Fabio Quartararo expressed his satisfaction by saying, "It's a great feeling to see my name in the lead." He added, "Even though it's just a test, I momentarily forgot that detail!"

After Alex Marquez secured the leading position on the MotoGP testing leaderboard in Barcelona on Tuesday, just two other riders managed to challenge the dominance of the Gresini team member.

The initial person was Francesco Bagnaia, a Ducati rider and the reigning two-time world champion. However, the unexpected name on the list was Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha.

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While Marquez reacted quickly, Quartararo, equipped with updated aerodynamics, a modified chassis, swingarm, and engine for testing, maintained his hold on second position until the conclusion of the 2024 season.

"It's just a test, but I completely forgot about it!" Quartararo exclaimed when he saw his name at the top of the list. "Usually, we need to move on!"

"It's satisfying to see your name at the top. Even when it's just a practice run, you still leave with a sense of accomplishment."

"Although we remain quite distant from the leading competitors, I was able to have fun today, maintain an impressive speed, and complete several strong laps."

Back at the track where he placed eleventh in the final grand prix of the season on Sunday, Quartararo recorded his fastest lap at 1 minute and 39.199 seconds, trailing Marquez by 0.396 seconds.

The French driver mentioned that the updated chassis provided the most noticeable enhancement, particularly helping with entering corners.

"We made some progress in certain aspects with the introduction of the new chassis," he stated. "However, we haven't seen improvements in traction just yet. Our strategy is to introduce a significantly different and more advanced solution in Malaysia."

"We made progress in the area where we transition from riding straight to reaching maximum lean angle in corners. This was our most significant advancement. Our next focus is to enhance the transition from leaning to straightening up."

"We have already identified how to enhance the entry. Our next step is to figure out how to make the exit better."

Quartararo stated, "We tested a new engine and a top fairing. The main goal wasn't to improve but to maintain the same feeling. The new swingarm was approached with the same intent."

"The goal was not to enhance, but rather to explore whether we could slightly decrease the weight."

On Tuesday, Yamaha witnessed a significant event as four of its MotoGP riders were present on the circuit simultaneously for the first time since 2022. This included Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, who were making their inaugural appearances for the newly formed Pramac Yamaha team.

"It's fantastic to have a team of four riders, each with a factory bike," Quartararo remarked.

"Additionally, riders and engineers from various manufacturers participated in today's practice, and I believe we made some progress."

When questioned about his conversation with Miller, Quartararo said: "We only talked briefly about how he was feeling, and he mentioned that he hadn't used the hard front tire yet."

"To truly comprehend our bicycle, a single day isn't sufficient. However, gaining insights from their feedback is crucial. This bike possesses several significant strengths, such as the front-end feel, but it also has numerous areas that need enhancement."

Alex Rins, who is part of the factory team, recorded the eighth fastest

For two decades, Peter has been a part of the paddock, witnessing the era of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the ongoing challenges faced by Marc Marquez due to his injuries.

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Marc Marquez shared his initial impressions after riding the factory Ducati. "I tested the complete 2025 setup, including the frame, engine, and various components."

Similar to his Gresini debut one year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his initial MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo official rider by securing fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he was debuting on a Desmosedici satellite motorcycle in Valencia. This year, his attention is on testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting a distinctive bright red design, the eight-time world champion spent a significant portion of the day positioned towards the bottom of the top ten rankings.

A strong performance towards the end moved him into fourth place, trailing the test leader, his younger brother and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda's factory team between 2013 and 2023, was only 0.056 seconds slower than his new colleague, Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning two-time world champion.

Marquez disclosed that he essentially bypassed the GP24, moving directly from the previous year's GP23 to the model for the 2025 season.

Marquez stated, "I spent the majority of the day testing the GP25, using it for about 90% of my rides. My main focus was collaborating closely with the engineers."

"When you join the official team, it indicates that you have to follow a very structured plan, adhering to all the necessary tests. At this point, the rider's role is largely under the direction of the engineers. Essentially, your work is primarily focused on supporting the engineers."

