Pecco Bagnaia believes he has “8 or 10 years” left in MotoGP and aims for a comeback akin to Marc Marquez's success.

“My aim is to maintain my speed and strength while striving for further improvement.”

Francesco Bagnaia is strategizing his return to the pinnacle of MotoGP after losing his World Champion title to Jorge Martin the previous weekend.

In 2024, Bagnaia secured victories in 11 races held on Sundays, a feat that elevated him into the top 10 of the all-time winners in the premier class of Grand Prix racing. However, the Italian racer shows little interest in reveling in these statistics, focusing instead on continuing to increase his win count.

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"Frankly, I haven't reached a stage in my professional journey where I'm interested in looking at those statistics," Bagnaia commented following the previous weekend’s Solidarity Grand Prix.

"As a relatively inexperienced rider, I believe I have around eight to ten years ahead to further my career. My goal is to push myself to the limits, maintain my speed and strength, and strive for continuous improvement."

"Securing more championship victories is my primary goal, and I'm committed to making it happen."

Bagnaia noted that, despite not clinching the title in 2024, the year remained significant for him.

"I don't view [2024] as a defeat in the true sense since I take lessons from my errors—I understand that our loss in the championship was due to those mistakes, and this is an area I plan to work on," he expressed.

Additionally, examining Marc's record, he secured consecutive championships twice, experienced a defeat in 2015, and subsequently achieved four successive victories.

"Therefore, it's uncertain, but I will make every effort to reach the highest possible achievement once more."

To regain his position at the pinnacle and recapture the #1 title he secured in the previous two years, Bagnaia needs to reflect on the errors he committed in 2024 that led to his loss of the championship.

"Bagnaia noted, "My initial task is to gain a deeper comprehension of the circumstances, given it's accurate to say that three of those eight zeros stemmed from peculiar scenarios."

"The incident in Portimao involving Marc, the event in Jerez with Brad [Binder], and the situation with Alex Marquez in Aragon."

"Thus, I believe that in all three instances — indeed, I have been knocked off by other competitors, but each situation might have been something I could have sidestepped."

"Regarding Marc, perhaps it's wise to hold off for a while, though he's quicker, so consider pausing and not overstepping. I mention this, yet when I'm in a race, my aim is always to finish as ahead as possible; however, I'm thinking of working on this aspect for the coming year."

"In the incident involving Alex Marquez, I was definitely quicker by four tenths of a second, and I seized the opportunity when he veered off course. I thought, 'This is my chance,' but then we collided, causing me to crash. A similar situation happened with Brad.

"Therefore, I believe it's crucial for me to glean lessons from my errors. Analyzing the mistakes made by others proved to be more challenging since my approach didn't vary much, aside from a slight decrease in speed, yet the outcome was the same with me crashing."

"Thus, analyzing them is harder, yet when it comes to recognizing my errors, it becomes simpler to grasp and comprehend."

The ex-World Champion mentioned that his accident during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, along with his mishaps in both the Malaysian and Catalan Sprints, represented his most significant blunders throughout the season.

"He mentioned that the incident at Misano [Emilia-Romagna] was particularly bad, as he was on track to comfortably secure a third-place finish."

"Honestly, the incident in Malaysia is harder to come to terms with because I didn't do anything incorrect: my entry was slower, and perhaps that contributed to the crash, but this incident is the toughest to acknowledge, similar to the situation here in Catalunya during the Sprint."

Bagnaia mentioned that, apart from his clear errors, he faced additional challenges at the beginning of the season due to a lack of comfort with the Desmosedici.

"He mentioned that the most challenging aspect of the season, aside from the errors, was the initial phase. This was due to his decision to equip the motorcycle with new components, specifically the new forks and swingarm, which resulted in lost time."

"Indeed, I secured a victory in Qatar, but until we reached Jerez, I found it challenging to increase my speed. Portimao, typically a track where I perform well, presented significant difficulties in terms of speed, and Austin proved to be a difficult race.

"Thus, my spirits were low, but the moment we opted to revert to my usual configuration, I began to feel quicker and more powerful. From that point on, things improved significantly."

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

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Ducati Targets 2025 for On-Track Introduction of Its 2027 MotoGP Prototype

Gigi Dall'Igna Reveals Anticipated Debut Timeline for the '27 Ducati Model

Gigi Dall’Igna anticipates the debut of the 2027 Ducati MotoGP prototype on the circuit "next year".

In 2027, MotoGP motorcycles will experience their most significant transformation since the shift to 1000cc engines in 2012.

