Michelin unveils an 'exceptional' tyre selection for the MotoGP championship showdown in Barcelona

For the upcoming Barcelona season climax, MotoGP competitors will have access to seven distinct tyre choices.

The unexpected shift in location for the final race of the MotoGP season, moving from Valencia to Barcelona, means Michelin will supply what it describes as a 'remarkable tyre package' for the championship showdown.

Due to the severe flooding in Valencia, the change in circuit has led Michelin to provide a variety of tires from those used in Barcelona in May, in addition to other compounds that are better suited for the significantly lower temperatures expected this weekend.

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The outcome includes a selection of seven tyre choices, which consists of four options for the front tyres (one asymmetric Soft, one symmetrical Medium, one symmetrical Hard compound, and one asymmetric Hard) along with three asymmetric rear tyre variations in Soft, Medium, and Hard categories. Notably, the Medium and Hard rear tyres correspond to the Soft and Medium options available since May.

"From May to November, the variations in temperature required us to adjust," stated Piero Taramasso, the manager of Michelin's motorcycle racing division.

The setup of the circuit doesn't essentially alter the circumstances, however, this challenging course is notorious for its minimal traction. Additionally, it's uneven, subjecting the right side of the tires to significantly more strain.

"In accordance with the policies set for these situations, we will supply extra rubber materials for both the front and the back."

We began with the package utilized in May, incorporating a softer rear compound to accommodate potentially cooler track conditions. This addition aims to enhance the performance of the Soft and Medium compounds (now reclassified as Medium and Hard), which demonstrated exceptional effectiveness throughout the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix.

The trio of back tires will feature an uneven design, boasting a strengthened right side. Regarding the front tires, we've opted against including the Michelin Power Slick Hard compound that was available in May, believing it won't see any use.

"Rather than making changes, we will continue to utilize the Soft and Medium choices. To these, we are incorporating two asymmetric designs typically observed in Valencia, at the Sachsenring in Germany, or at Phillip Island in Australia, but with added reinforcement on the right side."

"Our goal is to provide our collaborators with every available option for efficiently controlling tyre temperatures, ensuring the season finale is as thrilling as the numerous races witnessed this year."

Heading into this weekend's final race, Jorge Martin holds a 24-point advantage over Francesco Bagnaia, with up to 37 points up for grabs.

Bagnaia lost his leading position during the final lap of Barcelona's May Sprint, only to come back and secure a win over Martin in the grand prix.

For the races held in May, the preferred choice was the medium front tire, paired with soft rear tires for the Sprint and medium rear tires for the Grand Prix.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Miguel Oliveira makes his Trackhouse swan song at the Barcelona MotoGP

For their last MotoGP event with Trackhouse, Miguel Oliveira along with team manager Wilco Zeelenberg prepare to bid farewell.

Miguel Oliveira is set to make a comeback in MotoGP, participating in his final race with Trackhouse Aprilia at the Solidarity Barcelona season-ending event this weekend.

Portimao has been absent from the past five races because of wrist injuries sustained from a traction control malfunction while training in Mandalika.

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Oliveira, securing a historic podium finish for Trackhouse at the Sachsenring Sprint, will have his last ride on an RS-GP ahead of his initial test with Pramac Yamaha on Tuesday.

"Oliveira expressed his enthusiasm about returning to MotoGP racing."

"I don't have very high hopes because the true extent of my wrist's limitations won't be clear until I'm riding again. It's definitely a Grand Prix that evokes mixed emotions, but my goal is to end my time with the Trackhouse team on a positive note.

"Clearly, we will be making a swift effort to collect both optimism and financial support for the victims of the devastating occurrences in Valencia, so in general – I'm eager to participate!"

Oliveira's exit, along with the introduction of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi as the brand-new factory team, leaves Raul Fernandez as the sole rider staying on with Aprilia in 2025.

Fernandez captured attention during the May Barcelona race, impressively securing a front-row start with his 2023-spec motorcycle and remarkably leading the Sprint race, only to unfortunately crash later on.

