Oct 31, 2025 | Formula 1
OMDAI escalates discussion on marshals on track
Mexican motorsport federation OMDAI has openly questioned Liam Lawson. At issue was the situation during the second round of the Mexican Grand Prix. Lawson was just coming out of the pit lane and passed marshals who were cleaning up on the track.
On team radio, Lawson reacted with shock. Immediately after the incident, he said he could have killed them. He later called the situation “unacceptable” in the media. The FIA subsequently apologised to Lawson, according to reports.
What does OMDAI say?
OMDAI subsequently published an extensive ten-point statement. That includes stills from Lawson's onboard camera. The federation defends the work of the marshals. OMDAI argues that they were needed on the track to ensure the safety of other drivers.
In addition, OMDAI emphasises the rules around double waved yellow. According to those rules, a driver must clearly reduce his speed, not overtake and be ready to change direction or stop. OMDAI states that Racing Bulls had informed Lawson about the double waved yellow flags.
The federation also writes in capital letters that the marshals should have been clearly visible. OMDAI further reports that Lawson did not break his line while marshals were present on the track. This could be taken as an implicit accusation of not following the rules.
Image and assessment of the incident
Available onboard material shows that Lawson did reduce his speed. The footage also indicates that he was ready to stop. He did not deviate much from his racing line, but drove at low speed and never got close enough to the marshals to make contact.
No official punishment or investigation was launched against Lawson by the race stewards. The stewards, including Mexican representative Fernando Alfonso Oros Trigueros of FEMADAC, seemed to see no reason for follow-up action. The fact that FIA officials apologised reinforced that view.
What does OMDAI's statement mean?
OMDAI's statement suggests a different reading of events. This puts additional pressure on the FIA. The international federation is still investigating the incident and has not yet made its conclusions public.
- OMDAI defends the presence of marshals on the track.
- The federation points out the meaning of double waved yellow: reduce speed and be ready to stop.
- OMDAI argues that Lawson did not interrupt his line and that the marshals should have been visible.
- Onboard footage shows Lawson slowed down and did not get in dangerous proximity to the marshals.
- The FIA is investigating the incident and should now clarify.
The matter is not over with this. OMDAI's move is a clear escalation. The FIA faces the task of presenting the facts clearly and removing any ambiguities.
Oct 31, 2025 | MotoGP
Sepang: hot fight and an important win
Alex Marquez won the Grand Prix of Malaysia in Sepang, giving Gresini the independent team title. On the tough tarmac with lap times and temperatures that caused heavy tyre wear, Marquez kept his cool and rode a smart race from the start. Fermin Aldeguer did not reach the finish after a heavy crash, but still finishes the season in the top ten of the championship.
Podium and standout performances
Joan Mir climbed to the podium for Honda HRC Castrol. Mir slid through the field in the second half of the race and eventually grabbed P3, a reward for the team's hard work and a clear step forward for Honda. Luca Marini fought his way back to P8 after an early mistake, while Fabio Quartararo rode solidly for Monster Energy Yamaha and crossed the line in fifth. Alex Rins mainly tried to save the tyres and finished on P13.
- Winner: Alex Marquez (Gresini) - independent team title for Gresini
- Joan Mir (Honda) on the podium after strong overtaking moves
- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) forced out by a flat rear tyre
- Enea Bastianini stormed from P19 to P7; Pol Espargaro crashed early
Ducati Lenovo suffered a blow when Francesco Bagnaia had to go to the pits with three laps to go and could not finish the race due to a rear tyre puncture. The outcome does not change the fact that Ducati has already won important titles this year, but it was a sour way to end a strong race.
Teams, rookies and testing
Red Bull KTM Tech3 had reason for optimism thanks to Enea Bastianini, who made up several places and finished seventh. Pol Espargaro showed initial speed but crashed on lap five. Aprilia found it difficult in Sepang; Marco Bezzecchi did not go beyond P11 and Lorenzo Savadori stayed just outside the points.
