Alex Albon encounters a crucial trial against Carlos Sainz

Alex Albon meets his most significant test in F1 since competing with Max Verstappen, according to Lewis Larkam.

Williams enters the 2025 Formula 1 season with its most formidable pair of drivers in recent memory.

Securing Carlos Sainz's autograph following his replacement at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton marked a significant triumph for Williams, especially considering their status as one of the underdogs in Formula 1.

Williams outperformed competitors such as Alpine and Sauber to secure the 30-year-old Spanish driver, who will join forces with Alex Albon. This move equips the team based in Grove with a strong duo of drivers, marking them as one of the top pairings in the competition.

This will present Albon, aged 28, with his most challenging challenge to date at Williams. For the first time since his stint with Red Bull, Albon will have a truly fast teammate in Sainz.

Up to this point, Albon has experienced a relatively smooth journey since rejoining the Formula 1 grid with Williams in 2022, following a challenging 18-month period with Red Bull where he struggled beside Max Verstappen.

Albon ascended to a position with Red Bull midway through the 2019 season, only to be let go after a challenging 2020 season where Verstappen managed to qualify ahead of him in every race.

Originally from Britain but racing under the Thai flag, he was relegated to the position of reserve driver for Red Bull in 2021, but managed to make a comeback as a primary driver for Williams in the next season

In the subsequent three years, Albon has managed to restore his standing and emerged as one of the most reliable competitors among the midfield drivers. His noteworthy achievements have sparked speculations about a possible comeback to Red Bull.

Albon effortlessly surpassed Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant, and for the most part outperformed F1 newcomer Franco Colapinto while they were teammates for a short period at the tail end of 2024.

Up to this point, Colapinto has emerged as Albon's closest competitor within the Williams team, managing to qualify ahead of his seasoned teammate in both Baku and Austin. However, he has only managed to surpass Albon in terms of race pace on a single occasion.

However, following a tenure as Williams' uncontested top driver, Albon's standing may now be at risk.

Facing Sainz, who has clinched victory in four grand prix races, Albon acknowledges the need to elevate his performance. This competition marks his most significant challenge since competing against Verstappen five years earlier.

Given his competitive performance against Charles Leclerc during their four years together at Ferrari, it's anticipated that Sainz will outperform Albon and take over as the unofficial leading driver for Williams.

James Vowles, the principal of the Williams team, has quickly taken note of Sainz's impressive work ethic and his seamless adaptation to the team dynamics.

"From the instant he got into the vehicle in Abu Dhabi, it was evident his focus had shifted. This is his desired place and pursuit, contributing to our triumphs. He's seamlessly integrating," Vowles shared with Autosport recently.

He's an exceptional individual who not only carries a legacy of victories with him but also harbors a strong ambition and passion for Williams to achieve success.

His input, along with Alex's, is crucial in propelling the team ahead, especially now that we've reached a stage where the focus has shifted to refining minute details in pursuit of milliseconds, rather than tackling the major tasks we used to.

"In just a matter of weeks, there's been a significant surge of optimism stemming from new ideas and concepts, showing us ways we can evolve and progress."

It seems like Albon's career might head in one of two possible directions.

Should Albon equal Sainz in terms of pace and driving skill, his reputation will undoubtedly improve, solidifying his status as a top-tier driver.

Conversely, if he faces a decisive defeat, the reputation he painstakingly rebuilt could quickly crumble.

Recent campaigns have highlighted that both Albon and Sainz are among the most undervalued drivers in Formula 1.

In the broader scheme of things, Williams is focused on advancing their position on the grid before the major F1 rule changes set for 2026. However, the competition between Albon and Sainz is shaping up to be a fascinating secondary story in 2025.

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Uncovered: Ferrari's pivotal design choice for Lewis Hamilton's vehicle

Insight surfaces on significant detail of Lewis Hamilton's SF-25

According to sources, Ferrari plans to modify the front suspension setup of their upcoming 2025 Formula 1 vehicle, which will be Lewis Hamilton's debut model with the squad.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, an Italian news outlet, the SF-25 will showcase a redesigned front pull-rod suspension system. This modification, aimed at enhancing aerodynamics, comes under the guidance of Loic Serra, the new technical director for chassis.

