On Tuesday, MotoGP conducted trials of F1-inspired two-way radios in Barcelona. Ducati was observed experimenting with this new technology using Pirro, though it's not anticipated to be broadly implemented by 2025.

On Tuesday, Ducati MotoGP manager Davide Tardozzi and Michele Pirro conducted a test of a two-way radio system in Barcelona. However, according to information obtained by Crash, this system is not expected to be widely implemented until 2025.

MotoGP has been considering the implementation of radio communication for a while now. Over time, they have experimented with simple systems, which have received varied feedback.

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At the Misano test conducted earlier this year, a radio system was tested that allowed race direction to send pre-recorded messages to the riders.

On Tuesday during the test in Barcelona, Ducati was observed advancing their efforts by experimenting with a two-way system alongside Pirro.

This morning, Tardozzi and Pirro utilized a system created by Dorna Sports, which allowed Tardozzi to transmit real-time messages to his rider.

The effectiveness of this test remains uncertain. Ducati did not provide a statement when Crash.net reached out for comments.

Francesco Bagnaia gave it a shot but believes the system he tested isn't fully prepared yet.

When Crash inquired about it, he responded, "Yes, I was the one who did it."

"I attempted it, but it's not finished yet. During the trial, it failed to operate properly. Since it wasn't functioning, I couldn't hear any sound. Additionally, I found it somewhat bothersome. The connecting cable is quite large and poses a potential hazard. Therefore, it's still not ready, and I plan to conduct another test once it is prepared."

According to information obtained by Crash.net, the system that Ducati tested on Tuesday is unlikely to be implemented across MotoGP in the near future.

MotoGP is currently experimenting with various systems, including both the two-way and one-way communication methods.

Currently, a communication system will only be rolled out on a large scale after it has undergone extensive testing and has been confirmed as safe for use.

It has been confirmed that a rider communication system will not be implemented at the beginning of the 2025 season in Thailand.

According to Crash, the enthusiasm for the radio system varies among riders. As a result, participation in using the system during an official race would initially be optional.

The approach involving the transmission of pre-recorded messages from race officials to riders is expected to be the initial system implemented on a large scale. Crash has learned that all these messages have already been documented.

MotoGP is considering the possibility of incorporating team messages, like strategic instructions, into the one-way pre-recorded dashboard communication system.

During this year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Jorge Martin explained that he lost his position at the front in the sprint race because he got sidetracked by a dashboard alert notifying him of a track limits warning.

During the flag-to-flag San Marino Grand Prix, Martin might have gained an advantage from the team's radio communications.

This is still largely in the early phases of development, with the main goal centered on enhancing safety in MotoGP.

Racers have previously discussed the potential benefits of using radios to swiftly alert them to dangers on the course or to communicate with race officials about the necessity of a red flag.

With Liberty Media taking over ownership, a lot of parallels are being made between MotoGP and Formula 1. However, sources indicate that including team radio as a broadcast feature is not being emphasized at this time.

If the systems reach a level of safety and all participants are satisfied, they can be implemented for broadcast purposes.

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Lance Stroll will keep his spot with Aston Martin for as long as he wishes to compete in Formula 1, according to statements suggesting his seat is secure until he decides to step away from the sport.

It has been suggested that Lance Stroll can keep his position with Aston Martin for as long as he desires to compete in Formula 1.

Lance Stroll's racing efforts have often been criticized, especially in comparison to his teammate, Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion. The scrutiny intensified after Stroll's accident during the formation lap at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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The awkward exit prompted some to wonder if retaining Stroll on the team, which is owned by his billionaire father Lawrence, aligns with Aston Martin's lofty goal of becoming world champions in the future.

However, according to BBC Sport journalist Andrew Benson, Stroll will keep his place at Aston Martin for as long as he chooses to compete in Formula 1.

In a Q&A session before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Benson suggested that although Lawrence Stroll has not explicitly stated it, those familiar with him and his associates think he acquired a Formula 1 team to support his son, Lance, with the ultimate goal of seeing Lance crowned as world champion.

Lance will remain in the car for as long as he desires to pursue a career in F1. The major question for the team is what will occur if he ever decides he no longer wishes to continue.

