Aleix Espargaro reflects on his departure from Aprilia in MotoGP, noting, "In recent times, we've claimed victory in three out of the last four races at this venue." As he prepares for his final race with Aprilia, Espargaro is determined to secure a podium finish, stating, "Our performance here has been remarkable."

Aleix Espargaro is aiming to recreate his impressive performance at Montmelo one last time as he prepares for his final race with Aprilia in MotoGP.

On Sunday, the well-known racer will officially conclude a 20-year career in grand prix racing at the rescheduled season finale in Barcelona. Following this, they will embark on a new phase as a test and wild-card rider for Honda.

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Since joining Aprilia in 2017, Espargaro has been the standout rider on the RS-GP, achieving significant milestones like securing its first pole position, podium finish, race victory, and even leading the world championship.

However, Maverick Vinales, Espargaro's teammate, will put a stop to Espargaro's streak in 2024. Vinales will enter the final round with a 43-point lead over Espargaro, making it impossible for Espargaro to catch

Vinales stands out as the sole competitor to have outpaced Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his flawless performance at the Circuit of the Americas. On the other hand, Espargaro might have posed a tighter challenge had he not been hindered by an injury at Assen, which also caused him to miss the race in Germany.

When looking at their performance records at Catalunya with Aprilia, Espargaro holds the upper hand. Last season, he achieved flawless victories in both races. This year, in May, he secured the pole position and won the Sprint race, finishing fourth in the grand prix, 12 seconds ahead of Vinales.

Expectations are soaring for Espargaro to enhance his record with Aprilia, which currently includes 3 MotoGP wins, 2 Sprint race victories, 15 podium finishes, and 5 pole positions, all as he gears up for his final weekend 'in black'.

Espargaro expressed that the Barcelona circuit feels like home to him, highlighting his fondness for it and its compatibility with both his and Aprilia's racing style.

"We've seen remarkable success recently, clinching victory in three of the past four races and setting a new track record. These achievements suggest that we have the potential to remain in the lead."

"I am eager to complete my final race with Aprilia in a strong position, aiming for a spot on the podium."

"I plan to concentrate completely from the beginning and we'll put in our utmost effort to achieve a positive outcome."

Massimo Rivola, the team's director, commented that it would be a memorable moment to watch Aleix conclude his Aprilia journey at his local circuit in Montmeló, the place where he recently secured a pole position and a sprint race victory.

The positive development for Espargaro and Aprilia is that the overheating issues that troubled the RS-GP in Sepang will not be a concern in Barcelona's cool autumn weather.

In contrast, the 2024 aerodynamic package seems to be less effective in the quicker turns at the Circuit de Catalunya. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez attracted attention while riding the 2023 model bike back in May.

In addition to his race this weekend, Espargaro will undoubtedly be watching his good friend Jorge Martin closely. Martin, who will be riding for Aprilia in 2025, has an opportunity to clinch the MotoGP championship for Pramac Ducati this Saturday.

In the meantime, the Barcelona MotoGP event, organized in support of solidarity, will serve as Vinales' last appearance with Aprilia before he moves to Tech3 KTM in 2025.

Following victories in the first three rounds, which included Sprint races, Vinales has not secured a podium finish since then. As a result, he has fallen behind Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder's KTMs in the standings for the top non-Ducati competitors.

Vinales expressed his fondness for the Montmeló circuit, highlighting it as one of his favorite venues due to its proximity to his home. He noted that competing in his home Grand Prix always fills him with enthusiasm.

"The forecast indicates that the weather will be erratic, featuring cooler temperatures."

"This weekend is going to be quite unique: we'll be competing in Valencia, and it's also going to be my final race with Aprilia, so I'll put in my maximum effort."

Vinales has participated in 64 races with Aprilia, during which he secured one MotoGP victory, achieved wins in two Sprint events, reached the podium 13 times, and earned 2 pole positions.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Casey Stoner criticizes the sprint race setup: "MotoGP is not challenging enough"

Casey Stoner shares his opinion on the current MotoGP weekend structure.

