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Hamilton Finds His Groove with Ferrari: A Seamless Transition from Mercedes
Rumors in Italy suggest Lewis Hamilton has smoothly transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari
It seems Lewis Hamilton has swiftly adjusted to his new surroundings at Ferrari.
It has been reported that Lewis Hamilton felt "instantly" more at ease behind the wheel of a Ferrari during his initial trials with the team, compared to his experiences in Mercedes vehicles.
As reported by the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton experienced positive sensations after test-driving Ferrari's SF-23 and subsequently the SF-24.
The article states that Hamilton efficiently adjusted to driving Ferrari's equipment, specifically the SF-23, despite experiencing a crash on the second day during the Barcelona TPC trials.
According to the report, Hamilton experienced greater comfort driving both cars compared to his latest Mercedes vehicles.
The individual, aged 40, took Ferrari's 2023 race car for a spin at the Fiorano circuit in his inaugural week with the squad.
Subsequently, a TPC test took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Last week saw Hamilton back on the track, piloting the SF-24, which came close to clinching the constructors’ championship but ultimately fell short to McLaren in 2024.
Ferrari's spirits are soaring following Hamilton's promising start
The atmosphere is extremely positive at Ferrari's Maranello base after an impressive initial period with Hamilton.
The article indicates that Ferrari believes Hamilton will show strong competitiveness in Australia's opening race.
Hamilton approaches 2025 following his least successful Formula 1 season so far.
The seven-time global champion secured two victories last season but was clearly outperformed by his Mercedes colleague, George Russell.
Hamilton primarily faced difficulties during qualifying sessions, surpassing Russell in just five instances across all the Saturday events of the season.
Hamilton is facing a formidable challenge with Charles Leclerc, his new teammate, who is considered by many to be the quickest driver in Formula 1.
Joining a new team is expected to bring a change in perspective for Hamilton, who often appeared disheartened during the final stages of his time with Mercedes.
Hamilton's performance was so underwhelming that it prompted him to make the surprising assertion that he's lost his speed.
Upcoming Focus: Hamilton and Ferrari's Future Moves
Following the completion of the Pirelli 2026 tyre evaluation, the spotlight now turns to the upcoming Formula 1 launch period.
On February 18, the O2 in London will host all 10 teams for the event 'F1 75 Live'.
Each of the 10 squads will be on hand to reveal their latest color schemes for the upcoming season.
A day from now, the SF-25, Ferrari's car for the year 2025, is set to be unveiled officially in Maranello.
Hamilton and Leclerc are anticipated to take to the circuit in their new vehicle on February 19.
This is in preparation for the pre-season trials in Bahrain, set to commence from February 26th to 28th.
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Pressure Mounts on Jack Doohan as Alpine’s Future Plans Stir F1 Debate
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Report Suggests Major Decision About Jack Doohan Has Been Finalized
Is Jack Doohan's future in doubt? A former F1 champion believes it might be.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that Alpine has already decided to switch out Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto.
Even before his inaugural full season kicks off, F1 newcomer Doohan is feeling the heat to secure his position. This pressure comes after Alpine's announcement to appoint Colapinto as a reserve driver for the 2025 season.
Speculation has arisen that Colapinto might take Doohan's place if the Australian driver does not deliver strong performances in the early races of the upcoming season. Colapinto impressed many with an unexpected appearance as a substitute for Williams late in 2024.
Alpine's Formula 1 executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, confirmed that Doohan will begin the season partnering with Pierre Gasly. However, he did not eliminate the chance of a driver swap occurring in 2025.
Montoya is one of the people who firmly believes that the exchange is bound to happen.
"The challenge with Doohan's situation is that, from an external perspective, it appears as though the decision has already been made," Montoya explained to AS Colombia. "I believe it is going to occur."
Formula 1 has recognized the significance of Colapinto's popularity and is quietly working behind the scenes to support it.
"That's really fascinating! We discussed the possibilities at Alpine, focusing on the talented drivers in their academy, as well as those competing in F2 and F3."
Franco, who was previously part of the Williams academy, now surprisingly has an opportunity to race. This means that none of the other drivers in Formula 2 will secure the position; it will go to Franco.
In his first Formula 1 appearance, Doohan secured 15th place during the final race of last season in Abu Dhabi. He stepped in for Esteban Ocon, who left his position early in anticipation of moving to the Haas team.
