Luca Marini and Joan Mir acknowledge improvements at Honda, yet face a significant challenge

"The issue is, while we advanced, so did everyone else…"

Luca Marini feels that despite improvements during the winter, Honda remains as distant from leading the MotoGP pack as it was in 2024.

The Italian is of the opinion that this year's RC213V represents a general advancement over the previous year's model, though it hasn't necessarily translated into a boost in competitiveness.

"Marini mentioned that they enhanced the previous year's bicycle and have made progress with the 2025 model."

"However, we remain significantly distant, as our progress was matched by everyone else – that's the issue. I believe the current disparity is roughly equivalent to what it was last year."

Specifically, Marini noted that the 2025 motorcycle has seen enhancements in corner entry, yet issues with acceleration persist.

"He mentioned that they have enhanced the bike's braking system and its maneuverability over last year."

"Definitely, it lacks the motor, the maximum velocity.

"Securing this will serve as the crucial factor in unlocking future possibilities, throughout the season, particularly in surpassing others, as today, Joan [Mir] and Johann [Zarco] delivered an exceptional performance with their incredible lap speeds."

"However, the issue arises during a race when overtaking becomes challenging, leading to the motorcycle overheating, a problem that similarly affects the tires."

"Thus, I believe it's crucial for us to concentrate on this aspect to increase our chances of advancing positions during the race, since we will be beginning from a middle position on the grid, not towards the front."

Overall, Marini summarized that the updated motorcycle is more "user-friendly" to handle, particularly during race simulations, highlighting its efficiency in maintaining speed without wearing out the tires excessively.

Nonetheless, the time trial is "extremely challenging, significantly tougher, and requires taking considerable risks to achieve a fast lap."

Joan Mir Responds: "It's Not Exactly As Described"

Joan Mir, who teams up with Marini at Honda HRC Castrol, and whom Marini acknowledges for advocating for better throttle response – an enhancement that has been incorporated into the 2025 RC213V – provided some clarity on the Italian rider's statements.

"To avoid any conflict, I'm siding with Luca [Marini]," Mir responded when questioned about Marini's remarks on braking and turning.

"However, it isn't entirely the case. He's aware of it, though he likely described it differently."

"The combination of components we've assembled for 2024 and 2025 enhances the bike's maneuverability," the 2020 MotoGP World Champion stated.

"This is a sector where we've seen significant enhancement from the previous year. I'd also mention the steadiness during braking since I tend to apply the brakes forcefully, which has greatly improved my turning capability."

"Thus, the components of the package we currently possess don't entirely encompass the 2025 enhancements that improve the bike's maneuverability – yet, they aren't completely novel elements either. We've also incorporated features from the 2024 model."

Mir concurred with Marini's assessment that HRC had progressed during the off-season, largely due to his own improvement in lap times from the previous year's qualifying round at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We must express joy since these individuals put in significant effort during the winter season. It was evident, and they demonstrated it through an improved motorcycle," he stated.

"Our package has improved compared to the past. Indeed, on this third day, the grip conditions have surpassed those typically experienced during a race weekend. This is a fact."

"I managed to shave off 1.3 seconds from my qualifying lap time. It's not just about the motorcycle itself; it's about how it enables me to exert more effort. However, it's a blend of both factors."

"Definitely, I'm not content, as my nature is to always desire more. However, we must find reasons to be joyful."

Mir then shifted focus to the motorcycle's drawbacks, highlighting its maximum speed and traction.

"He mentioned that there are still a few vulnerabilities, but they are significantly weak."

"The maximum speed is quite poor, and our traction falls short when compared to competitors; we simply don't have the same level of grip. This is something we need to concentrate on improving."

"The persistent vibration issue remains unresolved, unfortunately. It's disappointing as it significantly affects the rider's comfort and greatly influences how they tackle corners."

"Your time diminishes significantly in those moments – each instance of vibration through a turn results in a loss of at least one tenth, effortlessly.

"However, the truth is that we are significantly nearer."

"In warmer weather, our performance tends to diminish. The engine faces increased difficulties and we encounter numerous issues related to traction."

"Therefore, we need to focus on these two aspects and attempt to progress for Buriram, as the initial race is likely to occur under warm conditions."

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Ducati faces a significant challenge, yet it poses an even greater concern for the rest of the field. After starting the 2025 pre-season on the same high note with which they concluded 2024, Ducati departs Malaysia having encountered a problem, with only two days remaining for testing.

Pre-season trials in MotoGP come with numerous conditions that make it nearly impossible to accurately interpret track performance. However, discerning subtle hints between the lines can sometimes offer solid indicators of the competitive landscape.

