Lando Norris shares his first impressions of piloting McLaren's 2025 Formula 1 vehicle for the initial time.

Lando Norris recently took McLaren's 2025 Formula 1 vehicle for its inaugural spin around Silverstone.

McLaren revealed their latest MCL39 model on social media following its inaugural track run on Thursday afternoon.

Norris, runner-up in the 2024 Formula 1 drivers' standings, was the first to get behind the wheel before passing it on to Oscar Piastri.

McLaren enters the upcoming season as the current F1 constructors' champions, having had the quickest car by the end of 2024.

Concluding the year on a high note, McLaren has introduced considerable modifications to their latest vehicle, with Piastri suggesting the presence of "innovative features".

Norris expressed that the new vehicle had a positive feel to it, supporting Piastri's assertion that McLaren has implemented several updates for the current year.

"Norris mentioned to Sky Sports that the alterations to the car are more significant than one might initially believe, which he finds impressive."

"The goal is to enhance every aspect, correct? Strive to make it more lightweight, durable, quicker, and more potent, among other improvements. I believe every component of the vehicle has undergone refinement and advancement."

"Occasionally, it's the little details that accumulate, and at other moments, you're dealing with narrow differences. The experience was pleasant. It's great to be driving again. It's thrilling."

"Starting the first season as reigning champions, we're aware we're the ones everyone is aiming to beat. It's a great feeling. The team is performing exceptionally well. It's nice to be in the game again."

Norris poised for F1 championship chase

Norris is widely regarded as the top contender for this year's F1 championship, especially after his commanding victories in Singapore and Abu Dhabi as 2024 came to a close.

The UK racer needs to refine his driving skills, especially when competing against Max Verstappen, if he aims to be McLaren's initial champion since Lewis Hamilton achieved the feat in 2008.

In response to being the top pick by betting agencies for the championship, Norris remarked, "I'm not sure. I approach things gradually. It's a pleasant feeling, so I'm grateful to everyone placing bets on me. My concentration is on the current season. I ended last season feeling positive."

"After Abu Dhabi, I was motivated to persevere, aiming to conclude on a positive note. I was aware that there were certain aspects and elements I had to enhance."

"I believe I've shown myself that I possess the necessary qualities. There's a moment when everything falls into place and you realize you're capable. Certainly, I'm not approaching this with an excess of confidence or arrogance."

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Title: "Inside Le Mans: Real-Time Updates and Race Dynamics Unveiled"

As the engines roar to life and the clock ticks down, the 24 Hours of Le Mans captivates the world of motorsport with its unparalleled blend of speed, strategy, and endurance. In this fast-paced environment, precision reporting is paramount as sports journalists strive to unravel the complexities of this legendary race. Our mission is to deliver an immersive experience, leveraging on-site reporting, exclusive interviews, and live coverage to bring you closer to the thrilling race dynamics. Through technical analysis and background reports, we provide a comprehensive look at the rennteam details and driver insights that shape the outcome of this iconic event. Utilizing media coverage and social media updates, we ensure audience engagement and a seamless storytelling journey. From behind-the-scenes coverage to strategic planning, this article unveils the multifaceted world of Le Mans, highlighting the teamwork, multimedia skills, and industry expertise that define modern sports journalism. Join us as we delve into the heart of the action, offering real-time updates and exclusive insights into this endurance racing masterpiece.

• 1. "Inside Le Mans: Real-Time Updates and Race Dynamics Unveiled"

1. "Inside Le Mans: Real-Time Updates and Race Dynamics Unveiled"

As the engines roar to life at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, the 24 Hours of Le Mans transforms into a theater of precision, adrenaline, and innovation. This legendary endurance race demands more than just speed; it requires a seamless blend of strategy, teamwork, and technological prowess. For a sports journalist on-site, capturing the essence of this event is a dance of real-time updates and meticulous storytelling, bringing the race dynamics to life for audiences around the globe.

In the fast-paced environment of Le Mans, real-time updates are crucial. With each lap, the race evolves, and staying ahead requires the art of precision reporting. On-site reporting is not just about being present but about diving into the heart of the action, gathering information swiftly, and relaying it to an eager audience. From the pit lanes to the paddocks, every corner of the track offers a story waiting to unfold, and it's the journalist's role to unveil these narratives with clarity and insight.

Interviews with drivers, rennteam members, and race officials provide invaluable driver insights and a glimpse into the race dynamics. These exclusive interviews not only enrich the narrative but also offer a deeper understanding of race strategies and the human element behind the machines. Engaging in candid conversations allows for a more comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs experienced over the grueling 24-hour period.

The role of media coverage extends beyond traditional reporting, with social media updates serving as a powerful tool for audience engagement. Through photos, videos, and live coverage, journalists can capture event highlights and share them instantly, expanding the audience reach and creating a community interaction that transcends geographical boundaries. Effective storytelling, paired with compelling visual content, ensures that the thrill of Le Mans is felt far and wide.

