Marc Marquez, one of MotoGP’s most prominent figures, recently dropped an intriguing hint that he could be leaving Ducati next year, putting KTM on high alert. Marquez’s comments came after the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, where he expressed his desire to compete on a modern bike in 2025, regardless of team or brand. Since his move to Ducati, Marquez has been a formidable competitor, striving to challenge his limits and reach new heights of success. However, his statement shows a willingness to explore other opportunities while staying true to his desire to compete at the highest level. Speculation over Marquez’s future has gained traction as Ducati is yet to confirm its line-up for the 2025 season. While Ducati’s factory team is his initial preference, Marquez has made it clear that he is open to the possibility of other teams or manufacturers. Marquez’s mention of accepting offers from other manufacturers, regardless of color or make, piqued the interest of KTM in particular. The Austrian manufacturer has always shown an interest in Marquez’s services, and his words could put KTM in a position to consider an offer for the future. Marquez’s comment also raises questions about the role of Pramac, a Ducati satellite team, next season. With access to factory-spec bikes, Pramac could be an attractive option for Marquez if he decides to stay within the Ducati family. However, his statements indicate that he is considering all available options before making a final decision. The possibility of Marquez leaving Ducati and joining a rival team has the potential to significantly change the landscape of MotoGP. His presence in a team like KTM could further strengthen the category’s competitiveness and add a new dynamic to the championship. However, until a final decision is made, Marquez’s future remains shrouded in speculation. With the 2025 season fast approaching, more details about his contract situation and the team’s plans are expected to be revealed in the coming months. Until then, the MotoGP world is eagerly waiting to see what the next chapter in Marc Marquez’s remarkable career will be.
Hands-on with F1 Manager 2024: Our first impressions of the new game
Formula 1 fans have reason to celebrate with the imminent release of Frontier’s newest title, F1 Manager 2024, scheduled for July 23. The game promises to evolve the series by introducing innovative game modes and significant improvements compared to its predecessor. Create a team mode The highlight of this year is, without a doubt, the Create a Team mode. For the first time, players can create their own F1 team from scratch, adding an 11th entry to the 2024 grid and competing against top teams such as Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Players have full control over all visual aspects of the team, from the name, car color, and logo to uniforms and helmets. The logo creation system is compared to Photoshop, offering a high level of customization. Freedom also extends to sponsor management, allowing players to decide where to place their sponsor logos on the car, making the management experience even more realistic. Selection of Origin In addition to customization options, players can define their team’s “origins,” which affects difficulty and the path to the top. Options range from starting with a top-tier team, ready to challenge Red Bull from the start, to a more traditional approach, where the team must climb from the bottom of the grid to the top over time. During the preliminary event, I had the opportunity to build my own team, CMG Racing, bringing together Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with Peter Bonnington and Gianpiero Lambiase as race engineers. Team customization was intuitive and detailed, providing an engaging experience right from the start. Management of mechanical defects Another important addition to the game is the management of mechanical failures. During a “Race Replay” scenario at the Australian Grand Prix, I was challenged by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s ERS (Energy Recovery System) failures. Verstappen lost the ability to recharge his battery, while Perez suffered a complete ERS failure. These glitches are unique to each player, adding a level of challenge and unpredictability to the game. Race replay Last year’s Race Replay mode received criticism for being predictable. This year, it looks like Frontier has improved the variability of decisions, increasing repeatability, and providing a more dynamic experience. The experience with F1 Manager 2024 was extremely positive. The game ran smoothly, with stunning graphics and a detailed level of control over the races. The Create a Team mode is a welcome addition, offering countless creative options for players. Furthermore, Frontier deserves praise for the game’s price tag of £29.99, making it affordable compared to other titles on the market that can cost up to £69.99. F1 Manager 2024 promises to be an immersive and exciting experience for all Formula 1 fans, guaranteeing hours of fun and strategic challenges.