Former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has expressed disapproval of the sprint race format, arguing that it artificially alters the dynamics of the grand prix races.

Last year, MotoGP implemented a new format featuring a sprint race on Saturdays at each event, and Francesco Bagnaia emerged as the 2023 champion.

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As we approach the season finale this weekend, Bagnaia is currently 24 points behind Jorge Martin. Despite this, Bagnaia has secured victory in 10 of the 19 Sunday races, while Martin has only managed to win three.

Martin's exceptional performance in the Saturday sprint races might play a vital role in securing his inaugural championship title, provided he maintains his substantial lead. His victory in the Saturday sprint in Barcelona would officially crown him as the champion.

However, Stoner, who has won the championship twice, expressed to GPOne: "Motorsport is meant to showcase top riders on the most challenging vehicles to operate, but currently, MotoGP isn't challenging enough."

"The riders lack sufficient command over the motorcycle, largely due to the engineers having too much influence."

"They scheduled the sprint race, which cuts down the time available for drivers to focus on preparations for the longer race."

"It is not intended for a world championship to involve small-scale models; instead, it should be a test of endurance."

"It's similar to announcing a marathon and then declaring that running 10 laps isn't enough because a marathon is 43 kilometers long!"

"It is extremely demanding and challenging work. Therefore, we require consistency because the world championship is intended to be a long-distance competition."

"You need to consider the entire race distance rather than just rely on participants who excel briefly using the soft tyre."

“It is important to note that points should not be awarded for sprint races, as the main race on Sunday is when points are traditionally earned.”

"Preparing a bike for a race is quite challenging. It's essential to ensure that you can maintain concentration for the duration of the event."

"Currently, our emphasis is on a single lap, as it's crucial to advance past Q2 right from the initial practice session."

"This prevents everyone from focusing on race preparations and completing those tasks."

"I believe this explains why, on Sundays, there's often a significant gap between the riders, as not everyone is prepared to match the race pace."

Considering the advancements in electronics and aerodynamics, Stoner stated: "Overall, I believe that MotoGP bikes have become some of the simplest motorcycles to handle globally."

Casey Stoner claimed the MotoGP championships in 2007 riding for Ducati and again in 2011 while racing with Honda.

His win with Ducati turned out to be misleadingly hopeful for the brand. Over the following 15 years, they faced difficulties and failed to secure a championship title, even after bringing on board Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

In 2022, Bagnaia broke that streak, while Stoner has frequently criticized the modern technology used in MotoGP bikes.

He has criticized the format that's been in place for two years, which might help Martin win the championship over Bagnaia.

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Jorge Lorenzo's decisive opinion on the rivalry between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia

A detailed examination of the competition between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin by the two-time champion

Jorge Lorenzo has shared his thoughts on the championship showdown involving Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.

Pramac's Martin is ahead of factory Ducati rider Bagnaia by 24 points as they head into the final race of the season this weekend in Barcelona.

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Martin has the opportunity to claim his first title by defeating reigning champion Bagnaia, provided he secures victory in Saturday's sprint.

"Considering the current rankings, Martin has a stronger opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed until the very end," stated Lorenzo, a two-time MotoGP champion, in an interview with Motosprint.

Jorge would need to make numerous errors to lose the championship. He worked diligently with a sports psychologist to manage his enthusiasm, yet he still committed errors, similar to Bagnaia.

The world championship was marked by numerous errors, yet it appears to be Martin's season. I would be delighted if this turns out to be true, as he is an intelligent and gifted young man who certainly deserves to secure at least one MotoGP title.

"I can relate somewhat to Martin, as well as to Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo."

"Pecco and Jorge both have a tendency to lean significantly off their bikes, and Jorge, in particular, shares a burst of energy akin to mine, allowing him to accelerate quickly and distance himself from competitors."

"Martin and Pecco both maintain a steady and smooth performance once they take the lead, similar to how I used to be."

Marc Marquez, as an example, may not always be the most precise, but he possesses different strengths. He tends to be more detached, dynamic, and aggressive.

