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Franco Colapinto’s Race Against Time: Must Pass Medical Evaluation to Compete in Las Vegas GP After Severe 50G Crash
Franco Colapinto's ability to compete in the Las Vegas Grand Prix hangs in the balance following a significant 50G crash during qualifying.
Williams states that Franco Colapinto must undergo additional medical checks to be cleared for racing, following his experience of a 50G collision during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session.
The young racer from Argentina, aged 21, experienced considerable harm to his FW46 due to a major crash at the second-to-last turn during his last qualifying lap, resulting in his elimination in Q2 and a 14th place start on the grid.
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Colapinto's participation in the upcoming race remains uncertain, as Williams has announced he must complete an additional medical examination prior to Sunday's Grand Prix.
"In qualifying, Franco experienced a severe collision with forces exceeding 50G, necessitating a medical evaluation," a statement from the Williams team announced.
"The effects of such a substantial impact are undeniably serious and critical, necessitating a further assessment tomorrow to determine his readiness for racing."
"The wellbeing of Franco is our top priority, and we're relieved he's generally fine. More information will be shared as it becomes available."
Considering the severity of Colapinto's accident, which demolished three sections of his vehicle, he might have to start from the pit lane if he is deemed healthy enough to compete.
This was the sixth significant accident involving Williams in recent competitions held in Mexico, Brazil, and Las Vegas, spanning the last three events.
Williams team leader James Vowles has calculated the expenses from the latest rebuilds to be in the millions of dollars.
Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. By being on-site, he provides insights and narratives about the key figures within the sport.
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Jack Miller Suggests Sandbagging by Factory Ducati Duo in Sepang: A Strategic Move or Genuine Struggle?
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ducati-bikes-racing-fiercely-under-setti-1024x1024-99283950.png)
Jack Miller speculates on Marc Marquez's performance at Sepang
Pramac Yamaha competitor discusses ideas regarding Ducati's factory team
According to Jack Miller, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia are not fully revealing their capabilities following the second day of activities in Sepang.
The Ducati factory team, considered by many as the frontrunners for the 2025 MotoGP title, ended up in 14th and 5th positions on Thursday during preseason testing. Their results were partly affected by each rider experiencing a crash.
Miller, who is now riding for Pramac Yamaha, has been observing their activities.
"The team in red appears to be holding back for now, Miller suggested."
"I'm certain they have some easy options ready to use for tomorrow."
"We also have some gentle strategies at our disposal."
Naturally, all MotoGP riders and their teams attending the three-day preseason test at Sepang will focus on improving their bikes rather than just showcasing top performance.
However, there is still a strong curiosity about how Marquez and Bagnaia perform, especially in comparison to one another.
Friday marks the last day for testing before the sessions resume in Buriram next week, potentially providing new insights into their comparative performance.
Jack Miller Adjusts to Life with Yamaha
Jack Miller, who recently joined Pramac Yamaha, is satisfied with how well he is settling in following his departure from KTM.
He mentioned on Thursday that he ended the day by pushing for a fast lap, and he was satisfied with his racing lines, his riding performance, and the bike's handling.
"Today, we achieved progress as I felt both at ease and steady."
"Adjustments are needed on the map to enhance its effectiveness."
Miller stated, "I feel great and increasingly comfortable every time I leave."
"We are currently figuring out how to handle the map and strategize for the time attack."
"The bicycle is boosting my confidence. We're currently in the process of building."
"I’m extremely pleased with the progress; the team has been putting in a lot of hard work every evening to create new bicycles and setups."
"We'll make an effort to discover more tomorrow. I believe there is still some room for improvement regarding my performance on the track."
"If we can alter the map, we can reduce the distance even further. We will continue pursuing the goal."
Miller highlighted the necessity of enhancing the electronics as a crucial area for improvement.
"They require improvement," he acknowledged. "However, they are diligently focusing on this, particularly concerning the strategy and the engineers' program for making necessary modifications."
The program isn't the simplest to operate, especially when it comes to making adjustments for each corner or gear.
"They are aware of this and are taking steps to enhance their response time."