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MotoGP is set to transition to a new 850cc four-stroke engine configuration, significantly reducing aerodynamic elements and completely banning the use of ride height adjustment mechanisms.

Despite other manufacturers being tight-lipped about their 2027 development strategies, Ducati's general manager has shared a hint about the timeline for their first prototypes to hit the track.

"Dall'Igna mentioned that they are addressing the matter, speaking ahead of the Barcelona trial concerning the 2027 rules."

"We're exploring fresh concepts at the moment. The work is in progress. Pinning down a timeline is challenging at this stage. Currently, we're in the ideation phase. However, I'm confident that by next year, we'll have something concrete."

Under the new regulatory changes set for 2027, manufacturers without concessions will face a mandatory freeze on engine development at the beginning of the 2025 season.

This places increased focus on Ducati's off-season development efforts for 2025, aiming to maintain its leading status in the championship.

In 2024, Ducati overwhelmingly led the season, securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races and clinching the first four positions in the riders' championship standings.

In response to inquiries about whether Ducati's supremacy could decline before 2027 due to the impending halt in engine development, Dall'Igna stated, "I'm uncertain. The upcoming season is an entirely fresh chapter.

"Thus, the producers currently facing challenges have the opportunity to leap ahead. It's unpredictable."

"Thus, the key is to concentrate on the challenges that need to be addressed and work towards advancing the bike's development as much as we can. This is our responsibility and what we must undertake."

According to the existing concession regulations, Ducati faces the most limitations due to its position in the competitive hierarchy.

In addition to adhering to a halt in engine advancements starting next year, a rule that KTM and Aprilia will also follow, Ducati will also be restricted from entering any wildcard entries and will have a reduced allocation of tires for testing purposes.

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Joan Mir Criticizes Honda MotoGP Test as 'Unproductive': 'Our Expectations Were Much Higher'

The 2020 world champion expressed disappointment over the limited updates during the Barcelona test.

Joan Mir expressed that the Barcelona MotoGP test on Tuesday "wasn't a fruitful day" for either him or Honda, as "all the things we tested were things we had already tested previously."

Last weekend, at the Solidarity Grand Prix, Honda wrapped up its most challenging season in MotoGP history, finishing at the bottom of the constructors' standings with only 75 points.

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Although the company has leveraged its role as a concession manufacturer to advance its RC213V, especially in the final stages of the season with the launch of a new aerodynamic package that enhanced cornering, it remains distant from competing for a podium finish.

During the official testing session following the San Marino Grand Prix, Honda introduced new components, such as aerodynamic upgrades, which contributed to an improvement in their performance.

During the Barcelona test this week, Mir completed 67 laps and finished in 15th place. However, he was disappointed because he believed there was a scarcity of new components to work with.

"I’m not satisfied. Today didn't go well in terms of getting things done," he remarked.

"We attempted strategies we've used previously. We didn't have any new improvements to increase our speed."

"We had been using our usual package along with one from the past that was ineffective."

"You can probably understand that the day didn't go as planned. I'm just hoping that we'll get more updates next week in Jerez."

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether Honda was putting in sufficient effort, he said, "I initially believed so, but in truth, our expectations were significantly higher."

Mir states that Honda informed him that the reason he had no new components to test was due to "the timing; they weren't able to produce it in time."

The world champion from 2020 emphasized that the post-season test is a crucial event of the year, which Honda has now missed as an opportunity to unveil a new motorcycle.

He mentioned that significant moments throughout the year include the Misano test, where they obtained some effective aerodynamics and a new engine setup.

"The final test of the season, whether it takes place in Valencia or, as in this instance, Barcelona, holds significant importance."

"In the past, it was common to spot two bikes from Honda among the manufacturers, and usually, a new bike would also be introduced. We didn't receive it this time. I am hopeful that we will receive it soon."

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Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura felt anxious while riding alongside MotoGP legends during his first test appearance. "I thought I would be more astonished than I actually was," he remarked.

Moto2 world champion Ai Ogura confessed to feeling "nervous" as he participated in his debut test for Trackhouse Racing alongside MotoGP's leading riders on Tuesday at the Barcelona circuit.

In the summer, a Japanese motorcyclist inked a two-year contract with Aprilia's satellite team, paving the way for a move to MotoGP in 2025. This agreement has proven to be an excellent decision, especially after he clinched the Moto2 championship.

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On Tuesday, Ogura participated in the post-Solidarity GP test, marking his first appearance in MotoGP. During this session, he completed 86 laps using the 2024 version of the RS-GP bike.