Ferrari is altering its design to enhance the energy exerted on the tires, aiming to improve its peak performance during a single lap, addressing a flaw observed in the SF-24 model.

There are expectations that both wear and tear on tires and slippage could be minimized, in addition to benefits related to packaging and aerodynamics.

Ferrari plans adjustments to Lewis Hamilton's vehicle

According to a report from La Gazzetta, Ferrari's 2025 contender will feature "additional advancements in the floor area and the belly design" to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

Should it be officially approved, Ferrari is set to align with Red Bull, McLaren, RB, and Sauber in adopting pull-rod front suspension systems, diverging from the alternative push-rod setup preferred by the remainder of the teams.

Technical collaborator Haas has chosen not to adopt Ferrari's latest front suspension model, opting instead to stick with the pushrod variant for the 2024 season.

Addressing the media in December, Fred Vasseur, the team principal for Ferrari, disclosed that their 2025 vehicle will carry over "less than one percent" of the components from its prior model.

"Often, it's not until later that you recognize the risks you've been taking," Vasseur noted.

"The vehicle is undergoing a total overhaul; I believe fewer than 1% of components will be shared with the 2024 model. This represents a new direction, yet it's a situation that all parties are facing."

Ferrari is optimistic that the SF-25 will propel the squad to its first F1 world championship victory since 2008.

Last season, the Scuderia team missed out on the constructors' championship by a margin of 14 points, as McLaren edged them out to claim the title.

Ferrari's lineup has been significantly enhanced with the addition of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, who will be teaming up with Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton is aiming for his groundbreaking move from Mercedes to Formula 1's most iconic team to assist him in achieving an unprecedented eighth world championship title.

The unveiling of the SF-25 is scheduled for February 19, where it's anticipated that Hamilton and Leclerc will perform the first brief test drive at Fiorano immediately following the reveal.

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Sebastian Vettel cautioned against a return to Formula 1, issuing a warning deemed "unrealistic."

“However, the reality is, the timing clock is unforgiving, and by the end of his tenure, his lap speeds just weren’t up to par.”

David Coulthard thinks that Sebastian Vettel would be engaging in a fantasy if he contemplates making a comeback to F1.

Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the close of 2022 after two disappointing seasons with Aston Martin.

The German racer transitioned to Aston Martin following Ferrari's decision to replace him with Carlos Sainz.

Nonetheless, his drive diminished as a result of his unsuccessful attempts in racing green, culminating in his decision to retire.

The possibility of coming back to F1 has been suggested multiple times, despite Vettel affirming his contentment outside of the sport.

Vettel is rumored to be considering a comeback with Audi, and there have also been speculations about him potentially stepping in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

In a conversation with Lucas Stewart on his YouTube platform, Coulthard provided a passionate answer to an inquiry regarding the potential comeback of Vettel to F1.

"Coulthard exclaimed, "No! He's only faster in his own make-believe world if he believes that taking a few years off will increase his speed."

"However, the truth is undeniable as the stopwatch confirms, and his performance in terms of lap times towards the end of his career simply wasn't up to par."

Is a Vettel Comeback to F1 Possible?

Vettel, a distinguished F1 competitor, boasts an impressive record with four global championships and more than 50 wins.

His standing was negatively impacted in his last two seasons with Ferrari, where he was partnered with Charles Leclerc.

In the end, he departed from the squad when they brought in Sainz as his replacement.

Despite showcasing moments of excellence with Aston Martin, highlighted by a podium finish in Azerbaijan in 2021, his edge over Lance Stroll did not stand out markedly, particularly when juxtaposed with Fernando Alonso's performance over the previous two seasons.

Conversing with Sky F1 previously, Vettel discussed the possibility of his return, stating, "In a sense, yes, since I'm currently without a team. However, the real question is whether I'm actively seeking one. That really hinges on what's being offered."

