MotoAmerica standout shares hospital update following unusual face-plant accident

Former Moto2 competitor and current MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly is hospitalized after a training crash.

Sean Dylan Kelly, who previously competed in Moto2 and has achieved victory in MotoAmerica Superbike races, is currently in the hospital following an accident that occurred while he was training.

Last year, Kelly secured his inaugural victory in a MotoAmerica Superbike race at the Circuit of the Americas, competing for the TopPro BMW team. Unfortunately, last Thursday, he was involved in a crash while riding his supermoto bike.

The American was fitted with a neck brace and transported to the hospital, later providing an update through an Instagram post on Sunday, January 19.

"On Thursday, I experienced a significant and unusual crash while riding my supermoto, which left me quite disoriented."

"Fortunately, I was surrounded by incredible individuals who helped things gradually fall into place for me."

"I'm feeling fine, but I'll have to relax for a few more days. It's probably time to concentrate on different activities since I've been riding quite a lot."

In 2022, Kelly transitioned to Moto2 after winning the MotoAmerica Supersport championship in 2021. His peak performance that year was securing 11th place at the Thai Grand Prix.

In mid-2023, he suffered an injury that caused him to miss four consecutive races, ultimately resulting in his mid-season exit from the American Racing team, with which he had entered the Grand Prix paddock.

At the San Marino Grand Prix, Kelly rejoined the Forward team, but throughout the rest of the 2023 season, he managed to earn just a single point at the race in Indonesia. In 2024, he went back to the United States to compete with the TopPro BMW team, where he secured a fourth-place finish in the Superbike category.

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

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Racing Bulls playfully tease Lewis Hamilton as he joins Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

The Racing Bulls have mocked Lewis Hamilton's much-talked-about move to Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

On his first day at Ferrari's iconic headquarters, Hamilton posted a photo of himself at the Maranello plant, marking the start of his role as a Scuderia driver on Monday.

The seven-time world champion expressed his utmost joy, stating he was thrilled to have "fulfilled his dream" by joining Ferrari as a driver.

Hamilton was seen wearing a black pinstripe suit and an overcoat, posing in front of a Ferrari F40 supercar on a rainy day in Maranello.

The social media team for Racing Bulls wasted no time in poking fun at Hamilton and Ferrari. They shared a humorous post featuring a photo of their new driver, Isack Hadjar.

The edited picture of Hadjar depicted him in an overcoat standing outside the Faenza base of Red Bull's affiliated team.

Certain days stick in your mind forever, and today is undoubtedly one of those unforgettable days. #F1 #VCARB pic.twitter.com/K6oH0R06H6— Visa Cash App RB F1 Team (@visacashapprb) January 20, 2025

The caption read: "Some days are unforgettable, and today is certainly one of those," echoing Hamilton's words from his social media update.

Nineteen-year-old Hadjar has advanced to a position with Racing Bulls following his second-place finish in Formula 2. He is stepping in for Liam Lawson, who has moved up to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Since the announcement in February of the previous year, the surprising news of Hamilton moving from Mercedes to Ferrari has captured the attention of the media.

A 40-year-old man from Britain is dedicating the majority of his initial day to interacting with important individuals and familiarizing himself with the factory and the team.

Later this week, Hamilton is anticipated to take the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari Formula 1 car at the Fiorano test track belonging to the team.

In an Instagram post, he expressed that certain days are unforgettable, and his debut as a Ferrari driver is one of those memorable days.

Throughout my career, I've had the fortune of accomplishing feats I once considered beyond my reach. However, a portion of my aspirations has always been tied to the vision of competing in red. Today, I'm overjoyed to see that vision come to life.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this legendary team, and I'm eager to discover the journey we'll embark on together."

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Lewis frequently travels to various international Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By covering the events on-site, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Unforeseen Support from F1 Could Assist Lewis Hamilton in MotoGP Investment

New Development in Lewis Hamilton's Alleged MotoGP Interest

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who is stepping down from his role as managing director and spokesperson for the Sauber Formula 1 team, is reportedly connected to Lewis Hamilton's efforts to put money into a MotoGP team.

For nearly a year, there have been rumors about Hamilton possibly investing in a MotoGP team following Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, purchasing Dorna Sports last spring.

Despite the rumors about a potential Gresini acquisition being false, ex-Liberty CEO Greg Maffei verified that Hamilton had shown interest in joining a MotoGP team following its recent change in ownership.

In an interview with Speedweek that took place in December, Pit Beirer, the head of KTM motorsport, disclosed that substantial discussions had occurred with Lewis Hamilton's management regarding the possibility of him investing in the financially struggling Austrian racing team.