Statements given by Peter McLaren in Sepang
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Pierre Gasly Sets Sights on Alpine’s Ambitious 2025 F1 Top-Five Finish: Is It Achievable?
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Pierre Gasly has outlined an ambitious objective for Alpine in the 2025 Formula 1 season, asserting that it is within reach.
Pierre Gasly has outlined a bold goal for Alpine, aiming for the team to secure a position within the top five in the F1 constructors' championship by 2025.
A French individual is confident that Alpine's goal is "within reach," despite the team facing significant challenges throughout the 2024 season. Initially plagued by a poor start and possessing one of the least competitive cars, Alpine managed to make promising advancements as the season concluded.
Throughout most of the year, Alpine was positioned in ninth place in the rankings. However, an unexpected double podium finish during a rainy and tumultuous Sao Paulo Grand Prix propelled the French team to sixth place, a position they successfully maintained.
Gasly expressed his determination at the Autosport Awards, saying he aims for a top-five finish in the constructors' standings, which he believes is well within reach.
"Deep down, I wish for more, but I have to stay realistic and understand that it will be a close and competitive field. I don't anticipate any major changes from last year."
How realistic is it?
At the conclusion of the previous season, Alpine secured 65 points, which was only seven points more than their closest competitors, Haas, and 29 points fewer than Aston Martin, who took a far-off fifth place.
From a competitive perspective, if Alpine can maintain a steadier performance throughout the 2025 season, securing fifth place is definitely achievable.
It is highly improbable to end up in front of any of the teams like McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, or Mercedes.
Mercedes concluded the previous year by securing four wins, amassing a total of 468 points, which placed them significantly ahead of Aston Martin by a margin of 374 points.
At present, it seems impossible to break into F1's leading group of four teams.
A fifth-place finish might be achievable if Aston Martin doesn't show considerable improvement, but a lot will hinge on how well Gasly's teammate, Jack Doohan, performs.
Pierre Gasly contributed 42 points to Alpine's total of 65 during the last season, while his ex-teammate, Esteban Ocon, added 23 points.
Ocon has become part of the Haas team, teaming up with the well-regarded F1 newcomer Oliver Bearman.
Haas appeared set to secure the sixth position in the constructors' championship until Alpine made a strong push towards the end of last year.
The performance of Gasly and Ocon, who are expected to consistently finish in the top 10, will significantly depend on how their rookie teammates perform.
For Alpine to surpass Aston Martin, it would require Lance Stroll to keep falling short in his performance, while two-time world champion Fernando Alonso continues to carry much of the responsibility for the team in 2024.
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Yamaha’s Rins Attributes Sepang Test Crashes to Windy Conditions; Yamaha Adjusts Testing Plans Amidst Challenges
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/yamaha-bike-tilts-against-gusty-sepang-b-1024x1024-90958232.png)
Yamaha's hypothesis faces harsh evaluation in Sepang test incidents
"During the Shakedown, we hardly witnessed any crashes, if at all…"
The first day of the MotoGP Sepang official test was marked by several accidents, which Yamaha rider Alex Rins attributed to the gusty weather at the Malaysian track.
Rins, who ended the first day in 14th position following his participation in the final two days of the previous weekend's Shakedown test in Sepang, observed that the Shakedown witnessed minimal accidents throughout its duration, unlike the numerous incidents that occurred on the initial day of the official test.
During the testing, Raul Fernandez experienced a crash which resulted in a fractured left hand, causing him to miss the rest of the session. Similarly, current World Champion Jorge Martin suffered fractures in his hand and foot following a high-side crash at turn two, leading to his withdrawal from the subsequent two days of testing.
"Truthfully, during the Shakedown, we hardly witnessed any accidents, if any at all," Rins remarked following the initial day of the official Sepang test.
"I'll indicate the wind, given its considerable strength."
I felt somewhat frustrated because I managed to complete only 41 laps – hitting 42 would have been pleasing.
"I managed to complete only 41 laps and spent a considerable amount of idle time waiting for the wind to decrease."
Rins elaborated on the sections of the circuit that were significantly impacted by the wind.
