Title: Concerns Raised? Bagnaia Opens Up About Marquez's Advantage

In a candid remark, Pecco Bagnaia expressed that Marc Marquez had the opportunity to prepare, whereas he found himself in a different predicament the previous day.

Francesco Bagnaia, who has won the MotoGP World Championship twice, thinks he is not as ready for the 2025 season as his Ducati Lenovo teammate Marc Marquez, based on the outcomes of the last preseason test in Buriram.

During the Buriram test this week, Bagnaia experienced two days of technical problems that prevented him from completing a full race simulation. As a result, he acknowledged that Marquez seems to be in a better condition.

In an interview with MotoGP.com's After the Flag show, Bagnaia commented on the current form of Marc Marquez. He noted that Marquez appears to be in better condition at the moment, particularly since Marquez had the opportunity to practice and feel comfortable on his bike the previous day, a situation that Bagnaia did not share during the second day of testing in Buriram.

Bagnaia spoke following Marquez's impressive performance, where he maintained a steady pace in the 1:30 range during a race simulation on the last day of preseason testing. Marquez's speed was notable compared to other competitors, including Bagnaia. Unlike Marquez, Bagnaia's experience with worn tires came from several shorter runs instead of a single extended simulation.

The Italian stated that he opted not to conduct a simulation. He emphasized that his priority was to find a solution and complete the task at hand, especially since he had essentially lost the entire day before. As a result, he decided to start fresh today and did not have the opportunity to perform the simulation.

"I aimed to complete as many laps as I could with worn tires, and given the number of laps those tires had already endured, the performance wasn't too bad."

When discussing the comparison to Marquez, Bagnaia commented, "It's quite challenging to assess and combine the pace from multiple runs and a race simulation."

"I want to express that Marc achieved remarkably quick lap times and was highly competitive. When I paused and then resumed, I matched his level of performance, but this isn't the right way to compare our abilities."

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Adrian Newey's achievements could unintentionally persuade Max Verstappen to consider a change. Although it might require a few years, this timeline could align more favorably for Verstappen.

It has been suggested that although Adrian Newey may not immediately excel at Aston Martin, this situation could potentially aid in the chase of Max Verstappen.

Starting next month, Newey will take on the role of chief technical partner and become a shareholder at Aston Martin. This strategic shift might provide them with an advantage when the 2026 regulations come into effect.

The team has been cautioned that his development may take time, but this delay could eventually allow them to catch Verstappen.

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Connor McDonagh mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast that there is a suggestion that the upcoming regulations might focus on engine specifications, similar to what happened in 2014. As a result, the effectiveness of his efforts may be overshadowed by Honda's performance.

Back in 2014, Red Bull had a well-designed chassis thanks to him. However, the Renault power unit was subpar, allowing Mercedes to dominate the season.

The success of Aston Martin will ultimately depend on the performance of their engine.

"Clearly, Newey's expertise will influence the chassis rules, but it will require some time to see the impact."

Max Verstappen Considering Move to Aston Martin in 2027?

Connor McDonagh noted, "While Newey is scheduled to begin in March, other teams might kick off their projects as early as January, putting him a few months at a disadvantage."

Observing the timeline is quite fascinating. I would be very surprised if Aston Martin emerged as the leading team by 2026.

"It could potentially take a few years, but this timeline might align more favorably for Max Verstappen."

By the time 2026 arrives, he might evaluate whether he should join Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin, or Red Bull.

"He can choose which team he wants to be a part of."

"The level of patience Lawrence Stroll maintains is also a factor. He has poured a significant amount of investment into the new factory and has made several major hires."

He believes it will work out in the end. However, there's no certainty that it will, as nothing is assured in Formula 1.

Aston Martin refuted a report by the Daily Mail suggesting that a £1 billion proposal had been prepared to entice Verstappen away from Red Bull.

Discussions about Verstappen's future are ongoing due to the regulations set to be introduced in 2026.

These new regulations allow any team to potentially start the season with the quickest car, potentially maintaining their lead for many years.

Aston Martin is optimistic that Newey's brilliance will lead to the development of the fastest Formula 1 car by 2026 and in the future, potentially drawing in elite drivers.

Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends until the year 2028.

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Yamaha showcases impressive new capabilities in Buriram

Ahead of the 2025 season, Yamaha gains two significant advantages

A fresh advantageous characteristic of the Yamaha was observed during the MotoGP test in Buriram.