The Spanish rider, who was recently upgraded to the RS-GP24, subsequently secured a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"Fernandez stated, “Initially, our race will be in honor of everyone impacted in Valencia. The incident there remains startling, so our competition will be dedicated to them.

"Barcelona proves to be a favorable circuit for our team, and while our main focus remains on preparing for the upcoming year, I'm keen on ending the final race of the season on a high note."

"The outcome we achieved last time in Barcelona fills me with hope. Nonetheless, I prefer to remain composed, approach it step by step, and aim to perform at my peak."

Oliveira's substitute, current Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura, is set to have his first appearance for Trackhouse on Tuesday.

This weekend marks not only the departure of the Portuguese from Trackhouse, but also the exit of team manager Wilco Zeelenberg, who is also saying goodbye.

"Indeed, we're optimistic that the event in Barcelona will be remarkable, primarily due to the challenging circumstances that bring us there. We aim to offer all the support we can to those in Valencia," Zeelenberg remarked.

According to the MotoGP organization, the sentiment isn't that we're racing in Valencia, but rather we're racing for Valencia. This perspective truly adds a unique significance to the second round taking place in Barcelona.

"For our squad, this event holds particular significance as Miguel makes his return following an injury, and Raul took the lead in the Sprint race at his local event earlier in the summer."

"Our bicycle performed admirably in that location previously, so we'll find out if we can replicate our previous racing successes.

"I'm excited about attending the upcoming MotoGP race, which marks not only the end of this season but potentially the last one in my career as well."

An ex-Grand Prix competitor, who clinched the 1990 West German 250GP title, Zeelenberg achieved his initial significant accomplishment as a team manager when Cal Crutchlow secured the 2009 World Supersport championship riding for Yamaha.

The following year, Zeelenberg transitioned to MotoGP, taking on the role of team manager for the newcomer Jorge Lorenzo. Interestingly, he operated in a garage that was physically split, sharing the space with Valentino Rossi.

Until 2015, the Yamaha factory squad maintained a distinct team manager for each of its riders. However, in that year, Zeelenberg's position was officially updated to 'Rider Performance Analyst', signaling a shift towards a greater emphasis on rider coaching.

By the time Lorenzo departed for Ducati in 2017, he and Zeelenberg had secured three world championships and triumphed in 43 races.

The individual from the Netherlands decided to stay with Yamaha and collaborate with newcomer Maverick Vinales, who secured victories in three of his first five races on the M1. However, more than a year passed, and Vinales hadn't won another race, clearly leading to noticeable strain.

Zeelenberg and Ramon Forcada, who played a significant role in Lorenzo's achievements, transitioned to the newly established Petronas Yamaha team in 2019, with Zeelenberg taking on the position of team manager once again.

The Sepang initiative unveiled the potential of Fabio Quartararo, marking him as a future star, achieved six victories, and recorded the maiden wins for a satellite Yamaha team in MotoGP, while Franco Morbidelli secured the second place in the 2020 championship.

Following Valentino Rossi's last season in MotoGP, the departure of Petronas led to a more streamlined team being reestablished by Razlan Razali as RNF, initially partnering with Yamaha before switching to Aprilia equipment.

Zeelenberg played a pivotal role in navigating the team through turbulent times, including a failed partnership with CryptoDATA, and continued as team manager into the beginning of this year's Trackhouse period.

There is no expectation for a replacement for Zeelenberg, indicating that team director Davide Brivio is likely to assume additional responsibilities typical of a team manager.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Davide Tardozzi cautioned that Ducati is at risk of a public relations setback. "Certainly, that's going to hurt, there's no question about that…"

Davide Tardozzi has been warned that Ducati could be overshadowed in public relations if Aprilia reveals a #1 plate on their 2025 motorcycle.

Heading into this weekend's final MotoGP race in Barcelona, Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin is ahead by 24 points in the championship standings.

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He's the leading contender to secure his inaugural championship, yet he's set to join Aprilia in 2025. This implies that Ducati's competitor might showcase the prestigious #1 plate on Martin's motorcycle the following year.

