Flavio Briatore clarifies his stance on why acquiring Carlos Sainz was illogical for Alpine

"Securing a driver of Carlos's caliber for merely one or two seasons is illogical."

Flavio Briatore disclosed that Alpine was not keen on recruiting Carlos Sainz for the 2025 Formula 1 season due to his reluctance to make a prolonged commitment.

Following Ferrari's acquisition of Lewis Hamilton, Sainz found himself without a team for the upcoming season.

In the end, he had three choices available.

Rumors had persistently connected Audi/Sauber with Sainz, largely due to their relationship with his dad.

Sainz chose Williams over Alpine, swayed by James Vowles' management of the Grove team.

Suggestions emerged that Williams' more appealing contract conditions, possibly enabling Sainz to transition to a leading team, presented a more attractive choice compared to Alpine, which sought extended commitment.

Briatore revealed that Alpine was interested in securing Sainz for a four-year deal.

He conveyed to the German outlet AMuS, “I had a conversation with Sainz. He caught our interest, but it was merely for a four-year duration. Opting for a driver of Carlos’s caliber for just one or two years would not be logical.

"He's either committed to our plan or he's not. There's no point in having an expensive driver who's eyeing a move to a different team the moment a chance presents itself."

A shift in generations in Formula 1

Both Red Bull and Mercedes bypassed Sainz.

Red Bull is expected to select Liam Lawson to partner with Max Verstappen for the upcoming season, whereas Mercedes has elevated 18-year-old prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take over for Hamilton.

Briatore thinks it's "moment for a shift in generations."

"Briatore emphasized that the moment has arrived for a new generation to take over."

"Sainz is an excellent driver. However, when he was available, none of the leading teams signed him."

"They opt to concentrate on emerging talents behind the wheel. Toto Wolff has his sights on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Christian Horner is keeping an eye on Liam Lawson."

Newer drivers possess a greater ambition compared to someone who already has a family with two kids and a substantial financial security of 30 or 40 million in their account.

"According to Enzo Ferrari, becoming a parent often leads drivers to reduce their speed."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Connor, with his keen insight into F1's debates and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing any part of the text, photos, or images in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Red Bull outlines primary improvement target for their 2025 Formula 1 vehicle, the RB21.

Red Bull has disclosed the primary aspect they are concentrating on with their Formula 1 vehicle for the 2025 racing season.

Max Verstappen secured victory in nine Grand Prix races, contributing to his achievement of a fourth straight drivers' world championship. However, Red Bull dropped to third position in the constructors' championship, trailing behind both McLaren and Ferrari.

Despite a strong beginning to the season, with Verstappen securing seven victories in the first 10 races, Red Bull faced challenges in maintaining performance and consistency with their RB20 contender as the season progressed.

Verstappen notably struggled with an uneven car handling, which also contributed to Sergio Perez's diminishing assurance during his unfortunate performance streak.

Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for Red Bull, has stated that the team is focusing on making their RB21 2025 model more versatile in terms of its operational range.

Rather than solely concentrating on increasing downforce and, as a result, reducing lap times, attention is being shifted towards enhancing the balance of the car.

"Marko outlined the necessary actions in his usual column for Speedweek."

"This vehicle requires a broader operational range to ensure it remains stable despite minor temperature variations or small technical adjustments."

"Our engineers are focused on this specific goal. While achieving an additional forty points of downforce is beneficial, it's the reduction of four tenths of a second on the timing that really captures the attention of both me and the drivers."

"The control needs to be consistent for the driver to foster the required trust."

Red Bull foresees a more competitive struggle in 2025

Following their inability to retain their team championship in 2024, Red Bull predicts a tighter contest with their competitors in the upcoming year.

McLaren just managed to secure the constructors' title last season, edging out Ferrari, while Mercedes demonstrated moments of promising competitive form, clinching multiple race victories.

"Marko expressed confidence that the competition at the top will be tight next year, which is typical in the final year of a regulatory cycle. He added that the competitors will be more closely matched."

"In Formula 1, it's a standard approach to replicate winning designs. Moreover, as the rules stay consistent over time, the vehicles tend to resemble each other more closely. This naturally leads to a higher standard of performance."

"We're committed to putting in maximum effort once more in the upcoming year. Expect some alterations within our squad due to a few members leaving.

"We are in a strong position, and I have confidence that our team has the ability to provide Max with a vehicle that will empower him to compete for the world championship once more."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racetrack straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He usually reports directly from the event locations, sharing insights into the lives and narratives of key figures in the sport.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates on Formula 1, including exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

The complete or partial copying of text, images, or illustrations is strictly prohibited in any format.