Alpine's team leader, Oliver Oakes, has emphasized that Doohan will have a genuine opportunity to make an impact during his first season in Formula 1.
Colapinto and Doohan's direct comparison
Colapinto recently took to the track for the first time with Alpine in Barcelona, as shown in a video that Briatore posted on Instagram.
Colapinto and Doohan each had the opportunity to drive Alpine's 2023 model, the A523, during some TPC sessions organized by the team.
Although Alpine did not disclose the precise details of the test, it is probable that the French team evaluated the lap times of Colapinto and Doohan against each other.
Colapinto is anticipated to be the top candidate to replace Doohan if he does not meet expectations.
Despite Alpine's persistent claims that they have no intention of making an exchange, Briatore is known for making tough decisions without hesitation.
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Marquez Dominates Day One of Buriram MotoGP Test as Ducati Eyes GP24 Engine
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2025 Buriram MotoGP Test: Marc Marquez Leads Day One
The eight-time world champion propels the factory Ducati to the leading position.
Marc Marquez topped the leaderboard on the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season test, achieving the fastest time with a late surge on his factory Ducati, finishing 0.465 seconds ahead of his competitors.
The last two-day test before the season starts holds significance for everyone, but it appears to be especially crucial for the official Ducati team. They are in the process of determining which engine they will choose to utilize over the upcoming two seasons.
David Tardozzi, the team manager, announced before the session concluded that they would probably compete with the GP24 engine this season.
It seems that Marquez dedicated most of his day to working on that engine, and it was with this engine that he recorded the quickest time on Wednesday.
After remaining in the top two positions until the last hour of the session, Marquez made a late push with a time of 1 minute and 29.184 seconds to take the lead.
During the third hour of the session, he surpassed his brother, Alex Marquez, who races for Gresini on the full GP24, to claim the leading position with a time of 1 minute and 29.649 seconds.
Marc Marquez set the timing screens ablaze in the final moments, surpassing the previous record lap.
Franco Morbidelli secured the third position for VR46, finishing just 0.034 seconds behind Alex Marquez, in an all-Ducati top three.
Marco Bezzecchi secured fourth place riding the top-performing Aprilia, clocking a time of 1 minute and 29.794 seconds. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta spearheaded the KTM effort, finishing in fifth position.
Luca Marini delivered another promising performance for Honda during this pre-season, securing sixth place with a time of 1 minute and 29.928 seconds. The Italian rider finished ahead of his fellow Honda Racing Corporation counterpart, Johann Zarco from the LCR team.
Francesco Bagnaia, riding for the sister factory Ducati team, finished in eighth place. Meanwhile, KTM's Brad Binder secured ninth position, despite experiencing a crash at Turn 5 towards the end of the race.
Jack Miller from Pramac secured the top spot for Yamaha, finishing in 10th place with a time of 1m30.047s. Meanwhile, Joan Mir on his Honda positioned himself between the M1s, ahead of both Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.
Fermin Aldeguer was the leading newcomer for Gresini Ducati, finishing in 14th place, while Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Racing secured the 15th spot.
On Wednesday in Thailand, Tech3 KTM racers Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales appeared to face challenges once more, finishing in 16th and 18th positions. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, returning from an injury, completed 33 laps for Trackhouse and ended up in 19th place.
Results from Day One of the Buriram Test
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Jorge Martin’s Absence from Buriram Test Strikes a Blow to Aprilia’s Pre-Season Preparations
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/aprilia-garage-empty-team-looking-worrie-1024x1024-49908995.png)
Jorge Martin Skipping Buriram Trials Impacts Entire Aprilia Team
The current world champion to miss the Thailand testing session
Marco Bezzecchi has expressed that the absence of Jorge Martin from the pre-season MotoGP test in Thailand impacts the entire Aprilia team.
The current MotoGP world champion sustained numerous breaks in a severe accident at the beginning of the first day during last week's Sepang test, marking only his second outing with Aprilia.
He was transported to the hospital for examinations prior to his return flight to Spain for an operation scheduled for Friday, leading to Martin being sidelined from this week's Buriram testing.
This indicates that Martin is set to have his first race on the Aprilia, after only completing 90 laps on the RS-GP since the previous November.
