Francesco Bagnaia dedicated numerous hours to scrutinizing his errors and most challenging races.

"I lack something on the turns to the left"

11 Grand Prix victories. 8 races without scoring. 10 points total.

In Francesco Bagnaia's 2024 MotoGP season, he secured more Grand Prix victories than any other competitor combined. Despite this impressive feat, he fell short by ten points to Jorge Martin in the fight for the championship title.

"Double champion Bagnaia revealed during this week's Ducati Lenovo team unveiling that he has dedicated countless hours to scrutinizing and repeatedly viewing his poorest performances and errors from the previous year."

Bagnaia concluded that one of the reasons for his lack of scoring was the necessity for more patience in certain circumstances.

"My goal is to always be at the forefront as much as I can. However, I've realized that there are moments when it's wiser to hold back slightly. This is because the championship stretches over a long period," he explained.

Indeed, it's possible to earn and drop numerous points each weekend. It's also accurate to say that not all instances were due to my own errors.

"In various instances, by adopting a patient approach and not making rash decisions, securing approximately 13 points proved sufficient for clinching the championship."

In scenarios like the confrontations with the Marquez siblings at Portimao (Marc) and Aragon (Alex), showing restraint might have been beneficial. However, there were also instances where Bagnaia crashed independently even though he was riding 'serenely'.

"Forecasting can be challenging, especially since there have been instances where I've unexpectedly lost the lead despite being composed. This happened during the final lap of the Barcelona Sprint, and similarly in Malaysia. It's a complex issue, but I'm determined to figure it out."

“Then, it’s not about individual members of the team needing enhancement, but rather, we must collectively enhance our performance in certain circumstances.

"It's essential that it feels effortless, simply fulfilling our duties without any stress, operating as usual, and then everything will become smoother."

Bagnaia pointed out that throughout the season, he experienced only nine falls, placing him at 17th for the highest number of falls last year.

The issue, as indicated by the title, is that out of those incidents, seven occurred during actual racing events (he had to withdraw from the Le Mans Sprint because of a mechanical problem).

"He clarified that the aim is not to alter the overall strategy but to make adjustments throughout the races."

"Given the situation, I stand as one of the riders who had fewer crashes last year. However, it's worth noting that seven out of those nine incidents occurred during actual races, which is something I need to work on improving."

"In the left corners, there's something lacking for me."

When it came to displaying superior performance, last season Bagnaia was frequently unparalleled, securing overwhelming consecutive wins at Assen, Austria, and Barcelona.

Nonetheless, the Italian disclosed one aspect where he could enhance his abilities even more.

"Altering one's riding technique significantly is a challenging and lengthy endeavor. However, my goal from the initial test is to enhance my performance in left-hand turns to match my proficiency in right-hand turns," he explained.

"This is already a positive aspect because I feel extremely confident on the right-hand turns. However, I find myself lacking something on the left-hand turns. So, I'll make an effort to improve in that area."

This stands in stark contrast to his new team-mate, Marc Marquez, who is notably dominant in left-hand turns and on tracks that run counter-clockwise like COTA, Sachsenring, Aragon, and Phillip Island.

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Alpine assures that Jack Doohan will receive an equitable opportunity in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, despite Franco Colapinto's entry into the team.

Alpine has assured that Jack Doohan will have an equal opportunity to showcase his talents in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, even with the addition of Franco Colapinto to the team.

At the beginning of this month, Alpine revealed that they had finalized a multi-year agreement with Williams, securing Colapinto as their reserve driver for the 2025 season.

A 21-year-old from Argentina will serve as a reserve driver for Pierre Gasly and Doohan. This marks Doohan's first complete season in Formula 1. He made his debut at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in December, following an early departure agreement between Alpine and Esteban Ocon.

The addition of Colapinto to the team is expected to intensify the expectations on Doohan, whose father is the legendary five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan. As Doohan embarks on his debut season, there is growing talk that the Australian racer might be dropped if his performance does not meet expectations early on.