The final event of this weekend has been moved to Barcelona due to the deadly floods that hit Valencia.

Bagnaia stated that he would refrain from participating in Valencia due to the calamity, even if it meant losing the championship.

Lorenzo commended the champion's perspective, saying, "In the face of a disaster like what happened in Valencia, sports take a backseat."

"Expressing myself like Bagnaia did? I believe his message was well-received, and I think I could have done the same. Hats off to him, though, as he has shown himself to be quite a gentleman."

Bagnaia and Marquez will compete against each other for the last time before they come together as teammates for the factory Ducati squad in 2025.

Lorenzo mentioned that the outcome will be determined by the events that unfold during the race.

"If tension exists in that area, it will also affect things externally. However, if one is significantly quicker than the other, the issue won't occur."

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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One year after Marc Marquez's influential smile, he discusses how he has adjusted to riding a Ducati. Marc Marquez outlines the process of getting accustomed to his GP23.

Nearly a year has passed since Marc Marquez's grin illuminated the MotoGP scene.

During the post-season test in Valencia, when he tried out the Ducati for the first time, his demeanor was incredibly telling and noticeably different from his recent behavior while riding his Honda.

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This weekend in Barcelona, Marquez will compete on the year-old Desmosedici for the final time before transitioning to Ducati's factory equipment as part of their official team in 2025.

Marquez shared with Motosan that the smile he had last year marked the beginning of his journey with Ducati. He explained, "It was more about finding inner peace, as making such a significant decision naturally comes with some uncertainties."

"Having ridden the same bicycle for a decade, I was uncertain about my ability to handle the Ducati."

"However, it's not that I doubted my abilities; if I had, I wouldn't have chosen to proceed."

"I was taken aback, as I was already feeling great from the first round."

"One of my key strengths as a cyclist is adjusting to the current circumstances."

"The potential for improvement varies, but I like to achieve peak performance as soon as possible."

In May, Marc Marquez showcased two of his finest performances of the MotoGP season at the Catalunya circuit. Astonishingly, he secured podium finishes twice, despite starting from 14th position. #MotoGP

Marquez described the process he underwent to transition from riding an underperforming Honda to mastering the GP23 Ducati. This particular Ducati model had clinched the championship the year before and is currently ranked just after the GP24.

He mentioned that the initial step is learning how to operate the motorcycle and then adjusting to it accordingly.

"There comes a time when you can no longer adjust, and you begin to focus on what is necessary to feel more at ease or identify where you are at the greatest disadvantage."

"Upon reaching that point, the technician and the rider start to establish a connection. This marks another shift in the process."

"When you approach those competitive times, you'll encounter your initial barrier, which is not very high and can be easily overcome."

"After that, you bypass it and begin focusing on more technical adjustments. I mentioned this in both Jerez and Austin."

"However, with each attempt, the barrier becomes taller; you keep trying to return, repeating this process until you find the solution and progress."

This season, Marquez has made a comeback to winning grand prix races, achieving three victories on Sundays.

With just one round remaining in the championship, he holds the third position, leading Enea Bastianini by a mere point.

Marquez has undoubtedly been the quickest among the four GP23 racers, securing him a spot on the factory team for the upcoming season.

The next phase in his impressive ability to adapt involves getting used to improved Ducati machinery.

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

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Johann Zarco: 'Significant Progress in Rankings, It's Never Too Late'

"It might have taken some time, but it's better to be late than never."

After a longer wait than anticipated, Johann Zarco finally managed to accomplish his 2024 goal by placing the RC213V within the top ten of MotoGP. The LCR Honda rider concluded the flyaway rounds on a high note with this achievement.

Poised to end the season as the leading Honda rider, the French competitor improved his highest grand prix placement from 12th in the first half of the year to ninth in Mandalika and then secured eighth place in Buriram during the flyaway races.

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

In recent qualifying sessions, Zarco showed strong performance, most recently reaching Q2 at Sepang. He came close to securing another top ten finish in the grand prix there.