"I stepped away from Formula 1 with no plans to return, yet I did mention that nothing is certain. So, I believe that sentiment remains true."

"He mentioned, 'Life's direction is unpredictable,' implying that it might lead him back to driving or perhaps not."

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Bernie Collins reveals her top prediction for the 2025 F1 championship: "It must be…"

Bernie Collins forecasts the winners of both the drivers' and constructors' championships for the 2025 F1 season.

Former Formula 1 strategist Bernie Collins is firmly convinced that Lando Norris and the McLaren team are the top contenders for this year's world championship.

In the previous year, McLaren clinched their initial Formula 1 team championship since 1998, outpacing Ferrari by a narrow margin of 14 points.

The in-season improvements to their car played a key role in the Woking-based team's climb up the rankings, after initially trailing behind Red Bull and Ferrari.

Given the stability in F1's technical rules through the off-season, it's broadly anticipated that McLaren will kick off the 2025 season as the leading team.

Norris secured a victory at the final Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of the season, starting from the front and finishing ahead of both Ferraris.

During her appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Collins shared her initial forecasts for the upcoming F1 season when prompted.

The F1 analyst from Sky Sports is supporting Norris and the McLaren team to clinch the championships in 2025.

"Collins believes that McLaren is the team to watch. Considering their performance at the end of the previous season, they're positioned as the top contenders once more.

"I believe that's the case for both of them. Heading into this, they ought to have quite a bit of confidence."

In response to a question about the drivers' championship, she said, "I believe it should be Lando, considering his performance at the end of the previous year."

Is it possible for Norris to outperform Verstappen in 2025?

As we approach 2025, the looming question is if Norris has what it takes to surpass Max Verstappen for the championship title this year.

In 2024, Verstappen surged ahead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship, claiming victory in seven out of the first 10 competitions.

Yet, McLaren failed to leverage their car's superior capabilities.

Their victories in Canada and Britain were squandered because of flawed tactics, and Norris found himself regretting his inferior racing skills compared to his teammate Oscar Piastri during the events in Hungary and Italy.

Norris concluded the year on a high note, notably surpassing Piastri in performance.

The UK racer impressively took control of both the Dutch and Singapore Grand Prix, and managed to hold off strong competition in Abu Dhabi, securing the constructors' championship for McLaren.

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Valtteri Bottas expresses curiosity over Lewis Hamilton's partnership with Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Valtteri Bottas believes Lewis Hamilton will be extremely driven after his switch to Ferrari, expressing his eagerness to witness how his ex-teammate will perform alongside Charles Leclerc.

The shift of the 40-year-old driver from Mercedes to Ferrari has become the primary focus as the 2025 F1 season approaches.

Hamilton's initial period with Ferrari has captured the media's attention, highlighted by a photo taken outside Enzo Ferrari’s former residence, which set a new record for the highest number of likes on Instagram for an F1-themed post.

The seven-time world champion has also taken to the track with his new squad, conducting tests at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit followed by two sessions in Barcelona.

Hamilton is eager to correct the mistakes of the previous year after facing challenges in his last season with Mercedes.

Despite securing victories in two races, Hamilton found himself decisively outperformed by George Russell in 2024.

Bottas, having shared the Mercedes team with Hamilton from 2017 through 2021, thinks that a shift in the team's atmosphere could serve as a positive catalyst for improvement.

"Bottas expressed to Sky Sports his belief that he's extremely driven for the year."

"This presents a novel and invigorating challenge for him. It could potentially be a positive motivator, but I'm eager to observe how he interacts with Charles."

Hamilton gears up for Ferrari unveiling

As the pre-season trials conclude, Hamilton eagerly anticipates the debut of Ferrari's 2025 model in the coming week.

The SF-25 is set for launch on February 19, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc scheduled to take it for its inaugural drive on the same day.

This offers both drivers an initial understanding of the new vehicle before the pre-season trials at Bahrain International Circuit.

