Toto Wolff discusses the "significant impact on the budget limit" and Mercedes' strategy for handling it

"The effect is on the number of new components we can introduce to the vehicle, which is, essentially, none."

Toto Wolff has outlined his strategy following three incidents that have affected the availability of car components for Mercedes.

George Russell experienced a crash during the Friday practice session at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, just a week following a similar incident in Texas.

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Kimi Antonelli experienced an accident during the first practice session in Monza, resulting in some damage.

Mercedes is currently facing the challenge of adhering to the $135 million budget cap for the season, as only four rounds are left.

"Kimi's accident at Monza, George's accident in Austin, and George's accident here," the Mercedes team leader told reporters, including Crash.net, in Mexico.

"I appreciate a driver who's willing to take risks. I prefer to experience a breakdown and understand the full potential of the car, rather than not knowing at all."

"In the realm of budget limitations, this poses a challenging scenario, thus these three setbacks have put us at a disadvantage."

"Undoubtedly, the incident that took place during Friday's practice was significant."

"We were compelled to choose an entirely new frame, which significantly impacts the budget limit."

"We likely need to reduce what we're adding to the car."

Mercedes needs to respond swiftly for the upcoming Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend.

Wolff stated: "In Brazil, we plan to introduce two upgrade packages, including two floors, and that's essentially all."

"Nothing more will happen."

"There are specific constraints on areas that require our creativity, the way we handle these, and undoubtedly, they have an effect."

"The ability to add new components to the vehicle is affected, as we are unable to add any at all."

Wolff faced questions on whether Lewis Hamilton and Russell would use different spec floors in Brazil or if they'd opt for identical versions.

"Wolff expressed his willingness to consider the opinions of the drivers, stating, 'I'm always receptive to the drivers' perspectives.'"

"I'm confident that George will participate in the latest, and Lewis might be inclined to redo the previous floor immediately in Brazil. We'll definitely discuss his preferences with him."

Following his accident in Texas, Russell competed in Mexico using a previous model of the W15.

Mercedes managed to escape additional harm in Mexico as Hamilton and Russell competed for their respective places on the race track.

However, Russell returned with a damaged front wing, finishing in fifth place, just one spot behind Hamilton who was operating the latest version of the W15.

Wolff commented on Russell's vehicle impairment: "As he was passing Oscar Piastri right after exiting the pits, he encountered a bump and got extremely close, possibly affected by air disturbance, leading to the collapse of a primary front wing flap.

"Therefore, there was a significant reduction in downforce. I believe at high speeds, it amounted to 20 points."

He managed to navigate around it effectively, yet the continuous impact on the tyres significantly and increasingly affected the lap time.

"How can I describe the variation in speed? By the conclusion of the tough part, there was a noticeable change."

"There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, George's performance throughout the weekend was outstanding. Secondly, it's possible that there's an aspect of the upgrade kit that's causing an issue we haven't yet grasped."

Due to experiencing two significant accidents at the same corner in Austin, it's worth noting that there was also an incident involving an older vehicle.

"The vehicles are pushing the limits, making the upcoming trial in Brazil a fascinating test to observe if they'll exhibit instability at high speeds or issues at lower velocities."

“Therefore, it seems impractical to simply infer that one surpasses the other in quality.”

What's Brazil's strategy?

When asked why Mercedes appears strong in Friday sessions but then falls behind their competitors as the weekend progresses into Saturday and Sunday, Wolff was put on the spot.

He expressed: "I don't believe we're moving with less weight, nor do I think we're being more aggressive.

"It appears that throughout the season, we're struggling to enhance our performance as the track conditions improve."

"At higher speeds, cars often exhibit less desirable actions, such as veering on three wheels, oscillating, and becoming unstable, which is a trend that has been observed."

"It's crucial that we address this issue. While we have a plan for the upcoming year, it's clear that we're currently viewing things from a pessimistic standpoint."

"This is the reason we must refine our approach for the upcoming four races, understanding what insights we can gain."

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FIA imposes penalties on two F1 power unit producers for violating budget limits

Confirmation from FIA on infringement of Power Unit Financial Rules

Honda and Alpine have agreed to "acknowledged infringement arrangements" regarding the Power Unit Financial Regulations, as declared by the FIA.

Honda is required to pay a penalty of $600,000, while Alpine is obligated to settle $400,000 for violating the regulations.

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A statement from the FIA indicated: "The Cost Cap Administration acknowledged that both PUMs have been collaborative and sincere throughout the evaluation process, willingly providing further information and evidence promptly upon request. It was noted that this marks the inaugural year of the complete implementation of the Power Unit Financial Regulations, and there have been no claims or proof suggesting that either Alpine or HRC has gained any unfair benefit from the violation."

Honda is the engine supplier for both Red Bull and its affiliated team, RB, whereas Alpine furnishes engines for its in-house team.

The Financial Regulations for Power Units essentially act as a spending limit for engine producers, in anticipation of the regulatory adjustments set for 2026.

It falls outside the spending limit imposed on F1 teams.

The Agreement on Accepted Breach, finalized by both Honda and Alpine, announced: "2023 marks the inaugural year for the implementation of the Power Unit Financial Regulations, a detailed framework of regulations that Power Unit Manufacturers had to adjust to.

"Neither Honda nor Alpine have been accused or shown to have engaged in any actions with malicious intent, dishonesty, or fraud, nor is there any indication that they intentionally hid any details from the Cost Cap Administration."

Honda provided paperwork that contained "errors in the exclusion and/or adjustment of costs when determining its relevant expenses," according to the FIA.

The FIA identified considerable shortcomings in the paperwork provided by Alpine.

"The FIA mentioned that Alpine had failed to carry out a number of mandatory processes and had only partially executed several others."