Following the conclusion of the three-day test at Sepang, the standings remained largely unchanged from the previous year's end. Riding the Gresini-operated GP24, Alex Marquez secured the top spot with a time of 1m56.493s, narrowly missing the all-time lap record by 0.156s, a record previously established by Francesco Bagnaia during the qualifying round of the previous season's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Ducati dominated the leaderboard, securing four out of the top five positions in the overall rankings. Alex Marquez led the pack, closely followed by Bagnaia, while VR46 team rider Franco Morbidelli claimed the fourth position riding a GP24, and Marc Marquez rounded out the top five on a factory Ducati.

Regarding sheer speed, Ducati significantly outperforms other brands when comparing their fastest lap times.

Quickest records by brand

During the time trial rounds, a gap of 0.835 seconds separates the five competing brands. Aprilia faced the challenge of finishing the Sepang trials without Jorge Martin, the current world champion, and Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse Racing, Aprilia's sole returning rider for the 2025 season, both out due to injuries. Consequently, the majority of the testing responsibility fell on Marco Bezzecchi, newcomer Ai Ogura, and test pilot Lorenzo Savadori.

In summary, Bezzecchi managed to outperform the leading Aprilia by 0.718 seconds during his prime lap in the time attacks for the 2024 Malaysian Grand Prix, securing him a spot within the top 10 on the test rankings. This achievement came even though Bezzecchi admitted to lacking the self-assurance needed to fully exploit the capabilities of the RS-GP on what was his initial serious qualifying attempt.

Yamaha's advancements throughout the testing phase appear authentic. However, Marc Marquez described the grip levels on the last day as "unreal," which may slightly distort the results.

The M1 continues to grapple with issues related to rear traction, and the presence of abundant rubber on the track is likely to obscure this problem further. Additionally, Yamaha benefited from an additional two days of testing with its professional racers during the shakedown period. Nonetheless, shaving off 0.868 seconds from its quickest lap time ever recorded at Sepang last November is a remarkable achievement, a point that Bagnaia highlighted at the conclusion of the test session.

"I believe there's going to be a change regarding the team supporting Ducati this season; in my view, Yamaha has performed exceptionally well."

Ducati GP24 shines during Sepang testing

Today saw impressive sprint simulation runs from both Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez 🏃 Bagnaia clocked an average time of 1:58.243, while Marquez edged ahead with a 1:57.930 🔴⏱️#MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/x8dab9V05T— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 7, 2025

Today, Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez showcased their skills in sprint race simulations 🏃 Bagnaia notched an average time of 1:58.243, with Marquez slightly faster at 1:57.930 🔴⏱️#MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/x8dab9V05T

The GP24's results are as expected. This motorcycle secured victories in 19 out of 20 major races last year, with notable success at the Malaysian Grand Prix, showing it's perfectly tuned. Riders Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli are tasked mainly with getting accustomed to its handling, without the need for further enhancements.

This significant benefit has allowed Ducati riders, within their first year, to achieve remarkable success at the onset of the MotoGP season. In 2022, Enea Bastianini clinched victories in three out of his first four races while riding the GP21, all within the initial seven rounds; similarly, in 2023, Bezzecchi secured two wins out of three races on the GP22, accomplishing this feat within the first five grands prix.

Thus, it didn't come as a shock to witness Alex Marquez at the forefront during the sprint exercises on the last day of the event.

Average sprint simulation on the third day of Sepang testing

Alex Marquez outperformed Jorge Martin's winning speed at the 2024 Malaysian GP sprint by an average of 0.595 seconds, while Marc Marquez exceeded it by 0.567 seconds. Although track grip levels significantly influence these outcomes, it remains a noteworthy achievement, especially for Marc Marquez.

In last year's Sepang sprint, he secured the second position with an average speed of 1 minute and 58.550 seconds while riding the Gresini-operated GP23. The rider, who has won the world championship eight times, managed to secure victories in three grand prix events on the often-criticized GP23 during the previous season. He also achieved a third-place finish in the overall championship standings, outpacing the nearest competitor on a GP23 by a significant margin of 219 points.

In 2024, a major speculative topic was the potential impact of Marquez racing with Bagnaia and Martin on a GP24. The Sepang test has provided some insight into this scenario, yet the status of Ducati's 2025 motorcycle still remains largely unknown.

Engine troubles at Ducati

The spotlight during the Sepang trials has largely been on evaluating the difference between the GP25 and GP24 engines. With a two-year moratorium on engine development for manufacturers without concessions starting from the Thai Grand Prix, the choices made at this juncture are vital.

Ducati faces a challenge because the GP24 model's performance is so impressive that there must be a noticeable improvement in the GP25 engine before it can be officially approved.

Marquez, experiencing his initial tumble since joining Ducati's official team on Thursday, remained secretive about the specific model he employed for his speed trial. He revealed merely, "It was a combination. It featured the 2024 aerodynamics, but the other details are not for public disclosure… Hence, I'm only mentioning the aerodynamic aspect."

Team member Bagnaia mentioned that Ducati utilized “two distinct setups” of the motorcycle to optimize data collection.