Benson added, "Lance Stroll undeniably possesses skill, as evidenced by his ability to secure pole position for Racing Point in rainy conditions in Turkey back in 2020. He occasionally delivers impressive performances. However, he still needs to demonstrate that he can consistently achieve such results."

Broadly speaking, throughout his Formula 1 career, Stroll has typically been outpaced by his teammates, with the exception of Sergey Sirotkin in 2018.

Considering that a racing team is required to have two cars, it seems unlikely that Stroll could become a world champion. This is because it's expected that any top-tier driver Aston Martin might recruit to race alongside him would likely be faster.

Fernando Alonso holds the primary position until the conclusion of 2026. By the time his agreement ends, he will be 45 years old, and he has yet to announce if he plans to extend his career beyond that point.

Should Alonso depart or if the team opts to hire a different driver, it's probable that another top-tier driver will take his place. Based on current evidence, this new driver would also be anticipated to outperform Stroll.

In Formula 1, the question of whether seats should be awarded based solely on talent has been a longstanding debate. Historically, there have been drivers who secured their positions at least in part due to the financial backing they provide. This is not surprising, given the high costs associated with the sport.

"Stroll is the owner of the team. Although some may disagree, he has the right to decide who drives the car."

Lewis frequently travels to global Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He usually covers the events in person, providing insights and narratives about key figures in the racing world.

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Fabio Quartararo expressed his satisfaction by saying, "It's a great feeling to see my name in the lead." He added, "Even though it's just a test, I momentarily forgot that detail!"

After Alex Marquez secured the leading position on the MotoGP testing leaderboard in Barcelona on Tuesday, just two other riders managed to challenge the dominance of the Gresini team member.

The initial person was Francesco Bagnaia, a Ducati rider and the reigning two-time world champion. However, the unexpected name on the list was Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha.

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While Marquez reacted quickly, Quartararo, equipped with updated aerodynamics, a modified chassis, swingarm, and engine for testing, maintained his hold on second position until the conclusion of the 2024 season.

"It's just a test, but I completely forgot about it!" Quartararo exclaimed when he saw his name at the top of the list. "Usually, we need to move on!"

"It's satisfying to see your name at the top. Even when it's just a practice run, you still leave with a sense of accomplishment."

"Although we remain quite distant from the leading competitors, I was able to have fun today, maintain an impressive speed, and complete several strong laps."

Back at the track where he placed eleventh in the final grand prix of the season on Sunday, Quartararo recorded his fastest lap at 1 minute and 39.199 seconds, trailing Marquez by 0.396 seconds.

The French driver mentioned that the updated chassis provided the most noticeable enhancement, particularly helping with entering corners.

"We made some progress in certain aspects with the introduction of the new chassis," he stated. "However, we haven't seen improvements in traction just yet. Our strategy is to introduce a significantly different and more advanced solution in Malaysia."

"We made progress in the area where we transition from riding straight to reaching maximum lean angle in corners. This was our most significant advancement. Our next focus is to enhance the transition from leaning to straightening up."

"We have already identified how to enhance the entry. Our next step is to figure out how to make the exit better."

Quartararo stated, "We tested a new engine and a top fairing. The main goal wasn't to improve but to maintain the same feeling. The new swingarm was approached with the same intent."

"The goal was not to enhance, but rather to explore whether we could slightly decrease the weight."

On Tuesday, Yamaha witnessed a significant event as four of its MotoGP riders were present on the circuit simultaneously for the first time since 2022. This included Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, who were making their inaugural appearances for the newly formed Pramac Yamaha team.

"It's fantastic to have a team of four riders, each with a factory bike," Quartararo remarked.

"Additionally, riders and engineers from various manufacturers participated in today's practice, and I believe we made some progress."

When questioned about his conversation with Miller, Quartararo said: "We only talked briefly about how he was feeling, and he mentioned that he hadn't used the hard front tire yet."

"To truly comprehend our bicycle, a single day isn't sufficient. However, gaining insights from their feedback is crucial. This bike possesses several significant strengths, such as the front-end feel, but it also has numerous areas that need enhancement."

