Ferrari Experiences Transformation with Newly Released Lewis Hamilton Lap Times

Lap Times for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Disclosed on Wednesday

The lap times from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's second Pirelli testing session on Wednesday have been disclosed.

Oscar Piastri from McLaren was present in Barcelona on the last day to assist the official tyre provider for Formula 1.

On Tuesday, Hamilton taunted the Ferrari fans by clocking a faster time than their drivers, but the situation changed the following day.

On Wednesday, Leclerc emerged as Ferrari's quickest driver, clocking a top time of 1:14.971 and completing 74 laps.

Piastri completed a lap in 1 minute and 15.815 seconds, and he managed to complete 74 laps in total.

Hamilton completed a total of 152 laps, with his fastest lap clocking in at 1 minute and

On Wednesday, Hamilton was 0.9 seconds slower than Leclerc and was 0.8 seconds off his fastest time from the previous day.

It's important to keep in mind that each driver followed a unique schedule, so their lap times should be considered with some skepticism.

Pirelli set up the schedule for the drivers from Ferrari and McLaren.

Mario Isola from Pirelli stated that the session was highly beneficial, especially in offering a comparison of the various constructions for the next season.

"In addition to testing certain compounds from the more challenging spectrum."

The Barcelona track is renowned for being tough on tires due to the high levels of energy and wear they experience. As a result, the data collected during these two intensive days will play a crucial role in advancing the development of this tire generation.

The beginning of the year is particularly challenging, with four test sessions scheduled before the season officially kicks off. I appreciate all the teams collaborating with us, as we understand how hectic their schedules are right now.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

Explore More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing scene directly in your email inbox.

For additional details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

Copying any part of this text, including its images or drawings, is prohibited in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website dedicated

Carlos Sainz followed his gut feeling when deciding to join Williams, drawing parallels with McLaren. "Ultimately, these two factors convinced me to have faith in Williams and become part of the team."

Carlos Sainz has disclosed that his experience with McLaren influenced his choice to sign with Williams, acknowledging that he had to rely on his intuition.

Carlos Sainz is set to join the Williams team for the 2025 season following the loss of his position at Ferrari, which

The Spanish driver had multiple teams interested in him for the next season, despite being passed over by both Mercedes and Red Bull.

According to reports, Alpine showed interest in Sainz for a longer-term contract, and there were already connections to Audi prior to Hamilton's surprising announcement.

Sainz decided to join Williams as he was convinced by James Vowles’ strategic plan for the team and the advancements being made internally.

During his initial trip to the Williams factory located in Grove, Sainz discussed his choice to become part of one of Formula 1’s legendary teams.

In an interview with Vowles on the Williams YouTube channel, Sainz expressed that the immediate future was not his main focus when he faced making such a crucial decision.

"I concentrated on figuring out which team would have the advantage in speed by 2025. I wanted to know which team was developing more downforce and who was discovering new ways to enhance their speed. In the end, I understood that my choice needed to revolve around two main factors: the project and the individuals involved."

"When I began having more in-depth conversations with James, it became clear to me that he had developed a robust project at Williams."

He was assembling a group with a clear vision and plan alongside Dorilton, which I believe will propel this team to the forefront. His strong leadership and compelling vision instantly made me enthusiastic about the project and confident in his guidance.

Sainz draws parallels to McLaren

Before joining Ferrari, Sainz had a two-year tenure with McLaren.

While at Woking, McLaren made significant advancements in the rankings, securing fourth place in 2019 and improving to third place in 2020.

Carlos Sainz believed that McLaren had the potential to become world champions after he departed from the team, a prediction that was realized in 2024.

He continued by emphasizing that ultimately, it's all about the people involved. Reflecting on his departure from McLaren, he expressed his belief that there were truly talented individuals within the team, and he was confident they had the potential to become world champions one day.

"Last year, McLaren secured the world championship, prompting me to think, 'Alright, I should follow my gut feeling.' I am aware that Williams has a strong plan in place. They possess the necessary support and have talented individuals on their team."

"Ultimately, the blend of these two factors convinced me to put my faith in Williams and become a part of your team."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

With a keen understanding of F1's dramas and narratives, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

Discover Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce the text, images, or illustrations, either in whole or in part, in any manner.

Crash.Net is a platform that

Smiling broadly, Joan Mir discusses how his Honda is performing at its peak. Wednesday marked Joan Mir's best experience yet with his Honda.