"I'm quite pleased with this outcome, as it validates the significant progress I made in the rankings during the international races," Zarco remarked.

"I have achieved the roles I set as goals at the start of the year."

"It might have taken some time, but it's always preferable to be late than not to show up at all."

"We should feel pleased as this is a significant advancement. I believe I am now handling the motorcycle more effectively than I was earlier in the year, and my feedback has become more precise."

"I have the ability to be accurate, and we find the solutions we need, indicating that I'm heading in the correct direction."

Zarco attributed his progress to a mix of the newest aerodynamic features from Honda and enhancements in his own braking techniques.

"We've made significant progress in handling fast corners. The bike's ability to turn has enhanced, thanks to improvements in aerodynamics, which was a key factor in our advancement," he stated.

Braking is truly an art and a talent that few riders possess. I make an effort to hone this ability because it holds significant importance. When you grasp this concept, it allows you to truly enjoy riding.

"It's not just about applying more force; it's about balancing lean angle with sliding and pressure. That's what sets things apart."

The continuous series of races was beneficial as well.

"I focused on practicing my braking skills using the supermoto and my CBR. However, I haven't been riding much since I'm seven weeks out from returning. It's great that when you have back-to-back races, you can treat them as the ultimate training session."

Zarco is currently in 17th place in the world championship standings, having accumulated 53 points, as he approaches the final race of the MotoGP season at the Solidarity Barcelona event this weekend.

Takaaki Nakagami, a fellow Honda rider, ranks next with 31 points, placing him in 19th position. He is trailed by Joan Mir, who has accumulated 21 points and sits in 21st place, while Marini follows with 14 points, landing him in 22nd position.

For two decades, Peter has been immersed in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of reporting on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Liam Lawson criticizes the decision to play the wrong anthem when McLaren secures a victory in F1, arguing that New Zealand's anthem should be heard instead.

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

Whenever McLaren secures a victory in a grand prix, the British anthem 'God Save the King' is performed at the podium because the team, based in Woking, competes under a British license.

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In 1963, the iconic New Zealand race car driver Bruce McLaren established the McLaren team, which made its debut in Formula 1 in 1966.

Liam Lawson from RB, who is also a New Zealander, strongly criticized McLaren's choice, calling it "nonsense."

During an interview on the Red Flags podcast, he expressed his confusion by saying, "This is illogical. It's a team from New Zealand, yet it continues to carry the McLaren name."

Red Bull, though headquartered in the UK, plays the Austrian national anthem. Meanwhile, McLaren, despite being located in the UK, is considered a team from New Zealand.

"It's utter nonsense, to be completely frank. This is particularly true if you're from New Zealand, as Bruce McLaren is nothing short of a legendary figure."

McLaren has secured 188 victories in races, won 12 championships for drivers, and achieved eight championships for constructors.

They are set to secure their ninth title, as they currently have a 36-point advantage over Ferrari in the constructors' championship, with only three races left this season.

This would be McLaren's first world championship victory since Lewis Hamilton won the drivers' title at the thrilling Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008.

In 1998, McLaren secured their most recent constructors' championship title, with Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard as their drivers.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-scene reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the world of racing.

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Two myths involving Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have been dispelled as initial information about his first experience with the team comes to light. The initial insights into Hamilton's debut with Ferrari in Formula 1 have surfaced, quashing rampant speculation.

Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time at the beginning of next year.

The seven-time world champion has decided to depart from Mercedes after 12 seasons, making a sensational move to join Ferrari, one of their Formula 1 rivals, starting in 2025. This decision comes after he chose to activate an escape clause in the 1+1-year deal he agreed to last summer.

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There were speculations that Hamilton might make his first appearance for Ferrari during the post-season tire test after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but according to Motorsport, this will not take place.

Hamilton has plans to engage in promotional activities with Mercedes towards the year's end. He is scheduled to represent the team's main sponsor, Petronas, on December 10, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi test.

On Tuesday, social media buzzed with rumors after Italian media hinted at the possibility of Hamilton relocating to Enzo Ferrari's residence.