Alpine's team leader, Oliver Oakes, emphasized that Doohan, who has moved up to a racing position after serving as the team's reserve driver for three years, has the complete support of the French team.

Oakes mentioned on the James Allen on F1 podcast that some of the comments directed at Jack by online critics have been somewhat severe, but he will have a fair opportunity next year.

The goal isn't to burden him with expectations. It's truly about providing the team with more choices in the future. In my opinion, Formula 1 is all about small differences.

"A large number of individuals count on a driver for weekend deliveries, so it's crucial to ensure we have top-notch drivers in the race car both today and in the days ahead."

Colapinto quickly stood out in Formula 1 with his strong early showings, stepping in for Logan Sargeant, who was having difficulties at Williams.

However, his prospects of securing a permanent position for 2025 were hindered by multiple significant accidents occurring late in the year.

Oakes commented on Colapinto, saying, "Franco seemed to leave a strong initial impact with Williams. It appeared evident that towards the end, he might have been pushing himself a little excessively."

Determining how much of his performance was due to his uncertain position, as he was trying to make a strong impact without a confirmed seat, and how much was due to compromises in the car's components, is challenging. However, the main point is that he left a significant mark with the speed he demonstrated.

"It's fantastic to have a lineup of two promising young drivers like Paul and Franco ready to step up. This isn't just about the year 2025; the future years like 2026 and 2027 are approaching quickly. In Formula 1, it's challenging to predict future developments and decide which drivers will be behind the wheel."

"It ensures that everyone remains accountable for their performance and offers us various alternatives."

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VIDEO: Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia Share Insights in Their Debut Interview as Ducati Colleagues

Together for the first time, the duo engages in a conversation as team members of the Ducati MotoGP squad.

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia recently participated in their inaugural joint interview as teammates under the factory Ducati MotoGP banner, available for viewing below.

On Monday, January 20, the Ducati factory team unveiled its 2025 season lineup during an event held in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Discover more: The unavoidable consequences within Ducati's elite MotoGP squad

For the first time, eight-time world champion Marc Marquez was seen donning the complete factory Ducati outfit, alongside his teammate Bagnaia, as they unveiled the brand's 2025 color scheme.

On Tuesday, the duo competed against each other for the first time in a downhill skiing event, followed by a one-on-one interview with TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett.

See it here.

Initially, Ducati intended to elevate Jorge Martin to its main team to partner with two-time world champion Bagnaia during the previous summer.

Nonetheless, Marquez's open rejection of a factory Ducati ride with the Pramac team led the leadership of the Italian brand to reverse their decision.

This eventually resulted in Martin, who later clinched the 2024 world championship, also joining the Aprilia factory team.

Pramac has decided to switch from Ducati to team up with Yamaha starting in the 2025 season.

The presence of Ducati bikes in the race lineup has decreased from eight riders to six, leading to only three GP25 models being raced by Bagnaia, Marquez, and VR46 team's Fabio Di Giannantonio.

In the previous season, Ducati reached unprecedented levels of success in MotoGP, clinching victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix events. This remarkable performance propelled them to a commanding lead of 395 points in the constructors' championship.

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Gigi Dall'Igna mentions having the "top riders," yet acknowledges surpassing last year's performance could be "potentially unattainable." He also disclosed plans for introducing a new swingarm, chassis, and fairing in the forthcoming MotoGP trials.

Gigi Dall'Igna, the general manager of Ducati Corse, acknowledges that despite boasting top-tier talents like Francesco Bagnaia and newcomer Marc Marquez in their MotoGP lineup, matching the previous season's exceptional performance will be challenging.

Yet, his priority lies in securing victory in the overall conflict rather than every single skirmish.

Dall'Igna expressed during this week's team unveiling that improving upon last year's performance seems complex and potentially unattainable.

"Undoubtedly, we have the capability to enhance our performance in order to successfully attain our primary objectives of securing victories in both the riders’ and constructors’ championships."

