Aleix Espargaro's initial reaction to the Honda MotoGP motorcycle: 'He found it impressive'

The ex-Aprilia rider experienced his initial rounds on the Honda during the Barcelona trials

Honda's official MotoGP competitors shared their perspective on Aleix Espargaro's first impressions of the RC213V following his trial run at the Barcelona test after the season ended.

Espargaro, who has clinched victory in three grand prix races, concluded his career as a full-time racer at the end of the Solidarity Grand Prix and has since taken up a new position with Honda as a test rider.

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On Tuesday in Barcelona, the Spanish rider took his initial turns on the RC213V and remarkably placed 14th on the leaderboard, surpassing full-time competitor Joan Mir.

Espargaro chose not to communicate with the press, however, Luca Marini disclosed details regarding his discussions with Honda's recently appointed test rider.

"He expressed his excitement about Aleix getting his first experience on the bike right here in Barcelona, considering it might be his most favored track."

"His incredible speed on this circuit and his outstanding performance with Aprilia have significantly contributed to the bike's development. His initial feedback from this track will be particularly beneficial."

"I briefly conversed with him amidst the exam, and I plan to have a more in-depth discussion later. However, the lap times are promising."

"His feedback indicates he's on to something, and from my perspective, all he needs is a bit more time to familiarize himself with the bike since it's quite unique compared to the rest. However, he'll figure out how to contribute to our efforts."

Mir observed that Espargaro identified both the strengths and weaknesses in the Honda that others had noted before, humorously adding that he was "impressed" by the weaknesses.

"Mir mentioned that the individual tested our fundamental model, the basic motorcycle we offer. To my understanding, he didn't experiment with any new features," he added, expressing his dissatisfaction with Honda's failure to introduce new products during the test.

He was taken aback. He plans to discuss it further. Indeed, the points he raised, which consistently come up in praise, include the bike's insufficient torque, its inadequate grip, and its shortfall in power.

"In locations where grievances are less common, his complaints were similarly infrequent. Within the rotating zone, he mentions feeling somewhat comfortable."

"He didn’t have much to criticize about the bike’s fundamental design and its geometry, as those aspects were quite satisfactory. However, he was notably taken aback by our shortcomings in terms of grip, acceleration, and overall top speed."

Honda's team leader, Alberto Puig, commended Espargaro for his "accurate" insights shared with the Honda engineers from the test team.

"He expressed immense joy and astonishment in his conversation with motogp.com, stating, 'We are extremely pleased and quite taken aback."

"It's no shock, given his speed. He was in contention for a top spot on Sunday."

"Indeed, the individual possesses the agility, yet what truly astonished me was his interaction with our engineers: he was direct, accurate, and explicit in his communication, clearly articulating what he perceives as the strengths and weaknesses of the motorcycle."

"This is precisely what we aimed for: someone with experience but also speed, because ultimately, it's about finding the right balance."

"Definitely optimistic, he appears joyful, and I am convinced that his involvement with us and Honda will play a significant role. We're beginning, and it's essential we devise a solid strategy alongside him."

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Alex Rins discloses Yamaha's regret regarding a problem with the 2024 MotoGP motorcycle

"He had an in-depth conversation with the team, during which they expressed their apologies"

Alex Rns disclosed that Yamaha issued an apology to him for failing to address the braking challenges he faced during the 2024 MotoGP season, following the Solidarity Grand Prix.

The racer who has won six grand prix titles had a challenging debut season with Yamaha, only managing to accumulate 31 points and finishing 18th in the rankings.

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Rins encountered a major challenge with the M1, specifically an inability to maintain rear tire grip during braking – an issue he claims Yamaha couldn't resolve.

Following what he termed as "arguably the worst or nearly the worst race of my career" during the Solidarity GP in Barcelona, he mentioned that the Yamaha team management extended an apology for not resolving this issue on his behalf.

"When questioned about the area Yamaha should focus on for enhancements in 2025 following the post-season test, he responded, emphasizing that, in his opinion, Yamaha should prioritize upgrading the braking and entry."