Ducati team leader Tardozzi emphasized that they will be satisfied as long as Martin secures the championship riding a Ducati, no matter how next year's Aprilia looks.

Michael Laverty from TNT Sports expressed, "That's definitely going to hurt, there's no question about that."

Despite attempts to gloss over it by highlighting his status as a Ducati champion in the historical records, they will fall short in the public relations battle next year.

"Aprilia is set to achieve it. They'll definitely place the #1 plate on the Aprilia, without a doubt!"

"You would take advantage of it."

Francesco Bagnaia, the champion for the last two years, faces the huge task of staging a remarkable recovery in Barcelona if he wishes to keep his title.

He seemingly has limited support on the track – his teammate, Enea Bastianini, has no obligation to Ducati after being replaced for the 2025 season, and will be moving to KTM.

Marc Marquez is set to be Bagnaia's upcoming team partner, however, he is not expected to engage in the championship battle.

Laverty communicated to Ducati, stating, "It's not possible to compel action. They cannot make Enea assist. Martin has shown greater consistency with fewer errors.

"They have a two-time world champion, yet this year hasn’t favored Pecco."

Pramac is on the verge of an impressive achievement by securing the championship ahead of their main manufacturing team.

This marks an extraordinary conclusion to their partnership, as Pramac has committed to joining forces with Yamaha as a satellite project starting in 2025.

Neil Hodgson remarked, "It's significant. Being a satellite team, they lack the equivalent number of staff members.

"Moving to the main factory team is a significant advancement."

"For the first time in history, a satellite team has secured the MotoGP championship. This is a groundbreaking achievement, as previously, only those riding top-tier factory bikes, like Valentino Rossi in 2001, have clinched the title."

"However, we haven't experienced it, particularly to this extent."

For a satellite team to outperform a factory team? That's a significant achievement.

"Should it occur, being with Pramac? They're the approachable squad, always known for their warm demeanor.

"Paolo Campinoti, the team's manager, has dedicated 25 years and invested millions of personal funds into this racing circuit."

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

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Aleix Espargaro bids adieu to Aprilia MotoGP with high hopes: "We secured victories in three out of the last four contests"

Espargaro aims for the top in his final Aprilia MotoGP appearance: "Our performance here has been outstanding."

Aleix Espargaro aims to conjure up some more Montmelo magic in his last outing with Aprilia in MotoGP.

The hometown hero will conclude his two-decade long Grand Prix journey on Sunday, at the postponed Barcelona season ender, prior to embarking on a fresh role as a test and wild-card racer for Honda.

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Since teaming up with Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has consistently outperformed as the leading RS-GP competitor, achieving significant accomplishments including the team's inaugural pole position, podium finish, race victory, and leading position in the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's team-mate, will halt Espargaro's streak in 2024, entering the last race with a lead of 43 points over his compatriot, placing him in an unreachable eighth place.

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to outperform Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his impeccable performance over the COTA weekend. Nonetheless, Espargaro could have presented a stronger challenge had he not been sidelined by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

Regarding their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro leads, having secured flawless victories in both races last season, then achieved pole position and won the Sprint race in May, before finishing fourth in the grand prix, a whole 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Accordingly, expectations are elevated for Espargaro to enhance his Aprilia achievements, which include 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, in his final weekend 'dressed in black'.

"Barcelona feels like home turf to me. I really enjoy it, and it complements both my style and the Aprilia perfectly," Espargaro remarked.

"We've secured incredible outcomes in this competition. Out of the recent four races, we've clinched victories in three and currently possess the fastest lap time on this circuit. These accomplishments suggest that we have what it takes to maintain our leading position.

"I am eager to conclude my final race alongside Aprilia on a competitive note, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I'll aim to remain completely concentrated right from the start, and we'll put in our maximum effort to secure a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team director, expressed his excitement about Aleix concluding his tenure with Aprilia at his local circuit in Montmeló, highlighting the significance of his achievements there, including securing the fastest qualifying time and a victory in the sprint race this season.