In a departure from the norm of the past few years, the opening race of the season is set to be held at Melbourne's Albert Park

Historically, Melbourne has proven to be a favorable circuit for Hamilton, securing the top starting position eight times and achieving podium placements on 10 occasions.

Ferrari has emerged victorious in four out of the six most recent races held in Australia.

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Eddie Jordan announces significant venture into a different sport

Renowned former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has played a crucial role in rescuing the London Irish Rugby Club.

A group supported by ex-Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan has finalized a deal to save the London Irish Rugby Club.

London Irish found themselves compelled to go into administration and faced a suspension from all rugby activities due to outstanding salaries. The punishment came as a result of their failure to meet a payment deadline or finalize a takeover.

They have been prohibited from participating in the Premiership and are currently barred from competing in any rugby league.

However, the consortium spearheaded by F1 icon and Irish entrepreneur Jordan has successfully acquired the team, pulling it out of administration.

Jordan's team, known as 'The Jordan Associates,' claims they aim for a quick comeback to competition.

"The main objective of the new owners is to elevate London Irish Rugby Club back to the forefront of global professional club rugby, with a focus on quickly ascending to the top-tier competitions," it stated.

The team at Jordan Associates is shifting its focus towards facilitating a complete and enduring comeback for London Irish in competitive rugby, working closely alongside the fan base of London Irish.

Kyle Jordan, a senior partner at Jordan Associates and the youngest son of Eddie, expressed immense enthusiasm about guiding London Irish to unprecedented success.

"Our backers provide more than just monetary support; they possess a deep-seated enthusiasm for rugby and a dedication to community engagement, especially aiming to connect with Irish people around the world to strengthen the identity of the exile brand."

The Formula 1 team known as Jordan Grand Prix, named after its founder, participated in the sport from 1991 to 2005, securing four race victories during that period.

In December, the 76-year-old disclosed he was fighting a particularly aggressive type of bladder and prostate cancer that had metastasized to his spine and pelvis.

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Allegation suggests significant choice regarding Jack Doohan 'already concluded'

Does Jack Doohan's future in F1 appear bleak? A victorious F1 driver believes that might be the case.

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is of the opinion that the Alpine team has made up its mind to swap Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto.

Expectations are quickly escalating for F1 newcomer Doohan to secure his position even before his inaugural full season kicks off, especially after Alpine chose Colapinto as a backup driver for the 2025 season.

There are hints that if Doohan doesn't deliver strong performances in the early races of the upcoming season, Colapinto, who made a notable impression as an unexpected substitute for Williams towards the close of 2024, might take over his position.

Flavio Briatore, serving as the executive advisor for Alpine's Formula 1 team, confirmed that Doohan will begin the season partnered with Pierre Gasly. However, he also mentioned that the team is open to the possibility of altering their driver lineup during the course of 2025.

Montoya is among the individuals who believe the exchange is unavoidable.

"Montoya conveyed to AS Colombia that the challenging aspect regarding Doohan is that it appears the decision has already been made when observed from an outsider's perspective. He believes it's likely to occur."

"I believe Formula 1 recognized the significance of Colapinto's fanbase and is already providing support behind the scenes to foster its growth."

"That's really fascinating! Our conversation touched on the chances available at Alpine, discussing the racers within their academy, as well as those competing in F2 and F3 – all of whom are exceptionally talented drivers!"

Franco, who was part of the Williams Academy, has unexpectedly received an opportunity to compete in races. As a result, none of the current Formula 2 drivers will secure the spot, leaving Franco as the chosen one for the seat.

In his first Formula 1 race during the final event of the previous season in Abu Dhabi, Doohan secured the 15th position, stepping in for Esteban Ocon who left his spot earlier than planned to join Haas.

Alpine team leader Oliver Oakes has emphasized that Doohan will receive a genuine opportunity to showcase his talent during his first Formula 1 season.

Colapinto recently took to the track for the first time with Alpine in Barcelona, a fact made public through a video Briatore shared on his Instagram.