KTM is presently experiencing financial difficulties and its future in MotoGP is uncertain. Meanwhile, recent discussions about Hamilton possibly joining the team have subsided.

The future actions of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion regarding his potential involvement in MotoGP are still uncertain. However, Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that his ambitions might receive a boost with assistance from Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

Alunni Bravi has revealed that he will be stepping down from his position with the Sauber F1 team after dedicating seven years to the Swiss organization in multiple capacities.

After his stint with Sauber, his path forward is uncertain as he takes on fresh challenges.

He lacks any obvious connection to Hamilton or MotoGP, making it unclear how he might be involved if Hamilton decides to invest in a team.

Hamilton's plans to invest in a MotoGP team are paused as they await the outcome of an EU investigation into Liberty Media's purchase of the series.

Despite Liberty and Dorna's earlier optimism about finalizing their €4.2 billion agreement by the end of last year, the European Commission's anti-competition board decided to investigate the deal further due to concerns it might create a monopoly over television broadcasting rights.

Liberty is the current owner of F1, as well as Formula 2 and Formula 3, with an affiliated company holding Formula E. If Liberty successfully acquires Dorna, it would gain ownership of the rights to MotoGP, World Superbikes, and all other championships linked with Dorna.

The European Union's investigation might postpone the completion of the acquisition until May, assuming it receives regulatory approval.

This season, Hamilton has become part of the Ferrari team. He previously expanded his interests in the sports world by acquiring a stake in the NFL's Denver Broncos in North America several years back.

He was also the proprietor of a team that participated in the Extreme E off-road racing series for electric sport utility vehicles.

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Exclusive: Valentino Rossi's Pursuit of His Coveted 10th World Championship

Crash.net's Lewis Duncan interviews WRT team leader Vincent Vosse regarding Valentino Rossi's journey in car racing up to now and the prospects for 2025.

Just after turning 46, Valentino Rossi is set to kick off the 2025 World Endurance Championship as an official BMW driver for WRT in the LMGT3 category. This year also signifies ten years since he almost claimed a world championship title, falling short of the 2015 MotoGP championship to his Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo.

The current year signifies the fourth year that Rossi has dedicated himself to being a full-time car racer. He transitioned from motorcycle racing to car racing upon retiring from MotoGP at the conclusion of 2021. Rossi joined forces with the WRT team, led by Vincent Vosse, for his inaugural season in GT Racing.

In 2022, Rossi had a promising beginning with several top-six finishes in both the Endurance and Sprint Cups of the GT World Challenge Europe, driving an Audi R8. In 2023, Rossi transitioned to driving a BMW for WRT, achieving his first podium finish by securing second place at the opening round of the Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch.

At his cherished Misano circuit, where the VR46 Academy regularly practices and where he has triumphed three times in MotoGP, he once again claimed victory on the podium, this time with his Le Mans-winning co-driver, Maxime Martin. The duo also secured a win at Misano the previous year.

In 2024, Rossi made a comeback to the world championship scene in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He participated as an FIA silver-level driver, having been reclassified from gold to meet the series' status regulations, and joined WRT in the newly introduced LMGT3 category for GT vehicles.

Teaming up with Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy, the three drivers took their #46 BMW M4 GT3 to a fourth-place finish at the opening race in Qatar. They then secured a second-place finish, part of a WRT 1-2, at the next event in Imola, which was affected by rainy conditions. Unfortunately, they faced consecutive retirements at Spa and Le Mans, and more problems prevented strong performances at COTA and Bahrain. The team achieved their second podium of the season with a third-place finish at Fuji. Rossi concluded the season in sixth place overall in the standings.

"Initially, Vale competed in the GT World Challenge within the pro category and achieved victories at Misano," WRT team principal Vosse revealed in an exclusive conversation with Crash.net. He also mentioned that Vale stood on the podium in several races, contending fiercely in the pro category, which Vosse described as quite remarkable. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Vale is performing exceptionally well as a silver-ranked driver, now entering his fourth season.

"Reflecting on last year's WEC season, it was challenging overall, particularly in the LMGT3 category, though this wasn't related to Vale. The season was tough, and our only victory at Imola, where we secured first and second, was under unique circumstances. Vale, as a driver and athlete, approaches everything he does with the right attitude and seriousness. He doesn't participate in races merely for enjoyment or to casually drive around the track."

