Marc Marquez made a spectacular debut at the Ducati World Week, securing a podium finish in the thrilling Lenovo Race of Champions. The event, held on Saturday, was marked by a dramatic finish that saw Nicolo Bulega crash in the final moments, allowing Marquez to clinch third place. The race seemed to be heading for a calm conclusion with Bulega about to cross the finish line in third place. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Bulega lost control of his bike in the last corner and crashed into the gravel. While Bulega sat in the escape area, clearly frustrated, Marquez seized the opportunity to pass and secure the last spot on the podium. 2024 Ducati Race of Champions Results In an interview after the race, Marquez expressed his mixed feelings about the incident: “It’s a shame Bulega fell, I don’t know if we touched,” he commented. “But we will go on the podium together. I think we put on a good show for the fans. The important thing is that we had fun.” The competition was intense from start to finish, with the riders demonstrating great skill and determination. Marquez, known for his aggressiveness and talent on the tracks, once again showed why he is considered one of the best motorcycle racers in the world. His quick reaction to Bulega’s accident was a testament to his experience and ability to seize opportunities at crucial moments. Event Details Ducati World Week is an annual event celebrating the passion and enthusiasm for motorcycling. The Race of Champions is one of the highlights of the week, bringing together some of the world’s best riders to compete in a series of exciting races. This year, the race was especially anticipated due to Marquez’s participation, as he recently joined the Ducati team. Final Results of the 2024 Race of Champions: The incident with Bulega was a reminder of the unpredictability and inherent dangers of the sport. Despite the fall, the race was a great success and provided an exciting spectacle for the fans present. Bulega, although frustrated, showed sportsmanship by recognizing the opportunity Marquez took advantage of. Marquez, in turn, added another podium finish to his impressive career, reaffirming his status as one of the most dominant figures in motorcycle racing. His participation in Ducati World Week and performance in the Race of Champions will certainly increase his popularity among fans of the Italian brand. The event was a celebration of high-level motorcycling, and Marquez’s performance in the Race of Champions will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments of the weekend.
Belgian GP Starting Grid Post-Penalties
For the second consecutive year and the 25th time in his career, Charles Leclerc will start on pole position after earning the honors at the Belgian Grand Prix. Leclerc, who initially finished second in qualifying, moved up to P1 on the Spa grid due to Max Verstappen’s penalty for using a fifth internal combustion engine. Sergio Perez of Red Bull will join Leclerc on the front row, with Lewis Hamilton right behind in third place. Verstappen, with the 10-place grid penalty, will start 11th, alongside Pierre Gasly on the sixth row. Zhou Guanyu and Yuki Tsunoda also received grid penalties. Zhou was handed a three-place penalty, which does not change his position, for impeding Verstappen in Q1, while Tsunoda was penalized 60 places for taking a complete new power unit. Check out the full starting grid for the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix: Position Driver Team 1st Charles Leclerc Ferrari 2nd Sergio Perez Red Bull 3rd Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 4th Lando Norris McLaren 5th Oscar Piastri McLaren 6th George Russell Mercedes 7th Carlos Sainz Ferrari 8th Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 9th Esteban Ocon Alpine 10th Alex Albon Williams 11th Max Verstappen Red Bull 12th Pierre Gasly Alpine 13th Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull 14th Valtteri Bottas Stake 15th Lance Stroll Aston Martin 16th Nico Hulkenberg Haas 17th Kevin Magnussen Haas 18th Logan Sargeant Williams 19th Zhou Guanyu Stake 20th Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Note: The grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA on Sunday morning. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari looks to make the most of his pole position to convert it into a victory. The Monegasque driver hopes for a solid performance to maintain his advantage at the front. Sergio Perez in second place and Lewis Hamilton in third are ready to challenge Leclerc and vie for the win. With the applied penalties, the starting grid saw several changes, offering an exciting scenario for the Belgian Grand Prix. Fans can expect a race full of action and strategies, especially with Max Verstappen starting his recovery from 11th place, once again trying to reach the top of the podium. Sunday’s race promises to be an intense battle, with the best drivers in the world competing on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Hamilton on Missed Belgian GP Pole: “Could Have Had It”
Hamilton on Missed Belgian GP Pole: “Could Have Had It” Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes expressed his frustration after qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, feeling that pole position was within his reach. Hamilton, who will start in third position due to Max Verstappen’s penalty, believed he could have secured pole if conditions and circumstances had been slightly different. Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps was marked by variable weather conditions, with rain playing a significant role in the drivers’ performances. Hamilton, one of the most experienced on the grid, took advantage of his wet-weather skills but still ended up behind Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez. “It was a tough session with the rain, but I feel we could have gotten pole,” said Hamilton. “The car was good, and I felt I had the pace. With a few small changes here and there, I think we could have been at the front.” Hamilton acknowledged the tight competition, especially with improvements shown by McLaren and the consistent performance of Red Bull. “We have the McLarens right behind us, a fast Red Bull ahead, and another fast Red Bull that will certainly come through quickly. Ferrari is very close to us in terms of performance,” explained Hamilton. For Sunday’s race, expected to be dry, Hamilton is aware of the challenges ahead. “There’s a slight chance we could maybe fight for a podium, but it’s going to be tough. The race will be about maintaining pace and making the right strategic decisions,” he stated. “I hope the changes we made to the car overnight put us in a slightly better position. How I drive tomorrow will really make the difference, or I could end up losing positions.” Hamilton also commented on the track conditions and how they will affect the race. “Spa is always a challenge, and with dry weather expected, we’ll have to be mindful of tire degradation and overtaking opportunities. I’m confident in the team and the car, but we need to execute everything perfectly.” Verstappen, who was the fastest in qualifying but received a ten-place grid penalty, will be one of Hamilton’s biggest challenges during the race. The Dutchman has already shown his ability to recover positions quickly, especially at Spa, where he won last year despite starting from sixth position. “Max will come through quickly. I think their car is the fastest here this weekend, or at least tied with McLaren,” commented Hamilton. “It will be an interesting race, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” With 265 points, Verstappen leads the championship, followed by Lando Norris with 189 points and Charles Leclerc with 162 points. Hamilton hopes to use the Belgian Grand Prix as an opportunity to close the gap and strengthen his position in the championship. All eyes will be on Hamilton as he attempts to turn his unrealized potential in qualifying into a standout performance in the Belgian GP.
