decision was challenging, particularly when it came to Miguel, about whom they have no complaints.

"His actions and conduct within the team were outstanding. The decision was purely based on the concept of a new project and had nothing to do with the individual riders personally."

Ogura is a newcomer, and Raul, despite his youth, is believed to possess considerable talent that remains untapped. He shows promise, being young and about to enter his fourth season in MotoGP.

“We decided to entrust him with leading the team, and now it’s up to him to prove himself. Time will tell if he succeeds.”

"It's a venture. Raul, despite his youth, has considerable experience; Ai, although new, shows promise, as they both aim to establish something lasting for Trackhouse in the upcoming years."

Could Trackhouse's strategy face challenges?

One clear risk of nurturing young talent is that these rising stars often become targets for competing teams. Brivio encountered this when Vinales was at Suzuki, and Joan Mir received proposals from Ducati, though he chose to remain with Suzuki. It's difficult to foresee what decision a rider will ultimately make.

Brivio is aware that by 2027, Ogura might receive enticing offers from manufacturers that could be difficult for him to turn down.

However, Trackhouse stands apart from many satellite organizations as it does not aim to serve as a development ground. Inspired by Pramac's success, which showcased exceptional talent in Jorge Martin and leveraged its partnership with Ducati to clinch the 2022 championship, Trackhouse aspires to become an equally appealing venue.

Brivio expresses that their objective isn’t to develop riders specifically for a factory team. However, he acknowledges the inherent risk, as all riders currently aspire to join a factory team. The wisdom of such a decision varies depending on the circumstances.

"One challenge we might want to tackle is attempting to improve an independent team to the point where a rider faces a tough decision about whether to stay or leave."

"We are fully conscious of the potential danger. We understand that if Ai performs well, there's a possibility that in 2027, someone might attempt to recruit him."

"The task at hand is to ensure he stays with us, to make him content, and to provide him with a competitive bike that delivers strong results, all in the hope of retaining him. The current situation with Pramac is quite intriguing, as they are in contention for the championship. I believe that if Pramac clinches the championship, it might encourage the riders to be more thoughtful."

"Consider whether it's preferable to be part of an independent team with a reliable bike or to join a factory team that may not have a clear future. I'm pleased with Pramac's performance."

I told Paolo Campinoti, "You're carrying the aspirations of all the independent teams on your shoulders, as we see you as a benchmark for what such a team can achieve." I am optimistic that going forward, the gap between factory and independent teams will narrow, particularly since we are entering a phase where manufacturers are starting to treat independent teams on par with the factory ones.

"Aprilia is set to have four factory motorcycles, and the same goes for KTM. Honda already has four factory bikes, while Yamaha will also feature four. Essentially, aside from possibly Ducati, there will be no outdated bikes on the grid. This change is likely to reduce the gap between factory and independent teams, and it will be interesting to observe this shift in balance moving forward."

Trackhouse introduces new team members with the phrase 'Welcome to the House.' This reflects its goals, inspired by Pramac, to create a setting where its riders feel comfortable and eager to remain for the long term.

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Insights into Loic Serra's adjustments to Ferrari aimed at addressing Lewis Hamilton's shortcomings

Information surfaces on Ferrari's strategy for their 2025 Formula 1 vehicle…

The recent addition of Loic Serra to the Ferrari team is significantly impacting the development of Ferrari's 2025 race car, potentially leading to a resurgence in Lewis Hamilton's career.

Motorsport.it reports that Serra has concentrated his efforts on the suspension system of the new Ferrari, specifically its connection with the Pirelli tyres.

During their 2024 season, Ferrari encountered a challenge with their tyres being more durable than those of their competitors.

This led to Ferrari frequently experiencing significant wear on their tires, especially the rear ones, during the races.

However, it was accompanied by a significant drawback: their speed during the qualifiers.

In their quest to reclaim the championship title, Ferrari must prioritize enhancing their performance in qualifying rounds, especially considering the formidable competition expected from McLaren and Red Bull.

According to the document, Serra, a recent transfer to Ferrari from Mercedes, is focusing on several components related to the suspension, including torsion bars and shock absorbers, aiming to enhance the vehicle's performance in relation to the delicate Pirelli tyres.

