EXCLUSIVE: Mike Krack Stands Up for Lance Stroll Against Criticism

Mike Krack, the head of Aston Martin's Formula 1 team, expressed to Crash.net that he believes Lance Stroll faces undeserved criticism.

Aston Martin's F1 team principal, Mike Krack, believes that the amount of criticism directed at Lance Stroll is "very unfair."

Concerns have been expressed regarding Stroll's performance and dedication to Formula 1 this season, especially following a humiliating mistake that led to him crashing during the formation lap at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

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Some critics argue that Stroll is the least strong member of the Aston Martin team and remains in his position mainly because his father, Lawrence, who owns the team, is a billionaire.

Krack highlights the comparison between Stroll and Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion considered one of the best F1 drivers ever, to show how Stroll's abilities are often overlooked.

According to the statistics, Alonso appears to have a clear advantage. Over the two seasons they raced alongside each other, Stroll accumulated 98 points, while Alonso amassed 274. Additionally, in grand prix qualifying sessions, Alonso outperformed Stroll 37 times compared to Stroll’s 8.

However, Krack contends that the difference between the two is "minimal" and has been affected by various elements, such as Aston Martin failing to provide both drivers with adequate equipment.

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net, Krack stated, "Lance faces significant unfair treatment. To begin with, the difference in performance between him and his teammate, who is among the greatest ever, is minimal."

"We have an individual who is deeply committed to vehicle development, actively participates in simulator sessions, maintains physical fitness, and contributes positively during discussions."

Krack thinks that the public's perception of Stroll is primarily shaped by his media interactions, though this view is mistaken.

Krack stated that the primary evaluation for him revolves around handling media responsibilities. However, he emphasized that the fundamental role of a racing driver is to be behind the wheel.

"Formula 1 has changed over time, with increased visibility and numerous media responsibilities. I believe this is an area where people are paying a lot of attention."

"Our primary focus as a team is to close the gap with one of the greatest competitors of all time. This individual is incredibly competitive. Our shortcoming lies in providing both drivers with the necessary equipment and vehicle to perform at their best."

"When Fernando ends up ninth in the championship standings, it might not seem impressive at first glance. However, because it's Fernando, people often attribute it to the car's performance. On the other hand, Lance achieved a remarkable result in Mexico by finishing 11th with what was considered the slowest car that day, yet this goes largely unnoticed."

Fernando's performance at Monza, where he secured the 11th position, has become a significant talking point. It's quite unjust how his image is portrayed to the public.

"In contrast, we aren't overly concerned. We recognize that we have someone unique; they're pleasant, productive, diligent, driven, and quick."

Stroll enjoys driving and competing in Formula 1. Observers have speculated that Stroll might have lost his passion for Formula 1, citing his attitude and demeanor in interviews as possible indicators.

During a recent appearance on the Red Flag Podcast, former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner commented, "No matter what occurs, he appears to be perpetually dissatisfied."

To put it simply, if Lance's father didn't own a team, it's unlikely Lance would be a Formula 1 driver, as he doesn't have the desire to pursue it.

However, Krack firmly denies this claim, stating it's false. He disclosed that during the recent three-week hiatus, Stroll reached out to him personally to discuss the possibility of doing some private testing with older F1 cars.

When questioned about whether Stroll's enthusiasm for Formula 1 is evident, Krack responded: "Definitely, without a doubt."

"During the recent three-week hiatus, Lance reached out to me by phone, eager to see if we could arrange a way for him to drive an old car. His enthusiasm for driving really sets him apart, especially in a sport where there is no opportunity for testing."

"It's quite unjust to see certain remarks, which are frequently penned with little investigation, simply because they align with popular beliefs. People think, 'Let's put that down and fill some space.' This results in a very distorted representation."

"In every sport, there are villains and heroes, roles to play, and Formula 1 is no different."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Fernando Alonso discloses the single instance he experienced having “the best car” in his racing career.

“I’m accustomed to not having the superior vehicle.”

