Race to Ownership: Michael Schumacher’s Personal Ferrari F355 Hits the Auction Block
Michael Schumacher's previous blue Ferrari F355 is set to be auctioned off in the coming month.
How about becoming the owner of former F1 star Michael Schumacher's previous Ferrari F355?
The Ferrari F355, formerly owned by the seven-time Formula 1 champion, is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s auction from February 4th to 7th.
It is thought that the F355 GTS from 1996 was the inaugural Ferrari model driven by the Formula One legend as his private vehicle upon his association with the Italian team. Schumacher operated this car in Monaco until the end of 1997.
The Ferrari sports a Bel Le Mans exterior paired with a Pella Crema leather inside, and comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Confirmation comes from a letter by Cavalleri Monaco Motors stating they performed maintenance on the vehicle for Schumacher.
Check out this Instagram post shared by Car Throttle (@carthrottle)
In the year preceding the introduction of the semi-automatic 'F1' style paddleshift gearbox option for the F355.
Equipped with a 3.5-liter engine boasting 375 horsepower and 40 valves, the V8 can hit up to 8500 revolutions per minute and has traveled approximately 29,500 miles.
Given its ownership by Ferrari's most legendary driver, this item is expected to be a hit at the auction.
"The seller, who worked as an automotive reporter covering Formula 1 at the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, recounted how he managed to speak to Michael Schumacher during his tenure at Mercedes-AMG. He inquired about Schumacher's former F355 GTS. Astonishingly, upon seeing a photograph of the vehicle, Schumacher immediately recognized it and expressed his pleasure that the car was now in the hands of a genuine aficionado," noted by RM Sotheby’s.
Unhesitant to fully relish his newly acquired F355 GTS, he drove it all the way from Monaco to Belgium immediately after the purchase and has consistently utilized it. Whether for sheer enjoyment or attending car shows across Belgium, he has made regular use of the vehicle.
During its present ownership, this has been highlighted in three separate magazine pieces: the November 2006 edition of Forza magazine, the March 2013 edition of the German publication Ferrari World, and the June 2021 edition of Auto Trends Classic magazine, which appeared in both Dutch and French languages.
In 2017, this vehicle was awarded the Best of Show title at Spa Italia in Belgium. Minichamps produced a collection of 1:43 scale model replicas of the vehicle, featuring Michael Schumacher in the background of their display. Before it was acquired by its current owner, the car had covered around 21,000 km, and as of the latest records, it has clocked nearly 47,500 km from its original mileage.
In 2020, the vehicle received Ferrari Classiche certification, verifying that it still possesses its initial chassis, gearbox, and body, and sports its original color scheme. Additionally, the certification acknowledges that the vehicle does not have its original engine, but one that is of the appropriate type. There are whispers that when the car was first delivered to Michael Schumacher, it came with a more powerful engine, although this claim has not been definitively verified. The current engine was installed before the current owner acquired it in 2004.
During the period it has been owned by its current owner, the vehicle has consistently been maintained at certified Ferrari maintenance facilities, following the recommended maintenance schedule. A collection of receipts from the time it has been under the current owner's care is available, along with receipts from Monaco Motors dating back to 2002 and 2004, before it was purchased by the current owner.
"The F355 GTS underwent its most recent significant maintenance in September 2024 at F.M.A Ferrari, where it received several updates. This included the installation of a fresh windscreen, replacement of the rear brake pads, new timing belts and spark plugs, a brand new battery, and a refurbishment of the dashboard."
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Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He primarily reports directly from the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.
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Aprilia and Michelin Clash Over Jorge Martin’s Crash: A Heated Debate as Recovery Begins
Aprilia responds strongly to Michelin amid escalating debate over Jorge Martin’s crash
Massimo Rivola sharply criticizes Piero Taramasso
Jorge Martin has had an operation to address the injury he got during the Sepang test. However, questions linger about the reasons behind his crash.
On Wednesday, the MotoGP titleholder experienced a severe crash, hitting the asphalt face-first, which resulted in injuries to his hand and foot.
Following his operation, Aprilia has strongly refuted Michelin's assertion regarding the cause of the incident.
Jorge Martin has a successful operation Jorge Martin had a successful procedure on his right hand on Friday.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Xavier Mir in Barcelona.
He sustained a closed fracture to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand and closed fractures to the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal bones in his left foot.
He was hospitalized for a night in Malaysia before going back to Spain to undergo surgery.
Martin's foot injury does not need an operation, and doctors will evaluate his recovery timeline in the next few days.
Dr. Mir stated: "Jorge Martín, the rider, has had an operation to address a displaced fracture in the head of his right fifth metacarpal. The procedure involved reduction and percutaneous fixation with the use of an intramedullary screw."
"The recovery of functions will begin shortly, depending on the patient's clinical condition."
Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia, expressed his relief that Jorge's surgery was successful and emphasized that a quick recovery is now the main focus, with Jorge's well-being being the top priority.
Dispute between Aprilia and Michelin
Following Martin's crash, Aprilia's chief, Rivola, quickly asserted that the incident wasn't due to any issues with the motorcycle or mistakes made by the rider.
The remark suggested that his Michelin tire might have been at fault.
On Friday morning, Piero Taramasso, who is in charge of two-wheel operations at Michelin Motorsport, shared his perspective on what he thinks led to the accident.
Initially, Massimo Rivola mentioned that the tire temperature was acceptable. However, according to Taramasso, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tire, which can fluctuate significantly due to factors like sliding and the bike's spinning.
"The temperature at the back, which is the key metric we use to determine whether the tire is functioning properly, is measured from the inner layer. This data, for example, is provided by the McLaren sensor."
Taramasso stated, "The final takeaway is straightforward: when Jorge departed the pit for his last attempt prior to the accident, the tire's temperature was 15 degrees lower."
"Therefore, 15 degrees is a significant amount."
However, Rivola from Aprilia has rejected that assertion.
In response to the crash, Aprilia clarified that their data does not support Piero Taramasso's claims.