"There are certain advantages to the bike that enhance its performance, yet ultimately, it remains just a bicycle that requires proper handling. To achieve speed, one must exert effort and drive it assertively."

"The overall experience was extremely positive, particularly with the team. That's crucial for a first impression, and we're collaborating effectively."

When asked about what brings him more satisfaction, Marquez responded:

"The engine performs slightly better on the straights, which is a significant improvement over last year's model. Additionally, the way it handles when entering corners seems to have changed somewhat. I still need to figure out the limits in that area."

He mentioned that he experimented with the complete package, including the frame, engine, and various components. As a result, they're uncertain about which specific parts have a different feel.

"Pecco approached things somewhat differently. However, the key takeaway is that we both shared similar observations. We faced the same issues and enjoyed the same benefits, which simplifies the task for the engineers."

Michele Pirro, who tests for Ducati, indicated that the GP25 would be particularly advantageous for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At present, Marquez is withholding his opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend the situation, as we received similar feedback with Pecco. While it's excellent in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"At this point, it's essential to assess the situation, as maintaining a consistent performance across all 22 races is crucial. It's not enough for the bike to excel on just one type of track."

Was it odd to wear red after spending years competing against the official Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Not at all, it was enjoyable," Marquez remarked. "Particularly when you join a team that has excelled in recent years."

Being part of the top team on the track means you need to be quick. It was truly enjoyable to be in that garage.

"However, it was indeed unusual to see Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering all the conflicts I've had with Dovizioso!"

"We have consistently maintained a friendly and respectful relationship, which is beneficial since we are already familiar with one another."

Marquez will have to hold off until February at Sepang for his upcoming session on the GP25.

For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He is currently leading the coverage of Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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Marc Marquez shares his initial impressions after riding the factory Ducati, stating, "I tested the complete 2025 setup, which included the frame, engine, and various components."

Similar to his Gresini debut a year prior, Marc Marquez concluded his initial MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team member by securing fourth position on the timing charts.

Last year, he was riding a satellite bike for the first time on the Desmosedici at Valencia, but this year, his attention is on testing a prototype of the GP25 factory model for next season in Barcelona.

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Sporting a striking bright red design, the eight-time world champion spent a significant portion of the day positioned towards the bottom of the top ten.

A late push propelled him to fourth place, trailing test leader, his younger brother and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for the factory Honda team between 2013 and 2023, trailed his new teammate and the soon-to-be double world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, by only 0.056 seconds.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 entirely and moved directly from the GP23 model, which is a year old, to the 2025 machine for the upcoming season.

Marquez stated that he spent the majority of his day testing the GP25, riding it for about 90% of the time. He mentioned that he was heavily involved in efforts to assist the engineers.

"When you join the official team, it signifies that you must adhere to a rigorous schedule, focusing on testing everything required. At this point, the rider essentially becomes a tool for the engineers, dedicating efforts to meet their requirements."

Certainly, the bicycle does have certain advantages that function slightly more effectively. However, at the end of the day, it's still a bicycle and requires proper riding. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, particularly among the team. That's what matters most when making a first impression, and we're collaborating effectively."

When asked to compare the feelings, Marquez responded:

"The engine performs slightly better on the straight compared to last year's model, which is a significant improvement. Additionally, the way the bike handles when entering corners seems to have changed. I still need to figure out where the limits are in this aspect."

"The issue is that I tested the complete set-up, including the frame, engine, and various components," he explained. "Therefore, we can't determine which specific parts have a different feel."

"Pecco approached things somewhat differently. However, the key takeaway is that we both provided very similar feedback. We encountered the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things for the engineers."

Ducati's test rider, Michele Pirro, implied that the GP25 is likely to be well-suited for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At the moment, Marquez is withholding his opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend the situation. Regarding Pecco, we encountered similar feedback. While it's excellent in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others," he stated.