Ferrari is focused on achieving a harmonious equilibrium between their one-lap speed and overall race performance, having shown remarkable strength in quick rounds in 2023, yet facing difficulties in maintaining that momentum a year on.

Throughout the previous year, it was consistently observed that Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz faced challenges, particularly in the initial sector, due to problems with getting their tyres up to the correct temperature. Additionally, they frequently experienced difficulties towards the lap's conclusion as a result of overheating their tyres.

Hamilton's transition to Ferrari is seen as a positive step, aiming to enhance their qualifying performance.

In 2024, the most noticeable shortfall in Hamilton's performance was in qualifying rounds, where he was outperformed by George Russell, with a score of 19–5 in Russell's favor.

Ferrari prepares for Hamilton's initial test drive

Hamilton is anticipated to take the 2025 Ferrari F1 vehicle for its first spin on February 19, after the team's unveiling.

Prior to that, he plans to pilot the 2022 Ferrari model during multiple test runs to familiarize himself with his new engineering team before the testing period in late February.

Reports indicate that Ferrari has modified the driver's seat placement for the next season to facilitate Hamilton's transition.

Moreover, as highlighted in the previously mentioned report, modifications have been implemented on the gearbox's carbon box, enhancing its adaptability in terms of weight distribution.

Under Serra's direction, Ferrari is eager to break their Formula 1 championship dry spell that has been ongoing since 2008.

Ferrari just fell short of clinching the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' championship, ending up 13 points adrift of McLaren.

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Formula 1 analyst criticizes "narrow-minded" remarks about Lewis Hamilton

"It's somewhat narrow-minded to claim it doesn't impact a driver's performance."

Formula 1 television analyst James Hinchcliffe anticipates that Lewis Hamilton will feel revitalized while racing for Ferrari in 2025, labeling any negative comments about the seven-time world champion as lacking foresight.

In his last season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced difficulties, especially with their performance in qualifying sessions.

At age 40, he succeeded in qualifying ahead of George Russell only five times, which was just the second instance in his Formula 1 career where he was outperformed by a teammate in Saturday qualifications.

Although Hamilton showed stronger performances in his races, the season overall was still disappointing for him.

Eddie Jordan and Flavio Briatore have expressed doubts about Ferrari's choice to swap Carlos Sainz for Hamilton in the next season, following his recent performances.

During an episode of The Red Flags podcast, Hinchcliffe, who used to compete in IndyCar, discussed how the timing of Hamilton leaving Mercedes might have influenced his performance in races.

James Hinchcliffe mentioned that the initial element to decline is typically the performance on Saturdays. He expressed uncertainty about whether that was evident this year, referring to 2024. He also noted that the individual in question was aware of his departure even before the start of the first race.

"I understand that he made a deliberate effort to attend the track each weekend and put forth his utmost effort, but on a deeper level, there's an awareness that it's wrapping up. In 2023, he clearly outperformed George, didn't he? It's not as if he lost his driving skills over the year."

"There were numerous developments happening behind the scenes this year. Suggesting that these had no impact on a driver's performance might overlook the bigger picture. With this new opportunity, he is likely to feel rejuvenated."

“Fascinating situation” at Ferrari for F1 in 2025

Hamilton will encounter a challenging situation in 2025 when he teams up with Charles Leclerc, who is considered one of the quickest qualifiers in Formula 1.

Hinchcliffe thinks that Hamilton can find assurance in Sainz's ability to qualify ahead of Leclerc on nine occasions during the 2024 season.

"Charles is recognized for his strong performances on Saturdays, provided the car is in good shape," he stated. "If the car's balance isn't quite right, even Carlos tends to qualify ahead of him regularly."

"He requires the vehicle at a particular time. With the current driver, who is associated with Ferrari, and the newcomer, a seven-time world champion, joining the team, the situation is set to be quite intriguing."

Hamilton is anticipated to unofficially debut with Ferrari sometime within the upcoming month.

The British racer is set to get behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2022 car as he starts the transition process before pre-season testing kicks off at the end of February.

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