He concluded the day in 21st place, ranking as the second-best among the three newcomers, despite experiencing a minor mishap at Turn 2 early in the session.

Reflecting on his initial experience riding a MotoGP bike, Ogura expressed, "Naturally, witnessing all these riders on the circuit and the presence of several cameras made me anxious. However, it was something I could handle."

When questioned about the most significant distinction between Moto2 and MotoGP, he emphasized that mastering throttle control to stabilize the bike is the primary challenge he needs to understand.

He mentioned that his primary challenge right now is entering corners.

"The most challenging aspect for me was managing the throttle to ensure the bike remained steady and accelerated smoothly. It feels somewhat different."

"Initially, I need to focus on improving the braking process. This includes everything from the moment I apply the brakes until I start accelerating again. I need to gain a better understanding of this phase, and it's my top priority to address."

Newcomers frequently mention that the strength of MotoGP engines and the effectiveness of carbon brakes are surprising when they transition from Moto2 for the first time.

However, for Ogura, the situation was different. He remarked, "It was fine. I anticipated feeling more astonished, but after a couple of laps, I quickly adapted to the speed."

“There isn’t much of a difference between the steel brakes and the carbon brakes. It doesn't pose any major issues for me.”

Ogura mentioned that he plans to boost his physical training during the winter months to prepare for the transition to MotoGP. Despite this, he did not feel overly fatigued after completing 86 laps on Tuesday.

He mentioned, "I completed 86 laps today, with the longest stretch being approximately 10 laps."

"For this race, I felt fine and didn't have any issues with my physical condition."

"I didn't manage to complete 20 consecutive laps today, so we'll have to wait and see. I'm feeling alright now, but I plan to train more intensely this winter compared to last year."

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Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez top the list for most crashes in the 2024 MotoGP season. Here is the ranking of riders based on the number of falls they experienced throughout the season.

Looking back on his first season in MotoGP, Pedro Acosta found himself thinking about the opportunities missed with 13 races where he failed to score any points.

The newcomer from GASGAS Tech3 outperformed the KTM competitors by achieving the most GP podiums with five, securing four Sprint podiums, earning one Pole position, and leading the race for 13 laps.

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Despite his efforts, he was surpassed by his future teammate Brad Binder for the fifth position in the world championship, with a narrow margin of merely two points.

During the final phase of the year, Acosta commented, "Consider the number of points I missed out on due to crashes in several races. It's significant! If I had finished fifth in each of those events, the points would really add up by the season's end."

"I should remember this as well! When there's no stress, you might be able to go all out, but sometimes it's necessary to ease up a little."

According to the official MotoGP statistics for the 2024 season, Acosta experienced the highest number of crashes, totaling 28 incidents over the course of 20 races. It's important to note that he did not participate in the Australian Grand Prix due to an injury.

"There were numerous errors and challenging times," Acosta reflected on his first year in the top-tier racing class. "Conversely, there were also many positive experiences, battling for wins, making significant progress, and gaining a deeper understanding of MotoGP."

"For this reason, my happiness outweighs my sadness."

The following racer to encounter a crash in the MotoGP circuit was Marc Marquez, who is in his twelfth season. This year, he transitioned from Honda to Ducati and experienced 24 falls.

Last year, Marquez led the list with a record-breaking 29 crashes during his last season with Repsol Honda, which was also the inaugural year for Sprint races. This was achieved even though he was absent for three rounds and missed two additional Sunday races.

Numerous individuals anticipated that Marquez wouldn't need to push the Desmosedici to its absolute limits, unlike the underperforming RCV. This raises the question: why has he experienced so many crashes?

Marquez reflected on the season, noting that he experienced numerous crashes early on, though he asserted that not all of them were due to his own errors.

"However, I did experience a few accidents that puzzled me, which also slightly diminished my confidence. As a result, we had to make another attempt to properly determine the limit."

Despite this, Marquez experienced a fall in just 5 out of the 40 races, including an incident with Francesco Bagnaia in Portimao.

Marquez expressed that what he finds most encouraging is having falls during practice sessions. He emphasized that during the main race, his priority is to remain on the bike, which he considers the most crucial aspect.

"I aim to crash less frequently, but right now, I'm not overly concerned about the number of times it happens."

On the opposite side of the practice-to-race accident comparison was Bagnaia, the current double title holder and future teammate.