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EXCLUSIVE: Ayrton Senna's Tense Encounters with Reporters Involved "Losing it, Physical Contact"

Ayrton Senna's media representative shares insights on his intense interactions with journalists with Stewart Bell

In athletics, the most compelling tales often stem from individuals who operate behind the scenes – those who have experienced it all, yet aren't the first ones reached out to for their perspective. The true insiders…

Betise Assumpção-Head once held the role of personal press officer for the legendary Ayrton Senna, a celebrated three-time Formula 1 World Champion.

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Remarkably, Assumpção-Head's ascent to the top of motor racing originated from her passion for volleyball, a sport she took up at the age of 14. However, she chose a different path for her career and decided to pursue writing about sports. She landed her initial role as a journalist at 21, stepping in for a maternity leave position at Folha de S.Paulo, a daily newspaper in São Paulo, only a year after earning her degree in journalism.

"Volleyball experienced a significant surge in popularity by the time I completed my studies," Assumpção-Head notes.

"At that period, we were part of an outstanding cohort, ranking almost at the top globally. However, volleyball wasn't a well-known sport, so it was an opportune moment for me to document it given my close connections with the team. Having journeyed alongside a few and shared the same club, I was intimately familiar with many of the players."

Before long, she encountered the future F1 legend, Senna, who was on his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport.

Honda has released an incredible advertisement starring three-time #F1 champions Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen, earning widespread acclaim 👏📹 @hondapic.twitter.com/oj3KP5YcF8— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) October 9, 2024

Q: Can you recall the initial encounter with Ayrton Senna?

Betise Head (BH) recounted, "My job was with Folha de S.Paulo, and whenever Ayrton came back to Brazil, at that time competing in Formula 3 and Formula 3000, he would reach out to the media. He already had a modest agency working for him, but whenever he made those calls, they'd send me – the newcomer, since no one was really interested in covering: 'oh, there's this racer claiming victory in a competition.'"

"Thus, I inadvertently kept tabs on his professional journey. Motor racing wasn't really my thing. Yet, every quarter or so, his name would pop up. By 1985, my career took me from Folha to Placar, a football magazine. Due to poor sales, they broadened their focus to include a variety of sports."

In 1986, Ayrton received the title of Sportsperson of the Year, a recognition that came as no surprise. This significant achievement was a prelude to his move to Lotus the next year. As part of a special feature, I was assigned to cover his story, which led me to visit his office for an interview. I also had the opportunity to meet his family and visit [helmet designer] Sid [Mosca], from whom I obtained his helmet. Through these interactions, I became quite familiar with his circle.

"I wasn't exactly friends with them, but we maintained a good professional connection, and they genuinely appreciated all of my work and contributions."

Q: What transpired following that?

BH: "In 1987, a year later, I made the decision to head to England. Being a woman in the sports journalism field, I was never assigned any prestigious assignments, constantly being delegated tasks that nobody else was interested in taking on.

I relocated to London to live with my sister, who resides roughly 300 meters from Wimbledon. By chance, the best friend of Ayrton, who had previously worked with my sister in the advertising industry in Brazil, ran into her. During their encounter, he mentioned he was heading to Wimbledon and inquired if it would be possible to park his car at her place. She agreed without hesitation. What we hadn't realized was that Ayrton would be accompanying him.

"By chance, I encountered him at Wimbledon, and he inquired about my presence there. I explained that my aim was to enhance my English skills by staying there. However, as the event concluded and he returned to pick up the car, Ayrton was once more present. He shared with me his plans to dine with the Japanese [Honda] representatives, as he was intent on convincing them to join McLaren. He then extended an invitation for me to accompany him."

Q: Can you share how you ended up being his spokesperson?

BH: "After more than a year, he reached out to me, mentioning he required a companion for attending the races. There was a Brazilian journalist who previously covered stories for him, but since this journalist contributed to multiple outlets and had family obligations, he needed to focus on making a living and fulfilling his responsibilities."

"It seems their initial attempt led to some conflicts of interest. Consequently, I was suggested to him by individuals I previously collaborated with at an automotive magazine. These folks had since established their agency and were managing his publicity in Brazil. He reached out to me, a detail that often surprises people!"

"He mentioned, 'Are you keen on joining me for this? Currently, I'm locked in a significant dispute with [former FIA President Jean-Marie] Balestre, and it's uncertain if I'll even compete. However, if I do, I'd like you to be part of my team.' I agreed immediately and began focusing solely on the Grand Prix races. My daily task was to craft a press release. Back in the days before the internet was widespread, many journalists lacked access to reliable information. In Brazil, only the major newspapers and television networks had the resources to dispatch reporters globally – others had to depend on news provided by international agencies."

"Essentially, our daily routine involved me dispatching a well-structured news piece that covered all the significant events, incorporating facts and unique statements. This piece, however, always highlighted Senna, who naturally was the focal point of any article from Brazil, wasn't he?"

"We dispatched that to Brazil where it was circulated among approximately 350 newspapers. This gave him significant visibility, which was further enhanced when we started including photographs. The operation expanded from that point on."

Q: How was it collaborating with Ayrton?

BH remarked, "Much of it revolved around conserving Ayrton's time. There were instances where I told him, 'I noticed you leaving an engineering meeting appearing incredibly stressed."

This is the reason I was handling his media tasks. I organized joint interview sessions with magazines ensuring there were no conflicts, and I documented all interactions. Once we had conducted several interviews, I compiled a comprehensive file containing all the information about him, including all the inquiries he had responded to.

I would approach the journalist and inform them, "You'll have a 20-minute session with Ayrton. However, take a look at his file first, review it thoroughly. Make sure not to come unprepared and inquire about his sister's name, as that will prompt him to stand up and walk out, leaving you speaking to no one.

