Ducati's Chief Executive Comments on Expansion Plans Involving Marc Marquez

Claudio Domenicali Provides Further Insight into the Choice to Bring Onboard Marc Marquez

The CEO of Ducati believes Marc Marquez has the potential to contribute to the expansion of the company, its engineering team, and his fellow rider.

Ducati's choice to select Marquez over Jorge Martin for the premier team will quickly be evaluated as the 2025 season kicks off.

By securing an eight-time world champion, Ducati is aware they're introducing a marketing and sponsorship juggernaut to their team, to work alongside Pecco Bagnaia.

"Claudio Domenicali revealed to Sky Italy that deciding on Martin was challenging, noting his speed and affiliation with Ducati."

We believe this group holds the greatest promise for expanding the company, as the level of skill present is continuously self-reinforcing.

"We believe that Marc has the potential to help Pecco develop, and reciprocally, Pecco can do the same for Marc. Together, they have the capability to foster growth among

"Therefore, we believe it's going to be increasingly challenging for the competition to surpass the Ducati Lenovo Team."

Ducati acknowledges they "cannot conceal"

The focus remains on the dynamics between Marquez and Bagnaia, both of whom, armed with the top-performing motorcycle in MotoGP, aim to secure the world championship title this season.

The way Ducati handles their personal goals might play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

"Competition, balance, triumph," stated Domenicali.

Initiating a journey with a squad that includes Pecco, a competitor who battled for the championship in the last four seasons and secured victories in two, alongside Marc, a racer celebrated with eight world titles, there's simply no concealing the talent.

"Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes. However, the races remain challenging and are also influenced by the actions of our competitors."

A key focus will be ensuring an equitable contest between the two competitors, as they share a common objective, yet only one can achieve it.

"This is what we focus on more."

Marquez and Bagnaia, equipped with the GP25, form an intimidating pair.

Especially as Martin, the 2024 MotoGP champion, faces the challenge of defending his title after switching to an Aprilia.

This year, Ducati's presence on the grid has decreased by two bikes from the previous year, yet they remain the anticipated leading brand.

"Domenicali mentioned during the Ducati unveiling that Michele Pirro had observed a remarkable gathering of skill present on the stage."

"I'm convinced that the secret lies not only in the skill of the riders but also in the expertise of the engineers and technicians who, over time, have developed a technique. This achievement fills us with pride and gives us hope for the future."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he delved into various sports including American leagues, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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2027 KTM MotoGP motorcycle still in preliminary development phase

"Our team of engineers is currently on-site, actively engaged in its development"

The repercussions of KTM's latest economic challenges go much further than just MotoGP, yet their effect on Grand Prix racing cannot be overlooked, particularly considering the significant regulatory modification set to occur in two years.

The regulations for MotoGP in 2027 will modify the engine sizes from 1,000cc to 850cc, adjust aerodynamic guidelines, and ban the use of devices that control ride height.

A modification in the rules of the world's priciest motorcycle racing competition could potentially place a manufacturer in a challenging financial position, struggling to evolve their new platform.

Pit Beirer, the head of KTM's motorsport division, has stated that the progress on KTM's 850cc MotoGP motorcycle continues, with the absence of an actual motorcycle being solely due to the finalisation of the regulations still pending.

"Beirer mentioned that the 2027 bike is still in the preliminary phase as the regulations have not been fully finalized, which means constructing the bike right now is not possible."

"However, our engineering team is present and actively engaged in developing the 2027 motorcycle model. Currently, it's not the phase for introducing physical components."

"Certainly, there's a well-thought-out timeline in place. Post-February 25, our understanding of the distant future becomes much clearer, giving us ample opportunity to begin hardware development. However, it's important to note that work on the 2027 motorcycle model has already commenced, as it's integral to our planning process."

Beirer pointed out that KTM's recent economic challenges haven't affected their performance-driven racing initiatives this winter, thanks to measures implemented last summer. At that time, the Pierer Mobility Group initiated a downsizing of its worldwide racing operations.