Throughout the season, the Italian racer experienced just nine falls, ranking him 17th overall. However, he failed to complete eight races, with one non-finish caused by a technical problem at Le Mans, hindering his pursuit of the championship title.

Ranked third on the list of falls for 2024 was Marc's younger sibling, Alex, who is also part of the Gresini Ducati team. Alex experienced 21 crashes, including an incident with Bagnaia at Aragon.

Jack Miller from Red Bull KTM secured the fourth spot with 20 falls. Meanwhile, his teammate Brad Binder, along with Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez, who rides alongside Acosta, each had 19 falls.

The presence of all four KTMs among the top seven highlights the challenging characteristics of the RC16 this year.

Jorge Martin, the new world champion, experienced 15 crashes while riding his Pramac Ducati, though these incidents occurred over just four races.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Luca Marini, the new Repsol Honda rider, had the fewest crashes of any full-time competitor, with just four falls throughout the entire season.

Leading Yamaha motorcyclist Fabio Quartararo experienced a total of just nine falls.

Zonta VD Goorbergh led the Moto2 crash statistics, while David Almansa and Filippo Farioli were at the top of the Moto3 crash list, each experiencing 18 incidents in the inaugural year of using Pirelli tires.

The MotoGP's official statistics account for crashes that happen during race weekends, excluding those that occur during testing sessions.

List of Riders Who Crashed in the 2024 Moto

*A substitute or temporary rider.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently a key figure in the unfolding narrative of Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Pedro Acosta mentioned that the motorcycle occasionally behaves unpredictably. He added that it's more stable now, which is crucial.

On his inaugural day as a factory MotoGP racer, Pedro Acosta, a newcomer for the 2024 season, concentrated on efforts to 'stabilize' his KTM bike.

The most noticeable changes were related to aerodynamics. The rider, who has finished on the podium five times, tested various fairing designs on his RC16. One of these designs was particularly striking, featuring a very small windscreen.

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Acosta mentioned that he experimented with about four to five different fairings. Meanwhile, Brad Binder concentrated more on the electronic aspects. Acosta expressed satisfaction, noting that reaching conclusions about aerodynamics can often be challenging.

"We experimented with several options, and once I created the rear section and compared it with my usual fairings, the results were favorable."

"The bike feels slightly more stable, which is crucial. You can see how our bike tends to wobble significantly at the end, as shown on TV, and this makes it challenging for traction and other aspects."

In the initial part of the day, Acosta recorded the quickest time before dropping to ninth position, trailing by 0.768 seconds. Meanwhile, his new teammate, Brad Binder, emerged as the fastest KTM rider, securing the sixth spot with a time 0.705 seconds behind the leader.

Acosta went on to explain that they weren't focusing on anything related to rear grip.

The main issue was with the front, as we often do wheelies, causing the bike to shake significantly, especially the handlebars. Occasionally, the bike starts behaving unpredictably.

"We concentrated more on the electronic aspects."

Acosta's upcoming event is scheduled for February at Sepang. What are his expectations for the experience in Malaysia?

He responded by saying, "I want more power, better handling, a bike that’s more stable, improved traction—essentially, I want it all!"

"If we can enhance traction and create a calmer experience, I would be pleased."

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 Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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2025 MotoGP: The Crew Chiefs Behind Each Rider

A complete list of rider and crew chief combinations for the 2025 MotoGP season

The 2025 MotoGP lineup has undergone significant changes, as several riders have either moved to different teams or entered the competition for the first time.

When teams undergo changes, some experience a shift in their crew chief, whereas others remain the same but introduce new trackside technicians into their garages.

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The list below shows the team pairings of crew chiefs and riders for the year 2025.

Ducati's official racing team comprises rider Marc Marquez paired with engineer Marco Rigamonti, and rider Francesco Bagnaia teamed up with engineer Cristian Gabarrini.

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez has joined the factory Ducati team, marking his third change in crew chief over the past three years.

Following his departure from Honda and Santi Hernandez at the close of 2023, Marquez joined forces with Frankie Carchedi at Gresini for the 2024 season. However, his move to the factory Ducati team did not maintain this partnership, as the Italian team decided to team him up with Marco Rigamonti, who was previously Enea Bastianini’s crew chief.

Rigamonti has had past collaborations with Andrea Iannone during their tenure at Ducati and Suzuki, and he also worked alongside Johann Zarco in the Avintia and Pramac Ducati teams.

Gabarrini has served as the crew chief for Francesco Bagnaia during his time as MotoGP champion and has previously collaborated with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

Honda's official racing team includes Joan Mir, who works with Santi Hernandez, and Luca Marini, who is paired with Christian Pupulin.