Alex Rins, who is part of the factory team, recorded the eighth fastest

For two decades, Peter has been a part of the paddock, witnessing the era of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the ongoing challenges faced by Marc Marquez due to his injuries.

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Marc Marquez shared his initial impressions after riding the factory Ducati. "I tested the complete 2025 setup, including the frame, engine, and various components."

Similar to his Gresini debut one year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his initial MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo official rider by securing fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he was debuting on a Desmosedici satellite motorcycle in Valencia. This year, his attention is on testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting a distinctive bright red design, the eight-time world champion spent a significant portion of the day positioned towards the bottom of the top ten rankings.

A strong performance towards the end moved him into fourth place, trailing the test leader, his younger brother and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda's factory team between 2013 and 2023, was only 0.056 seconds slower than his new colleague, Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning two-time world champion.

Marquez disclosed that he essentially bypassed the GP24, moving directly from the previous year's GP23 to the model for the 2025 season.

Marquez stated, "I spent the majority of the day testing the GP25, using it for about 90% of my rides. My main focus was collaborating closely with the engineers."

"When you join the official team, it indicates that you have to follow a very structured plan, adhering to all the necessary tests. At this point, the rider's role is largely under the direction of the engineers. Essentially, your work is primarily focused on supporting the engineers."

"There are certain advantages to the bike that enhance its performance, yet ultimately, it remains just a bicycle that requires proper handling. To achieve speed, one must exert effort and drive it assertively."

"The overall experience was extremely positive, particularly with the team. That's crucial for a first impression, and we're collaborating effectively."

When asked about what brings him more satisfaction, Marquez responded:

"The engine performs slightly better on the straights, which is a significant improvement over last year's model. Additionally, the way it handles when entering corners seems to have changed somewhat. I still need to figure out the limits in that area."

He mentioned that he experimented with the complete package, including the frame, engine, and various components. As a result, they're uncertain about which specific parts have a different feel.

"Pecco approached things somewhat differently. However, the key takeaway is that we both shared similar observations. We faced the same issues and enjoyed the same benefits, which simplifies the task for the engineers."

Michele Pirro, who tests for Ducati, indicated that the GP25 would be particularly advantageous for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At present, Marquez is withholding his opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend the situation, as we received similar feedback with Pecco. While it's excellent in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"At this point, it's essential to assess the situation, as maintaining a consistent performance across all 22 races is crucial. It's not enough for the bike to excel on just one type of track."

Was it odd to wear red after spending years competing against the official Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Not at all, it was enjoyable," Marquez remarked. "Particularly when you join a team that has excelled in recent years."

Being part of the top team on the track means you need to be quick. It was truly enjoyable to be in that garage.

"However, it was indeed unusual to see Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering all the conflicts I've had with Dovizioso!"

"We have consistently maintained a friendly and respectful relationship, which is beneficial since we are already familiar with one another."

Marquez will have to hold off until February at Sepang for his upcoming session on the GP25.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He is currently leading the coverage of Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff clarifies that his remark about Lewis Hamilton's "shelf life" was misunderstood, emphasizing that he did not mean to suggest Hamilton's best days in Formula 1 are over.

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff stated that his comment regarding Lewis Hamilton was "somewhat misinterpreted."

In the newly released book, Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane, team leader Wolff expressed his view that "everyone has a limited time," as he discussed Hamilton's surprising choice to make a major move to Ferrari.

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Some interpreted these remarks as implying that seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is currently 39 years old, might have already seen his best days, especially as he gets ready to part ways with Mercedes at the conclusion of this season.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4 before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Wolff clarified that his previous comments were misunderstood.

He clarified that he was talking about how everyone gets older, whether it's while driving, playing sports, managing a team, or running a business.

"I'm attempting to figure out if I'm transitioning from being exceptional to just being average, as being average isn't enough in the world of Formula 1."

"Despite my personal evaluation, it appears that when the car is performing well, Lewis is fully capable of delivering top performances. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to provide him with the optimal car, which is a source of frustration both for him and for the team."

"He possesses remarkable intelligence. It's evident that he has changed since he was 20, but his wealth of experience and skill in racing are outstanding."

