Drivers are frustrated with the "ineffective" FIA, raising significant questions about the dispute.

"It appears to me they are too busy to get their act together, much less engage in discussions with the drivers."

Martin Brundle has raised concerns about why the Grand Prix Drivers Association didn't focus on more significant matters in their communication to the FIA.

George Russell, the leader of the GDPA, announced in Las Vegas that the Formula 1 administrators have yet to address their complaints.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 developments, unique stories, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The GDPA launched a fresh Instagram profile to express disapproval of the FIA's strict policy on profanity, resulting in Max Verstappen being sanctioned with a community service penalty.

Sky Sports' Brundle expressed his astonishment regarding the focus on the General Data Protection Act (GDPA) issues on Instagram, noting the lack of emphasis on rules for professional stewards or drivers, and instead, an unexpected concern with underwear and jewelry.

"Undoubtedly, the FIA is currently facing operational challenges."

The constant turnover of top staff is remarkable. It appears they don't even have the chance to get organized, much less communicate with the drivers.

"Since its inception, my journey with the present version of the GDPA commenced alongside Michael Schumacher and Gerhard Berger. By 1994, I had assumed the role of chairman."

Drivers have consistently aimed to reach an agreement.

"The stakeholders, the owners, and Formula 1 seem to prefer that the drivers don't express their opinions."

The controversy surrounding the FIA has deepened following the dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, with only three rounds left in the season.

Wittich has asserted that he was forced to leave, while Verstappen has acknowledged his surprise.

Brundle stated, "It's hard to make sense of. Niels mentioned he was let go. He had every anticipation of being present."

He went on to say, “Obviously, the drivers are upset, and rightfully so. Finding out through social media that there's a new race director with just three laps remaining is utterly illogical.

"Drivers have consistently sought to form a union. However, they can be quite a diverse group, given the transient nature of their profession, especially this season."

Jenson Button remarked, "It's positive that they are vocal and united in their stance."

Danica Patrick commented, "I believe that whenever an organization attempts to surpass the capabilities of its talent, it never succeeds.

"You must collaborate with them. These individuals are your warriors, the ones who are putting their lives on the line."

Ultimately, it is Niels who ensures their safety.

"Whenever you sense that your contributions are overlooked, especially when you're a major player in the sport, it simply doesn't feel right."

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the freshest Formula 1 updates, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, and special offers directly delivered to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating any part or the entirety of the text, images, or artwork in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Site Index

Crash.Net

F1 Las Vegas GP Driver Evaluations: George Russell Demonstrates Leadership Potential for Mercedes

Who stood out as the top performer at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

George Russell – 10

In Las Vegas, Russell showcased exceptional skill to secure his second win of the season. Leading the race from the start, he proved to be a rightful victor.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5

Hamilton faced ongoing difficulties during the qualifying session in Las Vegas, making errors on both of his attempts in Q3. Despite this, he appeared to be the fastest racer during the actual race, managing to climb back up to secure a second-place finish. In the last 12 laps, he was in pursuit of Russell. However, Russell mentioned that he was maintaining control from the lead position.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racing scene right in your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Carlos Sainz – 8

Sainz delivered a commendable performance throughout the weekend. He showcased exceptional skill during the qualifying rounds. Although he initially dropped a position to Leclerc at the start of the race, he managed to regain his spot as both Ferrari drivers faced challenges with their medium compound tires. Despite a rough stretch on the hard tires, Sainz ultimately made a comeback to secure a spot on the podium.

Charles Leclerc – 7.5

In the qualifying rounds, Leclerc was outperformed by Sainz, and he also crossed the finish line behind his teammate in the race. Was his pace genuinely less than Sainz's? It's unlikely. However, the situation and his role in supporting the team's strategy didn't work in his favor.

Max Verstappen – 9

Verstappen remains adept at maximizing the potential of the RB20. He maintained a solid second place during the middle segment of the race before falling behind the two Ferraris.

Lando Norris – 8

McLaren faced challenges throughout the weekend, limiting Norris to a sixth-place finish in the race.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri lagged significantly behind Norris in terms of speed. Additionally, he received a penalty for starting before the lights went out.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8

Hulkenberg impressed once again with a strong performance in the midfield, earning Haas four additional points in the constructors’ championship, which allowed them to surpass Alpine.