"He does it to stay competitive, and that's what keeps him motivated. It's in those moments when he realizes he can compete at a high level that he feels most alive. The happiness he experiences when winning a race isn't just about the victory itself; it's about matching the competitiveness of his peers. As he approaches his 46th birthday, it becomes clear that when athletes like him decide to pursue something, they commit fully. They don't do it just for fun or to try something new, but to excel and remain competitive. This dedication is what sets great champions apart, and he truly is one of them."

Rossi has already solidified his status as a motorsport legend, with nothing more to demonstrate in his illustrious career. However, he has never been one to do things partially or without full commitment. Even when he tested Ferrari's Formula 1 cars in the mid-2000s, he approached it with a serious consideration of possibly joining the series.

In the previous year, Rossi participated in both the WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe competitions. With two children now and a strong desire to return to MotoGP in 2025, Rossi was confronted with a tough decision during the winter regarding his plans for this year. This week, WRT revealed that his attention will be directed towards the WEC.

Vosse explained that they chose WEC instead of GTWCE because they believed it would be an excellent opportunity for him. Vosse also informed Crash that they are in talks with Rossi regarding the possibility of participating in some GT endurance races that the Italian still enjoys, outside of the WEC. An announcement on this matter is anticipated in the next few weeks.

WRT has made changes to the driver roster for its #46 car in the WEC's LMGT3 category. Martin has been substituted by Kelvin van der Linde, a seasoned GT driver known for his victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours and finishing second in the DTM in 2024.

From an external perspective, it might seem that WRT is heavily prioritizing the #31 car. In the 2025 season, this vehicle will be spearheaded by star BMW driver Augusto Farfus, Timur Boguslavskiy, and Le Mans victor Yasser Shahin, who is making the switch from Porsche. However, Vosse perceives this situation differently.

"We've never participated in a championship just for the sake of competing," he remarked. "Last year, we demonstrated that both of our vehicles have the capability to win races and contend for titles. Many assumed that car #46 would be the standout, but ultimately, it was car #31 that shone, which is also a positive outcome for me. We possess two competitive cars. Naturally, having Vale in one of them makes the prospect of him securing his tenth world title exciting. It would be a personal achievement. However, our primary objective is to elevate both vehicles to a competitive standard, not just focus on one."

In November of last year, Rossi participated in the WEC rookie test held in Bahrain, where he drove a BMW M8 Hybrid LMDh car, which competes in the series' premier Hypercar category. True to his style, Rossi approached this with serious intent rather than just to satisfy a curiosity.

Is it possible that this might develop into something greater later on?

Vosse expressed that Vale aims to be a strong contender, whether it's in the Hypercar class or GT racing. His goal is to compete at a high level and achieve victory. If they decide to enter the Hypercar category at this point, they would initially be at a disadvantage and need to work hard to catch up. During the Bahrain test, Vale showcased remarkable speed and skill, proving himself to be outstanding.

"It was precisely what he required to be fast. He was thrilled, and his expression as he stepped out of the car resembled that of someone who had just won a race, simply because he was performing so well. He found himself in a leading position, which is exactly where he aims to be. For an athlete like him, not seeing his name at the top is quite challenging."

The thought of Valentino Rossi driving a prototype sports car at Le Mans is an exciting possibility that the World Endurance Championship (WEC) would likely welcome enthusiastically. Over the years, the series has seen participation from many renowned figures, but the level of fan devotion that Rossi brings is unique, as Vosse discovered in the GT World Challenge Europe series a few years back.

He acknowledges, "Our initial race as a team was at Imola in 2022, and it was a disaster." He continues, "We didn't anticipate such a situation in a series that typically doesn't attract a large number of Rossi supporters. However, Rossi enthusiasts aren't just limited to MotoGP; they are dedicated to Vale himself and will follow him to any event he participates in."

"Naturally, after the initial race, adjustments were necessary. We had to modify some aspects and ensure we were highly organized to manage the fans effectively. This kind of situation is unique. In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), there have been renowned figures like Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, and Robert Kubica. While they are major names in WEC, their fan following doesn't compare to that of Vale."

Despite Rossi reducing his racing schedule in 2025, he remains as determined as ever, preparing for another campaign in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Securing a tenth championship, officially called the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Drivers, will be a formidable challenge, yet Rossi has consistently demonstrated that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.

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Francesco Bagnaia on Marc Marquez: "I'll maintain my gentlemanly conduct."

"I intend to remain consistent in my behavior and won't alter it."

Francesco Bagnaia, who last season chose to uphold his values by not participating in unsportsmanlike slow-racing strategies against his MotoGP competitor Jorge Martin, has announced his intention to continue being 'a gentleman' in his interactions with Marc Marquez in 2025.