Technical analysis plays a pivotal role in understanding the intricacies of the race. From car technology to race strategies, the ability to dissect these elements and present them in an accessible manner is a testament to a journalist's industry expertise. By collaborating with technical experts and utilizing data analysis, journalists can provide a comprehensive view of the race's technical developments and innovations.

Behind-the-scenes coverage offers a unique perspective, showcasing the dedication and teamwork required to succeed at Le Mans. This involves collaboration with camerapersons, photographers, graphic designers, and editors to create multimedia presentations that captivate the audience. The blend of audiovisual presentations, strategic planning, and creative thinking ensures a robust and engaging narrative.

In the realm of sports journalism, covering the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a testament to multimedia skills and deadline management. It demands breaking news coverage, post-race analysis, and cross-platform promotion. With a professional network and strategic partnerships, journalists can effectively manage content distribution and sponsorship integration, ensuring a holistic coverage of this motorsport spectacle.

Ultimately, the ability to provide real-time updates, conduct insightful interviews, and deliver comprehensive race dynamics is what sets apart top-tier sports journalism. As the curtain falls on another Le Mans, the stories told continue to resonate, preserving the legacy of this unparalleled endurance challenge.

As the engines quieten and the dust settles on another exhilarating edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race once again proves to be a testament to human endurance, technical innovation, and sportsmanship. Through comprehensive on-site reporting, immersive interviews, and real-time coverage, we've delved deep into the heart of this legendary event, offering our audience a front-row seat to the race dynamics that kept us all on the edge of our seats.

This year's race not only highlighted the prowess of top teams and drivers but also showcased the intricate dance of race strategy and technological prowess that defines Le Mans. Our technical analysis peeled back the layers of vehicle technology, while our media coverage ensured that every thrilling moment was captured and shared across platforms, engaging a global audience with vivid storytelling and compelling visuals.

In collaboration with a dedicated team of camerapersons, photographers, and editors, we've brought the race to life, demonstrating the power of precision reporting and multimedia skills in this fast-paced environment. Our strategic use of social media and innovative marketing strategies has expanded our audience reach, while exclusive interviews have provided insights into the minds of those who conquer the track.

As we wrap up this year's coverage, we reflect on the seamless teamwork and creative thinking that have allowed us to deliver breaking news and in-depth analysis with accuracy and flair. The 24 Hours of Le Mans remains not only a pinnacle of motorsport but also an inspiring showcase of human potential and perseverance. We look forward to continuing our exploration of this iconic race, celebrating the stories and achievements that make it an enduring spectacle in the world of sports journalism.

Sauber's F1 main sponsor instructed to exit UK market due to adult film star advertisement investigation

The principal sponsor of Sauber's Formula 1 team, Stake, has been directed to shut down its UK online platform following an inquiry into an advertisement featuring a pornstar.

The UK Gambling Commission has ordered Stake, the title sponsor of Sauber's Formula 1 team, to close its website in the United Kingdom.

The UK Gambling Commission has mandated that Stake.uk.com shut down in the coming month following the promotion of a video on the social media platform X (once known as Twitter). This video, shot outside Nottingham Trent University, included adult film star Bonnie Blue.

In the video, Blue mentioned her intention to "have intimate encounters with 130 newly turned 18-year-olds" over a period of two weeks. The screen displayed logos from Stake.

The Gambling Commission imposed a fine of £316,250 on TGP Europe Limited, the operator of Stake.uk.com, in 2023 due to inadequate measures for encouraging responsible gambling and combating money laundering. The commission declared that the website's license will be revoked starting March 11.

The commission announced that this action comes after they began investigating a viral video showing the Stake logo. The video, which was shared on a social media site, included an adult film star and was filmed outside Nottingham Trent University.

TGP has faced regulatory action in the past, and after discussions with the commission, they have announced that they will promptly cease accepting new sign-ups on the Stake.uk.com site and will eliminate redirect links from the primary Stake website.

"The Great Britain location is scheduled to be completely closed by March 11, 2025."

In 2024, Stake began a sponsorship agreement with Sauber, which led to its branding being displayed on the Swiss team's Formula 1 vehicles at events where gambling promotions are permitted.

Stake is the primary sponsor displayed on the front of Everton's shirts in the Premier League.

The commission stated that clubs will need to prove they can effectively geo-block the sites, while acknowledging that these blocks can often be circumvented using tools like a virtual private network.

"Teams will need to conduct thorough investigations to convince the commission that users in Great Britain are unable to access these sites in any way. Additionally, the commission will undertake independent checks to confirm that these measures are effectively implemented."

The correspondence will caution that club officials could be subject to legal action and, if found guilty, might face penalties including fines, jail time, or both for endorsing unlicensed gambling operations that engage with customers in Great Britain.

At this point, the effects of the decision on Sauber remain uncertain, although it could affect any operations the team has in the UK.

The future Audi Formula 1 team has revealed its intention to establish a new engineering center in the UK’s 'motorsport valley' before the year ends.