The opportunity to stay at the iconic home of Ferrari's founder in Fiorano has, until now, been exclusively offered to Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion.

Motorsport indicates that the speculation is considered inaccurate. Similarly, The Race also claims that this rumor is unfounded.

Due to his contractual commitments, Hamilton is unable to participate in the tyre test after the season ends. Consequently, he is expected to have his initial experience driving a Ferrari F1 car in January at the Fiorano test circuit owned by the team.

Because of F1's stringent Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rules, Hamilton can only test drive a Ferrari from 2022, specifically the F1-75 model, which secured four race victories and achieved 12 pole positions during that season.

Ferrari's leader, Fred Vasseur, informed Motorsport that the team is developing strategies to ensure Hamilton's move is as seamless as they can make it.

Vasseur mentioned that he believes a significant amount of time for adjustment might not be necessary.

He has sufficient experience to perform swiftly right from the start, or at least shortly thereafter. We will have one or two days of TPC, along with the testing session in Bahrain, which should be adequate.

"Certainly, some members of our team are already concentrating on 2025, including aspects like the testing strategy and communication, with Lewis involved in these discussions. However, this doesn't apply to the race team, and it's not something I'm currently thinking about."

Hamilton will get his initial opportunity to drive Ferrari's 2025 car during the pre-season tests scheduled from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain.

Starting next season, Hamilton will join Charles Leclerc as his teammate, filling the spot left by Carlos Sainz, who is transferring to Williams.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. Typically, he provides on-the-spot coverage of the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the motorsport world.

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Williams is facing a shortage of spare parts following a series of severe crashes in recent Formula 1 events.

James Vowles has acknowledged that Williams is experiencing a lack of spare parts following a series of harsh crashes during the past two Formula 1 race weekends.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, Alex Albon experienced two crashes, followed by a significant accident during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying session. Meanwhile, his teammate Franco Colapinto also faced incidents, crashing in both the wet qualifying and the race in Brazil.

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The latest series of accidents has resulted in a hefty repair cost for Williams and a shortage of spare components, which team principal Vowles admitted might affect their performance at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Vowles stated that no team in the competition can handle five significant crashes over just two race weekends.

"In short, the number of spare parts we have is not enough to handle the level of wear and tear. I'm optimistic about Las Vegas; we had good speed there last year, and I believe our car is well-suited for those conditions."

"We are fully committed to ensuring that both vehicles are upgraded to the highest standards possible, while also having enough spare parts available to achieve this goal."

"Right now, it's challenging to foresee exactly how things will unfold. We're still in the process of retrieving the items from Brazil and figuring out what steps we need to take in terms of design and construction to position ourselves optimally."

Vowles recounted the weekend in Brazil as "likely the toughest I have ever experienced in my whole career."

"Over the course of just over a week, we experienced five significant accidents. This is a level of incidents that almost no one on the grid can handle," he stated.

The team is currently in the midst of restructuring to become competitive enough to secure victories in upcoming races. This transformation takes time and isn't instantaneous.

"Achieving this requires substantial transformation across the entire organization, and this single race is merely a minor hiccup in the larger context of a long-term plan. That doesn't make it any less painful. It's something that deeply affects me, even as we speak."

The individual's goal is to achieve success and high performance. Their intention in joining was not just to compete for occasional points but to strive for victories and more in the future. To realize this ambition, some compromises will be necessary, including the need to restructure the organization.

"While the events of last weekend were difficult, our ultimate goal remains the same."

"Indeed, it has strengthened my belief that while what we need to do is substantial, we can accomplish it by working together as a team."

Lewis frequently travels to various Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. By being present at these events, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Red Bull has been urged to attempt to free Carlos Sainz from his contract with Williams in order for him to take over Sergio Perez's position.

Former Formula 1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya has called on Red Bull to reconsider their plans and bring Carlos Sainz on board to team up with Max Verstappen for the 2025 season.

Red Bull opted not to bring in Ferrari's departing driver, Carlos Sainz, choosing instead to keep supporting Sergio Perez. Despite having a contract for the upcoming season, Perez's future with the team is in doubt because of his lackluster performance.