Site Map

Collision.Net

Lorenzo Savadori has signed a new agreement to continue his position as a test rider for Aprilia in MotoGP. The company has officially announced that Savadori will remain in his role.

Lorenzo Savadori has agreed to continue his role as the official MotoGP test rider for Aprilia for a minimum of two more years after signing a fresh contract with the Noale-based company.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Savadori will continue in his position until at least the conclusion of 2026. This will mark his seventh year as a test rider and coincide with the final year of the existing 1,000cc MotoGP regulations.

Savadori expressed his delight at extending his journey with Aprilia Racing for another two seasons, stating that he is thrilled to keep working with the team.

"In the past few years, our performance has been remarkable, and I am confident that we will keep getting better and better."

"Our expansion has been steady and methodical, driven by a clear objective that remains our priority: helping the RS-GP reach the pinnacle of MotoGP."

The head of Aprilia Racing, Massimo Rivola, emphasized the significance of Savadori's position as a test rider for Aprilia this year. This comes as the Italian manufacturer introduces two fresh competitors: Marco Bezzecchi and the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin. Rivola also announced that Savadori will compete in select Grands Prix as a wildcard entry in 2025.

Aprilia Racing is pleased to announce that it will maintain its collaboration with Lorenzo Savadori. Savadori has been a crucial part of the team, contributing significantly to the remarkable progress achieved in recent years, alongside the test team, according to Rivola.

The term "Sava" symbolizes ongoing progress, which is crucial for collaborating with a highly reliable test rider. This is particularly important in a pivotal year when two new riders are set to become part of the factory team.

"He'll serve as a significant asset during several Grand Prix events, where he will still make appearances as a wildcard, testing out innovative solutions."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent news, unique content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

Copying or reproducing the text, images, or artwork, either entirely or in part, is prohibited in every manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Augusto Fernandez has secured a contract for 2025 following his departure from KTM's MotoGP team. He will now serve as a test rider for Yamaha’s MotoGP initiative.

Augusto Fernandez has been officially announced as a test rider for the Yamaha MotoGP team.

Earlier this year, Fernandez's stint as a full-time MotoGP racer concluded after two years when KTM and the Tech3 team decided to part ways with him at the conclusion of the 2024 season. He is now set to become part of Yamaha's official MotoGP test team alongside Cal Crutchlow.

The racer from Spain managed to secure a top finish of fourth place during his two-year stint in the MotoGP series, with this achievement occurring at the 2023 French Grand Prix. In 2024, the transition to KTM's carbon frame proved challenging for the Spaniard, hindering further progress during his initial year in the top category. However, due to Yamaha's current concessions status, he will have the opportunity to participate in as many as six wildcard races in 2025.

"I am thrilled and extremely excited to become a test rider for Yamaha in 2025," stated Fernandez.

"Being included in the Yamaha team is a significant privilege, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this possible."

"In this exciting venture, I am committed to putting in my utmost effort to return Yamaha to their rightful position."

Yamaha Racing's Managing Director, Lin Jarvis, shared that Fernandez is set to be the main substitute rider for Yamaha in the 2025 season. This means if any of their four riders are unable to compete due to injury, Fernandez will step in. Furthermore, it is suggested that Fernandez will participate in all six of Yamaha's wildcard races.

Yamaha is focusing on bike development in order to quickly get back to their winning form, according to Jarvis.

"We have brought on Augusto as our second Yamaha Test Rider to work alongside Cal Crutchlow. Cal was unfortunately unable to handle all his testing responsibilities in 2024, making it clear that we needed to hire an additional rider to help complete all the necessary tasks for 2025."

"We are confident that Augusto will integrate well with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team and the YZR-M1 motorcycle. As a young and speedy rider, Augusto has the opportunity to work with Cal and master the unique techniques needed for a dedicated test rider role."

"Our present standing allows us to fully utilize the maximum capacity of the testing program. Beyond the tests, we plan to engage in as many as six wild-card races. Additionally, Augusto will serve as the designated substitute rider if any of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team or Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders are unable to compete at any point during the 2025 season."

"The numerous chances to ride ought to help Augusto keep up his racing pace as he continues with the demanding testing duties."

Augusto has begun collaborating with us behind the scenes, and he will officially take part in his first test during the shakedown session in Sepang, scheduled for late January 2025.