"The significant event took place during the summer when we decreased the worldwide count of factory riders by 12," he mentioned.

"Following 12 riders, there are a couple or a few staff members – this number has decreased."

Globally, we made the decision to disband several teams to concentrate our efforts on orange. We took the stance that to demonstrate our capability to succeed, it wasn't necessary to spread our resources across three brands. Instead, we decided to channel our focus into a singular brand, especially since our primary rivals are also competing at the top tier with just one brand.

Thus, to remain competitive against these powerful manufacturing entities, it's imperative we concentrate on areas where we can truly make an impact. Simply cutting down on food and beverages for the crew won't significantly lower expenses. However, decreasing the roster of riders can lead to substantial savings. This is because each rider is supported by a range of resources including equipment, personnel like mechanics, as well as logistical needs such as trucks and infrastructure.

"Our program was exceptionally robust as we participated in races across multiple categories – 250, 450, off-road, and even on asphalt tracks – with three different brands represented in each."

"Thus, it's in that area we implemented the most significant reductions and where we were able to achieve substantial savings swiftly. However, it's evident that whatever we undertake, we aim to do it with utmost quality."

Besides its involvement in MotoGP, KTM also plays a significant role in Moto3, where it stands as one of the two manufacturers, and extends its presence into Moto2.

Cuts have occurred as well, seeing the departure of the GasGas and Husqvarna names from Moto3, with the latter also vanishing from the Moto2 scene.

Beirer revealed that they have identified cost reductions in both the Moto3 and Moto2 categories. However, he emphasized their commitment to remaining in their current classes, expressing a desire to continue competing in them.

"Cuts will be made in numbers, but not in the highest quality motorcycles. Therefore, we will definitely continue our support for Moto3 and Moto2 in the future.

"Certainly, there will be some cutbacks, that's evident. When we examine Moto3 and Moto2 closely, it's apparent they require significant investment. Thus, we must adjust our approach to supporting these categories."

"However, making decisions in that area is currently challenging due to ongoing extensive debates about potential future changes in regulations. This makes it somewhat hard to create a solid plan."

We've outlined a strategy for 2025, established a financial plan for racing in that year, and while we're certainly planning for the future, none of my peers in racing have a budget set for 2026. Similarly, no other manufacturer has secured a deal with Dorna for the years beyond 2027.

"We've endured a challenging period, and despite these tough times, we've made it to this point. Today, we continue to compete across all categories."

"Allow us some time to prepare for 2026 and 2027. However, if we succeed in participating in the 2025 race, we will devise strategies for 2026 and beyond."

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Esteban Ocon experienced an "intense ambiance" at Ferrari during Lewis Hamilton's inaugural day with the squad.

Haas F1's Esteban Ocon disclosed that Lewis Hamilton's initial day with Ferrari was marked by an unbelievable vibe.

Last week marked the commencement of Hamilton's tenure at Maranello.

Hamilton captured the sports world's imagination with a memorable photo taken in front of Enzo Ferrari's former residence.

Last Wednesday, Hamilton tested Ferrari's 2023 race car for the first time at the Fiorano circuit.

Hamilton's readiness for the upcoming season progressed this week as he spent several days in Barcelona testing his skills alongside Charles Leclerc.

It has come to light that on the day Hamilton began with the team, Ocon was present at Ferrari's facility.

Ocon has transitioned from Alpine to Haas for the next season, joining forces with Ferrari's rising star Oliver Bearman.

Due to Haas lacking a simulator of their own, Ocon took to the simulator at Maranello on what was Hamilton's inaugural day, through their collaboration with Ferrari.

In a conversation with Canal+, Ocon mentioned, "It was a fortunate coincidence that we were in the same location at the same time since I happened to be at the Ferrari simulator as well."