Espargaro and Aprilia can breathe a sigh of relief as the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP during its last outing in Sepang are not expected to recur in the cooler autumn temperatures of Barcelona.

Conversely, the aerodynamic setup for 2024 seems to have diminished in performance during the high-speed turns at the Circuit de Catalunya, where Raul Fernandez captured attention riding the 2023 model bike in May.

Beyond his own showing this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin, who will be joining Aprilia in 2025, as he has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati come Saturday.

In the meantime, the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP will mark Vinales' last race with Aprilia, as he is set to move to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following a strong start with victories in the first three races, encompassing the Sprints, Vinales has failed to secure a podium spot thereafter. This has resulted in him falling behind the KTM riders, Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

"Montmeló is a circuit that holds a special place in my heart; it's practically in my backyard and it's my local Grand Prix," Vinales expressed. "Being there always fills me with a lot of motivation."

"The forecast indicates that the weather conditions will be erratic, accompanied by cooler temperatures."

"This upcoming weekend promises to be extraordinary: we're heading to Valencia for a race, and it marks my final event competing with Aprilia, so I'm committed to putting in my utmost effort."

Vinales has competed in 64 events with Aprilia, securing one MotoGP victory, two Sprint wins, 13 podium finishes, and two pole positions.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the evolution of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes sprint race setup: "MotoGP lacks challenge"

Casey Stoner shares his opinions on the current MotoGP weekend structure

Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format in MotoGP, arguing that it unfairly influences the outcomes of the main races.

MotoGP launched a fresh race format in the previous year, featuring a sprint race every Saturday of each event, and Francesco Bagnaia clinched the 2023 championship title.

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Heading into the final race weekend of the season, Bagnaia is 24 points behind Jorge Martin in the standings. However, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 races held on Sundays, compared to Martin's three wins.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprints may play a key role in clinching his first championship, should he manage to transform his significant advantage into a victory. Securing a win in Barcelona's Saturday sprint will officially crown him as the champion.

Former champion Stoner expressed to GPOne, "The essence of motorsport is to showcase the top athletes competing on the most challenging vehicles to operate, yet currently, MotoGP has become too simplistic."

Riders lack sufficient mastery over the motorcycle. The contribution of engineers is becoming excessively influential.

"Subsequently, they introduced the sprint race, which diminishes the total track time available for focusing on the longer race."

"The concept of a world championship isn't meant to revolve around brief showcases; it's designed to be a test of stamina."

"Essentially, it's akin to declaring ‘alright, we’re setting up for a marathon, but now 10 laps doesn't cut it, it’s 43 kilometres!’"

"It's an exhausting and demanding task. Therefore, we require stability as the world championship is meant to be a marathon event."

"It's not feasible to rely on individuals who excel briefly, capable of handling the soft tyre. Consideration must be given to the entire race length."

"Additionally, earning points from these brief races isn't advisable as points are traditionally awarded on Sunday during the primary race."

Setting up a bike is quite challenging, ensuring you maintain concentration for the whole race.

"Currently, our attention is intensely centered on a single lap, emphasizing the significance of advancing through Q2 from the initial practice session."

"This halts everyone from focusing on preparing for the race, ensuring all preparations are complete."

"Consequently, it appears that the notable difference in performance among competitors on Sundays can be attributed to not all racers being adequately prepared for the speed of the race."

Taking into account electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated, "Overall, I believe the MotoGP motorcycle has become one of the simplest bikes to ride globally."

Stoner secured the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 with Honda.

His triumph with Ducati turned out to be a misleading sign of success for the company. For the following 15 years, they found themselves unable to clinch a championship, even after bringing on board renowned riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

In 2022, Bagnaia finally broke that curse, however, Stoner has consistently criticized the use of advanced technology in MotoGP bikes.

He has now strongly criticized the two-year-old system that might help Martin snatch the championship away from Bagnaia.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, his coverage spanning diverse areas including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Jorge Lorenzo Delivers Decisive Opinion on Jorge Martin vs. Francesco Bagnaia Showdown

Two-time World Champion Dives into Analysis of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin's Duel

Jorge Lorenzo has evaluated the championship showdown between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.