The accident has created a division between Aprilia and Michelin, with Michelin asserting that their data indicates the tyre Martin was utilizing had no problems, contrary to what has been suggested. However, the team still disputes this claim.
Looking forward to the upcoming two-day trial at Buriram this week, Bezzecchi acknowledges that Martin not being there is an issue, but it's something beyond his control.
"The Italian mentioned, "I must give another shot at something related to electronics."
"We need to make adjustments in every aspect of our approach, including adapting my way of riding to better suit the motorcycle."
"Certainly, the absence of Jorge impacts the entire team, including myself. However, this is our current situation, and I must fulfill my responsibilities without grievances."
Bezzecchi noted, "There are still a few things we haven't tested in Sepang. They were on the agenda.
"Thankfully, in Sepang, we managed to stick to our strategy, leaving a few tasks to be addressed here, particularly tomorrow."
"Then, naturally, we'll need to make some preparations for the race weekend."
"Thus, tomorrow holds significance as it marks the initial day for us to experiment with everything that requires testing, followed by concentrating on the arrangement and the approach to riding."
Bezzecchi is set to kick off his season in Thailand after having spent six days riding the RS-GP starting from November.
He mentions he "would appreciate additional time," yet acknowledges that increased testing can sometimes be counterproductive, leading to challenges in determining the right path for development.
“When asked whether five days of preseason testing in 2025 was sufficient to get accustomed to a new bike, he responded, 'It must be, since that's all I'm given: three days in Sepang, two days in this location, totaling five,'” he explained.
"I need to ensure I'm performing at my peak for the opening race, given the resources at my disposal. Ideally, I'd prefer additional time to prepare, but that's simply not feasible."
While it's crucial, there are times when excessive testing can make it challenging to avoid complications.
"In conclusion, once you discover a foundation and experiment with all the necessary items during the testing phase, that suffices."
"In that case, racing is the preferable option. Ideally, I'd enjoy spending three days at Sepang and another three days at this location. That setup would be ideal for me. However, we have three days at one and two at the other, which is fine."
Savadori to Assist Martin with Aprilia
In an effort to bridge the absence of Martin, Aprilia is bringing in test rider Lorenzo Savadori. The Italian has detailed his plan to support the world champion during the Thailand event.
"I'm here on a mission to assist Jorge, collaborating with the team to establish a solid foundation for him upon his arrival for the race," he stated.
"Therefore, I persist in refining the bicycle. Additionally, we have a few novel components to evaluate, including those related to aerodynamics and electronics."
"Our objective is to establish a solid foundation for Jorge to begin his work."
Savadori mentioned that his role doesn't involve configuration tasks but will instead focus on major aspects that are also beneficial and appropriate for Jorge.
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Fermin Aldeguer’s ‘Crazy’ Buriram Spin: Rookie Reflects on Chaotic MotoGP Practice Start
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fermin-aldeguers-surreal-motogp-bike-whi-1024x1024-50073794.png)
Fermin Aldeguer describes the "wild" practice session that resulted in a hectic spin. "I've never slipped like that before…"
During the midday practice session for start procedures at the Buriram MotoGP test, several riders experienced some difficulties while taking off from the grid. Fermin Aldeguer, however, had the most noticeable issues.
The novice from Spain lost control at the start of one of his races and nearly collided with his Gresini Racing teammate, Alex Marquez. Luckily, he managed to steer clear and prevent any contact.
Aldeguer clarified that the excessive spin he experienced at the start was due to the track conditions in Buriram.
"After his initial day riding the Desmosedici GP24 in Buriram, Aldeguer described the experience as 'crazy.'"
"For the first time, I experienced a slip like this. It's typical when the track is in such a state, and other riders also face similar issues. While theirs may not be as severe, it's still a common occurrence."
The newcomer happened to be beside his teammate on the grid during that practice start purely by chance, not to seek any insights from Marquez or for any specific purpose.
"In the end, I don't require Alex [Marquez] to evaluate whether my practice start is effective," he stated.
"With the information available, we have a comprehensive view of everything."
"We need to make some improvements, as the track was somewhat slippery today and we didn't perform at our best. However, we'll assess the situation."
In addition to the inconsistent beginnings in practice, Aldeguer acknowledged facing challenges in adjusting his riding style on the Ducati for the Buriram track, where he had claimed victory in Moto2 during 2023.
