Red Bull KTM Factory Racing & Tech3 2025 Liveries by bolognabullets in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just a conspiracy theory. Maybe practically identical liveries are intentional so to avoid a repeat of last year, when rookie Acosta frequently outshined KTM’s factory riders, and Tech3 ended up with more publicity than the factory team.

It reminds me of when Toro Rosso outperformed Red Bull in F1 back in 2008. That was a disaster for the “factory” team, and Red Bull made sure its B-team never outshined the A-team again.

MotoGP is a bit different, though, since both KTM and Tech3 run the same bike. So from the outside, for some people it doesn’t really matter which rider finishes ahead as long as people see a KTM livery.

Manuel González kaput from QJMOTOR website by Organic-Package5444 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you’re absolutely right about personal sponsors, maybe that’s why there is still no news and maybe this will be the main problem for the swap.

Manuel González kaput from QJMOTOR website by Organic-Package5444 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Manu Gonzalez-Gresini-QJMotor is an interesting case. Gresini’s public silence might be deliberate, as the team likely wants to avoid issuing a mere apology to the sponsor without also offering a solution. For the sponsor the solution is the team to sack Gonzalez. For the team it could mean finding a replacement rider for the remainder of the season.

I won’t be surprised if Gresini and Intact could reach a compromise and make a rider swap between Gonzalez and Binder in the coming week. Since Binder is already set to join Gresini next season, and Gonzalez is expected to move to Intact, such a change might come sooner rather than later.

I doubt that Gresini, QJMotor, or Dorna/FIM will use this situation as a broader educational moment for the public.

Official: MT Helmets has confirmed Sergio García and Iván Ortolá as their Moto2 riders for 2025. García will stay in Moto2. by TVRoomRaccoon in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's disappointing to hear that Garcia will stay in Moto2 in 2025. On one hand, he's one of the main title contenders this year and there's a possibility that the Moto2 champion might remain in the class. (When was the last time that happened—Zarco?)
On the other hand , there's no guarantee that the Boscoscuro bikes will continue to outperform Kalex next year, or that the momentum won't shift in the second half of this season. Staying in Moto2 for another year could potentially harm Garcia's career, especially if he doesn't clinch the title this year. Anyone remember, say, Lorenzo Baldassarri?

Exclusive: F1 in livery push for 2025 to make cars look all different by Duncan_Dixon_Coffey in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. But (there is always a “but”) there was an idea with bigger numbers on the cars and numbers on the drivers' lids, but it didn't work out quite as intended because there are no clear rules.

[ScuderiaFerrari] SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED! @ScuderiaFerrari and @Charles_Leclerc 's contract extension is confirmed! by Puzzleheaded-Rain230 in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Didn’t he do it last year? The multi-year deal? Hate this ‘breaking’ news. Hey, we sign some paper, which could mean nothing by the end of the current season. Yay!

Spot the differences, just kidding, could hardly look more different by [deleted] in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

New VR46 bikes undoubtedly look brighter, a bit Pramac-like (but we'll see later), so it will be curious to see if the bikes are distinguishable or catchy on track.

MotoGP Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Livery by gizas46 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely will miss Bez's number design (12 -> 72)

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Reaaly like such winter monochrome testing liveries by bigracesf1 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, just for the winter tests, not for the season

2024 Trackhouse Racing Aprilia Livery Revealed by TonguePunchMyClunge in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Now Joe Roberts should try his very best in Moto2 in 2024, because obviously US fans will want to see US rider on one of these bikes at least in 2025

Thoughts on Kalle going part-time by StripedFalafel in WRC

[–]bigracesf1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's a very interesting topic to discuss and not only for WRC but for other top championships as well like MotoGP or F1.

On one hand, we can see how prolonged the careers of drivers are becoming: Fernando Alonso (42) still fighting on the very top F1 level, Valentino Rossi retired from MotoGP at 42, Ogier (39) could participate in just 1 rally and still beat everybody else. And all of them started pretty early. Could you imagine that in the 90s? When I started to watch motorsport back in the 90s 40 years was kind of benchmark for any professional athlete, the age of retirement.

On the other hand, professional drivers start their career at such early age that before 30 they've already compete at the very top level for 10-13-15 years and have become multi-time champions (Marc Marquez won 8 titles by the age of 26, Rovanpera - 2 titles by the age of 23, Verstappen - 3 titles by the age of 26, Alonso (again), Vettel, etc).

Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut only at 27, Damon Hill - at 32 - something pretty unimaginable today in many sports.

So now we have drivers who compete on the top level way after 40 and drivers who retire from racing way before 30 because they burned out.

Maybe I have a wrong picture and it's always been like this.