Following Marc Marquez's departure from Honda to join Gresini Ducati at the conclusion of the previous year, Joan Mir assumed responsibility for his crew chief, Hernandez.

Luca Marini has a new crew chief, with Christian Pupulin stepping in to take over from Giacomo Guidotti. Guidotti has moved to Pramac to join Jack Miller's team, whereas Pupulin has prior experience working with the Australian rider at KTM.

Aprilia Racing Team

Jorge Martin – Daniele Romagnoli

Marco Bezzecchi – Francesco Venturato

Newly crowned MotoGP champion Jorge Martin is joining the factory Aprilia team, and he will be accompanied by Daniele Romagnoli, who comes with him from Pramac.

Marco Bezzecchi has moved on from working with Matteo Flamigni at VR46 and has now teamed up with Francesco Venturato at Aprilia. Venturato was the performance engineer for Maverick Vinales earlier this year.

KTM's official racing team features Pedro Acosta, with Paul Trevathan, and Brad Binder, alongside Andres Madrid.

Pedro Acosta, although new to the factory KTM team, arrives with his crew chief, Paul Trevathan, who previously worked with him at Tech 3. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continues his partnership with Andrea Madrid.

Gresini

Fermin Aldeguer collaborates with Frankie Carchedi, while Alex Marquez teams up with Donatello Giovanotti.

First-year MotoGP rider Aldeguer is teaming up with Frankie Carchedi, who was previously the crew chief for Marc Marquez, for this season. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will maintain his collaboration with Donatello Giovanotti.

Yamaha Racing Team

Fabio Quartararo – Diego Gubellini

Alex Rins – David Munoz

Fabio Quartararo continues his collaboration with Diego Gubellini, his crew chief since he first entered MotoGP in 2019. Meanwhile, David Munoz, who previously worked with Valentino Rossi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, joins forces with Alex Rins, stepping in for Patrick Primmer.

VR46 Team

Franco Morbidelli – Matteo Flamigni

Fabio Di Giannantonio – Massimo Branchini

Veteran mechanic Matteo Flamigni, who has worked with Valentino Rossi and previously served as crew chief for Marco Bezzecchi, is teaming up with Franco Morbidelli for his transition to the VR46 team. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio is set to work with Massimo Branchini, marking his fourth crew chief collaboration in as many years.

In 2024, Branchini held the position of crew chief for Morbidelli at Pramac.

Tech3 Team

Enea Bastianini – Crew Chief Alberto Giribuola

Maverick Vinales – Crew Chief Manuel Cazeaux

Next year, Enea Bastianini will join the Tech3 KTM team, reuniting with Alberto Giribuola, who previously served as his crew chief in 2022 at Gresini.

Maverick Vinales has taken Manu Cazeaux along from Aprilia.

Pramac

Miguel Oliveira – Luca Ferracioli

Jack Miller – Giacomo Guidotti

Pramac has introduced an entirely new team for its first appearance with Yamaha in 2025, which includes the addition of two new crew chiefs. Miguel Oliveira will collaborate with Luca Ferracioli, who previously teamed up with Luca Marini during his debut season in 2021.

Giacomo Guidotti will part ways with Honda to join Jack Miller's team next year.

Trackhouse

Raul Fernandez – Noe Herrera

Ai Ogura – Giovanni Mattarollo

New MotoGP entrant Ai Ogura is set to collaborate with Giovanni Mattarollo, who previously served as the crew chief for Miguel Oliveira. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez will maintain his partnership with Noe Herrera.

LCR

Johann Zarco – David Garcia Somkiat Chantra – Klaus Nohles

Johann Zarco will continue working alongside David Garcia in his second year at LCR Honda. Meanwhile, MotoGP newcomer Somkiat Chantra is teaming up with Klaus Nohles, who was previously the crew chief for Takaaki Nakagami.

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Franco Morbidelli on his VR46 debut: "There's something special here"

"We possess something extraordinary, and it's crucial we make the most of it"

Franco Morbidelli is enthusiastic about taking advantage of his special bond with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team for the 2025 season.

The Italian rider, who became the VR46 Academy's first world champion in Moto2 in 2017 and later won a MotoGP race in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac team.

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In addition to being in a known environment, Morbidelli is among the select riders who will retain the same model of motorcycle in 2025.

