Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia Face Off in Unique Opening Race of 2025

"Before the alarm even went off, I knew I was going to be defeated in the race!"

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia have already faced off in their inaugural race of the season.

The latest addition to the Ducati racing team competed directly with their teammate on the ski slopes in Italy.

🎿 A key 2025 race for the #DucatiLenovoTeam stands out 😂#ChampionsOnTrack #Ducati #GoDucati #madonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/ujQxYUVOpC— Ducati Racing (@ducaticorse) January 21, 2025

🎿 A pivotal 2025 competition for the #DucatiLenovoTeam is highlighted 😂#TrackChampions #Ducati #PowerToDucati #madonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/ujQxYUVOpC

Bagnaia grinned during a shared interview in the mountainous area, stating, "We had a great time skiing."

Marquez mentioned, "Before the alarm went off, I knew I was going to lose the race!"

Typically, skiing isn't something I do! I've hit the slopes around 10 times throughout my life.

"I began learning to ski at a relatively older age, around 23 or 24, purely as a pastime."

Marquez humorously revealed details about his latest agreement with Ducati Lenovo.

"In fact," he pointed out, "the agreement explicitly prohibits skiing!"

"However, everyone is okay, so feel free to speak up!"

"We had a great time participating in a sort of race, which we found immensely enjoyable. As it went on, we noticed we were improving significantly."

At the unveiling of the 2025 motorcycle in Italy, the atmosphere was light-hearted between Ducati's leading rider Bagnaia and the much-anticipated new addition, Marquez.

Attention will focus on if the atmosphere in the workshop remains as agreeable.

Bagnaia and Marquez are anticipated to compete for the 2025 championship title, each having access to comparable equipment.

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

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Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez share the backstory of a notable photo

They first encountered each other in 2010

Francesco Bagnaia has shared the backstory of a widely circulated photo featuring himself and Ducati MotoGP colleague Marc Marquez, taken during their initial meeting in 2010.

Two-time MotoGP winner Bagnaia will team up with Marquez at Ducati's official team in 2025, where they introduced the team's new livery in Italy this week.

Discover further: The unavoidable discord within Ducati's MotoGP powerhouse in 2025

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See this post on Instagram from Crash MotoGP (@crashmotogp_)

In their initial joint media appearance, the two racers maintained a friendly demeanor, despite having previously encountered on-track disputes during the 2024 season, including a contentious incident at the Portuguese Grand Prix and a direct competition for the win at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Held at the Madonna di Campiglio and led by TNT Sport commentator Gavin Emmett, Marquez and Bagnaia discussed various subjects.

One of the highlighted moments involved a popular photo of the duo from 2010, during a time when Marquez was competing in the 125cc category and Bagnaia had not yet entered into the realm of grand prix racing.

"Bagnaia recalled, "That day remains vivid in my memory."

"The period marked his inaugural championship victory. That day is etched in my memory. At that point, we had attended perhaps the second or third trial of the season alongside the Monlau Competicion squad in Barcelona, and Marc was present, engaged in his supermoto training exercises."

"He simply dropped by to greet. That year, I was using the garage alongside Lorenzo Baldassarri."

"I simply requested a photo because he was an emerging Spanish rider who had performed exceptionally well with KTM the previous year. My crew chief had mentioned that we should keep an eye on him this season, believing that he would succeed. And indeed, he did."

Discover more: The impact of Lewis Hamilton and Marc Marquez on motorsport's popularity in 2025 will be significant.

In his third year competing in the 125cc category, Marquez clinched the championship riding a Derbi, achieving this feat with 10 wins under his belt. Following this success, he ascended to the Moto2 class in 2011.

In response to inquiries about the photograph, Marquez stated, “I couldn’t recall the specific day in question, but I am aware that he was competing under Monlau, and I shared a close bond with Monlau Competicion.

"I couldn't recall the specific day."

Marquez attended the event to back his younger sibling, Alex Marquez, who was participating in trials with the Monlau Competicion squad.

In 2013, the same year Marquez entered the MotoGP class and clinched his first premier class championship, Bagnaia made his entrance into grand prix racing.

It wasn't until 2016 that Bagnaia achieved his first grand prix wins, clinching two victories riding a Mahindra, prior to advancing to Moto2, where he secured the championship title in 2018.

He commenced his MotoGP career in 2019, joining Pramac Ducati, before transitioning to the official Ducati team in 2021, where he clinched the championship in both 2022 and 2023.

