Niels Wittich steps down from his position as F1 race director, with his successor already announced.

Niels Wittich has immediately resigned from his role as the F1 race director.

The FIA informed Crash.net that Wittich has departed from his position to seek out "new opportunities".

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Since 2022, the individual from Germany took over the role previously occupied by Michael Masi. Masi was dismissed due to the criticism over his management of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which led to a contentious end to the championship season.

Rui Marques, who has recently served as the race director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, will take over Wittich's role starting from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"An FIA representative has announced that Niels Wittich has resigned from his role as F1 Race Director to seek new career prospects."

Niels has successfully carried out his various duties as Race Director with a high level of professionalism and commitment. We are grateful for his dedication and extend our best wishes for his future endeavors.

Rui Marques is set to take on the position of Race Director starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Marques comes with an extensive background, having held positions such as track marshal, scrutineer, both national and international steward, Deputy Race Director, and Race Director across different racing series.

"Previously, he served as the Race Director for both Formula 2 and Formula 3."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Reporting live from the events, he shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Adrian Newey is set to be a key member of an elite technical team at Aston Martin, joining their Formula 1 efforts in 2025.

Adrian Newey is set to collaborate with a number of respected Formula 1 personalities as he becomes part of Aston Martin's technical team.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the iconic Formula 1 car designer is set to join Aston Martin as the head of design. This move is part of the Silverstone-based team's significant investment in attracting top engineering talent from across the motorsport world.

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In the upcoming months, the team will be strengthened further with the addition of three new members, Newey among them, to an already impressive technical roster.

Andy Cowell, previously known for his expertise in engine technology at Mercedes, is set to become Aston Martin's next group chief executive officer, starting his role on the first of October.

Cowell, the mastermind responsible for the V6 hybrid engine that set the stage for Mercedes’ unparalleled success streak from 2014 to 2021, is set to take over the role of CEO at Aston Martin, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh.

In this position, the British national, aged 55, will assume full responsibility for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, directly answering to Lawrence Stroll, the team's owner.

Cowell is set to manage the shift to F1's updated regulations in 2026, coinciding with Aston Martin initiating their engine collaboration with Honda from Japan, essentially converting the squad into a factory team.

Aston Martin achieved a significant victory by securing Enrico Cardile, a central figure in Ferrari's Formula 1 technical squad.

Cardile, who dedicated nearly 20 years to Ferrari, holding his latest position as the technical director overseeing chassis and aerodynamics, is set to assume the position of chief technical officer at Aston Martin in 2025 after a break period.

Joining as a high-ranking official, Cardile will be positioned above Fallows in the hierarchy, enhancing the capabilities of Aston Martin's technical team.

Aston Martin Secures Bob Bell

Aston Martin has enhanced its team with the addition of Bob Bell, a seasoned F1 expert, who joined after departing his consultancy position with the underperforming Alpine team earlier in the year.

At the age of 65, he joins the team with a proven track record of success, previously holding the position of technical director for Renault when the French team clinched their most recent world championships with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

Bell's assignment entails supervising the technical, engineering, and performance aspects in his role as Executive Director (Technical) for Aston Martin. He directly reports to Team Principal Mike Krack.

Tom McCullough

Differing from the newcomers, Tom McCullough has been an integral part of Aston Martin's engineering team for a long time, first coming on board when the team was known as Force India, about ten years earlier.

McCullough has ascended through the engineering hierarchy to occupy the position of performance director at Aston Martin. In this pivotal role, he collaborates intimately with the engineering units within both sections of the garage, in addition to the performance teams stationed at the manufacturing site.

Aston Martin has appointed Luca Furbatto, previously the chief designer at Sauber, as their engineering director before the commencement of the 2022 season.

The designer, who has roots in both Italy and Britain, has significantly enriched Aston Martin's technical team with his vast knowledge and skills, drawn from over twenty years of service in prominent Formula 1 teams including BAR, Toyota, McLaren, and Toro Rosso.