"I think ensuring the safety of the riders is paramount, and I've already advised him to organize a meeting with all the teams to address what is obviously a serious issue, highlighted by the rising number of injuries."
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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.
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Aprilia and Michelin Clash Over Jorge Martin Crash: Surgery Success Amidst Heated Dispute
Aprilia responds to Michelin amid escalating conflict over Jorge Martin's crash
Massimo Rivola issued a stern statement directed at Piero Taramasso
Jorge Martin has had an operation to address the injury he suffered during the Sepang test, but questions remain about the reasons behind his accident.
The MotoGP titleholder suffered a severe fall on Wednesday, landing face-first on the pavement, which resulted in injuries to his hand and foot.
Following the operation, Aprilia has strongly refuted Michelin's assertion regarding the cause of the incident.
Jorge Martin has a successful operation
On Friday, Martin had a successful procedure on his right hand.
The surgery was performed on him by Dr. Xavier Mir in Barcelona.
He sustained a fracture in the head of the fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand and also suffered fractures in the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal bones in his left foot, all of which were closed fractures.
He stayed overnight in a Malaysian hospital and then traveled back to Spain to undergo an operation.
Martin's foot injury does not need an operation, and the evaluation of how long his recovery will take is expected in the next few days.
According to Dr. Mir, Jorge Martín, the rider, had an operation to address a displaced fracture in the head of his right fifth metacarpal. The procedure involved reducing the fracture and securing it with a percutaneous fixation using an intramedullary screw.
"The restoration of function is expected to commence soon, based on the patient's clinical condition."
Aprilia's Chief Executive Officer, Massimo Rivola, expressed his relief that Jorge's surgery was successful and emphasized that the main focus now is on his quick recovery, with his well-being being the top concern.
Dispute between Aprilia and Michelin
Following Martin's accident, Aprilia leader Rivola promptly claimed that the mishap was not due to any fault in the motorcycle or any mistake by the rider.
The remark suggested that the responsibility lay with his Michelin tire.
On Friday morning, Piero Taramasso, who manages the two-wheel segment at Michelin Motorsport, shared his thoughts on what he believes led to the crash.
Initially, Massimo Rivola mentioned that the tire temperature was acceptable. However, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tire, which can change significantly based on factors like sliding and the bike's spin, Taramasso explained.
"The temperature at the back, specifically the value that helps us determine whether the tire is functioning properly, is the temperature of the inner layer. For example, this information is provided by the McLaren sensor."
Taramasso stated, "The findings are evident: before Jorge's accident, when he exited the pit for his final stint, the tire was 15 degrees cooler."
"Therefore, 15 degrees is a significant amount."
However, Aprilia's Rivola has rejected that assertion.
Aprilia stated that concerning the accident, their data does not support the claims made by Piero Taramasso.
"I think the safety of the riders must come first, and I have proposed that he arrange a meeting with all the teams to address this serious issue in a productive way, given the high number of injuries."
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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of events including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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Morbidelli Leads the Charge on Day 2 of 2025 Sepang MotoGP Testing Amidst Challenges and Triumphs
Summary of Day 2 at the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Testing
Chronicle of the events from Thursday's continuation of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP official testing.
The second session of the official Sepang MotoGP testing kicked off at 10am on Thursday, following a challenging first day that resulted in injuries to Jorge Martin, Fabio di Giannantonio, and Raul Fernandez.
On the first day, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo led the pack, with Ducati's recent recruit, Marc Marquez, trailing closely behind.
There are only five designated days for official pre-season trials, split between three days in Sepang and two in Buriram, leading up to the inaugural race of the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand on February 28.
Trials at Sepang are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., succeeded by sessions for practice launches…
Lap times at 6pm – Sepang MotoGP Official Test, Second Day
The moment has arrived for the beginning of practice, a highly anticipated time for spectators, team personnel, and journalists, all of whom gather at the start/finish line.
Here's to wishing that what happened to di Giannantonio last night doesn't happen again. The VR46 team member suffered a fall due to an unintended wheelie, resulting in a broken collarbone during a practice start on the track.
As the clock hits 6pm and the second day of the Official Sepang test wraps up, several riders are in the midst of setting their personal best times. However, none are close to overtaking the long-standing frontrunner, Franco Morbidelli.
The rider from VR46 concluded the session with a lead of 0.114 seconds over Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.
Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, Francesco Bagnaia, Joan Mir, Pedro Acosta, Miguel Oliveira, Marco Bezzecchi, and Jack Miller round out the top ten.
Approaching the final 10 minutes, Fabio Quartararo, who is just behind Morbidelli in second place, is achieving record-breaking sector times. The leader from the Shakedown is aiming to maintain his leading position for another consecutive day…
…however, as the second half of the lap progresses, he loses time and stays 0.114 seconds adrift of Morbidelli.
Acosta advances in his time trial, ascending to 6th place. His team colleague, Brad Binder, has moved up to 9th position.
With 25 minutes remaining, Pedro Acosta moves up into the top ten, securing the eighth position.
Bagnaia, who skipped a time attack the previous day, is achieving personal records in sectors and has now moved up to 5th, trailing behind Morbidelli, Quartararo, and Alex Marquez.
Lap times as of 5pm – Official Sepang MotoGP Testing, Second Day
With just over an hour left in the testing session, the leading ten positions are currently held by: Morbidelli, Quartararo, A. Marquez, Aldeguer, Oliveira, Bagnaia, Zarco, Miller, Rins, and Mir.
Francesco Bagnaia has climbed to the 6th position. His team member, Marc Marquez, remains in 11th place.
The mercury is falling, and we're beginning to see personal records being broken on the timing displays. There's an hour and fifteen minutes left of the second day's testing session.
Lap times at 4pm – Sepang MotoGP Test Official Results, Second Day
The showers have cleared and bicycles have returned to the path.
The illuminated rain signals flicker along the primary straightaway, prompting every racer on the circuit to come in.