Heading into this weekend's season-ending race in Barcelona, Pramac's Martin is ahead by 24 points over Ducati's official team rider Bagnaia.

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Martin has the chance to secure his first championship and snatch it away from the current titleholder, Bagnaia, by claiming victory in Saturday's sprint race.

"Considering the current standings, Martin is more likely to succeed, though nothing is guaranteed until the final race ends," two-time MotoGP winner Lorenzo mentioned to Motosprint.

Jorge would need to commit a significant number of errors to miss out on the championship; he even collaborated with a sports psychologist to temper his eagerness, yet he continued to slip up, similar to Bagnaia.

The championship had its fair share of errors, yet it appears to be Martin's season, and I'd be pleased for him if it turns out that way. He's a bright and gifted young man who undoubtedly merits at least one MotoGP championship.

"I find similarities between myself and Martin, as well as with Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo.

"Pecco and Jorge both have a style of extending far from the motorcycle, and Jorge shares a burst of speed akin to mine, enabling him to accelerate quickly to distance himself from competitors."

"Martin and Pecco both exhibit steady performances once ahead, demonstrating a smooth and stable approach similar to my own."

"For instance, while Marc Marquez may not be as precise, he compensates with different strengths. He exhibits a more laid-back, dynamic, and assertive demeanor."

This weekend's closing event has been moved to Barcelona following severe flooding in Valencia.

Bagnaia firmly stated that he would not participate in the Valencia race due to the catastrophe, even if it meant losing the championship.

Lorenzo commended the victor's perspective, stating, "In the face of a disaster such as what unfolded in Valencia, sports take a secondary role.

"Express myself the way Bagnaia did? It seems his message was well-received. I believe mine would have been too, but hats off to him for showing such gentlemanly conduct."

In their last competition as rivals, Bagnaia and Marquez are set to go head-to-head before teaming up in a surprising partnership with Ducati's main team in 2025.

"Lorenzo stated that the outcome will hinge on the events that occur on the race track."

"If tension exists, it will extend beyond that area, yet if one is significantly quicker than the other, the issue won't emerge."

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

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Twelve months following Marc Marquez's impactful grin, he sheds light on adjusting to Ducati

Marc Marquez outlines his journey of adapting to the GP23

Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin brightened the MotoGP universe.

Following his initial ride on the Ducati during the Valencia test after the season ended, his physical demeanor clearly conveyed a profound message, sharply differing from his recent demeanor while riding for Honda.

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This weekend, Marquez is set to compete in Barcelona with the Desmosedici from last year for his final race before he transitions to Ducati's factory-level equipment in their premier team in 2025.

Marquez shared with Motosan that his smile from the previous year marked the beginning of his adventure with Ducati, explaining, "It was essentially about finding tranquility within myself, as choosing something so significant naturally comes with its share of uncertainties."

"After a decade of using the same bicycle, I was skeptical about my ability to handle the Ducati."

"This doesn't imply that I doubted my abilities; if that were the case, I wouldn't have chosen to do it."

"I was taken aback, as I felt quite confident from the outset."

Adjusting to the present circumstances is one of my strengths as a cyclist.

"Subsequently, the potential for enhancement varies, as I favor achieving the peak swiftly."

Marc Marquez showcased exceptional skill in Catalunya during May, securing podium finishes twice despite starting from 14th position 🤯#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/NQ0BZC7tPW

Marquez described how he transitioned from a substandard Honda to the championship-winning GP23 Ducati, which was last year's victor and currently ranks just below the GP24.

"The initial step involves mastering the operation of the motorcycle and making adjustments to accommodate it," he explained.

"At a certain juncture, the capacity to adjust hits its limit, prompting a shift towards focusing on enhancing personal comfort or addressing the areas of greatest deficiency."

"As you delve into that aspect, the connection between the technician and the rider starts to form. This marks another pivotal moment in the process."

"When you approach the benchmark times of competition, you encounter the initial barrier, but it's short enough to leap over."