"This year, they couldn't provide me with a competitive bike for this field."

Throughout all the races, I faced difficulties maintaining traction with the rear tire. Ultimately, when you lack rear tire grip, it hampers your ability to decelerate the bike effectively during braking. This issue leads to either veering off course, or, in instances where I managed to halt the bike, it resulted in excessive heat on the front tire, causing it to fail.

Following the race, I had a detailed conversation with both Max Bartolini and Massimo Meregalli, during which they offered their apologies.

"I'm fairly serene knowing they're addressing the issue, yet we must also enhance the engine's performance and the electronics."

Yamaha experienced an active testing session on Tuesday in Barcelona, where both of its main riders were equipped with three M1 motorcycles in their respective pits.

Yamaha planned to evaluate a fresh engine and frame, alongside exploring innovative configuration concepts.

Rins expressed satisfaction with the updated frame, yet he believes he is "not yet prepared to handle this level of performance" due to the new engine's output not aligning with his approach to riding.

"During the preparation phase, we made incremental changes, not exactly to the extent I had hoped for. However, after the race, in discussions with the engineers, they mentioned that the upcoming tests wouldn't result in a drastic transformation. They're anticipating a modest improvement, perhaps in the range of five to 10 percent," he further stated.

"I experimented with a set-up adjustment I hadn't attempted over the Grand Prix weekend, which simplified handling the bike for me."

"Besides, Yamaha introduced several innovations, including a fresh chassis and engine design, which I found quite impressive."

"I managed to maintain a higher speed through the center of the turn. I anticipated a more significant enhancement in the braking aspect, yet the improvement was minimal."

"Concerning the engine, it's accurate to say that it exhibits greater power on the straightaways and when coming out of turns. However, when it comes to my particular way of riding, we're not yet equipped to handle this level of power."

"The bicycle exhibited a high level of aggressiveness, with considerable spinning, necessitating adjustments to the electronic components for this motor."

"Our efforts weren't heavily concentrated on the electronics due to time constraints. Instead, our primary attention was toward developing the new engine and chassis, along with some adjustments to the setup."

"In my opinion, we lacked an additional engine to experiment with a varying setup internally. This could have been the fifth or sixth new engine I've had the opportunity to try out."

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Fred Vasseur clarifies why Ferrari chose not to inquire about the possibility of Lewis Hamilton joining the team sooner than planned.

Fred Vasseur mentions that out of respect for his existing contract, Ferrari chose not to inquire with Mercedes about the possibility of Lewis Hamilton starting his Formula 1 testing with the team ahead of schedule.

After a remarkable 12-year tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is set to make a sensational move to Ferrari next season, having decided to use an exit clause in his contract to facilitate the change.

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However, the possibility of Hamilton debuting with Ferrari during the post-season test after the final Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been dismissed due to the 39-year-old British driver's obligations with Mercedes.

In a notable development, Hamilton is scheduled to pilot a Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle for his inaugural run at the squad's secluded Fiorano circuit during the early months of 2025.

Vasseur verified that Ferrari did not submit a formal request to Mercedes for Hamilton's participation in the Abu Dhabi test.

"Vasseur clarified, saying, 'Since there's a contract in place, I haven't approached Toto with such a request.'"

"There's an agreement in place that needs to be honored. Just because we're taking certain actions for Carlos doesn't mean everyone else is obligated to follow suit."

Wolff mentioned that Mercedes has prepared "goodbye" arrangements for Hamilton, blocking any chance of such a showing.

"Wolff mentioned, "Fred never inquired. I believe it changes the scenario if you're potentially moving to Williams, yet we're bound by contracts with our sponsors."

We're organizing a goodbye party for Lewis, complete with numerous planned events. He and I briefly discussed it, and his response was, "I suppose that won't be possible."

"I mentioned, 'yes, I doubt it will be successful, and that was it. Therefore, I believe Fred isn't particularly upset."

Vasseur expressed his reluctance to hinder Carlos Sainz's early start at Williams as a gesture of gratitude for his "extremely professional demeanor" throughout his last season at Ferrari.