This year, Morbidelli rode a factory Desmosedici GP24 for Pramac, the same bike that his teammate Jorge Martin used to clinch the championship. However, Morbidelli missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha racer, who previously finished as a title runner-up, secured a podium finish in the Sprint race at Misano, claimed fourth place at the Indonesian Grand Prix, and ended up ninth in the overall rankings.

During the Barcelona test on Tuesday, he made his first appearance with Pertamina VR46, finishing in seventh place, just 0.762 seconds behind.

"Morbidelli mentioned that today was crucial for familiarizing himself with the colleagues he will collaborate with in the coming year."

This encompasses Matteo Flamigni, who once served as Marco Bezzecchi's crew chief and was previously Valentino Rossi's electronics engineer.

"I have been acquainted with numerous team members for several years, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to collaborate with them," stated Morbidelli.

"I've admired Matteo since I was young; he made a name for himself with Vale as his electronics engineer, and we got along well."

Morbidelli expressed his respect for everyone in the team, highlighting the strong bonds and mutual understanding they share. He believes this unique connection is something special that should be utilized effectively.

"It's essential to utilize it to quickly establish connections and relationships in order to accomplish our goals."

The debut on Tuesday went smoothly according to expectations.

Morbidelli described the first day as excellent. He mentioned making adjustments to the bike to gain insights and enhance the understanding between him and his team.

"That will be the key factor next year. As we deepen our understanding of one another during these challenging times, our performance and responses during race weekends will improve."

"I enjoy the environment here; it has all the necessary elements for success. We put in a lot of effort, and I decided against using the soft tire at the end because the temperature was too low to enhance our lap time. All in all, it was an excellent beginning."

What about the unique types of leather?

"Lovely. I'm eager to see additional pictures as they were quite enjoyable."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is on the same team as Morbidelli, was unable to participate in the test because he recently underwent surgery on his shoulder.

For two decades, Peter has been a prominent figure in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. Currently, he is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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Honda's MotoGP Test Results: Why Zarco Isn't Worried Despite 'Not Very Positive' Steps

LCR Racer Shares Thoughts on Barcelona MotoGP Testing

Johann Zarco expressed that his experience with the 2025 Honda during the post-season MotoGP test in Barcelona was "not very positive." However, he remains calm and is "not getting stressed" over it.

Joan Mir, a rider for the Honda factory team, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Japanese brand for not introducing new components during Tuesday's test in Barcelona.

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The 2020 world champion mentioned that all the components he experimented with for 2025 were advancements he had already tested earlier this year. He anticipated having additional new parts.

After completing 65 laps, Zarco secured the 10th position overall in the test and emerged as the fastest HRC rider. However, he was also dissatisfied with the progress of the bike he tested.

"We tried out a different bike, but the results weren't very promising," he started by saying.

The information suggests that it might be wise to avoid pursuing this path in February. When I switched from my current race bike to the new model, I focused on refining my riding technique and aimed to make the most efficient use of the bike.

"I had a great time today as I focused on short, high-quality runs, which was really enjoyable. We experimented with various approaches that resulted in some positive experiences."

Overall, the day was favorable, but in terms of Honda's goals for the upcoming year, it's necessary to hold a meeting to evaluate the situation and decide whether to continue pursuing the direction taken today.

"I believe they won't take that step. Overall, when we compare it to the other motorcycles, we've noticed enhancements in our engine."

"This is crucial since our bike isn't the quickest. Having power is essential to compete effectively on straight sections and secure advantageous positions for overtaking during braking."

"The vulnerable aspect of our bicycle is the control of the rear grip."

"We have yet to discover anything that would allow us to make progress. This grip control could aid in speeding up, but it might also assist in improving the braking section, which is currently our main weakness."

Zarco experimented with a new chassis among other modifications, but he mentioned that it diminished the strengths of the RC213V and failed to address its traction issues.

However, he remains calm and is not panicking because he believes that experimenting with something unsuccessful can still benefit Honda.

"I believe it was about focusing on the good aspects," he mentioned.

"Our vulnerable area remained unchanged, which is significant. That's the reason I'm not overly concerned, as our pace wasn't substantially reduced."

"Since our speed is still not on par with a Ducati, our upcoming measures need to enhance our lap time."

"For me, it was a productive day because we completed numerous strong laps, and I felt good focusing on improving myself."

"We conducted tests in various parts of the bike, received positive feedback, and gathered crucial information that will be analyzed over the winter."

"It's not an entirely new initiative, but the changes they introduced were not very beneficial for the riders."