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Competitors of Ducati should be concerned about Marc Marquez's future following the recent engine controversy. The ongoing issues with Ducati's engine are not as advantageous for their competitors as some are claiming.

Following a mere two weeks, the pre-season tests for the 2025 MotoGP season have concluded. In only 14 days, the motorcycles will hit the track once again in Buriram for practice sessions leading up to the Thai Grand Prix.

Ducati plans to compete using factory motorcycles equipped with engines that are a year old, though they have made some adjustments that they are not willing to disclose.

Throughout the five days of testing held this February, the main focus has been on whether Ducati will replace its GP25 engine with the GP24 motor, which secured 16 victories out of 20 grand prix races last season.

The clarity of that decision became more evident following the first day at Buriram, and it was officially confirmed on Thursday. Due to a two-year freeze on engine development and insufficient progress with the 2025 engine, Ducati opted for a prudent approach by sticking with the GP24 engine.

As is common among factory riders, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia shared few specifics about the 2025 engine. On Wednesday, Bagnaia mentioned that Ducati struggled to achieve an effective braking balance with the new engine. Meanwhile, Marquez remarked that it had several "significant weaknesses."

Bagnaia later confessed that he had been deceiving the press and was aware from the start that the GP24 would probably be the engine used in this year's races.

Ducati's experience with previous pre-season engine issues has played a significant role in shaping its current choices. During the 2022 testing period, the team encountered considerable challenges with the GP22 engine, prompting them to opt for a hybrid model for the racing season. Meanwhile, the GP23 engine exhibited a noticeable flaw when braking, which the GP24 successfully addressed.

The GP24 is considered by many as Ducati's finest motorcycle production to date, and it possibly stands as the top MotoGP bike in history. While some perceived it as a challenge during the winter, for the world champion producer, it has been more of a fortunate situation.

Ducati announced that there is a genuine chance its factory team will kick off the season using a 2024 engine, along with new aerodynamic and chassis designs for 2024. Bagnaia, on the other hand, described his current motorcycle more tactfully as the “GP24.9.” However, this situation has prompted various observers to express concerns, suggesting that Ducati might not be progressing, which could be advantageous for its competitors.

Not exactly. Throughout the 2024 season, the GP24 typically finished about 3.5 seconds ahead of its closest competitor that wasn't a GP24. Although other teams have improved over the winter break, no one has managed to reduce the time gap by that much in just a year.

Fastest Lap Times by Manufacturer at the 2025 Buriram Test

Marc Marquez recorded a lap time of 1 minute and 28.855 seconds on a Ducati.

Marco Bezzecchi clocked a time of 1 minute and 29.060 seconds on his Aprilia.

Rider Pedro Acosta recorded a time of 1 minute and 29.133 seconds on his KTM.

Honda – Joan Mir recorded a time of 1 minute and 29.133 seconds.

Fabio Quartararo achieved a lap time of 1 minute and 29.586 seconds while riding for Yamaha.

Over the two days of testing in Buriram, the Marquez brothers dominated the leaderboard. Ducati maintained its strong winter showing, as Alex Marquez recorded the quickest times in both Barcelona and Sepang while riding the Gresini-operated GP24. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez led the way during the conclusion of the Buriram test on the hybrid GP25, although he narrowly missed the lap record by 0.155 seconds. His late attempt on the final day likely influenced his performance.

Beyond just the lap times, Marc Marquez truly stood out during the race itself, dispelling any lingering doubts that Ducati's careful approach might fail.

Analysis of Average Long Runs During the 2025 Buriram Test

(More than 20 laps)

Marc Marquez, riding a Ducati, recorded a time of 1 minute 30.378 seconds over 23 laps.

Alex Marquez, riding for Ducati, recorded a lap time of 1 minute and 31.071 seconds over 23 laps.

Pedro Acosta, riding for KTM, recorded a lap time of 1 minute and 31.016 seconds after completing 22 laps

Brad Binder, riding for KTM, completed 22 laps with his fastest time being 1 minute and 31.016 seconds

Johann Zarco, riding for Honda, clocked a time of 1 minute and 31.559 seconds over the course of

(Fewer than 20 laps)

Marco Bezzecchi, riding an Aprilia, achieved a lap time of 1 minute and 30.093 seconds over 13 laps.

Joan Mir, riding for Honda, recorded a lap time of 1 minute and 30.338 seconds over a

Fabio Quartararo, riding for Yamaha, completed a lap in 1 minute and 30.361 seconds, covering a total

Franco Morbidelli, riding for Ducati, completed 18 laps with his fastest time being 1 minute and 31.019 seconds.

Marquez maintained an average pace over the 23 laps that was 0.518 seconds faster than the fastest race lap ever recorded at the Thai Grand Prix, a record set by Marco Bezzecchi using a GP22-spec Ducati in 2023. Throughout his run, Marquez consistently stayed out of the 1m31s range.

He tried to downplay the situation by pointing out that Alex Marquez might have been nearer to him if it weren't for the electronic problems the Gresini rider experienced. Nonetheless, Ducati still appears to be the most formidable among the competitors.