He stated that the Buriram circuit is entirely distinct from the Sepang track.
"In conclusion, it's just a different style. With Michelin, we utilize a distinct casing here, which is another element to adjust to."
"Adjusting my approach to this track was challenging at first this morning. However, we remained composed, and after the break, we made significant progress."
"We're not at the pinnacle yet, but progress is moving in the right direction."
Statements shared by Derry Munikartono in Buriram.
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Marc Marquez Dominates Buriram MotoGP Test with Late Ducati Surge
Official Buriram MotoGP Test 2025: Marc Marquez Climbs to the Lead on Day One
The eight-time world champion propels the factory Ducati to the leading position.
Marc Marquez concluded the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season testing as the quickest rider. He achieved this with a late surge on his official Ducati, which placed him 0.465 seconds ahead of his competitors.
The last two-day test before the season starts holds significance for everyone, but it appears to be particularly crucial for the factory Ducati team as they work to choose an engine for the upcoming two seasons.
Before the session concluded, team manager David Tardozzi announced that the team would probably compete using the GP24 engine this season.
It seems that Marquez dedicated most of his day to working on that particular engine, which is also the one he used to achieve the quickest time on Wednesday.
After consistently being among the top two for most of the final hour, Marquez made a late push and clocked a time of 1 minute 29.184 seconds to secure the fastest position.
In the third hour of the session, he surpassed his brother Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini on the full GP24, claiming the leading position with a time of 1 minute and 29.649 seconds.
The lap remained the standard to beat until the final moments, when Marc Marquez made a significant impact on the timing screens.
Franco Morbidelli secured third place for VR46, making it an all-Ducati lineup, trailing Alex Marquez by 0.034 seconds.
Marco Bezzecchi secured the fourth spot riding the top Aprilia, clocking a time of 1 minute 29.794 seconds. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta spearheaded the KTM effort, finishing in fifth place.
During the pre-season testing, Luca Marini delivered another promising performance for Honda, securing the sixth position with a time of 1 minute 29.928 seconds. The Italian rider outpaced his fellow HRC competitor, Johann Zarco from the LCR team.
Francesco Bagnaia secured the eighth position riding for the sister factory Ducati team, while Brad Binder from KTM finished in ninth place, even though he experienced a late incident at Turn 5.
Jack Miller from Pramac led the Yamaha contingent by securing the 10th position with a time of 1 minute and 30.047 seconds. Meanwhile, Joan Mir from Honda positioned himself between the M1 riders, placing ahead of Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.
Fermin Aldeguer, representing Gresini Ducati, emerged as the leading newcomer by securing the 14th position, while Ai Ogura of Trackhouse Racing rounded out the top 15.
On Wednesday in Thailand, Tech3 KTM's Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales appeared to face challenges, finishing in 16th and 18th positions, respectively. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, representing Trackhouse, secured the 19th spot after completing 33 laps as he returned from an injury.
Results from the first day of testing in Buriram
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Williams’ Bold Move: How They Outmaneuvered Ferrari for a Major Sponsorship and Secured a Record Deal
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/williams-car-celebrating-victory-with-sp-1024x1024-11714031.png)
Williams managed to upset Ferrari by securing a significant Formula 1 sponsor that Ferrari had been pursuing.
Claire Williams recently recounted an incident where Ferrari was left "frustrated" after losing a significant sponsorship agreement to one of their Formula 1 competitors.
In 2014, Williams landed a long-term title sponsorship agreement with Martini. This partnership led to a complete redesign of the car, which was adorned in the brand's iconic white, blue, and red colors.
Williams' former deputy team principal stated that their team secured the agreement over Ferrari by agreeing to fully alter their livery for Martini, a concession that Ferrari was unwilling to make.
After discovering they had lost the deal, Williams disclosed that Ferrari even went to the extent of sending a letter to Martini, asserting that the brand would be left "in our rear-view mirrors" in 2014.
Williams experienced their most successful Formula 1 season since 2003, securing third position in the 2014 constructors' championship. This achievement placed them ahead of Ferrari, who struggled through a difficult season without any victories.
In an interview on the What It Takes With Olly Fawcett podcast, Williams expressed his pride in securing the contract, especially since Martini was on the verge of finalizing an agreement with Ferrari.