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Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez unveil the backstory of THE photo

Their initial encounter occurred in 2010

Francesco Bagnaia has shared the backstory of a widely circulated photo featuring himself and his Ducati MotoGP colleague Marc Marquez, taken during their initial meeting back in 2010.

Two-time MotoGP winner Bagnaia is set to team up with Marquez at the official Ducati team in 2025, as they introduced the team's new livery in Italy this week.

Discover more: The unavoidable consequences within Ducati's elite MotoGP squad in 2025

Check out this Instagram post from Crash MotoGP (@crashmotogp_)

In their initial joint interview, the duo showed a friendly demeanor despite having previously collided on the circuit during a contentious encounter at the Portuguese Grand Prix in 2024, and once more fighting neck and neck for the win at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Held at Madonna di Campiglio, the discussion was moderated by TNT Sport's Gavin Emmett, where Marquez and Bagnaia addressed various subjects.

A photo that went viral of the duo dates back to 2010, during a time when Marquez was competing in the 125cc category, and Bagnaia had not yet entered the realm of grand prix racing.

"Bagnaia recalled the day,"

"That period marked his initial championship victory. The memory of that day is crystal clear in my mind. We had gone for perhaps the second or third trial of the season with the Monlau Competicion squad in Barcelona, and Marc was present as well, since he was practicing with the supermoto."

"He simply stopped by to greet. During that season, [Lorenzo] Baldassarri and I were using the garage together.

"I simply requested a photo since he was an up-and-coming Spanish rider who had performed incredibly well with KTM the previous year, and my crew chief had mentioned that we should keep an eye on him this season as he was likely to excel. And indeed, he succeeded."

Discover more: The immense impact of the Lewis Hamilton/Marc Marquez craze on motorsport by 2025

Marquez secured the 125cc championship riding a Derbi, claiming the title during his third year in the category with a total of 10 race wins, subsequently moving up to Moto2 in 2011.

In response to inquiries regarding the specific photograph, Marquez noted, "The details of that day are a bit hazy to me, but he was competing under Monlau's banner, and my connection with Monlau Competicion was quite close.

"I couldn't recall the specific day."

Marquez was present to back up his sibling, Alex Marquez, as he too was participating in trials with the Monlau Competicion squad.

In 2013, as Marquez embarked on his inaugural MotoGP season and clinched his first premier class title, Bagnaia entered the world of grand prix racing.

Bagnaia clinched his first grand prix victories in 2016, achieving two wins riding a Mahindra, prior to advancing to Moto2. In this category, he secured the championship title in 2018.

He first entered the MotoGP scene in 2019, joining Pramac Ducati, before advancing to Ducati's main team in 2021. He then clinched the championship in both 2022 and 2023.

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Marco Bezzecchi plans to look up to Jorge Martin as a benchmark.

"I intend to emulate everything he excels at more than I do."

Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi, who had been swiftly climbing the ranks in MotoGP, faced an unexpected slowdown in 2023. That year, he secured just one podium finish and fell to twelfth place in the world championship standings.

Bezzecchi, who had won three races and was only outperformed by Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin in the last season, acknowledged that his drive was affected due to difficulties in maintaining competitiveness on the GP23.

Last season at VR46, Bezzecchi expressed difficulties with the initial acceleration, saying the motorcycle failed to turn properly, causing him to lose speed and frequently veer off course.

"Every GP23 Ducati racer has been voicing the same concern. There are certain circuits where I managed to adapt somewhat, while others posed more of a challenge for me."

Luckily for Bez, Aprilia considered the previous season an anomaly and brought the 26-year-old on board to team up with newly crowned world champion Jorge Martin in its official squad.

At last November's test in Barcelona, Bezzecchi made his first appearance on the RS-GP, finishing in 13th position, only a tenth of a second behind Martin.

Most significantly, considering the difficulties with cornering experienced last year, Bezzecchi instantly felt assured about the front-end performance of the bike.

During the Aprilia team launch event, Bezzecchi shared his thoughts, saying, "My initial day in Montmelo was enjoyable. I quickly felt comfortable on the bike."

"The most notable change was the incredibly stable front end. This is a hallmark of Aprilia bikes, known for their exceptional steadiness. The motorcycle instantly provided me with strong confidence when braking in a straight line."