Hamilton has claimed victory in two grand prix races this season, but he is facing challenges as his successful tenure with Mercedes comes to a close. With Mercedes, he has secured six out of his total of seven world championships.

Mercedes has chosen to fill Hamilton's empty spot with their 18-year-old up-and-coming talent and Formula 2 standout, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will join George Russell in 2025.

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

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Marc Marquez shares his initial impressions after riding the factory Ducati, stating, "I tested the complete 2025 setup, which included the frame, engine, and various components."

Similar to his Gresini debut a year prior, Marc Marquez concluded his initial MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team member by securing fourth position on the timing charts.

Last year, he was riding a satellite bike for the first time on the Desmosedici at Valencia, but this year, his attention is on testing a prototype of the GP25 factory model for next season in Barcelona.

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Sporting a striking bright red design, the eight-time world champion spent a significant portion of the day positioned towards the bottom of the top ten.

A late push propelled him to fourth place, trailing test leader, his younger brother and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for the factory Honda team between 2013 and 2023, trailed his new teammate and the soon-to-be double world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, by only 0.056 seconds.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 entirely and moved directly from the GP23 model, which is a year old, to the 2025 machine for the upcoming season.

Marquez stated that he spent the majority of his day testing the GP25, riding it for about 90% of the time. He mentioned that he was heavily involved in efforts to assist the engineers.

"When you join the official team, it signifies that you must adhere to a rigorous schedule, focusing on testing everything required. At this point, the rider essentially becomes a tool for the engineers, dedicating efforts to meet their requirements."

Certainly, the bicycle does have certain advantages that function slightly more effectively. However, at the end of the day, it's still a bicycle and requires proper riding. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, particularly among the team. That's what matters most when making a first impression, and we're collaborating effectively."

When asked to compare the feelings, Marquez responded:

"The engine performs slightly better on the straight compared to last year's model, which is a significant improvement. Additionally, the way the bike handles when entering corners seems to have changed. I still need to figure out where the limits are in this aspect."

"The issue is that I tested the complete set-up, including the frame, engine, and various components," he explained. "Therefore, we can't determine which specific parts have a different feel."

"Pecco approached things somewhat differently. However, the key takeaway is that we both provided very similar feedback. We encountered the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things for the engineers."

Ducati's test rider, Michele Pirro, implied that the GP25 is likely to be well-suited for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At the moment, Marquez is withholding his opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend the situation. Regarding Pecco, we encountered similar feedback. While it's excellent in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others," he stated.

"At this point, it's essential to assess the situation, as it's crucial to maintain a 'stable' bike throughout all 22 races, rather than just excelling on a specific type of track."

Did it seem odd to wear red after spending many years competing against the official Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Not at all, it was enjoyable," Marquez remarked. "Particularly when you join a team that has been doing well in recent years."

"You must be quick since you're part of the top team in the lineup. It was a delight to be in that garage."

"However, it was indeed unusual to see Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering all the clashes I've had with Dovizioso!"

"We’ve consistently maintained a cordial and respectful rapport, which is beneficial since we are already familiar with one another."

Marquez will not have another opportunity to ride the GP25 until February at Sepang.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Lewis Hamilton stands out as an "exception" among a "bunch of antagonists," as a comparison is drawn with Max Verstappen. "I mention Lewis, but I clarify by saying that Lewis has achieved success in a manner that is notably free of controversy."

Ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has referred to Lewis Hamilton as an "exception" in contrast to other legends of the sport.

Max Verstappen's bold driving tactics against Lando Norris in the 2024 F1 season have drawn parallels to legends such as Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

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Over the years, Schumacher and Senna found themselves at the center of several contentious events, which contributed to their distinctive reputations.

Nevertheless, Coulthard believes that Hamilton cannot be placed exactly in the same league as Verstappen, Senna, and Schumacher due to a specific reason.

During an appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Coulthard remarked, "This is why Max should be considered alongside legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher."

"I mention Lewis, and I add Lewis in parentheses because he has achieved it in a manner that is, shall we say, not controversial."