It
As we approach 4pm, it appears the temperature is beginning to drop, prompting more riders to hit the track. With the cooler conditions, we can expect faster lap times leading up to the track's closure at 6pm.
Alex Marquez ends his quiet period, returning to the circuit with Gresini. He's presently in third place, trailing the test front-runner Franco Morbidelli by a mere 0.130 seconds, who is also riding a Ducati GP24.
Lap times as of 3pm – Day 2 Official MotoGP Testing in Sepang
Several ominous clouds are beginning to form above the final stretch, and considering today's warmth, it wouldn't be shocking if the typical afternoon storm of Sepang decides to show up eventually.
As of 2:25 PM local time, the track remains empty with no riders in sight.
Maximum velocities achieved today:
Lap results at 2pm – Official Sepang MotoGP Trials, Second Day
At 2pm in the blistering heat of Sepang, the leading trio remains Morbidelli, Quartararo, and Alex Marquez.
At present, just three motorcycles are navigating the circuit, specifically the Ducati GP25s ridden by Marc Marquez (in 9th place), his Ducati colleague Francesco Bagnaia (positioned 13th), and test pilot Michele Pirro (ranked 20th), likely collecting information under simulated race conditions.
Leading six: Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Quartararo, Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, Miguel Oliveira, Johann Zarco.
Lap times at 12pm – Sepang MotoGP Official Testing, Second Day
Just past noon and, with the rising temperatures, it's going to be more challenging to achieve faster lap times.
Franco Morbidelli remains in the lead, followed by Fabio Quartararo, Alex Marquez, and Fermin Aldeguer. Meanwhile, Miguel Oliveira has climbed to fifth place riding for Pramac Yamaha, with Johann Zarco securing the sixth spot for LCR Honda.
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Morbidelli Leads Quartararo in Thrilling Day 2 of 2025 Sepang MotoGP Test Amid High Hopes and Hard Falls
2025 Official Sepang MotoGP Test – Day 2 Coverage
Summary of the second day’s events at the 2025 Official Sepang MotoGP testing.
Following a grueling first day that resulted in injuries to Jorge Martin, Fabio di Giannantonio, and Raul Fernandez, the Official Sepang testing resumed for its second day at 10am on Thursday.
On the first day, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo led the shakedown, clocking the fastest time ahead of Ducati's new recruit, Marc Marquez.
A mere five days have been allocated for formal pre-season trials, with three days scheduled at Sepang followed by two at Buriram, leading up to the kickoff of the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand on February 28.
Trials at Sepang are scheduled from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, succeeded by practice launches…
Lap times at 6pm – Sepang MotoGP Official Test, Second Day
The time for practice to begin has arrived, a highlight of the day eagerly anticipated by fans, team personnel, and journalists, all of whom gather at the start/finish line.
Here's to wishing that we don't see a recurrence of di Giannantonio's regrettable wheelie mishap from the previous evening, where the VR46 team member took a fall and fractured his collarbone during a practice start lap around the circuit.
As the clock hits 6pm, marking the close of the second day at the Sepang Official test, several riders continue to clock their personal best times. However, none have come close to challenging the long-standing frontrunner, Franco Morbidelli.
The rider from VR46 ended the day with a 0.114-second lead over Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.
Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, Francesco Bagnaia, Joan Mir, Pedro Acosta, Miguel Oliveira, Marco Bezzecchi, and Jack Miller round out the leading ten.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Fabio Quartararo, who is right behind Morbidelli in second place, is achieving record-breaking sector times. The leader of the Shakedown is aiming to maintain his leading position for the second consecutive day…
…however, as the lap progresses into its latter stages, he finds himself losing time and ends up 0.114 seconds adrift of Morbidelli.
Acosta advances his time trial, moving up to 6th place, while his team-mate Brad Binder makes progress to 9th.
With 25 minutes remaining, Pedro Acosta climbs into the top ten, securing the eighth position.
Bagnaia, who opted out of a time trial yesterday, is now recording his fastest sector times and has moved up to 5th place, trailing behind Morbidelli, Quartararo, and Alex Marquez.
Lap times at 5pm – Authorized Sepang MotoGP Trials, Second Day
With slightly more than an hour left in the testing session, the leading ten riders are as follows: Morbidelli leads, followed by Quartararo, A. Marquez, Aldeguer, Oliveira, Bagnaia, Zarco, Miller, Rins, and Mir in that order.
Francesco Bagnaia has advanced to 6th place. Meanwhile, his team member Marc Marquez remains in 11th position.
The mercury is falling, and the timing displays are beginning to light up with orange indicators (signifying personal records). There's 1 hour and 15 minutes left of the second day's test session.
Lap times at 4pm – Sepang MotoGP Official Test, Second Day
The showers have moved on, and bicycles are once again hitting the road.
The main straight is illuminated by blinking rain lights, prompting all the riders on the track to come in.
It
Approaching 4pm, it appears the temperature is beginning to drop, prompting more cyclists to hit the track. With the track set to close at 6pm, we can expect to see better lap times as conditions improve.
Alex Marquez ends his quiet period, returning to the circuit with Gresini. Presently, Marquez holds the third position, trailing the top tester Franco Morbidelli by merely 0.130 seconds, who is also riding a Ducati GP24.
Lap times as of 3pm – Sepang MotoGP Official Testing, Second Day
Some ominous clouds are beginning to form above the final stretch, and considering today's warm temperatures, it wouldn't be shocking if the typical Sepang late-day storm decides to show up eventually.
As of 2:25pm local time, the track remains empty with no riders present.
Fastest velocities reached today:
2pm race circuit results – Official Sepang MotoGP Trial, Second Day
At 2pm in the blisteringly hot Sepang, the leading trio remains Morbidelli, Quartararo, and Alex Marquez.
At present, just three motorcycles are on the circuit, those being the Ducati GP25s ridden by Marc Marquez in 9th position, his Ducati colleague Francesco Bagnaia in 13th, and test pilot Michele Pirro ranking 20th, likely collecting information under 'race time' scenarios.