"The experience was unlike that of riding a Ducati, which has a distinct setup. As a result, the motorcycle responds differently when braking."

"The method of riding the Aprilia is entirely distinct, so I'll have to adjust gradually with each lap. However, that was the most significant difference."

Both Bezzecchi and Martin have dedicated their entire careers in the top class to competing with Ducati.

The Spanish rider received comprehensive factory backing while at Pramac. However, he faced a challenging period, failing to secure any victories in 2022 and missing out on a position with the factory team to Enea Bastianini.

Nevertheless, Martin made a remarkable comeback by competing for the title in 2023 and managed to handle the stress of leading the world championship for the majority of the previous year.

Bezzecchi admits that he has much to gain by observing Martin both during races and in other aspects.

"To begin with, his speed is incredible. He can achieve astonishing speeds in no time," Bezzecchi noted. "Whenever he gets on the bike, he consistently demonstrates impressive swiftness."

"It will be crucial for me to use him as a model, examine his statistics, observe how he performs within the penalty area, and attempt to emulate everything he does better than I do."

"He holds the title of world champion, making him the strongest competitor right now."

Besides his impressive biking abilities, he possesses a strong work ethic. His training regimen is excellent, and he consistently demonstrates high levels of focus and motivation.

"I’m driven as well, but maintaining this drive for every race can be challenging during difficult periods. Last year was particularly challenging for me."

He went through challenging periods before. He was forced to entirely alter his plans. Nevertheless, he maintained a resilient mindset and unwavering determination.

"This serves as a clear example of Jorge's superior strength. I plan to follow his lead and use him as a benchmark to enhance my own abilities."

Bezzecchi and Martin are set to return to the track with the RS-GP25 during the Sepang test scheduled for February 5-7.

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Ducati hints at taking chances with GP25's evolution during Sepang trials

Gigi Dall'Igna shares insights on the latest Desmosedici model

Gigi Dall'Igna kept details about the Ducati GP25's technical updates under wraps.

Nonetheless, he disclosed a few of the novel components set to premiere in the forthcoming pre-season trials in Malaysia and Thailand.

This year, the number of factory-standard Desmosedicis participating in MotoGP drops to three, a decrease by one.

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo team, alongside VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, will gain an advantage by utilizing the top equipment available in MotoGP.

"Our goal for this year isn't to introduce an entirely new motorcycle; rather, it's to improve upon the one we already had," stated Dall’Igna.

"Last year's bicycle brought us immense satisfaction and success. Therefore, we've focused on introducing new improvements and advancements to that model."

"Discussing the upcoming tests scheduled to begin in a fortnight, there's a plethora of innovative components we're excited to experiment with: This includes a fresh swingarm, a novel chassis design. We're also introducing an entirely new fairing, along with various other parts that have been modified and refined."

"Hence, we must test all these components. However, we will be rigorous in choosing only those components that are truly effective, the ones that distinctly stand out."

"Perhaps we'll set aside the aspects we're uncertain about for now and consider revisiting them throughout the season."

"We have numerous factors to consider and review, especially in light of our rivals' potential actions."

"I enjoy embracing [technical] challenges. Throughout my life, I've consistently engaged in risky behaviors, but it's crucial to be wise about the risks you take. It's important to seize the opportunity for risk at the right time…"

The testing sessions in Sepang kick off with the Shakedown phase from January 31 to February 2, during which Ducati's representation on the circuit is limited to test rider Michele Pirro and newcomer Fermin Aldeguer.

Ducati's remaining MotoGP team members, along with their third factory-spec competitor, Fabio di Giannantonio from VR46, are set to participate in the official testing session scheduled for February 5-7.

Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia, who are gearing up for the introduction of 850cc motorcycles by 2027, will have their engine designs locked in from the start of the Thailand race season until the conclusion of 2026.

Teams will still be permitted to make one aerodynamic body modification during the season, while there will be no limitations on the advancement of the chassis.

Yamaha and Honda currently enjoy an exemption from the engine design lock due to their low-ranking D concessions status.

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Ferrari is employing drastic techniques in an attempt to eliminate Lewis Hamilton's association with Mercedes from his mind, utilizing intense simulation strategies.

Ferrari has been trying to help Lewis Hamilton forget his experience with Mercedes during his initial sessions in their simulator.

An article from the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Ferrari has employed unconventional techniques in their simulator to aid the seven-time world champion in adjusting to their Formula 1 car.