"Thus, surpassing last season's performance is not the priority. The primary goal is securing victories in both championships."

Last year, Ducati experienced defeat in only a single grand prix, with its riders regularly dominating the podium spots and securing the first four places in the global championship rankings.

The manufacturing team clinched the constructors' championship, outpacing their closest competitor, KTM, by a vast gap of 395 points, effectively doubling their score.

The official squad is welcoming six-time top-tier champion Marquez and two-time winner Bagnaia to their ranks. However, Ducati faces the departure of the freshly minted champion Jorge Martin, as well as race victors Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi.

Pramac's transition to Yamaha will also decrease the number of Desmosedicis on the grid to six.

However, the pair from Ducati Lenovo are evidently the front-runners for the championship title before the season starts

"Dall'Igna stated, 'In my opinion, we possess the two foremost riders on the grid for 2025, making them champions in their own right.'"

"Pecco has proven to be an exceptional motorcyclist, propelling us to the forefront of the riders' championship in 2022. He managed to maintain his standing in the subsequent year, consistently contending for the global title until the very end."

"Marc is regarded as not just a leading figure in contemporary MotoGP, but potentially one of the greatest in the sport's history."

"He sustained a significant injury. Following that, he joined us at Gresini last year and achieved wonderful results. It's truly an honor to have him as part of our team."

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Lewis Hamilton switches to a different high-end watch brand as he joins Ferrari. The racing star was seen wearing an elegant new timepiece during his first appearance with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton was seen wearing a high-end Richard Mille watch during his first appearance with Ferrari in Formula 1.

As many people were understandably captivated by Hamilton's inaugural test drive in a Ferrari at a misty and wet Fiorano on Wednesday, sharp observers might have spotted the latest accessory adorning the seven-time world champion's left wrist.

During his tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton was known for sporting IWC watches. However, now that Ferrari has teamed up with Swiss watch brand Richard Mille, the 40-year-old Briton has changed his watch preference.

Hamilton was seen sporting a red RM67-02 ‘Italy’ automatic ultra-thin edition watch. Its case is constructed from stacked layers of carbon fiber, providing it with a sleek and modern appearance.

See this Instagram update from Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton), shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton).

The timepiece, launched in 2024, is priced at nearly £300,000 and holds the distinction of being the lightest model in the Richard Mille lineup.

For the past four years, Charles Leclerc, who is now teaming up with Hamilton, has been spotted with the RM67-02 watch on his wrist.

This year, Hamilton will sport more Richard Mille watches during his first season with Ferrari, following a sensational move from Mercedes, marking the most significant driver change in Formula 1 history.

Earlier this month, F1 revealed that TAG Heuer, a luxury watch brand, will become the official timekeeper for the world championship starting in 2025, succeeding Rolex.

This decision is a component of Formula 1's decade-long agreement with LVMH, which will introduce several of its high-end brands to the racing circuit. The collaboration with Liberty Media, the owner of F1, is said to have a value of up to $1 billion.

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Key Insights from Lewis Hamilton's First Ferrari F1 Test

Lewis Larkam reports that Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test with Ferrari's F1 team has provided some significant preliminary insights.

It was evident from Lewis Hamilton's first test run with Ferrari's F1 team that his cheerful demeanor had returned.

On Wednesday, the seven-time world champion drove a 2023 vehicle for 30 laps at the Fiorano test track, which was shrouded in mist, cold, and wet conditions near Ferrari's renowned Maranello base.

There was a lot of excitement as Hamilton took his initial drive in one of Ferrari's famous red vehicles. This moment came during his first week with the team, drawing significant attention after his high-profile move from Mercedes, which had been announced almost a year earlier.

Hamilton's debut with Ferrari was a significant event, drawing considerable interest in how his initial performance would unfold.

During Hamilton's initial laps, minor mistakes such as premature lockups and veering off course were observed. These issues are typical when familiarizing oneself with new equipment, especially under cold weather and reduced traction circumstances.