Joan Mir described the first day of MotoGP testing in Malaysia for the 2025 season as his most successful experience with Honda, stating that he is confident about all the progress they have achieved.

Since becoming the world champion in 2020, the racer has faced a challenging period after signing with Honda at the beginning of the 2023 season. Last year, he struggled significantly, finishing in 21st place with only 21 points.

During the winter, Honda has taken significant steps to improve its situation, highlighted by bringing on Romano Albesiano from Aprilia as the new technical director.

On Wednesday, Mir rode a bike on the Sepang track for testing, which had not been affected by Albesiano's input. However, there were noticeable signs of improvement with the RC213V.

Mir completed 54 laps and finished the day in sixth position, testing two different models of the Honda.

When questioned about whether this was his top testing day with Honda, Mir responded, "Yes, it was."

Joan Mir discusses Honda's progress

Joan Mir expressed his satisfaction with Honda's improvements, noting that he felt he "was getting better each time on the track." He mentioned that they finished the day with impressive speed, both with worn-out and fresh tires.

"I'm pleased because we have a general grasp of the approach we wish to maintain throughout this test."

"We've discovered the configuration and design that enable me to ride in my usual style, something I couldn't do last season, particularly during its latter half."

"Honda has now provided a setup that enables me to achieve this. Each time I went out, I felt joy and couldn't help but smile because riding the bike was such a pleasure."

"Our bike lacks speed on the straightaways; in fact, it is the slowest. However, we've definitely made some progress in that area, and I'm confident that we don't fall behind by more than three or four tenths of a second on those two straight sections at Sepang."

"This implies that we can significantly reduce the gap, as we have made enhancements in the braking zone."

"I managed to brake in the way I'm familiar with and could turn the vehicle. Despite experiencing some vibrations, I found a way to cope with them. The team put in a lot of effort, and it truly paid off."

"We still need to improve our grip and top speed by one step. Over the next two days, we'll concentrate on addressing these areas."

"I wish we could move on from everything we experimented with today and avoid repeating them since we had a highly successful day of testing."

"We are completely confident in all the actions we have taken. This is extremely positive and brings me joy."

Joan Mir discusses a significant flaw of the Honda, which is its insufficient rear grip in recent times.

Mir notes that while there hasn't been an enhancement in "pure grip," the improved ability to maneuver the bike has positively impacted this aspect.

"We primarily enhanced the maneuverability," he mentioned.

"We made enhancements to the aerodynamics, along with several other elements."

"We likely enhanced the ground effect in the turns, which increased the grip. This improvement allows for higher speeds, making throttle control more precise and providing better traction."

"You don't start from scratch, which has helped enhance the grip. However, in terms of achieving a completely improved grip, we didn't make any progress today."

On Wednesday, Honda's new tail design caught everyone's eye, but Mir was tight-lipped about what the Japanese brand was trying to achieve. He commented, "I can't say much about it. Honestly, it's not very attractive. Other than that, I don't have much to add."

Statements given by Crash MotoGP Editor, Peter McLaren

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Earlier

Later

Discover Additional Content

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Crash.Net

—

Rephr

Ferrari employees have received a €14,400 bonus following a year in which the company achieved unprecedented profits.

Five thousand Ferrari employees received a bonus of €14,400 each following the Italian luxury automobile manufacturer's higher-than-anticipated profits in 2024.

On Tuesday, ANSA reported that Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, revealed an increased bonus amounting to €900 more than the €13,500 distributed in 2023.

This development follows a 21% increase in Ferrari's net earnings in 2024, reaching €1.53 billion.

In 2023, Ferrari experienced its most profitable year to date.

Due to their substantial earnings, Ferrari plans to update their goals for 2025.

In the course of the announcement, Vigna revealed that this year would see the introduction of six new Ferrari models, among which will be Ferrari's inaugural electric vehicle.

"We've always discussed adding electric options rather than completely transitioning to them," Vigna stated.

"We are not abandoning one option for another; instead, we are introducing the fully electric vehicle alongside our existing thermal and hybrid models. We are moving forward according to our original plan."

The Ferrari Formula 1 team has gained a significant advantage with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining them for the 2025 season.

Ferrari's stock value surged over 10%, reaching an all-time high on the New York Stock Exchange following the surprising announcement of Hamilton joining the Scuderia in February.

This led to a nearly $7 billion rise in the value of Ferrari's company.