Colapinto and Doohan were given the opportunity to test drive Alpine's A523 model for the year 2023 during the team's TPC sessions.

Alpine did not disclose specific aspects of the trial, but it is probable that the French team evaluated Colapinto and Doohan's lap times against each other.

Colapinto is anticipated to be the primary candidate to replace Doohan should he underperform.

Alpine maintains their stance on not intending to change, yet Briatore shows no hesitation in making tough decisions.

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2025 Official Buriram MotoGP Testing Outcomes – Second Day (Thursday)

Recorded lap times as of 11 a.m. on Thursday, marking the second and concluding day of the 2025 Official Buriram MotoGP testing session.

Results by the hour…

Quickest time on the first day:

Marc Marquez, riding for Ducati, clocked a time of 1 minute and 29

Records from the Buriram MotoGP:

Fastest lap: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati with a time of 1 minute 28.700 seconds (2024)

Marco Bezzecchi set the quickest lap time in the race with a Ducati, clocking in at 1 minute 30.896 seconds in 2023.

On Thursday morning, the last day of MotoGP pre-season testing for 2025 kicked off at Buriram in Thailand.

Marc Marquez, who recently joined Ducati, led the field with a time 0.465 seconds quicker than his younger sibling Alex on the first day. Meanwhile, Ducati announced that it is considering continuing with the GP24 engine for the factory-spec GP25 models this season.

Alex has achieved the quickest times on the GP24 during the last two testing sessions held in Barcelona and Sepang. Today, he aims to complete a hat-trick of first-place finishes for Gresini in the winter tests.

On Wednesday, Franco Morbidelli from VR46 secured a spot in the all-Ducati top three, followed by Marco Bezzecchi representing Aprilia. KTM's Pedro Acosta, along with Luca Marini and Johann Zarco riding for Honda, also performed prominently.

Jack Miller led the Yamaha team by securing tenth place, as the Japanese manufacturer experienced a more modest beginning at Buriram following their strong performance at Sepang.

This week, Aprilia's current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio are missing due to injuries sustained at Sepang. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, who had to undergo surgery following an accident on the first day in Malaysia, has returned to compete for Trackhouse.

The testing sessions are scheduled from 10 AM to 6 PM. Following these tests, the next MotoGP event will be the opening practice for the Thai Grand Prix, which is set for February 28.

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Williams managed to upset Ferrari by outmaneuvering them for a significant F1 sponsorship deal.

Claire Williams has reminisced about an instance when Ferrari was notably upset for losing a significant sponsorship opportunity to their F1 competitor.

In 2014, Williams inked a long-term title sponsorship agreement with Martini, leading to a complete makeover of its car, which showcased Martini’s iconic white, blue, and red colors.

Ex-deputy team chief Williams has stated that her team outmaneuvered Ferrari in securing a deal because they were open to a total makeover of their car's paint scheme for Martini, a compromise the Scuderia was unwilling to make.

When Williams found out they had lost the deal, they disclosed that Ferrari had taken the step of sending a letter to Martini, stating that they would be ahead of the brand on the track in 2014.

In a surprising turn of events, Williams experienced their most successful Formula 1 season in over a decade, securing the third spot in the 2014 constructors' championship and surpassing Ferrari, which suffered through a challenging season without a single victory.

"Securing that contract made me incredibly proud, especially since Martini was on the verge of finalizing an agreement with Ferrari," Williams shared on the What It Takes With Olly Fawcett podcast.

"However, it seems they were seeking something beyond what Ferrari was willing to provide."

"The Ferrari design is iconic and not open to much alteration, whereas at Williams, we provided them with the complete design of our race car."

We suggested, "How about reintroducing the famously distinctive Martini stripes and applying them to our vehicle? See, we've already envisioned how it might appear – isn't it fantastic?"

Ultimately, the majority of enthusiasts concluded that the 2014 paint scheme was quite appealing, yet Ferrari was infuriated, believing we had hijacked their sponsorship.

"Ferrari sent a message to Martini, stating, 'Next season, you'll be behind us, as you're now backing Williams.'"