A lap time was reported at one minute, which is approximately five seconds slower than Michael Schumacher's record at Fiorano. This drew attention, although it should be noted that the run was primarily meant for adaptation, and thus not much can be inferred from it.

Hamilton utilized approximately 100 kilometers from the 1000-kilometer limit allowed under Formula 1's regulations for testing older vehicles. This session occurred using Pirelli tires not designated for race weekends, making any meaningful data analysis nearly impossible.

What stood out even more was how swiftly Hamilton appeared to feel comfortable in his new surroundings. Sporting a pinstripe suit paired with a double-breasted overcoat, Hamilton perfectly captured the essence of traditional Italian fashion as he made his debut entrance into Maranello on Monday with self-assurance.

Hamilton seemed comfortable and at ease while meeting his new colleagues and familiarizing himself with the factory. During a speech, he shared with the staff that he had been anticipating joining the team for a long time.

Jump ahead to Wednesday, and we witnessed Hamilton behind the wheel of a Scuderia F1 car for the first time. The blend of the car's red color with Hamilton's bold new yellow helmet, which pays tribute to his origins, is already becoming legendary.

For the first time, Hamilton had the opportunity to understand how the Ferrari engine functions, transitioning from his long-standing experience with Mercedes engines over his 18-year F1 career. Additionally, this was a chance for him to build a connection and develop a collaborative working method with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami.

A Revitalized and Joyful Hamilton

On his noteworthy day, Hamilton's face was adorned with an unmistakable smile. The event was truly a family gathering, with his father Antony, mother Carmen, and stepmother Linda present. Hamilton's close-knit group remains crucial to his aspirations for success. His team has been strengthened by the return of his long-time physiotherapist, Angelo Cullen, who will rejoin the team in 2025.

A heartfelt scene was captured by Ferrari's social media crew, showing Hamilton and his father exchanging a 'we did it' handshake after one of his performances. Meanwhile, Hamilton's mother was by his side as he paused to acknowledge approximately 1500 Tifosi. These dedicated fans had endured challenging weather to stand along the boundary fences, eager to see their new idol.

Throughout most of his challenging last season with Mercedes, Hamilton seemed downcast, but his switch to Ferrari has visibly rejuvenated and refocused him. The change seems to have invigorated the 40-year-old, who is now learning Italian and has quickly built a strong bond with the Tifosi. They chanted and sang his name as he smiled and waved in response.

According to Hamilton, experiencing his first drive in a Ferrari was an unforgettable thrill. He described starting the engine and steering the car out of the garage as a moment that brought an enormous smile to his face.

"The experience took me back to when I initially drove a Formula 1 car. It was an incredibly thrilling and memorable occasion, and now, nearly two decades later, I'm reliving those same feelings."

"Before joining Ferrari, I was aware of the intense enthusiasm shared by the entire Ferrari team and their fans, the Tifosi. However, experiencing it directly as a Ferrari driver has been truly inspiring. Their passion is inherent, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by it."

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's plenty of work ahead, but I'm eager to begin."

In just a few days, Hamilton appears completely at ease in a collaboration that seems to have been meant to happen.

After the thrill and adrenaline subside, Hamilton is aware that it comes down to business. He aims to secure an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 world championship with Ferrari, which would also conclude the team's 16-year drought without a title.

A fascinating point highlighted in Ferrari's announcement mentioned that the misty weather Hamilton faced was reminiscent of the conditions Schumacher dealt with during his initial drive at Fiorano. This raises the exciting possibility of a new era for Ferrari, which could become a legendary chapter in Formula 1 history.

Over the years, we've discovered that when Hamilton is content, he usually performs at his highest level.

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Jorge Martin's representative asserts "ego issues are not a concern for us"

Responses come from Jorge Martin's team regarding statements made by Ducati

Albert Valera, the manager of the 2024 MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, asserts that Martin is unaffected by ego issues and remains unbothered by remarks concerning Ducati's roster for 2025.