Yuki Tsunoda – 8

Similar to Hulkenberg, Tsunoda delivered a strong performance in the midfield battle, earning a few points as a result of his efforts.

Sergio Perez – 5.5

Perez faced yet another disappointing weekend, being eliminated in the first qualifying session. Despite the setback, he managed to drive commendably and secured a 10th place finish.

Fernando Alonso – 7.5

Aston Martin ranked as the slowest team in qualifying, trailing even Sauber. Despite this, Alonso's use of a bold two-stop strategy enabled him to end the race just shy of earning points, a commendable effort.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Following a series of notable performances, Magnussen emerged as the second-strongest Haas driver during the Las Vegas event. Unfortunately, a single-stop strategy was not enough to secure him any points.

Zhou Guanyu – 7.5

Zhou had his best performance of the season over the weekend. He advanced to the second qualifying session and earned a respectable 13th starting position. He was in contention for scoring points until he lost ground on the hard compound tires.

Franco Colapinto – 6.5

Colapinto managed to qualify ahead of his teammate Albon, but unfortunately, he was involved in a significant crash during the second qualifying session. Despite starting the race from the pit lane, he delivered a steady performance and crossed the finish line in 14th

Lance Stroll – 6

Stroll had a low-profile weekend, largely due to a mechanical problem in the third practice session that limited him to a single attempt in the first qualifying round. Additionally, a radio malfunction negatively impacted his performance during the race.

Liam Lawson – 5.5

Lawson had a challenging weekend, trailing behind Tsunoda in terms of speed and never really appearing to be in the running for a top 10 finish.

Esteban Ocon – 6

Ocon couldn't replicate Gasly's impressive performance during the qualifying session. His opportunity to earn points was thwarted due to an unusual event in the pit lane. As Ocon entered the pits, he ended up having to continue driving because his team wasn't prepared.

Valtteri Bottas – 5.5

It was a challenging weekend for Bottas, as he was slower than Zhou, a situation that hasn't occurred often this year.

Alex Albon – 6.5

Albon was eliminated in the first qualifying session due to track limits, and a problem with his power unit led to his early exit from the race.

Pierre Gasly – 8.5

Gasly showcased an impressive performance during qualifying, securing third place on the starting grid for his Alpine car. Unfortunately, his race was cut short when his engine failed, forcing him to retire early.

Connor, who closely follows F1's disputes and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

Discover More

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Track of Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to wholly or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Driver Evaluations: George Russell Demonstrates Leadership Potential for Mercedes

Who excelled the most at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

George Russell – 10

Russell showcased exceptional skill in Las Vegas, securing his second win of the season. Leading the race from the pole position, he proved to be a worthy champion.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5

Hamilton faced challenges during qualifying in Las Vegas, making errors on both of his Q3 laps. However, during the race, he appeared to be the fastest on the track, managing to climb back up to finish in second place, closing the gap on Russell in the last 12 laps. Despite this, Russell mentioned that he was controlling the race from the lead position.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates on F1, including exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world, delivered straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Carlos Sainz – 8

Sainz delivered a strong performance throughout the weekend. He excelled during the qualifying session, and although he initially lost a position to Leclerc in the first lap, he managed to regain his spot as both Ferrari drivers faced challenges with their medium tires. Despite a somewhat messy stint on the hard tires, Sainz successfully bounced back to secure a podium finish.

Charles Leclerc – 7.5

Leclerc qualified just behind Sainz and ended the race trailing him as well. Was he actually slower than Sainz? Likely not. However, situational factors and team strategies did not play in his favor.

Max Verstappen – 9

Verstappen consistently extracts peak performance from the RB20. He maintained a solid second place during the race's middle segment but eventually fell behind both Ferraris.

Lando Norris – 8

It was a challenging weekend for McLaren, limiting Norris to a sixth-place finish in the race.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri lagged behind Norris considerably once more. Additionally, he received a penalty due to a false start.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8

Hulkenberg put on an impressive performance in the midfield, securing four additional points for Haas in the constructors’ championship, which allowed them to surpass Alpine.

