Aleix Espargaro bids adieu to Aprilia MotoGP with high hopes: "We secured victories in three out of the last four contests"

Espargaro aims for the top in his final Aprilia MotoGP appearance: "Our performance here has been outstanding."

Aleix Espargaro aims to conjure up some more Montmelo magic in his last outing with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The hometown hero will conclude his two-decade long Grand Prix journey on Sunday, at the postponed Barcelona season ender, prior to embarking on a fresh role as a test and wild-card racer for Honda.

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Since teaming up with Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has consistently outperformed as the leading RS-GP competitor, achieving significant accomplishments including the team's inaugural pole position, podium finish, race victory, and leading position in the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's team-mate, will halt Espargaro's streak in 2024, entering the last race with a lead of 43 points over his compatriot, placing him in an unreachable eighth place.

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to outperform Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his impeccable performance over the COTA weekend. Nonetheless, Espargaro could have presented a stronger challenge had he not been sidelined by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

Regarding their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro leads, having secured flawless victories in both races last season, then achieved pole position and won the Sprint race in May, before finishing fourth in the grand prix, a whole 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Accordingly, expectations are elevated for Espargaro to enhance his Aprilia achievements, which include 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, in his final weekend 'dressed in black'.

"Barcelona feels like home turf to me. I really enjoy it, and it complements both my style and the Aprilia perfectly," Espargaro remarked.

"We've secured incredible outcomes in this competition. Out of the recent four races, we've clinched victories in three and currently possess the fastest lap time on this circuit. These accomplishments suggest that we have what it takes to maintain our leading position.

"I am eager to conclude my final race alongside Aprilia on a competitive note, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I'll aim to remain completely concentrated right from the start, and we'll put in our maximum effort to secure a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team director, expressed his excitement about Aleix concluding his tenure with Aprilia at his local circuit in Montmeló, highlighting the significance of his achievements there, including securing the fastest qualifying time and a victory in the sprint race this season.

Espargaro and Aprilia can breathe a sigh of relief as the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP during its last outing in Sepang are not expected to recur in the cooler autumn temperatures of Barcelona.

Conversely, the aerodynamic setup for 2024 seems to have diminished in performance during the high-speed turns at the Circuit de Catalunya, where Raul Fernandez captured attention riding the 2023 model bike in May.

Beyond his own showing this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin, who will be joining Aprilia in 2025, as he has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati come Saturday.

In the meantime, the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP will mark Vinales' last race with Aprilia, as he is set to move to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following a strong start with victories in the first three races, encompassing the Sprints, Vinales has failed to secure a podium spot thereafter. This has resulted in him falling behind the KTM riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

"Montmeló is a circuit that holds a special place in my heart; it's practically in my backyard and it's my local Grand Prix," Vinales expressed. "Being there always fills me with a lot of motivation."

"The forecast indicates that the weather conditions will be erratic, accompanied by cooler temperatures."

"This upcoming weekend promises to be extraordinary: we're heading to Valencia for a race, and it marks my final event competing with Aprilia, so I'm committed to putting in my utmost effort."

Vinales has competed in 64 events with Aprilia, securing one MotoGP victory, two Sprint wins, 13 podium finishes, and two pole positions.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the evolution of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes sprint race setup: "MotoGP lacks challenge"

Casey Stoner shares his opinions on the current MotoGP weekend structure

Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format in MotoGP, arguing that it unfairly influences the outcomes of the main races.

MotoGP launched a fresh race format in the previous year, featuring a sprint race every Saturday of each event, and Francesco Bagnaia clinched the 2023 championship title.

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Heading into the final race weekend of the season, Bagnaia is 24 points behind Jorge Martin in the standings. However, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 races held on Sundays, compared to Martin's three wins.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprints may play a key role in clinching his first championship, should he manage to transform his significant advantage into a victory. Securing a win in Barcelona's Saturday sprint will officially crown him as the champion.

Former champion Stoner expressed to GPOne, "The essence of motorsport is to showcase the top athletes competing on the most challenging vehicles to operate, yet currently, MotoGP has become too simplistic."

Riders lack sufficient mastery over the motorcycle. The contribution of engineers is becoming excessively influential.

"Subsequently, they introduced the sprint race, which diminishes the total track time available for focusing on the longer race."