Hamilton will face the challenge of adapting to new work routines and a completely different vehicle at Ferrari. Additionally, for the first time in his 18-year Formula 1 career, he will be driving a car powered by an engine that is not a Mercedes.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton has been testing Ferrari's 2024 car in its end-of-season configuration during his initial simulator sessions.

According to their insiders, Ferrari tested a variety of setups and modifications. This involved intentionally altering suspension settings, engine configurations, and weight distribution, all in an effort to disrupt Hamilton's familiarity with the Mercedes simulator.

Sources suggest that Ferrari intends to create a simulation of their 2025 car model. This will allow Lewis Hamilton to directly compare it with another vehicle before it is formally revealed to the public on February 19. On that date, Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc are anticipated to perform an initial test drive.

Hamilton experiences his inaugural test drive

For the first time, Hamilton took the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle on Wednesday. The test took place at the Fiorano circuit, where he successfully navigated 30 laps despite the chilly and wet weather, driving a model from the 2023 season.

According to AutoRacer, the British driver, who is 40 years old, completed a lap in precisely one minute. This time was affected by minor errors and chilly weather conditions.

Hamilton described his initial experience driving a Ferrari as "incredibly inspiring" and "among the most amazing moments of my life."

As I ignited the engine and maneuvered the car past the garage door, a wide grin spread across my face.

The experience took me back to when I first got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. It was an incredibly thrilling and memorable occasion, and now, nearly two decades on, I find myself reliving those feelings once more.

From the exterior perspective, it was clear to me how enthusiastic the Ferrari family is, spanning from the team members to the devoted fans known as tifosi.

Experiencing it directly as a driver for Ferrari has been truly remarkable. Their dedication is palpable, and it's impossible not to feel invigorated by their enthusiasm.

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's plenty of work ahead, but I'm eager to begin."

Hamilton is anticipated to carry out additional testing sessions with Ferrari in Barcelona over the next few weeks before he experiences driving the team's 2025 car for the first time.

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Kevin Magnussen secures a position to remain with Haas

Kevin Magnussen is set to continue his presence in the F1 paddock through 2025

Haas has announced that Kevin Magnussen will stay on with the team in the capacity of a test driver.

Magnussen was let go by the American team following the 2024 F1 season, as team leader Ayao Komatsu decided to completely refresh the team's driver roster.

Esteban Ocon has transitioned away from Alpine, meanwhile, Ferrari up-and-comer Oliver Bearman secures his opportunity for a full-time Formula 1 role in 2025.

Magnussen holds the title of the most seasoned Formula 1 driver for Haas, having first joined the squad in 2017.

After being let go at the close of 2020, the Danish driver made a comeback in 2022, taking over for Nikita Mazepin.

Magnussen continued to have a positive rapport with Komatsu, which is the reason he will stay on the team.

According to The Race, Komatsu has announced that Magnussen will participate in several TPC (testing of previous cars) sessions for the team.

He mentioned, "He'll be behind the wheel for a few TPC tournaments to serve as a benchmark. Our relationship is strong."

Magnussen is set to make appearances at several Formula 1 race weekends to serve as a backup driver, as long as these events do not interfere with his own racing schedule in 2025.

The ex-McLaren racer is set to lead BMW's LMDh initiative in both the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Is there a possibility of Magnussen making a comeback to F1 racing?

The likelihood of Magnussen making a comeback to F1 racing appears to be minimal.

In a practical sense, Cadillac stands as a likely candidate, anticipated to enter the competition by 2026.

Cadillac is reportedly in search of a seasoned driver to spearhead their team in 2026.

Magnussen would encounter strong opposition for the position.

Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Zhou Guanyu are on the market, with Yuki Tsunoda potentially showing interest in them, especially since he was bypassed by Red Bull once more.

Magnussen has expressed his desire to compete for victories once more, which led to his decision to switch to racing in sportscars.

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MotoGP Riders Intensify Winter Test Training with Sessions at Aspar Circuit

This week, the Aspar Circuit hosted prominent MotoGP competitors, including the Marquez brothers, Quartararo, and Mir, as they engaged in winter

As MotoGP winter testing approaches, several prominent riders, such as Marc Marquez, have been participating in training sessions on their bikes at the Aspar Circuit in Spain.

Following the unveiling of Ducati's factory team for the 2025 season at Madonna di Campiglio, eight-time world champion Marquez immediately returns to his training routine at Valencia's Aspar Circuit.