In the last season, Bagnaia, who was the champion in both 2022 and 2023, narrowly missed surpassing Pramac’s Martin by only ten points.

A new documentary that offers a glimpse behind the scenes featured Ducati's team manager, Davide Tardozzi, advising Bagnaia to be more aggressive and less courteous during races.

During the Ducati team launch today, Jack Appleyard from MotoGP.com raised a question while interviewing Bagnaia.

Facing you in the box is Marc, arguably one of the least sportsmanlike competitors on the circuit. Marc is known for his relentless pursuit of victory. Will Pecco Bagnaia adopt a similar no-holds-barred approach this year?

Bagnaia responded by saying, "He can take on the role of the 'ungentleman.' I'll stick to being a gentleman. That's just who I am and I have no plans to change that."

However, in the two instances when the future teammates faced off last season, at Portimao and Jerez, it could be said that the Italian took the more aggressive approach…

In the meantime, after securing victories in more than half of the 20 grand prix races last year, Bagnaia plans to make just one adjustment: he aims to learn from the errors that led to his eight did-not-finish results.

"It's hard to feel down about our performance last year," Bagnaia stated. "However, ending up in second place in the championship was somewhat disappointing since we secured victories in more than twice the number of races compared to any other competitor."

Without a doubt, it was an excellent season. I need to learn from my errors, and as a team, we need to work on areas where we made mistakes last year.

The Marquez-Bagnaia duo, boasting eight top-tier titles between them, represents MotoGP's most formidable pairing since Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo teamed up at Yamaha back in 2016.

"It's incredibly thrilling. They are undoubtedly the most powerful team on the circuit, so I believe we can benefit from this and aim to gain insights from Marc," stated Bagnaia.

"I believe he will fit into the team exceptionally well. In the initial phase during testing, we'll collaborate to enhance the bike and aim to be fully prepared for the first race. After that, we'll see how things unfold."

Bagnaia appeared to support Luca Marini's recent statement to Crash.net, where Marini mentioned that both Bagnaia and Marquez have the potential to contend for victories in every race this season.

Bagnaia expressed his certainty and confidence that their potential could consistently result in first and second place finishes in every race, with the bike enabling them to achieve this.

"And ultimately, whoever triumphs will do so. The potential exists."

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Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has purchased a luxurious yacht valued at £10 million.

Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 world champion, has received a high-end yacht.

According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Bull driver has recently taken ownership of a 33-meter Mangusta GranSport 33 yacht, which he ordered two years prior.

The estimated cost is more than £10 million, which is approximately €12 million or $12.33 million.

Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has opted for Viareggio as the location for his new luxury yacht.

Sources indicate that Verstappen and his partner, Kelly Piquet, visited the Italian port city of Viareggio, where they also stopped by the Mangusta shipyard.

Reports suggest that the yacht has been named 'Unleash the Lion' by the Dutch individual.

This is another addition to Verstappen's expanding collection of high-end items. He is already the owner of a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet.

The aircraft, purchased from Sir Richard Branson for about $15 million, boasts a distinctive exterior design, can travel long distances, and accommodates up to 12 passengers.

The information about a racing simulator being included was falsely reported, and the story is not true.

In 2023, Verstappen clarified the misunderstanding, explaining, "I believe it was Helmut who mentioned that, but I think there was a mix-up because our conversation actually took place last year."

"I'm constructing a new RV for my trips across Europe to attend F1 races. I mentioned that I'll be installing one there so I can continue driving when I return in the evening."

"I enjoy it since it's kind of a hobby for me, and it also helps me stay alert. I believe he got it wrong and mentioned something about a plane!"

"I'm not going to put one in my aircraft; I find that idea quite ridiculous."

As the top-earning driver in Formula 1, Verstappen definitely has the means to indulge in these extravagances.

As reported by Forbes, it is estimated that he made $75 million from his championship-winning campaign in 2024.

This amount includes an unprecedented $60 million as a base salary, along with an additional $15 million tied to performance incentives.

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Why conflict seems unavoidable in Ducati's MotoGP dream team

Are Ducati's riders destined to encounter issues similar to those experienced by Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo?

Since the announcement last June, conversations and guesses about Marc Marquez's integration into the factory Ducati MotoGP team have been at the forefront of news. Up to this point, the process has been quite amicable, a tone that persisted during the team's official launch event on Monday in Madonna di Campiglio.