"The concept of a world championship isn't meant to revolve around brief showcases; it's designed to be a test of stamina."

"Essentially, it's akin to declaring ‘alright, we’re setting up for a marathon, but now 10 laps doesn't cut it, it’s 43 kilometres!’"

"It's an exhausting and demanding task. Therefore, we require stability as the world championship is meant to be a marathon event."

"It's not feasible to rely on individuals who excel briefly, capable of handling the soft tyre. Consideration must be given to the entire race length."

"Additionally, earning points from these brief races isn't advisable as points are traditionally awarded on Sunday during the primary race."

Setting up a bike is quite challenging, ensuring you maintain concentration for the whole race.

"Currently, our attention is intensely centered on a single lap, emphasizing the significance of advancing through Q2 from the initial practice session."

"This halts everyone from focusing on preparing for the race, ensuring all preparations are complete."

"Consequently, it appears that the notable difference in performance among competitors on Sundays can be attributed to not all racers being adequately prepared for the speed of the race."

Taking into account electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated, "Overall, I believe the MotoGP motorcycle has become one of the simplest bikes to ride globally."

Stoner secured the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 with Honda.

His triumph with Ducati turned out to be a misleading sign of success for the company. For the following 15 years, they found themselves unable to clinch a championship, even after bringing on board renowned riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

In 2022, Bagnaia finally broke that curse, however, Stoner has consistently criticized the use of advanced technology in MotoGP bikes.

He has now strongly criticized the two-year-old system that might help Martin snatch the championship away from Bagnaia.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, his coverage spanning diverse areas including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Jorge Lorenzo Delivers Decisive Opinion on Jorge Martin vs. Francesco Bagnaia Showdown

Two-time World Champion Dives into Analysis of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin's Duel

Jorge Lorenzo has evaluated the championship showdown between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.

Heading into this weekend's season-ending race in Barcelona, Pramac's Martin is ahead by 24 points over Ducati's official team rider Bagnaia.

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Martin has the chance to secure his first championship and snatch it away from the current titleholder, Bagnaia, by claiming victory in Saturday's sprint race.

"Considering the current standings, Martin is more likely to succeed, though nothing is guaranteed until the final race ends," two-time MotoGP winner Lorenzo mentioned to Motosprint.

Jorge would need to commit a significant number of errors to miss out on the championship; he even collaborated with a sports psychologist to temper his eagerness, yet he continued to slip up, similar to Bagnaia.

The championship had its fair share of errors, yet it appears to be Martin's season, and I'd be pleased for him if it turns out that way. He's a bright and gifted young man who undoubtedly merits at least one MotoGP championship.

"I find similarities between myself and Martin, as well as with Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo.

"Pecco and Jorge both have a style of extending far from the motorcycle, and Jorge shares a burst of speed akin to mine, enabling him to accelerate quickly to distance himself from competitors."

"Martin and Pecco both exhibit steady performances once ahead, demonstrating a smooth and stable approach similar to my own."

"For instance, while Marc Marquez may not be as precise, he compensates with different strengths. He exhibits a more laid-back, dynamic, and assertive demeanor."

This weekend's closing event has been moved to Barcelona following severe flooding in Valencia.

Bagnaia firmly stated that he would not participate in the Valencia race due to the catastrophe, even if it meant losing the championship.

Lorenzo commended the victor's perspective, stating, "In the face of a disaster such as what unfolded in Valencia, sports take a secondary role.

"Express myself the way Bagnaia did? It seems his message was well-received. I believe mine would have been too, but hats off to him for showing such gentlemanly conduct."

In their last competition as rivals, Bagnaia and Marquez are set to go head-to-head before teaming up in a surprising partnership with Ducati's main team in 2025.

"Lorenzo stated that the outcome will hinge on the events that occur on the race track."

"If tension exists, it will extend beyond that area, yet if one is significantly quicker than the other, the issue won't emerge."

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

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Twelve months following Marc Marquez's impactful grin, he sheds light on adjusting to Ducati

Marc Marquez outlines his journey of adapting to the GP23

Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin brightened the MotoGP universe.

Following his initial ride on the Ducati during the Valencia test after the season ended, his physical demeanor clearly conveyed a profound message, sharply differing from his recent demeanor while riding for Honda.