"At this point, it's essential to assess the situation, as it's crucial to maintain a 'stable' bike throughout all 22 races, rather than just excelling on a specific type of track."

Did it seem odd to wear red after spending many years competing against the official Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Not at all, it was enjoyable," Marquez remarked. "Particularly when you join a team that has been doing well in recent years."

"You must be quick since you're part of the top team in the lineup. It was a delight to be in that garage."

"However, it was indeed unusual to see Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering all the clashes I've had with Dovizioso!"

"We’ve consistently maintained a cordial and respectful rapport, which is beneficial since we are already familiar with one another."

Marquez will not have another opportunity to ride the GP25 until February at Sepang.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Francesco Bagnaia: Skipping Testing After Winning MotoGP Title is "Preferable"

Bagnaia responds to the post-race testing session in Barcelona.

Francesco Bagnaia believes that skipping the post-season testing after winning the MotoGP world championship was advantageous for him, as it allowed him to concentrate more on the development of the GP25.

In the final race of the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona last weekend, the two-time world champion was overtaken by Jorge Martin for the top position.

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This marks the first instance since 2021 where Bagnaia did not start the next year's testing holding the champion title.

For more details: Reasons Bagnaia deserves recognition as a remarkable MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia recorded the third-fastest time after riding his Ducati for 58 laps, mainly testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting tests on Tuesday held any extra importance now that he is aiming to reclaim the title, Bagnaia said: "I must admit, conducting the test without currently holding the world champion title made me concentrate more on the motorcycle."

"Being a world champion makes you happier and more content, but it also means I'm not as focused on getting better."

This year, the transition from the GP23 to the GP24 marked a significant leap forward. On Tuesday, Bagnaia mentioned that the foundation of the 2025 model is more robust than it has been at this stage in any prior year.

"Is the GP25 distinct? We must acknowledge that we experimented with numerous elements today, and the GP25 appears to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he mentioned.

"Our team and engineers are expected to put in significant effort over the winter, as we need to make some improvements to the foundation we evaluated."

"Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same opinion regarding the bike, which is crucial for progressing in the same direction during its development, and this is excellent news."

When it comes to braking performance, the GP24 still has the advantage.

"I've made significant progress with braking on the GP24 this year. Therefore, I believe we need to continue pursuing this same path."

"The GP25 excels in maintaining stability when navigating fast corners, and I appreciate its performance even with worn tyres. Additionally, the new engine is quite powerful."

"We usually don't begin with the new bike in such a good state, as there's typically some work to be done. However, I'm pleased that the foundation is solid this time."

He mentions, "In my opinion, there's a significant gap between 24 and 25, and I don't anticipate a major change for Malaysia since I believe the advancement has already occurred."

"However, we must organize it, and regarding the configuration, we need to adjust it for the new bike."

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Aprilia's new technical director praised Jorge Martin after his initial test, describing him as a blend of a champion and a leader.

Aprilia's MotoGP technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, describes Jorge Martin as "remarkable," noting that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader after his initial trial with the RS-GP.

A mere two days following his victory in the 2024 MotoGP world championship, Martin transitioned from riding for Pramac Ducati to joining the official Aprilia team during the post-season test in Barcelona on Tuesday.

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The Spanish rider evaluated the RS-GP models for 2024 and 2025, finishing 11th on the timing charts after completing 77 laps. Unfortunately, he experienced a minor crash towards the end of the session.

Because of contractual obligations, Martin was unable to give interviews to the press after his initial trial of the RS-GP.

Sterlacchini, who is succeeding Romano Albesiano as Aprilia's technical director, had the opportunity to assess Martin's initial test with the company.

During a media session on Tuesday, which included Crash.net, he expressed that having Jorge on board is a significant opportunity. Jorge comes from a championship-winning bike and is himself a world-class rider. This provides the team with a valuable benchmark, enabling them to better identify and focus on key areas for improvement.