In Sepang, Yamaha made headlines as Fabio Quartararo posted the quickest time on the first day.

In recent days, a new feature of their bicycle has come to light.

Jack Appleyard from Dorna mentioned that both he and several representatives from manufacturing teams observed a significant improvement in Yamaha's starting performance.

"It seems like they've introduced a new clutch mechanism."

"It resembles the KTM in sound. It truly roars, pushing to its limits when it kicks off, then accelerates."

"The KTM is amazing to observe; they take off like rockets right from the start."

Positive Update for Yamaha

"The silver lining for Yamaha is that it’s not limited to a single rider mastering it," Appleyard remarked.

Each of the four riders has consistently demonstrated strong starts, as evidenced by numerous instances.

"That's another advantage for Yamaha. While their times haven't been as impressive as they were in Sepang, it's important to give them some time."

"There are indications that it could happen. They've shown progress, and if they manage to secure a good qualifying position like they did in Sepang, it seems they can have a strong start."

Yamaha is the company that has significantly heightened anticipations during the preseason.

Following a dull period lasting two years, there is now a cause for hope.

Following the appointment of Max Bartolini as the technical director and the continual development of a V4 engine, Yamaha is now embarking on a season with a satellite team and an additional two riders.

Pramac was brought on board, followed by the enlistment of Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, both of whom possess MotoGP experience with Honda, Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia.

However, will Yamaha be able to transform their hopeful preseason performance into significant outcomes as the season kicks off on February 28 in Thailand?

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Aston Martin has been urged to tackle the uncertainty regarding Lance Stroll, particularly in light of a rumored $1 billion agreement. The primary long-term challenge they face revolves around the situation with Lance.

According to reports, Aston Martin needs to consider the future of Lance Stroll if they are committed to winning the F1 championship in the long run.

The Silverstone-based team, known for its ambition, has refuted claims made in a Daily Mail article suggesting that they have put together a £1 billion offer to persuade Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull.

The acquisition of car design expert Adrian Newey indicates that Aston Martin is confident in their chances of securing both drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

Determining the future role of Stroll, who is the owner's son, Lawrence Stroll, is crucial for planning their strategy, they have been advised.

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"The most significant issue Aston Martin needs to tackle," Lewis Larkam stated on the Crash F1 podcast.

In a conversation with Mike Krack in Abu Dhabi, he acknowledged that the critics have a point in saying that the outcomes are not aligning with expectations.

"The project is geared towards the medium to long term, with 2026 as the main goal. It's likely that 2025 will resemble what we've previously observed."

In the long run, their most significant challenge revolves around the situation with Lance.

"His father is likely eager to keep him in that position. Lance is difficult to understand, and he doesn't seem to be having a good time."

In a conversation with Mike in Abu Dhabi, it appears that Lance only finds the media aspect to be unenjoyable.

In the end, if the goal is to have the strongest team of drivers and to be genuine contenders for the championship, I would choose to have both Verstappen and Alonso on the team rather than substituting Alonso with Verstappen.

"In my view, this is the team arrangement that gives you a chance to compete for the constructors' title."

A portion of my mind believes that Lance could be a positive partner for Max!

"He clearly wouldn't confront Max, who would take the lead. Max has already demonstrated at Red Bull that he can handle the task of securing and earning points independently."

"From a strictly competitive standpoint, I can't see how Lance would fit into their plans if they are genuinely committed to consistently winning."

Is Aston Martin Eyeing Max Verstappen?

While there's no official word on Aston Martin pursuing Verstappen, the introduction of the 2026 regulations might equalize competition among teams.

Aston Martin is optimistic that Newey will design a car with the speed necessary to compete for the championship, potentially attracting any driver in the lineup.

According to Lewis Larkam, Aston Martin would naturally have an interest in bringing Max on board.

"If they genuinely aim to compete for the championship and want to become a top-tier, race-winning team, they must assemble the strongest lineup possible. They are currently working on establishing this foundation by making notable high-profile hires."

"They require the top driver, and Max is the best one available."

"They would definitely like to have Max from their perspective."

"The more significant uncertainty is if Max desires that change."

The discussion surrounding Verstappen's future is set to persist throughout this season.

He has a contract with Red Bull that lasts until 2028, but in the world of Formula 1, contracts often hold little weight

His goal is to place himself in the most advantageous spot to secure a victory.

