Intriguing Parallels Between Jorge Martin and Valentino Rossi Suggest First Victory?

Seasoned MotoGP Racer, Connected to Both Camps, Shares His Perspective

Jorge Martin has become the latest MotoGP champion to switch manufacturers right after winning the title, a feat last accomplished by Valentino Rossi back in 2003.

In 2024, Martin secured the championship title while racing for Pramac Ducati, but he is set to join the official Aprilia team in 2025.

He is just the sixth top-tier champion to start the following year with a different brand.

In 1966, Mike Hailwood made the transition from riding for

In 1976, Giacomi Agostini made a switch from Yamaha to MV.

In 1982, Marco Lucchinelli made a transition from Suzuki to Honda

In 1989, Eddie Lawson switched from racing for Yamaha to joining Honda, but he returned to Yamaha in 1990.

In a well-known move, Rossi left Honda following his 2003 championship victory to sign with Yamaha, a team that wasn't very highly regarded back then.

Rossi was unable to test the Yamaha at the end of the 2003 season because Honda restricted him, postponing his eagerly awaited first appearance.

Rossi secured a victory at Welkom in his first race riding for Yamaha and went on to clinch the 2004 championship with his new team.

In 2004, Davide Brivio was instrumental in bringing Rossi to Yamaha. Currently, he is the head of Trackhouse Aprilia as Martin becomes part of the factory team of the manufacturer.

Brivio commented that there are resemblances between the actions of Rossi and Martin if you consider the situation.

"Back then, Valentino departed from Honda while they were leading in MotoGP. Similarly, Jorge is now exiting Ducati as they currently dominate the MotoGP scene."

"Therefore, it's uncertain."

Is it possible for Martin to secure a victory in his first race with Aprilia in Thailand, similar to Rossi's initial win

Brivio responded by saying, "Certainly, it's challenging, but why shouldn't we try?"

The highly experienced Brivio commented: "Ducati has a strong alternative plan with Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez."

"Naturally, they are a team that poses a significant challenge to overcome."

"As we approach 2025, it appears that there might be a more even distribution among manufacturers."

"The leading riders are more evenly distributed, which benefits the event."

"Ducati is expected to have performed well for the entire MotoGP event."

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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.

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Lewis Hamilton is brimming with excitement as he anticipates his Ferrari Formula 1 debut

Looking forward to a thrilling 2025, Lewis Hamilton…

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Ferrari F1 team, stating he's extremely eager for the upcoming season.

Hamilton has formally joined Ferrari, transitioning from Mercedes for the 2025 F1 campaign.

The shocking news of the seven-time world champion opting to exit Mercedes was made public 11 months earlier, in February 2024.

In just over two months, Hamilton is set to premiere with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, aiming to restore the team's championship glory.

With the new season's preparations underway and testing scheduled for the upcoming month, Hamilton shared an update on his LinkedIn profile about the forthcoming campaign.

Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The upcoming year fills me with immense excitement. Transitioning to Scuderia Ferrari, there's much to ponder."

For those pondering their future steps in 2025: welcome the transformation. If you're transitioning between sectors, acquiring a fresh ability, or simply tackling novel obstacles, bear in mind that the ability to reinvent oneself is formidable. The chance for your next endeavor is always accessible.

"Cheers to 2025 – a time for seizing fresh chances, maintaining our ambition, and advancing with determination. Let’s ensure it's unforgettable. Let's go."

Hamilton Set to Demonstrate His Worth in F1 2025

Amidst an already illustrious F1 career, Hamilton is determined to showcase his value further in 2025.

Hamilton experienced a frustrating last season at Mercedes, battling to get to grips with the W14's performance.

Although Hamilton managed to secure victories at both Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, he was typically overshadowed by his teammate, George Russell.

During the qualifying rounds, Hamilton managed to surpass Russell on just five occasions.

In 2024, Lewis Hamilton experienced being outperformed by a teammate in terms of points for only the third occasion in his Formula 1 career. Previously, this occurred in 2011 when Jenson Button secured more points and again in 2016 with Nico Rosberg leading the score.

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Evaluating the 2025 F1 Team Pairings: From Last to First

Now that the driver rosters for the F1 2025 season are all set, which squad has the top and bottom duo on the circuit?

The 2025 Formula 1 season has introduced a fresh group of newcomers, featuring five debutants: Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

In the meantime, Liam Lawson is kicking off his inaugural complete season following a number of partial-season appearances with RB. While McLaren and Aston Martin's line-ups stay the same, the rest of the racing lineup has seen considerable changes.

Here's our list of the 2025 Formula 1 team driver duos, ordered from the least formidable to the most powerful.