"In the brief period we've collaborated—half a day yesterday and today—I've observed that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader."

"Frankly, it's pretty remarkable how he's handling the role. Truly impressive."

Sterlacchini joins Aprilia after spending the years 2022 and 2023 at KTM, following a 17-year tenure in the engineering department at Ducati.

Lacking sufficient time to grasp the project and the motorcycle, he declined to engage in a discussion about the areas where the RS-GP requires enhancements.

"In my opinion, it's not feasible: you require divine insight, not just a capable individual, to grasp everything so quickly," he remarked.

"Frankly, in certain areas, things are beginning to become clearer and less vague, but it is definitely too early to make any definitive conclusions right now."

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Title: "Brake Issues Thwart Pedro Acosta's KTM Ambitions at Barcelona"

Body: Pedro Acosta faced a challenging situation in Barcelona as his aspirations with KTM were put on hold. He noted that handling a tough race is one thing, but dealing with brake troubles while speeding at 350 km/h is an entirely different challenge.

Rookie Pedro Acosta missed out on securing fifth place and being the highest-ranked non-Ducati rider in the final standings of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship by just two points and under two seconds.

Starting the last race of the season, the GASGAS Tech3 racer held a slight lead of two points over Brad Binder from Red Bull KTM. This was despite having to withdraw from the Sprint after the first lap due to damage to the fairing caused by a collision with Marc Marquez.

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Acosta has gone scoreless for the 13th time this season, which also accounts for the race he did not start in Australia.

However, with Binder positioned in 18th place on the starting grid and Acosta beginning from sixth, the 20-year-old remained the frontrunner to secure his aim of clinching fifth place in the championship standings.

Nevertheless, Binder overtook him with an impressive surge to secure sixth place, as Acosta dropped to tenth due to a problem with his brakes.

"After the race, Acosta remarked that a challenging competition and dealing with brake issues while traveling at 350 km/h are entirely separate matters."

"I struggled with brake control from the very start. Right from the first lap, it was challenging to handle. Initially, I had some traction at the back, but once that grip disappeared, there was absolutely no chance of maintaining speed."

"During lap 12, I recorded a time of 40.8 seconds, which was quite good. However, from one lap to the next, my times increased to 41.4, 41.6, and even into the 42-second range! I don't even reach 42 seconds during the first practice session."

"That's just how it is. To be clear, it's hard to comprehend the reasons why."

"I'm alright since it seems I'm not the only one facing issues this season; Marc has spoken about this frequently. However, this situation is unacceptable."

It remains unclear whether the braking problem was linked to the damage resulting from Acosta's significant crash during the warm-up.

Although Acosta didn't finish as the highest-ranked rider on the RC16, he secured the most podium finishes for KTM with five and led for 13 laps in races.

"The season had its share of ups and downs, featuring impressive achievements as well as some disappointing errors; overall, however, it was a largely successful period," he commented.

Starting with the Barcelona test on Tuesday, Acosta is set to team up with Binder at the Red Bull KTM factory team.

"I'm excited to begin a new phase, still close by since I'm staying within the same group, but I will be parting ways with some individuals," he mentioned.

"From the very beginning, I felt embraced by the team; the mechanics and everyone involved treated me well. My debut season in MotoGP with Tech3 will always hold a special place in my heart."

Augusto Fernandez is also leaving the team, likely to take on a test riding role at Yamaha, while Tech3 will feature MotoGP race winners Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini for the upcoming season.

For two decades, Peter has been involved in the paddock and witnessed Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure from the scene. Currently, he is at the center of the narrative concerning Suzuki's withdrawal and the injury problems faced by Marc Marquez.

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Guide to Viewing the MotoGP Postseason Test Live Today

Details on where to watch and keep up with today's test session in Barcelona

The MotoGP offseason testing session is taking place in Barcelona today. Below is the schedule, viewing options, and details on staying updated.

On Tuesday in Barcelona, MotoGP racers will transition to their new motorcycles and join new teams as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.