He seems attracted to the prospect of a fresh challenge. He has often stated that achieving straightforward success isn't what motivates him.

"Is he keen on that project? I believe he probably is. The groundwork is being laid, and all the feedback has been encouraging. They've enlisted Adrian Newey to join the effort."

He left open the chance of potentially working with Newey again in the future.

From a performance perspective, it's evident that Aston Martin is currently not on par. This is an aspect Verstappen would need to consider.

"I'm not convinced he would become part of a team in Aston Martin's current position. As for the possibility of it happening in 2026, that's still uncertain."

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Clarified: Ducati's Engine Choice Impacts Fabio di Giannantonio's Performance

Details on Fabio di Giannantonio's Engine Selection Revealed

In a recent move, Ducati's primary squad opted for a last-ditch revision in their MotoGP engine configuration for the 2022 season, while riders from other factory teams proceeded with the updated engine.

During that season, Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller utilized a combination of GP21 and GP22 engine components, whereas Pramac's Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco, along with VR46's Luca Marini, maintained the complete GP22 engine setup.

However, this also increased the complexity of exchanging information.

"Finding a consistent setup poses a significant challenge for us. At times, we might follow the approach used by Pecco or Jack, but then we end up with a different motorcycle," Martin expressed during the 2022 season, marking his first year in MotoGP without securing a victory.

"In that regard, we find ourselves somewhat isolated. Managing bikes with varying specifications isn't straightforward. I'm still grappling with the challenge."

This year, the division of the factory engine will not recur with Fabio di Giannantonio.

Following Marc Marquez and Bagnaia's decision to opt for the GP24 engine because of braking problems encountered with the latest GP25 unit, Ducati and VR46 have informed Crash.net that di Giannantonio will be teaming up with them using the previous version of the engine.

However, it appears Marquez and Bagnaia are poised to approve the GP24 fairing and begin the season with the previous model's frame. There's a chance, though, that di Giannantonio, the third rider with factory specifications, might choose some of the latest components.

According to reports, Diggia expressed a preference for the 2025 chassis on the first day of testing at Sepang, but an unusual mishap involving an unsuccessful wheelie resulted in a broken left collarbone. This injury prevented him from participating in the subsequent test at Buriram.

Therefore, the Italian could be inclined to assist Ducati in advancing the development of its new chassis, which isn't subject to the homologation regulations and can be modified whenever necessary.

Teams are permitted only a single aerodynamic modification each year, and the engine designs for Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM will remain unchanged for the upcoming two years, in anticipation of the switch to 850cc motorcycles in 2027.

By that time, the GP24 engine, which secured the top two spots in the world championship with Martin and Bagnaia the previous year, will have completed three consecutive seasons on the race track.

Heading into this year's world championship, Bagnaia begins with a package nearly identical to what will be seen in 2024, whereas Marquez and di Giannantonio are equipped with a 'new bike', having competed last season with the satellite spec GP23 model.

In 2023, the 'satellite spec' competitors, comprising Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini along with Franco Morbidelli from VR46, are set to compete on the GP24. Consequently, this lineup will be equipped with machinery almost on par with the factory team's gear at the season's outset, awaiting the arrival of enhancements designated for the primary riders.

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KTM's 'salad box' and Aprilia's 'rabbit ears' highlight tech advancements in Buriram

A variety of technical photographs from Buriram showcase the MotoGP squads' last pre-season trials before the commencement of the 2025 global championship.

Ducati Announcement

The headline at Ducati is the team's choice to continue using the previous year's GP24 motor for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez will begin the season using the prior model's chassis and fairing.

Marc Marquez stood out remarkably in a Grand Prix race simulation, utilizing the previous fairing model:

Examine the differences between Marquez's fairing and Bagnaia's, focusing on the updated fairing design which includes a larger lower duct and reduced-size side winglets, during the initial day of observation.

Ducati experimented with an updated aerodynamic feature for the rear seat at Buriram. Since this modification isn't subject to Aero Body limitations, it can be installed or taken off whenever necessary.

The carbon fibre swingarm of Ducati lacks the aerodynamic modifications observable on several other motorcycles.

A compressed Ducati from the factory in launch control mode:

Aprilia

In the absence of the injured Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi turned heads at Buriram with his performance, leading the pack in a Sprint simulation and securing the third fastest time overall (only surpassed by the Marquez siblings) in his time trial.