This month, Marquez visited the location twice to ride a Ducati Panigale V2. A few weeks ago, he tested the most recent version of the bike, and according to the brand's CEO, Claudio Domenicali, the Spanish racer equaled the track's lap record during his run.

On a practice day at the Aspar circuit, Casey O’Gorman guided Marc Marquez around the track. Afterwards, Marc filmed a birthday message for French superbike star Justine Pedermonte. pic.twitter.com/J3H3hmzYnB— Ian Martin (@IanTeamBike) January 23, 2025

On Wednesday, Marquez got on his V2 Panigale once more at the racetrack to continue his training in preparation for the pre-season testing scheduled to start in Malaysia from February 5th to 7th.

Accompanying him were his younger sibling, Alex Marquez, along with Fermin Aldeguer, who will be his teammate with the Gresini team in 2025.

The Aspar circuit has turned into a popular winter destination for MotoGP athletes, with current world champion Jorge Martin recently taking to the track.

In recent days, Fabio Quartararo, who clinched the world championship in 2021, and Joan Mir, the 2020 titleholder, have been racing on the track

Quartararo, Mir, and Aldeguer are set to travel to Southeast Asia ahead of schedule as they work on their preparations for the upcoming season.

Three groups will participate in the Sepang shakedown from January 31 to February 2. This event is specifically for new riders, riders from manufacturers with concessions, and test riders.

The official Yamaha team, along with its new satellite team partner Pramac, is set to kick off the 2025 season with a launch event taking place on January 31 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Honda team's official presentation is scheduled for the next day in Jakarta.

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F1 drivers may receive bans or have points deducted under the FIA's newly introduced 'misconduct' regulations.

Formula 1 racers might encounter penalties such as points reductions or even suspensions, according to the FIA's newly announced 'misconduct' rules.

The FIA, the organization in charge, has introduced updated rules concerning penalties for drivers' inappropriate actions, such as using profanity, starting with the 2025 season.

On Wednesday, a revised edition of the FIA's International Sporting Code was released, outlining possible sanctions, which now include stricter penalties for those who commit repeated violations.

The ruling organization defines misconduct as the use of language, whether written or spoken, gestures, or signs that are offensive, insulting, vulgar, or abusive, and could reasonably be seen as offensive, humiliating, or improper. This includes physical attacks like elbowing, kicking, punching, or hitting, as well as encouraging others to engage in such behaviors.

A Formula 1 driver found guilty of breaking the rules will face a penalty of €40,000, which equals £34,000, for the first violation. If the driver commits a second infraction, the fine will double to €80,000, or £68,000, and they will also receive a suspended suspension lasting one month.

For a third violation, Formula 1 drivers would face a €120,000 (£102,000) fine, a one-month suspension, and a loss of championship points.

Not following the FIA's guidelines on who can be appointed and involved in official ceremonies at any event that is part of an FIA Championship may lead to an F1 driver facing a ban.

The penalties in this location include a fine of €60,000 (£50,000) for an initial violation. If a second infraction occurs, the fine increases to €120,000 (£101,000), along with a ban from entering the Reserved Area(s) at the subsequent event.

Further violations could result in a penalty of €180,000 (£152,000) along with a six-month ban from racing.

Verstappen's Controversy Over Swearing with the FIA

Last season, the issue of swearing gained attention when Max Verstappen faced consequences for using foul language during an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The athlete, who has won the world championship four times, was instructed to carry out a task deemed as "work of public interest." At the time, he described this requirement as "ridiculous."

Before collecting his fourth world championship trophy at the annual prize-giving event in December, Verstappen completed his FIA duties in Rwanda.

Following his penalty, Verstappen acknowledged that such sanctions might hasten his departure from Formula 1.

He stated that such situations certainly influence his future, especially when he can't be authentic or has to handle trivial matters.

"At this point in my career, constantly handling these situations is something I wish to avoid. It's quite exhausting."

"That approach definitely isn’t how I would choose to remain involved in the sport."

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The initiation of Lewis Hamilton into the Ferrari F1 team causes widespread frenzy

Enthusiasts have flooded Maranello in hopes of seeing Ferrari's high-profile new addition, Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton's first Formula 1 appearance with Ferrari has led to the declaration of "a state of emergency" in Maranello.