Leading six: Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Quartararo, Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, Miguel Oliveira, Johann Zarco.
Lap times as of 12pm – Official Sepang MotoGP Trials, Second Day
It's just past noon, and with the current high temperatures, achieving faster lap times will be more challenging.
Franco Morbidelli continues to lead ahead of Fabio Quartararo, Alex Marquez, and Fermin Aldeguer, while Miguel Oliveira has moved up to fifth position representing Pramac Yamaha, followed by Johann Zarco in sixth for LCR Honda.
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Netflix Sets the Stage: ‘Drive to Survive’ Season 7 Premiere Date Announced Amid U.S. Broadcast Rights Bid
Netflix announces the premiere date for the seventh season of F1 Drive to Survive. The streaming platform has officially set the release date for the upcoming installment of Drive to Survive.
Netflix has officially confirmed when the new season of the F1 documentary 'Drive to Survive' will be available.
The highly acclaimed documentary series, which offers a behind-the-scenes look, is set to make its comeback on March 7. This is just one week ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, which marks the start of the season on March
The series will cover the happenings of the 2024 Formula 1 season, focusing on Max Verstappen's pursuit of his fourth consecutive world championship.
The upcoming season is set to introduce new rivalries. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is coming back to Netflix on March 7, 2025. 🏁 #F1 pic.twitter.com/OCzBtliVsx— Formula 1 (@F1) February 7, 2025
The upcoming season is set to introduce new rivalries. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is coming back to Netflix on March 7, 2025. 🏁 #F1 pic.twitter.com/OCzBtliVsx
The account of McLaren’s victory in securing their first constructors' championship since 1998 will be shared as well.
A major narrative to be explored will involve the consequences of Lewis Hamilton's surprising move from Mercedes to Ferrari, which was revealed last February.
Additional fascinating behind-the-scenes clips and previously unheard discussions from the paddock are expected to be featured.
Netflix joins the competition for American television rights
The streaming giant is now seen as a possible new broadcaster for Formula 1 in the United States.
Netflix is reportedly considering a groundbreaking deal to obtain the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States starting in 2026.
As reported by Sports Business Journal, the major streaming service is contemplating making an offer to secure the broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United States.
Since 2018, ESPN has held the broadcasting rights for Formula 1, but they are now up against strong competition to keep those rights.
The agreement they have in place is valued at only $90 million, which is quite inexpensive when contrasted with other sports.
Netflix is eager to leverage the influence they have gained in Formula 1 through their documentary series, Drive to Survive.
The rapid expansion of Formula 1 has largely been attributed to the influence of Drive to Survive.
The influence it has had in the United States has resulted in three competitions taking place there.
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Marco Bezzecchi Explores Aprilia’s Physical Edge Over Ducati at Sepang Test
Bezzecchi Explores Significant Aprilia Variations from Ducati in MotoGP
Bezzecchi Adjusts to Aprilia During Sepang Trials
Marco Bezzecchi has remarked that the Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle demands slightly more physical effort than the Ducati he used to ride, as he goes through the process of getting used to it during the Sepang trials.
The racer, who has clinched victory at three grand prix events, was a part of the VR46 team, competing on Ducati bikes during the initial trio of years in his MotoGP journey. He then inked a contract with Aprilia to join their factory team for the 2025 season
On the initial day of the Sepang test, Bezzecchi recorded the 18th quickest time. By 4:30pm on Thursday, he had climbed to 12th position, shaving his lap time down from 1m59.207s to 1m58.5s.
Engaged in a hectic schedule of tests while adjusting to the RS-GP, Bezzecchi has identified a significant distinction between the Aprilia and the Ducati.
"He mentioned that the bicycle requires a bit more physical effort."
"Luckily, we're not facing any problems with temperature. However, it does require a bit more effort to maneuver the bicycle."
He mentioned, "Today, I feel slightly more joyful than I did yesterday since I'm beginning to gain confidence in riding the bike."
"I'm beginning to slow down effectively and approach the turn with greater assurance, as the motorcycle provides me with positive responses."
"Indeed, I'm content. There's still a lot we need to explore and experiment with, yet as of now, I have no grievances."
Bezzecchi observed that Aprilia's braking capabilities are impressive, aligning well with his riding technique. However, he acknowledged facing some challenges when riding the bike with new tyres.
He mentioned, "I encounter more problems when I switch to new tires, as I've extensively used the old ones yesterday and today, to the point where I'm actually performing better with the worn ones."
"When I switch to new tires, I find it somewhat more challenging. Additionally, it requires a change in how I ride, so I need to adjust accordingly."
"I believe there's been a significant improvement from last year. Naturally, I'm not entirely sure about the specifics of last year's bike since I had already tested the initial version of the 2025 bike in Montmelo."
"However, I can confirm that they are functioning quite effectively."
Bezzecchi commends the bike's aerodynamics but highlights the need for enhanced electronics
During the Sepang test, without Jorge Martin, Bezzecchi was impressed by the bike's aerodynamic design and was notably struck by the engine's power. However, he pointed out that advancements in the electronic systems are necessary to more effectively manage and utilize this power.
Aprilia's trial schedule faced significant setbacks due to an accident that resulted in Jorge Martin sustaining several broken bones, along with an incident involving Trackhouse Racing's Raul Fernandez, which led to a hand fracture.
Lorenzo Savadori has been enlisted for assistance, yet according to Bezzecchi, his responsibilities haven't significantly expanded beyond what was initially intended.
He mentioned that there was a slight increase in his workload due to Martin not being around, but it wasn't significant.
"Both of us needed to experience the same activities. It's unfortunate he's not with us in our group, since having two pieces of feedback for our team is superior to just one."
"I'm putting in maximum effort to provide them with the most accurate critiques and responses that I'm capable of."
Today, I'm accompanied by Sava, who consistently delivers excellent work for us. Without a doubt, he's performing admirably.