Dan Fallows has stepped down from his role as technical director and will consequently not be collaborating with Newey any longer.

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He primarily reports directly from the venues, sharing the narratives of key figures within the sport.

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London is set to be the venue for a combined season kickoff event in February, showcasing the new liveries of all 10 Formula 1 teams along with their 20 drivers for the 2025 season.

F1 has revealed plans for an exclusive event in London on February 18 to kick off the season.

The O2 Arena in London is poised to host a grand assembly featuring all 10 teams and the 20 drivers from Formula 1 for a unified launch event. This special occasion, scheduled on the eve of the 2025 season, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the sport.

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The squads will utilize the occasion to showcase their 2025 color schemes for the upcoming season.

F1 is pledging to deliver an unprecedented event that will include live musical acts and various other forms of entertainment.

The event, spanning two hours and welcoming fans, will have tickets available for purchase starting Friday, November 15. Ticket prices vary, starting at £58 and going up to £113.

"In a historic first, we'll unite our supporters, the top 20 athletes in our sport, along with distinguished guests, to celebrate the launch of our new season and commemorate the 75th anniversary of our races," announced Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1.

“Heading into what promises to be an unforgettable 2025 season after all the thrilling events in 2024, this presents an amazing chance for enthusiasts of every generation to witness firsthand the remarkable spectacle known as Formula 1.”

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his pleasure, stating, “The FIA is thrilled to collaborate with our partners at FOM and all participating teams to organize the first-ever Formula 1 season kickoff event.

"The event will also act as an appropriate introduction to the festivities marking the sport's 75th anniversary during the 2025 season."

Brain Burke, the creative mastermind, led his team in executing the opening and closing ceremonies for the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, making the event memorable.

"Burke expressed immense pride in extending their collaboration with Formula 1 to develop fresh entertainment ventures, notably the upcoming inaugural event of the 2025 season, which marks the 75th anniversary of the sport."

"In partnership with all 10 teams, we guarantee fans an exhilarating live event that will showcase the new car designs, feature conversations with top F1 personalities, and offer innovative entertainment. This unprecedented event is a must-see!"

The occasion is scheduled to occur one week prior to the pre-season trials, set to be conducted at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 26th to 28th.

The 2025 season, featuring 24 races, kicks off with the Melbourne Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. Frequently providing updates directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the influential figures within the sport.

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Pedro Acosta outlines his primary goal for the MotoGP season finale. He stated, "The primary aim is to conclude the season as the top-performing Pierer Mobility motorcycle."

Pedro Acosta, concluding his first MotoGP season at the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP this weekend, has a clear primary goal in mind.

This season, Acosta has achieved five podium finishes on Sundays and four in Sprint races. In contrast, the next-best KTM rider, Brad Binder, has managed one grand prix podium and one in a Sprint race.

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Acosta enters Barcelona holding a slim three-point advantage over his upcoming factory teammate as they compete for fifth place and the highest-ranking non-Ducati rider in the overall standings.

After traveling through a significant portion of Asia, we finally got some rest, and it felt wonderful to return home!" Acosta expressed.

"We're heading to Barcelona for the last round, a track I enjoy and where I feel confident and capable of performing well."

In May, when MotoGP made its stop in Catalunya, Acosta secured fifth place in the qualifying round. He went on to finish third in the Sprint race and was in contention for the lead during the grand prix before he unfortunately crashed.

In the Sprint race, Binder suffered a crash, but managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the main grand prix.

Acosta mentioned that the primary goal is to end the season as the top-performing bike from Pierer Mobility, and securing a podium finish at home would be a great bonus.

"We're committed to putting on a great performance and striving to collect as much as possible for the Valencia community. Let's do this!"

Should Acosta maintain his grip on fifth place, he would outperform the championship standing of Johann Zarco, another rookie for Tech3 MotoGP, back in 2017.

Augusto Fernandez, who is currently a teammate of Acosta, is set to participate in his last race as a regular MotoGP competitor in Barcelona, as he is anticipated to transition to a role involving Yamaha testing.