Consequently, he believes his speed didn't truly reflect his capabilities since he expressed dissatisfaction during the race, noting, "I experienced an unwelcome surprise when I started feeling some vibration. It wasn't as severe as what I encountered last year, but it progressively worsened with each lap."

Bagnaia was limited to a single attempt at a time trial and feels he didn't fully capitalize on it, despite being a mere 0.007 seconds behind Alex Marquez's top lap time and more than half a second ahead of his teammate, Marc Marquez.

Ducati has experienced uncertainty regarding engine specifications in previous pre-seasons as well.

As the 2022 season approached, Bagnaia decided to use a combination of the 2021 and 2022 engines for his official bikes, after finding the complete 2022 model incompatible with his riding technique during trials. This strategic decision paid off, leading to Bagnaia clinching the championship title. Meanwhile, the Pramac team members, who were equipped with the original 2022 engine, faced difficulties.

Marquez points out that while Ducati's situation isn't exactly similar, their 2024 foundation is "challenging to enhance," and he emphasizes the need for careful consideration in choosing their path forward.

"It's essential to confirm its superiority, as you're aware that with the 2024 model, you're fully capable of competing for the championship," he stated.

"Therefore, in that location, we experimented with various elements since it's not solely about the engine or aerodynamics alone. It involves numerous minor aspects. Today, we focused more on the finer details, attempting to discern which components were more effective and which were less so."

Alex Marquez's speed with the GP24 could potentially increase the unpredictability regarding Ducati's future strategy. However, both Marquez and his teammate Bagnaia believe that this won't affect their plans, with Bagnaia mentioning that initially testing a factory bike often results in a slight decrease in performance.

The last pair of test days in Buriram are pivotal for a choice affecting Ducati's strategy for the upcoming two years. However, the situation seems favorable regardless of the outcome: the team will either compete with an engine that has a history of winning championships or an advanced version of that engine.

Regardless, Ducati continues to hold its lead in the rankings, even as there are indications that rivals are becoming more competitive.

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Francesco Bagnaia forecasts an unexpected second-place manufacturer trailing Ducati

"He anticipates a change regarding the runner-up to Ducati"

Francesco Bagnaia expects a shift in MotoGP's competitive hierarchy this season following Yamaha's impressive performance during the initial preseason test in Malaysia.

In recent times, Europe's leading motorcycle producers have taken the lead in the top tier of Grand Prix racing. The once-dominant Japanese companies, Honda and Yamaha, have seen a downturn, ranking lowest in the competition for both 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, Aprilia and KTM have emerged as the primary competitors to Ducati's supremacy.

Bagnaia hinted, though, that the situation might shift by 2025, following Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo being the sole non-Ducati competitor to achieve a lap time in the 1:56s during the last day of testing at Sepang.

"Bagnaia expressed his belief that there will be a change in the team supporting Ducati throughout this season, following the completion of this week's three-day trial in Sepang."

"I believe Yamaha performed quite well, however, we should hold off judgment until Thailand since they underwent six days of testing [Yamaha participated in the Shakedown alongside all four of their racing riders due to their concessions status], so their results might partly be attributed to that as well."

"Indeed, it's accurate to say that Fabio [Quartararo] showcased impressive speed throughout the entire three-day event, and the time trial, previously identified as a weakness for Yamaha, showed considerable improvement today."

"In my opinion, they performed exceptionally well."

Bagnaia Reflects on Sepang Trial

Bagnaia did note a few reservations, primarily concerning the constraints of his own testing schedule which resulted in restricted opportunities for fast laps.

"Speaking from my own viewpoint, I wasn't able to truly exert myself in the test as I had hoped," he stated.

My setup for the speed trial managed to surpass the previous lap record, yet with only a single attempt at the trial, it was challenging to achieve the explosive performance I typically do during such trials.

"However, aside from that, I'm pleased that all the tasks completed helped us identify areas for improvement and determine which foundation to choose for our operations in Thailand."

Alex Marquez's standout lap time topped the charts, overshadowing even Quartararo's impressive time trial results, as day three concluded.

This year, the Gresini Ducati competitor takes over the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, a bike that excelled in the previous season. Its engine remains under evaluation by the factory team, especially by Bagnaia, who notably prefers its braking features over those of the 2025 engine.

Does Marquez's showing on the GP24 complicate the decision-making process for selecting an engine for the next season, especially considering the impending development freeze that will also affect choices for 2026?

"Bagnaia expressed, "Not for me," explaining, "truthfully, it's evident that when there's a lot to handle and numerous things to test, some level of performance inevitably drops – it's a natural outcome."

"Take, for instance, this morning when I simply said to my team, ‘Allow me to execute a single attack, it’s what I desire’."

"I wasn't able to attempt multiple tries like some of the other participants, simply because our attention had to be more concentrated on the task at hand.