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Following a series of impressive performances filling in for Williams, Franco Colapinto has positioned himself as a possible candidate for Red Bull, whether with their main team or the affiliated RB team. Williams is unable to provide the Argentine driver with a full-time seat for the upcoming year, as they have already committed to Sainz.

During the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull team, was spotted at the Williams hospitality area. This visit has intensified rumors that Red Bull might be evaluating Colapinto as a potential team member.

Montoya suggests that Red Bull should attempt to release Sainz from his contract with Williams before he even competes for them. If this happens, it could allow Colapinto to join Alex Albon as a full-time driver.

A speaker on W Radio Colombia suggested that if they were Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, they would approach Williams with a proposal: "If you're satisfied with Colapinto, then retain him and allow us to have Sainz."

"Why would I take the chance of replacing Checo, who has experience in Formula 1 and has secured race victories, with a newcomer to compete alongside Max?"

Facing Albon as a newcomer is challenging, but it's achievable. Observing Albon's history, it's evident that whenever he's been in high-pressure situations with a speedy teammate, he has tended to crash and still does.

"Max is known for never erring or falling short, which makes the situation complex."

Montoya stated, "If I were in Christian's position, I'd ask him, 'Are you really fond of Colapinto and do you want to help him develop?'"

Based on my understanding of Carlos, I believe he has informed Williams about his agreement to join them. However, he might have added a condition that if he does not achieve victories or podium finishes, he retains the option to move on if a better offer comes his way each year.

"Red Bull might suggest to Williams, 'you have the option to let Carlos go immediately and receive a financial benefit, or wait a year and not receive any compensation.'"

"If that were the situation, I would choose Carlos for Red Bull instead of Colapinto."

Lewis frequently travels internationally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key individuals involved in the sport.

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Martin Brundle dismisses accusations of British media favoritism following remarks about Max Verstappen. Brundle maintains that Sky Sports F1 provides fair coverage and does not show partiality towards British racers.

Martin Brundle has rejected claims that Sky Sports F1 shows favoritism towards British drivers in its coverage.

This development follows Max Verstappen of Red Bull criticizing the British press after his remarkable comeback win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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Following criticism from former F1 drivers like Brundle, Damon Hill, and Johnny Herbert, the Dutch driver addressed the post-race FIA press conference in Brazil by saying, "I have a brief question. I'm grateful that you all made it here, but I don't notice any British journalists around. Did they have to rush to catch their flights? Or are they unaware of the press conference location?"

During a recent Sky Sports F1 podcast, Brundle dismissed the idea of any bias in favor of British individuals, although he did not specifically refer to Verstappen or his latest remarks.

Brundle countered podcast host Matt Baker's claim that Sky focuses on highlighting the stories of British drivers by saying, "I don't believe that's the case."

"I am from Britain. I used to drive in Formula 1 for the UK, and our main audience is a British television network. Our broadcast is also shared globally by other networks."

When I tune into events like the Olympics, the World Cup, or the European Cup, it's clear that commentators are very supportive of their own countries. However, I believe we strive to maintain a more neutral stance. I'm quite confident about that.

"We often face criticism from all sides, as my experience over the past 27 or 28 years has shown me that you can say a thousand good things about someone, but one negative comment will reach them, and then their supporters, family, and friends will react to it."

"Occasionally, I receive some intriguing, indirect looks. However, no one ever approaches me to express their gratitude for what I have mentioned about them."

Brundle disclosed that Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, is the sole driver who has expressed gratitude towards him for the favorable remarks he made about the German.

Brundle mentioned that there was indeed a time when it happened. He recalled that Nico Rosberg approached him in Malaysia many years ago, expressing gratitude by saying, "I want to thank you for your remarks about me last weekend."

"I responded, 'Alright, I'm truly thankful for that, as I have to admit, you're the first driver to ever express something like this to me'. And, for the record, you remain the only one."