10) Charging Bulls

The 2025 Formula 1 lineup showcases its depth with Charging Bulls considered to have the least formidable duo of drivers. Despite missing out on an advancement to Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda has secured his position on the team.

Tsunoda has shown considerable improvement from his mistake-filled debut season in 2021, yet it remains challenging to rank Racing Bulls any better due to the quality of drivers at the helm of other mid-tier teams. Accompanying Tsunoda is Isack Hadjar, who advances as the second-place finisher in the 2024 Formula 2 championship.

9) Alpine

With Esteban Ocon leaving, Alpine's roster has notably weakened. Stepping in for him in 2024, Jack Doohan will be promoted from his previous positions as reserve and simulator driver.

Questions are being raised about Doohan's skills because of ongoing speculation that Alpine might bring Franco Colapinto on board. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly remains a solid contender in the team.

In the second half of 2024, Gasly emerged as a pivotal figure, contributing significantly to Alpine securing the sixth spot in the constructors' championship.

Sauber welcomes a completely refreshed roster of drivers, spearheaded by Nico Hulkenberg as they prepare for Audi’s entry into the scene in 2026. Hulkenberg’s return to F1 has been noteworthy, further elevating his status thanks to his impactful tenure at Haas.

Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion, will join him as a teammate. Bortoleto has brought an end to Brazil's extended absence of an F1 driver by being selected ahead of Valtteri Bottas.

Haas has decided to introduce an entirely fresh pair of drivers, adding Ocon from Alpine to their team and elevating Oliver Bearman following his noteworthy performances as a stand-in and during Friday sessions in 2024.

Even though Gasly had a higher score than Ocon in the previous season, Ocon came out on top in terms of both qualifying and race comparisons. He continues to be one of the grid's most overlooked talents, standing out especially for his exceptional performance under pressure and in varying weather conditions.

Bearman showcased his speed and resilience in Formula 1 across three races, impressively surpassing Hulkenberg in qualifying during his two appearances for Haas. Hulkenberg is often considered among the elite in terms of single-lap performance.

6) Aston Martin

Following next is Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso continues his tenure with the squad for a third straight year, accompanied by Lance Stroll.

It's challenging to gauge if Alonso has what it takes to clinch a world championship, especially considering who his teammate is. But when it comes to a closely contested midfield battle, is there any other driver you'd prefer instead of the Spaniard?

Stroll's performance remains disappointing, and with him in their team, Aston Martin won't secure one of the top driver duos in the competition.

Williams boasts the most formidable duo of drivers within the midfield teams. Alex Albon continues his tenure with the Grove-based team for a fourth year, accompanied by Carlos Sainz, who has transitioned from Ferrari.

Based on his 2024 achievements, it's reasonable to argue that Sainz should be with a superior team compared to Williams. At the same time, Albon's actual performance level came into question after Colapinto took over for part of the season.

In general, this combination has the potential to achieve a higher ranking.

4) Mercedes

At Mercedes, George Russell has taken up the mantle of team leader after Lewis Hamilton left the team. Last season, Russell showed exceptional performance, particularly in the qualifying rounds towards the end of the year.

Russell's exceptional pace is on par with that of a world champion, and as the more seasoned driver at Mercedes, he is expected to excel. His fresh partner, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, holds tremendous promise, and it's fully anticipated that he will demonstrate rapid performance.

For the young Italian aged 18, it's simply a question of when.

3) Red Bull

With Max Verstappen in their lineup, it's a given that any team would find itself among the top three in any list. The Dutch driver, renowned for his unmatched skill, clinched his fourth straight drivers' championship in 2024.

In contrast to his earlier championship victories, Verstappen experienced significant stress last season when Red Bull's competitiveness sharply declined during the latter half of the season. This situation showcased Verstappen at his finest, as he outperformed Lando Norris to secure the championship in Las Vegas.

Lawson has joined him as a new team member. Initially, it seemed his advancement was not merited, especially when held up against Tsunoda's achievements. Yet, within a span of just 11 races, Lawson proved to be a match for Tsunoda, and Red Bull is counting on the New Zealander to enhance his performance further as he gains more exposure in F1.

2) McLaren

Currently holding the title of F1 constructors' champions, McLaren secures the runner-up position in these standings. The team features a harmonious duo of Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom have potential for further development.

Norris possesses the inherent pace and talent to compete with Verstappen this year, yet he must address certain flaws. Conversely, Piastri seemingly offers what Norris is missing – exceptional skill in racing and composure in tense situations.

Regrettably, the Australian's performance in qualifying and overall speed in 2024 left much to be desired. However, considering the capabilities of both drivers, they form a formidable duo.

1) It comes as no surprise that Ferrari leads the pack, boasting an impressive duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

It's clear that Leclerc has what it takes to be a world champion. Indeed, his most impressive performances in 2024 came on Sundays, dispelling the misguided notion that he excels only in qualifying rounds.