The ambiance was electric, with individuals showing intense enthusiasm which was truly remarkable. It's heartening to observe such a deep-rooted passion for Ferrari and, naturally, Formula 1, globally, which continues to expand constantly.

"Undoubtedly, having the best driver of our era join the top-performing team is absolutely incredible. So, indeed, I'm eagerly looking forward to competing against him on the track, that's a certainty."

Ocon Begins Fresh Chapter with Haas

Following a five-year tenure with Alpine, Ocon is set to join Haas for an exciting new journey starting in 2025.

The French driver is coming on board with Haas during a promising period, following their impressive performance in the 2024 season, where they secured the seventh spot in the constructors' standings.

Alpine edged out Haas in the season's final rankings, largely thanks to achieving two podium finishes in Brazil towards the season's close.

Throughout much of 2024, Haas consistently outperformed other mid-tier teams in Formula 1, showcasing the exceptional efforts of team leader Ayao Komatsu.

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Initial Test Day – Highlights from Day 1

A summary of the action from the first day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP preliminary tests this Friday.

The 2025 MotoGP season kicked off in Sepang, Malaysia, with a trio of Shakedown testing days leading up to the Official tests scheduled for the following week.

Newcomers Ai Ogura, Fermin Aldeguer, and Somkiat Chantra, along with official test riders and regular racers from Yamaha and Honda (thanks to the manufacturer’s D-level concession status), are allowed to take part in the Shakedown.

Yet, restrictions on the quantity of private testing tires and team debuts might also decrease the turnout for the Shakedown.

Yamaha's racing team, comprising Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins from Monster, alongside Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira from the newly launched Pramac initiative, is scheduled for an unveiling in Kuala Lumpur tonight, Friday.

Nonetheless, Andrea Dovizioso, who previously finished second in the MotoGP championship, and Augusto Fernandez, who is slated to race in 2024, are scheduled for M1 testing this upcoming weekend.

The Honda racing team, featuring riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini, is set to unveil their 2025 team in Indonesia on Saturday. This event might lead to their new test pilots, Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami, assuming additional responsibilities during the Shakedown sessions.

Espargaro recently participated in a private test spanning two days at Buriram, marking the first time Romano Albesiano engaged with Honda in his role as the new technical director.

The formal testing event at Sepang, which will include every racer participating in the 2025 season, is scheduled from February 5th to 7

Access the concluding lap durations here

The track activity has wrapped up for the initial day of the Sepang Shakedown.

As the first day drew to a close, newcomer Ai Ogura recorded his fastest lap, securing the second spot on the leaderboard, sandwiched between Pol Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

LCR has announced that unlike the new entrants Fermin Aldeguer and Ai Ogura, Somkiat Chantra will not participate in the first day of the race.

On Friday, Takaaki Nakagami was the sole Honda rider to make an appearance on the circuit.

Pol Espargaro, riding for KTM, has reclaimed a leading position alongside Nakagami and Pedrosa, breaking into the 1 minute and 59-second bracket.

The light rain has ceased, and both Dani Pedrosa and Michele Pirro have returned to the circuit with ninety minutes remaining in the first day of testing.

At 4pm in Sepang, the timing monitors indicate 'light rain on the circuit'.

Currently, skies are becoming overcast, suggesting the possibility of rain (once more) looming on the horizon…

At 3:45pm, Takaaki Nakagami propelled Honda to the lead by clocking a time of 1 minute and 59.888 seconds, narrowly edging out KTM's Dani Pedrosa by 0.038 seconds.

Nakagami is the sole Honda competitor to hit the track today, starting his session around noon.

The majority of the team's management are missing the beginning of the Shakedown because they are attending the Honda team unveiling in Indonesia tomorrow. However, Romano Albesiano, the newly appointed technical director, is present to supervise the activities of the first day.