"Being allocated 20 minutes with Ayrton Senna and inquiring about his preferred color is unthinkable. Yes, indeed, there were those who actually did!"

Ayrton had a known aversion to interviews, yet once genuinely engaged, it was a challenge to pull him away. Engineers would often attempt to intervene, but he was captivated by a truly stimulating conversation.

He enjoyed clarifying his thoughts and aimed to be comprehended. He was fond of engaging with smart, intriguing individuals.

"When he was on a walk and encountered interruptions, given that F1 was far more accessible back then – anyone could stroll into the pit lane – he would direct them to converse with me, mentioning I had a roster and always kept him informed. I assured him, pass everything my way. That's my role. No stress. We'll handle it all."

Q: Did the press encounter any problems?

BH expressed concern, suggesting that the system would be exploited, leading to instances of physical interaction.

Nowadays, everything is organized, including designated interview zones and such – but back then, journalists would confront him right at the garage's rear before he had a chance to speak with his engineer, which understandably frustrated him.

I halted the process by informing the reporters that although I understand everyone has deadlines, it's primarily the Europeans who are under severe time constraints. The South Americans have more flexibility. Consequently, I arranged the schedule for interviews, placing the Brazilians at the end.

The Europeans were the first to go since they form the largest group. Thus, you arrange everything, and then you might discover individuals at the rear of the garage. You would then tell them – folks, if you remain at the back of the motorhome, he won't ever come out because he can spot you here.

"He's likely upset because you're blocking access to the engineering team's office. When you treated everyone equally, they all got it since I was the first to give many of them any opportunity to meet Ayrton. So, everyone was thankful for that.

He remained present until every inquiry was addressed in three different languages. However, I took charge, ensuring that individuals left once they received sufficient answers. The queries were repetitive, identical each week, and I had everything documented.

"I would also frequent the pressroom, and everyone there understood that I was a reliable source for information because I was aware of his statements. We didn't engage in manipulating the narrative; I simply shared the facts."

"He explained that within these circumstances, that was his intended meaning and belief, among other things. It's straightforward, and it's astonishing that it isn't done more frequently."

Q: It's been three decades since we lost him in the tragic events of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Could you share your experience of that challenging day?

BH stated, "That day, it felt as though I was operating on instinct – everything was automatic. Leonardo's brother was present, and my priority was to ensure he had a secure hospital room away from the media's prying eyes."

"I didn't have the authority to disseminate formal updates. That was the hospital's responsibility. My role involved interacting with several individuals who emerged.

Following his declaration of death, the sole request made of me, which I declined, was to confirm the identity of the body. I refused to undertake this task.

"I was already aware, since Gerhard Berger, his friend, had visited the hospital expressing his desire to see him. I questioned, are you certain? We had received instructions not to visit him due to the severe nature of his head injuries. However, Berger insisted on seeing him."

"He returned, pale-faced, and uttered, 'I regret going; please, ensure nobody else enters.'"

After completing everything, I returned to the [Imola] track around 10:30 PM, took a seat in the motorhome, and found all my belongings still there.

A segment aired on Sky TV featured Ayrton, bronzed and dressed in a vibrant yellow shirt. His hair appeared damp from jet skiing as he expressed, "I adore my life in this place, it's wonderful here."

At that moment, I began to cry uncontrollably. I was unable to stop or catch my breath. This continued into the next day.

Leonardo, his brother, was present, and our efforts were focused on shielding him from the media. We transferred him to another hotel, yet the journalists managed to locate him there as well. Regardless, it was a challenging situation, but I managed to handle it.

I spent several days working from the office in Brazil, followed by a stint in Monaco. There, an incident occurred at the Nouvelle chicane where Karl Wendlinger collided with the barrier, resulting in him being placed in an induced coma. That moment overwhelmed me – it was simply too much to bear. I apologized and made the decision to take a break; I had to distance myself from everything.

I recently took a two-week break from work to visit my sister, who is expecting. We spent our time quietly together by the seaside, away from everyone else. Upon my return, there was interest in penning a book, yet they were hesitant to share specifics.

"Initially, I was just getting by day-to-day, but then, three months down the line, by the time August wrapped up, I returned here [to Europe] with an open mind about my next steps. I was uncertain about the future but decided to proceed regardless."

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Andrea Iannone, known for being somewhat controversial, is expected to dive into action and leave a mark. Some suggest it might have been wiser to choose a younger Italian rider, given the advantage of youth.

Andrea Iannone is expected to fully engage in his return to MotoGP.

This weekend in Malaysia, Iannone will make his MotoGP comeback after a five-year absence, stepping in for Fabio di Giannantonio with the VR46 team.

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He has made an impressive comeback following a four-year suspension for doping that nearly concluded his motorcycle racing career.

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "I'm really looking forward to it; it's going to be a lot of fun."

"He won't hesitate to speak his mind; he'll be eager to dive in, make his mark, and challenge the skeptics."

The debate centered around choosing between him and Nicolo Bulega. It seemed more reasonable to select the young Italian since he has time on his side and the potential to advance to MotoGP.

"I prefer to keep an eye on Iannone and observe his progress. There are numerous quick young Italian riders in this paddock!"

Gavin Emmett commented, "Following his suspension, he has become quite a controversial person."

"We observe matters from a perspective beyond Italy."

"He could never offer a justification for what occurred."

Observers, including ourselves, regarded Iannone as a promising talent. However, the dedication might not have fully met expectations.

"The humorous incidents that occurred during his MotoGP career. The operation that caused him to skip the testing sessions…"

"He nearly gave up his opportunity in MotoGP."

Michael Laverty stated, "The prohibited substance we were found using wasn't to boost performance as a motorbike racer; it was for appearances! To look presentable in the mirror!"