"The wind was particularly harsh around turn four, and it remained strong through turn five, as well as turns nine, 11, and 13, following the change in direction where [Pedro] Acosta had an accident – it's uncertain whether his crash was caused by the wind," he mentioned.
Rins hinted that the numerous falls on the first day in Sepang were due to the wind, in addition to a shift in the testing strategy for him and Yamaha.
"Truthfully, the plans have been slightly altered today due to the strong winds," he remarked.
"During the Shakedown, we had the opportunity to experiment with various aspects; tweaking the setup slightly, and testing out some new components such as the chassis."
The outcome of the chassis evaluation during the Shakedown didn't meet high expectations, yet Yamaha managed to make improvements to the chassis design. Consequently, our agenda for today included experimenting with an updated chassis, slightly altered, along with a new upper wing attached to the fairing.
"However, the wind prevented us from doing so."
Rins found his performance hindered by the breeze, whereas his team member Fabio Quartararo viewed the weather circumstances differently.
"He mentioned that there were 15 turns, and he believed that the wind affected his performance in about four or five of those turns."
"So, in my opinion, for the remaining 10, it's possible to determine whether [the new component] was an improvement or not."
Regardless, Rins' concerns regarding the conditions prompted a shift in his strategy, opting to concentrate on tyres rather than experimenting with Yamaha's latest parts.
"He mentioned that they altered their strategy to evaluate the three distinct Michelin front tires provided."
"We encountered three distinct varieties: the first resembled the soft [compound] we're familiar with, but featured a modified structure that proved quite satisfactory; while the subsequent two showcased a unique casing, differing in size."
Rins mentioned that the pair of tyres featuring varying casing sizes were the prototype tyres planned for 2026, and he was uncertain whether the third tyre would be used in races by 2025.
With the final two days of the trial ahead, the Spanish participant is focused on realigning with his original testing strategy.
"Besides that, I wasn't able to handle much more work," he added.
"Definitely, we've got another two days ahead of us. I didn't use any qualifying tyres to clock a fast lap since it wasn't the appropriate time, which is what we agreed upon with our team."
"Tomorrow, we plan to evaluate both the chassis and the fairing to see if we can discover anything noteworthy."
In a different strategy from Rins, Quartararo opted to fit a fresh tyre towards the end for a quick lap attempt. This attempt resulted in a slightly improved time compared to his performance in the Q2 session of the previous year's Malaysian Grand Prix. Last November, he clocked a 1:57.592, which he bested with a 1:57.555 during the first day of this year's testing.
"He expressed optimism, stating, 'This is a good sign. It's preferable to being slower. Moreover, we didn't specifically aim for a time attack, making it encouraging that we were already… quicker than the qualifying.'"
"Yet, I was in high spirits; throughout the qualifying rounds, your primary goal is to nail the lap time. This time, however, we were experimenting with various setups and eventually fitted a fresh tire towards the end with the aim of achieving a strong lap time."
"I believe that having ridden for two days, followed by two days of rest, and then returning, has indeed contributed to improving the lap time, but I also feel that we performed well."
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Marco Bezzecchi’s Transition Journey: Navigating the ‘Physical’ Aprilia Challenge at Sepang Tests
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/marco-bezzecchi-mastering-aprilia-at-sep-1024x1024-38566387.png)
Marco Bezzecchi discusses the main distinctions between the Aprilia and Ducati MotoGP motorcycles. Bezzecchi is progressing with adjusting to the Aprilia during the testing sessions at Sepang.
Marco Bezzecchi remarked that the Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle requires more physical effort than the Ducati he used to ride. He made this observation while adjusting to the new bike during the Sepang test sessions.
The rider, who has claimed victory in three grand prix races, spent the initial three years of his MotoGP career racing on Ducati bikes with the VR46 team. He has now secured a contract with Aprilia's factory team for the 2025 season.
On the first day of testing at Sepang, Bezzecchi ranked 18th in terms of speed. By Thursday, at 4:30pm local time, he had climbed to 12th place, enhancing his time from 1 minute 59.207 seconds to 1 minute 58.5 seconds.