Full Qualifying Results for the 2024 Belgian GP
Max Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, securing pole position in qualifying for the 2024 Belgian GP. The Red Bull driver dominated the middle sector of the track, finishing about six-tenths faster than his closest competitor, Charles Leclerc. Verstappen recorded a time of 1:53.159 on his penultimate flying lap, remaining unchallenged by his rivals. Charles Leclerc, in his final attempt, could only extract 1:53.754. Sergio Perez of Red Bull secured third place in qualifying with a time of 1:53.765. However, a ten-place grid penalty dropped Verstappen to P11, promoting Leclerc to pole and Perez to P2. The difference between the drivers in the front row was incredibly small, with only 0.011 seconds separating the two. This promotion resulted in drivers up to P11 in qualifying advancing one place. Lewis Hamilton moved up to P3 thanks to the penalty. His compatriot Lando Norris lined up alongside him, with Oscar Piastri behind him. They complete the top five. Following them are George Russell of Mercedes, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon of Alpine, and Alex Albon of Williams in P6, P7, P8, P9, and P10, respectively. Here is the complete grid line-up for the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix: In a post-qualifying interview, Lewis Hamilton predicted a strong performance from Verstappen on race day. He commented that the Dutchman could advance quickly through the field and put himself in contention for podiums, or even a win. “Max will make his way through pretty quickly. I think their car is the fastest here this weekend, or at least tied with McLaren,” Hamilton stated. Verstappen, confident but aware of the challenges, acknowledged the different weather conditions expected for Sunday. “It was a good qualifying, luckily the weather was okay, raining a little bit, but we managed to have a decent qualifying. The car was working well in the wet, so I could just do my laps. Tomorrow is a different day, warmer, no rain,” he said. As the championship leader with 265 points, Verstappen holds a 76-point lead over second-placed Lando Norris, while Charles Leclerc sits in third with 162 points. All eyes will be on Verstappen as he attempts to overcome his grid penalty and deliver another impressive performance at the Belgian GP.
Full Qualifying Results for the 2024 Belgian GP
Max Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, securing pole position in qualifying for the 2024 Belgian GP. The Red Bull driver dominated the middle sector of the track, finishing about six-tenths faster than his closest competitor, Charles Leclerc. Verstappen recorded a time of 1:53.159 on his penultimate flying lap, remaining unchallenged by his rivals. Charles Leclerc, in his final attempt, could only extract 1:53.754. Sergio Perez of Red Bull secured third place in qualifying with a time of 1:53.765. However, a ten-place grid penalty dropped Verstappen to P11, promoting Leclerc to pole and Perez to P2. The difference between the drivers in the front row was incredibly small, with only 0.011 seconds separating the two. This promotion resulted in drivers up to P11 in qualifying advancing one place. Lewis Hamilton moved up to P3 thanks to the penalty. His compatriot Lando Norris lined up alongside him, with Oscar Piastri behind him. They complete the top five. Following them are George Russell of Mercedes, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon of Alpine, and Alex Albon of Williams in P6, P7, P8, P9, and P10, respectively. Here is the complete grid line-up for the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix: In a post-qualifying interview, Lewis Hamilton predicted a strong performance from Verstappen on race day. He commented that the Dutchman could advance quickly through the field and put himself in contention for podiums, or even a win. “Max will make his way through pretty quickly. I think their car is the fastest here this weekend, or at least tied with McLaren,” Hamilton stated. Verstappen, confident but aware of the challenges, acknowledged the different weather conditions expected for Sunday. “It was a good qualifying, luckily the weather was okay, raining a little bit, but we managed to have a decent qualifying. The car was working well in the wet, so I could just do my laps. Tomorrow is a different day, warmer, no rain,” he said. As the championship leader with 265 points, Verstappen holds a 76-point lead over second-placed Lando Norris, while Charles Leclerc sits in third with 162 points. All eyes will be on Verstappen as he attempts to overcome his grid penalty and deliver another impressive performance at the Belgian GP.
