The latest move in the restructuring process that the Japanese brand is going through, which started more than a year ago, will most likely not stop with the departure of Kuwata, who will become part of HRC’s car division. The executive will remain in his post until 1 April, when the Japanese corporate calendar is […]
Year: 2024
Mercedes ‘jealousy’ could trigger fascinating Hamilton F1 dynamic, says Perez
Hamilton dropped a bombshell on Mercedes earlier this month when he revealed that he was activating an escape clause in his contract to join Ferrari from 2025. While Hamilton wanted the news out as early as possible to avoid speculation distracting from his campaign, it does mean that how he works with Mercedes will not […]
Yamaha MotoGP bike’s “horrible” grip “unacceptable”
Quartararo ended Monday’s running at the Qatar test just under six tenths off the best pace in 10th on his factory Yamaha. Despite the 2024 M1 making good steps with engine power and top speed, Quartararo continued to complain about the bike’s lack of grip – having highlighted this as a continuing weakness at the […]
Why Zandvoort Friday, not Hamilton signing, was Ferrari’s F1 relaunch moment
That signing, perhaps one of the biggest driver shocks in living memory, grabbed the world’s attention and laid down a real marker about Ferrari’s ambitions. A fresh mood of optimism spread among Ferrari’s loyal tifosi fans, and the presence of chairman John Elkann at its factory to witness the final touches being made to its […]
Aprilia hopes 2027 rules can attract new manufacturers to MotoGP
MotoGP has been left with just five bike makers since Suzuki’s shock withdrawal at the end of the 2022 season, a decision that came despite the Japanese marque having a long-term deal with promoter Dorna. The new 2027 rules represent the best opportunity for a new or returning manufacturer to enter the premier class, as […]
F1 2024 no transition year for Ferrari before Hamilton move
Inevitably, the signing of the seven-time world champion as a replacement for Carlos Sainz has suggested that Ferrari has its main focus on the future. However Vasseur insists that this season remains the priority and that all efforts are being made to propel the team forward. “No, this is wrong, 2024 won’t be a transition […]
Honda MotoGP boss Puig “surprised” by German-like feedback from Marini
Marini was picked to replace Marc Marquez following the eight-time grand prix world champion’s decision to quit the team for 2024 to join the Gresini Ducati squad. The Italian previously spent three years on Ducati machinery, latterly with his brother Valentino Rossi’s squad, with whom he scored his first podiums in MotoGP. Marini and team-mate […]
Red Bull “brave” to change F1 car concept for 2024, says Perez
Red Bull was the last F1 team to unveil its 2024 challenger last week, with the design featuring several bold ideas – especially around the sidepod and engine cover area. The squad has seemingly drawn inspiration from other outfits, including Mercedes’ bodywork with gulleys running from the halo through the top of the engine cover. […]
Marquez will face “a big frustration” if he targets Ducati MotoGP wins right now
Marquez’s switch from Honda after 11 years and six world titles to the satellite Gresini Ducati squad for 2024 is generating boundless interest as the new season approaches. Many of his peers have already pegged him to win on the year-old Ducati soon, though Marquez has continued to brush this expectation aside. Asked again about […]
Will the 2025 F1 driver silly season see “chaos”?
That’s certainly the view of Esteban Ocon after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for next season caught most of the paddock by surprise and left a prime seat open at Mercedes. The question now is how soon things will start to move at other teams, and how quickly the remaining pieces fall into place thereafter. […]