Undoubtedly, the major uncertainty revolves around Hamilton and his performance. The challenge of maneuvering a hard-to-control Mercedes, combined with this being his last year on the team, led to a personal low point in Hamilton's career.

However, if there's one driver in the lineup who deserves to be cut some slack, it's Hamilton.

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Franco Colapinto is expected to leave a significant impact on Formula 1 once again amid speculations of joining Alpine

Insiders believe Franco Colapinto is poised for a comeback to Formula 1 racing soon

Ex-McLaren technician Marc Priestley supports Franco Colapinto's potential to leave a significant impact on Formula 1 going forward, even though he did not secure a seat for the 2025 season.

Colapinto is expected to be without a permanent position in 2025, having been unable to land a place in the lineup.

The driver from Argentina made a notable impact in his brief time with Williams, stepping in for Logan Sargeant at the Italian Grand Prix.

Initially, Colapinto caught the eye of both Red Bull and Alpine due to his impressive form, but after experiencing several accidents and a significant decline in his performance, he was ruled out as a candidate for a racing position.

The individual, aged 21, has been appointed as the official test and reserve driver for Williams in 2025, ready to step in for Alex Albon or Carlos Sainz whenever required.

In a conversation with Casino Uden Rofus, Priestley conveyed his belief in Colapinto's ability to make a comeback in F1.

"He mentioned that securing a seat for Franco Colapinto in 2025 was always considered a remote possibility."

He fulfilled all of Williams' requirements, not only by securing respectable finishes but also by maintaining control of the vehicle. However, as the season drew to a close, he frequently crashed the car. Such incidents are anticipated during a rookie year.

"Considering Logan Sargeant, he encountered a comparable number of errors, yet he didn't see any positive outcomes."

"I believe Colapinto's debut was incredibly successful, attracting interest from various teams for potential inclusion. I'm confident he will leave a significant impact on F1 moving forward."

Speculation persists around Alpine's potential pursuit of Colapinto

Alpine's senior advisor, Flavio Briatore, has publicly expressed his high regard for Colapinto, which could be seen as diminishing their existing driver, Jack Doohan.

Doohan took his first steps into Formula 1 at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, filling in for Esteban Ocon.

The Australian is set to encounter significant pressure to kick off his Formula 1 career on a high note, considering Briatore's history of executing quick and frequently merciless changes during the season.

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Nico Rosberg alleges 'damaged relationships' regarding an F1 talent who hasn't lived up to expectations

"Additionally, he wasn't exactly adept in social situations, particularly in terms of emotional intelligence and maneuvering with team leaders to secure a favorable spot…"

2016 Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg has suggested that Nico Hulkenberg's shortfall in "social intelligence" played a role in him not reaching his full potential in his career to date.

Despite his standing in the racing community, Hulkenberg has yet to secure a top-three finish in a Formula 1 race.

The German driver had several chances to achieve this, especially with Force India, but a combination of tactical decisions or mistakes behind the wheel has consistently prevented him from making it to the podium.

Hulkenberg parted ways with Renault after the 2019 season, transitioning to a reserve and test driver role for Racing Point.

In 2023, he marked his comeback with Haas, a move that has since only improved his standing.

Hulkenberg is set to lead Audi's venture, taking charge of Sauber in 2025 before the German powerhouse makes its debut in F1 the following year.

In an interview with Sky Sports towards the close of 2024, Rosberg shared his thoughts on the lack of success his fellow German driver experienced in F1.

"Rosberg expressed astonishment at Nico Hulkenberg's lack of podium finishes. He highlighted Hulkenberg's exceptional skill, noting his rise as a prominent talent in Formula 3 and Formula 2, and his moments of sheer brilliance in Formula 1."

"However, it seems he never quite met those expectations, except for this year, when he truly appeared exceptional on the track, constantly getting the most out of the car."

During the qualifying rounds, it's fair to consider him among the top performers across the entire grid this season; his performance has been spectacular to observe.

"Undoubtedly, there are still uncertainties regarding his speed and strategy during races, but even so, he has performed commendably this year."

Hulkenberg's F1 career setback

Hulkenberg, notable for his solid midfield presence, missed out on opportunities to pilot leading cars, unlike his counterparts Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Hulkenberg had discussions with Ferrari about joining their team in 2014, however, they ultimately chose Kimi Raikkonen.

He was also considered as a potential candidate to join Red Bull in 2021, but ultimately, Perez was chosen.

"Rosberg further mentioned, 'If you prove to be among the elite, you'll earn your spot in the coveted car, but he never quite demonstrated that.'"