In the race simulation data mentioned earlier, one key participant is missing. Bagnaia faced a challenging first day at the Buriram test, with his bike not performing as expected. This situation forced him to "start from scratch" on the last day. However, his team successfully made adjustments, restoring his confidence.

Ranking fifth on the timesheets, he didn't finish a significant race simulation, but he was pleased with his speed on worn tires.

It might be unexpected that Ducati has decided to set aside its 2025 chassis, especially since Bagnaia advocated for its introduction last year following his test run. However, considering the developments this pre-season, that decision might not have been ideal.

The frame underwent testing at Misano last September, a circuit that Bagnaia is extremely familiar with. Ducati bikes have consistently performed well there, and the track was still marked with rubber from the racing events held the weekend before. A similar scenario unfolded during its evaluation at Barcelona last November.

As anticipated, the chassis didn't function as hoped under varying grip conditions at Buriram. Setting it aside, along with the 2025 aerodynamic package, isn't necessarily a negative move. The opening four races take place on circuits that don't accurately predict how the rest of the season will play out, as Buriram, Rio Honda, COTA, and Lusail each present their own distinct challenges.

The items in question are set to be reintroduced during the testing session following the Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place in Jerez at the end of April. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, significant advancements made at this Jerez test were crucial to Bagnaia's successful pursuit of the championship titles in those years.

This winter has definitively shown that adopting something close to the 2024 setup will keep the factory Ducati team competitive in the initial races. Bagnaia also revealed a concerning finding for Ducati's competitors.

He expressed his strong belief from the beginning that the '24 model was superior.

On our first day in Malaysia, both Marc and I agreed that the GP24 was still slightly superior. We put in efforts to enhance the braking but didn't manage to achieve the desired results. Consequently, we focused extensively on the '24, realizing there is still room for improvement. This discovery is promising.

Having room for improvement on a bike that was already performing exceptionally well is something Gigi Dall’Igna should consider a significant compliment. This comes as he navigates the frustration of some of his other projects for 2025 not meeting expectations.

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Lando Norris shares his thoughts after taking McLaren's 2025 Formula 1 car for its inaugural spin.

For the first time, Lando Norris took McLaren's 2025 Formula 1 car for a spin at the Silverstone circuit.

McLaren introduced their brand-new MCL39 via social media following its debut on the track on Thursday afternoon.

Norris, who secured the runner-up position in the 2024 F1 drivers' championship, had the opportunity to drive initially before passing the wheel to Oscar Piastri.

McLaren begins the upcoming season as the current champions of the F1 constructors' title, having finished 2024 with the quickest car.

After concluding the year on a high note, McLaren has introduced major modifications to their latest vehicle, with Piastri suggesting there are "fresh innovations."

Norris expressed that the new car had a positive feel, supporting Piastri's statement that McLaren has implemented several modifications for this year's model.

Norris mentioned to Sky Sports that there have been more alterations than one might initially realize just by observing the car, which he finds exciting.

One aims to enhance every aspect, striving for qualities like reduced weight, increased strength, greater speed, and more power, among other improvements. I believe that each component of the car has been refined and upgraded.

"At times, it's the little details that come together, and other times, it's about those narrow differences. The experience was satisfying. Getting behind the wheel again is a pleasure. It's thrilling."

"Our first year stepping in as champions, with everyone aiming for us. It feels great. The team is performing incredibly well. It's nice to return."

Norris set for F1 championship chase

Norris is widely regarded as the top contender for this year's F1 championship, especially after his commanding victories in Singapore and Abu Dhabi at the end of the 2024 season.

The UK racer needs to refine his racing skills, especially when competing with Max Verstappen, to stand a chance of becoming McLaren's first drivers' champion since Lewis Hamilton achieved the title in 2008.

In response to being considered the bookmakers' top choice for the championship, Norris said, "I'm not sure about that. I approach things gradually, one step at a time. It's flattering, and I'm grateful to everyone placing their bets on me. My attention is on this year. I felt positive following last season."

"I had the desire to keep going after Abu Dhabi, finishing in a positive way. I understood there were certain aspects where I needed to get better."

"I felt like I demonstrated to myself that I have the necessary skills. When something falls into place, and you believe you can accomplish it at that moment. I am certainly approaching this without any excessive confidence or arrogance."

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Pedro Acosta mentions that KTM has "four riders with a unified mindset."

"We have increased our speed, which makes it easier for me to accelerate…"

As is often the case with the Austrian manufacturer, KTM's 2025 MotoGP preseason has been unpredictable, showing both potential and reasons to worry.

This week at the Buriram test, RC16 riders experimented with both the latest and previous aerodynamic designs. They also alternated between the older seat unit and the new version, which was initially introduced at the Sepang Shakedown and seems to feature a mass damper.

Pedro Acosta emerged as the standout performer for Red Bull KTM's factory team during the Thailand test. The Spanish rider finished the first day in fifth place and improved to fourth overall by the end of the second day.