"Currently, we are keeping a close eye on Cal's recovery from his arm problems earlier this year, and we are optimistic that he will be back soon to continue his testing responsibilities."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

Explore Further

Join Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP circuit straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Current Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Track of Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to copy or reproduce any part of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Carlos Sainz marks his departure from Ferrari with a unique lap on the circuit accompanied by his dad

A final farewell from Carlos Sainz to Ferrari

Carlos Sainz marked his departure from Ferrari by participating in a unique Formula 1 track event at Fiorano, where he drove alongside his dad.

On Tuesday, Sainz took the wheel of Ferrari's F1 car for the 2022 season, testing it out on Ferrari's private circuit in Italy.

The driver headed to Williams was racing alongside his father, Carlos Sainz Senior.

The duo took turns driving the Ferrari F1-75, the vehicle that secured the runner-up position in the 2022 Formula 1 constructors' championship.

Sainz bid his farewell to the team, as he is set to join Williams in 2025.

"Following in each other’s tracks! Thank you, Scuderia Ferrari," Sainz expressed on his Instagram, alongside a video showcasing him and his dad racing together at the Fiorano circuit.

Check out this Instagram post from Carlos Sainz (@carlossainz55)

Sainz departs from Ferrari with his reputation significantly improved.

While part of the squad, he clinched a Grand Prix victory at the 2022 British Grand Prix.

He stood out as the sole victor from a team other than Red Bull in the 2023 season, clinching victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In 2024, Sainz secured an additional two victories.

His victory in Australia was remarkable, especially since he had to skip the previous race because of appendicitis.

He experienced triumph, possibly for the last occasion in Formula 1, during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Despite his collaboration with Charles Leclerc, they were unable to secure the constructors' championship.

Ferrari came close but ended up 14 points short of McLaren.

Sainz initiates his journey with Williams

Last week, in Abu Dhabi's post-season test, Sainz experienced driving a Williams vehicle for the first time.

He clocked in with the day's second-quickest time, narrowly missing Leclerc's pace by just a little over a tenth.

Williams faces a busy winter ahead as they aim to recover from a disappointing ninth-place finish in the constructors' Championship.

The revival of Williams might not kickstart until 2026, as James Vowles is aiming for the team's resurgence to align with the introduction of new regulations.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers right from the racetrack, delivered straight

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Connor, with his keen insight into F1's disputes and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Mailing List

Receive up-to-date Formula 1 news, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether entirely or partially, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Website Directory

Smash.Net

Monfardini Withdraws from Sprint Event

Following Durango's disqualification, the GP2 lineup at Silverstone will drop to 23 participants as Ferdinando Monfardini will not compete. He was not given clearance to race after suffering a significant crash in the main event.

The Italian driver was set to earn additional points for the DAMS team, but he lost control of his vehicle, crashed into the wall, severely damaged his car, and ended up hospitalized.

Even though Monfardini did not suffer any major injuries, he was kept in the hospital overnight as a precaution. It was also recommended that he withdraw from the competition.

Following Durango's omission, the GP2 lineup at the Silverstone sprint race will shrink to 23 drivers. This change comes after Ferdinando Monfardini was not permitted to compete due to a serious accident he suffered during the feature race.

The Italian driver was on track to earn additional points for the DAMS team, but he lost command of his vehicle, crashed into the wall with significant force, wrecking his car and resulting in his hospitalization.

Despite not sustaining any major injuries, Monfardini was held overnight as a precautionary measure, and it was recommended that he withdraw from the competition.

Franck Perera, who is part of the team, will start from the back row of the grid in 22nd position, driving the only car for DAMS.

Explore Further

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to fully or partially replicate text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Monfardini Withdraws from Sprint Race

Following Durango's disqualification, the GP2 lineup will have only 23 competitors for the Silverstone sprint race. This change comes after Ferdinando Monfardini was not given the green light to participate due to his significant collision in the feature race.

An Italian driver was poised to earn additional points for the DAMS team when he lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a severe collision with the wall. This crash not only wrecked his car but also led to his hospitalization.

Even though Monfardini came away without any major harm, he was kept under observation overnight as a precaution. It was recommended that he withdraw from the competition.

Following Durango's exclusion, the GP2 lineup will decrease to 23 racers for the Silverstone sprint event, as Ferdinando Monfardini was not permitted to compete due to his severe crash in the main race.

The Italian driver was set to earn additional points for the DAMS team, but he lost control of his vehicle, crashed into the wall with significant force, wrecked his car, and ended up in the hospital.