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This weekend, Marquez is set to compete in Barcelona with the Desmosedici from last year for his final race before he transitions to Ducati's factory-level equipment in their premier team in 2025.

Marquez shared with Motosan that his smile from the previous year marked the beginning of his adventure with Ducati, explaining, "It was essentially about finding tranquility within myself, as choosing something so significant naturally comes with its share of uncertainties."

"After a decade of using the same bicycle, I was skeptical about my ability to handle the Ducati."

"This doesn't imply that I doubted my abilities; if that were the case, I wouldn't have chosen to do it."

"I was taken aback, as I felt quite confident from the outset."

Adjusting to the present circumstances is one of my strengths as a cyclist.

"Subsequently, the potential for enhancement varies, as I favor achieving the peak swiftly."

Marc Marquez showcased exceptional skill in Catalunya during May, securing podium finishes twice despite starting from 14th position 🤯#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/NQ0BZC7tPW

Marquez described how he transitioned from a substandard Honda to the championship-winning GP23 Ducati, which was last year's victor and currently ranks just below the GP24.

"The initial step involves mastering the operation of the motorcycle and making adjustments to accommodate it," he explained.

"At a certain juncture, the capacity to adjust hits its limit, prompting a shift towards focusing on enhancing personal comfort or addressing the areas of greatest deficiency."

"As you delve into that aspect, the connection between the technician and the rider starts to form. This marks another pivotal moment in the process."

"When you approach the benchmark times of competition, you encounter the initial barrier, but it's short enough to leap over."

"Then you bypass it, and begin focusing on refining the technical aspects. I mentioned this in Jerez and Austin.

"However, with every attempt, the obstacle grows taller; now, you attempt to retreat and continue this cycle until you discover the solution and progress ahead."

Marquez has made a triumphant return to winning form in grand prix racing this year, securing three victories on Sundays.

Currently, he ranks third in the championship standings, with just one more race remaining, holding a slender lead of one point over Enea Bastianini.

Marquez has distinctly outpaced the other three GP23 competitors, securing himself a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.

Transitioning to superior Ducati gear marks the next phase in his impressive adjustment journey.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula One racing.

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Johann Zarco: 'Significant Progress in Rankings, Better Late Than Never'

"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better late than never."

Johann Zarco's journey to meet his goal took more time than anticipated, yet as the flyaway races concluded, the LCR Honda competitor successfully reached his 2024 objective by placing the RC213V among the top ten in MotoGP.

Heading towards ending the season as the leading Honda competitor, the rider from France improved his highest grand prix finish from 12th in the first half of the year to ninth in Mandalika and subsequently eighth in Buriram throughout the overseas races.

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Zarco secured a ninth-place finish in the dry Indonesian race, marking his nearest position to the lead, with a gap of 15.151 seconds.

Zarco's performance in the qualifying rounds has been noteworthy, making it into Q2 once again during the recent event in Sepang, where he came close to finishing within the top ten in the grand prix.

Zarco expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting it as a positive affirmation of his significant progress in rankings during the international races.

"I currently hold the roles I identified as goals at the start of the year."

"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better to arrive late than not at all."

"It's a significant milestone for us, and that brings joy. My ability to handle the bike has greatly improved since the year started, and my feedback has become far more precise."

"I am able to be accurate and keep the responses aligned, indicating that I'm heading in the correct direction."

Zarco attributed his progress to the newest Honda aerodynamics along with enhancements he made to his braking technique.

"We've made significant progress in handling fast turns. I believe our motorcycle's enhanced cornering ability, thanks to the aerodynamics, played a key role in our advancement," he stated.

"Mastering braking is an art and a capability that few cyclists possess, and I focus on honing this talent because there's a crucial aspect to grasp. When you do, it opens up a whole new level of enjoyment while riding."

"It's not about exerting extra force, it's about finding the balance between tilting, sliding, and applying pressure. That's what makes it stand out."

The continuous series of competitions proved beneficial as well.

"I've been focusing on improving my braking skills, both on the supermoto and my CBR. However, my riding time has been limited as I'm just seven weeks out! It's pretty exciting, though. When you're racing back-to-back, you've got to view it as the ultimate training experience."

Zarco is currently ranked 17th in the world championship standings, having accumulated 53 points, as we approach the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season-ending race this weekend.