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The overlooked standout performer at the 2024 Barcelona MotoGP testing event

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, Crash.net provides an analysis of the post-season test held in Barcelona.

Earlier this week, the 2024 MotoGP post-season test in Barcelona saw several significant modifications on the grid.

As everyone focused on new world champion Jorge Martin taking his initial spin on the Aprilia and Marc Marquez making his debut in the factory Ducati garage, another rider made a notable impression during his first experience with the KTM, albeit with less fanfare.

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Maverick Vinales transitioned from Aprilia to join KTM's Tech3 team for the 2025 season. He delivered a noteworthy performance by finishing 12th, positioning himself between the official RS-GP bikes as he adapted to the RC16.

In the latest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the hosts talk about Vinales' first impressions of the bike and analyze what insights can be gathered from his debut test ride on the KTM.

"Vinales found the transition to Aprilia intriguing and quickly developed an appreciation for the engine's power," stated Peter McLaren, Editor at Crash MotoGP.

"He likely had the highest top speed during the test. He also really enjoyed the starts; the KTM's starting performance is arguably the best in MotoGP, possibly even faster than Ducati's."

He thoroughly enjoyed that experience. He expressed some uncertainty regarding the high-speed turns, areas where the Aprilia excelled, but he mentioned that it felt quite good overall.

"At the beginning stages, you need to tread carefully regarding grip levels during testing, particularly if you're a manufacturer struggling with grip issues. Most of these factories are on the hunt for improved grip or traction in some form."

"It's important to exercise caution when forming conclusions from a Tuesday test, especially when there's already been a full day of racing on the track. However, Vinales mentioned that his initial reaction was very favorable."

Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager at Crash, commented, "He seemed very self-assured and appeared to be a perfect match."

Maverick possesses a flair that allows him to appear impressive on any motorcycle he rides. Whether it was the Suzuki, Yamaha, or Aprilia, he consistently looked great.

"It seems he's a valuable asset due to his extensive experience. Despite being tagged as unreliable, with unpredictable weekly performance, he's still regarded as a good person to have around."

"I previously mentioned that there will be a weekend next year when he will be competing for a victory."

In the words of Crash's senior journalist, Lewis Duncan, during the debrief he described it as "natural."

"I haven't seen Maverick so joyful in quite a while. He was genuinely delighted with the motorcycle and appreciates everything about it. Maverick believes he is the top starter in MotoGP, at least from the data he's reviewed, and he was amazed by the capabilities of the KTM."

"He is evidently thrilled about the transition to KTM. He has always been eager to try out the bike, and now that he has, it seems he's quite enthusiastic about the future."

"Clearly, we have to be somewhat skeptical about Maverick's statements at times. Over the weekend, he admitted that he still can't quite grasp why the Americas GP and Portugal weekends were so exceptional, as these events were unusual compared to others."

"Is the success due to him or the bike? Considering Aprilia's performance after that moment, which later declined, it's challenging to determine. This is Maverick's main issue."

"He seems to be overly sensitive. When everything is ideal, his performance is outstanding. However, if conditions aren't perfect, his performance drastically declines. This issue has been noticeable with the KTMs this season."

"When they're performing well, they're leading the pack. However, when they're not at their best, like during last weekend's qualifying, Acosta made it to Q2, but the following KTM rider only placed 18th."

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Ducati aims for a 2025 test run of its MotoGP prototype planned for 2027

Gigi Dall'Igna provides insights into the potential debut timing of Ducati's 2027 model

Gigi Dall’Igna anticipates that the first version of Ducati's 2027 MotoGP prototype will make its track debut "next year".

In the 2027 season, MotoGP motorcycles will experience their most significant transformation in design since the 1000cc engines were introduced in 2012.

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MotoGP is set to transition to an 850cc four-stroke engine format, eliminating aerodynamics and completely banning ride height systems.

Although all manufacturers are being secretive about their development plans for 2027, Ducati's general manager has provided a hint regarding when he anticipates the brand's first prototypes will be tested on the track.

"We are addressing it," Dall’Igna mentioned before the Barcelona test concerning the rules for 2027.

"We're exploring some fresh concepts and are actively engaged in the process. It's challenging to determine a specific timeline at the moment. Currently, we have just the concepts. However, I'm confident that something will materialize by next year."

Beginning with the 2025 season, manufacturers without concessions will be required to halt engine development due to new regulations set to take effect in 2027.

This will place additional focus on Ducati's off-season progress for 2025, as the company aims to maintain its leading status in the championship standings.

