Oscar Piastri has declared that McLaren will focus on winning the Constructors’ Championship, even if this means putting Lando Norris’s individual ambitions for the Drivers’ Championship on the back burner. Currently, McLaren is 42 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, but the team’s performance has significantly improved since Norris secured his first Formula 1 win at the Miami Grand Prix in early May. With Piastri finishing in second place at the Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren has reached the podium in ten consecutive races, highlighting the growing competitiveness of their car. Norris, who is 78 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen, has 10 races remaining to try to close that gap when the season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 23-25. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Piastri emphasized McLaren’s priority: “The first objective is to win the Constructors’ Championship for the team, and I think we have a very strong chance of achieving that. We have been closing the gap to Red Bull in the last six or seven races.” Although Piastri also has personal ambitions in the Drivers’ Championship, he recognizes the importance of the constructors’ title for the team. “For me, the drivers’ standings, of course, I would like to finish as high as possible. I’m not completely out of the championship fight, it’s quite a challenge, but I want to deliver good races, build consistency, and really help the team win the Constructors’ Championship.” Piastri added that if a situation arises where he needs to support Norris later in the season, it will be discussed. “If it comes to a point where I need to help Lando later in the year, then, of course, it will be something we discuss, but the first target is to win the Constructors’ Championship and try to do a good job for myself as well.” Piastri’s stated focus on the Constructors’ Championship reflects a pragmatic approach by McLaren, aiming to consolidate its progress and secure a strong position in the Constructors’ Championship while still striving to maximize the performance of its drivers individually. The decision to prioritize the constructors’ title could be key to solidifying McLaren’s position as a dominant force in Formula 1.
Piastri Prioritizes Constructors’ Title Over Drivers’ Championship
Oscar Piastri has declared that McLaren will focus on winning the Constructors’ Championship, even if this means putting Lando Norris’s individual ambitions for the Drivers’ Championship on the back burner. Currently, McLaren is 42 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, but the team’s performance has significantly improved since Norris secured his first Formula 1 win at the Miami Grand Prix in early May. With Piastri finishing in second place at the Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren has reached the podium in ten consecutive races, highlighting the growing competitiveness of their car. Norris, who is 78 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen, has 10 races remaining to try to close that gap when the season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 23-25. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Piastri emphasized McLaren’s priority: “The first objective is to win the Constructors’ Championship for the team, and I think we have a very strong chance of achieving that. We have been closing the gap to Red Bull in the last six or seven races.” Although Piastri also has personal ambitions in the Drivers’ Championship, he recognizes the importance of the constructors’ title for the team. “For me, the drivers’ standings, of course, I would like to finish as high as possible. I’m not completely out of the championship fight, it’s quite a challenge, but I want to deliver good races, build consistency, and really help the team win the Constructors’ Championship.” Piastri added that if a situation arises where he needs to support Norris later in the season, it will be discussed. “If it comes to a point where I need to help Lando later in the year, then, of course, it will be something we discuss, but the first target is to win the Constructors’ Championship and try to do a good job for myself as well.” Piastri’s stated focus on the Constructors’ Championship reflects a pragmatic approach by McLaren, aiming to consolidate its progress and secure a strong position in the Constructors’ Championship while still striving to maximize the performance of its drivers individually. The decision to prioritize the constructors’ title could be key to solidifying McLaren’s position as a dominant force in Formula 1.