"Additionally, he struggled with social skills, particularly in terms of emotional intelligence and effectively collaborating with team leaders to secure a favorable position for himself. This was because he alienated some key figures early on in his career, which was an aspect he could have improved upon."

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Flavio Briatore expresses doubts about Ferrari acquiring Lewis Hamilton: 'I'm questioning the logic behind it'

Flavio Briatore joins others in raising eyebrows over Ferrari's decision to onboard Lewis Hamilton

Flavio Briatore has aligned with Eddie Jordan in expressing doubts about Ferrari's choice to bring on Lewis Hamilton as Carlos Sainz's replacement for the Formula 1 season of 2025.

Hamilton's shocking switch to Ferrari was revealed just before the start of the previous season, marking the conclusion of his extended tenure with Mercedes.

Hamilton is set to premiere with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix in March, aiming to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship.

Briatore, serving as an executive advisor for Alpine, shared his opinion on Ferrari's choice to swap Sainz for Hamilton.

"Lewis joining the Ferrari team will certainly be an odd sight," Briatore mentioned to sport.de. "While I do respect these choices, I'm also curious if it's the right move. After all, Ferrari already had two leading drivers with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"I'm puzzled by the decision to dissolve such an excellent duo. While it's not my place to critique, were I in a leadership role at Ferrari, I would not have chosen to bring Lewis on board."

"Fundamentally, it benefits Formula 1 when Lewis takes the wheel for Ferrari. Whatever advantages Formula 1 inherently advantages me as well. It's also a boost for TV viewership and ratings. We'll just have to bide our time and observe. Only time will reveal his performance in the Ferrari."

Sainz, together with Charles Leclerc, came close to winning the 2024 F1 team championship but ultimately fell short.

They concluded the season 13 points adrift of McLaren, following Lando Norris's victory at the final Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ferrari hasn't claimed a constructors' championship title since 2008, a victory achieved with the team of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

Eddie Jordan offers a "destructive" judgment

Jordan further challenged Ferrari's choice to shake up their driver roster for 2025.

The individual from Ireland labeled the decision as "self-destructive" while looking back on the season.

Jordan mentioned, "Fred Vasseur had an incredible chance to lead the team to significant achievements. Now, he must focus on integrating and repairing relationships to ensure a new team member, along with all the egos, can be effectively incorporated."

"Lewis stands out as an exceptionally kind individual. It's hard to find someone as gracious as Lewis Hamilton on the grid, so I believe he won't face any issues in that regard."

"Nonetheless, my disbelief is directed at John Elkann of Ferrari for his decision to approve that agreement. It was utterly self-destructive to let go of Carlos."

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A specific instance was identified in the 2024 MotoGP season where KTM missed the opportunity to remain competitive at the forefront.

Despite kicking off the season on a high note, KTM ended up going through another season without securing a win in the premier class.

The 2024 MotoGP campaign kicked off on a high note for KTM, yet concluded without the Austrian manufacturer securing any victories.

KTM's streak without a win stretches further, tracing back to Miguel Oliveira's victory at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix more than two years ago (or to Jerez 2023 if Sprint races are taken into account).

Despite starting the season on a high note, with Brad Binder and newcomer to the 2024 MotoGP, Pedro Acosta, both securing podium finishes in the season's initial races, the Austrian team maintained their momentum.

"Francesco Guidotti, the former team principal for Red Bull KTM, shared with MotoGP.com that the team kicked off the season on a high note, achieving podium finishes with various riders, which significantly raised their expectations."

Starting from the halfway point, we faced some challenges and perhaps took a few paths that weren't ideal for us; the leading competitors slightly enhanced their performance, which further widened the gap between us.

"During the middle of the season, we experienced an unusual period, which I believe was when we missed the opportunity to remain in contention at the forefront."

Despite facing challenges in 2024 that led to his dismissal, Guidotti had no grievances regarding the behavior of the riders from the Austrian brand, KTM.

"I believe the approach taken by the riders was appropriate; they remained persistent, and so did we, both the technicians and the management. However, truth be told, we weren't exactly in the right mindset to compete. Therefore, we needed to go back to the drawing board and begin anew."

Towards the end of the season, KTM consistently led the pack despite a few accidents and mishaps, but generally, they performed well.

"'Somewhat okay' isn't our ideal, but it's our current reality. We overlooked numerous opportunities, numerous possibilities at the start of this year, and when you skip out on those, you end up missing out on success, you face defeat."

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Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024 after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news for Visordown.

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Crash examines five MotoGP competitors requiring a standout 2025 season

The lineup for the 2025 MotoGP season features an impressive collection of talent, including 15 riders who have previously won premier class grand prix races.