"In light of the events in Valencia, we are dedicating this weekend's race to them,” Fernandez commented, alluding to the severe floods that led to the relocation of the season's final race to Barcelona.

"In my opinion, following our top 10 finish in Malaysia, we can look forward to a promising weekend, particularly as we head to Barcelona, which is one of my favorite tracks!"

In 2025, the GASGAS brand will no longer be featured on the grid as Tech3 will revert to the Red Bull KTM colors with a completely new team of riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

"This weekend marks our final appearance in red, so let's give it everything we've got one last time!" stated team manager Nicolas Goyon.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. He is deeply involved in reporting on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Michelin reveals an 'exceptional' set of tires for the MotoGP championship showdown in Barcelona. Competitors will have a choice of seven distinct tire types for the newly scheduled final race of the season in Barcelona.

The venue for the final race of the MotoGP season has been switched from Valencia to Barcelona at the last minute. As a result, Michelin will supply what it describes as a 'special tyre package' for this crucial championship event.

Due to the severe flooding in Valencia, the circuit switch will result in Michelin providing a combination of the tyres that were used in Barcelona back in May, along with additional compounds that are better suited for the significantly cooler weather expected this weekend.

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The outcome is a selection of seven distinct tire choices. This includes four options for the front: an asymmetric Soft, a symmetrical Medium, a symmetrical Hard compound, and an asymmetric Hard. Additionally, there are three asymmetric rear tire options available in Soft, Medium, and Hard. Notably, the Medium and Hard rear tires were previously classified as Soft and Medium in May.

"From May to November, the variations in temperature required us to make adjustments," stated Piero Taramasso, who manages two-wheel racing at Michelin.

The circuit's setup doesn't significantly alter the conditions, yet this challenging track is infamous for offering minimal traction. Additionally, it features an asymmetrical design that exerts considerably more pressure on the right side of the tires.

"In line with the guidelines for these situations, we will supply extra rubber mixtures for both the front and rear."

"We began with the setup utilized in May and introduced a softer rear tire option for potentially cooler track conditions. This addition will enhance the existing Soft and Medium compounds, which will now serve as Medium and Hard. These configurations proved highly effective in both the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix events."

The trio of rear tires will feature an asymmetrical design, with extra reinforcement on the right side. As for the front tires, the decision was made not to include the Hard compound Michelin Power Slick that was available in May, as it is believed it would not be utilized.

"We will retain the Soft and Medium tire options and introduce two asymmetrical designs typically used in Valencia, the Sachsenring in Germany, or Phillip Island in Australia. However, these will feature additional reinforcement on the right side."

"Our goal is to provide our partners with a range of solutions for optimal tire temperature management, ensuring the final stages of the championship are as thrilling as the exciting races witnessed throughout the season."

Jorge Martin enters the final race of the weekend with a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia. The race offers a maximum of 37 points.

On the final lap of the Barcelona Sprint in May, Bagnaia lost his leading position by falling, but he managed to secure a win against Martin in the grand prix.

In May's races, the medium front tire was the preferred choice, paired with soft rear tires for the Sprint race and medium rear tires for the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the era of Valentino Rossi. He is now closely covering the developments surrounding Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Miguel Oliveira is making his comeback for a farewell performance with Trackhouse at the Barcelona MotoGP. Both Oliveira and team manager Wilco Zeelenberg are preparing for their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make his comeback in MotoGP for his final appearance with Trackhouse Aprilia during the season-ending Solidarity Barcelona event this weekend.

Portimao has been absent from the past five races after sustaining wrist fractures, which occurred because of a traction control malfunction while practicing in Mandalika.

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Oliveira, who marked a significant milestone for Trackhouse by securing its first-ever top-three position during the Sachsenring Sprint, is set to ride his last laps on an RS-GP ahead of his inaugural test session with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.

Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to compete in MotoGP.

"I'm not setting high expectations since I'm unsure of my wrist's limitations until I actually get back on the bike. This Grand Prix brings a mix of emotions, but my goal is to finish strong with the Trackhouse team."