Fernando Alonso mentioned that staying motivated during the challenging 2024 Formula 1 season with Aston Martin was "not difficult" for him, as he is "accustomed to not having the best car."

At 43 years old, the competitor enters the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi ranked ninth with 68 points, having not achieved any podium finishes during a challenging year for Aston Martin.

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It is quite different from the achievements of him and his team in 2023, when Alonso secured fourth place in the championship by earning 206 points and landing on the podium eight times.

While Aston Martin's AMR24 car has not advanced as expected, Alonso believes that the busy schedule has made it simple to stay driven by new objectives.

He mentioned that his issues with his car weren't a significant concern for him, as he feels that the only period in his racing career when he had top-notch equipment was during the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

On Thursday in Abu Dhabi, Alonso spoke to reporters, including those from Crash.net, stating that staying motivated was easy because every two weeks offered an opportunity to improve upon the last performance.

"This schedule leaves no room for rest or reflection; you're constantly on the move."

"It wasn't hard to find motivation. In some ways, I'm accustomed to not always having the top-performing vehicle."

"I believe that, in my 25 years of competing in the WEC, I currently have the best Toyota car I've ever had. This keeps me constantly motivated."

The 2018/19 World Endurance Championship, referred to as the 'super season', featured Alonso and Toyota winning five out of the eight events, including two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This took place during a period when the Japanese brand was the sole significant manufacturer participating in the top tier of the series.

Although he managed to stay motivated during a challenging 2024 season, Alonso confesses that he is "glad it's coming to an end" after this weekend. He believes that Aston Martin has been "struggling without purpose" during the latter part of the season.

He mentioned that the season feels lengthy for everyone involved, including the mechanics and the entire team.

"Having 24 races is extremely challenging, particularly the final stretch of three consecutive races. When the championship is already decided, like when Max clinched the title in Vegas, it feels different. By the time summer ended, we were comfortably in fifth place in the constructors' championship with no pressure from competitors behind us and no opportunities to advance ahead."

"The last seven or eight races feel quite lengthy since there's nothing at stake."

"We are working on understanding the car for next year's project, but besides that, there isn't much else to focus on."

"I’m glad to begin the winter break now, and I’m looking forward to starting fresh next year with the aim of being more competitive."

"The drive to succeed shifts when the Abu Dhabi race concludes and the focus turns to developing the car and working on the simulator for the upcoming year, compared to arriving here with the expectation of finishing between ninth and 12th."

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Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet share joyful personal news

Pair reveal significant announcement before the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet have shared some delightful personal news.

They announced that they are expecting their first child together.

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The Formula 1 champion announced on social media that a "Mini Verstappen-Piquet" is coming soon.

"Our joy over our tiny miracle knows no bounds."

Check out this Instagram post from Max Verstappen (@maxverstappen1), with content shared by the racing driver.

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are expecting a child together. Kelly is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, who won the Formula 1 championship three times in his career.

She already has a daughter, and the child's father is Daniil Kvyat, the racer whom Verstappen took over from at Red Bull.

Verstappen has stated that he avoids discussing racing topics with his father-in-law.

Verstappen and Kelly took an unexpected approach by sharing their personal news on social media.

Verstappen has mentioned before that he doesn't feel the urge to share his personal life with the public.

Kelly is engaging in it far less frequently than before. When I eventually finish with Formula 1, I doubt I'll be sharing much online. It's simply not something I enjoy.

"There are individuals who have nothing else to do throughout the day, but I'm occupied with various tasks. For instance, I dedicate a significant amount of time to my phone, primarily to manage activities related to my simulation team."

Max Verstappen and George Russell are in a dispute. The announcement about the baby came before the Friday sessions of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On Thursday, a heated verbal exchange took center stage between Verstappen and George Russell from the Mercedes team.

Russell accused Verstappen of being a "bully" following the resurgence of their argument from the previous weekend in Qatar.

In a heated exchange, Verstappen challenged Russell's remarks, an altercation that also involved Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, and numerous other F1 drivers.