Top performers are well-distributed among all five manufacturers, with numerous notable transfers occurring – such as Marc Marquez joining the Ducati factory team, 2024 world champion Jorge Martin moving to Aprilia, and Maverick Vinales switching to KTM.

Heading into 2025, several athletes find themselves in a position where they must demonstrate their worth, be it due to contractual obligations or other motivating factors.

Crash examines five racers facing a crucial season ahead.

Jack Miller – Pramac Yamaha

Entering his 10th season in the top tier in 2025, Miller's move back to Pramac, coinciding with their transition to Yamaha, comes after an underwhelming last season with KTM. For the Australian, this shift to Pramac appears to be a serendipitous twist, largely influenced by location.

Keep in mind, a few newcomers were considered for the second Pramac position, among them Sergio Garcia, whose chance was ultimately dismissed due to his Spanish nationality.

Miller's nationality as an Australian isn't the only factor for his comeback to Pramac. At 29, his record includes race victories and a wealth of experience that Yamaha will find extremely beneficial.

However, his record shows only a single victory over the past three years, and he concluded 2024 without securing any top-three finishes, his highest being two fifth-place finishes in grand prix races. Additionally, he finished 204 points behind his teammate Brad Binder. Miller was particularly affected by the challenges KTM faced due to the vibration problems stemming from Michelin's 2024 rear tyre.

However, Binder and Pedro Acosta demonstrated that impressive outcomes could be achieved with the RC16, and Miller fell significantly behind in comparison.

Heading into the 2025 season on a single-year contract, and with a new generation of talent eager to step up from Moto2, it appears this year could be crucial for Miller's career.

His main focus will be to advance the progress of the M1, but he will also be expected to achieve results if his peers begin to succeed. Should this not occur, the limited availability on the 2026 grid might result in Miller being left out.

Franco Morbidelli, who rides for VR46 Ducati, appears to be the safest in terms of retaining his position for the 2026 season. Unless Celestino Vietti delivers an exceptional performance in Moto2, the VR46 Academy lacks a clear successor deemed ready for MotoGP. Additionally, it's uncertain if Ducati is considering elevating any of its riders.

At the age of 30 and entering his eighth year in MotoGP, there's a concern that Morbidelli might only be viewed as filling a spot.

Following his achievement of securing three grand prix victories in 2020 and achieving second place in the overall championship standings, Morbidelli has experienced a decline in performance. His challenges began with an outdated Yamaha model at the beginning of 2021, which did little to aid his performance, and were compounded by a leg injury that sidelined him. Upon his return, he was provided with a top-tier Yamaha bike, which he struggled to adapt to and perform well on.

During his tenure of over two years with the factory Yamaha team, his top achievement was a fourth-place finish. For the 2024 season, he secured a coveted factory Ducati spot with Pramac. However, his adjustment was hindered by a concussion he suffered before the season started.

During the early part of 2024, despite facing challenges, Morbidelli demonstrated moments of quick pace, such as taking the lead in the German race, securing a podium finish in the Sprint at the San Marino Grand Prix, and being in contention for another podium spot before experiencing a crash the following day.

Considering his superior equipment, it would have been expected for Morbidelli to secure several additional podium finishes during the latter part of the season. The availability of an extra spot at VR46 meant Morbidelli's position was secure, yet this situation should be seen merely as a stroke of luck.

Should the improvement from the GP24 to the GP25 not be as significant as it was the previous year, Morbidelli must capitalize on this edge during the initial races to return to his known performance level.

Brad Binder is currently tied to KTM under a contract that runs until 2026. However, there are a couple of reasons why he's included in this list.

Currently, there's a cloud of doubt surrounding the Austrian brand due to its economic difficulties and ongoing overhaul. Should the KTM endeavor collapse and prove irretrievable, four leading riders would be left scrambling for a spot in an already crowded field. It's fair to mention that Pedro Acosta might have the edge over his competitors in such a scenario.

Since joining the MotoGP circuit, Binder has reliably performed for KTM, maintaining his form through the previous season. Despite achieving podium finishes solely in the season's first race, his regular placements within the top eight and just a couple of instances where he didn't score points in races he participated in, significantly contributed to KTM securing the second spot in the constructors championship.

He concluded the year as the leading KTM rider, edging out newcomer Acosta by a mere two points. When it came to maximizing the performance of the RC16, Acosta frequently achieved this, despite his need to improve his conversion rate.

Potentially, 2025 marks the inaugural year in MotoGP where Binder faces a team-mate who truly challenges his skills. Thus, this will be our first opportunity to witness Binder being put through his paces. Consequently, this situation brings up an unresolved inquiry: What is the true caliber of Brad Binder's talent?

Though his circumstances aren't as dire as certain individuals in the lineup, the direction of his professional path could significantly depend on his performance alongside Acosta in the 2025 season.