"We should focus on being content," Acosta remarked following the Buriram trial.

"Once more, we experimented with various approaches and are now quickly gaining momentum."

The pre-season has gone well for both me and KTM, as all four riders share the same mindset, and the bike has shown improvements compared to last year.

"We have improved our speed, and it's simpler for me to increase it. We should remain composed and evaluate how we can kick off the season in this location."

Unlike Acosta, Brad Binder commenced the testing session within the top 10 by the end of the first day, despite experiencing a fall. However, by the conclusion of the second day, Binder had slipped to 12th place, trailing behind Trackhouse Racing newcomer Ai Ogura.

"The South African remarked that the past two days had passed swiftly."

"In the morning, we focused on time trials and then transitioned to an extended session in the afternoon, which went fairly well. We made some minor improvements, and it's definitely an upgrade from our previous visit."

"I believe we're performing fairly well, but we need to add a few more minor details before returning here in a fortnight."

"Having a complete race weekend will be great; it seems like we've done plenty of testing by now!"

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2025 Official Buriram MotoGP Test – First Day Recap

Real-time coverage from the first day of the 2025 Official Buriram MotoGP testing.

Wednesday marked the start of the last pre-season test for the 2025 MotoGP, taking place in Buriram, Thailand.

Last week at Sepang, Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing took the Ducati GP24 to the lead, and after setting the pace in the Barcelona test in November, he's poised to achieve a complete victory in the winter tests.

At the same time, the Ducati factory team, comprised of Marc Marquez and his teammate Francesco Bagnaia, is facing significant choices regarding the engine selection for their upcoming GP25 model. This is especially crucial as the engines for all European motorcycles will be locked in without changes allowed from the beginning of the first round up until the close of 2026.

Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha managed to secure the position just behind Ducati at Sepang, taking advantage of additional time on the track during the Shakedown. However, the question remains whether they can maintain their speed in Buriram, where the conditions are the same for everyone.

Honda stands out as the sole maker to have completed laps at the Chang International Circuit before 2025, thanks to an exclusive test session held in January involving riders Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

This week, Aprilia's latest recruit and the current MotoGP title holder, Jorge Martin, along with VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, who both sustained injuries at Sepang, will not be participating. Raul Fernandez, who also suffered an injury on the opening day in Malaysia, will attempt to compete in Buriram.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the testing in Buriram will be conducted from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, which will then be succeeded by practice starts.

End-of-Day Summary: 2025 Buriram MotoGP Trials, First Day Results

Wow! In a stunning move, Marc Marquez excels in the final moments, achieving the fastest times of the day across all four sectors, surpassing the rest of the competitors by 0.465 seconds, with his brother Alex leading the chase.

To provide perspective on that benefit, 0.4 seconds is the gap that separates the entire top ten!

The key inquiry currently centers on the specific bike setup employed by Marc Marquez…

Franco Morbidelli emphasizes Ducati's rationale for potentially retaining the GP24 engine in their upcoming GP25 factory models by securing the 4th spot, trailing behind Alex Marquez, Marc Marquez, and Marco Bezzecchi.

Following Pedro Acosta's previous crash, it now appears that Brad Binder has also suffered a mishap in the last sector, as his timing has abruptly stopped, indicating a possible fall.

Zarco isn't the sole Honda competitor advancing in the rankings; Joan Mir has climbed to 11th place, mirroring a pattern observed during the Sepang trials where the RC213V appeared significantly better in a time trial setup.

Johann Zarco of LCR Honda impressively clocks his best times in all four sectors, landing him in sixth place on the leaderboard, a mere 0.312 seconds behind Alex Marquez and right after HRC's Luca Marini.

Alex Rins secures the third consecutive Yamaha slot by wedging himself between Miller and Quartararo for the 10th position. Miller's colleague, Miguel Oliveira, finishes in 15th place.

Leading ten as day 1 nears its final 30 minutes:

1. Alejandro Marquez, 2. Marcelo Marquez, 3. Marco Bezzecchi, 4. Pedro Acosta, 5. Luca Marini, 6. Francesco Morbidelli, 7. Francesco Bagnaia, 8. Bradley Binder, 9. Jackson Miller, 10. Fabio Quartararo.

Binder achieves four personal records and advances to 8th position, surpassing Jack Miller.

KTM's Brad Binder climbs a position to 9th and appears to be on a faster lap with his best initial sector yet.

Fabio Quartararo, who is currently in 9th position just behind the leading M1 rider Jack Miller, appears to have finished for the day as he is now talking to the media by the track at 5:40pm.

To put it into perspective, the main tester Alex Marquez trails just slightly from his time that secured him the ninth spot on the grid during the grand prix held last October.

Francesco Bagnaia, who started in the pole position for the race, is currently 1.3 seconds behind his Qualifying 2 lap time.

According to the latest temperature reports, the air remains at a sweltering 35 degrees, while the track temperature has gradually decreased from its earlier high of 52 degrees to a current 38 degrees.