Appearing for the first time in full factory Ducati gear, after having previously ridden in plain red without any logos during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, there is now a clear feeling that this marks a significant new chapter in Marquez's career, whether it leads to triumph or challenges.

There's no doubt that Ducati has put together its most powerful team ever, and it ranks among the legendary squads in MotoGP history. Riding the motorcycle that triumphed in 19 out of 20 grand prix races in 2024, the team includes six-time premier class winner Marquez and possibly Ducati's greatest rider, two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia. Altogether, their careers boast a total of 11 world championship titles.

Lurking behind the scenes as the real architect is the engineering whiz Gigi Dall’Igna, the individual who has revolutionized Ducati and spearheaded MotoGP motorcycle innovation over the past ten years. Many anticipate that Ducati's official team will be contenders for the win in each race. Triumph appears assured.

Marc Marquez has joined the official Ducati team in MotoGP. #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 20, 2025

Marc Marquez has joined the official Ducati team in MotoGP. #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/FjsRCPJOIN

Possible Rossi and Lorenzo Rivalry Again?

During a recent discussion, Davide Tardozzi, the team manager, compared his team's current roster to the dynamic duo of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha during the periods from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2016. This comparison seems quite accurate, but it also serves as a reminder that the strongest teams in history often experience significant internal conflicts.

Yamaha had secured deals with Lorenzo while he was still racing in the 250cc class, preparing for his 2008 MotoGP debut. They saw him as the potential heir to Rossi, anticipating either Rossi's retirement or his much-discussed move to Formula 1. However, Rossi chose to remain in MotoGP and did not retire until the end of 2021.

Right from the beginning, there were underlying tensions. A physical barrier was put up in the Yamaha garage, supposedly to prevent the exchange of tire information between the two racers, as Rossi was using Bridgestone tires in 2008 and Lorenzo opted for Michelin. This division persisted even after Bridgestone became the exclusive tire provider in 2009, a period when their rivalry truly intensified. By 2010, the friction between them became unbearable, leading to Lorenzo compelling Rossi to make an unfortunate switch to Ducati for the 2011 season.

Throughout 2013 and 2014, the atmosphere between the two remained tense yet calm when they came back together at Yamaha. However, the situation heated up once more in the following two years until Lorenzo transitioned to Ducati, where he found somewhat greater success.

Since entering the MotoGP scene, Marquez has certainly caused quite a stir. His exceptional skills on the track are matched by his intense psychological tactics. He understands exactly how to unsettle his competitors and uses this knowledge strategically. Although he is still recovering from a career hiatus caused by a severe arm injury in 2020, Marquez's influence in MotoGP was clear last year.

Marquez Takes a Stand

In a bold move, Marquez turned down a factory Ducati at Pramac and presented the manufacturer with two choices: either move him to the main team or provide him with a GP25 at Gresini. Ducati, perhaps unwisely, claimed the second option was off the table, insisting it was Pramac or nothing. As a result, Marquez threatened to leave altogether, a prospect that alarmed CEO Claudio Domenicali.

Ducati reversed its original plan to elevate Jorge Martin, who later became the world champion, opting instead to support Marquez. Marquez's strategic move has considerably diminished Ducati's strength as a manufacturer.

Ducati experienced the departure of Jorge Martin, and Pramac, considered the top satellite team on the grid, switched allegiance to Yamaha. This indirectly caused race victors Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi to leave the team. Additionally, Ducati reduced the number of factory bikes it offers from four to three and decreased its total presence from eight bikes to six.

By this stage, Marquez and Bagnaia had already experienced two significant clashes on the racetrack. The initial incident occurred during the Portuguese Grand Prix, where the two riders had a tense confrontation in the stewards' office following their collision. Notably, Marquez openly told the press that he held Bagnaia responsible for the crash, whereas Bagnaia described it as simply an unfortunate event that happens in racing.

Bagnaia avenged himself in a direct showdown at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, this may not be very significant when they face off again in 2025. Crash has learned that the GP23 model Marquez used was an early version, not the one from the end of the season. The gap between the GP23 and GP24 models widened as the season progressed. Therefore, we still haven't fully witnessed Marquez's potential competitiveness on the Ducati, even though he secured three victories last year.

An undeniable issue is the significant presence of Rossi in the situation. Marquez’s strategic moves last summer clearly caused unrest in the VR46 team. This was particularly problematic as it immediately undermined Bagnaia’s position within his own manufacturing team.

In 2025, it will mark a decade since the significant rift between Rossi and Marquez unfolded during the 2015 season—a dispute that continues to impact the series even now. Just last year, Rossi launched a public relations offensive, expressing to L'Equipe his confusion over Ducati's choice for 2025.