"Vasseur expressed his gratitude towards Carlos for their partnership, emphasizing his intention not to hinder him in any way."

"I believe he performed exceptionally well for us this season, demonstrating a high level of professionalism. It would have been simple to lose motivation, yet he maintained a commendable professional demeanor."

"For me, expressing my gratitude to Carlos meant giving him the chance to undertake a trial with Williams."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Typically delivering reports directly from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Jenson Button reignites discussion on Lewis Hamilton's age and reaction times

"Perhaps there's a slight decline…"

Jenson Button has speculated that Lewis Hamilton's age might be a factor contributing to his underwhelming qualifying performances this season.

This season, with three races remaining, Hamilton trails his teammate George Russell in F1 qualifying sessions, with a record of 16 losses to 5 wins.

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This indicates that during this season, for only the second time in his 12-year stint with Mercedes, he will be outperformed by a teammate in direct qualifying competition.

Former McLaren teammate Button emphasized that Hamilton traditionally excels in qualifying sessions.

However, Button mentioned to Sky Sports, "He's nearing 40. Perhaps you lose just a little bit as you age."

"You are competing with individuals who are in their twenties. Even if your reflexes are excellent, they won't match the sharpness of someone who is 20 years old."

"You might lose that minor advantage that doesn't affect a race, but it becomes more noticeable during qualifying."

"It can be painful to watch the younger drivers not only show speed during qualifying but also demonstrate remarkable consistency throughout the sessions."

The Mercedes team has reasons to feel hopeful as both drivers prepare for Saturday's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Hamilton secured the fastest times in both practice sessions on Friday, while Russell came in second in one

Mercedes has faced challenges this season, experiencing a decline in competitiveness as race weekends progress.

During the previous race in Brazil, Hamilton was unable to advance past Q1 during a rain-affected qualifying session and ended up securing the 10th position in the grand prix.

He showed up again in Vegas, confessing that during the low point of his disappointing performance in Brazil, he considered quitting.

As Hamilton led the practice session on Friday in Las Vegas, Button expressed his delight by saying, "I'm truly glad he's participating, and I have no doubt we'll witness Lewis at his finest."

However, it is uncertain if he will manage to outqualify his teammate Russell for just the sixth time in 17 tries.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of events, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Lewis Hamilton remains cautious about Mercedes' prospects in Las Vegas, despite a successful practice session.

Lewis Hamilton is maintaining a cautious outlook on Mercedes' prospects at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, following an unexpected sweep in the practice sessions.

After a disappointing performance in Brazil, seven-time world champion Hamilton made a strong recovery by leading both of Friday's practice sessions in Sin City, signaling a positive beginning for Mercedes as the weekend kicked off.

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Hamilton was ahead of his Mercedes colleague George Russell during the initial session and narrowly outpaced McLaren's Lando Norris in the subsequent session.

Mercedes has frequently kicked off the weekend with impressive performances on Fridays, only to see their performance decline as the race weekend unfolds this season, and Hamilton remains cautious about this pattern continuing.

"Quite satisfying. I believe it's the initial occasion this year I've experienced a day of that caliber," Hamilton remarked.

"In the first practice session, the car performed exceptionally well. However, in the second session, it didn't feel as great. This means we have to put in some effort to figure things out before tomorrow. It's challenging to pinpoint our exact position or the reasons behind it, but I truly had a great time navigating the circuit."

"Tomorrow, we'll find out if the car remains unchanged."

Despite topping the speed charts in both practice sessions, Hamilton cautioned that Mercedes needs to enhance their performance over longer distances.

"He clarified that while warmer conditions slightly exacerbate our situation, our speed during the race remains suboptimal."

"We need to put in effort through the night to determine our strategy for improving our race speed while maintaining our inherent lap time."

"It was a positive experience to maintain consistency across different sections without the vehicle causing any disruptions."

In response to whether he believes Mercedes has a shot at pole position and victory, Hamilton stated, "I'm in high spirits personally. Entering this weekend, I was aware that my driving isn't the issue."