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Marc Marquez is set to don the red colors of the official Ducati team for the first time.

Jack Miller is riding a Yamaha, while Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini are transitioning to KTM, along with several other changes.

Today marks the unveiling of the initial previews of the 2025 machinery.

Barcelona test timetable (UK time)

Ways to view the Barcelona test

You can stream the live coverage of the postseason Barcelona test through MotoGP's Video Pass.

The event will feature real-time reporting of the bikes in action, along with conversations with the riders and team leaders.

At 1 PM, Simon Crafar will provide his expert analysis on the latest technology being showcased, and this will be available on MotoGP's social media platforms.

Crash.net will provide continuous lap-by-lap updates via a live blog throughout the day, along with initial reactions as Marquez tests out the 2025 Ducati model.

You can find all the feedback from the riders about the postseason test on Crash.net.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Jack Miller commented that Cal Crutchlow might not be the best person to consult regarding the 2025 Yamaha MotoGP move. He pointed out that those familiar with Cal know he has a tendency to sometimes stretch the truth.

According to Jack Miller, who is set to join Pramac Yamaha, Cal Crutchlow is not the ideal person to consult for guidance on how to adjust to the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike.

After retiring from full-time MotoGP competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season, Crutchlow has taken on the role of Yamaha's official MotoGP test rider starting in 2021.

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In 2015, Miller began his MotoGP career alongside Crutchlow at the LCR Honda team. He has expressed skepticism about fully relying on Crutchlow's assessment of the YZR-M1's traits.

Miller commented after the recent Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, stating that Cal Crutchlow isn't the best person to discuss matters with. According to Miller, Crutchlow has a tendency to exaggerate things, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

"I've been keeping in contact with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, along with others, but naturally, Cal brings a wealth of experience with the M1."

"It's wise to be skeptical about his statements. It might be more insightful to ask Lucy Crutchlow, who is Cal Crutchlow's wife, about his real opinion on the Yamaha, as she seems to be the only person he shares his complete honest views with."

On Tuesday, November 19, Miller is set to rejoin the Pramac team. This comes just two days after Jorge Martin, the team's 2024 rider, achieved a historic victory by becoming the first 'Independent' rider to clinch the World Championship title in the premier class during the four-stroke era.

"Jack Miller extended his hearty congratulations, saying, 'Hats off to Paolo Campinoti and the entire crew. Achieving a championship win as an independent team is truly remarkable.'"

"This highlights the competitive nature of the 2024 MotoGP lineup."

"Let's give huge credit to Jorge [Martin] for his incredible performance in the championship, and also to Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] for achieving 11 race victories, which is a remarkable accomplishment."

"I'm already anticipating 2025 with excitement. Of course, I'm not thrilled about competing against these fierce competitors, but I hope we can strive to give those guys a run for their money."

In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on news related to consumer and racing motorcycles at Visordown.

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MotoGP Barcelona Test: LIVE COVERAGE!

Stay tuned for real-time updates from the MotoGP post-season testing session taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The event is scheduled to kick off today at 10:00 AM local time (9:00 AM in the UK).

This will be our initial chance to observe several cyclists on their new bicycles and with their new teams.

Marc Marquez wearing Ducati colors, KTM introducing fresh faces, Jorge Martin riding for Aprilia, and Jack Miller on a Yamaha…

Throughout the day, you'll find updated lap times and images here.

Marc Marquez is seen riding the Factory Ducati during the Barcelona MotoGP test. #MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd — Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

Marquez completes his initial session as a Ducati factory team rider, securing fifth position. It appears he is now on a cool-down lap.

Enea Bastianini has also joined the action to experience the KTM for the first time. In a somewhat poetic moment, Marquez overtook him during his initial timed lap, placing Bastianini in 18th position.

Alex Marquez has taken the lead, moving ahead of both Binder and Quartararo.