Martin was on course to be part of Ducati's official team this year, but the company decided to change its plans, opting to elevate Marc Marquez to the position after he declined a top-tier motorcycle at Pramac and hinted at moving to a competitor.

As a consequence of joining Aprilia, Martin subsequently secured the 2024 championship while riding for Pramac-operated Ducati.

Ducati acknowledged that parting ways with Martin was a difficult choice, and in recent times, Gigi Dall’Igna has referred to Marquez as “a superior rider”.

In reply to this, Valera conveyed to Motorsport.com, “Ego issues aren't a concern for us.

Having an excessive ego can cloud your judgment and disrupt your sleep, leading to wasted time spent in anger over remarks such as this.

"However, if there's a cyclist who remains unaffected by such matters, it's Jorge, and this fact brings me a lot of peace."

"We stand above such remarks."

"When Ducati turned us down, Jorge didn't react with fury but with tranquility, and this mindset enabled him to approach the remainder of the season in the manner that he did.

"Understanding his racing path for the upcoming years, ensuring his contentment, securing his future, and concluding his tenure with Ducati, whether positively or negatively, were the true keys to his championship victory in 2024."

Valera mentions that his rider hasn't requested the role of team leader, despite Martin being anticipated to helm Aprilia's factory team this year.

"He further mentioned that Jorge is an individual who carries himself with a high level of respect and completely lacks any issues related to ego."

"He has never sought acknowledgment as the primary rider for Aprilia; instead, he understands the importance of having a capable teammate to jointly advance the project."

Last week, Aprilia kicked off its 2025 season, with Martin revealing the #1 plate on the RS-GP he's set to compete with this year.

At its unveiling, Ducati downplayed the significance, with Dall’Igna remarking that "in this instance, it's merely a figure".

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Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test drive with Ferrari, describing it as a significant occasion for both the team and Hamilton. Leclerc expressed his delight at witnessing the moment.

Charles Leclerc shared his excitement about personally watching Lewis Hamilton's inaugural test with Ferrari's F1 team, calling it "a truly significant day for the team."

It has been a hectic week at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, as Hamilton made his inaugural visit to the team's facility.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took to the circuit driving Ferrari's 2023 Formula 1 car, marking a significant event for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton was accompanied by his parents and his physiotherapist, Angela Cullen, during the examination.

Leclerc had the chance to get back into the groove by completing several laps in the 2023 car at the team's home circuit in Fiorano.

He went online to share his thoughts about returning to work for the first time in 2025.

Leclerc posted on his X account, expressing his excitement: "It's great to be back behind the wheel and to see all the tifosi at the circuit once more."

It was an exceptional day for both the team and Lewis, and I felt truly delighted to witness it.

"Eager to kick off this season."

Ferrari is preparing for a major push in the 2025 Formula 1 season, aiming to contend for the championship once again after coming close to winning the constructors' title in 2024.

In the 2024 F1 constructors' championship, they ended up just 13 points shy of McLaren.

Ferrari regretted making a mid-season update that negatively affected their performance starting around the Barcelona race.

It was only following the summer hiatus that Ferrari managed to fix the issue, bringing them back into the competition for race victories.

With Hamilton joining the team, Ferrari aims to break their championship victory dry spell that has lasted since 2008.

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KTM's prospects look increasingly optimistic with an impending investment approaching €1 billion. Rumors suggest KTM backers are playing a major role in ensuring the brand's continuity.

KTM's prospects for attracting new investment appear to be on the rise, with reports suggesting potential funding could reach €900 million.

The Austrian production company initiated a process of self-management at November's close, aiming to avert insolvency during a severe economic downturn.

Several measures have been implemented to secure continued operation, such as halting production temporarily until February, decreasing the number of employees, and cutting down on racing events in 2025.

A preliminary meeting with creditors held in December determined that KTM's financial reorganization efforts could proceed. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding its ongoing participation in MotoGP, with rumors circulating in Austrian news outlets that a departure is "scheduled" to occur by 2026.