While managing a hectic testing schedule and simultaneously adjusting to the RS-GP, Bezzecchi has identified a significant distinction between the Aprilia and the Ducati.
"The bicycle requires a bit more physical effort," he mentioned.
"Luckily, we aren't facing any problems with the temperature. However, it takes a little extra effort to maneuver the bike."
He mentioned, "I'm feeling slightly more cheerful today compared to yesterday, as I'm beginning to gain confidence with the bike."
"I'm beginning to improve my braking skills and approaching corners with greater confidence, as the bike is providing positive feedback."
"Overall, I'm pleased. There are still numerous things we need to experiment with, but for now, I have no complaints."
Bezzecchi observed that the Aprilia's braking performance is impressive, which aligns well with his riding style. However, he acknowledged that he is currently facing some challenges with the bike when using new tires.
He mentioned that he's facing more difficulties with new tires since he's become accustomed to the worn ones he used extensively yesterday and today.
"When I install new tires, I find it a bit more challenging. Additionally, the riding technique is different, so I need to adjust accordingly."
"They seem to have made significant progress compared to the previous year. Naturally, I can't say for certain how last year's bike performed, since I had already tested the initial version of the 2025 model back in Montmelo."
"However, I can confirm that their performance is excellent."
Marco Bezzecchi participated in the Sepang test without Jorge Martin. He expressed admiration for the bike's aerodynamic features and noted that the engine's power left a strong impression on him. However, he mentioned that improvements are needed in the electronic systems to better manage and harness the engine's full power.
Aprilia's testing schedule faced significant setbacks due to two separate incidents: Jorge Martin's crash, which resulted in several broken bones, and Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse Racing injuring his hand in an accident.
Test rider Lorenzo Savadori has been called in to assist, but Bezzecchi mentions that his responsibilities haven't grown significantly beyond the initial plan.
When questioned about whether he had to take on additional duties while Martin was away, he responded, "Somewhat, but not entirely."
"We both needed to test the same things. It's unfortunate that he's not with us, as having feedback from both of us would be more beneficial for our team than just having one perspective."
"I am doing my utmost to provide the most accurate remarks and feedback that I can."
"Today, Sava is with us, and he consistently delivers outstanding work. Undoubtedly, his performance is excellent."
Statements given by Peter McLaren, Editor at Crash MotoGP
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Guenther Steiner Backs Sergio Perez as Key Asset for Cadillac’s 2026 F1 Debut
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/steiner-and-perez-strategize-in-cadillac-1024x1024-40400858.png)
Guenther Steiner points out a former F1 driver who might significantly assist Cadillac. "This driver consistently exceeded expectations when in a lesser team but struggled to handle the stress of being in a leading team."
Ex-Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner considers Sergio Perez to be an excellent choice for Cadillac in 2026, saying "he could provide significant assistance."
Cadillac is planning to enter Formula 1 as the 11th team on the grid in 2026.
Graeme Lowdon has been officially appointed as the team principal, and the team will continue using Ferrari engines through the end of the decade while General Motors works on developing their own engine.
When it comes to drivers, Cadillac has multiple excellent choices for the year 2026.
Perez's contract has ended as Red Bull has chosen to replace him with Liam Lawson.
Valtteri Bottas, who did not secure a position with Sauber, is now available, along with Zhou Guanyu.
In an interview with GP Blog, Steiner discussed the reasons why Perez would be a logical choice.
Steiner mentioned that Cadillac requires someone with experience. He pointed out that Checo has been part of numerous teams over the years and is well-acquainted with the industry. According to Steiner, Checo could provide significant assistance.
"Consider offering him a contract for just one year. This is a much better option than relying on older rookies. It's a chance for Checo."
Perez exceeded expectations despite being an underdog. Before his largely disappointing stint with Red Bull, he had established himself as a dominant force in the middle ranks of Formula 1.
The Mexican driver frequently achieved better results than expected, managing to secure several podium finishes while driving cars that were not considered top contenders.
Before becoming part of the Red Bull team, Perez was highly regarded, particularly after his victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
Considering the way Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly have regained their reputations after departing from Red Bull, Perez could experience a similar revival.