In 2024, Ducati showcased their supremacy by winning 19 out of 20 grand prix races and securing the first four positions in the riders' championship standings.

When questioned about whether the upcoming halt on engine development might affect Ducati's dominance before 2027, Dall’Igna responded: "I'm not sure. The new season is like starting a brand-new chapter."

"The producers facing difficulties at the moment might be able to leap ahead. It's unpredictable."

"You need to concentrate on addressing the issues at hand and work on improving the bike to the fullest extent. This is our responsibility and what we must accomplish."

According to the existing concession regulations, Ducati faces the most stringent limitations because of its position in the competitive hierarchy.

In addition to the engine development freeze that will take effect next year, which KTM and Aprilia are also set to follow, Ducati faces restrictions on fielding wildcard entries and will have a reduced number of tires available for testing.

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2024 Official Barcelona MotoGP Test – Final Standings

Conclusive lap results from the official MotoGP test on Tuesday, held post-race in Barcelona, Spain.

X Rider has climbed X spots since the last hour.

Rider maintains the same position as the last hour.

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X Rider has dropped X places since the last hour.

* Newcom

Documented Achievements of Barcelona's MotoGP

Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro clocked at 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time in the race: Pedro Acosta clocked at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday for an official day of testing with their teams for the 2025 season.

The trial marked the first appearance of freshly crowned world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, alongside Marc Marquez who joined Ducati Lenovo. Pedro Acosta made his debut with Red Bull KTM, while Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were seen with Tech3 KTM. Franco Morbidelli took to the track with VR46, and the newly unveiled Pramac Yamaha team featured Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, it was the inaugural MotoGP run for Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR).

During his first outing on the GP24, Gresini's Alex Marquez topped the charts for the majority of the day, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the later part of the afternoon.

Former Ducati title-holder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo momentarily eclipsed Marquez in speed, until the #73 made a comeback.

Champion Martin managed to lower his shoulder, followed by a thumbs-up gesture and a beaming smile, following his initial laps with Aprilia. Subsequently, Martin experienced his first tumble on the RS-GP, during an attempt to keep up with his close pal Aleix Espargaro, at the fifth turn.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while decelerating for the same turn shortly after 3pm, resulting in significant damage to his RC16. Martin indicated that red flags were necessary to remove debris from the circuit, leading to a halt in the session shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to sixth place in his initial attempts wearing the factory red colors, but later fell out of the top ten.

The eight-time world champion increased his speed to end just slightly behind Bagnaia in fourth position during his last lap, humorously gesturing with a middle finger to his old Gresini team as he made his way back to the factory pits.

First-time MotoGP riders Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced falls in their debut but managed to escape unharmed, while Luca Marini was visibly upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

During a practice start, following the completion of a testing session, Aldeguer shattered his Ducati's screen by hitting it with his helmet!

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

Several cyclists were once more experimenting with the use of radio communication systems integrated into their helmets.

Trials were conducted between 10 am and 5 pm in the local time zone. The following sanctioned MotoGP trials are scheduled for February in Sepang.

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday to engage in a day of formal trials with their 2025 squads.

The trial run showcases the inaugural appearances of world champion Jorge Martin alongside Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, Marc Marquez joining Ducati Lenovo, Pedro Acosta stepping into Red Bull KTM, with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales teaming up at Tech3 KTM. Additionally, Franco Morbidelli will be seen at VR46, alongside the fresh Pramac Yamaha initiative featuring Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Moreover, this event marks the first MotoGP rounds for Ai Ogura with Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra joining LCR.

Throughout the day, Alex Marquez of Gresini topped the charts during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the middle of the afternoon.

Ducati's departing titleholder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, alongside Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, were momentarily faster than Marquez, until he made a comeback with the #73.

After completing his initial laps on the Aprilia, world champion Martin expressed his satisfaction with a thumbs up and a beaming smile. However, Martin experienced his first fall on the RS-GP while pursuing his close pal, Aleix Espargaro, at Turn 5.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while braking for the same turn just after 3pm, resulting in his RC16 being completely wrecked. Martin alerted that red flags should be deployed to remove debris from the circuit, leading to the session being halted shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to the sixth position early on while riding in factory red colors, but then dropped out of the top ten. Later in the day, he increased his speed in the afternoon sessions.

Newcomers Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced their initial crashes in MotoGP unscathed, while Luca Marini was notably upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro has embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

The testing session is scheduled from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, based on the local time zone. Following this session, there won't be any sanctioned MotoGP tests until the upcoming February in

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's also leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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