"Subsequently, Williams secured the third position in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind Mercedes and Red Bull Racing but notably surpassing Ferrari."

"Indeed, it crossed my mind: 'It wasn't just about securing the main sponsorship right before you; we outperformed you.'"

On Tuesday, it was announced by Williams that they have secured a landmark multi-year agreement with Atlassian, making them the primary sponsor for the 2025 F1 season.

Atlassian has emerged as Williams' premier title sponsor since 2020, marking the most significant agreement in the team's history.

"It brings me great pleasure to introduce Atlassian to Formula 1 and to announce their joining with us as Atlassian Williams Racing," expressed James Vowles, the team principal of Williams.

Securing a title partnership of such magnitude and importance marks a historic day in our team's distinguished history and represents a significant step forward in our transformation journey.

"We're implementing all the necessary elements to propel our team to the forefront of the grid, and with Atlassian as our partner, their technology and tools will play a crucial role in maximizing our overall potential by enhancing teamwork and collaboration throughout the entire organization."

"Our principles and goals are in perfect harmony, and I'm thrilled about our potential accomplishments as a team."

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Lando Norris counters the widespread opinions about Lewis Hamilton

Lando Norris shares his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Lando Norris has supported Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari, confessing that he "would likely make the same choice were he in his shoes."

The leading narrative entering the 2025 Formula One season revolves around Hamilton's inaugural season racing for Ferrari.

The sports world was taken by surprise when it was revealed on the cusp of the previous season that Ferrari had secured a deal with the seven-time world champion, Hamilton.

In 2025, Hamilton aims to set a new record by securing an unprecedented eighth championship with Ferrari.

To secure another championship, he would presumably need to overcome Norris and McLaren, the previous year's constructors' champions.

During an appearance on the ITV program This Morning, Norris discussed Hamilton's potential switch to Ferrari.

"Norris remarked that it's an impressive narrative for him to join Ferrari following all his accomplishments."

"This is an interesting move. Many individuals were of the opinion that it might not be the best course of action and so on."

If I found myself in his shoes, I likely would have made a similar choice. It seems impressive. He has quite the incredible tale to tell.

"He's definitely aiming to approach this with a renewed perspective, eager to prove to everyone that he still embodies the same Lewis Hamilton prowess he's demonstrated over numerous years. We'll just have to see how it unfolds."

Racing beside Hamilton was a privilege

Norris marked a significant milestone in 2024, securing his inaugural Formula 1 win at the Miami Grand Prix.

His consistent impressive displays played a pivotal role in McLaren securing their first constructors' championship in over a quarter of a century.

Norris leads the odds for securing the championship title this year, following McLaren's dominant performance as the top team in 2024.

Given that the technical rules for Formula 1 are set to stay consistent through the off-season, McLaren is expected to emerge as the leading contender at the outset of the season.

Considering Ferrari ended the year as McLaren's closest rival, Norris might find himself competing more closely with Hamilton on the circuit.

"When I'm racing, it really doesn't matter. Hamilton is a rival, and he's someone I aim to defeat," he further stated.

"When you're racing alongside someone, it's always the case. There are certain drivers you afford more space to, and then there are those with whom you know you can have a good race. Lewis is definitely among the latter."

"I'm eagerly looking forward to competing with him more throughout this year. Racing alongside someone of his caliber is truly a privilege. I'm thrilled about the opportunity and eager to demonstrate my capabilities. Similarly, he's determined to showcase his talent and will persist in competing and striving in Formula 1 until he retires."

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2025 Official Buriram MotoGP Test – Day 2: LIVE

Stay tuned for real-time coverage of the second and last day of the 2025 Official Buriram MotoGP test happening on Thursday.

Thursday morning kicked off the ultimate day of pre-season MotoGP testing for 2025 at the Buriram circuit in Thailand.

Marc Marquez, who recently joined the Ducati factory team, led the timesheets on the first day, finishing 0.465 seconds ahead of his younger brother, Alex Marquez. Meanwhile, Ducati announced that it is considering using the GP24 engine for its factory-spec GP25 motorcycles this season.