"Clearly, our goal is to quickly raise both hope and money for those impacted by the disastrous occurrences in Valencia, and I'm genuinely excited about it!"

With Oliveira's exit and the introduction of a completely new factory team consisting of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, Raul Fernandez will be the sole rider staying with Aprilia in 2025.

In May, during the Barcelona round, Fernandez captured attention by securing a front-row start on his 2023-spec bike and impressively taking the lead in the Sprint race, although he eventually crashed.

After being advanced to the RS-GP24, the Spanish rider secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"To begin with, our race will be dedicated to all those impacted in Valencia," Fernandez stated. "The events that occurred there are still very distressing, so we aim to compete on their behalf."

"Barcelona is a favorable circuit for us, and even though our primary focus will be on preparations for the next year, I hope to conclude the final race of the season on a positive note."

"The outcome we achieved in Barcelona previously gives me a lot of hope. However, I prefer to remain composed, focus on each session individually, and put forth my best effort."

Reigning Moto2 champion Ai Ogura, who is stepping in for Oliveira, is set to make his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.

This weekend marks the departure of more than just the Portuguese member from Trackhouse; team manager Wilco Zeelenberg is also saying goodbye.

"Naturally, we hope that the event in Barcelona will be extraordinary, especially given that the circumstances prompting our visit aren't ideal. We should make every effort to support the people in Valencia however possible," stated Zeelenberg.

According to the MotoGP organization, the focus is not on racing in Valencia, but rather racing for it. This sentiment is beautifully expressed and adds a unique significance to this second event in Barcelona.

"For our team, this event holds significance as Miguel is returning from an injury, and Raul had taken the lead in the Sprint race at this local event earlier in the summer."

"We previously had good performance with our bike at that location, so we're hopeful we can replicate those past race results."

"I'm excited about attending the last MotoGP race of this season, which could also be the final race of my career."

Ex-grand prix competitor Zeelenberg, who claimed victory in the 1990 West German 250GP, achieved his first significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship for Yamaha.

The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the new team member, Jorge Lorenzo, in a garage that was physically split with Valentino Rossi.

Until 2015, the Yamaha factory team assigned a manager to each rider. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's title was changed to 'Rider Performance Analyst' to better describe his growing emphasis on coaching the riders.

By the time Lorenzo departed for Ducati in 2017, he and Zeelenberg had secured three world championships and achieved victory in 43 races.

The rider from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha to collaborate with Maverick Vinales, a newcomer who impressively secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1 motorcycle. However, more than a year passed without Vinales achieving another win, leading to clear frustration.

Zeelenberg, along with crew chief Ramon Forcada, who played a vital role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the new Petronas Yamaha initiative in 2019. Zeelenberg resumed his position as a team manager with this move.

The Sepang initiative unearthed future star Fabio Quartararo, achieving six victories, marking the inaugural wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, and secured the runner-up position in the 2020 championship with Franco Morbidelli.

Following Valentino Rossi's last MotoGP season, the departure of Petronas led to a restructured team emerging under the leadership of Razlan Razali. This new iteration, known as RNF, initially partnered with Yamaha and later switched to Aprilia bikes.

Zeelenberg guided the team through turbulent times, which included an unsuccessful partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued to be the team manager as the new Trackhouse era began this year.

There are no plans to replace Zeelenberg, which indicates that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities as the team manager.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently at the center of the unfolding saga regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury problems.

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Davide Tardozzi cautioned that Ducati is set to face a setback in their public relations efforts. "It will be painful, there's no question about it…"

Ducati is likely to come out on the losing end of the public relations battle if Aprilia reveals a bike with the #1 plate for their 2025 model, according to what Davide Tardozzi has

Jorge Martin from Pramac Ducati heads into the final MotoGP race of the season in Barcelona with a 24-point advantage.

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He is the leading contender to secure his inaugural championship, but he plans to join Aprilia in 2025. As a result, Ducati's competitor might have the opportunity to display the prestigious #1 plate on Martin's motorcycle next year.