In this scene, the setting sun illuminates the intricate features of Bezzecchi's Aprilia, showcasing the front fork wings, the bodywork's shape, and the swingarm. The Italian rider mentioned that the motorcycle he concluded the testing with would be the same one approved for the season's beginning.

A detailed view of the 'rabbit ear' aerodynamic feature on the rear of a Trackhouse vehicle:

Raul Fernandez competed despite undergoing hand surgery not long ago. Observe the airflow channel (indicated by the arrow) that routes air from the bike's front to a region beneath the seat. Could it be designed for cooling, or is it aimed at enhancing aerodynamics?

A swingarm made of carbon fiber from Aprilia, featuring protection against the heat from the exhaust. Aprilia stands out as the sole manufacturer opting for SC Project exhausts instead of Akrapovic.

Bezzecchi was one of the racers who experienced wheelspin while attempting a practice start at Buriram, likely due to the front holeshot device being adjusted too low for the available traction:

KTM concluded the trial in fourth place on the leaderboard, courtesy of Pedro Acosta's effort, who trailed behind Marc Marquez as the second fastest. However, he was consistently about 0.6 seconds slower per lap throughout his 20-lap race simulation.

At the Sepang circuit, the official team comprising Acosta and Brad Binder persisted with the use of an enlarged rear seat 'salad box', which is believed to possibly contain the bike's electronic components:

Nonetheless, Tech3's Enea Bastianini continues to employ the conventional rear seat setup, though it's combined with the updated stacked exhaust arrangement.

The swingarm design from KTM stands out as the most unconventional in MotoGP, distinguished by its unique saw-tooth aerodynamics.

Detailed view highlighting the RC16's front winglet, side winglet, aerodynamic fork attachments, and cooling fins:

An upfront perspective showcasing the shapes of the fender wing, fork wings, and fairing aerodynamics:

Acosta's RC16 switches to holeshot mode for a trial launch:

At Sepang, Yamaha was a strong contender for the position just behind Ducati, but during the event in Buriram, their performance dipped. The team's top performers were Fabio Quartararo, who finished 8th, and Jack Miller, who secured the 10th spot, marking them as the team's only entries in the top ten.

The bikes ridden by Quartararo and Alex Rins were once more fully decked out in their Monster colors.

Nonetheless, the most recent aerodynamic enhancements to the M1 were more noticeable on the bare Pramac motorcycles ridden by Miller and Miguel Oliveira.

Yamaha chassis typically come in black (as observed with Rins), hence a silver chassis often indicates a fresh design…

The M1 swingarm is officially characterized as being constructed from a combination of 'Aluminium/CFRP (carbon fiber)':

Yamaha's newest iteration of the bottom fairing duct, which channels air beneath the motorcycle while turning:

As the design of side fairings becomes increasingly uniform, a divergence persists between the rectangular, box-like front wings seen on Ducati and Honda motorcycles and the sweeping, curved designs favored by Yamaha and Aprilia, with KTM positioning itself somewhere in between.

Quartararo's Yamaha reaches its lowest point during a practice launch.

Honda

While engine performance continues to be a worry, Honda ended the pre-season on a high, with Joan Mir clocking the sixth quickest time in Buriram and completing a Sprint simulation where only Marco Bezzecchi was faster.

At the Sepang circuit, Luca Marini showed a preference for Honda's latest fairing, while Mir and Johann Zarco opted for the traditional style. However, during the event at Buriram, Marini seemed to revert to the previous fairing, aligning his aerodynamics with those of the other RCV riders.

The illumination in Buriram accentuates the Honda exterior on Zarco's LCR motorcycle.

A detailed view of the front covering design and aerodynamic features on the forks of a Honda motorcycle.

The Honda swingarm, crafted entirely from aluminum. Additionally, the ride height mechanism is visible, extending from beneath the lower fairing:

Zarco utilized the ride-height mechanism at its lowest setting for an optimal 'holeshot' position during a practice launch.

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Alex Rins highlights major Yamaha enhancement

Alex Rins outlines Yamaha's progress

Alex Rins from Monster Yamaha emphasized that his position at 17th in the overall rankings from the Buriram MotoGP testing sessions didn't fully reflect the situation.