Takaaki Nakagami leads the Honda contingent in the standings, sitting in 19th place with 31 points, ahead of Joan Mir who has 21 points in 21st position, and Marini who is 22nd with 14 points.

For two decades, Peter has experienced the ebb and flow of the paddock, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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New developments in the surprising change of F1 race director as Niels Wittich refutes claims of his resignation.

The sudden departure of Niels Wittich during the F1 race director transition is scrutinized as further details come to light.

Niels Wittich has refuted claims that he resigned from his role as the Formula 1 race director.

On Tuesday, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, made the unexpected announcement that Wittich, who has been in his role since 2022, would be stepping down effective immediately to explore new prospects.

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Nonetheless, Wittich informed the German outlet Motorsport-Magazin, stating, "I have not stepped down."

New details shared by Craig Slater, a journalist for Sky Sports, seem to support Wittich's assertion, indicating that the German is experiencing a growing tension in his relationship with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

"High-level informants have informed me that he was essentially dismissed, indicating that his departure from his position with three races remaining was not of his own choosing. This clearly contradicts what the FIA has stated in their press release," Slater mentioned.

"Additionally, from what I've gathered through various informants, it has come to light that the dynamics between Wittich and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem were somewhat strained, contributing to the situation."

Examining the potential causes of Wittich's abrupt exit with three races left in the season, Slater commented, "Wittich has faced considerable scrutiny."

Reflecting on the events at Interlagos and prior incidents, it's worth considering if the red flag should have been raised sooner at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, especially given the intense rainfall.

"I've had conversations with several people who expressed concerns that Wittich's decision-making might have been insufficient in several key instances.

"Did he have a somewhat troubled connection with the race officials? Was this issue highlighted in Austin amid the heated debates over Max Verstappen's racing tactics, especially his defensive maneuvers?"

Rui Marques, the present race director for F2 and F3, will take over from Wittich as the new race director starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"Slater mentioned that it's a challenging role, especially since the much-respected Charlie Whiting passed away right before the 2019 season started. The notorious Abu Dhabi race, which led to Michael Masi's dismissal as the race director, is still fresh in people's minds. Now, Wittich has found the position to be overwhelmingly demanding."

"Another challenge of joining the competition with just three races left is that, in theory, the race for the Drivers' Championship is still open, even if Max Verstappen is seen as the clear frontrunner. Meanwhile, the battle for the Constructors' Championship continues."

"Taking on the role of race director for the first time during this challenging race is no small feat. The event takes place on a street circuit, which experienced numerous incidents in its inaugural year. Additionally, there were issues surrounding the track's certification, a process the race director must participate in. To add to the complications, there was an incident with a dislodged drain cover. Hence, Rui Marques is really being thrown into the deep end in this scenario."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He primarily reports firsthand from the event locations, sharing insights into the lives and narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Clarifications on Lewis Hamilton's initial Ferrari F1 outing dispel prevalent misconceptions as new information comes to light.

Lewis Hamilton is scheduled for his initial test drive in a Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle at the beginning of the upcoming year.

The seven-time world champion is making a dramatic exit from Mercedes after a 12-season stint to join Formula 1 adversaries Ferrari in 2025. This move comes after deciding to activate a departure option in the 1+1-year deal he inked the previous summer.

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Speculation had been rife about Hamilton potentially making his first appearance for Ferrari during the after-season tire trials after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but Motorsport has indicated that this will not be the case.

Hamilton has pledged to engage in promotional activities for Mercedes towards the year's end and is scheduled to participate in an event for the team's main sponsor, Petronas, on December 10, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi test.

Speculation began spreading on social media on Tuesday, fueled by reports in Italian media, that Hamilton might relocate to Enzo Ferrari's residence.

The honor of residing in the iconic home of Ferrari's founder in Fiorano was previously exclusively bestowed upon seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Motorsport indicates that the speculation is believed to be inaccurate. The Race also states that this rumor is unfounded.

Due to Hamilton's contractual commitments preventing his participation in the off-season tire testing, his initial experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car is expected to occur in January at the team's testing facility in Fiorano.

Owing to the stringent TPC testing rules in Formula 1, the most recent Ferrari model that Hamilton is allowed to pilot is the 2022 version, named the F1-75. This car celebrated four victories and secured 12 pole positions during its active season.

Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur conveyed to Motorsport that the squad is devising strategies to ensure Hamilton's switch is as seamless as can be.

"Vasseur expressed doubt that he requires extensive hours to adjust."

"He possesses the necessary experience to adapt rapidly from day one, or at the very least, in a short amount of time. We'll engage in one or two days of TPC, in addition to the Bahrain trial, and that should suffice.

"Definitely, a segment of our team is already concentrating on the plans for 2025, including testing and communications, with Lewis involved in this aspect. However, this doesn't involve the racing team and it's not something I'm currently thinking about."

Hamilton will get his initial taste of Ferrari's 2025 contender during the pre-season trials scheduled from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain.

Starting the upcoming season, Hamilton is set to team up with Charles Leclerc, following his move into Carlos Sainz's spot, with Sainz transitioning to Williams.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He primarily reports directly from the events, sharing the narratives of significant figures in the sport.

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Williams faces a shortage of replacement parts following a series of severe crashes in the latest Formula 1 competitions.

James Vowles has acknowledged that Williams is experiencing a scarcity of spare parts due to a series of harsh crashes in the past two Formula 1 weekends.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, Alex Albon experienced a pair of accidents, and he was also involved in a significant collision during the qualifying round of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. His teammate, Franco Colapinto, faced mishaps in the rainy qualifying session and the main race in Brazil.

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The series of recent accidents has resulted in Williams facing a hefty repair cost and a shortage of replacement parts, which team leader Vowles acknowledged might affect the team's performance at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"Vowles stated that no team in the lineup is equipped to handle five significant crashes over the span of two racing events."

"Essentially, we don't have enough backup parts to handle that level of wear and tear. I'm really optimistic about [Las] Vegas, considering we had good speed there the previous year, and I believe we have a vehicle that's well-suited for those specific conditions."

"We are fully committed to ensuring that both vehicles are upgraded to their highest possible quality, while also ensuring we have enough spare parts available to achieve that goal."

"It's currently challenging to envision the exact steps we need to take, as we are in the process of receiving the items from Brazil and assessing our next moves in terms of construction and development to ensure we are in the most advantageous position."

Vowles characterized the weekend in Brazil as "arguably the harshest I've ever experienced throughout my entire career."

"Over a span of just over a week, we experienced five significant incidents. It's a frequency that virtually anyone would find unsustainable in the grid," he detailed.

"The squad is currently in the midst of restructuring with the aim of achieving race victories down the line. Such a transformation doesn’t occur instantly.

"Substantial transformation across the entire organization is necessary for this to occur, and this single event is merely a minor hiccup in the broader, long-term plan. That doesn't make it any less painful, though. Speaking to you now, the pain is indeed profound."

"My goal is for us to achieve success and high performance. My intention in joining was not to struggle for occasional victories, but to compete for wins and even greater achievements moving forward. This cannot be accomplished without a willingness to make compromises and without restructuring the organization."

"Indeed, the events of the past weekend were distressing, yet they haven't altered our ultimate goal."

"Indeed, it has deepened my conviction that what we need to accomplish is substantial, but attainable if we collaborate as a team."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He typically reports directly from the event locations, sharing narratives about the individuals who play significant roles in the sport.

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Red Bull is being urged to pursue Carlos Sainz for a team switch, even before his debut race with Williams, with suggestions to negotiate his release from Williams to fill Sergio Perez's spot.

Former Formula 1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya has recommended that Red Bull reconsider and bring Carlos Sainz on board to team up with Max Verstappen for the 2025 season.

Red Bull chose not to take advantage of the chance to recruit departing Ferrari racer Sainz, opting instead to support Sergio Perez, whose future with the team is still in doubt due to his underwhelming results, even though he has a contract for the upcoming season.

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Following a number of impressive substitute performances for Williams, Franco Colapinto has risen as a possible candidate for Red Bull – whether for the main team or the affiliated RB team. With Williams having already pledged their seat to Sainz for the upcoming season, they are unable to provide the Argentine racer with a full-time position for the next year.

During the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, made a notable appearance at Williams’ hospitality area, fuelling rumors that Colapinto might be on Red Bull’s radar.

Montoya is of the opinion that Red Bull should attempt to extract Sainz from his existing contract with Williams before he has had a chance to participate in any races for the team. This move would pave the way for Colapinto to remain as a permanent teammate to Alex Albon.