The surge in Ferrari's market value underscored the broader effects of Hamilton's choice to leave Mercedes after a 12-year tenure and become a part of Formula 1's legendary team.

Hamilton is deeply involved in a comprehensive pre-season testing schedule with Ferrari as he prepares to make his debut with the team at the grand prix season opener in Australia on March 16.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates on F1, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, photos, or images in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website dedicated

Jack Miller discusses his approach to addressing Yamaha's shortcomings.

Jack Miller's initial impressions of his Yamaha bike.

Jack Miller is advancing in addressing Yamaha's shortcomings following the first day in Sepang.

Miller is transitioning from riding a factory KTM to a Yamaha motorcycle, as part of the newly established Pramac satellite team.

He gained an advantage by participating in last week's preliminary testing ahead of Wednesday's official MotoGP preseason test, where he achieved the eighth-fastest time.

Miller commented that the first day was favorable for their team.

"Clearly, it's a huge relief to have completed the preliminary run and shake off the nerves. We focused on adjusting the setup."

"Today was dedicated to work, focusing on geometry. I feel pleased with the progress we're making with the bike."

"I'm beginning to feel at ease with it and am now testing its boundaries, pushing it to what I believe is its limit."

"The main purpose of this testing is to reach this point, so it's great to have achieved it right from the start."

"We have examined numerous components, such as the fairings and chassis, even during the initial testing phases."

"I’m pleased to have the opportunity to test components and to receive backing from Yamaha. This support is vital given our current situation. It’s a significant advantage."

"Well, at least we're not just going around aimlessly!"

Jack Miller shares insights on Yamaha's shortcomings

"When I got on the bike, I noticed that the rear grip was a significant weakness," Miller stated.

"However, the front end was incredibly impressive…"

"It's all about finding the right equilibrium. Our goal is to maintain that as effectively as we can, while also improving from behind."

"We've taken positive strides in improving the bike for racing, both mechanically and with electronics."

Miller described the advantages of his Yamaha, stating, "The feedback, cornering, and braking are exceptional. I've never experienced a front end on a motorcycle quite like this one."

"It's both an advantage and a disadvantage because it's hard to determine where the boundary lies!"

"You keep pushing and pushing, but it remains in place! It's amazing, yet building confidence requires a lot of effort."

"Having an additional two days for practice sessions significantly benefited us."

"Being self-assured and advancing the initial stages will be crucial."

Miller mentioned that a significant aspect for him was observing how previous Yamaha riders maintained alignment with both wheels.

"My approach in straight braking areas involves sliding the rear wheel by leaning the bike back."

"I've discovered a method to maintain Yamaha's advantage in corner speed and turning, while also effectively halting the bike at Turns 9 and 1."

"It's enjoyable to pass other riders and bring the motorcycle to a halt whenever necessary."

"In MotoGP, it's an essential instrument for starting overtakes."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and offers from the racing paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter with Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of events including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or drawings in whole or in part in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website dedicated

Aprilia: Jorge Martin's crash during testing wasn't due to a bike problem or a rider error

"It was a significant crash that seemed to occur without an apparent cause…"

The CEO of Aprilia, Massimo Rivola, stated that there was "no error with the bike and no error on his part" concerning the accident that might have prematurely concluded Jorge Martin's MotoGP pre-season.

On Wednesday, during the first day of testing at Sepang, the current world champion experienced two crashes. The second incident, a severe highside at Turn 2, resulted in him sustaining several fractures.

Martin is set to stay overnight at the hospital before heading back to Europe for an operation, which raises significant uncertainty about his involvement in the Buriram test planned for next week.

According to Rivola, Aprilia's analysis indicated that Martin's motorcycle had no issues at the time of the accident. Furthermore, it was noted that Martin was not accelerating, and his tires were operating within the optimal range.

According to Rivola, the accident occurred while using the same tires, but he did not directly fault Michelin for the incident.

In the early hours of wearing the number 1 plate, @88jorgemartin experienced a terrible highside. He is currently in the hospital undergoing tests for pain in his left foot and right hand. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Meanwhile, we extend our heartfelt support to the World Champion. #MotoGP

"This is clearly an issue," stated Rivola.

"A serious accident occurred without any apparent cause, with neither any error from the bike nor from him."

When questioned about whether Martin's two accidents were alike, he responded by saying, "It's intriguing since both incidents involved using the same set of tires."

"The initial one was located on the right side, while the subsequent one was positioned on the left."