Yuki Tsunoda – 8

Similar to Hulkenberg, Tsunoda stood out in the battle among the midfield racers, earning a few points for his performance.

Sergio Perez – Rating: 5.5

Perez experienced yet another disappointing weekend, as he failed to progress past Q1. Despite this setback, he managed to perform adequately during the race, ultimately securing a 10th place finish.

Fernando Alonso – 7.5

In the qualifying session, Aston Martin ranked as the 10th-best team, even trailing Sauber. Despite this, Alonso managed to finish just shy of the points, thanks to a bold two-stop strategy, which is commendable.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Following a series of strong performances, Magnussen was evidently the lesser of the two Haas drivers in Las Vegas. A single pit stop strategy was not enough to get him into a points-scoring position.

Zhou Guanyu – 7.5

Zhou had his best weekend of the season. He advanced to Q2 and achieved a respectable 13th place starting position. He was competing for points but fell behind after switching to hard tires.

Franco Colapinto – 6.5

Colapinto managed to outperform his teammate Albon in the qualifying rounds but unfortunately had a significant crash in Q2. Despite this setback, he put in a strong performance starting from the pit lane and ultimately secured the 14th position in the race.

Lance Stroll had a weekend to forget, rating a 6. His qualifying session was compromised due to a mechanical problem that emerged during the third practice session, leaving him with only a single attempt in the first qualifying round. Additionally, a radio malfunction further affected his performance on race day.

Liam Lawson received a score of 5.5. It proved to be a challenging weekend for him, as he lagged behind Tsunoda in terms of speed and didn't seem to be in the running for a top 10 position.

Esteban Ocon – 6

Ocon couldn't replicate Gasly's impressive qualifying performance, and his opportunity to score points was dashed due to an unusual event in the pit lane. When Ocon entered the pits, he had to continue driving without stopping because his team wasn't prepared for him.

Valtteri Bottas – 5.5

Bottas experienced a disappointing weekend, as he was slower than Zhou, which is an unusual occurrence for this year.

Alex Albon received a rating of 6.5. He was eliminated in the first qualifying round due to track limit violations, and a power unit problem later caused him to retire from the race prematurely.

Pierre Gasly – 8.5

Gasly delivered an outstanding performance during qualifying, securing the third spot on the starting grid for his Alpine. Unfortunately, his race was cut short when his engine failed, forcing him to retire early.

Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's disputes and narratives, is central to our impartial journalism.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying any part or the entirety of this text, including images and drawings, is strictly prohibited in all formats.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Rumors circulate that Casey Stoner remains incredibly quick following a surprise appearance in Tavullia. "I was taken aback by how technically ready he is…"

During a recent visit to Italy, Casey Stoner attended the EICMA motorcycle exhibition in Milan and made a stop at the VR46 Motor Ranch. There, he met with his former MotoGP competitor Valentino Rossi and connected with the participants of Rossi's VR46 Riders Academy.

Luca Marini, who has been involved with the VR46 Academy since its official establishment in 2014, appreciated Stoner's insights into the technical aspects of contemporary MotoGP. Despite having departed from the sport 12 years ago, Stoner provided valuable opinions on its current status.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Check out this Instagram post by Luca Marini, who goes by the handle @lucamarini10.

"I hold him in high regard; he is a rider possessing remarkable skill and velocity, coupled with a sharp intellect."

"I was surprised by his technical expertise. It's fascinating to discuss the current MotoGP era and its history with him; I believe he has some excellent insights."

"We'll have to wait and see if he has the drive to potentially take on a role in MotoGP down the line."

The HRC rider at present didn't have many opportunities to ride alongside Stoner at the Ranch. He mentioned, "I wasn't on the track with him during his last quick session; I only did a few initial laps with him to introduce him to the track and demonstrate the riding technique."

Nonetheless, the Italian was taken aback by Stoner's quick pace during his initial trip to the VR46 Ranch.

In Marini's words, Stoner was incredibly quick. Despite riding a two-stroke bike, which might not have been the ideal choice for speed at the VR46 Motor Ranch, he managed to achieve an impressive lap time during his initial attempt.