Hands-on with F1 Manager 2024: Our first impressions of the new game
Formula 1 fans have reason to celebrate with the imminent release of Frontier’s newest title, F1 Manager 2024, scheduled for July 23. The game promises to evolve the series by introducing innovative game modes and significant improvements compared to its predecessor. Create a team mode The highlight of this year is, without a doubt, the Create a Team mode. For the first time, players can create their own F1 team from scratch, adding an 11th entry to the 2024 grid and competing against top teams such as Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Players have full control over all visual aspects of the team, from the name, car color, and logo to uniforms and helmets. The logo creation system is compared to Photoshop, offering a high level of customization. Freedom also extends to sponsor management, allowing players to decide where to place their sponsor logos on the car, making the management experience even more realistic. Selection of Origin In addition to customization options, players can define their team’s “origins,” which affects difficulty and the path to the top. Options range from starting with a top-tier team, ready to challenge Red Bull from the start, to a more traditional approach, where the team must climb from the bottom of the grid to the top over time. During the preliminary event, I had the opportunity to build my own team, CMG Racing, bringing together Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with Peter Bonnington and Gianpiero Lambiase as race engineers. Team customization was intuitive and detailed, providing an engaging experience right from the start. Management of mechanical defects Another important addition to the game is the management of mechanical failures. During a “Race Replay” scenario at the Australian Grand Prix, I was challenged by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s ERS (Energy Recovery System) failures. Verstappen lost the ability to recharge his battery, while Perez suffered a complete ERS failure. These glitches are unique to each player, adding a level of challenge and unpredictability to the game. Race replay Last year’s Race Replay mode received criticism for being predictable. This year, it looks like Frontier has improved the variability of decisions, increasing repeatability, and providing a more dynamic experience. The experience with F1 Manager 2024 was extremely positive. The game ran smoothly, with stunning graphics and a detailed level of control over the races. The Create a Team mode is a welcome addition, offering countless creative options for players. Furthermore, Frontier deserves praise for the game’s price tag of £29.99, making it affordable compared to other titles on the market that can cost up to £69.99. F1 Manager 2024 promises to be an immersive and exciting experience for all Formula 1 fans, guaranteeing hours of fun and strategic challenges.
Max Verstappen tipped to take 2026 F1 sabbatical as “unusual” driver market analysed
Max Verstappen, current two-time Formula 1 world champion, may surprise everyone by taking a sabbatical in 2026. This possibility was raised by former F1 driver and now commentator, Karun Chandhok, during the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. The idea comes amid a scenario of significant changes in the sport, with new technical regulations scheduled for 2026. Formula 1 will undergo a transformation in 2026, with the introduction of new technical rules centered on power units. Red Bull, Verstappen’s current team, will develop its own engine for the first time, while new manufacturers such as Honda and Audi will enter the competition. This changing environment creates a highly dynamic and unpredictable driver market. Analysis by Karun Chandhok Karun Chandhok suggests that Verstappen could use 2026 as a year to observe and evaluate the performances of different teams under the new rules. “I believe more and more that Max will stay with Red Bull until 2025. I think he will take 2026 off to see what happens, and in 2027 he can go anywhere,” Chandhok said. Chandhok also mentioned that Verstappen has ambitions to compete in other series, such as Le Mans, and that a sabbatical could allow him to explore these opportunities while he assesses which team will be most competitive under the new regulations. Current situation and future Verstappen is currently strongly linked with Red Bull, but the situation at the team has been turbulent, especially following events off the track in Bahrain. This has fueled speculation about possible changes in his future. Movements in the F1 driver market Carlos Sainz is also at the center of discussions about the driver’s market. The Spaniard, who has recently been linked with teams such as Red Bull, Mercedes and Audi, is aiming to secure his position in a top team.
Max Verstappen tipped to take 2026 F1 sabbatical as “unusual” driver market analysed
Max Verstappen, current two-time Formula 1 world champion, may surprise everyone by taking a sabbatical in 2026. This possibility was raised by former F1 driver and now commentator, Karun Chandhok, during the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. The idea comes amid a scenario of significant changes in the sport, with new technical regulations scheduled for 2026. Formula 1 will undergo a transformation in 2026, with the introduction of new technical rules centered on power units. Red Bull, Verstappen’s current team, will develop its own engine for the first time, while new manufacturers such as Honda and Audi will enter the competition. This changing environment creates a highly dynamic and unpredictable driver market. Analysis by Karun Chandhok Karun Chandhok suggests that Verstappen could use 2026 as a year to observe and evaluate the performances of different teams under the new rules. “I believe more and more that Max will stay with Red Bull until 2025. I think he will take 2026 off to see what happens, and in 2027 he can go anywhere,” Chandhok said. Chandhok also mentioned that Verstappen has ambitions to compete in other series, such as Le Mans, and that a sabbatical could allow him to explore these opportunities while he assesses which team will be most competitive under the new regulations. Current situation and future Verstappen is currently strongly linked with Red Bull, but the situation at the team has been turbulent, especially following events off the track in Bahrain. This has fueled speculation about possible changes in his future. Movements in the F1 driver market Carlos Sainz is also at the center of discussions about the driver’s market. The Spaniard, who has recently been linked with teams such as Red Bull, Mercedes and Audi, is aiming to secure his position in a top team.
