FEBRUARY 9, 2022

(MotoGP)

The two-day Official MotoGP Sepang Test has come to a conclusion and at the end of proceedings, Enea Bastianini (No. 23 Gresini Racing MotoGP) became the fastest-ever rider to lap the Malaysian circuit. The ‘Beast’ set a scorching lap of 1:58.131 on Day 2, beating Aleix Espargaro (No. 41 Aprilia Racing) by a slender 0.026s. Eighteen riders were separated by just 0.8s. Very heavy afternoon rain disrupted the action in Sepang as the factories only got a few hours in the morning to continue their testing programs. Some riders ventured out in the wet conditions, but as expected, the timing screens remained unchanged from the early flurry of rapid laps. (Thank you to MotoGP Media)

(MotoGP)
2022 MotoGP pre-season testing couldn’t have started any better for Aleix Espargaro (No. 41 Aprilia Racing) as the Spaniard's 1:58.371 was quickest on Day 1 at the Sepang Test. Teammate Maverick Viñales (No. 12 Aprilia Racing) claimed P2 having lapped just 0.013s off his compatriot. Alex Rins (No. 42 Team Suzuki Ecstar) was third quickest on a busy opening day in Malaysia, with plenty of updated parts making an appearance. (Thank you to MotoGP Media)

(Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) won the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Coliseum Sunday. Watch the highlights here.

(Cadillac Design images)
With Cadillac in the midst of defending its 2021 IMSA Manufacturer Championship, Cadillac Racing has previously announced that it will compete in IMSA’s new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) category in 2023. Cadillac Design is in the process of shaping the forthcoming GTP race car and the future of Cadillac Racing. The Cadillac GTP race car will be co-developed by Cadillac Racing, Cadillac Design and race manufacturer Dallara. The prototype will feature a new Cadillac engine package in conjunction with the GTP common hybrid system. “While the new race car will take into account IMSA and ACO regulations, Cadillac’s brand characteristics will be instantly recognizable, many of which are seen on our V-Series vehicles today,” said Chris Mikalauskas, lead exterior creative designer, Cadillac. “It will artistically combine form and function to influence the development of the forthcoming race car. Elements of Cadillac’s brand DNA, such as vertical lighting and floating blades, will be present throughout.” With Cadillac competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Automobile Club de l’Ouest Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) category in 2023 with a fourth-generation Cadillac V-Series prototype, it will mark the brand’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after 21 years. The Cadillac Project GTP race car will be unveiled this summer, and debut on the track for the first time at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2023. Watch the video here. 

(Oracle Red Bull Racing images)
Oracle Red Bull Racing has unveiled its 2022 RB18 F1 car. The team just signed a 5-year presenting sponsorship deal with Oracle to the tune of $500 million, according to insider estimates.

(Aston Martin The Americas)
The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team today unveiled its 2022 FIA Formula One® World Championship contender  - the AMR22 - on Thursday (2/10). The British manufacturer is celebrating the centenary of its maiden Grand Prix at the 1922 French Grand Prix. The AMR22, to be raced by four-time F1® World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, carries a new 2022 Aston Martin Racing Green livery celebrating Aston Martin’s traditional racing colors. 

(McLaren Racing)
McLaren Racing unveiled its new MCL36 to a live global audience on Friday (Feb. 11) ahead of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. To be piloted by Lando Norris, 22, from the UK, and Daniel Ricciardo, 32, from Australia, the MCL36 is built to the new era of Formula 1 regulations, which aim to provide closer racing and more on-track action for fans. Designed under the leadership of Technical Director James Key and produced by the team in Woking, led by Operations Director Piers Thynne, the MCL36 features several striking and dramatic changes compared to the MCL35M. The return of ground-effect to Formula 1 changes the fundamental philosophy of the car and is part of new regulations aimed at improving racing by reducing the amount of disrupted airflow generated by the cars. The MCL36 is powered by the Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 E Performance, which was integrated into the McLaren chassis and gearbox with support from Mercedes HPP in Brixworth, UK. The colors first carried by the team in the 1960s with team founder Bruce McLaren are retained for the 2022 season, with fan favorite Papaya continuing to lead the livery. Having debuted on the MCL35M’s Monaco livery in 2021, the bold Fluro Papaya is now featured on the MCL36 for the 2022 season, accented by New Blue.

(McLaren Racing)
McLaren also presented its 2022 Arrow McLaren SP INDYCAR team at the same event. The team will field Pato O’Ward (No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet) and Felix Rosenqvist (No.7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet) in the series. Arrow McLaren SP will start their 2022 NTT INDYCAR Series campaign at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 27.