Steiner paused and said, "Hold on a second. I'm not trying to be cynical. He was leading the race grid last year."
"We have to be practical. Competing to earn a single point when the car's capabilities are limited is one scenario. However, it's an entirely different situation when you're striving for one point while your teammate, driving the same car, is securing victories. This creates a different mindset and introduces a unique kind of pressure."
"When Checo was with Force India Racing, later known as Racing Point, he performed exceptionally well."
"He consistently exceeded expectations when he was considered the underdog. However, he struggled to handle the stress associated with being part of a leading team. It seems that he finds his comfort zone when he doesn't have the burden of proving his worth through victories, which might actually be more beneficial for him."
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Sepang Test Turmoil: Di Giannantonio Sidelined with Broken Collarbone Amid MotoGP Pre-Season Chaos
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rider-down-bikes-blur-tension-palpable-c-1024x1024-14013835.png)
Another fracture sidelines another MotoGP competitor following turmoil at Sepang
Fabio di Giannantonio's injury verified post-Sepang trial mishap
VR46 Ducati's Fabio Di Giannantonio will miss the remainder of the Sepang MotoGP testing due to a collarbone fracture sustained in a Wednesday crash.
The individual from Italy had to spend the winter recuperating, choosing to sit out the last two events of the 2024 season for a surgical procedure on his shoulder, which was dislocated during the Austrian Grand Prix.
In preparation for the upcoming pre-season, Di Giannantonio made his comeback to the racetrack at Mandalika last week, participating in an exclusive track event riding a Ducati Panigale V4.
During the Sepang trials on Wednesday, he was among the numerous riders who experienced crashes. Nonetheless, his VR46 squad initially declared him to be 'OK'.
VR46 has officially announced that Di Giannantonio has sustained a collarbone fracture and will be returning to Italy for surgical treatment, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the testing period.
Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati disclosed that his injury occurred following a second fall at Turn 5 in the practice start session that took place at the day's conclusion.
"A brief announcement confirmed that Fabio Di Giannantonio sustained a fracture to his left collarbone as a result of his crash at Turn 5 during the Sepang Test."
"The rider from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team is set to return to Italy this evening for a surgical procedure."
Di Giannantonio stands as one of the trio of racers equipped with the GP25 Ducati for this season and had to forego his initial chance to test the motorcycle in Barcelona last November because of a surgery on his shoulder.
With only a week remaining before the upcoming test in Buriram, Di Giannantonio faces a quick recovery period to ensure he can spend crucial time on the GP25 on the track before the season kicks off in Thailand.
Despite his accident, he finished Wednesday's session as the seventh quickest, having completed 49 laps.
He's among three cyclists returning home after the first day of trials because of an injury.
Prominently, current world champion Jorge Martin is set to go back to Spain to undergo surgery for several fractures, following a severe accident on his Aprilia.
Trackhouse Aprilia's Raul Fernandez will miss the remainder of the test, heading home for an operation on his fractured left hand.
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Rookie Sensation: Fermin Aldeguer’s Rapid Adaptation to MotoGP’s Elite Ranks
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fermin-aldeguer-mastering-motogp-corneri-1024x1024-19593899.png)
A new MotoGP rider is amazed at how quickly he has adjusted
"In the simulation, I felt incredibly comfortable…"
Last weekend, during the Shakedown, Fermin Aldeguer managed to carry out a Sprint simulation, demonstrating remarkable speed even after an initial crash.
"In the simulation, I felt amazing," he expressed. "I had a minor crash on the second lap, but once I got back on my bike, I carried on and the sensation was unbelievable."
"We plan to conduct another simulation tomorrow to compare the results from the Shakedown with our current status. This will help us assess our progress."
Indeed, Aldeguer is riding one of the most powerful motorcycles in MotoGP history during his debut season—the Ducati Desmosedici GP24. He is collaborating with crew chief Frankie Carchedi, who previously led Marc Marquez to three Grand Prix wins in 2024 and helped Joan Mir secure the championship in just his second year in the top class.
Nonetheless, even in just a few days as a MotoGP racer, Aldeguer has proven he can match the speed of much more seasoned riders using the same bikes.