KTM has announced that its MotoGP initiative will proceed as scheduled in 2025, despite its GASGAS and Husqvarna labels no longer being present in the grand prix lineup.

In the past few weeks, it's been reported that KTM has attracted considerable attention from external investors, aimed at securing the funds required to settle 30% of its outstanding debts, which are officially reported to be €1.8 billion.

A new report from GPOne suggests that investors in KTM have committed approximately €900 million.

Bajaj Auto and CFMoto, who already own shares, are expected to boost their financial contributions, with GPOne indicating that numerous private equity entities may also participate.

In recent weeks, KTM has seen an improvement in its circumstances, leading to a rise in its stock prices.

KTM is set to confront its creditors during a gathering on February 25, where there will be a vote on its plan for financial reorganization.

During the unveiling event of Aprilia's latest model last week, the CEO of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer emphasized that KTM's recent challenges serve as a cautionary tale for MotoGP, highlighting the ongoing issue of high costs within the racing series.

Rivola conveyed his belief that KTM's ongoing financial struggles would not compel the team to withdraw from the MotoGP lineup.

Earlier this month, Pit Beirer, the head of KTM's motorsport division, disclosed the company's strategy to rescue its racing operations, which involves implementing a comprehensive 100-point plan. Part of this strategy includes cutting down the number of factory riders to 40 by the year 2025.

The company commenced its 2025 campaign by clinching the win at the Dakar Rally.

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Helmut Marko claims that Max Verstappen is quicker than Lewis Hamilton, even when driving a "mediocre" vehicle. According to Marko, Verstappen can consistently extract an additional 0.1 to 0.2 seconds from the car per lap, a feat unmatched by any other driver.

Max Verstappen has been praised for his speed, surpassing that of Lewis Hamilton, even when he is in a less competitive car.

The conclusion reached by Red Bull's Helmut Marko came right after Hamilton completed his first test drive with Ferrari.

Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari suggests he may once again compete for the championship against Verstappen.

In an interview with Motorsport-Total, Marko stated that Max is not just the quickest driver but also the top performer in Formula 1 when considering all aspects.

"He manages to shave off 0.1 to 0.2 seconds per lap from the car's performance that other drivers can't achieve."

Lewis Hamilton remains quick, but can he maintain that pace throughout an entire season? I have my reservations.

"Even with a top-notch Ferrari, if we only manage to create an average Red Bull, I would still bet on Max."

Marko offered Hamilton some very direct guidance for the year 2025.

He advised Ferrari's rising star to "avoid falling into a negative pattern" similar to his past experiences with Mercedes.

Could we see a showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in 2025? Since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton has struggled to consistently compete with Verstappen at the forefront of the Formula 1 field.

In that contentious race, Verstappen secured his first Formula 1 title, and he has since gone on to win four consecutive championships.

Even though Red Bull's stronghold on Formula 1 diminished last year due to McLaren becoming more competitive, Verstappen secured the drivers' championship by performing well in the initial races.

The progress Ferrari made last season might offer Hamilton some optimism.

In 2024, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz collectively secured victory in five grand prix races, leading Ferrari to surpass Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

Hamilton's ability to adjust to new equipment will challenge the accuracy of Marko's daring statement.

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Insight: The excitement around Lewis Hamilton and Marc Marquez will significantly boost motorsport in 2025

In 2025, two of the biggest stars in global motorsport are set to undertake major career moves in an effort to solidify their legendary status.

As I compose this message, today marks Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This off-season has been notably more challenging than usual, a marked change from the norm. Talk to any individual involved in motorsport, and the majority will share that the winter break often feels too short.

Indeed, this remains the case. The MotoGP season concluded officially on November 19 after the test in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Formula 1 continued until the second week of December. The MotoGP season is set to kick off in a little over a month in Thailand, with Formula 1 starting its season a few weeks afterwards in March. Together, the two premier global motorsport series have planned a total of 46 races for the year 2025.