"I need to put in a lot of effort tonight without making any major adjustments, and I'm hoping to get a decent night's sleep."

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Typically providing live updates, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures within the racing community.

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Lewis Hamilton has been described as expressing doubt in his tone. Meanwhile, Ferrari has shown remarkable speed during races this year.

Lewis Hamilton's optimistic demeanor couldn't completely hide the "doubt in his tone," according to observers.

The Mercedes driver was the fastest in both practice sessions on Friday during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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On a fruitful day for Toto Wolff's team, George Russell initially secured second place before moving to third.

Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his W15, noting, "We'll find out if the car remains consistent tomorrow."

Danica Patrick from Sky Sports commented, saying, "His tone definitely had a hint of doubt."

"They have never managed to fully understand or control this vehicle."

"I hope he concludes his time with Mercedes on a high note."

He discussed the speed they have during races. However, he can be optimistic because Ferrari's race pace this year has been remarkable.

"As someone who competes, it's impossible to stop at any time."

"He was thrilled even though it was just a practice session. For a driver, each practice is important."

"I hope they maintain that throughout the weekend. Both are experienced drivers who rarely err, which could work to their advantage this weekend."

Hamilton has only three races left before he leaves Mercedes to join Ferrari.

For the last three years, Hamilton has been unable to compete for an F1 title because his car has not been up to standard.

After securing a victory at Silverstone this year, he is set to join Ferrari in 2025 with the goal of achieving an unprecedented eighth championship title.

Currently, he has the opportunity to aim for the pole position at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, having recorded the quickest time during practice sessions.

Jenson Button commented that the team is just as astonished as everyone else, especially considering the performances in the last few races.

In Austin, they were extremely fast on Friday but completely off pace on Saturday.

"The conditions, surface, and climate in Las Vegas are distinct."

"I believe they will be strong contenders. The battle at the front will be intense, with no fewer than four or five cars vying for the top qualifying spot."

Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz finished in the top five during practice, but the Red Bull drivers lagged behind at an unexpectedly slow pace.

On Friday, Max Verstappen secured the 17th spot, while Sergio Perez finished in 19th place.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of topics, including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Red Bull Acknowledges Mistake with Rear Wing During Las Vegas Grand Prix

Error Committed by Red Bull in Las Vegas on Friday

Red Bull has acknowledged they brought an incorrect rear wing to the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, following a disappointing performance on Friday.

Max Verstappen finished in 17th position, while Sergio Perez was 19th following the initial day of practice sessions.

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Red Bull has acknowledged an error with a new component of the RB20, despite usually increasing their performance as race weekends unfold.

"Red Bull's Helmut Marko mentioned to Motorsport that they lack an alternative, smaller rear wing, unlike what is observed on their competitors' vehicles."

"Undoubtedly, it would be of greater assistance."

Marko asserted that it was impossible to have a new, more appropriate rear wing flown in overnight in time for Saturday's qualifying.

He mentioned, "In the brief period, we opted not to use a soft tire, and the extended run was somewhat satisfactory."

"During several rounds, there was strong competition, but subsequently, the back tires began to wear out."

"Moments of quickness were observed. The key is to bring regularity into play.

"We require greater equilibrium. There's room for enhancement on a single lap. However, during extended periods, tyre degradation currently poses an issue."

Nevertheless, Marko issued a caution to Mercedes and McLaren, who led the timesheet on Friday.

He mentioned, "Individuals might show their quickest speeds on Thursday or Friday, yet this doesn't necessarily indicate they'll perform well in the competition."

"Undoubtedly, we'll take a prudent action."

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes clocked the quickest time on Friday, surpassing McLaren's Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, has the opportunity to clinch the Formula 1 title in Las Vegas.

For ten years, James served as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, providing coverage on a wide array of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Valtteri Bottas shares insights on his future plans following his revealing new tattoo

"At this point in my life, one chapter is coming to an end."

Valtteri Bottas has showcased a fresh tattoo on his thigh that asks, "what's next?"