Aldeguer acknowledged that he had an advantage over many of his competitors, having spent three extra days at the Sepang circuit this year due to his participation in last weekend's Shakedown. Despite this, when questioned if he was taken aback by how swiftly he adapted to the MotoGP bike, the Spanish rider confidently responded, "Yes, for sure."
"In the end, we complete an additional three days compared to the other riders," he went on to say, "yet the track remains identical for everyone, and we are present."
"We need to keep moving forward without focusing on rankings or time. It's all about following my instincts, adapting, and making significant progress each day."
Pirelli Comparable to Michelin
For all newcomers to MotoGP, like Aldeguer, getting used to the tyres is a crucial part of the transition. The Michelin tyres used in MotoGP have distinct features compared to the Dunlop tyres, and more recently, the Pirelli tyres that Aldeguer has experienced in Moto2.
"It's not the same since I've swapped out both the tyres and the bike, which is entirely new," Aldeguer explained.
"When riding a Moto2 bike, I can maintain speed through the middle of the corner. However, with the MotoGP bike, that approach doesn't lead to fast lap times. Instead, you need to brake aggressively and then rely on the electronics to accelerate out of the corner. I don't notice any difference in the tire during this process."
Aldeguer mentioned that Pirelli tires have comparable wear traits to Michelin tires, especially when contrasted with the Dunlop tires that were utilized in Moto2 up until the conclusion of 2023.
"In this regard, the Pirelli resembles the Michelin more closely because you can sense the decline in performance. You might need to use the same setting, but the experience is entirely different," Aldeguer explained.
"I am currently working to comprehend how to utilize this Michelin tire effectively, both when braking and when accelerating out of a turn."
One of the challenges in assessing the tyres during the test sessions in Sepang is the restricted availability of tyres, along with the fact that the medium-compound tyres are not well-suited to the conditions. As a result, the majority of riders opt to conserve their supply of soft tyres rather than utilize the medium ones.
Aldeguer mentioned that he opted for the soft compound tire exclusively because the medium option did not perform well.
"After witnessing the accidents yesterday, it's clear that now is not the time for risk-taking. It's wiser to remain cautious, avoid errors, and begin the season on a positive note to maintain our momentum."
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Aprilia Optimistic as Jorge Martin Recovers from Sepang Test Crash: Surgery Scheduled in Spain
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/jorge-martin-recovering-surrounded-by-op-1024x1024-77447582.png)
Aprilia provides an update on Jorge Martin following a serious crash during MotoGP testing
Aprilia leader Paolo Bonora shares the latest on Martin's condition
The sporting director of Aprilia has confirmed that Jorge Martin, the current MotoGP world champion, is doing well after his severe crash during the Sepang test. Martin is scheduled to undergo surgery in Spain on Friday.
On Wednesday, during the first day of testing in Malaysia, Martin experienced two crashes, the latter being a severe highside incident at Turn 2.
He sustained several broken bones and was transported to the hospital. As a result, Martin was unable to continue with the rest of the Sepang test, and his ability to join the Buriram test was highly uncertain.
In an interview with MotoGP.com's After the Flag, Bonora provided an encouraging update regarding Martin's health. He also mentioned that Aprilia had to intervene to prevent Martin from getting back on the track following his accident.
"We really want to focus on the good aspects of this situation," he stated.
"Firstly, we are extremely pleased that Jorge is doing well today. He is feeling at ease, had a restful night, and did not encounter any specific issues."
"We are pleased because following such a severe accident, everyone was concerned about his well-being."
"We're pleased with the situation. To be frank, the biggest challenge yesterday was getting him to relax; he was eager to get back on the track and was keen to find out about the progress of the test and what we were evaluating."
"It was amusing because he recovered so well. He is scheduled to undergo surgery in Spain tomorrow."
"We are currently awaiting the results of the medical evaluation and their official announcement."
"We are now anticipating only good outcomes in relation to him, as his strength and skills are essential for us, and we are eager for his return."
On Wednesday, Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, stated that the data indicated the bike had no problems and that Martin's actions during the crash were not out of the ordinary.