Emmett inquired, "Did he get his chance? Would it have been pleasant to see Bulega?"

Hodgson responded by saying, "Naturally, he's been given his chance. From a publicity standpoint, it's more compelling, isn't it? They'll generate more buzz with Iannone riding."

Over a period of seven years in MotoGP, Iannone raced for the teams Ducati, Suzuki, and Aprilia.

At 35 years old, Iannone is fresh from a remarkable season competing in the World Superbike Championship, representing the Go Eleven Ducati team.

After a four-year hiatus from racing, he was given the opportunity to compete again and concluded the season in eighth place in the rankings.

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EXCLUSIVE: Ayrton Senna "had moments of losing his temper, even getting into physical altercations" with reporters

Stewart Bell speaks with Ayrton Senna's press officer, who shares insights into the racing legend's intense interactions with the press.

In the world of sports, some of the most remarkable tales stem from individuals who remain away from the public eye. These are the people who have been part of the journey but aren't usually the first to be consulted for their perspective. They are the true insiders…

Betise Assumpção-Head is known for her role as the former personal press officer for the legendary Ayrton Senna, who was a three-time World Champion in Formula 1 racing.

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Remarkably, Assumpção-Head's path to reaching the top of the motor racing world began with her passion for volleyball, which she started playing at the age of 14. However, when it came to her professional life, the Brazilian chose to pursue a career in journalism covering the sport. At 21, she landed her first reporting position as a maternity leave replacement at Folha de S.Paulo, a daily newspaper in São Paulo, just a year after earning her degree in journalism.

"Assumpção-Head mentions that volleyball experienced a significant surge in popularity by the time she completed her education."

"During that era, we had an exceptional team, ranking as the second-best globally. However, since volleyball wasn't well-known, I found myself in the perfect position to document it. I was familiar with all the players, having traveled with several and even played in the same club as them."

Before long, she encountered Senna, who was destined to become a Formula 1 legend, as he ascended in the sport.

Honda has released an incredible advertisement showcasing three-time Formula 1 world champions Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen. 👏 📹 @hondapic.twitter.com/oj3KP5YcF8— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) October 9, 2024

Question: Can you describe your initial encounter with Ayrton Senna?

Betise Head (BH): "When I started working for Folha de S.Paulo, Ayrton would contact the media each time he came back to Brazil. At the time, he was competing in Formula 3 and Formula 3000. Even though he already had a small agency, he would still reach out to journalists, and they would often send me, the newcomer. No one else was interested, thinking, 'Oh, it's just a guy wanting to announce he's won a race.'"

"I ended up tracking his professional journey, almost by accident. I'm not even a fan of motor racing. Nonetheless, he kept appearing in my life every few months. In 1985, I transitioned from working at Folha to joining Placar, a football magazine. However, they decided to expand their focus to cover a variety of sports due to low sales."

In 1986, Ayrton received the title of sportsperson of the year, which was well-deserved. It was a significant event, especially since he was set to join Lotus the next year. I was assigned to create a feature on him, so I visited his office, conducted interviews with him and his family, met with [helmet designer] Sid [Mosca], and even got hold of his helmet. This experience allowed me to become quite familiar with his circle, you might say.

"I wasn't exactly a friend, but we maintained a good professional rapport, and they appreciated all my work and contributions."

What took place after that point?

BH recalled that in 1987, she made the decision to travel to England. As a woman in sports media, she often found herself assigned to less desirable tasks, being given assignments that others were not interested in taking on.

"I relocated to London and started living with my sister, who lived around 300 meters from Wimbledon. By chance, Ayrton's closest friend was acquainted with my sister through advertising projects in Brazil. They ran into each other, and he mentioned that he was heading to Wimbledon, asking if he could park his car at her place. She agreed without hesitation! Little did we know that Ayrton was accompanying him."

While at Wimbledon, I unexpectedly met him, and he inquired about my presence there. I explained that I planned to remain and work on my English skills. However, at the conclusion of the event, when he arrived to pick up the car, I encountered Ayrton once more. Ayrton mentioned that he was heading to dinner with the Japanese representatives from Honda, as he aimed to persuade them to join McLaren. He invited me to accompany him to the dinner.

Question: What led to you taking on the role of his press officer?

BH shared that after about a year, he received a phone call from the person who needed a companion for the races. This individual had previously worked with a Brazilian journalist who would write for him. However, the journalist also contributed to other outlets and had family responsibilities, which required him to focus on providing for them.

"They initially attempted that approach but soon discovered conflicting interests. As a result, someone suggested my name to him. It was some individuals I had previously worked with at a car magazine. They had since started their own agency and were handling his public relations in Brazil. Surprisingly, he reached out to me personally, which many people find hard to believe!"

He mentioned, "I'm curious if you'd be interested in joining this endeavor. I'm currently in a huge dispute with [former FIA President Jean-Marie] Balestre. I'm unsure if I'll even be able to compete, but if I do, I'd like you to be part of it." I agreed and began covering just the Grand Prix events. Each day, I crafted a press release. Back then, before the internet was widely available, most journalists didn't have access to reliable information. In Brazil, only the largest newspapers and TV networks could afford to send reporters around the globe; otherwise, they had to depend on international news agencies.

Each day, I would share an article that was a legitimate news piece, complete with details and unique quotes, but focused primarily on Senna. After all, he would naturally be the focal point of any Brazilian article, right?

"I would send the material to Brazil, where it would be shared with approximately 350 newspapers. This gave him significant visibility, and when we included photos, the reach expanded further."

Q: How was the experience of working with Ayrton?

BH explained that a significant part of his role was focused on helping Ayrton manage his time efficiently. On several occasions, he mentioned to Ayrton that he noticed how stressed he seemed after leaving engineering meetings.