The slogan has become a part of Bottas's online presence as he contemplates the approaching conclusion of his time in Formula 1.

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Sauber has chosen to bring on board Formula 2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto, together with Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, for the 2025 season.

Bottas finds himself without options but is welcoming new opportunities.

This also encompasses his completion of an Iron Man triathlon, which involves a 3.8km swim, 180km cycling, and a 42.2km run, all carried out within the confines of his house, motivated by his desire to demonstrate his capability of achieving it.

The departing Formula 1 racer revealed his latest tattoo to Sky Sports while in Las Vegas, expressing, "What comes next? That's what I'm pondering. That's the reason I made this commitment.

"I didn't possess any ink on my body, yet I believed this would be a great choice."

"At this juncture in my existence, one chapter is nearing its end. A fresh beginning is on the horizon.

"What comes after? This is the question individuals must pose and seek the solution for."

"I'm not hurrying to dive into anything that comes next."

"I must explore all options to determine what's most beneficial for me, considering various routes from 2026 and beyond, whether in Formula 1 or in a different field."

Reflecting on it now, if that was the culmination, I can hold my head high with pride.

"I consistently put forth my best effort. That's the key point. No remorse.

"Existence isn't solely about endlessly circling in a racing vehicle. Other aspects are essential too."

"This doesn't imply that I'm not serious about this sport, as I truly am. It's my passion. I dedicate my all to it."

"However, when I'm not working, I take the opportunity to enjoy myself…"

Bottas is rumored to be considering a comeback to Mercedes in the capacity of a backup driver.

He has shown little interest in transitioning to a different racing series, such as IndyCar, for the 2025 season. Instead, he appears to be considering a return to Formula 1 in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new regulations.

Sauber to Sport Fresh Appearance in 2025

Currently leading the Formula 2 rankings is Brazilian racer Bortoleto.

He has earned a spot as a rookie F1 driver for next season with the team that is set to become Audi in 2026.

Sauber entered into talks with McLaren, who had Bortoleto under contract.

Sky Sports' Karun Chandhok characterized Bortoleto as "An exceptionally gifted young racer.

"With Nico Hulkenberg, there's a harmonious blend of fresh talent and seasoned expertise."

Hulkenberg has demonstrated exceptional driving skills this season. He surely ranks among the top 10 drivers of the year.

Bortoleto has demonstrated strong competitiveness in Formula 2. McLaren holds him in high regard and graciously agreed to let him go.

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 1 racing.

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"Lando Norris confesses to facing challenges – Describes McLaren's difficulties in Las Vegas as 'shocking'"

Lando Norris candidly discusses the unexpected difficulties encountered by McLaren on Friday in Las Vegas.

Lando Norris described his McLaren's performance with a heavy fuel load as "shocking," despite finishing Friday's practice session at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix with the second quickest time.

Norris, who enters this weekend with the task of outscoring his championship contender Max Verstappen by at least three points to sustain his diminishing chances for the title, finished a mere 0.011 seconds behind Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in the second free practice session (FP2).

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Norris felt optimistic about McLaren's single-lap speed in the qualifying trial sessions but is worried about his pace in the race due to issues with tyre wear.

"Norris commented, saying, 'It was mediocre. I believe the performance on low fuel was acceptable. However, on high fuel, it was appalling, leaving us with numerous aspects to examine.'"

Mixing various elements and dealing with the initial complexity is something I find challenging. I've always had a bit of difficulty with it.

"However, there's sufficient time to tackle it. Essentially, it's a mix of both worlds – manageable on low fuel and challenging on high fuel."

When questioned about whether overcoming graining issues is a matter of fine margins, Norris replied, "It might be. Honestly, if I had the answer, I'd likely implement it."

"Yet, despite being aware of it, it remains a challenging task for me to undertake, as it consistently presents a difficulty."

"I'll investigate the matter and determine what improvements I can make. For the time being, prioritizing high fuel over low fuel seems feasible, but securing a good qualifying position will undoubtedly benefit all aspects."

"There are numerous aspects to explore this evening."