Initially, Verstappen was upset because he believed Russell played a part in the penalty he received from the FIA in Qatar.

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

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Max Verstappen and George Russell distanced themselves from each other at the F1 driver dinner, choosing seats at the far ends of the table.

During the yearly F1 driver dinner hosted by Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and George Russell were seated at opposite ends of the table.

This information comes from McLaren's Lando Norris, who made a playful comment about the ongoing rivalry between the duo, which intensified into a verbal clash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale.

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Lewis Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, organized a dinner for the drivers, a tradition they have adopted at the end of each year. Typically, the reigning world champion is the one who pays for the meal.

Valtteri Bottas, who is leaving Sauber, disclosed that he footed the bill, mentioning that it amounted to "around 20,000 in local currency," equating to slightly more than £4,000.

Norris stated that his competitor for the title, Verstappen, and Russell were positioned at different sides of the table in a group picture they posted on social media.

"2024 dinner! And indeed, the two people you're thinking of were seated at opposite ends of the table," Norris wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.

It seems that Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, as well as Haas's Kevin Magnussen, did not go to the dinner.

Jack Doohan, the latest addition to the Formula 1 driving roster, was absent. However, Esteban Ocon, who is set to be replaced by a newcomer for the 2025 season and will not compete in Abu Dhabi, was present.

Dispute between Russell and Verstappen intensifies

In a dramatic turn on Thursday, Russell alleged that Verstappen had menaced him with threats of deliberately causing a collision and said he would "slam his head into the f*****g wall" in Qatar.

Russell expressed his confusion over the personal attack, telling reporters, including those from Crash.net, that he would not tolerate it. "I want to clarify the situation: I refuse to stand by while someone criticizes me on a personal level," he stated.

It was clear that it was an impulsive decision, but the following day, while we were having some light-hearted fun with [Sergio] Perez and Carlos [Sainz], I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was serious about it.

He has won the championship four times. Lewis Hamilton is the kind of champion I aim to emulate—tough yet just, always staying within the rules. As drivers, we have a responsibility.

"It's not appropriate for a world champion to announce that he intends to deliberately collide with someone and cause them harm; that's not the kind of example we should be promoting."

This followed Verstappen's criticism of Russell, accusing the Mercedes driver of influencing the decision to penalize the four-time world champion after qualifying last weekend.

Verstappen, expressing that he no longer held any respect for Russell, intensified his criticism during the Abu Dhabi event.

The individual from the Netherlands referred to Russell as both a "traitor" and a "failure."

"Verstappen described George as someone who betrays trust during an interview with De Telegraaf, as reported by ESPN Netherlands."

The way he constantly mentions all this irrelevant stuff marks him as nothing but a loser. He fabricates stories and pieces together things that don’t make sense. I simply expressed my thoughts on how he acted with the stewards.

"It was obvious that he couldn't manage the situation. As for his remarks regarding 2021, that's reflective of his behavior with the officials, suggesting unfounded claims."

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

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Francesco Bagnaia: Equal Footing with Marc Marquez as the Benchmark

"Should one of us gain the lead while the other lags behind as the season progresses, it's essential to support the leading rider"

Francesco Bagnaia has dismissed remarks made by his new team-mate Marc Marquez suggesting that as a two-time MotoGP champion, Bagnaia begins 2025 with a higher 'status' in the Ducati team, being considered the 'benchmark' within the squad.

However, Bagnaia, who fell short of securing his third consecutive title by a mere ten points to Jorge Martin this season, noted that the situation could shift if a significant gap in the championship standings between the teammates became apparent.

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"Rationally speaking, the one in control and making the decisions is Pecco," said Marquez, who secured six MotoGP championships with Honda from 2013 to 2019, in a recent statement.

"Given that Pecco has secured two world championships for Ducati, including triumphing in eleven races last season, it stands to reason that he should be the primary decision-maker during this pre-season and the initial races."