"However, I believe they were seeking more than what Ferrari was willing to provide."
"The Ferrari design is iconic and leaves little room for modification, but at Williams, we provided them with the complete design of our race car."
We suggested, "How about reintroducing the classic Martini stripes and putting them on our vehicle? Check out this design we’ve created – isn’t it fantastic?"
Ultimately, the majority of fans concurred that the 2014 design was quite appealing, but Ferrari was upset as they believed we had taken their sponsor.
Ferrari went as far as to send a letter to Martini, stating, 'Next season, you'll be in our rear-view mirrors since you're now backing Williams.'
Williams secured third place in the Constructors' Championship, trailing Mercedes and Red Bull Racing but notably surpassing Ferrari.
"Naturally, the thought crossed my mind: 'Not only did we secure the title sponsor right in front of you, but we also emerged victorious.'"
Williams Secures Major Sponsorship Agreement
On Tuesday, Williams revealed that they have signed an unprecedented multi-year partnership with Atlassian, making the company their new title sponsor for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Atlassian has taken on the role of the first title sponsor for Williams since 2020, marking the most significant partnership in the history of the team.
"I'm thrilled to introduce Atlassian as a partner in our journey into becoming Atlassian Williams Racing," expressed James Vowles, the principal of the Williams team.
Securing a title partnership of such magnitude and importance marks a significant day in our team's distinguished history and represents a crucial step in our revival efforts.
"We are implementing all the necessary components to return this team to a leading position in the competition. By partnering with Atlassian, we will utilize their technology and tools to enhance teamwork and cooperation throughout the entire organization, helping us reach our full potential."
"Our goals and principles match seamlessly, and I'm enthusiastic about the potential accomplishments we can reach as a team."
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Zarco Optimistic About Honda’s Progress After Sepang Test: A Closer Gap to the Top
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/zarco-racing-honda-logo-stopwatch-thumbs-1024x1024-80111599.png)
Johann Zarco Evaluates Honda's Improved Engine Performance
"The difference is now smaller than it used to be"
Despite facing stiff competition from Joan Mir, Johann Zarco maintained his position as the quickest rider for Honda in the Sepang MotoGP trials.
The racer from France, who notably achieved a coveted position in Q2 for Honda during the previous year's Malaysia Grand Prix in November and secured the eleventh spot in the primary race, concluded the trial with a time that was 0.711 seconds slower than the front-runner, Alex Marquez, from Gresini Ducati.
Team member Mir from the factory was a mere 0.075 seconds slower, followed by Luca Marini in 15th place and Zarco’s newcomer colleague from LCR, Somkiat Chantra, in 19th position, yet all were within a 1.64-second gap of Marquez on the almost two-minute circuit.
"Zarco started off by saying, “This test turned out to be even better than I had anticipated, which is a positive sign. The performance on the final day was particularly impressive. It’s a boost for my confidence to see that we’re narrowing the gap with the leading riders, which isn’t as wide as it used to be.”
Honda introduced fresh engine, aerodynamics, and chassis components for testing in Malaysia. Both Zarco and Mir appeared to prefer the latest engine paired with the previous aerodynamic setup.
"The French individual mentioned, "Over the course of three days, we experimented with various approaches. Today, we were able to integrate all those elements effectively, and the results were significantly improved. I'm pleased with this outcome."
"No single element significantly impacts my cycling, but when I combine them, I notice an improved handling of the bike."
"Currently, it's essential for our trials in Thailand to continue experimenting with various options and select the optimal package to begin the season with, since we must choose which components to officially approve."
Johann Zarco highlights Honda's advantages
Honda must finalize its engine and aerodynamics by the first race, but thanks to its D concession ranking, similar to Yamaha, it has the flexibility to refine these elements throughout the season.
Currently positioned 15th in the top speed rankings, the RC213V is facing a deficit in sheer power, and issues with rear traction continue to be a problem.
Nonetheless, the updated engine design seems to assist in maneuverability.
"Certain bikes appear to have significant power in terms of acceleration, and it's noticeable, especially when trailing behind someone, that you seem to be falling behind," he added.
"However, upon examining every aspect, occasionally the escape isn't the main point of emphasis. Thus, we had additional elements to improve to enhance the rider's experience. I was able to identify these, which genuinely satisfies me."