5pm Outcomes – MotoGP Testing in Buriram 2025 (First Day)

The last sixty minutes commence…

It appears that Pedro Acosta from KTM, who is currently fourth in the rankings, has had a mishap in the last sector. His lap time hasn't progressed past the third sector.

The aggregated leaderboard of the top ten, with slightly more than an hour remaining in Wednesday's testing session:

1. Alexander Marquez, 2. Marcus Marquez, 3. Marco Bezzecchi, 4. Peter Acosta, 5. Lucas Marini, 6. Frank Morbidelli, 7. Francis Bagnaia, 8. John Miller, 9. Fabio Quartararo, 10. Bradley Binder.

Francesco Bagnaia climbs to the 7th position, trailing Alex Marquez by 0.379 seconds. The marginally lower temperatures of the track surface have enabled riders including Marc Marquez and Joan Mir to achieve some of their fastest individual sector times.

With 80 minutes remaining in the first day, Tech3's newcomers Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales find themselves once more positioned towards the lower end of the rankings, in 18th and 19th places respectively.

Raul Fernandez, who is dealing with injuries, narrowly leads in front of them, with newcomer Somkiat Chantra and Aprilia's test pilot, Lorenzo Savadori, trailing the Tech3 competitors.

Fabio Quartararo secures a spot for Yamaha among the top eight, trailing just behind Miller and 0.584 seconds away from Alex Marquez.

Quickest cyclist per manufacturer:

Alex Marquez, riding for Ducati, secured the 1st place

Marco Bezzecchi, riding for Aprilia, secured 3rd place

Pedro Acosta, riding for KTM, finished in 4th

Jack Miller (Yamaha) finished in 7th place

Johann Zarco, riding for Honda, finished in 12th place

As of 4:20pm, the atmospheric temperature remains at 35 degrees, while the surface of the track has cooled down to 40 degrees, a decrease from its highest point of 52 degrees.

Marc Marquez achieves his quickest lap of the session, securing the second position, just 0.126 seconds slower than his brother Alex. The question remains, however, whether he's riding a GP24 or a GP25. We're looking to get clarity on this, though it's possible the official Ducati team members may not fully disclose the specific components in play.

Should they revert to the GP24, it would mirror the decision taken at the outset of 2022, when the Ducati team's primary racers, Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller, unexpectedly transitioned from the GP22 to an engine similar to the GP21.

The GP21 may not have clinched the title, yet it's widely regarded as Ducati's most versatile MotoGP motorcycle to date, a reputation that the GP24 has the potential to dispute.

Pedro Acosta, riding for KTM, reached the fastest speed today, hitting 337.5 kilometers per hour. Francesco Bagnaia, from the Ducati team, and Marco Bezzecchi, representing Aprilia, both clocked speeds of 336.4 kilometers per hour, sharing the second-fastest speed of the day.

Leading the pack with a top speed of 334.3km/h is Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, while Honda, struggling with a less powerful new engine, finds itself at the bottom, represented by Joan Mir with a speed of 331.2km/h.

Outcomes at 4pm – MotoGP Testing in Buriram 2025 (First Day)

Only two hours left of testing on Wednesday…

Jack Miller from Pramac Yamaha made significant progress, ascending to 6th place in the aggregate standings for day 1 as the top Yamaha M1 competitor. Following him as the second-highest Yamaha rider is Fabio Quartararo, positioned in 11th.

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Oscar Piastri hints at "innovative features" in McLaren's 2025 F1 vehicle. According to Piastri, McLaren has been proactive in developing their 2025 Formula 1 car.

Oscar Piastri has hinted at "fresh developments" for McLaren's Formula 1 car in 2025, acknowledging that the team is "continuing to make progress."

On Thursday afternoon, McLaren unveiled their new Formula 1 car for the 2025 season

The MCL39 was revealed during a filming event at Silverstone, featuring a camouflage paint scheme on the new vehicle.

Lando Norris initially took to the track driving for McLaren, later passing the reins to Piastri.

McLaren enters the 2025 season as the defending champions in the Formula 1 constructors' standings, having edged out Ferrari by a margin of 14 points.

Overall, during the latter half of the year, McLaren's car was the quickest.

Nonetheless, Piastri has suggested that McLaren is exploring the limits of technology with their latest vehicle.

Piastri mentioned to Sky Sports, "Clearly, we are entering this year with the same regulations."

"We've kept moving forward. This car includes a few changes and new innovations because that's essential for maintaining a leading position. In the past, we've observed that when it's not our team at the forefront, other teams have continuously introduced updates to their cars, ensuring they don't remain stagnant either."

"Reflecting on the previous season, we managed to secure the constructors' championship, but the competition was incredibly close the entire time. This means we can't afford to become complacent, as many teams are eager to surpass us."

Piastri sets sights on contending for F1 championship

In the 2024 season, Piastri managed to secure two race victories, but he struggled to maintain a consistent performance level with his teammate, Norris, over the course of the year.