Check out this Instagram post from @motogp

Savadori takes to the track aboard a Jorge Martin Aprilia. #SepangShakedown pic.twitter.com/kKu5gitZFw— Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) January 31, 2025

Despite ranking last in the time rankings, Lorenzo Savadori has taken six distinct RS-GPs for a spin today, conducting checks on the bikes for the racing team in preparation for the upcoming official test next week.

At 3pm in Sepang, Dani Pedrosa continues to lead, recording the sole lap under 2 minutes at 1 minute and 59 seconds. His teammate from KTM's testing squad, Pol Espargaro, has narrowed the distance to just 0.381 seconds, while Takaaki Nakagami from HRC follows closely in third place.

As 2pm approaches, Takaaki Nakagami deems the conditions favorable enough to make his return to the track.

Miguel Oliveira from Pramac Yamaha has been present in the paddock; however, as previously stated, Yamaha's racers will not be hitting the track today because of the team's unveiling event scheduled for this evening.

Light rainfall at Sepang has prompted all riders to return to the pits, with only minor droplets being reported and the sun still shining.

1pm results: 2025 Sepang MotoGP Preliminary Trial Outcomes – Day 1 (Friday)

It

It

Nakagami and Dovizioso, each astride jet-black motorcycles, are cruising in tandem, with the Italian closely following the Japanese rider.

Nakagami secures the runner-up spot. What a remarkable start to the race!

Takaaki Nakagami quickly adapts, moving up to 3rd position in the rankings without delay.

At 12:45, the first Honda makes its appearance on the track, with ex-racer turned HRC factory test rider Takaaki Nakagami behind the wheel.

Augusto Fernandez is scheduled for a Yamaha trial run at Sepang, but so far, it appears that only Dovizioso's pit board has seen action.

Although not officially listed under his name on the timing screens, with Yamaha opting for the designation "Test Rider" for its bikes, Andrea Dovizioso has been actively engaged this morning at the Sepang Shakedown, working with multiple motorcycles.

Several motorcycles have made a return to the circuit, featuring the current Moto2 titleholder Ogura, who has ascended to second place just behind Dani Pedrosa, trailing by 0.9 seconds.

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Lewis Hamilton's victory at the British Grand Prix moved a competing F1 team leader to tears.

Alpine F1 leader Oliver Oakes confessed to feeling quite moved upon witnessing Lewis Hamilton's triumph at the previous year's British Grand Prix.

Seven-time global champion Hamilton secured his ninth victory at Silverstone last season, marking his triumphant return to the pinnacle of an F1 podium for the first time in 945 days.

This victory marked the end of a series of races without a win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Just a week after this event, Lewis Hamilton missed out on securing an unprecedented eighth world championship in Abu Dhabi, a situation mired in controversy due to race director Michael Masi's improper handling of the Safety Car regulations.

Hamilton struggled to hold back his emotions during his celebration and later confessed he had questioned his own abilities, pondering whether he would secure another victory in F1.

Observing the race from a spectator's perspective before officially taking on his role as Alpine's team principal later in the month, Oakes disclosed that he was emotionally moved, to the point of shedding a tear, following Hamilton's win.

"Oakes expressed on the James Allen on F1 podcast that, as an enthusiast, he's eager to witness not just the newcomers in the race, but also the thrill of observing Lewis donning red."

"It's not necessarily melancholic to admit, yet one can't avoid feeling a wave of emotions when he secured victory at Silverstone, being from England.

"In a sense, it's like my home circuit since my Hitech team is located there. His victory moved me deeply, to the point where I'm not embarrassed to admit that I shed a tear. It was a significant triumph."

"Observing him debut in red this season is fantastic for Formula 1. The upcoming season promises to be thrilling, with numerous exciting confrontations anticipated."

Discussing the feelings associated with the victory, Mercedes racer Hamilton expressed, "The obstacles we've faced as a group and the ones I've encountered on a personal level, the relentless pursuit, as everyone does, to wake up each morning and put forth our utmost effort.