Statements given by Peter McLaren, Editor at Crash MotoGP
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Luca Magnussen: Following Family Footsteps into Single-Seater Racing with Fortec Motorsport
A new Magnussen enters the F1 scene: Kevin’s sibling advances to single-seater racing
In 2025, Kevin Magnussen's younger brother, who is currently 15, will begin competing in single-seater races.
The younger sibling of former Formula 1 racer Kevin Magnussen has begun competing in single-seater motorsport.
Luca Magnussen, who is just 15 years old, is set to move from karting to compete in the GB4 championship held in the UK. He will be racing as part of the Fortec Motorsport team.
GB4 serves as a beginner's competition for those aiming to become F1 drivers and offers a much more affordable option compared to the FIA British Formula 4 series.
A £50,000 prize is given to the series winner if they decide to participate in either the British F4 championship or GB3 in the next year.
Luca is the newest addition to Denmark's renowned racing family, continuing the legacy of his father, Jan Magnussen, and his brother, Kevin.
Jan and Kevin have both competed in Formula 1, and Luca aims to become the third Magnussen family member to participate in a grand prix someday.
Since 2021, Luca has been involved in kart racing, advancing through various competitions such as the Sydsvenskans Kart Champion Cup (SKCC), as well as participating in X30 and OK Junior kart categories. In 2023, Luca also took part in specific races within the FIA Karting World and European championships.
In 2024, he competed in the ROK Cup Italy and the Danish Karting League. Additionally, last October, he participated in the FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia as a representative for Denmark in karting.
Magnussen expressed immense joy about advancing in his career and felt honored to join forces with the well-respected and seasoned group at Fortec Motorsports.
"The group has greeted me warmly, and I’m eager to begin and demonstrate my abilities. I'm facing a year filled with significant challenges and increased competition. I’m immensely grateful to my sponsors and family for their unwavering support."
The head of Fortec Motorsport, Oliver Dutton, expressed excitement about Luca Magnussen joining their squad for the 2025 GB4 Championship.
Luca demonstrated remarkable talent throughout his time in karting, and he left a strong impression on us during his trial at Donington Park.
"His commitment and talent render him an asset to our team, and we firmly believe he will achieve great progress this season."
At the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Kevin was let go by Haas and is set to compete in sportscar racing with BMW this year.
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F1
From Brackley to the Big Leagues: How Lewis Hamilton’s Surprise Commission Turned Joel Clark’s F1 Art Dream into Reality
EXCLUSIVE: The Role Lewis Hamilton Played in Fulfilling an Artist's F1 Fantasy
Joel Clark, an artist with a passion for Formula 1, shares with Crash.net how Lewis Hamilton's commission made his dreams a reality.
"I almost tumbled out of my seat."
This was Joel Clark's reaction when he discovered that F1 icon Lewis Hamilton had requested him to design a unique piece of art.
Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Hamilton organized a farewell present for 3,000 of his ex-colleagues at Mercedes. He hired six artists to craft a unique artwork for his team members as a goodbye gift after leaving the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton, who secured six out of his seven world titles while racing for Mercedes, made a high-profile move to Ferrari, their Formula 1 competitors, during the off-season. Before departing, he expressed his gratitude to his previous team members by giving them special farewell gifts.
Mercedes maintained strict confidentiality around the project to prevent their employees from learning about it prior to receiving the custom-made artworks at the close of January.
Last October, Clark, an artist selected for the project, was astonished when a surprising email appeared in his inbox.
Clark shared with Crash.net that they received an unexpected email from an agency managing the project. The email inquired whether Clark would be interested in taking on a commission for a prominent athlete. Although limited details could be disclosed, Clark decided to accept the offer.
"I initially didn't know what sport was being referred to or any other details. Later, it was disclosed that it involved Lewis, which took me by surprise and almost made me fall out of my seat. Every artist received guidance on a theme chosen by Lewis, highlighting his most significant and emotional experiences with the team."
"The focus wasn't solely on Lewis; it encompassed both Lewis and the Mercedes team, which was crucial. Therefore, my piece, 'An Ode to Senna,' was meant to honor that remarkable team triumph."
An Ode to Senna is a work of art created with hand-cut vinyl on an A1 Perspex panel. This artwork was specially ordered by @LewisHamilton to be given as farewell gifts to his colleagues at @MercedesAMGF1. #lewishamilton #hamilton #mercedesf1 #f1 #formula1 #f1art pic.twitter.com/Kuc5ufmvI8— Joel Clark (@JClarkArtist) February 4, 2025
For Clark, a lifelong motorsport enthusiast and devoted Ayrton Senna admirer, the opportunity to craft an artwork capturing Hamilton's legendary comeback win at the 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, held in Senna's native Brazil, was a dream come true.
At 50 years old, Clark hails from Brackley, the location of Mercedes' Formula 1 headquarters, and is situated near Silverstone. After finishing school at the age of 16, he began his career there, working as a creator of vinyl stickers.
"I had just managed to sit in the chair before I ended up back on the floor," he went on to say. "I'm a big fan of Ayrton Senna, so experiencing both together and being part of such a significant moment in motorsport history was overwhelming."
"I was raised in Brackley and began my career at Silverstone, where I gained experience working with vinyl for a signage company. During that time, in 1990, we frequently worked with several Touring Car teams. The entire experience was quite an undertaking for me."
Clark, who asserts that he is the sole artist in the automotive field using hand-cut vinyl, faced a challenging task with about a month to fulfill his assignment. This project was a departure from his typical focus on illustrating vintage racing cars. Ultimately, he presented four artworks, with his top pick aligning with Hamilton's selection.
He mentioned that his usual car art tends to have a vintage feel, rarely focusing on anything beyond the 1990s. Therefore, tackling a modern Formula 1 car, with its intricate details, was quite an intense experience for him.
"Creatively, that was the challenge we faced. It was my top choice, as well as Lewis's and the agency's, so we were all in agreement. I think it was about capturing a remarkable moment in Lewis's career with Mercedes."