"However, I'm aware that we're simply engineers cycling because it's essential for our testing. We must maintain our peak performance for these tests, even though it slightly separates the performance aspect."

On the last day of testing, Bagnaia recorded times in the 1:56s range, narrowly missing Marquez's top time by a mere 0.007 seconds. However, his fastest lap of 1:56.500 fell short of his own pole position record from the previous November by nearly 0.3 seconds.

Nevertheless, the tri-time World Champion was satisfied with the overall outcome of his test.

"After three days, frankly," Bagnaia summarized at the test's conclusion.

"There was a window of opportunity – somewhat limited – yet it allowed us to sift through various aspects and essentially put everything through a trial."

"It was unfortunate that Diggia [Fabio Di Giannantonio] couldn't participate in the test as his input would have been very beneficial, but working alongside Marc [Marquez], we accomplished great things."

Bagnaia and Marquez each undertook Sprint trial runs, with Marquez managing to clock an average lap time that was approximately 0.3 seconds quicker than Bagnaia's.

The Italian didn't explicitly mention this discrepancy, but he did observe a variation in the "setups" of his motorcycle compared to Marquez's during those 10-lap trials.

"Today, we also chose to test the bike using two separate setups in the simulations to provide the engineers with as much data as possible, which turned out to be extremely beneficial," Bagnaia mentioned.

He mentioned, “During the Sprint simulation […] I had to compromise on performance a bit to experiment with something throughout the simulation, and I wasn’t too pleased because an issue arose. I experienced some vibration – it wasn’t identical to last year's issue, but it progressively worsened with each lap.”

For the concluding day, the variation in specifications between Bagnaia and Marquez was attributed to the chassis.

"Bagnaia mentioned, "All I can mention is that our tasks varied."

"Throughout the day, we employed two distinct approaches, and one aspect I explored further than Marc did was the chassis."

The feedback was favorable, yet the Italian is eager to test it under less gripping conditions, which he anticipates encountering in Thailand the following week.

"I enjoyed it, though as with anything, it has its ups and downs, so I'm looking forward to experiencing it more thoroughly in Thailand."

"We require less traction, as today's experience was quite volatile. I found myself trying out new techniques, making my way back, and even increasing my speed. Yet, as I continued experimenting with these new approaches, my performance began to enhance. Thus, it's challenging to gauge when the traction behaves unpredictably like this."

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Toto Wolff calls for action from Mercedes as he acknowledges inconsistencies

Toto Wolff has acknowledged that Mercedes may still face issues with inconsistent performance.

Toto Wolff has admitted that Mercedes will find it challenging to eliminate their performance inconsistencies in the 2025 F1 season.

Mercedes managed to secure four victories last season, with wins shared between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. However, their competitive performance varied significantly over the course of the year.

The Silver Arrows team was at a loss to account for their strong performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Russell secured a commanding victory, leading a 1-2 finish. However, the team struggled with their speed during other weekends.

Mercedes team boss Wolff has acknowledged that it is improbable for his team to fully resolve the issue as they approach the upcoming season.

Wolff stated that Mercedes is aiming for their W16 car to function effectively across a broader range of conditions compared to the previous model, the W15.

Wolff mentioned to the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that the key is to align yourself with the favorable side whenever feasible.

"You begin to notice patterns, such as the race tracks where your vehicle performs well, the practice sessions where you drove aggressively, the tire compounds that suit your car best, and the track temperatures that are optimal for your vehicle."

"I trust we will learn the appropriate lessons from this during the winter and modify our development strategy for the 2025 vehicle."

"We cannot entirely eliminate these variations. All teams will experience them again in the coming year."

Even though Mercedes encountered significant challenges, Wolff thinks that all the top teams in Formula 1 experienced comparable difficulties at various points in 2024.

Wolff mentioned that each of the four teams that claimed victories in 2024 has faced their own set of challenges and successes.

No one has ever created a car that performs well on every race track and in every type of weather.

"McLaren's car excelled in conditions requiring high downforce and warm temperatures. Ferrari's vehicle was similarly suited to those conditions."

"Our vehicle performed well in high-speed turns and in cooler conditions. Meanwhile, the Red Bull team occasionally excelled in one area and at other times in a different one."

This year, Russell will team up with 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has taken over from Hamilton after his unexpected move to Ferrari.

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Crash.Net

—

Rephr

The highlights and lowlights from each of the five manufacturers at the Sepang MotoGP test this week.

The 2025 MotoGP championship commenced recently, beginning with the Shakedown followed by the official tests at Sepang, where all participating teams experienced their share of ups and downs.

Ducati

Beginning from the pinnacle is always ideal, and for Ducati, they continue to hold their position at the apex as of 2025.

Alex Marquez leading the session on the GP24 managed by Gresini highlights Ducati's solid foundation for this season.

Undoubtedly, with victories in all but one Grand Prix in 2024, the GP24 stands out as an iconic motorcycle in the realm of two-wheeled motorsport. However, this success poses a unique challenge for Ducati: finding a way to outperform it.