Luca Marini – Honda

Marini's contract timing doesn't align with the typical schedule for factory agreements, as his deal with Honda extends through the conclusion of 2025.

Currently, Honda isn't experiencing a high demand from riders eager to join its team. However, this situation is subject to change as the company makes progress up the racing grid. Should Honda achieve greater advancements by 2025, it may aim to attract a more prominent rider to its lineup.

Currently, amidst the challenges KTM is experiencing, there's significant speculation around Acosta becoming a key focus. Naturally, it makes sense for Honda to consider this option. Joan Mir has committed through 2026 despite facing difficulties, and Johann Zarco is likely to secure a renewal due to his impressive performance in 2024.

Marini was unable to secure any points in the initial eight races, and this streak would have stretched to nine if a penalty hadn't elevated him to 15th place. After another four races without earning points, he finally scored his first legitimate points during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Despite showing improved performance in the latter part of the year, he ended up at the bottom of the rankings among those who competed throughout the entire season.

Anticipating miraculous performances from Marc Marquez's successor at Honda was unreasonable. However, there's a specific level of performance that factory riders must achieve, and Marini must demonstrate this by 2025 to sustain his professional trajectory.

Francesco Bagnaia's position with Ducati is secure. His contract extends through 2026, and given his outstanding performance, it would take a significant justification for Ducati not to continue their partnership with the two-time world champion beyond then.

However, he is encountering the most challenging phase of his MotoGP journey, as Marc Marquez joins the official Ducati team in 2025.

Heading into the upcoming season, Bagnaia has an impressive record of 11 Grand Prix victories in 2024, yet fell short of clinching the championship, finishing 10 points behind Jorge Martin, a season marked by eight instances where he didn't score. His journey over recent years has been marred by errors, a challenge that will only intensify with Marquez joining as his teammate.

Securing three wins in his debut season on a Ducati with an older GP23 model, Marquez is undoubtedly set to challenge Bagnaia significantly.

Marquez's successful maneuver to secure a spot on the factory Ducati team altered the dynamics of power. Bagnaia's situation is made even more challenging by not entering the year 2025 as the defending world champion.

Bagnaia's rapid pace and his position as one of the current top competitors is undeniable. However, Marquez, given the same equipment, will push him to his limits. The outcome of this challenge could very well shape his professional legacy.

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Lewis Hamilton is thrilled as he anticipates his first season with Ferrari in Formula 1. The racing star eagerly looks forward to the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton has communicated for the first time since becoming a driver for Ferrari in Formula 1, expressing his immense excitement for the upcoming season.

Hamilton has confirmed his move to Ferrari, leaving Mercedes to join the team for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Eleven months ago, in February 2024, the shocking news broke that the seven-time world champion had decided to depart from Mercedes.

In just 70 days, Hamilton is set to race for Ferrari for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix, aiming to return the team to its championship-winning form.

As preparations get underway for the upcoming season, with testing scheduled for the following month, Hamilton used his LinkedIn profile to share some news about the forthcoming campaign.

Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming year, stating that joining Scuderia Ferrari has given him much to think about.

For those planning their next steps in 2025: welcome the transformation. Whether it's transitioning to a different field, acquiring a new ability, or simply facing fresh challenges, keep in mind that reinventing yourself holds great power. A new opportunity is always just around the corner.

"Cheers to 2025—a year to seize fresh opportunities, maintain our ambition, and move ahead with clear intention. Let's make it unforgettable. Let's go!"

Hamilton Aims to Make a Statement in F1 2025

Even though he has already achieved an unprecedented career in Formula 1, Hamilton is set to demonstrate his capabilities once again in 2025.

Hamilton faced a challenging last year with Mercedes, grappling with difficulties in managing the W14's performance.

Although Hamilton managed to secure victories at both Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, he was largely overshadowed by his teammate, George Russell.

During the qualifying sessions, Hamilton managed to surpass Russell only on five occasions.

In the 2024 Formula 1 season, it marked only the third occasion in Lewis Hamilton's career where a teammate earned more points than him. This previously occurred in 2011 when Jenson Button outperformed him and again in 2016 when Nico Rosberg achieved the same feat.

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Valentino Rossi announces an impressive lineup for the 100Km of Champions race

Rossi, joined by Michael Dunlop and Pedro Acosta, highlights a star-studded roster for the event in Tavullia

The 100Km of Champions flat track race, hosted at Valentino Rossi's ranch in Tavullia, is set to present an impressive lineup in 2025, with racers such as Pedro Acosta and Michael Dunlop slated to participate.

For more than a decade, the yearly gathering at Rossi's VR46 Ranch has been organized by the MotoGP icon, attracting top talents from various motorcycle racing categories.