According to F1-Insider, Hamilton's recent visits this week have prompted Maranello Mayor, Luigi Zironi, to seek support from surrounding municipalities.

The eagerly anticipated first appearance of Hamilton with Ferrari has resulted in all accommodations in the Sassuolo region being completely reserved, with fans hoping to get a look at their latest star.

In related news, Motorsport has disclosed that Zironi has called for enhanced security protocols from law enforcement, especially concerning the regulation of traffic in the vicinity of Ferrari’s Maranello base and their Fiorano testing circuit.

On Monday, enthusiasts gathered outside Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters to welcome Hamilton during his inaugural visit as a confirmed driver, following his high-profile move from Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion took the wheel of a Ferrari F1 vehicle for his inaugural drive on a Wednesday morning at Fiorano, advancing his readiness for his first season with the renowned Italian squad.

Over a thousand enthusiasts of Ferrari gathered at the circuit to observe Hamilton undertake his initial rounds in a 2023 vehicle.

"I'm squeezed in tight, surrounded by over a thousand enthusiasts of Ferrari. Actually, I'm so crowded that I'm unable to see the full count of people who have assembled here to witness Lewis's debut in the red vehicle," reported Craig Slater from Sky Sports News.

He's behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari model. The next version of the car will build upon this one, making it beneficial for Hamilton to experience the performance of a Ferrari engine. Keep in mind, he has spent his entire Formula 1 career in vehicles equipped with Mercedes engines.

He will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the comfort of his seat, following his recent seat fitting, the operation of the steering wheel, and the overall response of the brakes, especially under these notably atypical conditions present here.

The temperature has dropped below 10 degrees Celsius, accompanied by fog. Instead of utilizing high-performance Formula 1 racing tires, he's equipped with academy tires, which are less superior. Nevertheless, this experience will provide him with valuable insights, facilitating communication with his engineers and team members.

Today is filled with emotion for Lewis, who is accompanied by his loved ones. His dad Anthony, his mother Carmen, and his stepmom Linda are all present, collectively experiencing this significant occasion with him at the race track.

The British racer, aged 40, who currently tops the charts with the highest number of race victories (105), leading pole positions (104), and shares the record for most world championships (seven), is aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world title with Ferrari.

Achieving this milestone would halt Ferrari's extended period of not winning, which has continued since 2008, for a Formula 1 championship, and allow Hamilton to exceed the legendary Michael Schumacher, who secured five of his seven championships with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. He consistently provides firsthand reports on the events, sharing the narratives of the key individuals in the sport.

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Lewis Hamilton reportedly reached out to Sebastian Vettel for guidance before his first test with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton is said to have reached out multiple times by phone to ex-F1 competitor and good friend Sebastian Vettel before his first trial run with Ferrari.

According to a report by the Italian newspaper Corriere, Hamilton has recently reached out to Vettel over the phone to get ready for his inaugural day at Ferrari.

Hamilton and Vettel, who both entered Formula 1 in 2007, were once intense competitors but have since developed a strong friendship following their championship contests. Vettel, a champion on four occasions, chose to retire from racing at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Between 2015 and 2020, Vettel competed for Ferrari, challenging Hamilton for the global title in both 2017 and 2018, but was defeated each time. During this period, he collaborated with Riccardo Adami, who is set to be Hamilton's engineer in his debut season at Ferrari.

Given their close friendship, it's natural for Hamilton to turn to Vettel for counsel and leverage his insights from Ferrari before his high-profile move after spending a remarkable 12 years with Mercedes.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton aims to accomplish what Vettel could not by bringing an end to Ferrari's extended period without an F1 championship.

On Wednesday, Hamilton took his maiden drive in a Ferrari F1 car at Fiorano's test circuit.

Throngs of enthusiastic Ferrari fans gathered in Maranello, congregating along the barrier of the race track, eager to see Hamilton make his much-anticipated first appearance and hoping to see the latest Ferrari star in action as he piloted a 2023 model of the iconic car.

Hamilton stated that Vettel's presence in F1 made his own career feel more companionable

Reflecting on Vettel's announcement to leave F1 in 2022, Hamilton characterized the German driver as one of his key supporters within the racing world.

Hamilton expressed, "Initially, my immediate reaction is one of sorrow to learn he's stepping away. I haven't really had the chance to fully reflect on our shared experiences yet. However, when I consider my own path in this sport, which at times felt quite isolating, he stands out as one of the rare individuals who made it feel less so."