"Often, there are moments when it seems like your utmost effort falls short, accompanied by feelings of dissatisfaction that may arise."

"In this era, mental health is an incredibly significant concern, and I must admit that I, too, have faced such challenges."

"Without a doubt, there have been times from 2021 to now when I questioned my own abilities, wondering if success was ever going to be within my grasp again. I've never before shed tears after achieving a victory. The emotions just overwhelmed me. It's an incredibly wonderful sensation, and I'm truly thankful for it."

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Lewis consistently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Frequently providing firsthand reports from the events, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures within the sport.

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Honda unveils a brand-new MotoGP design, announcing Castrol as the main sponsor. This marks the first time since 1994 that the official Honda team will not have Repsol as its sponsor.

The Honda factory team has introduced a brand-new design for the 2025 MotoGP season, marking a shift from its three-decade-long title sponsorship with Repsol, as Castrol steps in as the new sponsor.

Since 1995, all the Honda motorcycles competing in the top racing class have sported designs influenced by Repsol, as the Spanish oil company has been the main sponsor.

Nonetheless, that legendary partnership concluded last year as the Honda team showcased their factory HRC colors for the 2025 season during their launch event in Indonesia.

Honda announced that Castrol is set to become its main partner starting in 2025.

In the 2024 season, Honda faced a challenging year, ending up at the bottom of the constructors' rankings with only 75 points to their name.

Discover: How Honda Identified Its Genuine MotoGP Leader for 2024

Factory racers Joan Mir and Luca Marini ended up at the bottom of the riders' rankings. Meanwhile, the highest grand prix placement for the brand was an eighth-place finish by LCR’s Johann Zarco during a rainy Thai GP.

Zarco ranked as the highest-placed Honda rider, occupying the 17th position in the standings.

In the previous year, Honda experienced its third instance in five years where it failed to secure a victory in any race.

Honda has implemented major staffing adjustments for the 2025 season in an effort to regain its competitive standing.

In a significant move, Romano Albesiano has been brought on board from Aprilia to assume the role of technical director, succeeding Ken Kawauchi, who has transitioned to the test team.

Albesiano played a crucial role in transforming Aprilia from the least competitive factory bike on the MotoGP grid upon their 2015 return, into a team that achieved multiple grand prix victories over his ten seasons in the premier class with the Italian brand.

Joining the test team from Aprilia is Aleix Espargaro, a three-time grand prix winner who stepped away from regular racing duties at the conclusion of last season.

Honda was the last manufacturer team to reveal its livery for the 2025 season, after Yamaha and KTM had done so in the last 48 hours.

Only one team, the LCR squad, hasn't unveiled its livery for the upcoming season. The unveiling is scheduled for February 8, just one day before the official MotoGP season launch event.

Honda has already hit the track this week at the Sepang shakedown. The brand is allowed to conduct tests throughout the year with its race riders because of certain concessions.

The official testing period kicks off from February 5 to 7 in Malaysia. Following this, the championship heads to Thailand on February 12 and 13 for the last two days of pre-season activities. The 2025 season is set to commence from February 28 to March 2 in Buriram.

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"Unavoidable yet severe" F1 driver removal highlighted following puzzling team choice.

"They've made an unnecessary blunder."

Even before the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off, predictions are circulating about a driver being let go. The unusual choice by his team is being blamed for this speculation.

Jack Doohan, representing Alpine, is the driver attracting all the attention, despite preparing for his first season as a rookie.

Doohan participated in his first race at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concluded the season. However, there is intense competition for his spot on the team as the new season approaches.

Alpine has secured the services of former Williams star Franco Colapinto, providing them with an excellent backup choice.

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Connor McDonagh expressed on the Crash F1 podcast that although it might not be just, fairness isn't a characteristic of Formula 1.

Valtteri Bottas experienced a commendable season, earning just 20 points despite driving the least competitive car. Despite his efforts, he has been let go, highlighting the unfairness in Formula 1.