Ducati's team leader, Tardozzi, emphasized that their satisfaction will come from Martin winning the championship on a Ducati, no matter how next year's Aprilia might look.

Michael Laverty from TNT Sports remarked, "There's no question that it's going to hurt."

"They may try to present it positively by noting he is recorded as the Ducati champion, but they will not win the public relations battle next year."

"And Aprilia is set to win. They'll definitely put the #1 plate on their bike!"

"You would take advantage of that opportunity."

Francesco Bagnaia, the champion for the last two years, is faced with the daunting task of mounting a significant comeback in Barcelona to keep his title.

He arguably doesn't have much support on the track, as his teammate Enea Bastianini has no obligations to Ducati following their decision to replace him for the 2025 season, and he is set to join KTM.

Marc Marquez will be teaming up with Bagnaia soon, but he's probably not interested in participating in the championship battle.

Laverty informed Ducati that they cannot compel Enea to offer assistance. He added that Martin has demonstrated greater consistency and has made fewer errors.

"They have a two-time world champion, yet this hasn't been Pecco's successful season."

Pramac is on the verge of achieving a major success by outperforming their own factory team for the championship.

It would be notable for their partnership to conclude, as Pramac has committed to becoming a satellite team for Yamaha starting in 2025.

Neil Hodgson commented, "It's enormous. That team is a satellite team, meaning they don't have as many staff members."

"Joining the official factory team is a significant advancement."

"A satellite team has never before won the MotoGP championship. I remember Valentino Rossi secured his victory in 2001 riding a full factory motorcycle."

"However, we have not experienced it, particularly at this level."

"It’s a significant achievement for a satellite team to outperform the main factory team."

"If it occurs, and it's with Pramac? They are known as the approachable team, consistently maintaining a friendly demeanor."

Paolo Campinoti, the team leader, has dedicated 25 years to this paddock and has invested millions of his personal funds into it.

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

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New Development in Surprising F1 Race Director Change: Niels Wittich Refutes Resignation Claims

The abrupt departure of Niels Wittich during the F1 race director switch is examined as additional details come to light.

Niels Wittich has refuted claims that he resigned from his role as the race director for Formula 1.

On Tuesday, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, made a surprising announcement that Wittich, who had been in the role since 2022, would be stepping down immediately to "explore new opportunities."

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In an interview with the German outlet Motorsport-Magazin, Wittich stated, "I have not stepped down."

New details shared by Craig Slater, a reporter for Sky Sports, seem to support Wittich's assertion. The reports suggest that the German is facing growing tension in his relationship with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

According to high-level insiders, it appears he was essentially dismissed from his position, rather than choosing to resign with three races remaining. This contradicts the official statement released by the FIA, as noted by Slater.

Various sources have informed me that Wittich and the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had a strained relationship, which has played a role in the situation.

Examining the potential causes for Wittich's unexpected exit with only three races left in the season, Slater commented, "Wittich has faced some criticism."

Reflecting on the events at Interlagos and those leading up to it, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix experienced significant rainfall. This brought about situations where the red flag could have been deployed sooner.

I’ve talked to a few people who thought that Wittich might not have made the best decisions in some important situations.

"Did he have some issues with the race stewards? This seemed to come to light in Austin amidst the debate about Max Verstappen's racing style, especially concerning his defensive maneuvers."

Rui Marques, who is presently the race director for F2 and F3, will take over as Wittich's successor starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"It's a challenging role," Slater remarked. "This has been the case ever since the passing of the esteemed Charlie Whiting just before the start of the 2019 season. People recall the notorious Abu Dhabi race incident that led to Michael Masi losing his position as race director, and now it seems this demanding role has become overwhelming for Wittich."

"Joining the fray with only three races left comes with its own challenges, particularly since the Drivers' Championship is technically still up for grabs, despite Max Verstappen being the clear front-runner. Additionally, the battle for the Constructors' Championship is still in progress."