"I'll make an effort to narrow the gap with him since he's the benchmark, the racer who brought Ducati back to championship glory, and who is moving at an impressive speed."

Inquired about his remarks during Ducati's 'Champions in Celebration' event in Bologna on Tuesday night, Motorsport.com reports Bagnaia's response as:

I'm convinced that ultimately, the 'top spots' in the ranking are unoccupied and rightfully shouldn't be.

"Each season kicks off anew, providing all riders with an equal opportunity, and I hold the view that as the season progresses, dynamics shift because it's always a fresh start."

"I'm convinced it's identical in nature, that when during the season one competitor is leading [in the championship] and another lags behind, efforts must be made to assist the frontrunner."

"I believe that Marc, as a remarkably smart individual, quickly grasped the nature of our environment and our working methodology."

"During the trial run in Barcelona, we collaborated effectively, and if we maintain this momentum, we're certainly headed in the right direction."

Bagnaia and Marquez secured the third and fourth quickest times, respectively, while testing a prototype of next year’s GP25 at the Barcelona trials.

The Italian believed that switching locations, following the cancellation of the Valencia event, was advantageous for trial objectives.

"This season in Barcelona, the circuit has improved significantly for testing from various perspectives: it's among the locations with the highest maximum speeds in the World Championship, and with the grip level being low, it offers an opportunity to evaluate a wider range of aspects," he detailed.

"Marc and I shared a mutual sentiment, which was incredibly beneficial, as we swiftly pinpointed areas for improvement. We recognized both our strengths and weaknesses."

"Ultimately, it became simpler for both the engineers and Gigi to discern the route that would better prepare them for their arrival in Malaysia."

The scheduled Sepang trial is set for February 5th to 7th, 2025.

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2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Friday Practice Session – LIVE Updates!

Stay tuned for live updates as the Friday practice session unfolds at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Marking the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Friday kicks off with the final practice day at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Although Max Verstappen has already secured the drivers' championship, the primary attention is now on the battle for the highest position in the constructors' rankings.

As they approach the final race, McLaren and Ferrari are separated by a mere 21 points. Ferrari managed to set up a potential title decider by their performance in the recent race in Qatar.

Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi before moving to Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan will make his first appearance with the Alpine team this weekend.

The growing conflict between Max Verstappen and George Russell after the Qatar Grand Prix has been a major focus in the news this weekend. There is potential for this tension to impact the race if the two drivers find themselves close to one another on the track during Sunday's event.

The first practice session starts at 9:30 a.m. GMT, while the second practice session is scheduled for 1 p.m

Leclerc's Grid Penalty

Charles Leclerc, who recently finished first in the first practice session, will face a 10-place grid penalty due to Ferrari's decision to replace the battery in his vehicle.

This is a significant setback for Ferrari in their fight for the constructors' championship.

Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with the traffic conditions he encountered on the track, communicating his concerns to the Aston Martin team.

End of FP1

The session concludes in Abu Dhabi as the chequered flag signals the end of FP1.

Charles Leclerc is in the lead with a lap time of 1 minute and 24.321 seconds, closely followed by Lando Norris. The battle for dominance between McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors' championship is intensifying.

The Williams team has announced that both of its drivers will incur grid penalties due to changes in their gearboxes. As of now, Colapinto is in seventh place, and Browning holds the 20th

The race officials stated that after examining the situation, there's no requirement for any additional inquiry regarding Gasly's failure to slow down under yellow flags. Consequently, the Alpine driver will not face any penalties.

Charles Leclerc clocked the quickest lap with a time of 1 minute and 24.321 seconds using soft tires. At the same time, Pierre Gasly has been observed for not reducing speed when yellow flags were displayed, and Lewis Hamilton will be under investigation after the session for potentially obstructing Lando Norris.

Pierre Gasly moves up to fourth place in the Alpine car while using a set of soft tires.

With slightly more than 10 minutes remaining, the current ranking of the top 10 is as

During Hadjar's most recent fast lap, he once again clashed with Browning at the final corner, resulting in Browning receiving a black and white warning flag.