Yamaha Factory Racing used the race to collect additional data with the V4-powered prototype. Wild-card Augusto Fernández rode out all 20 laps and finished on P18. At Prima Pramac Yamaha, the weekend was disappointing with Jack Miller grabbing two points with P14 and Miguel Oliveira recovering after a crash to finish P19.
Results and outlook
The battle of attrition in Sepang was also a test of tyre management and cooling. Many riders had to temper the pace to reach the finish line. With two Grands Prix to go, the circus moves back to Europe; the battle continues in a fortnight' time in Portimão at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
“Today I changed my approach at the start and that made the difference; we became the best independent team from the top of the podium.”
Oct 30, 2025 | Formula E
What is the proposal?
Formula E and the FIA are seriously considering a competition element in the annual rookie test. The test will take place at Jarama in March next season. Teams must field two drivers who have not yet driven in a live championship session.
What would it look like?
The plan is to use the current qualifying format as an example. Think group qualifying followed by duel-style face-offs between drivers. The planned six hours of testing time would be partly divided and one part reserved for such a qualifying-like session.
Why is this being proposed?
There are several reasons to consider this. The current six-hour test generates little public interest. Few media stay another day to follow the test. Teams also want to assess rookies in conditions similar to real race stress. Gen3 group racing and driving on temporary street circuits require specific skills. As a result, experience and established drivers weigh heavily. At the same time, there is a growing belief that young talent from Formula 2 and Formula 3 is ready for Gen4.
Nissan's position
Dorian Boisdron, racing director at Nissan, says experience is crucial in Formula E, and he believes teams should bring in new talent for the upcoming Gen4 period. According to him, a qualifying-style test helps assess rookies in a more realistic Formula E context. That makes it easier for teams and drivers to make a choice together.
Backlash from the paddock
Not everyone is enthusiastic. Andretti team boss Roger Griffiths warns that competition may not be the right focus. He points out that many rookies are already competing in F2 or F3. According to Griffiths, the rookie test should primarily be a learning environment. Drivers need to get used to working with manufacturers and engineers. According to him, the competitive tension is better off elsewhere.
Practical implications
If the new set-up comes through, it will mainly change the format of the test day. Teams will have a clearer measuring point for driver performance in qualifying conditions. At the same time, the importance of good set-up and team readiness on that one competitive session may increase.
- Benefits: better assessment of rookies, more realistic race conditions, visibility for talents.
- Cons: Less focus on learning work with engineers, extra pressure on young drivers, possibly more risk of incidents during test.
What happens next?
There are already exploratory talks with teams and manufacturers. A final decision has not yet been made. Jarama is planned as the venue in March. Teams and organisation are keeping the options open and weighing the pros and cons.
Oct 30, 2025 | DTM
No immediate commitment to stay
Ayhancan Güven celebrated a historic DTM title in 2025, becoming the series“ first Turkish champion. Yet the 27-year-old Manthey-Porsche driver has not committed himself after the season. According to himself, his future will be decided ”in the coming weeks"; he mentions several options and points to changes within motorsport.
After the DTM finale, as far as we know, Güven did not give an interview announcing he would defend his title. This begs the question: does he even want to return to the DTM or does something else beckon?
America may be pulling
One of the most frequently mentioned scenarios takes place in the United States. Multiple sources sound that Güven is being linked to a programme in the IMSA series. Manthey itself is entering IMSA in 2026 with a Pro car, but is concentrating on the Endurance Cup, or the five long-distance races Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Road America and Petit Le Mans.
In addition, Laurin Heinrich has been named as a candidate for the Porsche-Penske LMDh programme, which will continue in the US after the WEC outing. AO Racing, the strong Porsche team where Heinrich drove in 2025 and known for its “Rexy” design, is also a possible employer if Güven drives a full IMSA season.
Formula E: opportunity or illusion?