"I recall an incident involving Max during his initial championship season in 2021 at Silverstone. That's probably the most aggressive contact I've witnessed from Lewis. Generally, he's known for his clean racing style and has managed to avoid much controversy throughout his career, making him somewhat of an outlier among those typically deemed as 'villains'."

Coulthard was questioned about whether Hamilton's clean reputation is a result of Mercedes' dominant era, which allowed him to take fewer risks.

He replied, "You're exactly right. There was a time when Lewis enjoyed an edge because of the car, and he's an outstanding driver. This does not take away from his achievements."

Naturally, when he has raced side by side with Max, Max usually ends up ahead due to his intense competitive drive.

"This is a discussion that will continue long after we're gone, examining the merits and faults. It also extends to other sports."

When it comes to Verstappen, Coulthard thinks that the Dutch driver is testing boundaries in the same way that Senna and Schumacher once did.

"There will always be individuals who are perceived as somewhat unconventional," he stated.

"What they have achieved is setting a new standard for the modern era. Michael accomplished this. Ayrton achieved it too."

"Max is achieving it. This is because each generation ought to surpass the previous one. However, being better doesn't necessarily imply being kinder; it simply means they fulfill expectations."

Connor, with a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives in F1, is central to our objective reporting.

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Lewis Hamilton is considered an "exception" among a "group of antagonists" when compared to Max Verstappen. Although I mention Lewis, I'd like to clarify that his achievements have been accomplished in a manner that is, let's say, not contentious.

Ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has referred to Lewis Hamilton as an "exception" in relation to other legendary figures in the sport.

During the 2024 F1 season, Max Verstappen's bold driving tactics against Lando Norris drew parallels to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

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Throughout the years, Schumacher and Senna were engaged in several contentious events, which contributed to their distinct reputations.

Nevertheless, Coulthard believes that Hamilton does not exactly belong in the same group as Verstappen, Senna, and Schumacher for a specific reason.

During an appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Coulthard expressed that Max should be considered in the same league as legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

"I mention Lewis, although I add Lewis in parentheses because he has achieved it in a manner that can be described as quite straightforward and without controversy."

"I recall an incident involving Max during his first championship year in 2021 at Silverstone where there was contact with Lewis. That's probably the most aggressive I've seen Lewis in terms of contact. Generally, he's known for being a very clean racer, avoiding much controversy throughout his career. This makes him quite the exception among the so-called 'villains' in the racing world."

Coulthard was questioned about whether Hamilton's reputation for racing cleanly is due to Mercedes' era of dominance, which allowed him to take fewer risks.

He replied, “You’re completely right. There was a time when Lewis had the benefit of a superior car, and he is an outstanding driver. This doesn't take away from his achievements."

Certainly, in head-to-head battles with Max, it's usually Max who emerges victorious due to his fierce competitive nature.

"The discussion on the merits and demerits of this issue will continue for generations. Its impact reaches into other sports as well."

When it comes to Verstappen, Coulthard is of the opinion that the Dutch driver is testing boundaries in a manner similar to how Senna and Schumacher did in earlier times.

"There will always be individuals who are perceived as somewhat unconventional," he stated.

“What they've truly accomplished is set a new standard for the modern era's boundaries. Michael achieved this. Ayrton did as well.”

"Max is making it happen. This is because each new generation ought to surpass the previous one. However, being better doesn't necessarily imply being kinder; it means they achieve results."

Connor is the core of our impartial coverage, known for his keen awareness of F1's disputes and narratives.

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Francesco Bagnaia: Skipping Testing After Winning MotoGP Title is "Preferable"

Bagnaia responds to the post-race testing session in Barcelona.

Francesco Bagnaia believes that skipping the post-season testing after winning the MotoGP world championship was advantageous for him, as it allowed him to concentrate more on the development of the GP25.

In the final race of the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona last weekend, the two-time world champion was overtaken by Jorge Martin for the top position.

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This marks the first instance since 2021 where Bagnaia did not start the next year's testing holding the champion title.

For more details: Reasons Bagnaia deserves recognition as a remarkable MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia recorded the third-fastest time after riding his Ducati for 58 laps, mainly testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting tests on Tuesday held any extra importance now that he is aiming to reclaim the title, Bagnaia said: "I must admit, conducting the test without currently holding the world champion title made me concentrate more on the motorcycle."