Despite not sustaining any major injuries, Monfardini was held for observation overnight as a precautionary measure, with recommendations made for him to withdraw from the competition.

Franck Perera, a fellow team member, will take his position in the only DAMS vehicle at the rear of the starting grid, occupying the 22nd spot.

Explore Further

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Informed with Crash MotoGP

It is forbidden to completely or partially copy any text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Layout

Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton's choice to switch from Mercedes to Ferrari is seen as "a strategic gamble"

"I believe he does, but it's a strategic gamble. It paid off once. Let's wait and see if it repeats."

Former Formula 1 racer Karun Chandhok is of the opinion that Lewis Hamilton's choice to switch from Mercedes to Ferrari represents a “thoughtful gamble,” yet it's a strategy that has “paid off” in the past.

Prior to the 2024 season, it was revealed that Hamilton made a monumental move to Ferrari.

Hamilton dedicated a dozen years to Mercedes, securing six out of his seven championships with the team.

The individual who has clinched the world championship title seven times is expected to conclude his Formula 1 journey with the Scuderia team.

Hamilton has made a shocking decision for the second time in his Formula 1 career.

In late 2012, Hamilton made the switch from McLaren, who were in the running for the championship, to Mercedes, a team then considered to be in the middle of the pack.

Evaluating his choice to depart from Mercedes after a challenging last year with the squad, Chandhok shared on the Sky F1 podcast, "I believe it was a gamble since how could you possibly know the strategies of the competitors? He would naturally have an instinct about the happenings at Mercedes.

"He has mentioned that individuals may not be paying close attention to his words or fully embracing his ideas on the future direction of the vehicles."

"Looking back, he mentioned earlier in the year that he had been having discussions that perhaps led him to seek out others who might be more receptive to what he had to say."

"It paid off previously"

Hamilton's previous shift to a different F1 team exceeded all expectations.

Right away, Mercedes surpassed McLaren in terms of performance.

Following Hamilton's exit, it wasn't until this year that McLaren reclaimed a leading position in Formula 1, surpassing Mercedes in the constructors' standings.

Chandhok observes similarities to Hamilton's choice to depart from McLaren, a move that faced significant scrutiny initially.

"He mentioned revisiting several interviews conducted by you [Ted Kravitz, who was also a guest on the podcast] and Martin towards the close of 2012, featuring individuals such as Niki Lauda discussing Lewis's move to Mercedes."

"Even that decision was somewhat of a gamble. He simply sought a new setting, aiming to move away from McLaren and venture elsewhere."

"He likely does, yet it involves a deliberate gamble. It succeeded previously. We'll observe if it repeats."

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 updates, unique stories, conversations, and special offers straight from the circuit to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Keenly attuned to the dramas and narratives within Formula 1, Connor is the core of our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest F1 updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Recreating the entirety or a portion of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Website Directory

Crash.Net

Buemi to Replace Ammermuller Again

Sebastien Buemi is set to fill in for Michael Ammermuller once more in the upcoming GP2 Series race at the Nurburgring, offering him another opportunity to make a mark in the series.

Formula 3 Euroseries standout Buemi made a remarkable first appearance in GP2 at the Monaco race. Despite having limited experience with the car, he amazed spectators by securing a fourth-place position in qualifying and finishing the race in seventh place.

When ART Grand Prix and Red Bull determined that Ammermuller's wrist injury continued to affect his performance this season, they found Buemi to be the clear candidate to take his place.

Sebastien Buemi is set to have another opportunity to showcase his skills to the GP2 Series community as he fills in for Michael Ammermuller once more during the upcoming championship round at the Nurburgring.

Formula 3 Euroseries standout Buemi had an impressive GP2 debut at Monaco, surprising many by securing the fourth position in qualifying and finishing in seventh place, despite having limited experience with the car.

Consequently, when ART Grand Prix and Red Bull concurred that Ammermuller was still impeded by his persistent wrist injury this season, Buemi emerged as the clear candidate to step in.

While Ammermuller will miss out on racing in front of his local fans, Buemi will have another shot to showcase his skills at the Nurburgring circuit. He knows the track well from his days competing in Formula 3.

Discover Additional Content

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to duplicate any portion or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Kimi Antonelli is under scrutiny to prove himself from the get-go at Mercedes | “No more excuses”

The spotlight is on Kimi Antonelli to showcase his talent starting with his debut race for Mercedes

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has cautioned Andrea Kimi Antonelli that despite Mercedes potentially not competing for the championship in 2025, performance expectations for him remain high.

