Having ended 2020 as championship runner-up on the Petronas SRT Yamaha, Morbidelli's time in MotoGP has grown immensely difficult. Since switching to the factory Yamaha squad midway through 2021, Morbidelli has scored a best of fourth – which came in 2023 in Argentina in the sprint and grand prix – and is now under pressure to save his ride for 2024. Yamaha has already outlined a timeframe of the end of the first half of the season to have its 2024 line-up fully firmed up. While options to replace him are limited, Pramac's Jorge Martin has been linked and the Spaniard's contract with Ducati does stipulate a clause in which he can leave should a factory team offer him a deal. Rossi's VR46 Academy has been working harder this year to help Morbidelli improve his form, which the Italian detailed in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com. "The best thing that the Academy, Vale and all the guys can do is give me battle," Morbidelli said. "You really grow up by the … [Read more...] about Morbidelli: Rossi mentorship “has kept me alive” through Yamaha woes
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Mercedes reveal true cause behind Hamilton-Russell Barcelona contact
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has explained the “miscommunication” that caused George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to make contact in qualifying in Barcelona at the weekend. Now the dust has settled on the weekend, the team have analysed what happened between their two drivers when Russell appeared to move across on Hamilton on the pit straight as they both started flying laps. The Mercedes duo made contact, with Hamilton stating Russell’s move across track was “really dangerous” – and Russell and Mercedes were duly given a formal warning by the FIA after the 25-year-old claimed he was not told Hamilton was approaching behind. With both drivers starting a flying lap at the same time and Hamilton closing up on Russell at a rate of knots, Shovlin revealed that both Mercedes drivers had used the same person, Carlos Sainz, as a reference point to try and gain a tow in order to start their fast lap in Q2. This led to the confusion that caused them both to be … [Read more...] about Mercedes reveal true cause behind Hamilton-Russell Barcelona contact
Ferrari locks out front row on its return to the top flight at Le Mans · RaceFans
Ferrari secured a front row lock-out in hyperpole qualifying for the Le Mans 24 Hours, claiming their first pole in the famous race in half a century. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free The number 50 Ferrari shared by Antonio Fuoco – who drove the pole-winning lap – Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen will start famous 24-hour endurance race from the front of the field, ahead of their team mates in the number 51 car. Toyota will start third on the grid with the number eight car, ahead of the number 75 Porsche Penske. The half-hour hyperpole session, unlike other rounds of the World Endurance Championship, saw all classes on the track at the same time. After Wednesday’s qualifying session, the eight hypercars participating included both Toyotas, both Ferraris, two Cadillacs – the number two and number three – and two Porsche Penskes, the number five car and number 75. The Toyotas were the first cars over the line to begin their first flying laps of the session … [Read more...] about Ferrari locks out front row on its return to the top flight at Le Mans · RaceFans
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Review: One Expensive Electric
Verdict 8.5 / 10 Design | Comfort | Tech | Performance | Safety | Fuel Economy | Pricing | FAQs –Los Angeles, California The Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is a polarizing figure in the modern EV marketplace. From the cab-forward stance to the tech-laden cabin, the EQE does nothing to hide its electrified credentials, looking more like a space pod than the E-Class to which it is nominally related. But there’s more to the mid-size Mercedes EV than meets the eye. With a dual-motor powertrain pumping out 402 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque, the 2023 EQE500 is as overpowered as it is overstyled. And yet, I can’t help but be charmed by its insistent futurism, with Speed Racer four-wheel steering and synthwave interior illumination keeping things interesting when the off-the-line thrust starts to feel passé. A vehicle's ratings are relative only to its own segment and not the new-vehicle market as a whole. For more on how Motor1.com rates … [Read more...] about 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Review: One Expensive Electric
In-season testing to return in 2014 · RaceFans
In the round-up: In-season testing is set to to return in 2014. Links Your daily digest of F1 news, views, features and more. Four in season test sessions return in expanded 2014 F1 calendar (James Allen on F1) “The package envisages the end of the Young Drivers test session, a reduction in straight line aerodynamic test days from eight to two, while promotional days are also cut to two. In their place, the F1 teams will remain in place for a two day test with one car after four European Grands Prix. Barcelona and Silverstone will be two of the venues. Eight of the eleven teams voted for the new measures which meant that it had the majority required to pass.” Hamilton admits braking affected race (Autosport) “We haven’t cured anything. It has been a long period of time since Barcelona where there was big trouble there. We have picked up a couple of techniques and worked on it, which helps.” Title fight wide open – Red Bull (BBC) “While the points look … [Read more...] about In-season testing to return in 2014 · RaceFans
2024 Lexus GX Debuts With 389-HP V6, New Overtrail Off-Road-Focused Trim
The 2024 Lexus GX brings the SUV into its third generation to replace the current iteration that dates all the way back to a debut for the 2010 model year. The new model has a much more chiseled, rugged-looking appearance than the outgoing one. There's more modern tech, too. The new SUV goes on sale in early 2024, and no pricing is available at this time. The Oily Bits The 2024 GX rides on the body-on-frame GA-F platform that's also underneath the LX 600 . It features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link setup at the rear. The new model adopts electronic power steering, which Lexus claims offers increased steering feel on- and off-road. An Adaptive Variable Suspension with active dampers is an option. Gallery: 2024 Lexus GX 44 Photos At launch, the only powertrain available is the GX 550 that comes with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 making 349 … [Read more...] about 2024 Lexus GX Debuts With 389-HP V6, New Overtrail Off-Road-Focused Trim
Ricciardo joins ESPN for ‘alternate’ F1 TV coverage of Canadian GP
Ricciardo will join Toronto-born comedian Will Arnett for the Montreal race and similar broadcasts of the Austin and Las Vegas races later in the year. The show, to be known as The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett, will start at 1.55pm ET on race day in Montreal. It will run in parallel with the regular live race coverage on ABC. Ricciardo and Arnett will talk about the race live as it unfolds, with help from special guests. “This is going to be a hoot!” said Ricciardo. “As you’d expect Will and I are going to have some fun with the show, but we’re hoping it just feels like you’re watching F1 with your mates. “We will have some amazing guests, plenty of laughs and with some luck, bring fans another step closer to the sport I love so much. Buckle up America!” Daniel Ricciardo, Third Driver, Red Bull Racing, with actress Heidi Berger Photo by: Alexander Trienitz / Motorsport Images Arnett, best known for TV shows Arrested Development and 30 … [Read more...] about Ricciardo joins ESPN for ‘alternate’ F1 TV coverage of Canadian GP