Regarding Doohan, I was taken aback when he was initially given the position. I believe his track record wasn't particularly impressive.

"Alpine hurried into the situation unnecessarily, as he was already associated with them."

"It's a tough situation, but I believe it's bound to happen. Doohan's chances are slim, with perhaps only four or five races left at most!"

Facing Pierre Gasly, who is considered a top competitor among midfield drivers, he will encounter a challenging situation.

"The reported amount they paid for Colapinto suggests he won't be left out for a long time."

"Particularly with the enthusiastic support from Argentinian fans and the influx of sponsorship funds…"

Flavio Briatore is not afraid to make significant choices and is indifferent to others' opinions.

"I find it difficult to understand Alpine's reasoning," Lewis Larkam expressed, adding that Doohan's time might be limited, stating, "It seems unavoidable at this point."

"It's incredibly tough and unjust for Jack. However, I'm honestly uncertain about why Alpine chose to advance Jack so soon."

"During that period, there was ongoing activity in the driver market."

"If Jack is signed as your backup driver, he's not moving to another team."

"I find it difficult to understand why Alpine decided to make that decision so soon, especially with a significant part of the season remaining."

"They created an unnecessary problem for themselves."

"They might have chosen to wait until the year's end to evaluate the drivers they could select from."

"Choosing Bottas might have been a better decision compared to selecting Doohan."

"It appears that they might end up substituting him with someone they could have signed in just a few months, thereby sidestepping this complicated scenario altogether!"

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James spent ten years working as a sports journalist for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Results from the First Day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test on Friday

Summary of Friday's initial lap times from the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test's first day.

These are the concluding lap times from the MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test on Friday in 2025.

Yamaha hasn't officially assigned specific riders to its test motorcycles for the purpose of timing sessions, but it appears Andrea Dovizioso has conducted the entirety of the M1's testing to date. Additionally, Augusto Fernandez is expected to participate in the upcoming Shakedown.

Yamaha's racing team members are anticipated to skip today's race because of the team's unveiling event scheduled for tonight in Kuala Lumpur.

Takaaki Nakagami, representing Honda, was the sole rider from his team to hit the track, making his appearance post-lunch. He quickly ascended to second position and momentarily topped the leaderboard.

Apart from Yamaha, the times mentioned represent the top performance of each rider (not necessarily their fastest time on every motorcycle they've ridden).

Showers forced all competitors to return to the garages at 2pm, but the weather improved shortly after. Light rain made a comeback later on but dissipated once more.

A temporary halt in the race was caused by Dani Pedrosa after a mechanical issue occurred at turn 6, shortly before 5pm, leading to the waving

Recorded fastest lap at Sepang MotoGP

Top time: Francesco Bagnaia 1 minute 56.337 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time: Alex Marquez achieved a time of 1 minute and 58.979 seconds in 2023.

It

The initial test for the 2025 Sepang MotoGP, which included newcomers Ai Ogura of Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra representing LCR, along with factory test riders and competing racers from Yamaha and Honda, kicked off at 10am on a Friday in Malaysia.

Restrictions on individual tire testing and team unveilings may decrease the number of participants at the 2025 Yamaha and Honda racing events during the Shakedown sessions.

This weekend, Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez will undertake development work for Yamaha, leading to rumors of a potential 'public' unveiling of the V4. Meanwhile, new test riders Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez have been scheduled for testing duties with HRC.

Test runs are scheduled from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Sepang Official test is scheduled to take place from February 5th to 7th

I

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Johnny Herbert no longer serves as an F1 steward due to a conflict deemed 'incompatible' by the FIA.

Johnny Herbert is stepping down from his role as an F1 steward because his obligations as a media expert conflict with the position.

On Wednesday, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, announced that Herbert had reached a mutual agreement to resign from his role, acknowledging that holding two positions simultaneously was not feasible.

