Bagnaia, who is part of Valentino Rossi's academy, was the top Moto2 rookie last year in fifth overall. While the Italian said that he turned down a chance to graduate to MotoGP as early as 2018, he signed a deal to join Pramac Ducati for 2019 already before the start of the season. "I had the possibility this year to go in MotoGP but I was thinking that was better to try to win it [Moto2] because all the team was able to win, the bike was able, we can make a greater work than last year," said Bagnaia. "I've signed [with Pramac] without any victories in Moto2 and the people say, 'why do you move to MotoGP, you've never won,' a lot of journalists said that. "For me it was clear to sign already this year because was better, I had a good opportunity from Ducati and Pramac. "I was thinking that was better for have clear mind all year, no thinking about next year. It has been the key I think because this year when I started I already had contract in MotoGP and I was fully … [Read more...] about Bagnaia reveals he turned down 2018 MotoGP offer
Experimentally modelling cocoa bean fermentation reveals key factors and their influences
Jaguar Land Rover Rebrand To JLR Is Official, New Logo Revealed
The days of Jaguar Land Rover are officially over, at least in name. As of June 1, the UK-based luxury automaker is officially known as JLR. You can probably guess where the three letters come from, but this is more than just an abbreviation of a slightly awkward title. It's a new corporate identity that sees iconic Land Rover models transition to brands under a new JLR umbrella, on the same footing as Jaguar. We first heard about this change in mid-April , presented as part of JLR's $18.6 billion Reimagine strategy. At that price, JLR is obviously doing more than just creating a new logo. Manufacturing facilities are being upgraded and overhauled for the electric future, and the automaker has plans to move swiftly in that direction. We already know about JLR's next-gen ELR platform for electric SUVs, slated to underpin the Range Rover EV in 2025 . On Jaguar's side of the fence, a new JEA platform will also arrive that year for three new EVs, including a four-door GT that's … [Read more...] about Jaguar Land Rover Rebrand To JLR Is Official, New Logo Revealed
How F1’s calendar headaches are being addressed for carbon reduction challenge
F1’s goal of reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2030 is progressing, but calendar regionalisation represents a particularly big challenge to overcome. F1 is now several years into its push to become ‘Net Carbon Zero’ by 2030, having set off on a new sustainability initiative back in 2019, with the latest change being announced in the run-up to the Spanish Grand Prix. For the rest of the European leg of the 2023 season, F1 will use 18 new trucks using HVO100 biofuel, a hydrotreated vegetable oil. This will allow for the reduction of carbon emissions by a minimum of 60%, with potential for more as the trucks travel around 10,600 kilometres each as they travel around Europe. No drop-off in performance in terms of load capacity or travel distance potential is expected. The trucks will also use GPS to monitor fuel consumption and ensure the most efficient routes are used. The confirmation from F1 came shortly after Mercedes made a similar announcement about how their team will travel around … [Read more...] about How F1’s calendar headaches are being addressed for carbon reduction challenge
McLaren: Lack of works F1 engine in 2026 not a handicap
With Honda now confirmed at Aston Martin, seven teams either have an internal supply or a works partner, counting both Red Bull and AlphaTauri as recipients of the Ford-backed unit being developed by Red Bull Powertrains. There are no works deals left for McLaren , Williams or Haas to take. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack cautioned recently that a works partner would be crucial in 2026 as the complexity of the engine package means that it will be essential that there is full integration with the chassis side. Stella says he's not worried about McLaren being a customer as long as it can have a close relationship with a supplier. The team is currently free to shop around for the best package and is not committed to being a Mercedes customer. "You definitely have to monitor that in making deals for 2026. That as a chassis manufacturer, like McLaren, you have enough room for influencing the power unit design, so that you are not left behind from a … [Read more...] about McLaren: Lack of works F1 engine in 2026 not a handicap
Ferrari ditch sidepod concept with Red Bull philosophy copied