"He should feel quite pleased with himself; he did excellent work."

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

Discover More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, unique stories, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to completely or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any format.

Site Map

Crash.Net

F1 racers have quickly taken a liking to the newly appointed race director, Rui Marquez.

George Russell and Carlos Sainz have praised the performance of the new Formula 1 race director, Rui Marques.

This weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix will be Marques' debut as the race director, stepping in for Niels Wittich for the last three races of the 2024 season after Wittich's unexpected exit.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Despite some worries regarding when the FIA made its decision, GPDA director and Mercedes team member Russell has expressed admiration for how Marques has adjusted to his new position.

"Optimistic, truthfully," Russell noted. "We've experienced a period where our feedback is acknowledged, yet minimal action is taken."

Several drivers expressed concerns regarding the track boundaries at turn four. They believed it was somewhat excessive for a street circuit, leading to an immediate modification of the layout.

"This is the outcome we, as drivers, are hoping for. Our collective wish is to have our voices acknowledged and to witness immediate measures being implemented. Up to this point, the response has been encouraging."

Sainz from Ferrari characterized the recent drivers' gathering in Las Vegas as "among the most outstanding in recent memory."

"Sainz mentioned that he's been assigned an enormous challenge, joining the season with only three races to go, and pointed out that the role of a race director in Formula 1 is incredibly complex."

"There are numerous factors to manage, which suggests that he's been tasked with a challenging assignment. However, truthfully, right from the start, he's performed exceptionally well."

"Yesterday's meeting with the drivers was the most productive we've experienced in quite a while."

George remarked on the situation at the third turn exit, noting that they had requested adjustments at the pit entrance to enhance the visibility of the entry line. This was due to the fact that the pit entry line was virtually invisible to them, causing significant concern.

"Today, when we arrived at the track, we noticed that the pit entry line had been expanded and marked with a blue line. Everyone commented on how great this improvement was, appreciating the thoughtful changes made. The way our feedback was received and acted upon in yesterday's meeting left us feeling very positive and optimistic."

Lewis consistently travels to Grands Prix globally for Crash.net, frequently covering the events firsthand. He shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes interviews, and special offers from the track straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the text, photos, or images in full or in part is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Site Index

Crash.Net

Ferrari's team principal delivers a straightforward assessment as Charles Leclerc expresses frustration, claiming that "being nice has backfired on me." Fred Vasseur shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Las Vegas.

Ferrari's team leader assures that the frustration of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Las Vegas will not escalate into an issue.

Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration over the team radio, stating that "being nice has backfired on me," after he ended up in fourth place at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, just behind his teammate Carlos Sainz, who secured third.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Discussions were held about pit stop tactics and team directives, and Leclerc suggested there were additional commands that were ignored.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed to Motorsport that he has no concerns whatsoever.

"The situation repeats itself where they either choose to comment or decide to stay silent."

"They're making remarks during the [slow-down] lap without having all the details. We'll talk it over, and it won't be a problem."

"It's crucial to steer clear of conflicts. However, at this point, I believe we should focus on managing the situation from the beginning, as Carlos was already managing by the third or fourth lap of his stints."

"I believe the main point is that the circumstances were quite challenging for everyone involved. However, we plan to talk about it this evening, so it shouldn't be a problem."

During our conversation with Carlos about the pit stop, I pointed out that he was potentially overshadowed by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. While he was eager to come into the pits, we preferred to have him stay on the track.

During our conversation, we faced the added challenge of switching places, which led to some confusion. However, once they were inside the car, they maintained their own perspective on the race.

With two races left in the season, Ferrari holds the second position in the constructors' championship, behind only McLaren.

In the latest races, they have surpassed Red Bull; however, the concerns raised by Leclerc and Sainz indicate that the renowned Italian team still faces some challenges.

Ferrari is on the brink of a significant transformation, with just two races remaining.

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton is set to join forces with Leclerc, marking an intriguing new phase for both the most decorated driver in F1 history and its leading team.

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Brad Binder has delightful personal news to announce. Great news for the KTM racer.