Güven stood out during the Formula E rookie test in Berlin, despite his lack of formula experience. This immediately sparked rumours of a switch to the electric class. For Güven, who is currently paid by assignment as a contracted driver, a factory title in Formula E could be attractive.
Yet the spots at Porsche are already largely filled. Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller have been confirmed for the factory team. The drivers at Andretti (Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich) and Kiro-Cupra (Dan Ticktum and Pepe Marti) are also known. That composition leaves little room for an additional seat at those teams.
- Possible options for Güven in 2026: IMSA Endurance campaign with Manthey.
- Full IMSA season for AO Racing (Rexy team).
- A factory title in Formula E - currently unlikely due to occupied seats.
- Staying in the DTM and defending his title.
What does this mean for the DTM?
Güven is also supported by Red Bull. At Porsche, it sounds that they can see other roles for Güven than just the DTM, especially in contrast to a driver like Thomas Preining, whose qualities are best showcased in the more traditional DTM set-up with one driver per car. That increases the chances of the series losing its new champion.
The DTM could thus face not only the departure of Rene Rast in 2026, but possibly that of the reigning champion. A final choice from Güven has not yet been made; expect clarity in the coming weeks.
Oct 30, 2025 | Formula E
Valencia test in brief
On Friday, Formula E's second female test will take place in Valencia. It is the last chance to put miles on the Gen3Evo cars before the season. In five weeks' time, the season will start in São Paulo. Four teams will field both cars, bringing the test to 14 cars.
Why this test matters
Teams have few test days in Formula E, so every minute on the track is valuable. Nissan, for example, uses the day to refine set-ups and tune parts for the opening race. Abbi Pulling plays a big part in this. She has already worked with Nissan's new simulator at Viry Chatillon and is now helping with the final tests in the car.
Notable participants and backgrounds
The list of participants combines experienced testers with young talent from all kinds of series. Some names to remember:
- Abbi Pulling (Nissan) - topped the first women's test at Jarama last year.
- Jamie Chadwick (Jaguar) - has done several tests for Jaguar and brings a lot of experience.
- Alice Powell (Envision) - an experienced formulation and testing specialist.
- Lindsay Brewer (DS Penske) - raced in Lamborghini Super Trofeo US and drove in Indy NXT last season. She came into the picture through a recommendation and was keen to gain experience in Formula E.
- Marta García (Lola Yamaha Abt) - 2023 F1 Academy champion and familiar with Valencia as her home circuit.
- Juju Noda (Jaguar) - drives in Super Formula and seeks more experience in electric racing technology and engineering.
- Janina Schall and Gabriela Jílková (Porsche) - from GT4 to electric class for test miles.
- Tatiana Calderón (Citroën), Bianca Bustamante (Cupra Kiro), Nerea Martí (Andretti), Chloe Chambers (Mahindra) and others complete the field.
In-depth details per participant
Lindsay Brewer is active in the Lamborghini Cup this season and ranks high in her class. She appreciated the invitation and calls the sustainability and strategy in Formula E positive. Marta García returns after previous testing and wants to get involved in development for next season. Juju Noda expects to learn a lot from the engineers and sees the test as a technical challenge.
Full list of participants
The test includes representatives from 10 teams. Below is the full list of combinations that have been announced:
- Jaguar: Jamie Chadwick / Juju Noda
- Envision: Ella Lloyd / Alice Powell
- Mahindra: Chloe Chambers
- Nissan: Abbi Pulling
- Citroën: Tatiana Calderón
- DS Penske: Jess Edgar / Lindsay Brewer
- Lola Yamaha Abt: Marta García
- Porsche: Gabriela Jílková / Janina Schall
- Andretti: Nerea Martí
- Cupra Kiro: Bianca Bustamante
What this means for sport
The test is more than a driving day. It is a chance for female drivers to gain experience in electric car racing. Teams collect data, improve systems and prepare for São Paulo. For many drivers, it is also a calling card towards a permanent role in the class.
In short, Valencia offers a mix of development, competition and opportunity. The test could open doors for next season.
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