"Then you bypass it, and begin focusing on refining the technical aspects. I mentioned this in Jerez and Austin.

"However, with every attempt, the obstacle grows taller; now, you attempt to retreat and continue this cycle until you discover the solution and progress ahead."

Marquez has made a triumphant return to winning form in grand prix racing this year, securing three victories on Sundays.

Currently, he ranks third in the championship standings, with just one more race remaining, holding a slender lead of one point over Enea Bastianini.

Marquez has distinctly outpaced the other three GP23 competitors, securing himself a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.

Transitioning to superior Ducati gear marks the next phase in his impressive adjustment journey.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula One racing.

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Johann Zarco: 'Significant Progress in Rankings, Better Late Than Never'

"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better late than never."

Johann Zarco's journey to meet his goal took more time than anticipated, yet as the flyaway races concluded, the LCR Honda competitor successfully reached his 2024 objective by placing the RC213V among the top ten in MotoGP.

Heading towards ending the season as the leading Honda competitor, the rider from France improved his highest grand prix finish from 12th in the first half of the year to ninth in Mandalika and subsequently eighth in Buriram throughout the overseas races.

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Zarco secured a ninth-place finish in the dry Indonesian race, marking his nearest position to the lead, with a gap of 15.151 seconds.

Zarco's performance in the qualifying rounds has been noteworthy, making it into Q2 once again during the recent event in Sepang, where he came close to finishing within the top ten in the grand prix.

Zarco expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting it as a positive affirmation of his significant progress in rankings during the international races.

"I currently hold the roles I identified as goals at the start of the year."

"It may have taken a little while, but it's always better to arrive late than not at all."

"It's a significant milestone for us, and that brings joy. My ability to handle the bike has greatly improved since the year started, and my feedback has become far more precise."

"I am able to be accurate and keep the responses aligned, indicating that I'm heading in the correct direction."

Zarco attributed his progress to the newest Honda aerodynamics along with enhancements he made to his braking technique.

"We've made significant progress in handling fast turns. I believe our motorcycle's enhanced cornering ability, thanks to the aerodynamics, played a key role in our advancement," he stated.

"Mastering braking is an art and a capability that few cyclists possess, and I focus on honing this talent because there's a crucial aspect to grasp. When you do, it opens up a whole new level of enjoyment while riding."

"It's not about exerting extra force, it's about finding the balance between tilting, sliding, and applying pressure. That's what makes it stand out."

The continuous series of competitions proved beneficial as well.

"I've been focusing on improving my braking skills, both on the supermoto and my CBR. However, my riding time has been limited as I'm just seven weeks out! It's pretty exciting, though. When you're racing back-to-back, you've got to view it as the ultimate training experience."

Zarco is currently ranked 17th in the world championship standings, having accumulated 53 points, as we approach the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP season-ending race this weekend.

Takaaki Nakagami leads the Honda contingent in the standings, sitting in 19th place with 31 points, ahead of Joan Mir who has 21 points in 21st position, and Marini who is 22nd with 14 points.

For two decades, Peter has experienced the ebb and flow of the paddock, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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New developments in the surprising change of F1 race director as Niels Wittich refutes claims of his resignation.

The sudden departure of Niels Wittich during the F1 race director transition is scrutinized as further details come to light.

Niels Wittich has refuted claims that he resigned from his role as the Formula 1 race director.

On Tuesday, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, made the unexpected announcement that Wittich, who has been in his role since 2022, would be stepping down effective immediately to explore new prospects.

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Nonetheless, Wittich informed the German outlet Motorsport-Magazin, stating, "I have not stepped down."

New details shared by Craig Slater, a journalist for Sky Sports, seem to support Wittich's assertion, indicating that the German is experiencing a growing tension in his relationship with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

"High-level informants have informed me that he was essentially dismissed, indicating that his departure from his position with three races remaining was not of his own choosing. This clearly contradicts what the FIA has stated in their press release," Slater mentioned.

"Additionally, from what I've gathered through various informants, it has come to light that the dynamics between Wittich and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem were somewhat strained, contributing to the situation."