Regarding the engine aspect, Honda is striving to maximize the power output while ensuring it's practically usable.
"I'm optimistic that as the season progresses, we'll see improvements, but I'm confident that right from the start, we'll be contenders for the top ten positions, which is currently a primary goal of mine."
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For two decades, Peter has experienced the ebb and flow of the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.
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Quartararo’s ‘Strange Day’ at Buriram: Front Tyre Woes and Yamaha’s Progress Unveiled
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quartararos-bike-struggles-amidst-burira-1024x1024-13648407.png)
Fabio Quartararo discusses the reasons behind an unusual day at the MotoGP test in Buriram. He mentions, "It's among the rare occasions in my career where I found no front tire to my liking…"
Following an impressive performance at the Sepang test last week, Fabio Quartararo kicked off the Buriram MotoGP test this week with what he referred to as a "strange" day.
The day's peculiarity stemmed from Quartararo's experience with the front of his Yamaha, which he attributed to the tires.
"Today turned out to be quite unusual for us," remarked the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP racer after the initial day of testing in Buriram. "This is particularly notable as it's one of the rare instances in my career where I found none of the front tires to my liking."
"I had a tough time today trying to ride quickly."
"Let's find out tomorrow if the track conditions get better, allowing me to ride the way I prefer. Today, we experimented with various approaches, but my performance wasn't up to par."
"Hopefully, we can discover a tire or an adjustment with this tire by tomorrow that suits our needs."
The French motorcyclist mentioned that neither he nor Yamaha had pinpointed the source of his uncertainty with the bike's front end. However, he emphasized that he believes the issue lies with the tires rather than the YZR-M1 itself.
"Whenever there are two tires to choose from, it's common to find that you prefer one over the other," he stated.
"This is the first time I've found myself disliking both of them. I'm not sure why, but I hope my feelings will be different tomorrow."
Fabio Quartararo placed 13th during the test session in Buriram. Quartararo mentioned that his discomfort with the front end resulted in what seemed like improved stability when braking.
"The bicycle feels slightly steadier, largely due to my inability to apply strong pressure on the front brake," he mentioned.
"Naturally, the bike feels more stable now. Last year, I was able to push the bike to its limits. I anticipate that tomorrow it will start to wobble again as I attempt to reach those limits once more, especially if the same issue with the tires arises during the race."
"We will aim to test the bike's limits tomorrow morning."
After following Alex Marquez from the Gresini Ducati team, Quartararo acknowledged that Yamaha has improved its straight-line speed.
He mentioned that he followed Alex Marquez for one lap, but it was challenging to determine tire wear differences, as Marquez’s tire had already been used for 18 laps compared to his own, which had only been used for five laps. Nevertheless, he noted significant improvements in their performance on the straight sections.
In conclusion, the 2021 World Champion noted that Yamaha's setup for both aerodynamics and the engine is now "pretty much set." He added that he dedicated most of his day to experimenting with new electronic strategies.
On Thursday, which marked the last day of the 2025 MotoGP preseason testing, Quartararo concentrated on perfecting launch modes. He believed there was potential for enhancement following the practice start session held between the morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesday.
"He's hopeful that by tomorrow they can implement some varied electronic strategies for the start, which might lead to improvements," he stated.
"Today, we tried some new approaches that might have been successful, but unfortunately, they didn’t work out for us."
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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news, including consumer and racing topics, at Visordown.
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Revving Up for 2025: Bottas Eager to Witness Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut Against Leclerc
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hamiltons-ferrari-speeds-past-leclercs-c-1024x1024-34208559.png)
Valtteri Bottas expresses interest in Lewis Hamilton's collaboration with a Ferrari teammate as he looks forward to the 2025 F1 season.
Valtteri Bottas believes that Lewis Hamilton will be “very driven” after his switch to Ferrari. He also expressed enthusiasm about watching how Hamilton will perform when up against Charles Leclerc, his new teammate.
The main topic of discussion for the 2025 F1 season is the 40-year-old's transition from Mercedes to Ferrari.
The media has been abuzz with news about Hamilton's initial weeks at Ferrari, highlighted by a photo taken in front of Enzo Ferrari's former residence. This image has set a new record for the highest number of likes on Instagram for a post related to Formula 1.