Although Martin's absence has hindered Aprilia's testing schedule, Bonora notes that a successful initial run with Lorenzo Savadori has mitigated the impact.
"In this case, we were fortunate as we conducted an excellent trial run with Lorenzo," he mentioned.
"We examined each component that was included in our plan."
By the time the formal IRTA (International Race Teams’ Association) test took place, we already had a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of the new components.
"Lorenzo performed exceptionally well. To be fair and completely truthful, Marco provided us with a wealth of straightforward information over these two days. He maintained consistency in his approach."
"He ignored the timings and concentrated entirely on his strategy, resulting in a highly successful test for our team."
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Moto GP
Rookie Revelation: Fermin Aldeguer’s Rapid Adaptation to MotoGP’s Elite Ranks
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fermin-aldeguer-racing-through-vibrant-t-1024x1024-626681.png)
A newcomer to MotoGP is amazed at how quickly he has adjusted to the sport's demands. "During the simulation, I was really comfortable…"
During the Shakedown last weekend, Fermin Aldeguer managed to conduct a Sprint simulation where he demonstrated remarkable speed, even though he experienced a crash early on.
"In the simulation, I felt amazing," he mentioned. "I had a minor crash on the second lap, but after getting back on my bike, I carried on and the sensation was incredible."
"We'll conduct another simulation tomorrow to compare the Shakedown with the current situation and assess our progress."
Indeed, Aldeguer is riding one of the most powerful motorcycles in MotoGP history, the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, during his debut season. He is collaborating with crew chief Frankie Carchedi, who previously guided Marc Marquez to three Grand Prix wins in 2024 and helped Joan Mir secure the championship in just his second year in the top class.
However, it's also accurate to say that within just a few days of starting as a MotoGP rider, Aldeguer has already proven he can match the speed of riders with significantly more experience on similar bikes.
Aldeguer acknowledged that he has three additional days of practice on the Sepang track compared to many of his competitors, thanks to participating in the Shakedown last weekend. Despite this advantage, when questioned whether his swift adjustment to the MotoGP bike had caught him off guard, the Spanish rider confidently responded, “Yes, for sure.”
"In the end, we complete an additional three days compared to the other riders," he added, "yet the track remains consistent for everyone, and we are present."
"We need to keep going this way—ignoring our rank and the clock. It's all about trusting my instincts, adjusting to the situation, and making significant progress each day."
Pirelli Comparable to Michelin
Aldeguer, like all newcomers to MotoGP, must adjust to the distinct nature of the tyres. The Michelin tyres used in MotoGP offer different features compared to the Dunlops and, more recently, the Pirellis that Aldeguer has experienced while competing in Moto2.
"The situation is not the same since I replaced the tyres and also modified the bike; it's now entirely different," stated Aldeguer.
"When riding the Moto2, I maintain speed through the apex of the turn, whereas with the MotoGP bike, although it's possible, it's not the optimal way to achieve high speeds. The key is to apply strong braking and then rely on the bike's electronics to accelerate out of the corner. I haven't noticed any difference in the tire performance."
Aldeguer mentioned that the Pirelli tires have comparable wear properties to the Michelin tires, especially when contrasted with the Dunlops that Moto2 used until the conclusion of 2023.
Aldeguer mentioned that, in this regard, the Pirelli is akin to the Michelin, as you can sense more of the decline, and although you might need to use a similar approach, the experience is entirely distinct.
"I'm currently figuring out how to handle this Michelin tire, including its performance during braking and when accelerating out of turns, and that's all there is to it."
One of the challenges in grasping how the tires perform during the test sessions in Sepang is the restricted number of tires available. Additionally, the medium-compound tires don't match the conditions well, causing most riders to opt for conserving their soft tires rather than using the medium ones.
Aldeguer mentioned that he exclusively utilized the soft compound tyre, as he found the medium compound to be less effective.
"Given the crashes we witnessed yesterday, now is not the time to take unnecessary risks. It's wiser to remain cautious, avoid making errors, and begin the season on a positive note without losing direction."