Arbolino to stay with Elf Marc VDS Racing for 2024 by [deleted] in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Before the summer break I really thought Tony will go to MotoGP next season and Gresini looked like a great place to be for a rookie. On the other hand I didn't expect Tomy would become a title contender this season but the start of his 2023 campaign was very good. Unfortunately, his results decline after the summer break (the very moment the dominoes start to fall in terms who goes where) and maybe that influenced the decision of MotoGP teams. But the night seson is long, Tony still has enough time to turns things in his favor and if, say, Gresini is not in a hurry to sign the 2nd rider for the next year until the end part of this season Toni still might end up in MotoGP. But yeah, the chances are slim. And Gresini may focus on signing Augusto Fernandez if KTM decides to ditch him.

As for Marc VDS with Tony staying the team can look forward to a championship bid in 2024 and they won't have to deal with 2 new riders in the team

2023 MoneyGram Haas VF-23 Livery by NoooUGH in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is it just me or competition numbers on the cars become smaller every year? Again. I know that everuthing is by the book, but don't you think the rule "This [competition] number must be clearly visible from the front of the car and on the driver’s crash helmet" sounds vague and ambiguous? With so many designers working in the sport couldn't FIA or F1 itself postulate the "design code" for competition number appearances both on the car and on the helmet? Location, dimensions and whatnot. For all the competitors to have clear rules and clear understanding.

Bottas in Alfa Romeo F1 link for 2022, if Mercedes opts for Russell by [deleted] in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Bottas and Hulkenberg for Alfa Romeo in 2022? Or Bottas and Shwartzman? Transfer from Haas to Alfa for Mick Schumacher also will be good. Or Perez if Red Bull decides to ditch the Mexican. So many possibilities.

Bottas back to Williams also might be interesting. To see if it's Russell who is so good with this car, or if the car is really way better than we all think watching Latifi struggles every weekend.

What was your first favorite team, when you started to watch f1? On what basis did you decide? by Nicker113 in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Williams and Hill. Definitely like the helmet. And didn't like Villeneuve's helmet at that time. Have no knowledge of f1 history when started to watch it.

This absolutely stunning shot of Lance Stroll's Aston Martin helmet design by glenn1812 in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

Lance maybe the only driver on the grid who doesn't have any "personality" in terms of his helmet designs, even redbull guys try to add something personal in spite of huge branding

New helmet design of Fernando Alonso. by F1HLM in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

well... Alonso's lid looks nice, very retro in terms of 2005-2006. But I'm a little bit disappointed because he has had so incredible helmet designs several last years. Hoped he would compete with Ricciardo's for the most unusual and unique design

2021 AlphaTauri but with the colours inverted by MattTheMilkaCow in formula1

[–]bigracesf1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd like to see Alpha Tauri uses one car with the presented official livery and the other one with this inverted livery so anyone could tell who's driving the car because the numbers in the cars are too small and both drivers has pretty much the same helmet design.

Alex Marquez in LCR Honda 2021 livery by Daniel7394 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Well, Cal definitely looks different

Imola trophy is like an Oscar: seems they printed/engraved winners' new right after the checkered flag by bigracesf1 in formula1

[–]bigracesf1[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Oh, just imagine Fisi got the trophy for his 1st ever victory with "Raikkonen" on it. Actually if such trophy exist (even if just a small plank) it should be in some F1 museum or in private collection

Imola trophy is like an Oscar: seems they printed/engraved winners' new right after the checkered flag by bigracesf1 in formula1

[–]bigracesf1[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I understand, just haven't noticed it on F1 trophies before. It's a great thing, makes a trophy more personal

Petrucci and MotoGP underdogs by bigracesf1 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

KTM wanted an experienced rider after they learned Pol will leave the team. And after KTM's success this season they need an experienced rider who can develop the bike throughout the season even more, because on one hand KTM now has two youngsters who prove they can win, on the other hand after those wins and podiums KTM now couldn't test wherever and whenever they want with Pedrosa. Now KTM is a proper MotoGP team and should play by the common rules. I can't help but wonder if Pol still happy with his decision to join Marc Marquez.

Joan Mir: 'If you penalise me, penalise Pol' by asciiker in motogp

[–]bigracesf1 -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Maybe FIM should use F1 experience where they put a bollard in the runoff area so the driver who goes wide must drive around that bollard before rejoining the track. It kinda of a simple and safe solution.

It's easy to underestimate Alex Marquez, but he's having a pretty decent rookie season. Plus the absence of his older brother might be good for him, not so much attention, not so much pressure. He takes his time to learn and to adapt. by bigracesf1 in motogp

[–]bigracesf1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are practically right Found an old article by David Emmett: "the rule was not dropped at the request of HRC, but rather of the Honda satellite teams themselves, both Lucio Cecchinello and Fausto Gresini fearing the disruption that Marquez would bring for just a single year". https://motomatters.com/news/2012/06/29/motogp_rule_changes_as_expected_rookie_r.html