Author: Orion Cerulean

In a major development for off-road motorsports, the organizers of the Extreme H series have unveiled the Pioneer 25 – a hydrogen-powered race car designed to debut at the 2025 Dakar Rally. Boasting impressive performance and a focus on sustainability, this new racer represents a significant step forward for the future of off-road racing.

Quad champion Manuel Andújar is set to transition into the SSV (Side-by-Side Vehicle) category, co-driving a Can-Am Maverick with fellow W2RC competitor Juan Cruz Yacopini at the upcoming Rally Raid San Juan in Argentina. The move comes just weeks after Andújar secured the W2RC Quad title, opening a new chapter in his rally raid career.

Thierry Neuville, the current WRC points leader, is hopeful that contract renewal talks with Hyundai can begin soon once the manufacturer’s plan to utilize its development jokers for its World Rally Championship (WRC) car is confirmed. The Belgian driver is relieved by the FIA’s decision to uphold the current Rally1 and Rally2 technical regulations, which he believes will secure the participation of current manufacturers and improve the promotion and evolution of the championship.

In a surprising turn of events, Daniel Ricciardo and the RB team struggled at the Spanish Rally, part of the grueling Dakar Rally series. The team’s heavily revised Dakar challenger failed to live up to expectations, with both Ricciardo and teammate Yuki Tsunoda unable to qualify well. Despite Ricciardo’s personal satisfaction with his driving, the team faces a stern test to make progress before the next Dakar Rally stage in Austria.

Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Vincent Landais have been involved in a road accident during reconnaissance for the upcoming Dakar Rally round in Poland. The factory Toyota drivers are currently undergoing medical checks, and further details about the incident and their condition have not yet been disclosed.

Verstappen was relieved to find his RB20 much more connected during qualifying, making gains in the high-speed corners. However, he believes the increased drag from their rear wing setup may have cost him the final push to beat Norris to pole position. Despite the setback, Verstappen remains optimistic about his chances in the race, though he acknowledges the growing threat from McLaren and other rivals.

Alpine F1 team principal Bruno Fernandes has welcomed the appointment of Flavio Briatore as an advisor to the team, despite Briatore’s history of being initially banned from Formula 1. Fernandes believes Briatore’s expertise will be valuable in helping Alpine develop their team and improve performance, including their involvement in the Dakar Rally.

In a strategic move, the Alpine Formula 1 team has revealed that they will not be introducing any major upgrades to their A524 challenger until after the summer break, despite their rivals bringing substantial updates to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. The team will instead focus on maximizing the potential of the current car configuration.

Red Bull and Max Verstappen are cautiously optimistic about their chances of reclaiming dominance at the upcoming Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, with the team aware that its rivals have closed the gap in recent races. However, the familiar Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is expected to suit the RB20 car better, setting the stage for a crucial battle in the championship.

Silverstone, the iconic British racing circuit, has a rich and fascinating history that extends far beyond its current status as the premier venue for the British Grand Prix. Nestled on a former World War II airfield, this legendary racetrack has hosted some of the most memorable moments in the annals of British motorsport.