"I managed his media interactions by organizing group interviews with different publications, ensuring there was no overlap. I recorded all the sessions. After conducting several of these interviews, I compiled a comprehensive file containing details about him and the questions he had previously addressed."

"I would approach the journalist and inform them that they would have a 20-minute interview with Ayrton. However, I would provide them with a detailed file about him and insist that they read it thoroughly. I would advise them against asking basic questions like his sister’s name, as he would find that disrespectful and might end the interview abruptly."

"Imagine having just 20 minutes to speak with Ayrton Senna, and then choosing to ask him what his favorite color is. Surprisingly, some people actually did that!"

Ayrton wasn't fond of giving interviews. However, if you managed to engage him in a meaningful conversation, he was hard to pull away. Despite the engineers' attempts to whisk him off, he truly enjoyed an engaging and stimulating discussion.

He enjoyed clarifying his thoughts and had a desire for others to comprehend him. He appreciated engaging with fascinating and smart individuals.

Back in the day, when Formula 1 was more accessible and fans or others would approach him during his walks, he had a simple strategy. He would direct them to speak with me, explaining that I kept a record of everything and would relay all necessary information to him. I assured him to pass all concerns my way, emphasizing that handling such matters was my responsibility. He didn’t need to fret; we would manage the situation together.

Question: Did any problems arise regarding the media?

BH mentioned that he would become upset if people took advantage of the system, as this would lead to physical interactions.

In the current era, there are structured interview zones and organized procedures. However, back then, reporters would approach him directly at the rear of the garage before he even had a chance to speak with his engineer, which left him quite frustrated.

"I halted the situation by informing the journalists that while everyone is working against the clock, it's really the Europeans who are in a rush. The South Americans have more flexibility. I arranged the interview schedule, placing the Brazilians at the end."

"The Europeans were prioritized since they made up the largest group. After arranging everything, you might spot some individuals lingering at the rear of the garage. You'd advise them, 'If you hang around at the back of the motorhome, he'll avoid coming out because he can see you waiting.'"

"He might be upset because you're blocking access to the engineers' office. When you treated everyone equally, they got it, since before I arrived, most of them didn't have any way to reach Ayrton. So, everyone valued it."

"He would remain present until the very last question was asked, even in three different languages. I would handle the situation, making sure to dismiss people once they had their turn. The questions were always the same each week, with nothing fresh, and I had everything documented."

"I would often visit the pressroom, and everyone there understood that they could rely on me for details, since I was aware of his statements. We didn't manipulate the information; I simply conveyed it to them."

He explained that, given the circumstances, that was what he intended—it reflects his beliefs and so on. It's straightforward, and it's astonishing that more people don't adopt this approach regularly.

Question: Thirty years have passed since he died during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Can you describe what that challenging day was like for you?

BH described the day as if operating on instinct, simply going through the motions. He mentioned that Leonardo, his brother, was present, and he was determined to secure a private room in the hospital for him, ensuring that the media couldn't contact him.

"I wasn't the one responsible for delivering formal announcements. The hospital handled that task. I interacted with a few individuals who emerged."

Following the declaration of his death, there was just one request made of me that I refused to fulfill – they needed someone to confirm the identity of the body. I declined to do it.

Gerhard Berger, a friend, had informed me that he had visited the hospital and expressed a desire to see him. I inquired if he was certain about this decision, as we had received advice against visiting due to the severity of his head injuries. Nevertheless, Berger insisted on seeing him.

He returned pale and said, "I shouldn’t have gone in there. Please make sure no one else enters."

After everything was finished, I returned to the Imola track around 10:30 p.m. and sat in the motorhome, where all my belongings had been left behind.

A segment aired on Sky TV featuring Ayrton, who appeared sun-kissed and wore a vibrant yellow shirt. His hair was damp, likely from jet skiing, and he expressed his joy by saying, "I love my life here; it's beautiful."

"At that moment, I broke down and cried without restraint. I found myself unable to halt the tears or catch my breath. The situation was unchanged the next day."

"Leonardo, his brother, was present, and we were making efforts to keep him away from the media. We relocated him to a different hotel, but the press discovered his new location. In any case, it was challenging, but I managed to handle it."

"I spent several days working at the office in Brazil before heading to Monaco. There, Karl Wendlinger had a crash at the Nouvelle chicane, hitting the barrier. The situation was serious enough that he was placed in an induced coma. At that point, I felt overwhelmed and decided it was time to step back. I apologized and said that I needed to distance myself from everything."

"I took a 15-day break from work to visit my pregnant sister. We spent time relaxing on the beach without much conversation with others. Upon returning, there was interest in creating a book, but they preferred not to include specific information."

"I transitioned from barely managing each day to, three months later in late August, returning to Europe without any clear plans. I was uncertain about my next steps, so I simply proceeded without overthinking."

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Alex Marquez describes the "incredibly foolish" incident during the Thai MotoGP sighting lap. "It wasn't due to a lapse in focus," he clarifies.

According to Alex Marquez, his "really stupid" fall during the sighting lap of the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix happened because he was testing a different racing line in wet conditions.

Ahead of Sunday’s 26-lap grand prix in Buriram, the Gresini racer experienced a crash at Turn 11 during the warm-up lap to the grid.

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Alarm on the warm-up lap! 😮@alexmarquez73 has taken a fall! 💥#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/3Fc7sKx0l3— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 27, 2024

Marquez managed to begin the race using his backup bike, which needed to be adjusted from a dry to a wet configuration. However, he had to begin the race from the last position on the grid rather than starting in ninth place.

He successfully battled through the group on his GP23 to finish in the top ten.

Marquez admitted to reporters, such as those from Crash.net, on Sunday that it was a very foolish error.