The upcoming 2025 version is scheduled for January 10th and 11th, and the list of participants for this occasion will be made public on Friday.

Leading the event as always is the nine-time grand prix world champion Rossi, with the MotoGP rookie star of 2024, Pedro Acosta, also participating.

In the world of MotoGP, two-time world champion and VR46 Academy affiliate Francesco Bagnaia will make an appearance, joined by Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Augusto Fernandez, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Miguel Oliveira.

In other grand prix categories, racers such as Xavi Artigas, Manu Gonzalez, and Tatsuki Suzuki will compete.

Michael Dunlop, the most accomplished rider in Isle of Man TT history, will participate, alongside Davey Todd, the victor of the Senior TT.

Ryan Vickers and Tim Neave team up with fellow British Superbike paddock member Todd, as Nicolo Bulega and Dominique Aegerter represent the World Superbikes contingent.

Last year, Marini and Rossi claimed victory in the premier team race, with Marini also securing a win in the Americana competition.

Complete list of participants:

Valentino Rossi, Pedro Acosta, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Artigas, Francesco Bagnaia, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini, Enea Bastianini, James Douglas Beach, Marco Belli, Matteo Bertelle, Marco Bezzecchi, Nicolo Bulega, Federico Caricasulo, Mattia Casadei, Thomas Chareyre, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, Filippo Fuligini, Federico Fuligni, Matteo Gabarrini, Manu Gonzalez, Sammy Halbert, Kurvinen Lasse, Andrea Locatelli, Luca Lunetta, Andrea Mantovani, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Diogo Moreira, Stefano Nepa, Miguel Oliveira, Luca Ottaviani, Mattia Pasini, Matteo Patacca, Gautier Paulin, Tito Rabat, Jose Antonio Rueda, Alberto Surra, Tatsuki Suzuki, Tim Neave, Ryan Vickers.

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KTM identified a crucial MotoGP moment that marked their missed opportunity to remain competitive at the top. Despite beginning the 2024 MotoGP season on a strong note, KTM ended yet another year without securing a victory in the premier class.

The 2024 MotoGP season for KTM began on a high note; however, the Austrian company concluded the season without securing any victories.

KTM's struggle to secure a victory persists, with their last win dating back to Miguel Oliveira's success at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix, which was over two years ago. Alternatively, if Sprint races are taken into account, their last win was at Jerez in 2023.

Despite starting the season on a high note, the Austrian manufacturer saw both Brad Binder and 2024 MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta secure podium finishes in the initial races.

Francesco Guidotti, the former team principal of Red Bull KTM, shared with MotoGP.com that they had a strong beginning, achieving several podium finishes with various riders, which set high expectations.

"Starting from the middle of the season, we faced some difficulties as we took some paths that might not have been ideal for us. Meanwhile, the key competitors improved slightly, which widened the gap even further."

"There was a peculiar period during the middle of the season, and I believe that's when we missed our opportunity to remain near the top."

Even though KTM faced challenges in 2024 that eventually led to him losing his position, Guidotti had nothing negative to say about how the riders from the Austrian brand behaved.

The riders displayed commendable behavior by persistently pushing forward. Similarly, our team, including technicians and management, maintained their determination. However, we must admit that we weren't really in the competitive mindset. It became necessary for us to go back to the beginning and restart the process.

Towards the end of the season, KTM consistently performed well, despite experiencing a few crashes and incidents. Overall, their performance was quite solid.

"We're aiming for better than 'not too bad,' but that's our current reality. At the start of the year, we let too many opportunities slip by, and as a result, we didn't perform well and ended up losing."

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In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news for both consumers and racing enthusiasts at Visordown.

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Evaluating the 2025 F1 Team Pairings: A Ranking from Least to Most Impressive

As the driver line-ups for the 2025 Formula 1 season are finalized, we assess which team boasts the strongest duo and which team has the weakest combination on the grid.

The 2025 Formula 1 season has introduced a fresh batch of drivers, featuring five newcomers: Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

In other news, Liam Lawson is kicking off his inaugural complete season following several interim appearances with RB during the previous season. Although McLaren and Aston Martin have kept their line-ups the same, there have been major changes among the other teams on the grid.

Below is our list of the 2025 Formula 1 team driver duos, ordered from the least powerful to the most formidable.

10) Racing Bulls

The 2025 Formula 1 lineup is so competitive that Racing Bulls is considered to have the least strong driver duo. Yuki Tsunoda continues with the team after not being selected to move up to Red Bull.

Since his challenging first year in 2021, Tsunoda has shown notable improvement. However, the Racing Bulls team struggles to rank higher due to the strong competition from drivers in other mid-tier teams. Tsunoda is paired with Isack Hadjar, who joins the team as the second-place finisher in the 2024 Formula 2 championship.