Hamilton has reduced the distance to Norris by clocking a time of 1 minute and 24.806 seconds. Meanwhile, Russell has moved up to third place with a time of 1 minute and 25.165 seconds, despite facing challenges with his brakes

Russell is currently dissatisfied with his vehicle: "I'm not a fan of these brakes, even when I'm entering the pit lane."

Charles Leclerc is currently on the track, marking the first occasion where two siblings from the same team are participating together in an F1 session.

Hadjar expressed his dissatisfaction with Browning's actions at Turn 6, telling his Red Bull team, "The Williams really messed up my run through the chicane."

This year, the last corner has been expanded, and Norris took full advantage of the extra space on the track to clock in a time that places him 0.831 seconds ahead of the rest.

An increasing number of drivers have opted for soft tyres, resulting in Norris setting the quickest lap time at 1 minute 24.542 seconds. He currently leads the timesheets, followed by Hulkenberg, Russell, Hamilton, Perez, Bottas, Magnussen, Gasly, Hadjar, and Alonso.

Russell achieved the quickest time of 1 minute and 25.410 seconds after changing to soft tires.

Drugovich, driving the other Aston Martin, slightly enhances his position, moving up to 14th place.

Alonso has moved up to the sixth position while driving the Aston Martin.

Charles Leclerc is preparing to get back into his Ferrari now that the team appears to have completed the necessary repairs.

Lewis Hamilton climbs to the leading position with a lap time of 1 minute 25.586 seconds, all while using medium compound tires.

This session, set during twilight, doesn't fully reflect typical conditions, but Mercedes has begun strongly, occupying the first and second positions.

At the moment, Doohan leads the rookie pack, securing the ninth spot. Browning holds the 12th position for Williams, while Hadjar is in 14th for Red Bull. A. Leclerc takes 15th place for Ferrari, Drugovich is in 17th for Aston Martin, Hirakawa ranks 18th for McLaren, and Iwasa is 19th for Red Bull.

After 20 minutes of running, the current top 10 are as follows:

Russell climbed to the top of the leaderboard by clocking a time of 1 minute and 25.963 seconds on medium tires, while his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton secured the second spot with a time of 1 minute and 25.993 seconds. Perez claimed the third position.

It seems Charles Leclerc is staying put for now. There's still plenty of effort being put in. This is not the best beginning for Ferrari in their battle for the constructors' championship.

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Jorge Martin and the CEO of Ducati discuss a potential future collaboration

"We have a fondness for Martin; our separation was amicable, and the future in two years is open to possibilities."

The future will reveal whether Ducati will rue the decision to let newly crowned MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin leave its premier team for Aprilia.

However, it seems both sides are receptive to the possibility of coming back together in the future, potentially during the upcoming MotoGP contract period in two years.

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"Martin holds a special place in our hearts, and our separation was amicable. The future, especially two years from now, is open-ended. Could he make a comeback to Ducati? It's certainly possible; he's an exceptional talent, and we're always in pursuit of talent," shared Ducati's Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Domenicali, with Sky at the 'Campioni in Festa' event in Bologna on Tuesday evening.

"Martin expressed his gratitude towards Ducati, hinting at a potential reunion in the future, as quoted by Motorsport.com during the event."

Regrettably, we couldn't manage to secure our spot with Ducati for the upcoming year. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant experience. Personally, it would have been a dream come true, but we were unable to make it happen.

"Looking ahead, I believe Aprilia shows promise. Despite clinching the title, I feel there's still much more I can achieve in this sport."

When questioned about what he will most fondly remember about Ducati, the company that launched his MotoGP career in 2020, the youthful Spaniard responded:

"Initially, opting for the bicycle is my choice, since I'll be using another one. However, as time progresses, I'll evaluate what's lacking."

"I'll carry forward the knowledge gained from competing against formidable riders such as Pecco, along with a working approach that could benefit me going forward."