Interestingly, Rossi has reduced his involvement in car racing for the year 2025 and has expressed a desire to attend more MotoGP events this season. In the event that tensions rise between Bagnaia and Marquez, Bagnaia won't need to speak much as Rossi is more than willing to speak on his behalf.

During the launch event, Ducati's sporting director Mauro Grassili emphasized that "harmony" would be his focal point for the upcoming season. This statement was a bit more subtle compared to Tardozzi, who directly stated that his "challenge" would be "managing this garage."

The competition between Marquez and Bagnaia is shaping up to be one of MotoGP's most exciting rivalries, potentially matching the intensity of the legendary Rossi and Lorenzo showdown.

Ducati is well aware that a conflict between its top riders is very likely in the future. However, the company has struggled to handle tense situations with its leading racers in the past, as evidenced by experiences with Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner. The upcoming rivalry between Marquez and Bagnaia is expected to be the most challenging one for Ducati so far.

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EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Photos surface of Lewis Hamilton's debut day at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton seen dressed in formal attire as he makes his inaugural visit to Ferrari's renowned Formula 1 headquarters.

Lewis Hamilton has debuted as a Ferrari driver at the iconic F1 base in Maranello.

Photos showing the seven-time world champion making his way to Maranello on Monday morning have surfaced on social media.

Hamilton was spotted in a suit and tie as he entered Ferrari's iconic factory for the first time after finalizing his high-profile move from Mercedes on January 1st.

This shift marks the most significant driver change in the history of Formula 1 and is highly awaited as the 2025 season approaches.

The start of Hamilton's time with Ferrari's Formula 1 team kicks off this week. The 40-year-old driver from Britain is anticipated to meet with team staff, undergo a seat fitting, and participate in his initial simulator session on Monday.

The Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari partnership has officially started, with the seven-time champion making his debut at Maranello as one of their Formula 1 drivers! 👀📸 x @ raceday__official (IG) pic.twitter.com/2Z4SNiXrKG— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) January 20, 2025

The Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari partnership has officially started, with the seven-time champion making his debut at Maranello as one of their Formula 1 drivers! 👀📸 x @ raceday__official (IG) pic.twitter.com/2Z4SNiXrKG

According to reports, Charles Leclerc, the new team member, has asked to monitor Hamilton's initial activities at Maranello.

After being prevented from making an early debut for Ferrari during the post-season Abu Dhabi test in December, Hamilton is set to drive one of the Scuderia's older cars later this week.

This event is anticipated to occur in a 2023 Ferrari at the Fiorano test track belonging to the team, with speculation pointing to Wednesday as the likely day.

Ferrari is maintaining flexibility in their plans based on the weather conditions.

Hamilton is anticipated to travel to Barcelona for additional testing sessions with older Ferrari F1 vehicles as he prepares for his debut season with the team.

As a driver for Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton will be restricted to driving up to 1000 kilometers over a maximum of four days, and he must use cars that are at least two years old, in accordance with the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations in Formula 1.

Concerns have been raised that Hamilton’s trip might lead to disorder, as enthusiastic Tifosi are expected to gather in Maranello or Fiorano, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ferrari's latest standout driver.

After the unveiling of Ferrari's 2025 F1 car on February 19, Hamilton and Leclerc are expected to take it for a brief drive at Fiorano.

Following that trial session, Hamilton’s subsequent Ferrari outing is scheduled for the pre-season tests, occurring in Bahrain from February 26 to 28.

Hamilton is set to compete in his first Formula 1 race as a member of the Ferrari team at the Australian Grand Prix, which kicks off the season on March 16.

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He provides on-the-ground reporting and shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Marc Marquez commits to supporting his team, stating, "The focus is on the team, not individual victories." He is determined to secure podium finishes, achieve wins, and play a leading role in the World Championship.

Marc Marquez has described the 2025 MotoGP season as "the most thrilling challenge I've faced in my career."

He has vowed to work collaboratively with others as he embarks on this new journey.

The Spanish racer has been elevated to Ducati Lenovo, MotoGP's leading team, following a revitalizing season with Gresini Ducati.

This involved ending a 1,000-day period without a victory as he secured third place in the world championship.

With a comeback to full factory status and teaming up with two-time champion and current title runner-up Francesco Bagnaia, Marquez is likely setting his sights on finally achieving his seventh premier-class championship.

Marquez expressed his enthusiasm at today's team launch in Madonna di Campiglio, stating that he was thrilled to kick off a new MotoGP season, which he believes represents the most significant challenge of his career.