9) Alpine

The Alpine team has experienced a setback following Esteban Ocon's exit. In his place, Jack Doohan has been promoted from his previous position as a reserve and simulator driver, stepping up to the main team in 2024.

Questions are being raised about Doohan's capabilities as rumors persist about Alpine's potential interest in Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly remains a formidable competitor on the other side of the garage.

In the second half of 2024, Gasly stood out prominently, significantly contributing to Alpine securing sixth place in the constructors' championship.

Sauber has completely revamped its driver roster, with Nico Hulkenberg at the forefront as they prepare for Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026. Hulkenberg's return to F1 has been remarkable, further boosting his standing in the sport, especially during his tenure with Haas.

In 2024, Gabriel Bortoleto, the winner of the Formula 2 championship, will join forces with him. Bortoleto's selection marks the end of Brazil's extended absence from Formula 1 representation, as he was picked instead of Valtteri Bottas.

Haas has decided to revamp its driver roster entirely by recruiting Ocon from Alpine and elevating Oliver Bearman, following his strong performances during substitute races and Friday sessions in 2024.

Although Gasly scored more points last season, Ocon outperformed him in terms of both qualifying sessions and races when compared directly. Ocon continues to be one of the most underappreciated drivers in the lineup, especially noted for his impressive skills in high-pressure situations and variable weather conditions.

In his three Formula 1 races, Bearman showed he has the speed and determination needed for the sport. The British driver managed to outpace Hulkenberg in qualifying during his two appearances with Haas, despite the German being considered one of the top drivers for single-lap performance.

6) Aston Martin

Following is Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso continues with the team for the third year in a row, joining Lance Stroll.

Assessing Alonso's ability to clinch another world championship is challenging, especially considering who his teammate is. Yet, in a closely contested midfield battle, would you prefer any other driver over the Spaniard?

Stroll's performance remains disappointing, and as long as he remains in Aston Martin's driver roster, the team will not have one of the top duos in the field.

Williams boasts the most formidable duo of drivers in the midfield category. Alex Albon, now in his fourth year with the Grove-based team, is joined by Carlos Sainz, who has transitioned from Ferrari.

It can be argued that Sainz has earned a spot on a team superior to Williams, considering his 2024 performances. On the other hand, Albon's actual skill level came under scrutiny after Colapinto's mid-season appearance.

In general, this duo is quite strong and has the potential to achieve a higher ranking.

4) Mercedes

George Russell takes on the position of team leader at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton's exit. Russell delivered an impressive performance last season, shining particularly in the qualifying rounds during the second half of the year.

Russell's exceptional pace is on par with that of a world champion, and he is likely to excel as the more seasoned driver for Mercedes. His new partner, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, shows great promise, and it's reasonable to anticipate that he will be fast.

For the Italian teenager who is 18 years old, it's simply a question of when it will happen.

Red Bull

Having Max Verstappen on their roster almost guarantees a spot in the top three of any list. The Dutch driver is undoubtedly the most talented on the circuit, having clinched his fourth straight drivers' championship in 2024.

In contrast to his earlier championship victories, Verstappen encountered significant stress last year due to Red Bull's notable decline in performance during the latter part of the season. This situation allowed Verstappen to showcase his exceptional skills as he outperformed Lando Norris to secure the championship in Las Vegas.

Lawson has recently joined as a new member of the team. Initially, it seemed his advancement was unwarranted, especially when contrasted with Tsunoda. Nevertheless, after only 11 races, Lawson has matched Tsunoda's performance, and Red Bull is hopeful that the New Zealander will continue to improve as he gains more experience in Formula 1.

2) McLaren

Currently holding the title of F1 constructors' champions, McLaren ranks second in this list. The team features a well-matched duo consisting of Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom have potential for further development.

Norris possesses the natural quickness and talent to compete with Verstappen this season, yet he must address some of his shortcomings. Meanwhile, Piastri is seen as having the qualities that Norris is missing, such as excellent race strategy and composure during intense moments.

Regrettably for the Australian driver, his performance during the 2024 qualifying sessions, as well as his overall speed, was quite disappointing. However, considering the abilities of both racers, they form a formidable duo.

1) Ferrari

As expected, Ferrari secures first place with their stellar team featuring Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Without a doubt, Leclerc has the potential to become a world champion. His most impressive performances in 2024 occurred during race days, effectively dispelling the misconception that he is only exceptional during qualifying sessions.

Undoubtedly, the major uncertainty revolves around Hamilton and his performance. Struggling with a challenging Mercedes and facing his last year with the team resulted in a career downturn for Hamilton.

However, if there's any driver who deserves the benefit of the doubt, it's Hamilton.

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