In contrast to his first year, Piastri's performance in qualifying was underwhelming, as he managed to outpace Norris only four times last season.

Piastri's sole aim for the upcoming season is to compete for the championship.

"Hopefully, that's the case. I am entering this year with the intention and readiness to compete for a championship and to contend for both titles," Piastri remarked.

"Considering the achievements of last year, it would be unwise to aim for anything lower. We are aware that this year will bring many challenging rivals. Our performance last year demonstrated that we are a formidable team."

The team is gearing up with the championship as a priority. While the exact strategy for the season's beginning is still to be determined, all efforts are focused on mounting a strong challenge for the title.

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Marco Bezzecchi: "It felt like a fresh start, a significant duty" in shaping a motorcycle

"I've never before had the chance to shape a motorcycle…"

Marco Bezzecchi described his initial experience testing with the Aprilia MotoGP factory team as an odd sensation, especially since he had previously been part of a satellite team.

The racer, who has claimed victory at three grand prix events, spent the initial three seasons of his MotoGP career racing for Valentino Rossi's squad, utilizing Ducati equipment from the previous year, before securing a factory contract with Aprilia for the 2025 season.

Due to injuries preventing Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez from participating in the first day of the Sepang test last week, Bezzecchi has had to take the lead on the RS-GP's winter development efforts.

Bezzecchi acknowledged that initially, it was an unfamiliar and somewhat overwhelming experience to engage in bike development, describing it as both "odd" and a significant emotional moment.

"It felt odd to me in Sepang," he remarked on Wednesday, during the halfway point of Buriram test's first day.

"Everything was unfamiliar. I had never had the chance to evolve a MotoGP motorcycle.

"Thus, it was a significant emotional moment for me, coupled with a substantial duty to strive for excellence in my work."

"In Sepang, thankfully, all went well, aside from the absence of Jorge, as is widely recognized.

"Once more, we're off to a positive start. Given our limited time, we must elevate our performance and enhance our precision to fine-tune all aspects."

"The team is performing exceptionally well. Therefore, I am committed to providing them with positive feedback."

When questioned about whether he likes the increased expectations that come with being a factory rider, he responded, “Actually, it’s just a trial, so there’s some pressure, but not exactly. But yes, I find it enjoyable.”

By the mid-point of the first day in Buriram, Bezzecchi found himself in the fifth position in the aggregate rankings.

He and Aprilia have dedicated Wednesday to trying out all the remaining new components, so they can concentrate entirely on getting ready for the Thai Grand Prix on Thursday.

"He began by stating, 'Our journey commenced at Sepang.'"

"We're currently developing a few new products for testing."

"We're aiming to test a few more things today and tomorrow, with a greater emphasis on getting ready for the race weekend. Overall, not a bad start to the morning."

"Our goal was to complete all tasks by today. We made great progress in Sepang."

"We meticulously prepared for the test here as well. The team performed exceptionally, so I'm looking forward to providing them with positive feedback, ensuring it's detailed enough to avoid any need for a review tomorrow."

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Nightclub security guard imprisoned for attempting to extort money from Michael Schumacher

A security guard at a nightclub has been sentenced to jail for his role in a scheme to extort money from Michael Schumacher.

The individual responsible for attempting to extort £12 million from Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher has been sentenced to prison.

A 53-year-old nightclub bouncer named Yilmaz Tozturkan has received a three-year prison sentence. He was found guilty of collaborating with two other individuals to acquire confidential footage of the seven-time world champion.

Daniel Lins, the 30-year-old son of Tozturkan, received a six-month suspended sentence. Meanwhile, Markus Fritsche, 53, who used to work as Schumacher's bodyguard, was sentenced to two years, also suspended.

Fritsche illegally obtained 1,500 photos, 200 video files, and private medical documents from a computer and handed them over to Tozturkan. Tozturkan then threatened the Schumacher family, claiming he would "post the information on the dark web" if they did not pay him.

In court, Tozturkan expressed remorse by saying, "I deeply regret my actions and feel ashamed. It was a truly appalling act, and I accept complete responsibility."

Thilo Damm, the lawyer representing the Schumacher family, has voiced worries over a hard drive with confidential information that has yet to be found.

"We don’t concur with all the court's statements. We assure you that we will pursue every legal option available to us," he stated.

"We're unsure about the location of the missing hard drive, which means there could be another potential risk from an unexpected source."

Damm mentioned that the Schumacher family intends to challenge what they perceive as "light punishments."

Michael Schumacher has chosen to live a private life with his family following a severe head injury he sustained in a skiing accident in December 2013. Since then, he has not made any public appearances.

His relatives have chosen not to disclose details regarding his health status.

In September 2021, an uncommon update was shared with the public through the launch of a Netflix documentary that delves into the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna Schumacher, the wife of the legendary driver with 91 grand prix victories, stated that although he has changed, he is still present.

Corinna mentioned, "He continues to demonstrate his strength daily. We're making efforts to move forward as a family."