I asked him politely, "Could you tell me what exactly you appreciated about what I said? Just for my own understanding." He replied, "I'm not sure. My mom said I should express my gratitude to you."

"In fact, a driver has yet to express gratitude toward me for anything."

Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. By covering the events firsthand, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the motorsport world.

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Aleix Espargaro expressed concern over Jorge Martin transitioning from Ducati to Aprilia, stating, "The switch after such an extended period with Ducati's victorious motorcycle won't be simple."

Aleix Espargaro has expressed his support for Jorge Martin to clinch the MotoGP title, though he shares his concerns about the upcoming season.

Heading into the final race in Barcelona this weekend, Pramac's Martin is ahead by 24 points over reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia.

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In 2025, Bagnaia is set to continue with the top equipment in the sport, whereas Martin will transition from Ducati to Aprilia.

"Espargaro expressed great delight," he shared with Motosprint regarding Martin taking over his spot in the Aprilia team.

"The thought also intimidates me since transitioning from Ducati, where I've gotten accustomed to a victorious motorcycle, to Aprilia, which operates on an entirely distinct design, will undoubtedly be challenging after such a lengthy period."

"It's going to be tough, yet he's my closest pal, and entrusting my bike to him feels like a dream come true."

Experienced MotoGP rider Espargaro is set to retire following the race this weekend, now rescheduled to take place in Barcelona, his hometown, instead of the flood-affected Valencia.

Martin's Aprilia might sport the #1 if he secures the championship title this weekend.

Espargaro firmly believes his buddy, who didn't make it on the last day of 2023, will secure his inaugural championship.

"He announced Jorge as the winner."

"He holds a strong edge, demonstrating his speed in the recent competitions."

The distinction in skill that Pecco and Jorge hold over their counterparts is remarkable, echoing the iconic rivalries from historical racing periods.

"Each of them is worthy of this distinction."

Martin is determined to demonstrate that Ducati made a mistake by choosing Marquez over him for the 2025 factory ride, by clinching the championship title this weekend.

As soon as Ducati confirmed their choice of Marquez, he promptly inked an agreement to join Aprilia.

Martin has been bypassed for the Ducati factory team selection on three occasions.

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

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Eddie Jordan asserts that Lando Norris lacks the necessary qualities to secure an F1 world title.

Eddie Jordan is of the opinion that Lando Norris lacks the necessary qualities to secure a world championship title in F1.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull is on track for his fourth consecutive world title after an impressive recovery, starting from 17th position to excel at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which was affected by rain. This performance has put him 62 points ahead of Norris, with only three races left in the season.

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Norris had secured the top starting position but fell behind early on and made several mistakes, finishing sixth after an ill-timed pit stop just before a red flag incident, which Verstappen took advantage of by making a cost-free tyre swap on his way to winning the race.

Renowned ex-Formula 1 team leader Jordan believes Norris needs to enhance certain aspects of his performance to genuinely contend for global championships.

"Jordan mentioned on the 'Formula For Success' podcast that Lando is still falling short. He pointed out that Lando hasn't made it in terms of the start or achieving pole position and making the first corner."

"Undoubtedly, his speed is remarkable. However, I don't possess any conviction that Lando displays the same capabilities I observed in Max's performance on Sunday. Absolutely not. I apologize, but it simply doesn't exist."

"Lando must engage in some deep self-reflection this winter, facing himself in the mirror and acknowledging: 'To rise as a formidable World Champion, there's a significant amount I need to grasp. It's time to revisit those clips that encapsulate the essence of being resilient, strong, and triumphant.'"

"Regrettably, as of now, he lacks it."

Jordan's response led fellow presenter and ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard to reply, "Wow, Eddie, you're really tough."

Jordan responded, saying, "The truth is, he hasn't turned those into victories on the track.

"He fooled around on the podium, he's messed around at the starting line."

"Truly, what should have been his total number of race victories this year?"

Verstappen's victory positions him close to clinching the 2024 world championship in the upcoming Las Vegas race.

Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing firsthand reports, Lewis shares the narratives of the key individuals in the sport.

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