The Spanish rider acknowledged his struggles to fully exploit the capabilities of his M1 in time trials, finding himself 1.2 seconds behind the leader and 0.5 seconds behind his teammate, Fabio Quartararo. However, he felt significantly more at ease when it came to race speed.

Specifically, Rins feels that the recent improvements have enhanced braking capabilities, which in turn, have positively impacted exiting corners.

"The sessions we had in Sepang and Buriram were successful," he commented. "We experimented with numerous components, the majority of which we've incorporated into our current setup, allowing me to enhance the foundational aspects of my motorcycle.

"I find myself riding with greater ease and committing fewer errors compared to last year, which makes me content. I'm feeling well-prepared to kick off the season."

"Definitely, we have to continue improving our speed on the quick lap. At the moment, I'm somewhat behind in that regard. I wasn't able to get under the ‘30s. Therefore, we'll have to see if we can discover any improvements during the GP weekend because our overall pace is heading in the right direction."

Rins described, "The most significant enhancement I've experienced with the motorcycle is during braking. It feels more manageable, allowing me to bring the bike to a stop more effectively. However, as mentioned earlier, executing quick, aggressive turns remains a challenge for me."

"However, compared to last year when I faced significant challenges with rear lift during straight line braking, we've made progress in this area."

Improved handling as you approach a turn also results in a smoother departure from it.

"Regarding speed increase, by enhancing the braking zone, I manage to halt the motorcycle more effectively. This allows me to follow a superior trajectory and lift the bike more efficiently as I exit."

Nonetheless, he desires higher maximum speeds: "It remains challenging to surpass others on the straightaway, even with the advantage of slipstream."

Amidst the upcoming 850cc era, European MotoGP makers must halt any engine modifications for the coming two years. However, Yamaha and Honda remain exempt from this restriction and can continue enhancing their engines, thanks to their D concession status.

The inaugural race of the Thai MotoGP season kicks off in Buriram on Friday, February 28.

Statements made by Derry Munikartono in Buriram.

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Ducati refers to their team as a "family" and discusses how Marc Marquez is adjusting. "Our goal was to begin a fresh chapter with Marc and Pecco," they stated.

Ducati claims that Marc Marquez has been considered "part of the family" ever since he first donned their red attire.

This year, Marquez has transitioned from the Gresini satellite team to join the official team, participating in two official MotoGP tests alongside his new teammates.

Marquez and his new teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, concentrated on the GP25's setup during sessions in Sepang and Buriram. However, it is yet to be determined if their teamwork will continue smoothly when they are racing against each other.

"The mood has been upbeat so far," stated Ducati's sporting director, Mauro Grassilli, while in Sepang.

"Our goal was to assemble the top team globally for the championship, and we are thrilled that this has been confirmed."

"We are collaborating with Pecco and Marc to create the most favorable environment within the garage."

"It feels as though Marc has been with us for a long time, as he quickly became an integral member of the team."

"From the very first day of the trial, he was already considered a member of the family."

"It's as if Marc has been with us for a decade."

Marquez spent his initial day with his Ducati factory teammates during the team's unveiling event held in the snow-covered mountains.

Prior to collaborating on their bike's development during two testing sessions, he and Bagnaia went skiing together.

"We organized this event to foster positive relationships with the media, sponsors, and our riders," stated Grassilli.

"Our initial time together lasted for three days."

"We aimed to begin a new chapter with Marc and Pecco, and that was the initial move. It was an enjoyable experience that we hope to continue throughout the year, as it holds great significance for us."

Ducati promises to 'resolve the issue'

Ducati has redirected its attention as their team size has decreased, dropping from eight riders to six.

The Pramac satellite team's choice to partner with Yamaha results in Ducati having access to fewer data sets compared to the previous few years.

Grassilli mentioned that one team is absent, but VR46 receives backing from the factory. He also stated that they maintain positive relations with Gresini.

"We will come up with a resolution within the year. Although one team is absent, this is part of the nature of the sport, and we are very pleased with how things are going for Ducati."

Fabio di Giannantonio, representing VR46, is the last of three riders this year who have a Ducati with factory specifications.

His colleague, Franco Morbidelli, is using a model from the previous year.

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Marc Marquez Unveils Major Shock from 2025 MotoGP Trials

"The moment he captures that sensation, his speed is unbeatable…"

Ducati MotoGP team member Marc Marquez has expressed that the performance of his sibling, Alex Marquez, stands out as the most unexpected development during the 2025 pre-season.