At the last two testing sessions in Barcelona and Sepang, Alex has consistently recorded the fastest times on the GP24. Today, he aims to secure another top position and complete a perfect series of winter P1s for the Gresini team.

On Wednesday, Franco Morbidelli of VR46 secured a spot in the all-Ducati top three, surpassing Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia, KTM’s Pedro Acosta, as well as Luca Marini and Johann Zarco who both ride for Honda.

Jack Miller emerged as the leading Yamaha rider in tenth place, as the Japanese manufacturer had a more subdued beginning at Buriram than its standout performance at Sepang.

Missing from this week's action are Aprilia's current MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin and VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, both sidelined due to injuries sustained at Sepang. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, who underwent surgery following a crash on the first day in Malaysia, has returned to compete for Trackhouse.

The testing sessions are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following this, the next MotoGP activity on the track will be the start of practice for the Thai Grand Prix, set to begin on February

Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia, who was the highest-placed rider not on a Ducati and finished fourth on the first day, is the initial racer to start a quick lap. Bezzecchi mentioned his aim to finalize decisions on new components by the conclusion of the first day and intended to concentrate on race weekend preparations today.

The signal is given and the testing session starts, with ten riders immediately taking to the track.

On the first day, Marc Marquez set a leading time of 1 minute and 29.184 seconds, placing him 0.465 seconds ahead of his brother, Alex Marquez.

Based on remarks from Marc Marquez and his teammate Francesco Bagnaia, it appears the factory team intends to continue using the GP24 engine this year. However, they still need to make a decision regarding the approval of the newest aerodynamic design.

We are currently only ten minutes from the beginning of the last day of MotoGP pre-season testing in Buriram.

Today is expected to be extremely warm, as the air temperature has already reached 25 degrees.

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Maverick Vinales discusses issues regarding his transition to KTM

The Spanish rider calls for patience following a disappointing first day of testing in Buriram.

Maverick Vinales has expressed confidence that he is not worried about his current standing in the pre-season MotoGP tests with KTM, and he anticipates that his adjustment to the bike will happen suddenly and effortlessly.

At the conclusion of the first day of the Buriram test, the factory KTM riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, secured positions within the top 10. Meanwhile, the Tech3 team, consisting of Enea Bastianini and Vinales, finished in 16th and 18th places.

On Wednesday, Bastianini informed the press that he is finding it difficult to adjust to the RC16 as he continues to handle it as if it were a Ducati.

Having spent three years riding an Aprilia, Vinales is now facing challenges as he adjusts to the unique characteristics of the KTM. Despite these difficulties, he remains confident that everything will fall into place with time.

He mentioned that it's important to have patience and trust in the development process.

"Eventually, it will happen suddenly, like a snap, so we must continue to focus on enhancing our skills and adjusting to the bike."

"At the moment, we wish we were in a different situation, but it's crucial for us to gain a deeper understanding of the bike."

When questioned about whether this pre-season has been more difficult than anticipated, Vinales responded: "No, I believe each pre-season comes with its own set of challenges."

"We likely had to prioritize different aspects compared to past years. It's all about the journey. We should find joy in it and make an effort to advance a little bit each day."

"I’m quite pleased with most aspects of the bike. I just have to figure out how to optimize its performance. It’s a matter of doing more laps to get there."

When discussing areas for improvement, Vinales mentions that he excels in the middle of the turn and when exiting it. However, he still struggles to master the braking technique needed for the RC16.

"I have a good grasp of the peak and the gas," he stated.

"Therefore, I might be performing quite well. However, the braking technique required here differs significantly from that of other manufacturers I've worked with before."

"It requires patience, as it doesn't happen effortlessly."

"When you install new tires, the situation gets more challenging."

"Adjusting to the system requires patience. From experience, I am quite familiar with this process. It's important to stay composed, and eventually, everything will fall into place."

Statements given by Derry Munikartono, the editor of Crash Indonesia

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