"The medium tire is designed with an asymmetrical pattern. Therefore, if you find that the medium tire isn't performing optimally on the right side, then logically, it should have a softer compound on that side when you make a right turn."

"I'll rely on you to gather additional information."

Rivola has announced that Aprilia plans to have test rider Lorenzo Savadori continue with the bike for the remainder of the testing session. He also acknowledged that Martin's initial full day on the RS-GP 2025 might occur during the first practice session at the Thailand Grand Prix.

"The schedule is as follows: a mandatory 24-hour stay in the hospital," he stated.

"He's scheduled to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. The following day, he will travel to Europe for the surgery."

"Following that, we'll observe the body's response and recovery process. The excellent news is that there is no concussion, which is the most crucial aspect, to be honest."

"Today turned out to be a fortunate day when observing the crash. Following this, we feel assured that he will be ready for the first race."

"We witnessed Jorge and numerous other racers performing incredible feats, so why not watch him compete in Thailand?"

"In Thailand, we plan to include Sava as a backup for additional testing, although it will be challenging."

"It's possible that Martin's initial experience with the 25 bike might occur during FP1."

Martin wasn't the only Aprilia rider sidelined due to an injury, as Trackhouse's Raul Fernandez also sustained a fractured left hand following a crash.

Davide Brivio, the head of the Trackhouse team, commented that Fernandez's crash was unusual because he wasn't exerting much effort at the time.

Statements shared by Peter McLaren, the editor of Crash MotoGP

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to replicate any part of the text, images, or drawings in whole or in part, regardless of the method.

Crash.Net is a website or

Aston Martin announces the unveiling date for Fernando Alonso's 2025 Formula 1 car. The company shares its schedule for the 2025 launch.

Aston Martin has announced that they will unveil their 2025 Formula 1 car on February 23, ahead of its debut on the track in Bahrain.

All ten teams are set to attend F1 75 Live at the O2 in London on February 18, where it is anticipated that they will display their liveries instead of unveiling their new car models.

Aston Martin has announced that their latest vehicle will be revealed just five days following the main launch event for F1.

On February 24, Aston Martin will make its debut on the track during a promotional event at the Bahrain International Circuit.

This event is set to happen only 48 hours ahead of the pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Aston Martin's Outlook for 2025

In the 2025 Formula 1 season, Aston Martin is among the only two teams that have decided to keep both of their current drivers.

Fernando Alonso, who has clinched the F1 world champion title twice, continues to partner with Lance Stroll

Considering their performance last year, it seems improbable that they will compete at the forefront.

In the initial months of 2024, Aston Martin was able to hold its own against Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, but their performance soon declined.

In 2023, they faced difficulties improving their car during the season, which led to a decline in their rankings.

As 2026 approaches with adjustments to the regulations, Aston Martin might decide to shift their attention away from this year's efforts to prioritize the next season's preparations.

Adrian Newey will start his role as the new managing technical partner on March 3, directing his attention to the team's projects for 2026.

Andy Cowell has taken on the role of team principal for the upcoming season, while Mike Krack will shift to a position that involves working at the track.

Enrico Cardile holds the position of technical director at Aston Martin, after transitioning from his previous role at Ferrari.

Given the strong end-of-season performances by Alpine and Haas in 2024, Aston Martin might not maintain their recent position of fifth in the constructors' championship and could potentially finish lower.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive fresh updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers straight from the paddock delivered directly to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Connor, known for his keen insight into F1's controversies and narratives, is central to our fair and balanced reporting.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Crash.Net is a website focused

Brad Binder highlights a transformative trait of Pedro Acosta that he aims to emulate at KTM

Brad Binder provides insights into the factory KTM team's upcoming test in Sepang

Brad Binder recognizes the need to draw motivation from Pedro Acosta's handling of the KTM in a specific aspect.

Acosta made an impressive debut last season and has since been elevated to KTM's premier MotoGP team, where he will team up with Binder.

Binder narrowly surpassed Acosta in the previous season's championship, finishing just ahead of him as the highest-placed non-Ducati rider. He has identified how the rising talent is extracting more performance from his equipment.

"Binder mentioned that the first step for him is to focus on corner entry when inquired about how he could emulate Acosta's technique in riding."

"I have to start the procedure sooner. I consistently procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate, and then suddenly, I rush to complete it as quickly as possible!"

"Lacking grip at the front end can lead to difficulties."

"I have to approach it with more care. It's something I noticed he had been practicing since the start."