Examining the potential causes of Wittich's abrupt exit with three races left in the season, Slater commented, "Wittich has faced considerable scrutiny."

Reflecting on the events at Interlagos and prior incidents, it's worth considering if the red flag should have been raised sooner at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, especially given the intense rainfall.

"I've had conversations with several people who expressed concerns that Wittich's decision-making might have been insufficient in several key instances.

"Did he have a somewhat troubled connection with the race officials? Was this issue highlighted in Austin amid the heated debates over Max Verstappen's racing tactics, especially his defensive maneuvers?"

Rui Marques, the present race director for F2 and F3, will take over from Wittich as the new race director starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"Slater mentioned that it's a challenging role, especially since the much-respected Charlie Whiting passed away right before the 2019 season started. The notorious Abu Dhabi race, which led to Michael Masi's dismissal as the race director, is still fresh in people's minds. Now, Wittich has found the position to be overwhelmingly demanding."

"Another challenge of joining the competition with just three races left is that, in theory, the race for the Drivers' Championship is still open, even if Max Verstappen is seen as the clear frontrunner. Meanwhile, the battle for the Constructors' Championship continues."

"Taking on the role of race director for the first time during this challenging race is no small feat. The event takes place on a street circuit, which experienced numerous incidents in its inaugural year. Additionally, there were issues surrounding the track's certification, a process the race director must participate in. To add to the complications, there was an incident with a dislodged drain cover. Hence, Rui Marques is really being thrown into the deep end in this scenario."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. He primarily reports firsthand from the event locations, sharing insights into the lives and narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Liam Lawson criticizes the 'utter nonsense' choice of F1 anthem for McLaren victories

Liam Lawson believes the New Zealand anthem ought to be played for McLaren's F1 triumphs.

Liam Lawson has expressed disapproval of McLaren's choice to play the UK national anthem following their victories in Formula 1 races.

Whenever McLaren secures a victory in a grand prix, a version of 'God Save the King' is performed on the podium, reflecting the team's British registration, as they are headquartered in Woking.

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In 1963, the iconic racer from New Zealand, Bruce McLaren, established McLaren, which made its Formula 1 debut three years afterward.

RB's Liam Lawson, also from New Zealand, has strongly criticized McLaren's decision, calling it "nonsense".

"He expressed confusion on the Red Flags podcast, stating, 'It's illogical. This is a team from New Zealand. Moreover, they're still called McLaren."

"Red Bull, while playing the Austrian national anthem, has its team operations based in the UK. Meanwhile, McLaren, although headquartered in the UK, is recognized as a team from New Zealand."

"It's total nonsense, really. Particularly if you're from New Zealand. Because Bruce McLaren is an undisputed icon."

McLaren has secured victories in 188 races, captured 12 drivers' titles, and won eight constructors' titles.

They are poised to secure their ninth title, currently leading Ferrari by 36 points in the constructors' championship with only three races left in the season.

This would signify McLaren's initial global championship victory since Lewis Hamilton secured the drivers' title during the thrilling Brazilian Grand Prix finale in 2008.

The last time McLaren clinched the constructors' title was in 1998, with drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard representing the team.

Lewis frequently covers Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net, consistently delivering reports directly from the venues. He focuses on sharing the narratives of the key figures within the sport.

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Clarifications on Lewis Hamilton's initial Ferrari F1 outing dispel prevalent misconceptions as new information comes to light.

Lewis Hamilton is scheduled for his initial test drive in a Ferrari Formula 1 vehicle at the beginning of the upcoming year.

The seven-time world champion is making a dramatic exit from Mercedes after a 12-season stint to join Formula 1 adversaries Ferrari in 2025. This move comes after deciding to activate a departure option in the 1+1-year deal he inked the previous summer.

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Speculation had been rife about Hamilton potentially making his first appearance for Ferrari during the after-season tire trials after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but Motorsport has indicated that this will not be the case.

Hamilton has pledged to engage in promotional activities for Mercedes towards the year's end and is scheduled to participate in an event for the team's main sponsor, Petronas, on December 10, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi test.

