Motorsport Roundup: More F1 2021 Car Launches, MotoGP, F2 Pre-season Testing Begins And More

The past week saw plenty of pre-season action take place in the motorsports arena. The action ranged from a plethora of car launches, new safety cars being unveiled, testing action as well as some online beef. There were also some revisions to the racing calendar. Here’s everything that transpired.

Formula One

It was an action packed last seven days in the world of Formula One as  Mercedes, Alpine, Aston Martin, Williams and Haas all unveiled their 2021 challengers. This only leaves Ferrari, who will reveal the SF21 on March 12, two days before pre-season testing commences at the Bahrain International Circuit. 

In other news, Aston Martin revealed the Vantage safety car and DBX medical car that will share duties with Mercedes-Benz over the course of the 2021 season. Also, the 23-race 2021 calendar was finally completed with the addition of Portimao for the Portugese Grand Prix scheduled for May 2, 2021. 

MotoGP

Pre-season testing for the 2021 MotoGP World Championship kicked off over the weekend at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. The first day saw Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro top proceedings, with Honda’s Stefan Bradl and reigning champion Suzuki’s Joan Mir rounding off the top three. On day two, it was Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo who was the fastests rider, followed by the Ducati of Jack Miller in second and Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro in third. There’s still three more days of testing left before the 2021 season commences on March 28 at the same venue. There was also a bit of off-track beef on social media between Jorge Lorenzo, Jack Miller and Cal Crutchlow regarding some falls in Turn 2.

Formula 2

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In the world of junior formulae, pre-season testing for the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship commenced at the Bahrain International Circuit. Carlin’s Jehan Daruvala, who is entering into his second season in Formula 2, was third fastest in the morning session, while his new teammate Dan Ticktum topped the timesheets. Post today’s afternoon session, there’ll be another couple of days of testing ahead of the season opener that is scheduled to run from March 26-28. 

WEC

There were also some calendar changes for the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship season, with the season opener at Portimao postponed to June 13. Instead, Belgium will play host to the season prologue at Spa-Francorchamps from April 26-27. The season will commence at the same circuit on May 1, 2021.