Discover further: The unavoidable repercussions within Ducati's elite MotoGP squad

However, as we approach 2025, there's a level of anticipation we haven't felt in quite some time.

It's undeniable that Formula 1 hasn't witnessed a truly captivating fight for the drivers' championship since the 2021 season's chaos, with Red Bull and Max Verstappen securing four consecutive titles. Although they faced some competition in the latter part of the previous year, their early success in clinching seven out of the first 10 races made the final result foreseeable.

The excitement of MotoGP's championship fights has stretched to the final races for three consecutive years. However, the anticipation surrounding these contests has often been underwhelming. The 2022 championship fight between Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo didn't live up to expectations, primarily because Bagnaia took advantage of Yamaha's dwindling performance. Furthermore, the recent showdowns between Bagnaia and Jorge Martin are unlikely to be remembered as some of the most thrilling championship duels in the sport's history.

Without diminishing the accomplishments of others, the allure of a star athlete plays a crucial role in the story of any championship. Valentino Rossi's initial quintet of top-tier championships saw him winning with ease, yet it was his charisma that stole the show. His character, competitive clashes, and victory celebrations enthralled fans everywhere.

In his early career, he secured three out of his initial five MotoGP championships with a lead exceeding 100 points. For the other championships, he maintained a significant lead as well. Throughout this time, both his actions on the racetrack and his activities away from it garnered significant attention, becoming iconic. His move in 2004 from Honda to the then-underdog Yamaha team, where he continued his winning streak, only further solidified his status as a motorsport legend.

The victory in 2008 was also a commanding one, yet the competitors he faced were becoming more formidable, adding to the excitement and intensity. This was especially evident in his 2009 victory over his Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo. While he might have secured a seventh championship, the certainty of such achievements was waning, and the intrigue of his response to these challenges was a compelling reason to continue following his journey.

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, Formula 1 experienced some of its most competitive championship fights, notably in the years 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012, which stand out as particularly

For numerous fans, the overwhelming success of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes during the latter half of the 2010s, specifically from 2014 to 2020, holds significant importance in Formula 1 history. This period mirrors the impact of Rossi's victories, as Hamilton's increasing wins not only elevated his celebrity status but also attracted global attention. Similarly, Michael Schumacher's era of supremacy in the previous decade is equally noteworthy.

Despite his immense talent and popularity in racing, Max Verstappen simply doesn't exude the same legendary presence as Rossi or Schumacher.

Lewis Hamilton has become a Ferrari driver

The events of this week have unmistakably demonstrated that, beyond their desire for competitive races, fans are deeply captivated by the achievements of iconic figures. The excitement has reached a peak with Marc Marquez stepping into his role as a Ducati factory team rider, and Lewis Hamilton's first time behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car at Maranello on Wednesday has set the internet ablaze. The official Formula 1 Twitter account's post about Hamilton's Ferrari debut has rapidly garnered 1.7 million views in a matter of hours, and his inaugural Maranello photo has become the most liked post on Formula 1's Instagram account. Moreover, his first trial laps attracted a large audience to Maranello, eager to witness the moment firsthand.

There's no denying it: we are currently experiencing a thrilling era in motorsport, largely due to developments that appeared almost impossible not so long ago.

The trajectories of Marquez and Hamilton in their respective racing domains share notable similarities. Hamilton had already made a name for himself upon entering Formula 1 in 2007, closely followed by Marquez's own impressive debut in the 125cc World Championship in 2008. Their ascent to the top was both swift and captivating, mirroring each other's progress in their early careers.

In 2013, Marquez entered the MotoGP for the first time, coinciding with Hamilton's much-debated transfer from McLaren—where he secured the world championship in 2008—to Mercedes, a team that had managed only one grand prix victory since acquiring the erstwhile Brawn GP team in 2010. Nonetheless, that year signaled the beginning of a dominant era for both athletes.