"If I were in Christian Horner's position as the head of Red Bull, I would approach Williams and propose, 'if you're satisfied with Colapinto, retain him and let us have Sainz'," he shared with W Radio Colombia.

"Why would I choose to replace Checo, who has a wealth of experience in Formula 1 and has secured race victories, with a newcomer to compete against Max?"

Competing with Albon as a newcomer is challenging, but it's achievable. Observing Albon's track record, it's evident that whenever he's faced with stress and paired with a speedy colleague, he tends to make mistakes and this pattern persists.

"Max is infallible and never faces failure, making things complex."

Montoya suggested, "If it were up to me and I was in Christian’s shoes, my question to him would be, ‘are you such a fan of Colapinto and interested in his development?’"

Based on my understanding of Carlos, I believe he has informed Williams about his commitment to them. However, he also mentioned that if he fails to secure victories or podium finishes, he is open to exploring other opportunities should they arise annually.

"Subsequently, Red Bull could present an ultimatum to Williams, suggesting they have the option to part ways with Carlos immediately or wait a year. If they choose to do it now, they receive compensation, whereas next year, they would receive nothing."

"If that were the case, that's the decision I'd take for Red Bull; I wouldn't choose Colapinto, I'd opt for Carlos instead."

Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Frequently providing on-site reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Martin Brundle dismisses allegations of favoritism towards British racers following comments about Max Verstappen

Martin Brundle asserts that Sky Sports F1's reporting does not show preferential treatment to drivers from Britain.

Martin Brundle has rejected the notion that Sky Sports F1's broadcasting favors British racers.

This follows after Max Verstappen of Red Bull criticized the British press after his remarkable win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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Following negative comments from former Formula 1 drivers such as Brundle, Damon Hill, and Johnny Herbert, the racer from the Netherlands questioned during the post-race FIA press conference in Brazil, saying, "I just have a quick query. It's great to see everyone here, but where's the British media? Did they rush off to catch a flight? Or are they lost and can't find the press conference?"

On a recent episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Brundle dismissed the idea of any favoritism towards British drivers, although he didn't specifically address Verstappen or his latest remarks.

"Brundle countered podcast host Matt Baker's suggestion that Sky focuses on narrating the journeys of British drivers, stating, 'I don’t believe that’s the case.'"

"I hail from Britain. Previously, I raced in Formula 1 for the UK, and our main broadcasts are for a British network. Our coverage is distributed globally to various other broadcasters."

"Whenever I tune into the Olympics, World Cup, or European Cup, it's clear that the commentators are passionately supportive of their own country. However, I believe we approach things differently. I genuinely feel that we maintain a fair and balanced viewpoint. I truly believe that."

We receive criticism from nearly everyone, because my experience over the past 27 or 28 years has shown that no matter how many positive comments you make about someone, it only takes one negative remark for their supporters, or their family and friends, to hear about it and react.

"Occasionally, I catch some intriguing, indirect looks. But it's not like anyone ever approaches me to express their gratitude for my comments about them."

Brundle disclosed that Nico Rosberg, the world champion of 2016, is the sole driver to express gratitude towards him for the favorable remarks he shared about the German.

"Indeed, there was a time," Brundle mentioned. "It involved Nico Rosberg, who approached me in Malaysia, what feels like ages ago, expressing, 'I want to express my gratitude for your comments about me the previous weekend.'"

"I responded, 'Alright, I truly value that, as I have to admit, you're the initial driver who has ever mentioned anything of that sort to me. And incidentally, the final one."

"I asked, 'Could you tell me what it was that I said which you found appealing? It's just for my own knowledge.' He replied, 'I'm not sure. My mother mentioned I should express my gratitude towards you.'"

"Actually, a driver has yet to express gratitude to me for anything."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Typically providing live reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Francesco Bagnaia: “Our opportunity is still alive, and we will fight with all our might until the last moment.”

Is it possible for Francesco Bagnaia to achieve the most significant comeback in a title race in MotoGP history?

Throughout the MotoGP era, there have been only two instances, in the years 2006 and 2015, where the rider who was at the top of the world championship rankings before the final race of the season did not end up securing

In both instances, Valentino Rossi experienced the championship slipping from his grasp, as he let go of an 8-point lead to Nicky Hayden in 2006 and a 7-point lead to Jorge Lorenzo in 2015.