The young British driver expressed that, in the challenging low grip conditions in Las Vegas, he believed he "could navigate a street car faster" than his Formula 1 vehicle.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net, providing firsthand reports on the events. He focuses on sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin embroiled in a contentious dispute on Spanish television

Martin entangled in controversy over TV interview contract negotiations

Newly crowned MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin found himself embroiled in a contract disagreement between two Spanish television networks regarding a scheduled interview.

Last weekend, Martin secured his first-ever MotoGP world championship title at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

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In the contemporary period, he is the first racer to secure a championship victory for an independent team, and he is also the third rider to win a MotoGP title for Ducati.

Martin was scheduled to feature on the Spanish television program La Revuelta, broadcast on Television Espanola. This show was launched this year to compete with the established El Hormiguero.

While sitting in the dressing room for La Revuelta, Martin had to call off his appearance because of contractual obligations imposed by El Hormiguero.

The contract dispute seems to revolve around Atresmedia, the network that includes El Hormiguero, having an agreement with Dorna Sports to broadcast certain races for free on La Sexta.

"David Broncano, the host of La Revuelta, mentioned that MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin was supposed to visit today and is currently in the dressing room downstairs."

"Just 30 minutes prior to our departure, he informed us that El Hormiguero had discovered he was on his way."

The organizers have used their influence to ensure that no guests show up here instead of elsewhere. They've applied their usual methods of persuasion, and as a result, Jorge informed us that he is unable to participate in the interview.

"He mentioned that he is unable to participate in the show, as it could lead to certain consequences."

El Hormiguero released a statement regarding the incident, explaining that it was a minor misunderstanding.

"Fourteen days prior to the last MotoGP event, we had made arrangements for Jorge Martin to be featured solely on our show."

"Earlier today, a representative from their team mistakenly altered the appointment that was originally arranged with a different cyclist."

Following the incident, Dorna, the company responsible for organizing the Motorcycle World Championship, reached out to the officials to address the issue.

As reported by Autosport, El Hormiguero identified the contractual dispute following a since-removed tweet from Martin concerning his appearances in La Revuelta.

La Revuelta released a short statement on social media supporting Martin and his team, asserting that they are not responsible for the current situation.

"To eliminate any uncertainty, Jorge Martin and his crew took all necessary steps yesterday to make sure the interview could be aired."

"Their conduct was flawless, and we look forward to having him return so we can celebrate his achievement as a world champion."

Martin posted on Twitter expressing gratitude to the La Revuelta team and the attendees, stating, "I had a fantastic evening! I look forward to returning soon to enjoy it with everyone."

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KTM refutes claims of Red Bull providing financial support amidst company difficulties

KTM's MotoGP initiative remains on course despite financial challenges

The Pierer Mobility Group has released a statement refuting claims that Mark Mateschitz, part-owner of Red Bull, might assist KTM in overcoming its financial difficulties.

KTM, which has a title sponsorship arrangement with Red Bull for its MotoGP racing team, has experienced a dramatic 90% drop in its stock prices since February 2022. These financial difficulties have forced the company to implement significant actions.

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An Austrian firm has reduced its board of directors from six members to just two, and is preparing to lay off up to 300 more employees, in addition to previous job reductions.

KTM plans to temporarily halt its manufacturing operations during the initial two months of 2025 as it seeks to secure approximately €100 million.

According to a recent report by the Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten, Mark Mateschitz, the son of the late Dietrich Mateschitz who co-founded Red Bull, might be in a position to financially rescue KTM. Discussions on this matter have reportedly already been held.

The Pierer Mobility Group issued a statement refuting the claims, stating: “Contrary to the newspaper reports, Pierer Mobility wishes to make it clear that there have been no talks regarding Mark Mateschitz becoming part of Pierer Mobility or KTM.”

KTM has made it clear that its MotoGP initiative is proceeding without any disruption, despite the financial difficulties the company is facing.

This development coincides with the removal of the Husqvarna brand from the Moto2 and Moto3 line-ups for the upcoming year. Additionally, Tech3 will cease operating KTMs under the GASGAS branding.