Naturally, Marquez claimed the world championship title in his debut season. With the introduction of F1's hybrid engines in 2014, Hamilton secured his second championship as Marquez also clinched his second title. Hamilton went on to win his third championship in 2015, with Marquez following suit in 2016. Between 2017 and 2019, both Hamilton and Marquez dominated their respective sports. It's probable that this trend would have continued into 2020 if not for Marquez suffering a severe arm injury in the first race of the season.

Both have experienced similar trajectories in their careers, facing downturns around the same time. The introduction of new ground effect regulations in F1 for the 2022 season left Mercedes at a disadvantage, leading to a two-season victory drought for Hamilton. After making a comeback in 2021 with three victories, Marquez had to take a significant break in 2022 to undergo his fourth surgery, which involved repositioning the bone in his arm to its original alignment.

Entering 2023 in top form, Honda supplied him with an underperforming motorcycle, resulting in only a single podium finish. Faced with slim prospects of improvement from Honda for 2024, he terminated his contract with the team ahead of schedule to move to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season. Similarly, at the beginning of the previous year, Hamilton chose to conclude his extensive agreement with Mercedes before the season began, opting to secure a contract with Ferrari for 2025.

In 2024, Marquez triumphed in races once again, marking his first victories since 2021, while riding a Ducati from the previous year. Similarly, Hamilton ended his winless streak that had persisted since that same time.

In 2025, both athletes will don red gear – Hamilton will join Ferrari, while Marquez will be part of the official Ducati team – as they aim to further their illustrious careers after bouncing back into top form last season.

The completion of Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP is currently delayed due to an investigation by the European Union. However, the potential victories of Marquez and Hamilton, both competing in red, will undoubtedly delight the corporation as it seeks to benefit from owning some of the most significant assets in motorsport.

Achieving victory is uncertain for both competitors. Hamilton, being eight years senior to Marquez, is nearing the conclusion of his Formula 1 journey, in contrast to Marquez, who still has considerable time left in MotoGP. They will encounter formidable challenges, including from teammates such as Charles Leclerc for Hamilton and Francesco Bagnaia for Marquez, as well as from other competitors.

The advancement of each will undoubtedly become a weekly topic of discussion throughout the season, enticing even the occasional viewers to watch more frequently. If both manage to secure their titles, they'll be celebrated as significant revival tales – each for distinct reasons – making 2025 an unforgettable year in the history of motorsport.

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Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia Face Off in Unique Opening Race of 2025

"Before the alarm even went off, I knew I was going to be defeated in the race!"

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia have already faced off in their inaugural race of the season.

The latest addition to the Ducati racing team competed directly with their teammate on the ski slopes in Italy.

🎿 A key 2025 race for the #DucatiLenovoTeam stands out 😂#ChampionsOnTrack #Ducati #GoDucati #madonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/ujQxYUVOpC— Ducati Racing (@ducaticorse) January 21, 2025

🎿 A pivotal 2025 competition for the #DucatiLenovoTeam is highlighted 😂#TrackChampions #Ducati #PowerToDucati #madonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/ujQxYUVOpC

Bagnaia grinned during a shared interview in the mountainous area, stating, "We had a great time skiing."

Marquez mentioned, "Before the alarm went off, I knew I was going to lose the race!"

Typically, skiing isn't something I do! I've hit the slopes around 10 times throughout my life.

"I began learning to ski at a relatively older age, around 23 or 24, purely as a pastime."

Marquez humorously revealed details about his latest agreement with Ducati Lenovo.

"In fact," he pointed out, "the agreement explicitly prohibits skiing!"

"However, everyone is okay, so feel free to speak up!"

"We had a great time participating in a sort of race, which we found immensely enjoyable. As it went on, we noticed we were improving significantly."

At the unveiling of the 2025 motorcycle in Italy, the atmosphere was light-hearted between Ducati's leading rider Bagnaia and the much-anticipated new addition, Marquez.

Attention will focus on if the atmosphere in the workshop remains as agreeable.

Bagnaia and Marquez are anticipated to compete for the 2025 championship title, each having access to comparable equipment.

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

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