Gresini competitor Alex Marquez will compete using the GP24 model this season and led his inaugural test with it in Barcelona in the previous November.

Following the three-day official Sepang test earlier this month, he replicated his performance, additionally recording a sprint simulation that was quicker than any of his competitors.

Discover further: Exploring how Ducati remains dynamic with its 2025 MotoGP motorcycle development

At the Buriram MotoGP testing, although Marc Marquez outperformed him for the overall fastest times, the Gresini team's rider secured the second-fastest times on both days. Additionally, his race simulation showed potential to match his brother's speed more closely if it weren't for minor issues with his motorcycle.

Without the need to make any modifications to his motorcycle, Alex Marquez has dedicated his time to fine-tuning the GP24 to suit his preferences. As the 2025 season kicks off, he is viewed as a strong candidate for securing victories in races.

Asked about Alex Marquez's comment that his brother is invincible on the same motorcycle, Marc Marquez responded, "I'm not sure."

In Barcelona, he demonstrated incredible speed, yet when we competed in Malaysia, I attempted to surpass him during the sprint race practice, but it proved impossible – he outpaced me.

"Truly, it's not just because he's my sibling, but it really is the most unexpected development of the pre-season."

"I am aware, through my personal acquaintance with him, that he thrives when everything is managed properly and when he has access to a bike that suits his riding style. Given his acute sensitivity while biking, he possesses a deep understanding of what is required."

"However, once he attains that level of confidence, he's speeding ahead, not just in Catalunya or Malaysia but also here in Thailand, at a circuit that's unique and filled with numerous challenging braking zones. He kicked off today among the top three in both the race pace and during a qualifying practice round."

Alex Marquez kicked off his Ducati journey impressively in 2023 by teaming up with Gresini, piloting a Desmosedici from the 2022 lineup.

The two-time world champion achieved several podium finishes on Sundays and won two sprint races.

The previous year was tougher for the younger Marquez sibling, as the GP23 lacked competitiveness, resulting in him achieving only a single podium finish throughout the season.

Nonetheless, he secured the position of the second-highest ranked rider in the GP23 standings.

Remarks offered by Derry Munikartono, the Indonesian Editor for Crash.

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Formula 1 icon comments on Lewis Hamilton’s “surprise” as Mercedes focuses on George Russell

"The team understood that Russell was the future, leading them to give him priority over Hamilton throughout the season."

Former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya suggests that Mercedes focused more on George Russell throughout the entire season due to a change in team dynamics after Lewis Hamilton chose to move to Ferrari the previous year.

In 2025, Hamilton will embark on a new chapter in his career by joining Ferrari, ending a 12-year stint with Mercedes.

The driver, who has won the world championship seven times, is heading to Maranello after experiencing his least successful Formula 1 season so far.

Although Hamilton secured two wins, he was largely outshone by his teammate Russell, especially during the qualifying rounds, where Hamilton managed to outperform Russell just five times.

Hamilton's recent struggles have caused him to doubt if he still possesses the pace required to compete at the highest level in Formula 1.

Montoya, a former F1 driver from the early 2000s, firmly believes that the supportive atmosphere at Ferrari could help Hamilton reach his full potential.

Montoya mentioned to Crash.net through CasinoApps that having the proper surroundings will aid Lewis Hamilton in returning to peak performance, particularly during qualifying sessions.

Last year, Hamilton experienced an unexpected turn of events. Previously, the team focused on catering to his needs and structuring everything around him. However, this shifted to favor George Russell. Recognizing Russell as the future of the team, Mercedes chose to give him priority throughout the season, leaving Hamilton in a secondary role.

"The meticulous care given to Hamilton's car at Ferrari is expected to be significantly improved, ensuring that any issues he encounters will be addressed with the same promptness as the ones Russell experienced last season."

Hamilton advances with Ferrari training

Following a groundbreaking initial week in Maranello, Hamilton is furthering his preparations for the upcoming season with Ferrari by conducting a second round of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Hamilton is set to compete later this week with his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Having missed the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton will find himself at a disadvantage compared to Carlos Sainz at Williams, who completed two days of driving.

Due to limitations on testing older vehicles this year, Hamilton will have a restricted amount of time on the track before next month's pre-season test in Bahrain.