Ferrari will reportedly move away from their unique sidepod design and towards something more resembling Red Bull’s in Spain. There has been no stopping the dominant Red Bull outfit across the opening six rounds of the season, Max Verstappen having picked up four victories to team-mate Sergio Perez’s two, while Ferrari have only one podium finish to show for their efforts. It is a far cry for the title challenge which the Scuderia had been targeting going into F1 2023, but a major shift in approach is seemingly now on the horizon in a bid to take Ferrari closer to that conversation. Autosport are reporting that as part of an upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari will move on from its unique ‘bathtub’ sidepod concept, and instead introduce a design more heavily influenced by the Red Bull concept, though not resembling a ‘direct copy’. Race days have been a particular area of concern for the Scuderia so far this season, with tyre management difficulties carrying … [Read more...] about Ferrari ditch sidepod concept with Red Bull philosophy copied
650,000 Volvo Cars Get Improved Apple CarPlay Experience With OTA Update
Volvo’s latest over-the-air update will improve the Apple CarPlay experience in more than 650,000 cars. The automaker will better integrate Apple’s features throughout the cabin, putting more information in the driver display while tweaking the feature’s layout on the center infotainment screen. The most significant update allows the driver display to natively support Apple Maps and other navigation applications, putting the information behind the steering wheel. The screen can also present call information, allowing drivers to answer, reject, and end calls using their vehicle’s steering wheel-mounted controls. Gallery: Volvo Apple CarPlay OTA Update 8 Photos The center screen isn’t left out, with Volvo offering a new call mute button on the display. The automaker also updates the CarPlay tile, which now displays media information and allows easy access to the … [Read more...] about 650,000 Volvo Cars Get Improved Apple CarPlay Experience With OTA Update
Ferrari 430 Scuderia Owner Details Pricy First Service With $14,000 Bill
Buying a used car always comes with some risk because of the vehicle's ownership history. An inspection can catch many potential issues, but gremlins can sneak by, leading to costly maintenance and repair bills down the line. One Ferrari 430 Scuderia owner experienced this with the car's first service racking up about $14,000 at today's exchange rate (£11,000) in repair costs. The owner dropped the supercar off at the mechanic before Christmas and received an email about a month later detailing all the issues found. It needed new suspension bits like bushings and rubber gaskets, which he had completed at a different shop. The Ferrari was also leaking coolant, and had several other issues like a door rattle, loose taillights, missing door striker inserts, and rusty exhaust silencers. About a month after receiving the first email, another one hit his inbox detailing even more problems, which is expected once the shop starts taking things apart – more issues are bound to be found. … [Read more...] about Ferrari 430 Scuderia Owner Details Pricy First Service With $14,000 Bill
Le Mans BoP changes imposed without manufacturer agreement
The rulemakers revealed their intent to revise the BoP for the double-points round of the World Endurance Championship to the manufacturers on Wednesday, Motorsport.com has learned, just four days before the cars are due on track for the official Le Mans test day on Sunday. It is understood the changes were presented by the FIA and the ACO as a fait accompli and there was no attempt to gain the unanimous agreement that in theory was necessary to make revisions outside the prescriptions of a new Hypercar system introduced for 2023. As the ultimate arbiters of the series through a body known as the WEC Committee, the FIA and the ACO have exercised their right to make unilateral changes to the BoP. This was tacitly acknowledged in a joint statement from the FIA and ACO released on Thursday morning, which described the new BoP table for Le Mans on 10/11 June as a “correction”. It explained that it was necessary because the differences in the performance of cars built to the … [Read more...] about Le Mans BoP changes imposed without manufacturer agreement
Max Verstappen tells Lewis Hamilton: ‘Don’t look over your shoulder’
Max Verstappen has reassured Lewis Hamilton that there is no need to look over his shoulder, insisting he has no interest in breaking his Formula 1 records. With seven World Championships and 103 pole positions and grand prix victories, Hamilton is the most successful driver in F1 history but remains without a win since the penultimate round of the 2021 season. Hamilton was controversially denied a record-breaking eighth title at that year’s title decider, with Red Bull and Verstappen emerging as the sport’s dominant force since the ground effect rules were introduced in 2022. Already a two-time World Champion at 25, Verstappen broke the record for the most wins in a single season last year with 15 and, currently holding a 39-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez, is the overwhelming favourite to make it three in a row in 2023. Having won 29 of the last 50 races stretching back to the start of his maiden title-winning campaign, Verstappen’s recent success has left some … [Read more...] about Max Verstappen tells Lewis Hamilton: ‘Don’t look over your shoulder’