“This is a challenging event for someone taking on their initial role as race director. Being a street circuit, last year’s inaugural race was marked by numerous incidents. There was also debate concerning the track's certification, a responsibility that falls to the race director. Additionally, there was an issue with a loose drain cover. Rui Marques is certainly facing a tough introduction to this role.”

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi Reunite for a Race at VR46 Ranch

The two-time MotoGP Champion, Stoner, joined Rossi for a ride at his VR46 ranch

The long-standing competition between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi seems to be dissipating, following their recent ride together at Rossi's VR46 Ranch.

Twice-crowned MotoGP champion Stoner and Rossi, who has clinched the world championship nine times, were embroiled in a fierce competition on the tracks throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.

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The competition between them reached its peak during the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix, where Rossi collided with Stoner. This incident prompted Stoner's memorable comment to the experienced Italian, saying, "your ambition outweighs your talent."

In January, Stoner pointed out that incident and Rossi's subsequent effort to apologize as a time when he lost respect for Rossi.

In a conversation with Moto.it, Stoner mentioned, "Seeing Vale join Ducati was tough too, considering the immense pressure they faced, which they truly didn't warrant."

"They were performing excellently, and we accomplished a significant amount of work, given our quite limited budget."

"Regrettably, Valentino and his engineer, Jeremy Burgess, expressed quite unfavorable opinions about myself and my team."

"They essentially implied we were clueless and promised to repair the bicycle promptly. I find that quite insulting, considering my team's involvement."

"Despite our limited budget, we remained contenders for the championship, outperforming those with more substantial financial resources."

However, it seems the duo is moving on from previous issues, with Rossi extending an invitation to Stoner to join him for a ride at his ranch in Tavullia the previous weekend.

Casey Stoner is wholeheartedly embracing his time in Italy 🤩❤️‍🔥 He's experiencing complete exhilaration at Valentino's Ranch in Tavullia! #SkyMotori #SkyMotoGP #MotoGP #ValentinoRossi pic.twitter.com/W8L56bYfV3

Casey Stoner is wholeheartedly embracing his time in Italy 🤩❤️‍🔥 He's experiencing complete exhilaration at Valentino's Ranch in Tavullia! #SkyMotori #SkyMotoGP #MotoGP #ValentinoRossi pic.twitter.com/W8L56bYfV3

At EICMA, the premier global motorcycle expo held in Milan, Rossi extended an invitation to Stoner, the MotoGP winner in 2007 and 2011, to join him for a ride on the renowned dirt track at his ranch.

Stoner shared a quick update on social media, displaying a photo of them enjoying a meal together.

Stoner expressed, "The dynamic between Vale and me has undergone significant transformations over the past 12 years, encompassing changes in our families and friendships.

"However, the love for motorcycles remains unchanged. I appreciate the chance to ride on the same track with you once again!"

Rossi has declared that his yearly 100km of Champions race at his ranch is scheduled for January 10-11. This event will include regular participants from his VR46 Academy alongside other notable figures from the world of motorcycle racing.

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Official Statement: Iannone Misses Out on Barcelona MotoGP Appearance, VR46 Opts for Pirro

Ducati's reserve rider to take Di Giannantonio's spot for the final race of 2024

The VR46 MotoGP squad has revealed that Andrea Iannone will be absent from the GP23 race at the Solidarity Grand Prix, with Michele Pirro stepping in as his replacement.

VR46 regular Fabio Di Giannantonio concluded his 2024 campaign at the Thai Grand Prix, deciding to undergo an operation on his left shoulder, which he had dislocated during the Austrian Grand Prix in August.

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Di Giannantonio's surgery went well, however, it requires him to sit out the final two events of 2024 to ensure he's ready for the GP25 pre-season trials coming this February.

Valentino Rossi chose to offer Iannone his initial MotoGP appearance since 2019 during the previous week's Malaysian Grand Prix, where the Italian racer finished 17th, displaying moments of quickness over the course of the event.