Tech3 will go back to using the name it had during 2021 and 2022, which was Tech3 KTM Factory Racing.

In a conversation with Salzburger Nachrichten, Pit Beirer mentioned, "We intend to continue participating in all the racing series we are currently involved in."

"No matter the task, we commit to it entirely."

"The attention has shifted completely to the orange brand, KTM. In certain racing series, we are currently putting in threefold the effort."

The junior program, starting with the Rookies Cup, remains secure. Our collaborators and financial backers are standing by us during this challenging time.

The achievements of the company in the past two decades are closely connected to its involvement in motorsport.

"We are the most effective promotional asset for the business. The organization has experienced steady growth for more than two decades."

"Our strategy for success involved winning races first, which then allowed us to sell motorcycles."

"We are prepared to compete and do not participate in motorsports simply for the sake of it."

"We are currently experiencing a challenging period, and as the motorsport division, we are committed to playing our role in bringing stability to the organization."

"We belong to a family and must support each other during this time. Our experience in sports has taught us resilience. We are committed to giving our all to the company, and we will overcome this challenge as a team."

Since entering the MotoGP class in 2017, KTM has secured seven grand prix victories. However, the eight-year period they initially planned to become serious title contenders has now passed.

In 2024, the brand secured the second position in the MotoGP constructors' rankings, but it has not achieved a grand prix victory since 2022.

In the upcoming year, the factory team will include Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, while Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini will become part of the Tech3 team, which receives backing from the factory.

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Significant progress for an additional Formula 1 team by 2026

A new F1 team may soon join the lineup

The likelihood of a new Formula 1 team joining the grid has significantly risen, reports the Associated Press.

The report suggests that Andretti's ongoing effort to become the 11th team in F1 may receive approval in the near future.

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Dan Towriss, the primary stakeholder in the Andretti organization, is attending the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend amidst intensifying discussions.

Andretti's prospects for entering Formula 1 have been bolstered following an organizational overhaul that diminished the involvement of Michael Andretti, who is the offspring of former F1 champion Mario Andretti, as reported by the Associated Press.

Discussions have intensified following the reduction in his position, according to the report.

With Michael Andretti no longer at the helm, the team might now be recognized under the General Motors banner, the corporation currently supporting Andretti.

Cadillac might emerge as the powertrain collaborator by 2026.

Las Vegas stands out as a significant event on the F1 schedule, marking its return following a highly awaited revival last year, as the racing league continues its expansion across the United States.

However, Haas stands alone as the only team with backing from the United States.

Nonetheless, Andretti was unable to secure the necessary support from the current 10 Formula 1 teams during their effort to join the championship earlier this year.

This comes even though their participation received approval from the FIA.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff was questioned on his seemingly altered position regarding the addition of an 11th team to Formula 1.

Wolff informed the Associated Press, stating, "As directors, we are legally bound to advocate for what is most beneficial for our company and our staff, and we have fulfilled that duty."

"I believe that a team's contribution to the championship becomes particularly noteworthy if a General Manager chooses to join as a team owner; that changes the narrative."

"As long as it's innovative, it signifies that we're increasing the sport's popularity and its earnings. Therefore, no team will ever oppose it. So, I'm placing my hopes on that."

No individual associated with Andretti, Andretti Global, or whatever they are called, has ever directly communicated to me even a single phrase detailing the creative aspect.

"However, there's no need for them to do so since the decision isn't in the teams' hands. The responsibility lies with the commercial rights holder, alongside the FIA, leaving us without a voice in the matter.

"If I'm aiming to get an invitation to a party and actually attend it, I'll take a seat at the table, introduce myself, and share why I'm a great person to have around, ensuring everyone will appreciate having me there."

"That didn't occur, however, it's important to note that this is merely my own perspective, not an expert one, since there's no action we can take or words we can offer.

"I'm not familiar with everyone involved. I've had conversations with Mario, of course, but I haven't had the chance to talk to his son or anyone else associated with the situation. Their identities are unknown to me. However, I am acquainted with GM, and I think highly of them."

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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