Brad Binder and his spouse are anticipating the arrival of their newborn.

Courtney Binder, who is married to the MotoGP racer, shared the delightful announcement on social media.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Courtney announced, "Our journey with you, little girl, will be our most exciting one so far." She added that Baby Binder is expected to arrive

With deep emotion, she remarked, "Chosen for this world by my brother or sister in the afterlife."

Check out this Instagram post created by Courtney Binder (@courtneybinder_). This content is shared by Courtney Binder (@courtneybinder_).

The KTM factory racer had a varied performance during the 2024 MotoGP season.

He ranked fifth overall, reaffirming his position as the leading rider not on a Ducati.

However, Binder was unable to secure any grand prix victories, while Aprilia managed to do so, as KTM occasionally faced challenges with its performance.

In the upcoming season, Pedro Acosta will team up with Binder in the factory garage.

KTM's Tech3 team will benefit from the expertise of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

At present, in the off-season, Binder and his spouse have much more significant matters to attend to…

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

Learn More

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy text, pictures, or illustrations in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Former F1 driver on the verge of securing a new contract with Mercedes, says Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff has announced that an agreement is nearly finalized.

Mercedes is poised to benefit from the departure of a seasoned Formula 1 driver who has been removed from their racing position.

Valtteri Bottas has lost his spot with Sauber for the upcoming season and currently has no alternatives to continue his racing career.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the latest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

There is a possibility of returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver.

Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, told Viaplay in Las Vegas that no agreements have been finalized yet.

"If he were to return and be part of our family again, it would fill us all with happiness."

"You could express that having a pilot like Valtteri return to the Mercedes team is incredibly fortunate. His skill and recent experience with current models make this a significant advantage."

Wolff was questioned regarding the chances of finalizing a deal to have Bottas return.

"It's just a question of when," he confessed.

Valtteri Bottas and his Sauber teammate, Guanyu Zhou, have been unable to earn any points this season due to their challenges with what is considered the weakest car in the Formula 1 lineup.

During the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1, Zhou secured the 13th position, while Bottas finished in 18th place

In 2026, Sauber is set to transform into Audi and, with a focus on the future, plans to introduce a revamped driver lineup for the upcoming season.

Nico Hulkenberg has been recruited from Haas, along with Formula 2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto, who was previously associated with McLaren.

With limited options, Bottas and Zhou find themselves at a dead end. However, Mercedes might provide their ex-driver with an opportunity to maintain a connection with the team.

In a similar move, Mercedes quickly enlisted Mick Schumacher as a backup driver after he was no longer part of an F1 racing team.

In 2025, Bottas is set to rejoin an updated Mercedes team, but this time his previous teammate, Lewis Hamilton, will not be part of the lineup. Instead, Hamilton will make a move to Ferrari, and the Mercedes drivers will consist of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Bottas secured victory in 10 Grand Prix races while driving for Mercedes.

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 straight to your email inbox.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP News

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate any text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Layout

Crash.Net

Pecco Bagnaia mentioned that he and Marc Marquez have a comparable impression of the GP25. He stated that both his and Pecco's feedback were much alike.

Francesco Bagnaia states that he and Marc Marquez have had conversations about their input on the 2025 Ducati model.

This week, Bagnaia and new teammate Marquez teamed up in the official Ducati garage for the first time during the postseason test.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock directly in your email.

For detailed insights, please refer to our Privacy Policy

As former champions both eager for victory, their partnership may be closely examined, but at present, they are jointly focused on creating the top GP25.

Bagnaia commented that the test was successful.

The recently introduced bicycle is functioning excellently and demonstrating significant promise.

Naturally, the team along with the engineers will keep working on enhancing it throughout the winter, since there are still aspects that require further refinement.

For example, when it comes to braking, the GP24 still sets the standard. The engine has a lot of power, which is satisfying, and the chassis is also impressive. We're certainly moving in the right direction.

Marc and I engaged in numerous conversations to exchange our feedback. Despite having distinct riding techniques, we were lucky to have a remarkably similar perception of the bike.

"In general, I'm satisfied with the outcome of the test."

Marquez commented, "Returning to my role as a factory rider felt great."