At that moment, Iannone was uncertain about his participation on the motorcycle for the final race in Barcelona, which was relocated from Valencia because of the lethal floods affecting the area.

Ahead of the upcoming Barcelona finale this weekend, dubbed the Solidarity GP, VR46 has announced that Ducati's test rider Pirro will step in to replace Di Giannantonio on Monday.

This event will be Pirro's initial appearance in 2024, as Ducati is believed to be eager to take advantage of Di Giannantonio not participating, to provide their test rider with some important race experience before the test following the Solidarity GP.

This year, Pirro hasn't had the opportunity to participate in any wildcard events because of the regulations that limit Ducati's involvement in such races.

"First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude towards the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Ducati for giving me this incredible chance to finish the season in MotoGP," Pirro stated.

"Competing in this division is always a pleasure, especially under Valentino's banner. I extend my gratitude to him, along with Uccio [Salucci] and Pablo [Nieto].

"I extend a warm embrace to Fabio, who has been performing admirably. However, dealing with the demands of this engine capacity without being fully fit is challenging. He's poised for a significant chance next season with the GP25."

"I'm looking forward to competing with the GP23; it will give me a chance to observe the progress we've achieved."

"I don't have any specific hopes for the outcome of the race, yet I'm eager to compete, especially for those impacted by the flooding in Valencia. I aim to do justice to both the team and our collective effort. Looking forward to meeting you on the racecourse."

Participating in the Solidarity GP ensures that Pirro will continue his streak of racing in at least one MotoGP race each year since his only full-season effort in 2012.

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MotoGP Announces Rescheduled Inaugural 2025 Test in Barcelona

Confirmed Test Following the Solidarity GP

MotoGP has announced that the initial testing for the 2025 season is scheduled for the Tuesday immediately following the last race of the 2024 season in Barcelona.

Except for the 2020 COVID-19 campaign and the following 2021 season, MotoGP has customarily held a test session right after the season's last race each year.

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Lately, the examination has taken place in Valencia, where it has occurred on the Tuesday following the season's concluding race for the past two years.

Originally scheduled for 2024, the Valencia GP has been called off following severe flood incidents in the Valencia area that occurred earlier this month.

MotoGP has successfully arranged an alternative race, named the Solidarity GP, scheduled to take place in Barcelona this weekend. However, there has been no update regarding the status of the planned test.

Dorna Sports was anticipating the formal IRTA (International Race Teams’ Association) test to proceed on Tuesday, November 19, but confirmation was still pending.

Nonetheless, a representative from Dorna assured on Monday that the scheduled test prior to this weekend's final event will proceed as intended.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 10am local time and continue until 5pm (9am-4pm GMT). Following the conclusion, there's a 15-minute practice session planned.

Even with the switch in location, MotoGP intends to maintain its customary year-end celebrations.

Plans are still being confirmed, but MotoGP intends to hold its award ceremony the Sunday following the season's last race, where the world champion's trophy will be presented to either Jorge Martin or Francesco Bagnaia.

MotoGP is set to unveil its redesigned logo at the upcoming award ceremony.

The upcoming post-race trial this year is set to feature major debut appearances by several prominent figures, with Marc Marquez notably joining the Ducati team's ranks to try out the GP25, which he will race with Bagnaia in the 2025 season.

Martin, who is on the brink of clinching the championship title this weekend with a 24-point lead over Bagnaia, is poised to test the factory Aprilia for the initial time.

Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini are set to make their debut on the KTM, while Marco Bezzecchi will get a taste of the Aprilia for the first time.

Jack Miller is set to team up with Pramac once more, marking the first occasion for both him and the team to experience Yamaha gear. The involvement of his teammate, Miguel Oliveira, remains in doubt due to a wrist fracture he sustained during an accident at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

The rider from Portugal got back to training on his bike over the last weekend and might be looking forward to his last race in Barcelona with Trackhouse Aprilia.

Ai Ogura, from Trackhouse Aprilia, and Somkiat Chantra, of LCR Honda, are set to experience their first encounter with MotoGP bikes before they embark on their debut seasons.