This weekend, Francesco Bagnaia, a protégé of Rossi's VR46 Academy, faces a significant challenge in trying to prevent Jorge Martin from winning the 2024 title.

Ducati's reigning two-time champion heads into the final race in Barcelona trailing the Pramac racer, Martin, by 24 points. With only 37 points left to be won—12 from the Sprint and 25 from the Grand Prix—the competition remains fierce.

With ten grand prix victories this year compared to Martin's three, Bagnaia would claim the championship in the event of a tie-breaker.

If Martin secures a win in the Sprint, it would be sufficient for him to clinch the world championship title. Meanwhile, Bagnaia's main task is to ensure that the competition continues until the season's last day.

Bagnaia expressed his contentment with the choice to compete in the season's final Grand Prix in Barcelona rather than Valencia.

"The situation is tragic, and we sincerely wish that the funds raised from this event will offer significant assistance to those impacted by the floods."

Bagnaia emphasized that their team plans to tackle the weekend in their typical manner. He acknowledged that they still have an opportunity, and although it will be challenging, they are committed to giving it their all until the last moment.

"No matter the result, it's a privilege to be competing in the season's last race, vying for the world championship. I'm eager to return to the track!"

As Bagnaia finds that merely securing victories isn't sufficient anymore, discussions around strategy are expected to become a major focus. The possibility of Martin transferring the top spot from Ducati to Aprilia in the upcoming season adds even more intrigue to the situation.

Bagnaia has stated that he will not use slow-riding strategies to involve other competitors, although such tactics have been used previously. Notably, in 2013, Jorge Lorenzo deliberately slowed the pace to help eliminate Marc Marquez's 13-point lead.

During that event, Dani Pedrosa excelled as a supportive team-mate by aggressively challenging Lorenzo, which pushed Lorenzo to increase his speed. This strategic move allowed Pedrosa to secure a victory, closing the gap to just four points behind Marquez.

This weekend, the assistance of team-mates might prove crucial once more, as Bagnaia is counting on Enea Bastianini to perform well. Additionally, Bagnaia hinted that he might aid fellow competitors by providing a slipstream during practice and qualifying sessions.

Among the possible contenders for a podium finish this weekend are Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, who won the 2024 Barcelona Sprint for Aprilia, and Pedro Acosta from KTM.

On the other hand, Bastianini is focused on competing with Marquez for the third spot in the world championship standings. Meanwhile, Ducati has limited influence over him as he is set to move to KTM next season.

Bastianini expressed his eagerness to make amends at Montmelo, a track where he struggled earlier in the year. During the spring race, he ended up in 18th place, missing out on points after receiving penalties for not taking a Long Lap and subsequently a Ride Through.

"I've consistently been quick on this track, but the penalty of long laps I got due to my collision with Alex Márquez in the previous race clearly impacted how I performed."

"We're currently in fourth place, trailing Marc Márquez by just a single point. Our aim is to put in maximum effort to earn a position on the World Championship podium."

Apart from Bastianini, Bagnaia has the support of his VR46 Academy peers, though Franco Morbidelli, who is a teammate of Martin, might be an exception.

Ultimately, with Bagnaia and Martin frequently outperforming their competitors, as demonstrated at their recent performance in Sepang, the Italian racer could benefit from an unexpected twist or unpredictable factor, which the weather in Barcelona might offer.

Due to the last-minute cancellation of the event in Valencia, the temperatures in autumn are likely to be about half of the mid-20s Celsius that were recorded during the weekend in Catalunya this past May.

Consequently, Michelin has introduced a total of seven distinct slick tire choices, although there is still a possibility of rain.

Given that there's minimal benefit in gearing up for the last laps on Sunday if the championship is already out of reach by Saturday, it's probable that Bagnaia will focus more on refining his time attacks this weekend.

By adopting a strategy similar to his Sepang tactic, where he used a fresh soft tire towards the conclusion of FP1, he could maintain pressure on Martin right from the beginning of the final contest.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Francesco Bagnaia: "Our opportunity remains, and we'll fight with full effort until the last moment."

Is Francesco Bagnaia capable of achieving the most remarkable comeback in MotoGP title history?