The solution for the Bologna brand involved introducing a fresh fairing, frame, and motor. However, facing a development halt in 2026, choosing the right motor became a pivotal decision, dominating the discussions for the majority of the two-day period.

Pecco Bagnaia has expressed that Marc Marquez is the inaugural teammate he's had who shares an identical sentiment in communicating with the engineering team 🤝#MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/ToX9CXquFk

Navigating the program became more challenging when Fabio Di Giannantonio was hospitalized due to a wheelie accident on the first day. However, considering Bagnaia's impressive second-place position in the time trials and Marquez demonstrating remarkable speed during his Sprint simulation, it's difficult to pinpoint any negatives in Ducati's test performance.

Should you aim for a slight improvement – their speed didn't increase in this year's evaluation compared to the previous one. We believe they'll move past this.

Aprilia

The test session for Aprilia certainly began in a less than ideal manner. Jorge Martin, Raul Fernandez, and Ai Ogura each experienced crashes on the first day. Among them, only Ogura was able to participate throughout the second and third days.

The rider from Japan made considerable progress, achieving times in the 1:57 range toward the conclusion of the session. However, the bulk of the developmental responsibilities was carried by Marco Bezzecchi, who was stepping into the role of a factory rider for the first time.

Bezzecchi's concluding performance didn't quite stand out, ending the last day trailing behind Joan Mir and Johann Zarco from Honda. His opportunity for full performance runs was restricted, dedicating the majority of his effort to evaluating components for a motorcycle he had only one day's experience with prior to this week.

Concluding that Aprilia's testing session was a definite success is challenging, especially since two key riders, one of whom is the current World Champion, had to withdraw from the testing early on because of injuries. However, the efforts of Bezzecchi and the designated test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who stepped in to cover for the missing Martin and Fernandez, managed to redeem the situation somewhat.

Despite facing monetary challenges, KTM managed to introduce a significant number of updates at the Sepang test, particularly a new seat unit featuring a mass damper.

The goal of this, like many of KTM's efforts during the offseason, was to address the vibration issues that became evident in 2024 following Michelin's launch of its latest rear tire.

The issue with vibrations on the RC16 hasn't been resolved, with Pedro Acosta being the only rider to finish in the top 10 after the test. Despite this, the Spanish rider managed to maintain a decent speed during his Sprint simulation.

Brad Binder expressed a level of confidence that KTM is making progress towards the upcoming season, yet departing Sepang, it's challenging to feel that the Austrian brand has made any significant strides towards the front compared to their position last year.

Yamaha and Fabio Quartararo make a significant leap with a 0.8 enhancement from the 2024 to 2025 Sepang Tests 🏍️💥 #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/9qXu4N79rR— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 7, 2025

Following a prolonged phase of perceived downturn, Yamaha demonstrated signs of real improvement in Sepang, with Fabio Quartararo achieving some solid extended runs and clocking a time of 1:56.724 during one of his time trials.

Before this week, the rider from France had not clocked a time under 1 minute and 57 seconds, and last year, Yamaha lagged more than a second behind the fastest lap in the Sepang test. Therefore, the 2021 World Champion's achievement of finishing just a fraction of a second behind Alex Marquez, who led the timings, was a clear indicator of significant improvement.

The typical warning about increased track traction applies, and it's worth noting that Yamaha had all four of its competitors participating in the Shakedown session, which occurred a few days prior to the formal testing. However, Yamaha showed significant improvement, clocking in 0.8 seconds faster than their performance in the 2024 Sepang test. This suggests they might have advanced to the same level as KTM and Aprilia, trailing behind Ducati. Only time will reveal the full scope of their progress.

Honda continues to lag behind other manufacturers in MotoGP following the Sepang test. According to Luca Marini, despite Honda making progress, so have their competitors, leaving them essentially in the same position as before.

According to reports, the motorcycle offers an improved riding experience throughout a race, yet it continues to fall short in terms of grip and maximum speed.

In light of the current situation, labeling Honda's performance at the Sepang test as a catastrophe wouldn't be accurate. However, whereas they were previously in a similar position to Yamaha towards the rear of the pack, they now appear to be distinctly isolated as the sole prominent brand lagging behind.

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Two MotoGP riders, each dealing with three fractures, are planning a swift return to the track. Details on their recovery timelines have been disclosed.

Fabio di Giannantonio and Raul Fernandez remain optimistic about making speedy recoveries following their recent injuries.

During the official MotoGP test at Sepang, VR46's Di Giannantonio and Trackhouse's Fernandez sustained bone fractures.

The two riders were unable to continue participating in the test and needed surgical procedures to address their injuries.

Di Giannantonio sustained a collarbone fracture, whereas Fernandez experienced a break in a metacarpal bone in his left hand and also a fractured toe.