Simon Crafar Receives Support from MotoGP Riders for Race Direction Role
Simon Crafar, former MotoGP rider and current commentator, has been announced as the new chairman of Race Direction for the 2025 season. Replacing Freddie Spencer, who has been widely criticized by several riders, Crafar faces a significant challenge in taking on this role. However, he already has the support of the biggest names in MotoGP. Francesco Bagnaia, current leader of the world championship, expressed confidence in Crafar’s ability to bring more consistency to Race Direction decisions. “I think it’s one of the hardest jobs here in the paddock, because making decisions is not easy. But with Simon, I believe we can have a good dialogue. We talk a lot with Simon every weekend, and I think if he can keep a consistent line, he’ll do a great job. But it’s not an easy job,” said Bagnaia. Jorge Martin also supported Crafar’s appointment, highlighting the former rider’s willingness to talk with current competitors and learn as much as possible about modern bikes. “For me, it’s a big change. I’ve known Simon for quite some time, and I know he still rides. He will better understand how the bike can behave or how things can change quickly,” commented Martin. The importance of Crafar being always open to learning and understanding the nuances of the current sport was also emphasized by Marc Marquez. The eight-time world champion compared Crafar’s position to that of a referee in football, acknowledging the inherent difficulty of the role. “I wish Simon the best. It’s a very difficult position. It’s like being a referee in football; it’s impossible to please everyone. In the end, he is the race direction, and we need to adapt, whether to new rules or new limits. This year it’s changing a bit, and I feel comfortable. I think this is the right line,” said Marquez. Riders believe that Crafar will bring a greater sense of fairness to race decisions. His experience as a former rider and his ongoing involvement with the sport are seen as significant advantages. “I think he can be a bit more equal between different situations. He is always trying to understand the sport, coming to learn from us and asking questions. He will be really good at his new job,” added Martin. Crafar’s transition to the presidency of Race Direction is viewed with optimism, not only by the riders but also by the sport’s fans. His practical approach and deep understanding of race dynamics are considered differentiators that can lead to fairer and more consistent management. In summary, Simon Crafar’s appointment as Race Direction head for MotoGP in 2025 already has the backing of prominent riders like Bagnaia, Martin, and Marquez. The expectation is that Crafar, with his experience and willingness to engage in dialogue, can bring significant improvements to the sport’s officiating, making competitions even more exciting and fair.
Silverstone British MotoGP: Friday Practice Results
Friday at Silverstone was marked by intense free practice sessions for the 2024 British MotoGP, with riders showcasing their impressive skills and speeds. The Spaniard Jorge Martin, from Pramac Ducati, was the fastest in the second free practice (FP2), clocking an impressive time of 1’57.911s on his twentieth lap out of a total of 21. Aleix Espargaro, from Aprilia Racing, was very close, just 0.045s behind Martin, with a time of 1’57.956s. Francesco Bagnaia, from Ducati Lenovo, completed the top three, with a difference of 0.119s from the leader. Bagnaia showed good pace, reinforcing his status as one of the main contenders of the season. Enea Bastianini, also from Ducati Lenovo, had a strong performance, finishing in fourth place, 0.279s behind Martin. Jack Miller, from Red Bull KTM, was fifth, with a time of 1’58.260s, followed by Fabio Di Giannantonio, from VR46 Ducati, who finished sixth with a difference of 0.407s from the leader. Brad Binder, from Red Bull KTM, showed consistency by finishing seventh, while Maverick Viñales, from Aprilia Racing, was eighth, with a difference of 0.478s from Martin. Marco Bezzecchi, from VR46 Ducati, and Marc Marquez, from Gresini Ducati, completed the top 10. Franco Morbidelli, from Pramac Ducati, was in 11th place, while Raul Fernandez, from Trackhouse Aprilia, was in 12th. Pedro Acosta, from Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, despite being a rookie, had a solid performance, finishing in 13th. Alex Marquez, from Gresini Ducati, and Miguel Oliveira, from Trackhouse Aprilia, were in 14th and 15th places, respectively. Fabio Quartararo, from Monster Yamaha, had a difficult day, finishing in 16th, followed by Johann Zarco, from LCR Honda, in 17th. Alex Rins, also from Monster Yamaha, finished in 18th, while Luca Marini, from Repsol Honda, was in 19th. Augusto Fernandez, from Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, finished in 20th, with Joan Mir, from Repsol Honda, in 21st place. Takaaki Nakagami, from LCR Honda, and Remy Gardner, from Monster Yamaha, closed the table, with Nakagami in 22nd and Gardner in 23rd. Gardner had difficulties, being 3.401s behind the leader. The results of Friday’s practice sessions at Silverstone show the intense competition among the riders, with very close times and a high level of performance. The focus now shifts to the next practice sessions and qualifying, where the riders will continue to fight for prime positions on the starting grid. With such close times, the battle for the top promises to be fierce, and fans can expect an exciting weekend of racing at the legendary Silverstone circuit.