"Being a world champion makes you happier and more content, but it also means I'm not as focused on getting better."

This year, the transition from the GP23 to the GP24 marked a significant leap forward. On Tuesday, Bagnaia mentioned that the foundation of the 2025 model is more robust than it has been at this stage in any prior year.

"Is the GP25 distinct? We must acknowledge that we experimented with numerous elements today, and the GP25 appears to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he mentioned.

"Our team and engineers are expected to put in significant effort over the winter, as we need to make some improvements to the foundation we evaluated."

"Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same opinion regarding the bike, which is crucial for progressing in the same direction during its development, and this is excellent news."

When it comes to braking performance, the GP24 still has the advantage.

"I've made significant progress with braking on the GP24 this year. Therefore, I believe we need to continue pursuing this same path."

"The GP25 excels in maintaining stability when navigating fast corners, and I appreciate its performance even with worn tyres. Additionally, the new engine is quite powerful."

"We usually don't begin with the new bike in such a good state, as there's typically some work to be done. However, I'm pleased that the foundation is solid this time."

He mentions, "In my opinion, there's a significant gap between 24 and 25, and I don't anticipate a major change for Malaysia since I believe the advancement has already occurred."

"However, we must organize it, and regarding the configuration, we need to adjust it for the new bike."

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F1 Championship Scenarios: How Max Verstappen Could Clinch the Title in Las Vegas

A breakdown of the ways Max Verstappen might achieve his fourth Formula 1 world championship in Las Vegas.

Max Verstappen is close to securing the 2024 F1 world championship title, which he could achieve during the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.

The Red Bull racer is close to making history as only the second driver in Formula 1, after Sebastian Vettel's streak from 2010 to 2013, to clinch their first four world championships in a row. This achievement comes after his remarkable comeback from 17th place on the starting grid to win in the chaotic and rainy Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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In Brazil, Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills, increasing his lead in the championship standings to 62 points ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. With just three grand prix events and one sprint race left before December 8, a maximum of 86 points is still available for competitors.

In straightforward terms, Verstappen will secure his fourth consecutive world championship if he departs Las Vegas with at least a 60-point lead over Norris.

The easiest ways for Verstappen to secure the championship in Las Vegas are by either winning the race for a consecutive year or by finishing ahead of Norris. In both situations, the competition for the title would come to an end.

Verstappen could secure the world championship if certain conditions are met…

Exploring scenarios where the championship battle extends to Qatar…

To ensure the championship race stretches at least until the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris needs to reduce the gap between himself and Verstappen to 59 points or, simply put, earn at least three more points than Verstappen. The most straightforward way for Norris to achieve this would be by clinching victory in Las Vegas, thereby eliminating other potential outcomes.

Despite the possibility of Norris advancing to the second-to-last race of the season, the chances are not in favor of the British driver.

If Verstappen doesn't perform poorly in the Las Vegas race, which is uncommon in Formula 1 recently, he will probably have the chance to clinch the championship once again during the Saturday sprint race in Qatar.

Only a select few can clinch the championship, yet Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, along with the teammates of Verstappen and Norris, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri, might still influence the outcome of the title race.

What is the situation with the constructors' championship?

Although the drivers' title seems nearly decided, the competition for the constructors' championship remains uncertain.

With only three races remaining in the season, McLaren is at the forefront, holding a 36-point advantage over Ferrari. They are striving for their first world championship victory since 2008 and aiming to secure their first constructors' championship since 1998.

Current world champions Red Bull remain in contention and have the opportunity to retain their title, as long as they manage to overcome a 49-point gap behind McLaren.

There are still 103 points up for grabs, meaning the constructors' championship won't be decided in Las Vegas.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-ground coverage, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Aprilia's new technical director praised Jorge Martin after his initial test, describing him as a blend of a champion and a leader.

Aprilia's MotoGP technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, describes Jorge Martin as "remarkable," noting that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader after his initial trial with the RS-GP.