The athlete, who has won the world championship seven times, has been actively participating with his new team. He has conducted trials at Ferrari's circuit in Fiorano and has also completed two testing sessions in Barcelona.
Hamilton is eager to correct the mistakes from last year after experiencing a challenging final season with Mercedes.
Despite Hamilton securing victories in two races, George Russell outperformed him significantly in 2024.
Valtteri Bottas, who partnered with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, thinks that a shift in team dynamics might serve as a positive catalyst for improvement.
Bottas told Sky Sports that he believes the individual is very driven for the upcoming year.
"It's a fresh and invigorating experience for him. Occasionally, it can serve as a positive catalyst, and I'm eager to observe how he interacts with Charles."
Hamilton anticipates Ferrari's unveiling
Following the conclusion of the off-season tests, Hamilton is eagerly awaiting the debut of Ferrari's 2025 car, scheduled for next week.
The SF-25 is set to debut on February 19, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc scheduled to test it for the first time on the same day.
This will provide both drivers with an initial understanding of the new vehicle before the pre-season tests at the Bahrain International Circuit.
In contrast to previous years, the first race of the season will be held at Melbourne's Albert Park.
Historically, Melbourne has been a favorable circuit for Hamilton, where he has secured pole position eight times and achieved podium finishes on 10 occasions.
In the most recent six races held in Australia, Ferrari has secured victory in four of them.
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Ai Ogura Sheds Light on Transition Challenges in MotoGP: Says Moto3 to Moto2 Leap Tougher Than Expected
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ai-ogura-contemplating-next-race-strateg-1024x1024-94999298.png)
A MotoGP competitor shares a surprising hypothesis on advancing through the ranks
Ai Ogura discusses the transition from Moto2 to MotoGP
MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura feels that moving up from Moto3 to Moto2 presents a tougher challenge than advancing from Moto2 to the top tier.
The current Moto2 titleholder has teamed up with the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team for the 2025 and 2026 racing seasons, following an unexpected recruitment by the team last summer.
Ogura captured attention with a standout race simulation at the Sepang shakedown a fortnight ago and concluded the official Malaysia test ranking 14th on the last day.
Inquired about the transition from Moto3 to Moto2 and then from Moto2 to MotoGP, Ogura revealed an unexpected insight.
He mentioned, "The initial day on the Moto2 bike stands out for me. I'm not sure of the reason, but possibly the transition from Moto3 to Moto2 feels like a more significant jump."
"I'm simply expressing my emotions. The incident occurred the very next day after my Moto3 season concluded, when, in Portimao, I found myself unable to navigate a turn, particularly the initial one.
"Thus, reaching speeds close to 300km/h and with a larger tire, I found it challenging to even tilt the bike. Personally, it was quite difficult. Transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP was somewhat smoother for me."
Ogura is scheduled for an additional two days of trials on his RS-GP at Buriram, ahead of his first MotoGP race appearance at the Thai Grand Prix, slated for the month's close.
When questioned about his anticipations for the trial, he responded, "Primarily to nail down the precise timing on the track since the initial race will take place here. Hence, it’s beneficial for me to have two days of testing on this circuit."
The straightforward young Japanese rider was quite reserved in response to questions about what he believes should be enhanced regarding the bike and his own performance, merely asserting, "Everything".
Ogura identifies that the principal challenge he's facing with the MotoGP bike is braking in a straight line.
Regarding his physical readiness, Ogura feels confident that he possesses sufficient strength to complete a race without experiencing any issues with arm pump.
He mentioned, "I'm uncertain about my strength, but I can manage for 20 laps."
"That's my current understanding. Perhaps my strength will continue to increase, but it's uncertain. However, as it stands, I'm not experiencing any arm pump or similar issues over race distances."
Ogura will be joined by his teammate Raul Fernandez on the track at Buriram, following Fernandez's absence from the Sepang test due to a crash on the first day.
Fernandez underwent a surgical procedure to repair a fractured left hand but plans to compete in this week's event, just before the season's first round begins.
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Jack Miller’s Yamaha Revelation: A Front-End Game-Changer at Buriram Preseason Test
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/yamaha-motorcycle-speeding-through-burir-1024x1024-89143462.png)
Jack Miller identifies where Yamaha outshines KTM
"It makes you crave more…"
During the first day of the MotoGP preseason test in Buriram, Jack Miller secured a position within the top 10.