During his first appearance with Aprilia at the Barcelona MotoGP Test last month, Martin secured the 11th quickest time, trailing Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati by 1.056 seconds.

Francesco Bagnaia, alongside his new Ducati factory team counterpart Marc Marquez, secured the third and fourth fastest times during the testing session, utilizing a preliminary model of next year's GP25.

Domenicali praised the exceptional promise of the official team's latest rider duo, featuring Bagnaia and Marquez, who together hold nine MotoGP championships, though he acknowledged that handling them could be challenging.

"Domenicali conveyed to Sky that managing a team with two colossal champions presents an inherent challenge due to its complexity. He likened them to supersonic jets, which are hard to pilot yet unmatched in velocity. The possibilities, he noted, are astounding."

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Martin Brundle's analysis of the conflict among F1 drivers: ‘Max Verstappen is keeping everyone uneasy’

"He's making everyone feel pressured and uneasy, from the media to rival teams, and especially among fellow drivers…"

Martin Brundle, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, has shared his thoughts on the continuing conflict between Max Verstappen and George Russell.

Thursday was a day full of excitement at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when Verstappen and Russell addressed the press before the season's last race.

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In Qatar on Sunday, Verstappen stood by his previous remarks, expressing that he no longer respected Russell. This stemmed from Russell's purported involvement in causing Verstappen to receive a grid penalty after last weekend's qualifying.

Russell responded to Verstappen by making several remarks that challenged the way the current world champion copes with difficult situations. He also alluded to the 2021 season, pondering how Verstappen might have reacted if he had been in Lewis Hamilton's shoes and faced a championship loss.

Tensions remained high as Verstappen addressed the Dutch media, referring to Russell as a "backstabber" and a "loser."

Before the first practice session in Abu Dhabi, Brundle comments that Verstappen is becoming more aggressive during races while portraying himself as a victim outside of them.

According to Brundle, Max has intensified his aggressive tactics during races while simultaneously portraying himself as a victim when he’s not racing, and this strategy is proving effective. He has unsettled everyone, from the media to other teams and especially his fellow drivers, with his approach to racing.

"It's well-known that he's always been assertive on the race track, and it seems he's realized that he can express himself freely without facing consequences. He's familiar with the rules and has mastered the art of maneuvering his car, especially in close-quarters racing. Each time he engages in such tactics, it seems to work in his favor."

"Russell was the sole person with the courage to speak up"

Russell was furious at Verstappen's remarks after the Dutch driver cast doubt on his honesty.

The British driver emphasized that his intention was merely to defend himself and not to intensify the situation with Verstappen.

Brundle noted that Russell is the pioneer among drivers to have the courage to challenge Verstappen.

Brundle mentioned that currently, George is the sole person courageous enough to take on Max. He noted that everyone else has backed down.

"The FIA ought to address this issue, but they are preoccupied with resolving their own matters. I truly think there needs to be greater engagement."

"For years, I've expressed my confusion about how drivers can be close friends, engage warmly on social media, and still compete closely on the track. I don't see how that can be successful."

Keenly attuned to the controversies and narratives of Formula 1, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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Vintage Ducati MotoGP bike hits the market at a six-figure cost

Invest substantially in this legendary motorcycle

A vintage Ducati from the MotoGP series is going up for sale.

The bicycle is being auctioned off at Sotheby's in New York, with an estimated price range of $400,000 to $800,000.

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The Ducati GP6 was previously owned by Loris Capirossi.

Capirossi secured the top qualifying spot and emerged victorious at the 2007 Japanese MotoGP in Motegi riding this motorcycle. It marked his last win on the racing circuit.

This motorcycle is one of only four '990' GP Ducatis that competed over its four-year racing span.

Acquired straight from the Ducati factory in 2007, it retains the Valencia season-ending scrutineer sticker in perfect condition.

In late 2007, Casey Stoner clinched the MotoGP championship riding for Ducati.

Thus, for the Italian maker, this bicycle represented a progression along their path.