Verstappen Quickest, Leclerc Takes Belgian GP Pole
Last Saturday, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix, despite Max Verstappen of Red Bull posting the fastest time in wet conditions. Verstappen, the current Formula 1 world champion, faces a 10-place grid penalty for using his fifth engine of the season, which will see him start 11th on Sunday. Verstappen, the drivers’ championship leader and three-time world champion, is aiming for his fourth consecutive victory in Belgium. Red Bull decided to accept the penalty at Spa, a circuit known for facilitating overtakes, to maximize recovery chances during the race. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull and under pressure due to a series of poor performances, will start alongside Leclerc on the front row. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes secured third place on the grid, while Lando Norris of McLaren completes the second row. “I definitely did not expect that this weekend, with the tricky conditions, to do something above our expectations,” said Leclerc. “We need to focus on what will happen tomorrow when the rain stops. Without the rain, P5 was the position we were fighting for with Mercedes. The rain helped us, but I’m not going to complain.” Norris, who is second in the championship, 76 points behind Verstappen, sees this race as a great opportunity to close the gap, especially with the drier conditions expected for the race. The current situation resembles last year at Spa, where Verstappen was also fastest in qualifying but dropped to sixth on the grid due to a penalty, allowing Leclerc to take advantage and secure pole position. In this qualifying session, Verstappen set a time of 1 minute and 53.159 seconds, which nobody could beat, but Leclerc, 0.595 seconds slower, will be the man at the front of the grid. Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who won his first F1 Grand Prix last weekend in Hungary, will start fifth, with George Russell of Mercedes in sixth. Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz will start seventh, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin in eighth, Esteban Ocon of Alpine in ninth, and Alexander Albon of Williams in tenth. The rain made the final practice session almost a washout, with few drivers on track and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin crashing early on. The team had a lot of work to do to prepare the car for qualifying, but Stroll failed to advance to the final phase of the session. Verstappen has won at Spa in 2022, starting from 14th on the grid, and last year, starting from sixth. However, with McLaren’s impressive form last weekend in Hungary and Leclerc on pole, the championship leader faces a real challenge. “It was a nice qualifying, luckily the weather was okay, raining a little bit but we could still do a decent qualifying,” said Verstappen. “Tomorrow is a different day, warmer, no rain. It’s all about tire degradation. I don’t know how quick we’ll be, but I hope we can be in the mix.”
Verstappen Quickest, Leclerc Takes Belgian GP Pole
Last Saturday, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix, despite Max Verstappen of Red Bull posting the fastest time in wet conditions. Verstappen, the current Formula 1 world champion, faces a 10-place grid penalty for using his fifth engine of the season, which will see him start 11th on Sunday. Verstappen, the drivers’ championship leader and three-time world champion, is aiming for his fourth consecutive victory in Belgium. Red Bull decided to accept the penalty at Spa, a circuit known for facilitating overtakes, to maximize recovery chances during the race. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull and under pressure due to a series of poor performances, will start alongside Leclerc on the front row. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes secured third place on the grid, while Lando Norris of McLaren completes the second row. “I definitely did not expect that this weekend, with the tricky conditions, to do something above our expectations,” said Leclerc. “We need to focus on what will happen tomorrow when the rain stops. Without the rain, P5 was the position we were fighting for with Mercedes. The rain helped us, but I’m not going to complain.” Norris, who is second in the championship, 76 points behind Verstappen, sees this race as a great opportunity to close the gap, especially with the drier conditions expected for the race. The current situation resembles last year at Spa, where Verstappen was also fastest in qualifying but dropped to sixth on the grid due to a penalty, allowing Leclerc to take advantage and secure pole position. In this qualifying session, Verstappen set a time of 1 minute and 53.159 seconds, which nobody could beat, but Leclerc, 0.595 seconds slower, will be the man at the front of the grid. Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who won his first F1 Grand Prix last weekend in Hungary, will start fifth, with George Russell of Mercedes in sixth. Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz will start seventh, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin in eighth, Esteban Ocon of Alpine in ninth, and Alexander Albon of Williams in tenth. The rain made the final practice session almost a washout, with few drivers on track and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin crashing early on. The team had a lot of work to do to prepare the car for qualifying, but Stroll failed to advance to the final phase of the session. Verstappen has won at Spa in 2022, starting from 14th on the grid, and last year, starting from sixth. However, with McLaren’s impressive form last weekend in Hungary and Leclerc on pole, the championship leader faces a real challenge. “It was a nice qualifying, luckily the weather was okay, raining a little bit but we could still do a decent qualifying,” said Verstappen. “Tomorrow is a different day, warmer, no rain. It’s all about tire degradation. I don’t know how quick we’ll be, but I hope we can be in the mix.”