Fermin Aldeguer is scheduled to test the Gresini Ducati, yet his attendance is in doubt due to his ongoing recovery from a wrist fracture sustained during the Thai GP.

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Which events stood out for the top contenders of the 2024 MotoGP championship?

In the newest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the crew discusses the season's final showdown.

The championship title for the 2024 MotoGP World Championship is set to be determined this weekend during the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona, with Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia vying for the top spot.

Following 19 races in the 2024 season, Martin is at the forefront, holding a 24-point advantage with 37 points still up for grabs in the upcoming final race in Barcelona, which was rearranged after the original Valencia event was called off because of severe floods in the area.

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In 2024, Bagnaia secured victories in 10 grand prix events, surpassing Martin's tally of three wins. However, Martin's unwavering consistency, combined with eight races where the current champion did not finish, has led to the highly anticipated final showdown we are witnessing.

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the crew delves into what they believe are the standout races of the season for both Martin and Bagnaia.

"From my perspective, the most impressive victory of Bagnaia… I'm torn between two," starts Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager and podcast host for Crash.

In Buriram, despite the immense pressure he faced, he succeeded. I also reflect on the beginning of the year and the competition against Marc Marquez in Jerez.

"It seemed like a subtle hint that some might have believed Bagnaia would be easily overpowered by Marquez. Yet, he demonstrated his readiness to fiercely compete against him. The events in Portimao highlighted an impressive showdown between the two racers."

"In summary, my prediction leans towards Jerez as the favorable circuit for Bagnaia. As for Jorge Martin, despite securing only three grand prix victories, he has notably triumphed in numerous sprint races, with another two to his name."

His remarkable victory in the sprint at Misano, his initial triumph, was marked by an incredible beginning, from which he took the lead and maintained control throughout.

"This served as a remarkable indicator that he has outpaced Bagnaia in the latter half of the year, clearly demonstrating that fact to me."

"Additionally, the race in Le Mans stood out significantly for him, especially due to the emotional victory he secured by staying ahead of Bagnaia and Marquez. This event was highlighted as one of the most remarkable races of the season."

Crash Senior Journalist Lewis Duncan comments: "I expect some to claim I'm showing recency bias, a phrase I genuinely dislike, as our judgments are naturally influenced by the most recent events.

"In my opinion, and for Martin as well, the victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix stands out. He experienced a fall during the sprint race which left him puzzled, especially since it happened at the same circuit where his title contention fell apart a year prior."

"He personally expressed his deep concerns, mentioning numerous fears, the unease of experiencing another crash, and how he managed to overcome those issues."

"Pecco was facing difficulties, and he seized the opportunity following that challenging sprint scenario. Should he secure the championship, that will be seen as a pivotal instance demonstrating clear evidence of his mental toughness."

"For Pecco, Sepang stands out, particularly the intense challenge he faced pushing forward after being knocked out of the sprint.

"Until that moment, I believe we hadn't really observed Pecco being pushed into a corner in the last three seasons, but he responded with vigor."

"He matched the intensity thrown at him before swiftly vanishing into the horizon."

According to Crash MotoGP Editor Peter McLaren, he believes that for Pecco, the Malaysian Grand Prix embodies the intensity of competition seen in Jerez along with the high stakes found in Buriram, emphasizing the necessity of victory.

"Just a day earlier, Marc Marquez had mentioned that 'Pecco needs to secure a victory tomorrow,' and then, in the wet conditions of the Buriram race, he actually achieved it."

"In Malaysia, it was a blend of both scenarios where the initial struggle was fierce, and victory was essential; he managed to achieve his goal successfully."

"Martin, although he hasn't secured numerous Grand Prix victories, Indonesia stands out to me due to the reaction it elicited."

"It was the unforeseen error that we quickly addressed, preventing it from expanding from a minor flaw into a vast abyss of lost opportunities, similar to the situation that began to unfold in Indonesia the year before."

"Therefore, it was crucial for him to firmly establish his dominance in that competition."

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