"Accomplishing this will simplify my life."

Brad Binder hopes for a couple of significant adjustments from KTM

This week, from February 7-9, Binder alongside Acosta will participate in the 2025 MotoGP official test in Sepang, stepping in for KTM's test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, who participated in the Shakedown.

Binder identified two key improvements he desires for his KTM's progress: “One aspect I believe is vital is reducing the spin as we accelerate down the straight. That's an area where I feel significant gains can be made throughout the season.

"Moreover, if our ability to maneuver improved, there wouldn't be a need to overly exert the lead, resulting in fewer problems in that area."

"Any of the two would be greatly valued."

Binder remains positive about KTM's outlook, stating, "I really haven't talked to Dani or Pol yet, but I've had discussions with my team."

"They seem more optimistic than they have been in quite a while, particularly following the initial trial.

"Everyone is excited. They have a lot of activities scheduled."

He maintains that all updates or components introduced during the season will be made available to the new Tech3 team members, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

"He mentioned that the previous year was no different. What applied to one person applied to everyone."

Every attempt we made was shared with the four riders for their feedback, after which improvements were implemented.

"I sense that our partnership is more akin to a quartet than a duo. Despite the physical barrier, all other aspects are transparent."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, special content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive offers from the track straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether in full or in part, including text, photos, or illustrations, in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Network

Jorge Martin ruled out of Sepang test due to injuries sustained in major crash

Recent news on Jorge Martin's health following a significant highside accident

Jorge Martin will not participate in the remainder of the Sepang pre-season test due to sustaining several fractures from a significant accident.

In November, Martin had an impressive debut as a factory rider for Aprilia during the post-season test in Barcelona. However, his preparations for the 2025 season faced a significant twist on Wednesday at Sepang.

During the first day of pre-season testing in Malaysia, Martin experienced two falls while getting accustomed to the RS-GP.

In the second crash, he was thrown off his Aprilia at Turn 2 as he began a fast lap, and Martin struck the ground with significant force.

Jorge Martin experienced a dramatic highside at the second turn during the MotoGP Sepang Test. 😳 #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/NmhUuWQPq8— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 5, 2025

He was transported to the hospital for examinations, and Aprilia confirmed that he has broken bones in his right hand and left foot.

He will stay in the hospital for observation until the next day and is scheduled to fly back to Europe on Thursday for an operation. His ability to take part in the Buriram test next week is highly uncertain.

A short announcement from Aprilia stated: "Jorge Martin has sustained a fracture in his right hand and multiple fractures in his left foot."

He has had both a CT scan and an MRI, and neither showed any signs of injury.

He is set to remain in the hospital for the night and is scheduled to return to Europe the following day to have surgery on his right hand and left foot.

Jorge Martin experienced a closed fracture at the head of the 5th metacarpal in his right hand, as well as closed fractures of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th metatarsals in his left foot.

Martin took to social media to share his thoughts, stating, "The beginning of the 2025 season hasn't gone as planned! However, the Martinator always bounces back with more strength!"

Raul Fernandez Latest News

An Aprilia bike from Trackhouse that has seen better days 😳📸 Photo courtesy of Gold & Goose #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/S1vgiSIrQM— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 5, 2025

An Aprilia bike from Trackhouse that has seen better days 😳📸 Photo courtesy of Gold & Goose #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/S1vgiSIrQM

Martin is the second Aprilia rider to miss the Sepang test because of an injury. This follows Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, who had an accident on Wednesday, resulting in a fracture to his left hand.

The rider is currently returning to Barcelona to undergo surgery. Trackhouse team leader Davide Brivio mentioned that Fernandez is eager to get back on his bike for the Buriram test scheduled for next week.

For 2025, Aprilia will proceed with its preparations using only two racers, both of whom are newcomers to the motorcycle.

Trackhouse newcomer Ai Ogura secured the 16th position on Wednesday after delivering impressive performances during the shakedown last weekend.

On Wednesday, Marco Bezzecchi secured the 18th position riding the factory team's RS-GP.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates on MotoGP, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock, straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP News

Reproducing any portion of the text, images, or drawings in any manner is prohibited.

Crash.Net can be rephr

Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso face setback at Le Mans due to Jos Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are seeking a partner to join them in the Le Mans race.

Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are looking for a third team member to join them in their goal of racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a team.

Champion drivers Verstappen and Alonso have shown interest in teaming up for the renowned endurance race in the future.