Merely a few days have passed since Herbert, who has triumphed in three Grand Prix races, declared his decision to persist in his capacity as an FIA steward for the 2025 F1 season.

For the past decade and a half, Herbert has consistently served as an F1 steward, beginning his tenure in that position in 2010.

"Today, we express our sorrow in declaring that Johnny Herbert will step down from his role as F1 driver steward for the FIA," stated an announcement from the FIA.

Johnny is highly esteemed and contributed significant experience and knowledge to his position. Nevertheless, following conversations, it was collectively decided that his responsibilities as an FIA steward and his work as a media commentator were not compatible.

"We express our gratitude for his contributions and extend our best wishes for his upcoming ventures."

In addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as a steward, Herbert consistently engaged in expert commentary and frequently voiced his perspectives during interviews.

Remarks regarding Max Verstappen have particularly drawn criticism towards Herbert.

"He believes that while aggression is a fundamental aspect of Max Verstappen’s style, there is still room for growth in his racing and qualifying abilities. Moreover, he has yet to fully reveal his capabilities, having reserves to draw upon when necessary," he shared with Casinoutanspelpaus.io.

"The evolution of the racing regulations has brought us closer to the essence of karting. George Russell also pointed this out, highlighting the madness around apex rules and how now there's room allowed on the exits."

"In karting, we never engaged in that; it was never included. Additionally, I never agreed to the idea of providing space."

Herbert stated: "Looking at it from a management perspective, I'm not anticipating any issues in Australia. Things tend to unfold spontaneously. We should still brace for occasional mishaps and grievances from the teams and drivers, which we'll address as usual."

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Lewis frequently covers Grands Prix globally for Crash.net. Typically providing live reports from the event locations, Lewis shares the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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The finest photos from the opening day of the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test

A selection of the greatest shots from Friday's action in Sepang

Here are the top photos of motorcycles racing on the Sepang circuit during the 2025 MotoGP Shakedown trial.

Ducati has successfully maintained secrecy around their GP25, anticipated to be the top-performing motorcycle in the competition. Riders Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Fabio di Giannantonio are set to race on this bike.

Michele Pirro took to the track for testing.

Displayed above is a photo of Gresini's previous-year Ducati model.

Gresini's newcomer, Fermin Aldeguer, achieved the fifth highest speed on Friday.

Savadori takes to the track aboard a Jorge Martin Aprilia. #SepangShakedown pic.twitter.com/kKu5gitZFw— Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) January 31, 2025

The finest photograph of the Aprilia taken on Friday is featured prominently at the beginning of this page.

On Friday, Ai Ogura from Trackhouse made an impression by securing the second-fastest time. He was among three newcomers qualified to participate.

Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia's reliable test pilot, secured the 10th position.

Dani Pedrosa leads the way for KTM, topping the speed charts by midday during the first day of the 2025 Sepang Shakedown. (Image source: pic.twitter.com/NEfSmF7Imd) – Tweet from Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP), January 31, 2025

On Friday, KTM's seasoned testing pair, Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, took to the circuit.

Espargaro led the rankings, while Pedrosa secured the fourth position.

Yamaha has the advantage of leveraging their two main team riders, two Pramac team members, and their testing squad on Friday, in accordance with the concession regulations.

On Friday, only the testing pair, Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez, took to the track.

Honda

In his debut as Honda's test rider, Takaaki Nakagami registered the third-highest speed on the leaderboard.

He splits test responsibilities with Aleix Espargaro.

Yet, despite the curiosity surrounding the innovations that new technical director Romano Albesiano might introduce to the faltering program, no insights were shared from the activities on Friday.

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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 One racing.

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Evaluating Adrian Newey's Prospects at Aston Martin Compared to His Time at Red Bull

What can we expect from Adrian Newey's tenure at Aston Martin?

Former Formula 1 racer Karun Chandhok draws comparisons between Adrian Newey’s move to Red Bull and his upcoming journey with Aston Martin in 2025.