"To start with, I have to apologize to the team as the error was mine."

"I must clarify that it wasn't due to a lapse in focus or anything of that sort."

"During the warm-up, I kept thinking about a particular line I wanted to try because I had been cutting over the kerb at Turn 11 on every lap. However, when I was heading to the grid, I noticed there was more water present."

"I decided to test the grip on that curb by using a small amount of gas, rather than going all out."

"When I entered, it felt freezing, and before I knew it, I was lying on the floor."

"Afterwards, the situation became quite complex, so I opted for the dry bike and we returned to using the complete rain configuration."

"Beginning from the back, I had an average performance in the race. My connection with the car wasn't outstanding, so I focused on completing the race and giving it my all."

"I was fortunate to have the accident on that lap, as I had been considering attempting that route."

"I would have ended up crashing either during the warm-up lap or the initial lap of the race when everyone was approaching."

"I consider myself fortunate in that situation. It's important to learn from this experience, and I shouldn't be too hard on myself for it. Such an error is something a MotoGP rider should avoid."

Marquez mentioned that despite the crash that took him out of his initial qualifying spot, he doubts he could have achieved better than eighth place. He explained that his experience with the GP23 in wet conditions wasn't very positive.

Marquez, who claimed victory in the 2023 Silverstone sprint race under rainy conditions, mentioned that beginning from ninth place rather than 23rd made eighth position seem typical today.

"I don't have a great sense of confidence with the 2023 bike. In contrast, the 2022 model made me feel extremely strong in wet conditions, as did the Honda."

"However, with this '23 model, there is still something lacking in the configuration."

"If we get a chance to practice in wet conditions, we will make the necessary adjustments. Otherwise, we'll have to come up with a plan since I'm not very comfortable riding in the rain."

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Alex Marquez discusses the "incredibly foolish" incident during the sighting lap at the Thai MotoGP. He clarifies that it wasn’t due to a lapse in concentration.

Alex Marquez described his "incredibly foolish" fall during the sighting lap at the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix as a consequence of testing out a different racing line on the wet track.

The Gresini team racer experienced a crash at Turn 11 while heading to the starting grid for Sunday's 26-lap grand prix in Buriram.

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Anxiety strikes during the warm-up lap! 😮@alexmarquez73 has taken a fall! 💥#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/3Fc7sKx0l3— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 27, 2024

Anxiety strikes during the warm-up lap! 😮@alexmarquez73 has taken a fall! 💥#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/3Fc7sKx0l3

Marquez managed to begin the race using his backup motorcycle, which needed to be adjusted from a dry configuration to a wet one. However, he had to start from the last position on the grid rather than his original ninth place.

He successfully battled his way through the field on his GP23 to finish among the top 10 competitors.

On Sunday, Marquez admitted to the press, including Crash.net, that it was a very foolish error.

"To begin with, I have already apologized to the team as it was my error."

"I must clarify that it wasn't due to a lapse in focus or anything of that sort."

During the warm-up, I consistently took a specific line through Turn 11 by cutting the kerb on every lap. As I headed to the grid, I noticed that there was more water on the track.

"I decided to give it a shot with a small amount of throttle, but not going all out, to check the traction on that curb."

"When I entered, it felt freezing, and before I knew it, I was lying on the floor."

"Things got more complex afterward, so I opted for the other bike that was dry, and we went with the complete rain configuration once more."

"Beginning from the back of the grid, I had an ordinary race. The sensation wasn't great, so my focus was on completing the race and doing my best."

"I consider myself fortunate to have had the accident on that particular lap, as I was contemplating attempting that route."

"I would have ended up crashing during the warm-up lap or the first lap of the race when everyone was approaching."

"I was fortunate in that situation. We should learn from this incident, and I must avoid being overly critical of myself. Such an error is unacceptable for a MotoGP rider."

Marquez mentioned that despite the crash that caused him to lose his initial qualifying spot, he doubts he could have achieved better than eighth place. He explained that his experience on the GP23 in wet conditions is “not really good.”

Marquez, the victor of the 2023 Silverstone sprint held under rainy conditions, remarked that beginning from ninth place instead of twenty-third made their eighth-place finish seem quite standard.

"I don't have a great sense of comfort with the 2023 bike. In contrast, I felt extremely confident in wet conditions with the 2022 model, as well as when riding the Honda."

"However, the 2023 model still lacks something in its configuration."

"If we get the chance to ride in rainy conditions, we'll make the necessary adjustments. However, if that opportunity doesn't arise, we need to come up with a plan because I'm currently not very comfortable riding when it's wet."

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Viewing Guide for the Malaysia MotoGP Live Stream

Find details below on how to catch the 2024 Malaysia MotoGP live, including the schedule and broadcast times.

Here's how you can catch the Malaysia MotoGP from November 1-3, including options for free online streaming. Additionally, we've provided the start times for the Malaysia MotoGP below.

The second-to-last race of the 2024 MotoGP season is taking place in Sepang.

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Jorge Martin is leading the standings, holding a 17-point advantage over Pecco Bagnaia.

This season's championship has been marked by numerous mistakes, and Martin and Bagnaia are eager to steer clear of making any significant blunders at this critical point.

Is Marc Marquez going to make an impact? Although he cannot secure the championship himself, his current form might still disrupt the competition.

In other news, Yamaha and Honda are set to maintain their gradual advancements leading up to the start of the 2025

MOTOGP MALAYSIA SCHEDULE FOR THE UK

On Friday, the first free practice session will begin at 12:45 a.m., followed by another practice at 7 a.m

Saturday, November 22nd: Practice session at 10:10 AM, Qualifying round at 10:50 AM, and Sprint race at

Sunday, November, 7:00 AM – Malaysian Moto

WATCHING THE MALAYSIA MOTOGP 2024 FROM ANY LOCATION

If you're traveling or outside the country of the TV streaming service you want to access, you might face difficulties in viewing the Malaysia MotoGP due to geo-restrictions. This technology is used by broadcasters to limit access to content based on geographic location. However, you can bypass these restrictions by using a VPN, with ExpressVPN being a top recommendation.