Marc Marquez has taken his initial ride on the official Ducati bike, while Pecco Bagnaia is trailing close behind.

Jack Miller is now part of the newly established Pramac Yamaha team.

Jorge Martin expressed his approval with a thumbs-up gesture following his initial experience on the Aprilia.

It took nearly an hour, but the new World Champion, Jorge Martin, is now riding on the factory Aprilia.

I'm

Ogura and Aldeguer are currently on the track, riding closely together. As anticipated, their lap times are currently not very fast.

Pedro Acosta is currently riding with the official KTM team. Meanwhile, Joan Mir is seen on the track wearing a plain black helmet, indicating that the 2020 World Champion might be switching helmet brands next year.

Marc Marquez has donned his red racing suit, signaling that he may soon make his debut on the factory Desmosedici GP24. Currently, however, he is in the media room posing for photos in his new outfit.

Luca Marini has experienced a fall at the fifth corner. Despite the incident, he is unharmed, although he is visibly upset with himself.

Initially, Marini held the fastest time until his crash occurred. However, Fabio Quartararo has now claimed the top spot, clocking a time in the 1:40s with a lap of 1:40.394.

Raul Fernandez has moved to the leading position using a 2024 RS-GP bike equipped with 2023 aerodynamics, the same setup he used last weekend. He is currently 0.387 seconds faster than Oliveira.

MotoGP star Marc Marquez, known by his handle @marcmarquez93, made his debut visit to the Ducati Corse garage during the Barcelona Test. This event was streamed live on TNT Sports and Discovery+ on November 19, 2024.

Oliveira has recorded a lap time in the 1:41 range, with Marini also achieving a similar time, trailing the Portuguese racer by 0.271 seconds.

Marc Márquez is seen observing alongside Gigi Dall’Igna and his new team at Ducati during the MotoGP tests in Barcelona. #MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/Iwk3M095rL — Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

Oliveira has set the quickest time with a lap of 1:42.313, while Marini's initial lap places him directly in second position.

Luca Marini is also riding, and it looks like he's on the same motorcycle he used in the race on Sunday.

According to reports, Honda is planning to introduce a significantly revamped version of the RC213V for Marini and Joan Mir to test at an upcoming session in Jerez.

Oliveira continues his series of timed laps. Currently, he holds the second position with a time of 1:43.998.

We have our initial competitor on the circuit. Miguel Oliveira is experiencing the YZR-M1 for the first time.

More news has emerged from Aprilia about their team members in the factory garage for the year 2025:

– Fabiano Sterlacchini has been named the new Technical Director, a development revealed at the Motegi Grand Prix.

– Daniele Romagnoli is set to begin his role as Crew Chief for Jorge Martín, and Francesco Venturato, who previously worked as Performance Engineer for Maverick Viñales, will assume the position of Crew Chief for Marco Bezzecchi.

– Joining Jorge Martín's team is David Galacho as a mechanic, while Andrea Saggion, previously with the test team, will become a mechanic for Bezzecchi.

Savadori has returned to the pit area, while Pirro has re-entered the track.

Fermin Aldeguer appears to be getting ready to head out. He's seated in the Gresini garage, already dressed in his racing suit.

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EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Marc Marquez dons red, Jorge Martin joins Aprilia, fresh KTM line-up…

The Barcelona test offered a sneak peek at several riders as they debuted with their new teams and on their new motorcycles.

Captured in the latest images from the postseason test in Barcelona, MotoGP riders can be seen sporting their fresh team colors and riding their new motorcycles.

Ducati

The color red. pic.twitter.com/bVrUGDM5Rx— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

The color red. pic.twitter.com/bVrUGDM5Rx

On Tuesday, Marc Marquez made his first appearance with the factory Ducati team, donning their red colors.

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Dressed in red leather attire, he had minimal branding and lacked significant sponsorship logos, as shown at the top of the page.

Franco Morbidelli made his first appearance with the VR46 Ducati team following his transition from the Pramac team.