However, they could each return to cycling sooner than anticipated.

VR46’s Uccio Salucci mentioned to Sky Italy that he believes Fabio is scheduled for surgery during the weekend.

"I anticipate meeting him again in Buriram, not for the upcoming test next week, but for the actual race."

Check out this Instagram post from Raúl Fernández (@raulfernandez_25). Raúl Fernández (@raulfernandez_25) shared this post.

Fernandez has already undergone surgery.

"To begin with, I want to express my gratitude to Xavier Mir for consistently providing me with exceptional care," Fernandez shared in a post.

"I need to take some time to heal now and aim to head to Thailand. I appreciate all your supportive messages!"

The Thailand MotoGP, marking the start of the season, is scheduled from February 28 to March

This implies that Di Giannantonio and Fernandez have a three-week period for recuperation.

However, in that period, they will be absent from the Buriram preseason test, which means they will start the inaugural race, if they can participate, facing a significant disadvantage against their competitors.

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

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Aprilia responds sharply to Michelin amid escalating controversy over Jorge Martin's accident

Massimo Rivola expressed harsh criticism towards Piero Taramasso

Jorge Martin has had an operation for the damage he incurred during the Sepang trial – however, the reasons behind his accident are still being debated.

The MotoGP titleholder experienced a severe crash on Wednesday, slamming face-first into the pavement and sustaining injuries to their hand and foot.

Following his operation, Aprilia has strongly refuted Michelin's assertion regarding the cause of the mishap.

Jorge Martin Successfully Operates on Right Hand

Martin's right hand operation was successfully completed on Friday.

Dr. Xavier Mir performed surgery on him in Barcelona.

He sustained a non-penetrating fracture to the head of the fifth metacarpal in his right hand and non-penetrating fractures to the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals in his left foot.

He stayed in a Malaysian hospital for a night before going back to Spain to undergo surgery.

Martin's foot injury won't necessitate surgical intervention, with his recuperation period set to be evaluated over the next few days.

Dr. Mir stated, "Jorge Martín, the motorcycle racer, received surgical treatment for a misaligned break in the head of his right fifth metacarpal bone. The procedure involved realigning the bone and securing it with a screw placed inside the bone."

"Based on the patient's current health condition, the process of regaining functionality is expected to begin soon."

Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola expressed his happiness that Jorge's surgery was successful and emphasized the importance of his quick recovery, stating that his well-being is the most important concern.

Aprilia vs. Michelin dispute

Following Martin's accident, Aprilia leader Rivola promptly claimed that neither the motorcycle nor the rider was at fault.

His remark subtly suggested that the fault lay with his Michelin tire.

On Friday morning, Piero Taramasso, the two-wheel manager for Michelin Motorsport, shared his perspective on what led to the accident.

Initially, Massimo Rivola indicated that the temperature of the tyres was satisfactory, […] however, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tyres, which can fluctuate greatly based on factors like sliding and the bike's rotation, explained Taramasso.

"The backside temperature, or the [value] that helps us determine whether the tyre is functioning properly, refers to the temperature of the innermost layer. This is typically the information obtained from the sensor on the McLaren."

Taramasso stated, "It's evident that when Jorge exited the pit for his final attempt prior to the accident, the temperature of the tyre was lower by 15 degrees.

"Thus, a 15-degree change is fairly significant."

However, Rivola from Aprilia has refuted that assertion.

"Aprilia has stated that their information does not corroborate Piero Taramasso's claims about the crash."

"I am of the opinion that the well-being of the riders must come first, and I've recommended that he arranges a discussion with every team to address what is undeniably a dire issue, as shown by the high frequency of injuries."

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Ducati asserts a "lunch meeting" as Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia demonstrate solidarity. "I observe a wonderful bond."

According to Ducati, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia started building their relationship by spending time with each other and their partners.

This season, the Ducati garage is expected to be the center of attention in the MotoGP paddock, as it will house what many consider to be the top contenders for the championship.

Marquez and Bagnaia, now teammates, are also obvious competitors vying for the championship, which is currently held by Jorge Martin. Martin, on the other hand, needs to adapt to his new Aprilia.

Ducati asserts that the highly talked-about partnership between their official riders has begun seamlessly.

"We are creating a new chapter in the history of our sport," said sporting director Mauro Grassilli to GPOne, ahead of the team’s highly anticipated rider lineup at the Sepang test.

"We are collaborating effectively, and I notice a great bond between the two cyclists."

The group, along with their wives and girlfriends, are also sharing a meal together.

"We are taking the necessary actions, and ultimately, the results on the track will speak for themselves. We'll have to wait and see the outcome."

"In my experience, I've consistently observed strong relationships among riders."

"When I began during the era of Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss, the connection between racers was crucial. I anticipated this because both Marquez and Bagnaia are smart, capable, and professional individuals."