There were plans to create a team of three drivers, including Max Verstappen's father, Jos. However, after Jos, a former Formula 1 driver, indicated that he no longer wishes to compete at Le Mans, the team is now looking for someone to take his place.

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion who has never participated in the iconic race, has announced that they are currently looking for an additional driver to take over for his father.

Max Verstappen mentioned to Mirror Sport that although they are aware of their desire to pursue it, his father Jos, despite still having the skills, simply has no interest in continuing with it.

"It's okay, let's wait and find out what unfolds. Plenty of outcomes are possible. There are several excellent drivers to choose from. I also have many friends in the racing world, making it a tough decision to select just one."

Last year, Verstappen disclosed that Alonso, who drives for Aston Martin, was keen on joining him as a teammate for a possible Le Mans challenge.

He expressed a strong desire to participate in Le Mans, stating, "I absolutely want to experience it." Reflecting on past visits when his father competed there, he fondly recalled the incredible atmosphere. The endurance aspect, the large crowds, and the unique experience of driving through the night and witnessing the sunrise were aspects he found particularly appealing.

"I talked with Fernando regarding the matter, and he mentioned that he would only be interested in doing it again if I were involved. That sounds really exciting."

"For the Le Mans race, there's no set minimum weight requirement for drivers. I'm on the heavier side, so I need to team up with lighter drivers to balance it out. Fernando is pretty light, which is great, but we'll still need another light teammate – I'll have to search for one!"

There are ongoing rumors about Red Bull's Verstappen possibly making a surprising move to Aston Martin, where he might team up with two-time world champion Alonso in Formula 1.

A representative from Aston Martin firmly refuted a report by The Daily Mail, which suggested that the team, located in Silverstone, was preparing an enormous £1 billion offer to lure Verstappen, as reported by Crash.net.

Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull that runs through the conclusion of 2028, and he has consistently affirmed that he plans to remain with the team.

In the months ahead, his future over the long term is expected to be a major topic of discussion.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By being present at these races, Lewis provides firsthand accounts and shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

Explore More

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to copy or reproduce any part of the text, images, or illustrations in any way.

Crash.Net

Pedro Acosta cautions KTM on the importance of heeding essential advice to prevent an erratic Sepang MotoGP test outcome. He asserts that KTM veered off course in the previous year.

Pedro Acosta has expressed the view that KTM may have experimented excessively with its MotoGP bike during parts of 2024, suggesting that the team take a page out of Moto2's book for its testing strategy at Sepang in 2025.

Acosta is set to kick off his second season in the top tier by participating in the Sepang pre-season test this week with the KTM factory team.

The brand has faced a challenging winter owing to its financial difficulties. Despite this, motorsport chief Pit Beirer has assured that the company's preparation for the upcoming season remains on track.

Pedro Acosta suggests strategies for KTM

Acosta mentions that there is a plethora of options to explore on the RC16 in the coming three days, yet he cautions the company against going overboard by experimenting with too many alternatives.

He believes this was an obstacle in the previous year, and recalls that a few years back in Moto2, KTM encountered a similar setback, becoming more competitive after halting development.

"Let's observe what it's like for me to not be on a MotoGP bike for three months," he commented in response to Crash.net's inquiry about his anticipations for the Sepang test.

"I'm feeling alright, though it's clear there's plenty to explore. However, it's important to stay grounded, not to lose oneself, and recognize the right moments to decline or accept opportunities."

"Throughout the previous year, we often experimented with various strategies, even during race weekends, which possibly led us to stray from our intended path."

"When KTM participated in Moto2, their development came to a halt just as Brad Binder and Jorge Martin began to make progress."

"It's important for us to stay grounded and approach the exam calmly to see how far we can go."

Acosta is eager to figure out how KTM's competitors managed to outperform them last year. He also mentions that during the off-season, he has concentrated on adjusting his riding technique, acknowledging that he might have been "too aggressive" towards the season's close.

"He emphasized the need to identify how competing brands are distinguishing themselves from us."

"I'm not certain of the precise location, but ultimately, they're employing the back tyre differently from how we do, and it's in that specific aspect where they're gaining an advantage."

"This winter, I made an effort to alter my approach to riding slightly, aiming not to concentrate solely on leading but to ease up on the brakes and adopt more flowing lines instead. My goal was to achieve greater smoothness in my movements, as I realized that towards the season's close, my technique had perhaps become overly aggressive."