This signifies a device from an era prior to the dominance of Ducati's Desmosedici period.

Should you have the financial means, you could potentially take the bike back to your place…

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

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Aprilia: "We have high expectations for Raul" | "At times, we had to be stern"

"Occasionally, we had to adopt a stricter approach… Encouraging him to persist with techniques he might not prefer, yet we understand are more efficient."

The factory Aprilia team will see a completely fresh roster, and with Ai Ogura making his debut at Trackhouse, Raul Fernandez will stand out as the sole MotoGP competitor beginning the upcoming season with prior racing knowledge on an RS-GP.

Fernandez has experienced a remarkable reversal of fortunes, starting the season as the sole Aprilia competitor on the 2023 model despite facing uncertainties about his career following his 22nd (Tech3 KTM) and 20th (RNF Aprilia) finishes in his earlier top-tier races.

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Fernandez produced some crucial performances on the older model bike, notably taking a brief lead in the Catalunya Sprint and securing a sixth-place finish in the Grand Prix.

The motorcycle racing scene accelerated rapidly when Aleix Espargaro revealed his plans to retire, Jorge Martin inked a new deal, and Maverick Vinales announced his departure.

Fernandez maintained his strong performance, securing an eighth-place finish at Assen, followed by a front row start in Germany, which marked his last race before switching to the 2024 specification components.

The Spanish individual was keen to unite with the rest on the newest device.

However, after accumulating 46 points across nine races on the 2023 motorcycle, his performance dipped to only 20 points across 11 competitions on the 2024 model, resulting in a 16th place finish in the rankings.

"Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, expressed high expectations for Raul in his conversation with MotoGP.com."

"By 2024, our hopes were already high. However, he switched bikes mid-season, which led to a lack of confidence in the newer [2024] model."

"Let's also remember he was absent from the Sepang test initially due to an injury."

"I believe Raul has the potential to perform exceptionally well, and clearly, it's our responsibility to provide him with a superior motorcycle."

Rivola also suggested that Fernandez should distinguish between looking for a bike configuration that feels more comfortable and one that actually delivers superior performance.

"Rivola mentioned, "Occasionally, riders might steer you towards choosing a bike that suits their riding preferences better, even if it's not the quickest option on the track."

"At times, we had to be firm and confident in our convictions, urging him to persist with an approach he might not favor, but one we understood to be more efficient."

"Therefore, I believe this task will be our primary focus for the coming year, and I anticipate our newly appointed technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, to lead the charge in seeking and achieving the optimal balance."

Rivola announced that the quartet of Aprilia racers – comprising Martin and Marco Bezzecchi on the official team, along with Fernandez and Ogura at Trackhouse – will be equipped with the newest factory model motorcycles starting from the first test in 2025.

"Definitely. In Sepang, we'll be equipping all four bikes identically. This approach is truly optimal for the bike's development," Rivola stated.

"It's beneficial to see Trackhouse's dedication. Observing the Barcelona Test, it appears that introducing the two new riders, Martin and Bezzecchi, also provided a positive impact for Raul."

Fernandez emerged as the quickest rider on an Aprilia during the trial, securing the fifth position while riding the 2024 model.

Peter has spent two decades in the racetrack environment, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the racing scene and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Gigi Dall'Igna highlights significant figures for MotoGP 2024

"Our achievements are genuinely extraordinary and remarkable"

During the factory's unprecedented 2024 MotoGP season, two figures are particularly noteworthy for Ducati Corse's General Manager, Gigi Dall'Igna.

However, it's not about securing victories in 19 out of 20 Grand Prix races, nor is it about Ducati claiming its third consecutive MotoGP championship and dominating the top four spots in the overall riders' rankings.

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"We've accomplished something truly remarkable and extraordinary. It's hard for me to comprehend and accept the figures we've reached," Dall'Igna was cited by Motorsport.com during its Campioni in Festa celebration in Bologna.

"I'd like to highlight a couple."