"He has supported me through numerous challenges. I recall, if my memory serves correctly, it was in 2007 [2008] at Magny-Cours, where he made a strong impression during the drivers' meeting, and it was clear to me at that moment that he would become an influential personality in racing. Observing his achievements and how he prioritizes others over himself, his courage in expressing his convictions and advocating for his principles has been remarkable."

"In my view, when we discuss legends within our sport, I'm not particularly fond of using that term or label. In my opinion, he ranks among the most remarkable individuals we've encountered in this field. The sport would benefit from having more individuals like him."

"It's disheartening to think that I might lose a companion in the field, yet I'm confident that he'll accomplish amazing things beyond it. I'm sure our friendship will endure, and I'm optimistic about the possibility of collaborating on future projects outside this arena."

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Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He typically reports directly from the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Jorge Martin described his standalone title as "remarkable, yet achievable once more." Last season, independent racers secured two of the top three positions in the MotoGP World Championship.

The principal of the Trackhouse team, Davide Brivio, believes that the chances of Jorge Martin securing another Independent MotoGP title are increasingly likely in the coming years.

Martin achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first racer since the 500cc era, when Valentino Rossi did it, to clinch the premier-class championship while not being part of an official factory team.

Similar to Rossi's situation in 2001, Martin was equipped with full factory-spec equipment at Pramac. Utilizing this advantage, he managed to surpass Francesco Bagnaia, the official Ducati rider and current champion, by a margin of ten points.

According to Brivio, who has previously secured MotoGP championships while leading factory teams at Yamaha and Suzuki, the pivotal element in the transformation of independent teams from mere participants to title contenders is the advanced equipment they now receive.

Following the Trackhouse team unveiling, Crash.net interviewed Brivio regarding the importance of Martin's championship win and the chances of seeing another Independent MotoGP champion.

Brivio started by saying, "Looking ahead, I believe it's increasingly feasible, as MotoGP is evolving in this regard."

"In previous years, the top factory teams were equipped with superior gear and had the most skilled riders."

"However, the situation is now leveling out considerably. In the past two or three years, nearly all Independent teams have been equipped with factory bikes, identical to those used by their corresponding factory teams."

"At Aprilia, we use the same motorcycle model as our factory team. Ducati has adopted this approach for several years, and now Yamaha and Honda have joined in as well. It seems that this strategy is becoming a trend across the board."

"Initially, the gear hasn't changed, and this situation wasn't occurring several years back. This is why Independent teams now have better opportunities."

This season, 19 out of the 22 racers will be using the most current factory-spec motorcycles.

However, riders like Franco Morbidelli, Alex Marquez, and Fermin Aldeguer still find solace in the fact that they are equipped with the championship-winning Ducati GP24 from the previous year.

Marc Marquez, who was racing on a year-old Desmosedici for the Gresini team, secured a position among the top three in the world championship last year, making it two Independent riders in those top spots.

In the ultimate top ten rankings, independent riders took the majority, with six satellite team members (Martin, M. Marquez, Acosta, A. Marquez, Morbidelli, di Giannantonio) compared to only four riders from factory teams (Bagnaia, Bastianini, Binder, Vinales).

Brivio explained: "It's also about identifying the right racer, possibly signing a skilled young competitor before they join a major factory team!"

"This is our challenge too, isn't it? For instance, Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura are exceptionally skilled riders. Over the next two years, we'll aim to provide them with top-notch equipment, and hopefully, we'll achieve the desired results."

The factory team, in our situation, includes Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, who are both formidable riders. However, we have the capability to compete against them.

Overall, I believe that it's possible for another Independent champion to emerge in the future.

"When observing other teams, you notice that for Honda, Zarco performed better than the official factory riders at the conclusion of last season."

"What occurred with Martin and Pramac is quite remarkable. However, I believe it could happen once more."

"This creates a new opportunity. Everyone now has access to the same gear, so the focus shifts to recruiting skilled riders, effectively managing them, and ensuring the team operates smoothly."

"I understand that it could occur once more. Perhaps our task is to ensure it does."

As Martin and Marquez transition to factory teams, Enea Bastianini, who finished fourth for Ducati Lenovo last season, is now the top-ranked rider for an Independent team in 2025, representing Tech3 KTM.

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For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is deeply involved in covering the narrative of Suzuki's departure and the challenges surrounding Marc Marquez's injuries.

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