Comments shared by Peter McLaren, the Editor for Crash MotoGP

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive conversations, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying in whole or in part of texts, photos, or images is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Collision.Network

Yamaha's explanation proposed for severe crashes during Sepang tests

"There were hardly any crashes, if any at all, during the Shakedown…"

During the first day of the official MotoGP test at Sepang, numerous riders experienced crashes. Yamaha's Alex Rins attributed these incidents to the gusty weather conditions at the Malaysian track.

After ending the first day in 14th position, Rins, who participated in the second and third days of last weekend's Shakedown test in Sepang, observed a stark difference. While the Shakedown test saw minimal incidents, the initial day of the official test was marked by numerous crashes.

Raul Fernandez suffered a crash that resulted in a fracture to his left hand, preventing him from participating in the rest of the test. Similarly, reigning World Champion Jorge Martin experienced a high-side crash at turn two, leading to fractures in his hand and foot. Consequently, he will not be able to take part in the second and third days of testing.

"In truth, during the Shakedown, we barely witnessed any crashes," Rins mentioned following the initial day of the official testing in Sepang.

"I'll highlight the wind, as it was extremely powerful."

"I felt a bit frustrated because I completed just 41 laps. It would have been great to make it 42."

"I completed just 41 laps and spent a considerable amount of time waiting for the wind to calm down."

Rins elaborated on the sections of the track that were most impacted by the wind.

"The wind was particularly troublesome at turn four, and it was quite strong at turn five. It was also noticeable at turns nine, 11, and 13, especially after changing directions at the spot where [Pedro] Acosta had his crash. I'm not sure if the wind was the cause of his accident," he mentioned.

Yamaha's Strategy Shift

Rins proposed that the large number of crashes on the first day in Sepang was due to the wind. He also indicated that both he and Yamaha would be altering their testing strategy.

"To be truthful, the gusty wind today has somewhat altered the original plan," he mentioned.

"During the Shakedown, we had the opportunity to try out various elements, including adjustments to the setup and some new components such as the chassis."

During the Shakedown, the performance of the chassis wasn't very impressive, but Yamaha managed to make some improvements. Today, the plan was to evaluate the slightly modified new chassis and to try out a new upper wing on the fairing.

"However, the wind prevented us from doing so."

Although Rins faced challenges due to the wind, his teammate Fabio Quartararo viewed the situation differently.

"There are 15 turns on the track, and I felt that the wind was causing issues for me in about four or five of them," he mentioned.

"In my view, you can determine from the remaining 10 whether the new component was an improvement."

Due to concerns regarding the conditions, Rins decided to alter his strategy. Rather than evaluating Yamaha's new parts, he concentrated on testing the tyres.

"We altered our strategy and evaluated the three front Michelin tires provided to us," he stated.

"There were three distinct types. The first was like the soft compound we use here, but with an alternative construction that wasn't too bad. The other two featured a different casing and were of a different size."

Rins mentioned that the two tires featuring different casing sizes are the ones being developed for the 2026 season. However, he was uncertain whether the third tire would be used in competition in 2025.

As the final two days of the test approach, the Spanish participant is focused on realigning with his original testing schedule.

He added that he wouldn't have been able to accomplish much else.

"Certainly, we still have two days left. I didn't use any qualifying tires to achieve a fast lap time because it wasn't the appropriate moment, as we discussed with our team."

"We'll be examining the chassis and the fairing tomorrow to determine if we can discover any improvements."

In contrast to Rins, Quartararo opted to fit a fresh tire towards the end to target a fast lap time. Ultimately, this time was just slightly better than the one he achieved in Q2 during last year's Malaysian Grand Prix. He recorded a 1:57.592 last November, compared to the 1:57.555 he set on the first day of this year's test.

He expressed optimism, saying, "It's a good thing. It's preferable to being slower. Additionally, we weren't specifically aiming for a time attack, so it's encouraging that we were already […] quicker than during the qualifying session."

"I was feeling pretty positive; during the qualifying session, the main goal is to achieve a fast lap time. At that point, we were experimenting with different setups and added a fresh set of tires towards the end to aim for an impressive lap time."

"We've been riding for two days, taken two days off, and then returned to improve our lap times. I believe this approach has been beneficial, and we performed well."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email inbox.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Subscribe to Crash F1

Subscribe to Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part of the text, images, or illustrations in whole or in part is prohibited in any manner.

CrashDotNet