"We reside together in the same household, and we participate in therapy sessions."

"We put in all our efforts to improve Michael's condition and ensure he feels at ease. Our goal is to let him experience the closeness and love of our family."

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am committed to doing all I can. We all share this commitment. We are moving forward with our lives."

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Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He often provides on-site reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Jorge Martin's substitute vows crucial commitment for MotoGP championship retention

Lorenzo Savadori details Aprilia's adaptation strategy

Lorenzo Savadori has taken over the testing responsibilities for Jorge Martin's Aprilia.

Savadori, who serves as Aprilia's test pilot, is stepping in for the sidelined Martin during the MotoGP Buriram preseason test that spans two days, just as he filled in at Sepang.

Martin's hand injury, incurred at Sepang, implies he will start his championship defense with minimal experience on his new bike since his departure from Ducati.

Aprilia focuses on Jorge Martin's setup

Savadori described his duties filling in for Martin during his absence at Wednesday's Buriram event.

"He emphasized their commitment to digital strategy, noting that it's neither an easy nor quick task."

"At times it becomes more challenging, other times it improves, and occasionally, modifications are necessary."

"Our objective is for Jorge to come back and quickly select the most straightforward bicycle to speed up immediately."

"We sought an alternative route to our usual configuration. The engineer implemented a fresh approach."

"I gave it a go. Upon my return, I shared my emotions and reviewed the information.

"I collaborate with the engineers to identify the precise location."

Savadori elaborated, "This isn't an entirely novel setup; we're simply implementing modifications.

"There's always room for enhancement; we must continuously strive to get better."

Savadori has contributed his expertise across various domains, encompassing engine deceleration, wheelie prevention, and managing traction.

He confidently stated, "Upon Jorge's return, there's a 99% chance that both the chassis and the swingarm will remain unchanged."

Martin aims to compete in the season's opening race, the Thailand MotoGP, scheduled from February 28 to March 2.

However, his arrival will be under less than optimal circumstances, as he is still recuperating from an operation and will be using an alternate bicycle.

He met with an accident only several laps into his initial trial run on an Aprilia.

The dispute regarding the cause of his crash, involving Aprilia and Michelin, continues to persist.

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For ten years, James served as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where his coverage spanned a wide array of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Enea Bastianini has expressed that his current method of handling the KTM MotoGP bike is flawed. He admitted that the bike doesn't feel instinctive to him, and as a result, he is unable to match Pedro's speed at this time.

Enea Bastianini believes that the 2025 MotoGP winter testing session has wrapped up earlier than he would have liked. He feels he still needs to adjust his racing technique to suit the KTM RC16, a change from the Ducati he previously rode.

After completing the 2025 MotoGP preseason in Buriram, the Italian racer felt that he had made headway but also recognized that he still had a lot of room for further improvement.

"In general, I'm feeling slightly more satisfied than I was on Wednesday, as this afternoon I managed to slightly enhance my lap time," Bastianini remarked following the last day of MotoGP preseason testing in Buriram.

"I'm currently dissatisfied with my speed because I've been making numerous errors during my laps. Sometimes I'm unable to brake firmly, other times I can, and right now, I'm not entirely sure about the overall situation."

"For the competition, we need to take additional steps to gain a deeper understanding."

"It's crucial to use this time between the test and the race to thoroughly analyze the data and gain a better understanding, as the bike has changed and my current approach is not appropriate."

Enea Bastianini clarifies 'the issue'

Bastianini mentioned that he and his crew chief, Alberto Giribuola—who had collaborated with him at the Avintia and Gresini Ducati teams—attempted to implement strategies that were effective when he rode the Desmosedici. However, they ultimately found that Pedro Acosta’s configurations were more advantageous.

"The issue is that we've applied the approach we used at Ducati, but it isn't effective with this motorcycle," stated the Tech3 KTM racer.

"I attempted to increase my speed through the corners, but Pedro Acosta has a totally different approach—he brings the bike to a stop before accelerating again."

"We experimented with his setup, and it turned out to be quite successful. I was noticeably quicker, and this seems to be the right strategy for this bike."

"However, it doesn't come naturally to me, and right now, I can't match Pedro's speed."

He remarked, "It's not intuitive, as adapting from other bikes to this one is quite challenging, but ultimately, I managed to complete a successful lap."

"I wasn't at full capacity, and that's okay because reaching my peak isn't crucial right now. However, the lap time was fairly decent."

Ultimately, Bastianini admitted that he must alter his "approach" to achieve success with the RC16.

"The strategy must change since the bike operates in a distinct manner, requiring adaptation to a new style," he explained.

"When you switch from a new tire to a used one, the bike's behavior changes drastically, requiring you to adapt to a different riding style once more."

"I skipped the Sprint simulation today due to an issue with vibrations. I anticipate that the race will be challenging as well."

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Earlier, Alex became a member of the Crash.net crew in August 2024, after spending two years at Visordown, where he reported on news related to consumer and racing motorcycles.

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