This winter, I've had the opportunity to unwind somewhat, but I also dedicated time to intense training. Now, I feel prepared to tackle the upcoming year, which promises to be both challenging and thrilling.

"I am eager to pick up where we left off at the Montmeló test last November and return to riding the bike in Sepang and Buriram."

"My immediate objective is to take pleasure in cycling, as I believe that once I achieve this, everything else will naturally come into place."

"I've often mentioned that being part of an official team means striving to compete in every race, aiming for podium finishes and wins, and seeking to play a key role in the World Championship."

Despite the fact that Marquez's impressive streak of six Honda championships in seven years was abruptly halted due to difficulties arising from a broken arm at Jerez in 2020, he emphasized that he remains committed to being a key contributor to the team.

"Our goal is to collaborate and succeed as a unified group. It's not about individual victories; it's about the entire Ducati team achieving success. Ultimately, we'll find out our position in the rankings."

He mentioned, "In the time I've spent with the team up until now, I've noticed that the work environment is excellent, and I'm excited to get back on the Desmosedici GP."

"I want to express my gratitude to Claudio Domenicali, Gigi Dall’Igna, Mauro Grassilli, and Davide Tardozzi for their confidence in me and for the warm and friendly reception they provided."

"There are plenty of enjoyable activities we can do during this time of year."

For the first time, Marquez will don the complete Ducati red attire during the Sepang test scheduled from February 5 to 7.

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For two decades, Peter has worked closely in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career unfold and eventually conclude. He is deeply involved in covering Suzuki's departure and the challenges surrounding Marc Marquez's injuries.

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Williams anticipates that political issues won't arise between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. The team believes that a spirited competition between the two drivers will enhance their performance in Formula 1.

James Vowles, the team principal of Williams, expressed his assurance that Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, who will be teammates in Formula 1 in 2025, will not engage in any political issues.

Carlos Sainz has transferred from Ferrari to Williams, stepping aside for Lewis Hamilton's arrival. He will join forces with Alex Albon to bolster Williams' roster of drivers for the 2025 season.

Since joining Williams, Albon has consistently outperformed all of his teammates. However, Sainz, who has won four grand prix races, might challenge the Thai driver's unofficial status as the team leader.

Despite any potential worries, Williams team principal Vowles is confident that the two drivers will collaborate smoothly, maintaining that neither of them is inclined toward politics.

According to Vowles, a notable aspect of Carlos and Alex is their lack of political inclinations. They are solely focused on ensuring the car's speed and achieving the highest possible performance in their setting, as mentioned to Motorsport.com.

Both of them are aware of the difficulties that 2025 might bring, but the main focus is on the future they share in 2026. Therefore, what I anticipate is gaining a deeper understanding of our strengths throughout the week, confirming what both Alex and I already think.

"I'm looking for a leader who can guide the team effectively with concise communication as we advance as an organization. I anticipate someone who will put in maximum effort at the start of every race, as our goal is to achieve success for the team."

Vowles commended Albon for his leadership skills and disclosed that Albon was actively urging Williams to consider Sainz as a potential team member when the Spanish driver became available.

Vowles expressed admiration for Alex, highlighting his leadership qualities. Vowles noted that Alex steps up when challenges arise and helps restore the team's morale, regardless of the situation. Alex was instrumental in pushing for Carlos to join the team, showing that he embraces challenges and is focused on achieving success.

Alex has experienced a challenging year. Considering everything that has happened, he has the potential to be the skilled driver I believe he can be. I anticipate that he'll regroup, start fresh next year, and perform well right from the start.

Vowles has stated that Sainz and Albon will have the liberty to compete against one another, expressing the belief that a constructive rivalry could propel Williams ahead in their pursuit to advance on the grid in the future years.

The speaker observed that Carlos races with determination, yet maintains a clean style. The competition is fair and doesn’t involve damaging each other's cars. Instead, if one driver is quicker than the other, they engage in a proper race, he clarified.

We find ourselves in a similar position. My consistent principle has been that competing is acceptable. Racing is not an issue, but it's important not to collide or force others off the track. The competition should be conducted with integrity, upholding the spirit of sportsmanship and honoring the brand you represent.

"When observing Sainz and Charles Leclerc, I've noticed some back-and-forth communication on the team radio during the past few races. This is quite typical, as there will always be a driver who feels annoyed about the situation."