Newey is set to begin his role as the managing technical partner for Aston Martin on the 3rd of March, leading their technical division.

The 66-year-old is set to transform Aston Martin into a team capable of competing for championships.

Aston Martin has shown improvement in their racing performance recently, securing fifth place in the constructors' championship for two consecutive years. However, they've faced challenges with developing their car during the season.

Team principal Lawrence Stroll is optimistic that bringing Newey on board will be the key factor in Aston Martin's strategy to leverage the upcoming 2026 rule changes.

Aston Martin has bolstered its lineup with notable additions, including Andy Cowell as the new team principal and Enrico Cardille from Ferrari, positioning themselves as contenders in Formula 1.

During his appearance on the Evo India podcast, Chandhok made a parallel to the time Newey initially became part of Red Bull.

"He emphasized the significance of considering the upcoming major alteration in regulations. By 2026, the existing guidelines will be completely overhauled," he mentioned. "A fresh framework of rules will be introduced. This presents new possibilities. Reflecting back to when Adrian transitioned to Red Bull.

The team was average, occasionally securing a few podium finishes. Their primary attention was on the 2009 season due to the introduction of new regulations. Their efforts mainly spanned 2007 to 2008, laying the groundwork for 2009. However, a regulatory oversight hindered them in 2009, despite having a superior car in the latter half of the season. Between 2010 and 2013, they dominated by clinching four championships.

"Indeed, similarly, there's a chance in 2026 if he dedicates 2025 to establishing the framework and strengthening the team, given the new regulations in 2026. We might witness a swift transformation."

2026 could potentially mark Fernando Alonso's final opportunity to compete for an F1 championship.

By the time 2026 begins, Alonso will have reached the age of 44, with his current agreement set to conclude at the close of the following year.

Alonso hasn't secured a first-place finish since 2013, and his most recent championship victory dates to 2006, almost two decades ago.

The Spaniard could exit Formula 1 after racing in a car designed by Newey in his last season.

Chandhok thinks it would be an amazing narrative if Alonso were to contend for the championship once more.

"Imagine how incredible it would be to witness Fernando Alonso, at 45, clinching the championship in a car designed by Adrian Newey. That would indeed be a remarkable tale," he continued.

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With a keen insight into F1's disputes and narratives, Connor is the core of our impartial journalism.

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MV Agusta and KTM have parted ways, with the Sardarov family taking back complete ownership of the firm.

A little more than two years following Pierer Mobility Group's initial investment in MV Agusta via KTM AG, the Italian company has regained full independence.

On January 31, MV Agusta declared that the Italian firm, which has been 50.1 percent owned by KTM AG since last spring, will now return to being entirely managed by its CEO, Timur Sardarov.

According to a statement from the Italian company, KTM's recent financial difficulties prompted their decision to take action.

According to the announcement, while MV Agusta had a prosperous year, the recent financial developments at PIerer Mobility AG might have greatly affected the activities of the Schiranna brand.

The statement further mentions that MV Agusta will not participate in KTM AG's current restructuring efforts linked to its insolvency proceedings. This decision will enable MV Agusta to maintain its trajectory of positive growth.

Following their separation from KTM and PMG, MV has released a statement confirming that their worldwide network of dealers will maintain operations without any changes.

Timur Sardarov expressed that everyone at MV Agusta feels a deep sense of pride at this time. By taking back complete control of the company, they are now more empowered and dedicated to achieving outstanding results.

"In the last two years, the organization has greatly improved its procedures, systems, and team."

The foundational changes we've implemented have led to remarkable outcomes in 2024 and will keep propelling our success in the future.

"I am completely confident in our leadership group. Their visionary outlook, along with the commitment and expertise of our revitalized network of dealers, will elevate MV Agusta to greater success."

"My family and I are dedicated to being a driving force for the Varese team, the local area, and all our collaborators."

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

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