Antonelli is set to enter his first Formula 1 race with Mercedes, taking over from Lewis Hamilton.

The young talent from Italy, frequently hailed as Mercedes' prodigy, is considered by many to be a possible successor to Max Verstappen.

Antonelli confronts the formidable task of succeeding a seven-time world champion within the elite ranks of Mercedes.

Mercedes might opt to concentrate on the year 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new regulations, thereby reducing the burden on Antonelli during his debut season.

Nonetheless, Chandhok is of the opinion that he must deliver results right away, no matter how competitive Mercedes might be.

"Absolutely not. In my view, it doesn't matter if you're with the team that came last in the championship or the one leading the pack. Being a newcomer in F1 means you're fully exposed," Chandhok remarked on the Sky F1 podcast.

Kimi Antonelli is entering the racing scene as a newcomer, yet joining a leading team sets high expectations for his performance, similar to Lewis's debut with McLaren, where he swiftly secured nine podium finishes. Likewise, Oscar Piastri has demonstrated remarkable skill over the past two years.

"Newcomers face substantial pressure to perform. Merely claiming, 'I'm here to gain experience,' doesn't cut it anymore, especially after the emergence of drivers like Verstappen, Leclerc, Russell, and previously Lewis. These young talents have significantly elevated the standard of what's expected from rookies."

Newcomers revamp the Formula 1 lineup for 2025

Antonelli isn't the sole newcomer stepping into the F1 circuit in 2025.

Oliver Bearman is set to join the Haas team as a full-time driver, partnering with Esteban Ocon.

Jack Doohan steps in for Ocon at Alpine, as Gabriel Bortoleto secures a position over Valtteri Bottas at Sauber.

Isack Hadjar might be added to the list if Red Bull opts to elevate Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, thereby possibly freeing a spot at VCARB.

With numerous newcomers entering the scene, it appears that drivers such as Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, and possibly Sergio Perez might not secure a spot on next year's racing lineup.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest Formula 1 updates, special content, conversations, and offers straight from the track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Connor, with his keen insight into F1's disputes and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

Discover More

Sign Up for Our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether in full or in part, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly forbidden in any manner.

Website Directory

Smash.Net

QI-Meritus is set to compete in Asia once more. After a strong debut in last season's championship, the QI-Meritus team is gearing up to participate in the forthcoming GP2 Asia Series.

A team from Malaysia took on the last available spot, which was the 13th entry, in the GP2 Asia series for the first season last year. This occurred after Racing Engineering, a usual participant, decided not to join the competition.

As the reigning GP2 Series Champions have opted not to participate in this year's competition, QI-Meritus will replace them by entering two new drivers.

The QI-Meritus team is set to participate again in the forthcoming GP2 Asia Series after their triumphant debut in the competition last season.

The team from Malaysia took over the 13th and last spot in the GP2 Asia series for the first season last year when Racing Engineering, a usual participant, declared they would not be joining the competition.

As the reigning champions of the GP2 Series have opted not to participate in this year's competition, QI-Meritus has decided to fill their spot by introducing a new pair of drivers.

Despite being new to the GP2 series, QI-Meritus, a team typically competing in Formula Renault V6 Asia, managed to make a strong impression with their skilled drivers, Luca Filippi and Hiroki Yoshimoto.

The team ended the season ranked ninth overall, achieving their highest placement with a fourth position. However, Filippi was disqualified from a race he initially won due to a minor mistake involving the tires.

The GP2 Asia Series is set to kick off in Shanghai on October 18th and 19th, serving as a secondary event for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Explore Further

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to entirely or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any way.

Site Map

Crash.Net

De Jong avoids major injury after terrifying GP2 accident

Daniël de Jong is reported to be awake and communicating after his frightening crash at Spa-Francorchamps during the GP2 feature race on Saturday afternoon.

The driver from MP Motorsports attempted to overtake Pierre Gasly from the DAMS team during the initial stages of the race on the fast approach to Blanchiment, leading to a collision where their wheels touched.

The front of De Jong's vehicle was momentarily elevated, leading to a loss of control that caused a direct collision with the tire barrier. The car's front end became deeply embedded in the barrier, and it took a while to safely remove De Jong from the car.

A 23-year-old driver from the Netherlands was carried on a stretcher to an ambulance, which then transported him by helicopter to a hospital in Liège for a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Additional details will be provided in the future, and this article will be revised as new information emerges.

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or drawings, whether in whole or in part, in any format.

Site Map

Crash.Net