"In manufacturing team settings, the testing process varies slightly – there is a necessity to experiment with numerous elements and provide the most accurate feedback possible."

"Our primary attention was on enhancing the GP25, aiming to identify its improvements and drawbacks in comparison to the motorcycle I used this year."

In conclusion, we conducted a comparison with the GP24. There are still certain elements that require enhancement, since arriving at the track with a new motorcycle and immediately matching the performance of last year's model is challenging.

"The positive aspect is that both Pecco and I provided feedback that was quite alike, which will make it easier for the engineers to work on it during the winter months."

"On the whole, things are looking good, and I feel pleased."

In 2025, Marquez will transition from using the previous year's equipment at Gresini to the newest Ducati model.

He will be equipped with the same machinery as Bagnaia following a year of competing with an outdated model of the bike.

Marquez and Bagnaia are scheduled to test the GP25 during the Sepang shakedown next year.

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to completely or partially replicate text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Aprilia: "Jorge Martin Shows Promise, Yet Struggles with the Bike at Times"

Massimo Rivola Discusses Jorge Martin's Insights

Massimo Rivola has discussed the various successes and challenges Jorge Martin encountered during his initial laps on an Aprilia bike.

Just two days after clinching his inaugural MotoGP championship, Martin transitioned from Pramac Ducati to join the official Aprilia team.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

He will defend his title using a new motorcycle, one that trailed behind the Ducatis over the past year, though it is a project with potential for development.

Aprilia's CEO, Rivola, described the atmosphere as extremely upbeat during Martin's initial testing session.

"He provided more favorable comments than we had anticipated."

"Clearly, some aspects have improved, while others still have room for enhancement."

Overall, he is very fond of the bike. However, there were moments on the screen where he seemed to be struggling with it occasionally.

"We have a sense of his desires."

"It's noteworthy that Marco Bezzecchi expressed similar thoughts, indicating a clear trend."

"They began by working on the 2024 model of the bike before transitioning to the 2025 version

"The trajectory for '25 appears to be an improvement over '24, so perhaps we can continue progressing along that path."

"I feel optimistic and joyful about today."

Martin participated in the test with the number 89 displayed on his racing suit and motorcycle. He has not yet made a decision regarding the use of the number 1 plate in 2025.

Aprilia and Ducati have been in a tussle about Martin securing victories on one motorcycle brand and then associating himself with a competing brand.

"Significant Transformations to Tackle Major Challenges"

In 2025, Aprilia secured Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 team, offering him his inaugural opportunity with a factory team.

Ducati decided to select Marc Marquez for their official 2025 team, which resulted in Martin and Bezzecchi becoming free agents.

This indicates that the Aprilia team looked quite different during the test after the season, as both Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro were no longer present.

Rivola mentioned that it was rather distinct to have Fabiano Sterlacchini serving in his capacity as the technical director, along with a new crew leader and some mechanics.

"Significant transformations for a major challenge."

"The connection among the individuals was remarkable. I observed a cohesive group. It was gratifying to witness such unity."

Aprilia aims to challenge Ducati as their closest competitors in 2025, with the ambition of potentially surpassing them.

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

Stay Informed

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-the-minute MotoGP updates, special features, interviews, and offers straight from the paddock delivered to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Stories

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce any text, photos, or images in any format.

Website Map

Crash.Net

Aprilia: "Jorge Martin shows promise, yet occasionally struggled with the bike"

Massimo Rivola shares insights from Jorge Martin's observations

Massimo Rivola has detailed the ups and downs experienced by Jorge Martin during his initial laps on an Aprilia.

Just two days after clinching his inaugural MotoGP championship title, Martin moved from Pramac Ducati to join the official Aprilia team.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

For additional details, please review our Privacy Policy.

He will defend his title using a new motorcycle, which was slower than the Ducatis this year, although it is a project that has potential for development.

Aprilia CEO Rivola described Martin's initial test as having an extremely positive atmosphere.

"He provided more encouraging comments than we had anticipated."

"Clearly, some aspects have improved, while others still have room for enhancement."

Overall, he has a strong preference for the bike. However, there were moments on screen where he seemed to struggle with it.