A Moment of Coming Full Circle
Clark dedicated six years to studying at Central Saint Martins art college during the early to mid-1990s. Afterward, he pursued a 20-year career in advertising. Yet, his genuine passion for motorsport artwork remained strong, leading him to continue exploring it on the side.
The pivotal moment occurred in 2013 during the Kop Hill Climb, a regional event for classic car enthusiasts, where Clark managed to sell nearly all of his creations. This success inspired him to embark on what has become a decade-long endeavor.
Clark's distinctive preferred medium was influenced by the techniques he learned in his initial employment, which he now merges with his passion for motorsports.
In 1990, all the car logos had to be crafted by hand since there weren't any computers available to digitally scan or create them, according to Clark, who described his initial work experience.
After a race weekend, I would arrive on Monday morning, and the person who had a crash would request additional stickers—like four Dunlop or 20 Michelin ones—which I would then have to manually cut out.
Discussing his passion for vinyl as a medium, Clark stated: "In the realm of automotive art, it mirrors the actual car's finish, giving it a distinct characteristic."
The artwork interacts with its surroundings, reflecting elements of the environment in which it is displayed. This interaction merges with the highlights I have incorporated into the piece. This approach is also applied to my Formula 1 projects, where I emphasize both the bright and dark areas. The use of strong, vivid colors is something I find captivating, as it allows me to deconstruct everything into distinct, colored forms.
"In essence, I'm creating a puzzle while also crafting each individual piece. Afterward, it is sent to an auto body shop to receive a clear coating, resulting in a finish identical to the actual car I'm representing."
From a personal perspective, Hamilton's assignment and the attention that comes with it might be a critical moment for Clark, who admits that he is not widely recognized as an artist.
Currently, due to the cost of living crisis, there aren't many people purchasing art from lesser-known artists. He confessed that it's a critical time for him, where success or failure is on the line.
Currently, I'm in a situation where each month brings uncertainty about whether I can afford to pay my rent. This opportunity for exposure is crucial for me, and it truly is a matter of survival. It's incredibly significant.
For Clark, this is unquestionably the pinnacle of his professional journey.
He stated that he could never have imagined the project's importance, not only in the realm of motorsport history but also in cultural history.
"As someone who frequently creates motorsport-themed artwork, receiving a commission from a racing driver would be incredible. Being hired by a Formula 1 driver would be even more thrilling. However, being commissioned by the greatest driver of all time is truly unimaginable. It's more than just a dream becoming reality."
To view additional pieces by Clark, visit his official website.
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Moto GP
Rookie Sensation: Fermin Aldeguer Surprises with Swift Adaptation to the MotoGP Beast
A MotoGP newcomer is pleasantly taken aback by how quickly he's adjusting
"In the simulator, I felt really comfortable…"
During the Shakedown last weekend, Fermin Aldeguer managed to participate in a Sprint simulation where he demonstrated remarkable speed, even though he experienced a crash early on.
"During the simulation, it was an amazing experience," he expressed. "There was a minor accident on the second lap, yet once I got my bike back up, I kept going and the sensation was phenomenal."
"Tomorrow, we'll conduct another simulation to examine the changes between the Shakedown and the present. This will help us understand our current position."
Indeed, Aldeguer has the advantage of riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, one of the most formidable motorcycles in the history of MotoGP, during his first season. He is also collaborating with crew chief Frankie Carchedi, who previously led Marc Marquez to three Grand Prix wins in 2024 and guided Joan Mir to a championship title in just his second year in the top tier.
However, it's also accurate to say that in just a few days as a MotoGP rider, Aldeguer has proven he can match the speed of riders with significantly more experience on identical bikes.
Aldeguer himself acknowledged that he has spent an additional three days at the Sepang circuit this year compared to many of his competitors, due to his participation in the Shakedown the previous weekend. However, when questioned whether his rapid adjustment to the MotoGP motorcycle was unexpected, the Spanish rider confidently answered, “Yes, definitely.”
"In conclusion, we participate for an additional three days compared to other competitors," he added, "yet the racecourse remains identical for everyone involved."
"We must keep going in this manner – ignoring our current standing and the clock – simply relying on my intuition and my ability to adjust, as we're making significant progress every day."
Just like other newcomers to MotoGP, Aldeguer is getting used to the series, and a significant aspect of this transition involves adapting to the tyres. In MotoGP, the Michelins offer a different feel and performance compared to the Dunlops and, as of late, the Pirellis he previously used in Moto2.
"Aldeguer stated, 'The difference comes not only from the new tyres but also from the bike itself, which has been entirely changed.'"
"In the Moto2, I'm able to maintain speed through the curve, whereas with the MotoGP motorcycle, although possible, it's not the optimal method for achieving high speeds. The strategy involves aggressive braking followed by leveraging the bike's electronics to navigate the corner's exit. I'm not noticing a difference in the tire's performance."
Aldeguer mentioned, however, that when it comes to wear, Pirelli tires exhibit comparable traits to Michelin tires, especially when contrasted with the Dunlops that Moto2 utilized up until the conclusion of 2023.
"Aldeguer noted that in this regard, the Pirelli shares more similarities with the Michelin in terms of experiencing a noticeable decline, necessitating perhaps the same approach, yet it remains entirely distinct."
"Currently, I'm figuring out how to utilize this Michelin tire effectively, focusing on its application during braking and exiting maneuvers."
One of the challenges in grasping tyre performance during the Sepang test sessions stems from the restricted number of tyres provided, along with the medium-compound tyres not being well-suited to the prevailing conditions. This situation has led many riders to opt for conserving their supply of soft tyres rather than utilizing a medium one.
"Aldeguer mentioned that he exclusively utilized the soft [compound] tyre, explaining that the medium one doesn't perform as well."
Yesterday, we witnessed the accidents and all the chaos that ensued. Now is not the time to gamble; it's wiser to play it safe, avoid errors, and begin the season on a positive note without straying from our path.
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Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024, after spending two years reporting on both consumer and racing motorcycle developments for Visordown.