A mere two days following his victory in the 2024 MotoGP world championship, Martin transitioned from riding for Pramac Ducati to joining the official Aprilia team during the post-season test in Barcelona on Tuesday.

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The Spanish rider evaluated the RS-GP models for 2024 and 2025, finishing 11th on the timing charts after completing 77 laps. Unfortunately, he experienced a minor crash towards the end of the session.

Because of contractual obligations, Martin was unable to give interviews to the press after his initial trial of the RS-GP.

Sterlacchini, who is succeeding Romano Albesiano as Aprilia's technical director, had the opportunity to assess Martin's initial test with the company.

During a media session on Tuesday, which included Crash.net, he expressed that having Jorge on board is a significant opportunity. Jorge comes from a championship-winning bike and is himself a world-class rider. This provides the team with a valuable benchmark, enabling them to better identify and focus on key areas for improvement.

"In the brief period we've collaborated—half a day yesterday and today—I've observed that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader."

"Frankly, it's pretty remarkable how he's handling the role. Truly impressive."

Sterlacchini joins Aprilia after spending the years 2022 and 2023 at KTM, following a 17-year tenure in the engineering department at Ducati.

Lacking sufficient time to grasp the project and the motorcycle, he declined to engage in a discussion about the areas where the RS-GP requires enhancements.

"In my opinion, it's not feasible: you require divine insight, not just a capable individual, to grasp everything so quickly," he remarked.

"Frankly, in certain areas, things are beginning to become clearer and less vague, but it is definitely too early to make any definitive conclusions right now."

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"Being quicker is to be expected," said Alex Marquez, who led the field during the GP24 debut at the Barcelona MotoGP Test. "With each session, we saw continuous improvement."

Alex Marquez highlighted that Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, the front-runners in the MotoGP World Championship, had an outstanding year and demonstrated exceptional speed regardless of the conditions.

Following his impressive performance by leading the timing charts during his debut on the former GP24 Ducati at the Barcelona test on Tuesday, the Gresini rider noticed a significant improvement over the previous year's bike that he had ridden throughout the current season.

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It was expected, given that the GP24 was created to accommodate the changes in Michelin's rear tire this year. The enhanced grip from this tire led to problems with the front end of the GP23.

Marquez explained that he initially took the 23 bike out for a spin in the morning to assess the grip and track conditions. Afterward, he switched to the 24. During the initial run, he noted it felt unusual and distinct, yet he managed to achieve the same lap time even with worn tires.

"At that point, it was a bike that improved consistently as I pushed it harder and harder."

"The biggest change I noticed was when entering corners, as we experienced significant difficulties with the 23 model. Pirro also mentioned that he became accustomed to the 24 model, and upon returning to the 23 here, he found it somewhat unstable."

"The entry point is particularly effective… This bicycle is specifically designed for this type of rear tire."

"The day went well. The lap times were consistently strong throughout."

Instead of making headlines with just one attack on the soft tyres, Marquez topped the timesheets five separate times.

The Spanish rider ultimately ended the race 0.396 seconds ahead of Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and 0.595 seconds ahead of Bagnaia. Bagnaia’s new teammate, Marc, who is Alex’s brother, secured fourth place as the factory team focused on developing the GP25 for next year.

Alex expressed his thoughts, stating, "It's only a single day, and given that it's a track I adore, I won't attribute their victory solely to the GP24 bike. Pecco and Jorge had an outstanding season as well. They demonstrated incredible speed in every situation."

Although it's premature to say much, this is an improvement over the GP23. I'm eager to test it on a track that doesn't suit my riding style very well. However, our next stops are Malaysia, which is excellent for me, and Thailand, where I perform well.

"We have to hold off and observe the advancements made by other manufacturers, as well as the progress of the 25 Ducati. Once we have this information, we'll have a clearer understanding of our position."

Alex mentioned: "It's also typical to be quick when you're given a bike that's already fully prepared. You don't have to gather data for the manufacturer; you can simply concentrate on making minor tweaks."

"It's understandable that we're quicker since there wasn't much for us to handle."

Alex's new teammate, rookie Fermin Aldeguer, ranked 20th in the timing results.

Peter has spent two decades in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely following the developments regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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