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F1 Salary Showdown: Verstappen Tops Earnings as Hamilton Joins Ferrari; Rookie Pay Revealed
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/verstappen-celebrates-atop-podium-ferrar-1024x1024-41905918.png)
F1 Driver Earnings: What Are the Salaries of Each Racer?
Below is a list of the projected earnings for each Formula 1 driver.
Max Verstappen continues to hold the position as the top-earning driver in Formula 1, based on estimates by RacingNews365.
These figures represent just the basic salary and do not account for additional earnings from bonuses for winning races, securing podium finishes, or sponsorship deals.
For many years, Lewis Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in Formula 1, but now Max Verstappen has surpassed him. Hamilton has recently joined Ferrari, and his numerous sponsorship deals are expected to significantly increase his overall earnings beyond his base salary.
Charles Leclerc has secured a new contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third highest-paid driver.
Lando Norris has signed a new contract with McLaren in the early part of 2024, placing him as the fourth highest-paid driver, tied with Fernando Alonso.
At the lowest end of the salary range are the new Formula 1 drivers.
Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar are the sole drivers believed to have salaries under $1 million.
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Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events worldwide for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-scene coverage and shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.
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From Verstappen to Rookies: Unveiling the 2024 F1 Driver Salary Hierarchy
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/photorealistic-f1-cars-racing-under-nigh-1024x1024-84817042.png)
F1 Driver Earnings: What Are the Salaries for Each Racer?
Below is a list of the approximate earnings for each Formula 1 driver.
According to estimates from RacingNews365, Max Verstappen continues to be the top-earning driver in Formula 1.
These figures represent the basic salary alone and do not account for additional earnings such as bonuses for winning races or securing podium positions, nor do they include income from sponsorship deals.
Lewis Hamilton, who was the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 for many years, is now earning less than Verstappen. He has recently joined Ferrari, where the backing from additional sponsors is expected to significantly increase his base salary.
Charles Leclerc has secured a new contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third highest-paid driver on the team.
In the initial weeks of 2024, Lando Norris signed a fresh contract with McLaren, placing him as the fourth highest-paid driver, tied with Fernando Alonso.
At the opposite end of the salary spectrum are the newcomers to Formula 1.
According to estimates, Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar are the only drivers making under $1 million.
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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By reporting directly from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.
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Quartararo’s ‘Smooth’ Strategy: Adapting Riding Style for MotoGP Success at Sepang Test
Fabio Quartararo reveals the significance of a one-word message on his dashboard that serves as a reminder.
"He shares that his natural inclination on the track is to give it his all…"
On the inaugural day of the Sepang MotoGP trials, it marked Fabio Quartararo's third day on the Malaysian tracks, wherein his cockpit, he's adopted a single-word note as a mnemonic aid.
On the first day at Sepang, Quartararo was observed with the term 'smooth' displayed in his rider cockpit, which he mentioned was part of a deliberate attempt to alter his riding technique.
"Quartararo mentioned that it became apparent to him last year, particularly during the period they began focusing on the electronics, which he notes were from Thailand, that the Ducati was operating in a certain manner. He expressed a strong desire to overhaul the electronics entirely by himself."
"When I'm on the track, my natural impulse is to give it everything I've got and to fully utilize the bike at all opportunities."
"Yet, there are moments when moving at a slower pace actually leads to greater speed. This is why I always keep the word 'smooth' in view on my dashboard, as a constant reminder to stay relaxed while riding."
In general, Quartararo felt optimistic about the initial day of the official testing session.
"Essentially, today involved testing various electronic components, revisiting several configurations we heavily examined during the Shakedown. It was primarily about reconfirming those findings," he explained.
"The day turned out well for us, particularly for the engineers, as it provided clarity on the path we need to follow."
Quartararo further stated, "I'm trying not to get ahead of myself with optimism. I believe we're proceeding in the right direction."
"Today marks just the initial day of the examination, and we still need to observe the following ones."
It's evident that a number of them accelerated quickly right from the first day, yet now we've been here for three days.
"Thus, it's important for us to maintain impartiality and strive for efficiency; then, we'll assess our situation in Thailand."
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