"As long as you establish the appropriate conditions where they understand how to compete against one another… There will be moments when I must intervene and say, 'You cannot do that.' It's crucial to secure the overall result, which outweighs individual placement. This presents a unique challenge to manage."

When two drivers are competing against one another, it's often the case that you see them performing at their highest potential. Carlos, for instance, is showing commendable determination. Even though his future looks different than his current situation, he continues to give his all. This relentless fighting spirit is one of his key strengths.

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Charles Leclerc has a special request regarding Lewis Hamilton's initial simulation session with Ferrari. Leclerc is interested in observing Hamilton's first experience with the Ferrari team.

According to reports, Charles Leclerc has asked to be present during Lewis Hamilton's initial session in the Ferrari simulator at Maranello.

Hamilton is scheduled to use the team's simulator for the first time on Monday as he starts getting ready for the 2025 F1 season.

The seven-time world champion is anticipated to make his first appearance on the track later this week in Ferrari's 2022 race car.

As reported by FORMULA1.IT, Leclerc is interested in monitoring Hamilton and observing his initial simulator session with Ferrari.

Leclerc is interested in observing how Hamilton adjusts to working with the Ferrari team, even if only in a simulated environment, and how he collaborates with the engineers he's teamed up with.

With Hamilton's extensive experience and impressive track record, it is anticipated that Leclerc will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from his new teammate as they both face an important year.

This week is essential for Hamilton as he works on establishing a good relationship with his new team members, becomes familiar with the controls of the Ferrari, and adjusts to living in Italy.

Is Ferrari poised to secure the F1 championship in 2025? According to the records, Ferrari boasts the most formidable roster of drivers in the current F1 lineup.

If they have the appropriate equipment, the Leclerc-Hamilton duo is expected to secure victory in the F1 constructors' championship.

Ferrari concluded the year as a strong competitor to McLaren, securing victories in both the United States and Mexico.

Nevertheless, the Ferrari was still not performing as well in the fast corners when compared to McLaren and Red Bull.

Ferrari must improve their performance during qualifying sessions, as warming up their tires was a significant drawback in the previous year.

Loic Serra, the team's latest addition, is responsible for addressing their tire issues, especially in single-lap performance.

On the day of the race, Ferrari showed improved performance; however, both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found it difficult to consistently compete with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during the qualifying rounds.

Serra has concentrated on the suspension to optimize the performance of this year’s Pirelli tires for a single lap.

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Gigi Dall'Igna shares his thoughts on Jorge Martin's decision to bring the #1 to Aprilia, as the current world champion.

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, expressed that he has no issue with Jorge Martin placing the #1 on his Aprilia MotoGP motorcycle, stating that "in this situation, it's merely a number."

Last year, Martin clinched the 2024 championship title for Ducati while racing with the Pramac team. However, he had already committed to a factory contract with Aprilia for the upcoming two years, as he was passed over for a factory position at the Bologna-based brand.

During Aprilia's event held last week, Martin unveiled the RS-GP motorcycle featuring the #1 plate.

During Ducati's 2025 factory team unveiling on Monday, Dall’Igna commented on the topic by saying, "Having the number one on the bike is not an issue."

"The challenge was to secure the championship title, and we accomplished that goal last year."

"The top priority here is clear. The primary focus is simply a numerical value, and without a doubt, I want to see this featured on our bike."

"However, the main goal is to secure the championship title."

As the 2025 season kicks off, Ducati boasts the most formidable team in the competition, featuring the six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez alongside two-time premier class winner Francesco Bagnaia.

The duo revealed the colors for their 2025 design during an event held at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

In the 2024 season, Ducati displayed overwhelming superiority by clinching victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races and winning the constructors' championship with a lead of 395 points.

As Dall’Igna discussed the upcoming tests for the GP25, he observed that the motorcycle's performance was already so advanced that there was no immediate need to introduce new improvements.

"The goal is simple, but the journey to reach it will definitely be challenging," he mentioned.

"In any case, we understand the situation well. There are numerous aspects that need to be tested. We should remember that the bike from last year was, to be honest, quite impressive."

"We're not in any hurry to add many features to the new bike."

"We have numerous options available to us, and we need to decide which will serve as the foundation for the beginning of the season."

Dall’Igna observed that during last year's Barcelona test, Marquez and Bagnaia shared similar feedback regarding the GP25 prototype. However, the brand is open to exploring separate paths for each rider if necessary.

"In all honesty, during the initial test in Barcelona, both individuals provided identical feedback regarding the new version of the bike," he stated.

"I'm rather taken aback by this, but it's not a significant issue for us to pursue separate directions if the riders request it."

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