In the history of MotoGP, there have been only two instances, in the years 2006 and 2015, where the rider at the top of the championship standings before the final race did not secure the championship title.

In two separate instances, Valentino Rossi experienced the disappointment of losing the championship, first in 2006 when Nicky Hayden overcame his 8-point lead, and again in 2015 when Jorge Lorenzo surpassed his 7-point advantage.

This weekend, Francesco Bagnaia, a protégé from Rossi's VR46 Academy, must pull off an even greater surprise to prevent Jorge Martin from claiming the 2024 title.

The reigning double champion from Ducati enters the final race in Barcelona trailing the Pramac rider, Martin, by 24 points. With only 37 points available in total—12 from the Sprint and 25 from the Grand Prix—the competition remains fierce.

With ten grand prix victories this year, compared to Martin's three, Bagnaia would secure the championship on a tie-breaker.

However, if Martin secures a win in the Sprint, it would suffice to clinch the world championship title. Bagnaia's primary significant hurdle will be to extend the competition's outcome to the very last day of the season.

Bagnaia expressed his satisfaction with the choice to participate in the final Grand Prix of the season in Barcelona rather than Valencia.

The incident was dreadful, and we sincerely wish that the funds raised from this event will offer significant assistance to the flood victims.

Bagnaia emphasized that their weekend plans remain unchanged. He stated, "We still have an opportunity, and although it won't be easy, we are committed to putting in our maximum effort until the last moment."

"No matter how it ends, it's a privilege to compete in the season's final race and contend for the world championship. I'm eager to return to the track!"

With race victories no longer satisfying Bagnaia's ambitions, the focus on strategy is expected to dominate discussions. The possibility of Martin transferring the number one spot from Ducati to Aprilia in the upcoming season adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Bagnaia has stated that he will not use slow-riding strategies to involve other competitors in the race, although this has happened in the past. A notable instance is when Jorge Lorenzo deliberately slowed down the pack in 2013 in an attempt to reduce Marc Marquez's lead of 13 points.

During that event, Dani Pedrosa excelled as a supportive team member by challenging Lorenzo, compelling him to increase his speed. This strategic move allowed Pedrosa to clinch the win, leaving him only four points behind Marquez.

This weekend, the involvement of teammates might prove crucial once more. Bagnaia is counting on Enea Bastianini to elevate his performance and hinted that he might assist fellow riders by providing a slipstream during practice and qualifying sessions.

Possible contenders for the podium this weekend include Bastianini, Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro, who won the 2024 Barcelona Sprint for Aprilia, and Pedro Acosta from KTM.

Meanwhile, Bastianini is focused on his battle with Marquez for the third spot in the world championship standings. At the same time, Ducati has limited influence over him as he is set to move to KTM for the next season.

Bastianini expressed that coming back to Montmelo after the spring race offers him an opportunity to make amends. In May, he ended up in 18th place and failed to score points because he received a post-race penalty for not complying with a Long Lap requirement, followed by a Ride Through penalty.

"I've typically been quick on this track, but the extended laps I had to complete following my collision with Alex Márquez in the previous race certainly impacted how well I performed."

"We currently hold the fourth position in the rankings, trailing Marc Márquez by just a single point. Our goal is to put forth our best effort to ensure a place on the podium for the World Championship."

Apart from Bastianini, Bagnaia has the support of his VR46 Academy colleagues, though Franco Morbidelli, who is Martin’s teammate, might be an exception.

Ultimately, when Bagnaia and Martin frequently outperform the competition, as they did recently in Sepang, the Italian rider requires a surprising turn of events or some unpredictability, which the weather in Barcelona could potentially bring.

In a sudden change following the cancellation of the Valencia event, it is likely that the autumn temperatures will be approximately half of the mid-20s Celsius that were recorded during the Catalunya weekend in May.

Consequently, Michelin is providing as many as seven distinct slick tire choices, even though there is still a chance of rain.

Given that there's not much advantage in getting ready for the final laps on Sunday if the championship is already out of reach by Saturday, Bagnaia is expected to focus more on refining his time attack strategies during this weekend.

By employing the same strategy he used in Sepang, which involves using a fresh soft tire towards the end of the first practice session, he would maintain pressure on Martin right from the beginning of the competition.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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