During the Sepang test, Ducati's official riders collaborated to refine the setup they plan to use for this season, alongside VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

As of now, their partnership is advantageous for both parties. Ducati is confident that it will continue to be so.

"Establishing a positive and stimulating atmosphere is crucial and thrilling, but it is not the most challenging task."

"They are experts who are skilled at performing their duties."

"Pecco displays a high level of professionalism. After returning from his honeymoon, he appeared very relaxed, composed, and self-assured."

"I've only been acquainted with Marc for a brief period. Our introduction took place last year in the hospitality sector. I'm gradually learning more about him. Up to now, I find all aspects of his character appealing, including how he interacts with Pecco, our team, sponsors, and the press."

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George Russell hints at significant updates for Mercedes F1 W16: “Long-term plans in motion”

George Russell anticipates the 2025 Formula 1 season, suggesting substantial modifications are on the horizon for the Mercedes W16.

George Russell has suggested that Mercedes have implemented major updates to their 2025 F1 vehicle, stating “these are developments that have been underway for a considerable period.”

In 2024, despite securing victories in four races, Mercedes ended up in fourth place in the Formula 1 constructors' standings.

Mercedes has struggled with unpredictability since the beginning of the ground-effect period.

As the regulations stay unchanged throughout the winter, the competition at the leading edge is anticipated to be more closely contested than previously seen.

Mercedes is optimistic that following three years of gaining experience, they are now in a position to contend for the championship.

During the unveiling of Mercedes' new collaboration with Adidas, Russell shared his positive outlook for the upcoming season.

"According to Russell in his conversation with Sky Sports, while it might not seem like there have been immediate alterations from the previous year to the current one, the team has been developing several aspects for an extended period. These elements were not ready to be implemented on the 2024 car, but they've been under development for quite some time."

"We have a hopeful outlook that this will serve as a positive move forward. Naturally, it's uncertain what our competitors have managed to achieve."

"As we progress through the current year, the prospect of development by 2026 presents a fascinating question."

Russell prepared to chase F1 championship

In 2025, George Russell is set to take the lead role in the team after Lewis Hamilton departs.

Consequently, should Mercedes provide him with the necessary equipment to compete, Russell anticipates being a strong contender for the championship.

2024 marked a significant year for Russell as he consistently outperformed Hamilton, especially during the qualifying rounds.

Russell demonstrated his willingness to confront Max Verstappen by engaging in a verbal battle with him at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which marked the conclusion of the season.

Evaluating his potential to contend for the championship in 2025, Russell stated: "Definitely. I believe I'm prepared, and everyone on the team is highly driven.

"I believe these years have essentially been about experimenting and learning. However, whenever an opportunity to succeed presented itself, we seized it and came out victorious."

"This is what fuels my hope that, provided we possess the vehicle, we can accomplish our goal."

"We're putting in maximum effort to make it happen within this year, with everyone fully committed and looking forward to an exhilarating season."

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Eddie Jordan shares his opinion on Lewis Hamilton's early collision with a Ferrari in Barcelona: "I'd prefer to witness…"

Eddie Jordan believes that Lewis Hamilton's initial mishap with Ferrari won't bother him at all, supporting the seven-time world champion's method of pushing boundaries.

Last week, during his third day behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2023 contender at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Hamilton experienced a crash.

In a recent appearance at the TPC, the 40-year-old racer failed to finish, suffering a crash in the last segment of the lap on the Spanish circuit.

Ferrari quickly minimized the significance of the incident, but it nonetheless affected Charles Leclerc's performance.

Accidents during test runs are not unusual, especially for Hamilton, who experienced a collision with his McLaren in 2007 before his first season started.

In 2013, during his initial trial at Jerez, he experienced a collision in a Mercedes caused by the brakes not working.

On the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan, the former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix F1 team, downplayed Hamilton's accident.

"Jordan opined that such minor setbacks wouldn't bother him at all since they're a common occurrence. He explained that as a team leader, he had become accustomed to it over time."

"There are numerous spare parts at our disposal, and it's essential for racers to test the boundaries of their vehicles. If you're unaware of the car's maximum capabilities, you're likely not driving fast enough. That's the problem. I prefer witnessing Lewis commit these minor mistakes now rather than during an actual race or in the qualifying rounds.

"Ferrari is prepared to afford him ample opportunity. It's believed that Ferrari's production and sales of consumer vehicles will increase, leading to a larger profit margin thanks to Lewis. As a result, they'll be in a position to fully balance any external revenue or costs associated with having Lewis on board, making it a worthwhile investment.

"I was completely unaware that it was a strategic financial move made by Elkann, and I believe they will recover that amount several times over."

Hamilton prepares for his first race with Ferrari

With just over a month to go, Hamilton is set to make his official debut for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix.

Over time, Hamilton has consistently excelled in qualifying rounds at Albert Park.