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Moto GP
Ducati Dominance: Pre-Season Testing Reveals a Double-Edged Sword for MotoGP Rivals
Ducati is facing a significant challenge, yet it poses an even greater concern for its competitors. The 2025 pre-season began for Ducati just as the 2024 season concluded, but the team departs Malaysia with a problem to address and only two more testing days remaining.
MotoGP pre-season testing is filled with numerous conditions and exceptions, rendering any concrete assessment of the on-track activities nearly unattainable. However, by interpreting the subtleties, one can often uncover some solid indications about the hierarchy of performance.
After the conclusion of the three-day testing session at Sepang, the results mirrored those from the conclusion of the previous year. Alex Marquez, riding the Gresini-operated GP24, achieved the fastest lap with a time of 1 minute 56.493 seconds. This time was just 0.156 seconds short of the all-time lap record established by Francesco Bagnaia during the qualifying rounds of last season's Malaysian Grand Prix.
In the combined rankings, Ducati claimed four out of the top five positions. Alex Marquez was closely followed by Bagnaia, while Franco Morbidelli from VR46 secured fourth place on a GP24, and Marc Marquez took fifth riding a factory Ducati.
When it comes to sheer performance, Ducati has a significant edge according to the top laps recorded by each manufacturer.
Top Speeds Achieved by Each
During time attack laps, the difference between the fastest and slowest times across the five manufacturers was just 0.835 seconds. In defense of Aprilia, the team faced the challenge of conducting the Sepang test without the participation of reigning world champion Jorge Martin and Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, who was the sole returning Aprilia rider in 2025 and was out due to injuries. Consequently, the majority of the testing responsibilities fell to Marco Bezzecchi, newcomer Ai Ogura, and test rider Lorenzo Savadori.
Despite lacking confidence to fully push the RS-GP during his initial serious qualifying attempt, Bezzecchi managed to clock a lap time that was 0.718 seconds faster than the quickest Aprilia during the 2024 Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying. This impressive performance placed him within the top 10 on the test timesheets.
Although Yamaha's advancements during the testing appear to be authentic, the exceptionally high grip levels on the last day, which Marc Marquez described as "unreal," somewhat distort the overall results.
The M1 continues to face challenges with its rear grip issues, and a significant amount of rubber on the track is likely to conceal these problems. Additionally, Yamaha had the advantage of two additional days for their race riders during the shakedown. Nonetheless, the achievement of improving its best-ever lap time at Sepang by 0.868 seconds since last November is highly remarkable, a point that Bagnaia mentioned following the test.
A change in the team supporting Ducati is expected this season, and Yamaha's performance has been notably impressive.
Ducati GP24 Stands Out in Sepang Testing
Today, both Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez successfully finished their Sprint race simulations. Pecco achieved an average lap time of 1 minute and 58.243 seconds, while Marc recorded an average of 1 minute and 57.930 seconds. #MotoGP #SepangTest
— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 7, 2025
The GP24's performance is as expected. This motorcycle claimed victory in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races last season, such as the Malaysian GP, and is perfectly tuned. Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli are focused solely on riding and enhancing their comfort and confidence with the bike, without needing to engage in any development efforts.
This significant benefit has allowed Ducati riders, even those with just a year of experience, to achieve early success in the MotoGP season. In 2022, Enea Bastianini secured three out of his four grand prix victories on the GP21 bike within the initial seven rounds. Similarly, in 2023, Bezzecchi clinched two out of his three wins on the GP22 bike in the first five grand prix events.
It was expected that Alex Marquez would be at the forefront during the sprint simulations on the last day of testing.
Average Results from Sprint Simulation on Day Three in Sepang Testing
During the sprint simulation, Alex Marquez clocked an average time that was 0.595 seconds quicker than the pace Jorge Martin used to secure victory in the 2024 Malaysian GP sprint. Similarly, Marc Marquez recorded a time that was 0.567 seconds faster. Although grip levels significantly influence these results, this achievement marks a noteworthy improvement, particularly for Marc Marquez.
Last year, while racing in the Sepang sprint on the Gresini-managed GP23, his average speed was 1 minute 58.550 seconds, earning him second place. The eight-time world titleholder secured victory in three grand prix events with the often-criticized GP23 last season and ended up third overall in the championship standings, significantly outperforming the next-best GP23 competitor by a margin of 219 points.
A major question mark for 2024 was the potential impact Marquez might have had riding a GP24 alongside Bagnaia and Martin. The Sepang test has provided some insight into this speculation, yet the status of Ducati's 2025 model continues to be unclear.
Ducati Faces Engine Dilemma
At the Sepang testing sessions, attention has largely centered on evaluating the differences between the GP25 and GP24 engines. With a two-year engine development freeze set to begin for manufacturers without concessions starting from the Thai Grand Prix, the current decision is of significant importance.
Adding to Ducati's challenges is the exceptional performance of the GP24, which means that the GP25 engine must demonstrate a noticeable improvement before it can be approved.
Marquez, experiencing his initial fall while riding for the factory Ducati team on Thursday, remained reserved about which bike he utilized during his sprint simulation. He merely commented, "It was a mix. I used the 2024 aero, but you can't see the other parts… Therefore, I only mention the aero."
Bagnaia, a member of the team, mentioned that Ducati opted for "two distinct bike setups" to enhance the collection of data.
Consequently, he believes his speed didn't truly reflect his capabilities, explaining, "I wasn't very satisfied because there was an issue causing some vibration. It wasn't like last year, but with each lap, it became more problematic."
Bagnaia had just a single opportunity to push for a time attack and feels he didn't fully capitalize on it. Despite this, he was a mere 0.007 seconds behind Alex Marquez's fastest lap and managed to stay more than half a second ahead of his teammate, Marc Marquez.
Ducati has previously faced uncertainty regarding their engine specifications during pre-season.
Just before the 2022 season began, Bagnaia made the decision to change the factory motorcycles to a hybrid engine combining elements from the 2021 and 2022 models. This choice was made because the complete 2022 engine did not suit his riding style and caused issues during testing. This turned out to be a wise decision, as Bagnaia went on to win the championship. Meanwhile, the Pramac team, which was required to use the full 2022 engine, faced difficulties.