Fermin Aldeguer made his first appearance with Gresini, stepping in for Marquez.

Jorge Martin, the fresh MotoGP champion, made his debut in the colors of his new team, Aprilia.

Marco Bezzecchi is set to join the factory Aprilia team as his new teammate.

Ai Ogura makes his first appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle, teaming up with the Trackhouse squad and Raul Fernandez.

KTM has announced that Pedro Acosta will join the factory team for the first time, where he will be teaming up with Brad Binder.

The revamped Tech3 KTM squad features the pairing of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales.

Yamaha

Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins continue as the main riders for Yamaha, but the team is set to introduce two new motorcycles.

The Pramac team has switched from Ducati to Yamaha and will have Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira as their riders.

Luca Marini and Joan Mir remain as the official riders for Honda.

Somkiat Chantra has become the new teammate of Johann Zarco at LCR Honda.

Today marks Aleix Espargaro's first experience as a test rider for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).

In August 2024, Alex became part of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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"Stunned and apologetic, Forward releases statement regarding Misano pitlane event

'In the wake of the incident, the Klint Forward Factory Team, while still reeling and expressing regret, feels compelled to release a statement to address and correct the wild speculations that have emerged.'"

The Klint Forward Factory Team issued an official statement regarding the frightening incident that occurred in the pitlane on Saturday morning.

During the initial phase of Moto2's last practice session, Unai Orradre was involved in a collision with a track official who unexpectedly stepped onto the pitlane, directly in his path.

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Orradre's unoccupied motorcycle veered into the Aprilia MotoGP team's pit area.

Aprilia informed Crash.net that their team members emerged unscathed with 'no significant injuries,' but admitted the situation 'had the potential to be much more severe.'

"Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro recounted, "The motorcycle collided with my engineer's desk, but fortunately, Antonio [Jimenez, crew chief] and my data analyst had stepped out for coffee. The garage was wrecked by the bike. So, we were incredibly fortunate."

Orradre and the track official both escaped severe harm, with the Spanish rider coming back for the qualifying session.

Forward has released a statement to 'clear up any speculative stories' and wants to emphasize the 'utterly unpredictable nature' of the incident:

At the beginning of FP2 yesterday, a control operator positioned at the pit wall unexpectedly made their way towards the pits.

In that instance, Unai Orradre, an approaching rider, attempted to dodge the operator, sadly to no avail.

Following the collision, Orradre was unable to maintain control of his motorcycle, which ultimately came to a stop inside the Aprilia box, resulting in multiple damages.

The Klint Forward Factory Team, still reeling and regretful over the recent incident, feels compelled to release a clarification statement to quash the baseless speculation that has arisen in the aftermath.

Rider Unai Orradre, stepping in for Alex Escrig to make his first appearance in Moto2, remains stunned and apologetic alongside his team.

The Forward team expresses its sympathy towards Aprilia Racing and the Misano staff for their dedicated and professional service on the circuit. However, it emphasizes that the incident was completely unforeseen and unavoidable for everyone involved.

The Klint Forward Factory Team, while not undermining the significance of the incident, places its confidence in the media to accurately relay the event's details to both the public and its supporters.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the dynamics of the paddock, observing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Alex Marquez playfully challenges Pirro: “You claimed there wasn't much difference between GP23-24!”

“I lightly teased him since I noticed he mentioned in several interviews that the difference wasn’t significant!”

Alex Marquez playfully mocked Ducati test rider Michele Pirro about some previous statements as Pirro made his comeback to the GP23 at the Solidarity Barcelona MotoGP event this weekend.

Marc Marquez's sibling, Alex, has seen his brother secure victories in three Grand Prix events riding last year's satellite motorcycle. Meanwhile, riders of the current GP23 model have collectively achieved just two podium finishes, frequently attributing their challenges to problems with the front end, unlike their experiences with the former GP22 model.