Ahead of the upcoming season, Hamilton has been behind the wheel of Ferrari's 2024 model during the Pirelli tyre trials.

Subsequently, Ferrari is set to unveil their car on February 19, a day following the reveal of the livery, coinciding with F1's official season event at London's O2.

Initial trials in Bahrain commence on the 26th of February, with Hamilton and Leclerc each taking part in a three-day testing period.

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CollisionHub.News

Theory about machinery suggested as reason for Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari accident

"Consider this: driving that car was quite challenging."

The particular vehicle Lewis Hamilton was operating during his test run for Ferrari, when he experienced a crash, has been recognized as a potential factor in the incident.

Hamilton created a buzz with a small mishap that led to the early conclusion of a Ferrari testing session, also resulting in the delay of teammate Charles Leclerc's schedule.

However, Hamilton was behind the wheel of the SF-23, the problematic Ferrari model from 2023, which might have played a role in his minor accident.

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Lewis Larkam mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that some aspects of it are shrouded in mystery.

Ferrari has chosen not to speak on the matter, likely because they prefer to maintain confidentiality.

According to an insider, the event was not significant.

From their perspective, it was just a minor incident and a routine aspect of testing, especially given that Hamilton is accustomed to racing for Mercedes.

"It is anticipated during testing that a driver will explore the capabilities of a car, discovering its limits and identifying where the performance boundaries lie."

"If you continue testing for an extended period, you are likely to encounter a problem or find yourself in the gravel."

Uncertainties remain regarding the specifics, with differing accounts concerning the magnitude of the event and its location.

"Certain sources mentioned that the damage was minimal, while others claimed it was significant. The truth remains unclear as Ferrari has chosen not to disclose the details."

SF-23 recognized following Lewis Hamilton's accident

"Lewis Larkam pointed out that the incident involved Ferrari's most underperforming car of this era, the 2023 model."

Red Bull's strong performance played a significant role, making it quite challenging for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"That's an aspect to consider – the car was challenging to handle."

In a Pirelli tire testing session for Ferrari, Hamilton has taken the wheel of a 2024 model.

It has been stated that his accident will not lead to any lasting issues with confidence.

Connor McDonagh expressed that considering his resume, background, and achievements, it's difficult to believe that this would have had any impact on him.

"There might be instances where drivers with less experience have faced challenges—Pierre Gasly, for instance, experienced a significant crash during testing in 2019, which had an impact on him. Similarly, Logan Sargeant began his season well but then encountered a few crashes that negatively affected his performance at Williams."

"This was an integral aspect of the testing process, and it provides a learning opportunity for him."

The vehicle model from 2023 posed challenges for drivers when navigating corners at high speeds.

"It would be more concerning if he were behind the wheel of the 2025 car during practice sessions in Bahrain or Australia."

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Lewis Hamilton Barred from Additional TPC Formula 1 Trials with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is prohibited from participating in more TPC trials with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton will not partake in any more TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) activities with Ferrari before the 2025 Formula 1 season commences.

This is due to him reaching the upper limit of allowed mileage under the regulations of Formula 1.

Throughout the season, squads are restricted to a total of 20 days for TPC operations annually, with access to just a single vehicle for each session.

According to the Sporting Regulations, present drivers are allowed to engage in a maximum of 1000 kilometers of driving, spread out over no more than four days within the allocated 20-day period.

Adjustments were made to the regulations following Max Verstappen's session behind the wheel of Red Bull's 2022 vehicle at a TPC test in Imola the previous year.

Ferrari has been utilizing their TPC resources to assist Hamilton in acclimating to the team before his inaugural season with the Scuderia, following his shocking move from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion finished his initial day of Track Performance Center (TPC) activities, marking his first appearance on the track in a 2023 Ferrari at Fiorano in January.

Last week in Barcelona, Hamilton and his co-driver Charles Leclerc dedicated another two days to testing the SF-23 on the track.

Ferrari's schedule faced interruptions after Hamilton experienced a crash during the second day of the event, which took place last Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the team from Italy returned to the track in Barcelona for a two-day tire testing event for Pirelli, set for 2026, during which Hamilton experienced driving Ferrari's 2024 contender. However, it was an altered model intended to mimic the downforce specifications expected in the following year.

It was revealed that Ferrari seized the chance to test their SF-23 once more in Barcelona on Tuesday, giving Hamilton his fourth and last day of testing as per the TPC regulations.

Hamilton is anticipated to pilot Ferrari's upcoming 2025 vehicle during a preliminary test at Fiorano, utilizing one of the squad's two allowed filming days, right after the unveiling of the SF-25 on February 19.

Subsequently, the British driver, aged 40, along with Leclerc, will have their initial opportunity to rigorously test drive Ferrari's 2025 model during the sanctioned pre-season trials in Bahrain, scheduled from February 26th to 28th.

Hamilton expressed feeling completely comfortable after his initial weeks with Ferrari.

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