The ex-rider for Honda, Ducati, and KTM is adapting smoothly to his new Yamaha bike, which has become a standout as teams gear up for the 2025 racing season.
Miller highlighted a feature in which his new machine surpasses the capabilities of last year's KTM.
Miller expressed his satisfaction in Buriram, stating that he finds the bike enjoyable to ride and appreciates the reliability of the front end, which he considers a significant advantage.
The experience makes you crave additional excitement. Whenever you install a new tire, you find yourself pondering, ‘I could have taken those corners faster.’
"It gives you a strong sense of trust in the front part, which had been lacking over the last few years."
"I didn't expect that, but it's a nice surprise."
"We focused on the back end of the vehicle, particularly on the corners where we needed to stop and start. I was pleased with the adjustments we implemented."
Jack Miller finishes in 10th place at Buriram
Miller, now riding for the Pramac team with Miguel Oliveira after their switch from Ducati to Yamaha, referred to his new motorcycle as a "rocket ship" due to its impressive launch capabilities.
He mentioned that during the testing in Buriram, they immediately started off strong by using the foundational setup they had established in Sepang.
"I was pleased with the conditions. The track was fine, just a bit dusty. Fortunately, the presence of multiple bikes helped clear it up swiftly."
"The motorcycle is functioning properly overall, but there is still a problem with the rear traction. However, in conditions where the grip isn't particularly strong, such as here, it's less noticeable. I felt the issue more prominently during my time in Sepang."
"I completed many laps in the 30-second range today, and I wish I could have achieved some in the 29-second bracket."
"I'm pleased with the speed. The motorcycle handles well in the warm weather."
"The team made a few changes, but overall, the configuration remained consistent with how we ended in Sepang."
"I was pleased with its performance even in somewhat challenging conditions."
"Whenever you ride a new bicycle, it's important to be receptive and take in everything. Pay attention to the feedback the bike is giving you."
Yamaha has faced challenging times over the last few years.
However, Miller believes the company has every opportunity to expand on their successful preseason.
Miller firmly stated that they pay no attention to the opinions of others.
"Yamaha was once well-suited for many tracks, but that's no longer the case. In contrast, Ducati, which previously struggled, now performs well on all tracks."
"The situation is evolving, and we concentrate on what is within our capabilities."
"In previous years, Yamaha has shown significant strength at this location."
Statements given by Derry Munikartono in Buriram
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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.
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Eddie Jordan’s Bold Move: F1 Legend Rescues London Irish Rugby Club from Administration
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eddie-jordan-triumphantly-holds-london-i-1024x1024-61581369.png)
Eddie Jordan Announces Significant Expansion into a New Sport
Famed former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has played a crucial role in rescuing the London Irish Rugby Club.
A group supported by ex-Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has successfully acquired the London Irish Rugby Club in an effort to save it.
The London Irish rugby team had to go into administration and were barred from playing any rugby matches due to not paying their players. This penalty came after they failed to meet the deadline for paying wages or finalizing a takeover deal.
They have been prohibited from participating in the Premiership and are presently barred from engaging in any rugby league competitions.
F1 icon and Irish entrepreneur Jordan has spearheaded a group to acquire the club from administration.
The organization led by Jordan, known as 'The Jordan Associates,' announced that they aim to make a quick comeback to competitions.
The new owners are focused on elevating the London Irish Rugby Club back to the highest level of international professional club rugby, with the objective of quickly rejoining the top-tier competition, the statement declared.
The Jordan Associates group is set to focus on working out the details for a complete and lasting comeback for London Irish to the rugby scene, collaborating closely with the team's fans.
Kyle Jordan, the youngest son of Eddie and a senior partner at Jordan Associates, expressed their enthusiasm by stating, "We are thrilled about the chance to guide London Irish to greater success."
The individuals supporting us financially are not only providing funds but also have a deep love for rugby and dedication to the community. They especially aim to connect with the Irish community worldwide to enhance the brand associated with those living outside Ireland.
The Jordan Grand Prix team, named after its founder, participated in Formula 1 from 1991 until 2005, securing victory in four races during its tenure.
In December, the 76-year-old announced that he was fighting an "extremely aggressive" type of cancer affecting his bladder and prostate, which had metastasized to his spine and pelvis.
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