This situation isn't exactly the same for Ducati, but Marquez points out that the foundation the brand has for 2024 is "challenging to enhance." He also advises being careful about the path they choose.
"You need to be confident that it's an improvement, as with the 2024 model, you can fully compete for the championship," he stated.
In that situation, we experimented with various elements since it's not just about the engine or the aerodynamics. There are numerous minor factors involved. Today, our focus was on those small details, aiming to determine which components are superior and which ones fall short.
The speed demonstrated by Alex Marquez on the GP24 is likely to contribute to the ambiguity about the path Ducati intends to pursue. However, neither rider believed this would have an impact, as Bagnaia pointed out that evaluating a factory bike often initially reduces performance.
The last two days of testing in Buriram are critical for Ducati as it prepares to make a decision that will affect the upcoming two seasons. However, the situation seems positive regardless of the outcome: Ducati will either compete with an engine that has already won championships or with an improved version of it.
Regardless of the situation, Ducati continues to hold a leading position, though there are indications that their competitors are becoming more formidable.
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Savadori Steers Aprilia’s Development Amid Martin’s Absence: Progress Despite Challenges at Sepang Test
Jorge Martin's Substitute Elaborates on Aprilia's Progress During His Recovery
Aprilia's Sepang Trials Proceed Unhindered by Jorge Martin's Injury
Lorenzo Savadori has taken on the majority of Aprilia's testing responsibilities, originally assigned to Jorge Martin.
Following a severe accident on Wednesday, MotoGP titleholder Martin will miss the remaining two days of the official Sepang trials.
On Wednesday, Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse was involved in an accident that resulted in injuries, resulting in Aprilia losing half of their racing team.
Consequently, test rider Savadori has been assigned to fill in for Martin.
"Instead of my test bike, we're using the official riders' bike," Savadori stated on Thursday in Sepang.
We experimented with various aerodynamic designs and an alternative electronic configuration.
"Our priority lies in advancing the bicycle's design, rather than its performance. It's essential for us to gain a deeper comprehension of certain solutions."
"We utilized certain components for the initial time in this context. During the preliminary testing, there wasn't enough time."
Savadori asserts that Aprilia is advancing in addressing their braking issue.
"Indeed, this bicycle represents an advancement over its predecessor, particularly in terms of braking capabilities," he stated.
"It's insufficient, yet it's a small move in the right direction."
Enhancements have been made to both the motorcycle's handling and the effectiveness of its engine braking
"Savadori described it as a combination. He noted that there were no major modifications to the RS-25. Overall, the motorcycle's performance and equilibrium were satisfactory, with enhancements made in certain aspects."
Jorge Martin sidelined, yet Aprilia continues to push forward
Aprilia has enhanced their power distribution, engine deceleration, and traction management, according to Savadori.
"He mentioned that at every stage, changes and enhancements were made."
However, their problem with the back tire continues and remains unresolved.
"Savadori mentioned that the task was far from easy."
"In this experiment, we're collaborating towards a common goal. It involves more complexity than merely interacting with the electronic components."
"It's crucial to grasp the trajectory and scrutinize the information; it's a significant task."
"Regrettably, Jorge can't make it to ride. That's why I'm stepping in to ride instead."
Savadori has also not had the chance to improve the Aprilia's performance across varying temperature conditions.
"Truthfully, I haven't found the opportunity to test it out," he mentioned.
"For Aprilia, the initial test spanned over three days! I evaluated the motorcycle to ensure everything was functioning properly.
"I couldn't explore every option. Perhaps in this experiment, we'll give it a shot."
Comments made by Peter McLaren in Sepang
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Sauber to Auction Off Historic 2025 F1 Launch Car: A Unique Opportunity for Collectors
Sauber plans to sell the display car used for unveiling their 2025 Formula 1 livery at an auction.
Sauber plans to auction the car used to reveal their 2025 F1 design.
A fortunate collector will have the opportunity to purchase the vehicle showcased at Formula 1's season kickoff on Tuesday, February 18, through a special online auction organized by F1 Authentics.
The vehicle will be up for auction on F1 Authentics' enhanced platform, marking one of the initial listings available on this new system. The bidding process will commence on February 11, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to make offers ahead of the event.
A Sauber display vehicle will be featured. Each of the 10 Formula 1 teams is set to unveil their 2025 car designs at an unprecedented event marking the 75th anniversary of the world championship.
Barry Gough, the CEO and founder of Memento Exclusives, expressed pride in the ongoing enhancement of their collaboration with the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber, a relationship that has been established over several years.
This car auction gives enthusiasts and collectors an opportunity to acquire a true historical artifact, which will be showcased at the first-ever event at the O2 Arena. For the first time, all ten teams are revealing their liveries together in one location, making it a privilege to have one of the cars included in the display.
Stefano Battiston, the Chief Commercial Officer of Sauber, expressed excitement about giving enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece of Formula One history. He described the partnership with Memento Exclusives as a remarkable journey, highlighting their dedication to detail in crafting a car that captures the essence of precision and skill synonymous with Formula One.
"We are thrilled to introduce this unique auction via F1 Authentics, offering collectors a special opportunity to engage with the essence of our sport. We anticipate revealing this car and our new design at the O2 Arena, signaling the start of an exciting new season for the team."
What is the team's schedule for the launch? Williams has organized a launch event at Silverstone on February 14, where they will showcase their 2025 car featuring a unique, special-edition livery for the first time.
Haas is scheduled to perform a preliminary run of their 2025 car at the British Grand Prix track two days later.
After the official launch event for the F1 season in London, Ferrari is set to unveil their SF-25 and perform a shakedown at Fiorano on February 19.
Aston Martin will hold a virtual unveiling on February 23, which is one day ahead of Mercedes' similar event.
McLaren, Alpine, and Sauber have not yet announced their plans for their launch events.
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