"The '14' signifies the occasions when Ducati dominated the top three positions. Recalling the thrill of our first complete podium sweep during my tenure (Valencia 2021) vividly, achieving this feat 14 times in a total of 20 races genuinely showcases our prowess.

One detail that particularly brings me joy to recall is how all Ducati racers outperformed their competitors to lead the pack during the Sprint in Thailand.

"This signifies that our bicycles outperform all rivals. It's a remarkable figure, and I must extend my gratitude once more to everyone involved in this endeavor, from our supporters at home to the teams and racers who played a role in reaching these achievements."

The sole blemish in the factory team's otherwise stellar season was the defeat of two-time defending champion Francesco Bagnaia, who lost the title to Pramac's Jorge Martin. Martin is set to move to Aprilia in the upcoming season.

Dall'Igna emphasized how Ducati showcased its commitment to fair play this year, as the brand allowed its riders to compete for the championship independently, without resorting to team strategies, assistance, or attempts to disadvantage their teams, clients, and riders.

In 2025, Marc Marquez, who has clinched three Grand Prix victories with Gresini this season, is set to team up with Bagnaia at the Ducati Lenovo team.

"Witnessing a champion like Marquez take your bike for a spin always evokes intense feelings," Dall'Igna expressed, referring to the eight-time world champion's initial trial in red at Barcelona the previous month.

Bagnaia and Marquez share the distinction of being outstanding champions, which is their most notable similarity. Their considerable experience and unwavering determination are key attributes, epitomizing the essence of a true champion.

Considering their distinct approaches, one tends to be more cautious while the other adopts a more balanced strategy during races. Nonetheless, both competitors possess the essential skills and knowledge required to clinch a world championship title.

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Marc Marquez addresses "challenging times" in "interactions with Italian supporters"

"The interactions with Italian supporters have experienced challenging times, but it's improving with each occasion"

After mending his strained ties with Italian enthusiasts through securing three wins for Gresini in the previous MotoGP season, Marc Marquez is optimistic about forging a 'positive relationship' as a factory Ducati rider in 2025.

Once a fierce competitor of Italy's iconic Valentino Rossi, Marquez has regularly encountered a challenging atmosphere at the Mugello and Misano circuits, where he has been met with considerable jeering.

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In 2024, the allegiance of the home supporters was divided when Marquez departed from Repsol Honda to join the ranks of an Italian manufacturer (Ducati) and its team (Gresini).

Despite some jeers from the crowd during the award ceremony, Marquez secured a much-celebrated win for Gresini on their home turf at Misano this year.

However, Francesco Bagnaia, who will be joining Ducati as a teammate in the future, emphasized that he believes no MotoGP competitor should be subjected to boos and taunts, while Marquez is optimistic that his rapport with the fans in Italy will see positive growth by 2025.

"At this year's 'Campioni in Festa' event in Bologna on Tuesday evening, Marquez was quoted by Motorsport.com stating, "For me, this year remains the same."

"I consistently put in effort, and I secured a victory at Misano racing for the Gresini team. This year, I'm hopeful for a strong performance at Mugello, especially with the Italian supporters watching."

Ultimately, the connection with the Italian supporters has experienced challenging periods, yet it improves with each occurrence.

"I've consistently aimed to maintain professionalism and fulfill my responsibilities. Competing for the Italian team, Gresini, restored my self-assurance."

"I compete on behalf of an Italian maker, and I'm confident we'll have a positive rapport."

When asked to compare his early battles against riders such as Rossi, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo to his current competitors in MotoGP, Marquez responded:

"The competitors I race with these days are more amicable! It feels like it was just yesterday when I came here at the age of 20, a novice with much to learn, but now I've become one of the veterans."

"I genuinely enjoy this aspect. Every individual possesses a unique professional journey and narrative, yet all the young talents entering MotoGP come with immense resolve. We strive to prepare ourselves for the challenge they present, given their remarkable strength."

Marquez is set to turn 32 on February 17, just a few weeks prior to the commencement of pre-season testing at Sepang.

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