Shane Byrne launches £1m lawsuit after career-ending injury
Shane Byrne, one of the most iconic riders in the British Superbike Championship (BSC), is suing the championship organizers for £1 million after suffering a serious career-ending injury in 2018. Byrne, a six-time British Superbike champion, was crashed during a test at Snetterton Circuit, resulting in severe spinal injuries. The accident occurred when Byrne lost control of his motorcycle at a speed of approximately 120 mph (193 km/h) on the straight. He managed to reduce his speed to about 60 mph (96 km/h) before leaving the road and crashing into the tire barrier after traveling a distance of 55 to 60 meters. Byrne was thrown from the bike just before hitting the barrier. Byrne is taking action against organizer BSB Motorsport Vision Racing, track owner Motorsport Vision and the Motor Racing Board of Control, the sport’s governing body. He claims that safety measures at the county were inadequate and that an aerial barrier could have prevented the severity of his injury. Byrne’s lawyer, Kiril Waite, argues that the rider was in full control of the bike at the time of the accident and that he had already completed a lap on the same race line without incident. Waite presented videos of Byrne’s riding skills and pointed out that few people could handle a motorcycle with the agility he displayed. “The speed and position of the motorcycle cannot be criticized as a cause of the accident,” said Waite. The defendants, represented by lawyer Malcolm Duthie, deny that the installation of air barriers would have prevented Byrne’s injury. They claim that the injury could have occurred without being hit with the rubber barrier. Duthie argues that the safety measures in place at the county were adequate and that the accident was an unfortunate accident that could have had the same outcome regardless of the condition of the barrier. Byrne, now 47, is seeking compensation not only for his physical injuries, but also for the loss of his career and future earning potential. His case highlights the importance of safety in high-speed sports, where the stakes are always high and safety failures can have devastating consequences. The trial is still ongoing and the outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the arguments of both sides. This case could set an important precedent for motorcycle safety and the responsibility of organizations to provide adequate protection for their riders. The final decision will be closely watched by the entire sporting community and may affect future safety practices at racetracks.
Honda and Yamaha seek gains at a private test at Mugello
The Honda and Yamaha teams benefit from a private test at the Mugello circuit in Italy this Wednesday as part of the concessions allowed under the MotoGP rules for 2024. The test comes at a crucial time for the Japanese manufacturers as they seek to resolve ongoing problems on their bikes ahead of the upcoming races in Barcelona and again at Mugello later this month. Several notable riders are taking part in the test, including Repsol Honda’s Joan Mir and Luca Marini, LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami, as well as Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins. Test riders Stefan Bradl (Honda) and Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) are also present, along with Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori. Challenges and adaptations This test is vital for Honda and Yamaha, who have experienced significant problems in the latter stages of the championship. Yamaha’s Alex Rins reported continued problems at Le Mans, highlighting braking issues and corner entry instability. “When I was driving alone, it was with the problems we had all weekend—problems with stopping the bike with the brakes and a lot of skidding when we go into turns,” Rins said. Honda’s Takaaki Nakagami tested a modified wing at Le Mans, while Johann Zarco pointed to a lack of rear grip as one of the main problems. Zarco stressed the need for a fundamental change in bike design: “But there’s a bigger problem, like the base of the bike, the heart of the bike. Well, the heart is the engine, and I don’t mean it’s the engine, but I mean the DNA. The bike needs to change to give us a second wind. Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. Highlighting an improvement in race pace at Le Mans, Joan Mir said: “It was great to be able to take another step with the set-up and have a good pace in the race.” However, Luca Marini cited a lack of cornering ability and acceleration with the Honda RC213V, areas the team hopes to improve during the Mugello test. The presence of experienced test pilots like Bradl and Crutchlow is essential, as they bring valuable technical knowledge that can speed up the development process. The involvement of Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori also points to a wider collaboration to share information and find solutio The private test at Mugello represents a crucial opportunity for Honda and Yamaha to correct their course in the 2024 MotoGP championship. With the next round in Barcelona and another at Mugello just around the corner, the Japanese teams are under pressure to make significant improvements. The ability to solve braking, grip, and handling problems could be the change needed to regain competition on the track.