ExpressVPN is providing an additional three months at no cost to anyone who subscribes to their annual plan, resulting in a 49% discount. Moreover, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service without any financial risk.

This device works with a wide range of streaming gadgets such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PlayStation, as well as Android and Apple smartphones.

FREE ONLINE STREAMING OPTIONS FOR MALAYSIA MOTOGP

Viewers can catch the Malaysia MotoGP at no cost through Austria's broadcasters, ORF or Servus. They offer live streaming on their respective platforms: ORF TVthek for ORF and Servus TV for Servus. It's important to note that the broadcast commentary will be in German, and you might need to set up a free account to access the stream.

Belgian network RTBF provides free access to the Malaysia MotoGP, featuring commentary in French. The event can be streamed live on RTBF Auvio.

Here's how you can view the live stream of the Malaysia MotoGP: Sign up for the MotoGP Video Pass to access the live event.

The platform is operated by MotoGP and provides both live streaming and on-demand access to all races, including those from the past.

All events, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint races, and the main grands prix of each round, can be accessed here.

There's plenty of additional exclusive content available to appreciate.

The annual subscription for the MotoGP Video Pass is priced at €199.99, equivalent to £170.97, while a monthly subscription costs €29.99, which is approximately £25.64.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR 2024 MALAYSIA MOTOGP IN THE UK

In the UK, TNT Sports will broadcast all sessions of the Malaysia MotoGP, spanning from Friday to Sunday.

By subscribing to TNT, you can view the Malaysia MotoGP.

For £30.99, you can buy a subscription to TNT Sports, giving you access to all four of its channels and Discovery+. The service is available on television, mobile devices, tablets, and gaming consoles.

You have the option to enroll in a 30-day complimentary trial of TNT Sports by selecting the Discovery Plus Premium package through Amazon Prime.

Viewing Free MotoGP Highlights from the 2024 Malaysia Race

ITVX provides complimentary highlights of the MotoGP event.

The official website and YouTube channel of MotoGP will share complimentary highlight videos.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR 2024 MALAYSIA MOTOGP IN THE UNITED STATES

In the United States, TNT Sports holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Malaysia MotoGP event. All the races will be shown on their truTV channel. Additionally, fans can stream the event through the Max platform.

SlingTV is a top choice for online streaming services.

VIEWING GUIDE FOR 2024 MALAYSIA MOTOGP IN AUSTRALIA

Australian fans can catch the live broadcast of the Malaysia MotoGP through Kayo Sports or Foxtel Go. These platforms will provide the event's coverage.

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Fabio Di Giannantonio: "Enduring long hours of pain" yet "hard to quit"

Fabio Di Giannantonio concludes his season prematurely

Fabio di Giannantonio's season came to a close in Thailand as he returns to Europe for an operation on the shoulder he hurt during practice at the Austrian Grand Prix in August. Despite this, the Italian rider expressed contentment with the conclusion of his third MotoGP season, having secured fourth-place finishes in both Australia and Thailand.

After the Thai Grand Prix, Di Giannantonio expressed his joy, stating that he believed they had accomplished an outstanding performance.

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Competing in seven races over the span of two months has put a significant strain on my shoulder, but we have accomplished remarkable work at home.

"Trust me, it's been extremely challenging to compete at that level. I've endured countless hours of physical therapy and dealt with a lot of pain during both rehabilitation and training sessions."

In my opinion, the season concluded on a high note by wrapping up with two distinct tracks in varying conditions, securing fourth place in both, which is a remarkable accomplishment.

"We should be extremely pleased because we currently hold the eighth position in the championship standings. We've accumulated a significant number of points and are ahead of several top competitors. I believe we've accomplished something remarkable."

After finishing in eighth place in Saturday's Sprint, Di Giannantonio was worried about his physical readiness for Sunday's full-length Grand Prix. However, he noted that the rainy conditions made the race a bit less challenging.

"The wet weather conditions were incredibly beneficial," he mentioned. "To be honest, I had significant concerns about the extended race, as I had been having a tough time with the right-hand turns throughout the weekend."

"Riding in wet conditions has been incredibly beneficial, despite the increased danger. Falling and landing on my shoulder would have been significantly more harmful."

"In the end, things worked out well, so we should be grateful for a little bit of luck."

While Di Giannantonio believes halting his season is the correct decision, he confessed that it is challenging for him to come to terms with ending his run early, especially when he's performing so well.

"It's really challenging here," he remarked. "At this point, it's tough to bring things to a halt. Every lap, I kept thinking, 'I don't want to stop,' but in the end, we chose to stop because it was the smart and sensible decision to make."

"It's beneficial to pause, undergo the surgery, recuperate, and aim to be fully prepared for the next year."

Conversely, with Di Giannantonio concluding his season at this point, he can approach the winter and recuperate from his shoulder operation with the assurance that he finished the 2024 season performing well.

"It's crucial because reaching this stage means you've achieved it, and now you understand that any further actions will be aimed at enhancing this level," he stated.

"Undoubtedly, the journey will be lengthy, and we shouldn't anticipate maintaining our current speed during the initial test in 2025. It's important to remain composed."

"I believe that taking this step will be beneficial, leading to significant improvement next year, surpassing our current status."

Finishing with more strength

During the latter part of the race, Di Giannantonio managed to close the gap to the leader, Francesco Bagnaia, by approximately six seconds.