VR46 to Be Factory-Supported Ducati Team in 2025
Last Friday, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 team announced a major development: starting in 2025, they will become the official factory-supported Ducati team. This agreement represents a significant milestone for Valentino Rossi’s team, ensuring access to Ducati’s most advanced machines and further strengthening their competitiveness on the MotoGP grid. Starting in 2025, VR46 will receive one factory-spec Ducati bike for the 2025 season and another from the 2024 season. This arrangement will allow the team to compete on more equal terms with the official factory team riders, such as Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez. However, the big question is: who will ride the latest bike and who will get the older version? In an interview with Canal+ during the British GP free practice sessions, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi may have let the cat out of the bag. Tardozzi revealed that current VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio will be the one privileged with the GP25, while Franco Morbidelli, who seems to be joining the team, will ride the GP24. “We are very happy with this agreement. VR46 has a lot of positives, especially for young people. We believe they can help us in the future to bring new talents to our team. There will be one factory bike for Di Giannantonio and a GP24 for Morbidelli,” said Tardozzi. Despite this revelation, neither Morbidelli nor Di Giannantonio have publicly confirmed their future teams. Likewise, Pertamina Enduro VR46 has not officially announced who their riders will be from the 2025 season onwards. Tardozzi’s statement, however, may be the biggest hint yet of how the rider market will reorganize for the upcoming season. This agreement represents a significant step for VR46. With access to the most advanced machines, Rossi’s team will be able to compete on equal footing with the main factory teams. This development is a testament to Ducati’s confidence in VR46’s ability to develop young talents and compete at the highest level of MotoGP. VR46, known for its innovative approach and focus on developing young riders, will now have the opportunity to shine even more with direct factory support from Ducati. This agreement not only increases the team’s chances of success but also solidifies Valentino Rossi’s position as one of the leading influencers and talent developers in the sport. With this news, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with VR46 ready to take on the biggest teams in MotoGP with top-notch factory equipment. Fans can expect great performances and possibly some surprises from Valentino Rossi’s team. In summary, the agreement between VR46 and Ducati for 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for the team. With factory support and state-of-the-art machines, VR46 is ready to up their game and make an indelible mark on the MotoGP world.
British MotoGP Friday Practice: Live Updates from Silverstone
The Silverstone circuit was the stage for intense emotions on Friday during the free practice sessions for the 2024 British MotoGP. The riders faced off in two sessions throughout the day, providing a spectacle of speed and skill. The action began in the morning with the first practice session (FP1). Jorge Martin, from Pramac, was the fastest, with a time of 1:59.627s, 0.090s ahead of Maverick Viñales. Aleix Espargaró, Jack Miller, and Franco Morbidelli completed the top five. Martin impressed by achieving a consistent and fast pace, using a new medium front tire to secure his position at the top. In the afternoon, the second practice session (FP2) brought even more action and changes in leadership. Enea Bastianini started strong, setting a time of 1:59.026s but faced problems with smoke coming from his Ducati shortly after. Bagnaia, his teammate, also had a solid performance, placing himself among the leaders with a lap under 1m 59s. The last half hour of FP2 was marked by intense attempts to improve times. Pedro Acosta, from KTM, used a soft rear tire to move into the top five. However, his session was interrupted by a crash at turn six, caused by a braking error. Marc Márquez also suffered a crash at turn fifteen but managed to get up without major issues. Jorge Martin continued to show his superiority throughout the session. With a time of 1:57s, he finished FP2 at the top, leaving Aleix Espargaró in second place. Viñales also demonstrated a fast pace, breaking the 1m 58s barrier. Other riders like Miguel Oliveira and Fabio Di Giannantonio also showed remarkable performances, securing their positions in the top ten. At the end of the session, Alex Rins suffered an accident at turn seven, raising concerns, but fortunately, he was not seriously injured. The session ended with Martin securing the lead, followed by Espargaró and Márquez, who moved up to sixth place by following the pace of the Pramac rider. Friday’s practice sessions at Silverstone were a preview of what’s to come in the British MotoGP weekend. With so many riders showing speed and determination, the battle for pole position promises to be fierce. Fans can expect more thrills and surprises as the riders prepare for Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race. In summary, Friday at Silverstone was full of action and drama, with Jorge Martin setting the pace and the other riders striving to keep up with him. The focus now shifts to the upcoming sessions, where the riders will continue to fight for every millisecond.