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Throughout the year, Pirro has been focused on refining the GP24 model at the factory, a bike that is poised to clinch the world championship this Sunday, with either Jorge Martin or Francesco Bagnaia as the rider.

He has been called up to ride the older motorcycle again as a substitute for the injured Fabio di Giannantonio at VR46.

On Saturday, Alex shared with me, "Michele mentioned, 'the bike is really putting a lot of pressure on the front'."

I responded, "you mentioned there wasn't much of a distinction between 23 and 24!"

"I playfully teased him because I noticed in several interviews he claimed there wasn't much of a difference!"

Pirro's shift in perspective likely stems from the fact that the last time he rode the GP23, more than a year ago, it was equipped with the rear tyre design from 2023.

"Pirro expressed satisfaction in observing the distinctions between the 23 and 24 motorcycles," he remarked following his completion of the Sprint in the 21st position, marking his initial MotoGP race of the season.

"The 23 motorcycle faces challenges in certain aspects with the [2024] tire. While it might perform adequately in a few competitions, in others, it becomes harder to control."

Michelin updated its rear tire for the current year. The most recent Ducati GP24 was engineered with the new tire's features in mind. However, the improvement in rear grip seems to have disrupted the equilibrium of the GP23.

Marquez acknowledged, "Michele mentioned to me, and it's accurate, that they altered the back tire this year."

"Perhaps the bike from the previous year, equipped with the previous year's tire, was more suitable for the front-end issues he's currently experiencing."

"Thus, the situation remains as it is, and he now understands the distinction clearly."

Marquez clarified, "I'm not implying that the GP24 is definitively superior [to the GP23]."

"Certainly, in a few aspects, it might not be as good since it's impossible to enhance a bicycle in every single aspect."

Number 73 will only need to wait a few more days to personally experience the variances as he is set to make his first appearance on the GP24 during the post-race test scheduled for Tuesday.

“He emphasized having no expectations for his upcoming machine. He encouraged enjoying the experience, tuning into the 24 bike's behavior, striving to complete as many laps as possible, and communicating his impressions to Ducati.”

In response to a question about whether he believes the difference between Ducati's satellite and factory teams will be less significant than it was this year, Marquez answered:

"I'm hopeful that the 24 outshines the 25!"

"Similar to the transition from GP22 to GP23, it was remarkably balanced. With some luck, we'll experience a similar situation and even tighter competition than we did this year."

Marquez shared his thoughts following his fifth-place performance in the Barcelona Sprint.

Throughout this weekend, Alex has consistently performed better than his brother in every round except for the qualifying session. In that session, Alex fell to the eleventh position while Marc took advantage of a slipstream from Francesco Bagnaia to secure a spot on the front row.

"I was quite optimistic during the Sprint. I even entertained thoughts of contending for the win," he shared. "Given that I was in fourth place and if I managed to swiftly pass Enea and Martin…

"However, when the GP24 isn't following another rider closely, without the benefit of a slipstream, we can at least get near them by the time we reach the braking point. But in my case, I was behind Enea, who was drafting off Jorge, and it felt like saying goodbye."

"I'm really upset about how my qualifying went; it wasn't at all what we were aiming for," he added. "They invalidated one of my laps because I slightly went off track onto the green, and that lap would have placed me in the sixth position.

"Fortunately, we managed to secure the optimal positions in the initial turns, and that will continue to be crucial [on Sunday]. Our speed is solid. We're confident. We have it all, yet passing is notably challenging at this location."

The upcoming Grand Prix on Sunday will mark the final race for the Marquez siblings as teammates, with Marc set to join the official Ducati team, partnering with Bagnaia in 2025.

"Alex mentioned that Gresini feels like a large family, and having Marc as his brother only adds to that wonderful experience this season."

Alex is set to begin the season's final race ranked tenth in the world championship, trailing Franco Morbidelli by five points and leading Aleix Espargaro by eight points.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi from the racing scene. He's currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the ongoing challenges Marc Marquez faces with injuries.

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