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Ducati emphasizes the strength of its 2025 MotoGP competitors, stating they "should not be underestimated."

"Our competitors are highly skilled, I'm aware of that," the team acknowledges.

Ducati's team leader, Davide Tardozzi, has expressed that their competitors in the 2025 MotoGP season should not be underestimated, yet he remains "completely confident" in the team's ability to be contenders in every race.

During the last day of pre-season trials in Thailand this week, Ducati announced its decision to approve its 2024 engine for use by its three factory riders over the coming two years.

The GP25 is poised to kick off the season equipped with a 2024 frame and aerodynamics setup. This has led to widespread criticism of Ducati for not making significant progress as the new season approaches, potentially giving its competitors an opportunity to gain ground.

Discover more: How Ducati is far from remaining idle in 2025

Tardozzi expresses caution about the strong performance of Ducati's competitors in the pre-season, but he also mentions his satisfaction with the heightened competitive landscape.

"He expressed his satisfaction, noting that it appears the regulations are effective," he shared with MotoGP's After the Flag.

"It appears that offering compromises to companies facing challenges, such as Yamaha or Honda, is effective.

"I believe Dorna made a smart choice. We observed Fabio [Quartararo] progressing and [Pedro] Acosta making his presence felt."

"I'm truly delighted for Marco Bezzecchi since he delivered an exceptional performance today, and [now we’re] eagerly anticipating the return of the world champion [Jorge Martin].

"I am fully assured that our competitors will be highly competitive in each race and throughout the championship."

"However, throughout the winter, as everyone claimed we had secured the championship, I maintained my stance, knowing the caliber of our rivals and acknowledging their strength."

"They possess skilled riders and talented engineers, a significant number of whom hail from Ducati."

"Therefore, it's crucial not to underestimate them. There will be occasions when victory eludes us, and our focus should be on accumulating points since securing the championship outweighs the importance of winning every single race."

Ducati's choice of engine means that its satellite motorcycles for 2025 will be more similar in specifications to the factory models than they were in the previous year.

However, Tardozzi views this as a positive step towards Ducati's goal of reclaiming the championship title.

"Clearly, racers such as Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli stand out. We're also keeping an eye on Fabio Di Giannantonio's status. Ultimately, it seems our advantage lies in the fact that our affiliated teams are both supportive and quick."

"Therefore, I believe ultimately we must vie with different brands, rather than competing amongst ourselves."

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Aprilia veteran advises Jorge Martin on what awaits upon his return

Positive update on an engine for the recovering Jorge Martin

Jorge Martin has received insights on what to anticipate from his Aprilia upon resuming his responsibilities.

Due to an injury, Martin was unable to participate in the preseason testing sessions held in Sepang and Buriram, aside from completing a few laps prior to his expensive accident.

The MotoGP champion's transition from Ducati to Aprilia will primarily take place over the course of race weekends.

In the absence of Martin, Aprilia's test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, has been working on enhancing the package.

In Buriram, Savadori mentioned that efforts are ongoing to develop a new electronic strategy and a swingarm.

"We're pleased to see that the bicycle is functioning well."

"We're also pleased because the engine for 2025 is significantly improved compared to the one from 2024."

"We continue to be employed by Jorge."

Savadori mentioned that the engine has improved in general, with a significant enhancement noticeable particularly in straight-line performance.

Savadori described the steps Aprilia took to address their overheating issue: "Indeed, we've been working on it. Over the winter, we made some progress. The conditions in Malaysia were much hotter, with higher humidity."

Significant developments are on the horizon for Aprilia in 2025. The company is also in the process of restructuring their team of factory riders.

Maverick Vinales has made the move to join KTM, while Aleix Espargaro has retired and taken on a role as a test rider for Honda.

For the first time, Martin and Marco Bezzecchi are both participating as factory riders.

Savadori maintains that his responsibilities remain unchanged even with the introduction of new official riders.

"Overall, it remains the same," he stated.

"Last year, we didn't have the opportunity to experiment with new strategies during the races."

"The primary goal for the official riders is to increase their speed. The first practice session is treated like a qualifying round, where it's crucial to quickly discover the limits."

"My responsibilities remain the same. Some aspects are successful, while others are not."

"When the equipment is delivered for a professional cyclist, it is prepared right away to enhance their performance."

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James spent ten years as a sports reporter with Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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