"We understand what he is looking for."

"It's noteworthy that Marco Bezzecchi expressed similar views, indicating a clear trend."

"They began with the bike model for 2024 and subsequently transitioned to the 2025 version."

The trajectory for the '25 model seems to be more promising than the '24, so perhaps we can make further progress in that direction.

"I feel optimistic and content today."

Martin, who wore the number 89 on both his racing suit and motorcycle during testing, has not yet made a decision on using the number 1 plate in 2025.

Aprilia and Ducati have been involved in a back-and-forth situation concerning Martin, who achieved victory on one motorcycle, only to then endorse a competing brand.

'Major Adjustments for a Significant Challenge'

In 2025, Aprilia brought Marco Bezzecchi on board from VR46, offering him his first opportunity with a factory team.

When Ducati decided to select Marc Marquez for their official team in 2025, Martin and Bezzecchi found themselves open for new opportunities.

The Aprilia team saw significant changes during the postseason testing, as both Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro were absent.

"It was a distinctive situation, especially with Fabiano Sterlacchini in his new position as technical director, along with a new crew chief and a few mechanics," Rivola commented.

"Significant transformations to tackle a major challenge."

"The camaraderie among the individuals was remarkable. I witnessed a cohesive group. It was gratifying to observe this sense of unity."

Aprilia aims to emerge as Ducati's main competitors by 2025, with the ultimate goal of surpassing them.

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

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email inbox.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Top Headlines

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially replicate any text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Site Map

Crash.Net

Max Biaggi achieved new milestones, while Valentino Rossi was frustrated because he couldn't test the M1. "He mentioned to me, 'I believe we made a mistake.'"

Recollections have surfaced of a frustrated Valentino Rossi expressing his discontent from home during an important MotoGP event.

In a significant moment in MotoGP history, Rossi was not allowed by Honda to try out the Yamaha before changing teams at the end of 2003.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Rather, he sat with frustration as he observed his competitor, Max Biaggi, make a strong statement for the upcoming season by excelling in the 2003 postseason trial.

According to Uccio Salucci's comments to GPOne, Vale did not enjoy his final year at HRC.

Actually, he was beginning to feel exhausted. Our pace had decreased, and he had lost interest in attending the races.

"That's the reason I mentioned we needed to make a change. We chose to switch to Yamaha."

"Honda did not allow us to conduct tests on the M1 right after the championship concluded."

In that particular year, Biaggi made the switch from Yamaha to Honda, doing the inverse.

It is undeniable that Biaggi set record-breaking times right from the start during the tests.

Vale was frustrated because he was stuck at home on the sofa and couldn't try out the M1.

He said to me, "I believe we made a mistake."

Rossi's initial experience with the Yamaha was postponed until the beginning of 2004 in Sepang.

Salucci remembered, "After a few laps, Vale returned to the garage and exclaimed, 'We can achieve this!'"

He told everyone in the garage, "Folks, there's room for improvement, but this bike isn't so bad."

He quipped, "When Valentino spoke, a few engineers passed out! It made everyone burst into laughter!"

In an unforgettable clash with Biaggi, Rossi clinched victory in the opening race of 2004 in South Africa, marking his first triumph riding a Yamaha.

Salucci emphasized that at the conclusion of the second practice session, he confidently declared, "We are going to win this race."

"He emerged victorious in the race, and I captured a photo of him chuckling beside his bicycle."

Numerous individuals believe he shed tears at that moment. However, he actually laughed as those months had been quite challenging for Vale. That triumph was a release for him.

During the subsequent race, he advised me, "Let's avoid repeating the error from 2000. Let's have faith because I aim to clinch the championship."

In 2004, Rossi managed to secure the championship during his debut season with Yamaha.

The following year, he continued his achievements, leading to Yamaha being closely associated with his triumphs.

Rossi secured nine world championship titles in his career, yet his initial victory with Yamaha, marking a distinctive beginning, will always be remembered.

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP world straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Headlines

Additional Updates

Track Crash F1

Track Crash MotoGP

It is prohibited to fully or partially copy any text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Website Map

Crash.Net