The rider from Italy mentioned that he initially had difficulty with the bike at the beginning of the race, but his performance got better as the race progressed.

"The start of the race felt terrible, to be honest," he mentioned.

"The front and rear were slipping, which made it hard for me to find my rhythm. As a result, I was three seconds slower than I was this morning, so I faced significant difficulties."

"The main thought I had was to stay calm for a few laps and gradually find my pace. Once I did, I felt unstoppable."

"I was confident that I could maintain an excellent speed in rainy conditions, and ultimately we demonstrated that. That's just the nature of racing."

"Certainly, we need to examine and comprehend the situation to avoid making the same small mistake next year. However, overall, the race was extremely positive."

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INSIDER REPORT: The Explanation Behind the Lack of Penalty for Marc Marquez's Unzipped Racing Suit

New insights clarify why Marc Marquez did not face any sanctions.

Marc Marquez avoided receiving a penalty during the Thailand MotoGP, even though his racing suit came undone.

After remounting his bike following an early fall and finishing in 11th place, Marquez described how he believes the suit came open during the crash when the airbag was deployed.

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Video captured from the race showed that the safety latch at the top of his racing suit came undone once he returned to the track.

However, the FIM stewards decided not to penalize Marquez, even though the regulations clearly indicate that safety gear must be worn properly at all times.

A representative from Dorna informed Crash.net that they have the ability to use discretion in situations like this, as they can involve different factors.

For example, if it was determined that Marquez lacked sufficient time to respond, the stewards are justified in choosing not to penalize him.

Due to Marquez's crash and subsequent remount, which damaged the safety clasp on his racing suit, it appears the stewards exercised their judgment by choosing not to penalize him.

What are the regulations?

According to Article 2.4.5.2 of the FIM MotoGP rulebook, found under the section for Rider’s Safety Equipment, the guidelines state:

Every rider under contract is required to start each racing event with a minimum of two sets of intact safety gear.

"A full collection of safety gear must include:

Riders are required to wear their gear properly secured at all times while on the track. For specific items, such as the Airbag system, the equipment must be in place and working at the beginning of each track session. The Technical Director has the final say on issues related to the riders' gear.

Has any other racer faced penalties? Fabio Quartararo received a three-second time penalty during the 2021 Catalan Grand Prix after his racing suit came undone, leading him to remove his chest protector.

This violated Section 2.4.5.2.

Quartararo acknowledged afterward that the penalty was justified.

In India last year, Jorge Martin's racing suit momentarily came undone.

Martin managed to close them up again without facing any consequences.

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Valentino Rossi chuckles at a Stoner-Marquez gag while hosting a comedy television program. Valentino Rossi took on a completely new kind of role.

Italian television featured Valentino Rossi as the host of a comedic show known for its satire.

Rossi took on the role of a special guest co-host for GialappaShow, a program known for its humorous music and impressions.

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Tonight, I will be co-hosting the second episode of the GialappaShow alongside Mago Forest and @GialappasB. It's an event you won't want to miss, airing at 9:30 PM on Tv8 and Sky channel 108! #GialappaShow pic.twitter.com/7MGRsgRSUx— Valentino Rossi (@ValeYellow46) October 28, 2024

Unsurprisingly, people started making jokes about Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez.

After revealing that he has a pre-race habit of wearing his left boot before the right and talking to his motorcycle, Rossi faced an uncomfortable question.

The co-host insisted on finding out: "Is it true that you've named your family jewels? Do you really refer to one as Stoner and the other as Marquez?"

Rossi laughed loudly and then responded: "You can't claim otherwise; it just won't function now!"

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner was one of the athletes who was humorously mimicked.

However, the main draw was MotoGP icon Rossi, who continues to be one of Italy's most beloved celebrities.

Even after retiring, and despite taking on a playful role that was unfamiliar territory for him, it was acceptable to make jokes at the expense of Stoner and Marquez.

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Lando Norris has received a potential advantage in the F1 championship as Max Verstappen may face an engine penalty during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil this weekend.

Max Verstappen might face a grid penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend if Red Bull decides to replace his engine.

Due to a problem with his power unit during Friday's sessions, Verstappen had to switch back to using an older engine.

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The driver from the Netherlands bounced back and secured a front-row starting position for his Red Bull car, placing him ahead of his F1 championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Nonetheless, Red Bull's competitiveness diminished during the race when Verstappen found himself lacking in straight-line speed, allowing Carlos Sainz to overtake him after the Safety Car restart.

Verstappen found himself entangled in two distinct situations with Norris, leading to a total of 20 seconds in time penalties.

The three-time world champion ended up in sixth place, while Norris secured the second position, resulting in a 10-point decrease in his championship lead.

Red Bull is contemplating providing him with a new engine for the last four races in order to remain competitive in the championship battle.

Given the numerous overtaking chances in Brazil, Red Bull would logically opt for a new engine there if they choose to make such a decision.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Marko expressed concern, stating, "What's more concerning is our inability to get the medium and hard tires to perform effectively."

"We were far behind the leading two teams, and one reason might be that on Friday, engine issues prevented us from driving."

"It's evident that action is needed. Additionally, we'll need to replace the engine since our speed on the straightaways has been lacking."

This engine, which was installed in the vehicle, was not meant to be there, making it likely that the situation in Brazil might occur.

Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that the engine Verstappen used in Mexico was meant just for practice sessions, indicating that its performance wasn't at its best.

Marko stated that the engine used was not meant for the race, and that as an engine ages, its efficiency decreases.

"The penalty would result in a drop of five positions. In a place like Brazil, this wouldn't be too harsh since overtaking is fairly straightforward there. However, we noticed we were lacking speed, specifically three to eight km/h, on the straight sections."

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