Speculation began spreading on social media on Tuesday, fueled by reports in Italian media, that Hamilton might relocate to Enzo Ferrari's residence.

The honor of residing in the iconic home of Ferrari's founder in Fiorano was previously exclusively bestowed upon seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Motorsport indicates that the speculation is believed to be inaccurate. The Race also states that this rumor is unfounded.

Due to Hamilton's contractual commitments preventing his participation in the off-season tire testing, his initial experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car is expected to occur in January at the team's testing facility in Fiorano.

Owing to the stringent TPC testing rules in Formula 1, the most recent Ferrari model that Hamilton is allowed to pilot is the 2022 version, named the F1-75. This car celebrated four victories and secured 12 pole positions during its active season.

Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur conveyed to Motorsport that the squad is devising strategies to ensure Hamilton's switch is as seamless as can be.

"Vasseur expressed doubt that he requires extensive hours to adjust."

"He possesses the necessary experience to adapt rapidly from day one, or at the very least, in a short amount of time. We'll engage in one or two days of TPC, in addition to the Bahrain trial, and that should suffice.

"Definitely, a segment of our team is already concentrating on the plans for 2025, including testing and communications, with Lewis involved in this aspect. However, this doesn't involve the racing team and it's not something I'm currently thinking about."

Hamilton will get his initial taste of Ferrari's 2025 contender during the pre-season trials scheduled from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain.

Starting the upcoming season, Hamilton is set to team up with Charles Leclerc, following his move into Carlos Sainz's spot, with Sainz transitioning to Williams.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He primarily reports directly from the events, sharing the narratives of significant figures in the sport.

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Williams faces a shortage of replacement parts following a series of severe crashes in the latest Formula 1 competitions.

James Vowles has acknowledged that Williams is experiencing a scarcity of spare parts due to a series of harsh crashes in the past two Formula 1 weekends.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, Alex Albon experienced a pair of accidents, and he was also involved in a significant collision during the qualifying round of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. His teammate, Franco Colapinto, faced mishaps in the rainy qualifying session and the main race in Brazil.

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The series of recent accidents has resulted in Williams facing a hefty repair cost and a shortage of replacement parts, which team leader Vowles acknowledged might affect the team's performance at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"Vowles stated that no team in the lineup is equipped to handle five significant crashes over the span of two racing events."

"Essentially, we don't have enough backup parts to handle that level of wear and tear. I'm really optimistic about [Las] Vegas, considering we had good speed there the previous year, and I believe we have a vehicle that's well-suited for those specific conditions."

"We are fully committed to ensuring that both vehicles are upgraded to their highest possible quality, while also ensuring we have enough spare parts available to achieve that goal."

"It's currently challenging to envision the exact steps we need to take, as we are in the process of receiving the items from Brazil and assessing our next moves in terms of construction and development to ensure we are in the most advantageous position."

Vowles characterized the weekend in Brazil as "arguably the harshest I've ever experienced throughout my entire career."

"Over a span of just over a week, we experienced five significant incidents. It's a frequency that virtually anyone would find unsustainable in the grid," he detailed.

"The squad is currently in the midst of restructuring with the aim of achieving race victories down the line. Such a transformation doesn’t occur instantly.

"Substantial transformation across the entire organization is necessary for this to occur, and this single event is merely a minor hiccup in the broader, long-term plan. That doesn't make it any less painful, though. Speaking to you now, the pain is indeed profound."

"My goal is for us to achieve success and high performance. My intention in joining was not to struggle for occasional victories, but to compete for wins and even greater achievements moving forward. This cannot be accomplished without a willingness to make compromises and without restructuring the organization."

"Indeed, the events of the past weekend were distressing, yet they haven't altered our ultimate goal."

"Indeed, it has deepened my conviction that what we need to accomplish is substantial, but attainable if we collaborate as a team."

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix worldwide for Crash.net. He typically reports directly from the event locations, sharing narratives about the individuals who play significant roles in the sport.

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