KTM's latest MotoGP team leader adopts a "straight talk policy"

"He's incredibly direct and approachable"

Brad Binder has expressed his approval of Aki Ajo taking on the role of team manager for KTM's MotoGP factory racing squad, appreciating the Finn's straightforward approach.

Ajo has been closely linked with managing KTM's official teams in both the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, nurturing talents such as Marc Marquez, Binder, and Pedro Acosta, who progressed through his squads before advancing to MotoGP.

Binder secured the Moto3 championship in 2016 with Ajo Motorsport and was a contender for the title in Moto2 with the team from Finland before making his MotoGP debut in 2020.

Discover further: Amidst internal turmoil, KTM's MotoGP initiative remains steadfast.

Binder is thrilled about Ajo stepping in as the new team manager for the factory squad in 2025, taking over from Francesco Guidotti. He admires Ajo's straightforward and direct management style.

"Truthfully, having Aki as a teammate is quite amazing for me since, as you know, we've already shared a few years together in both Moto3 and Moto2," Binder expressed after KTM's 2025 unveiling event.

"I'm quite fond of his unique approach to doing things."

In my experience, he's incredibly direct and approachable, always open for a conversation whether it's about something you believe is correct or incorrect, or just to discuss current situations.

"Aki always has a straightforward approach, ensuring that whatever he communicates is honest and genuine. It's going to be awesome, and I'm really excited about it."

Binder concluded the 2024 season in the sixth position overall, emerging as the leading KTM competitor, despite achieving just two podium finishes, both during the season's first race in Qatar.

The individual from South Africa mentioned that when faced with challenges, his instinct was to increase his efforts, yet he recognizes the importance of altering this strategy by the year 2025.

"Binder mentioned, 'In my career, there have been several instances where my desires exceeded what I actually received at those moments.'"

"Whenever I encounter obstacles, my immediate response is to put in more effort."

"Clearly, putting in more effort last year didn't yield the desired results, as it seemed I spent more time falling off than actually riding the bike at the start of the year."

"Indeed, it was quite an educational journey for me, definitely, and now I've gained a much better grasp on how to manage situations when they don't unfold as favorably as I'd anticipated."

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Jack Miller: Yamaha's Comprehensive Approach to 2025 MotoGP Bike

Australian Commends Yamaha's Off-Season Efforts in Preparation for Upcoming Season

Jack Miller mentions that Yamaha is thoroughly exploring every possibility in the development of their 2025 MotoGP motorcycle as the pre-season trials kick off.

The Australian is making a comeback to Pramac in 2025 following a challenging two-year stint with KTM's main team and will be handling Yamaha equipment for the first time ever in his professional journey.

Miller, who was already seen on the Sepang circuit earlier this week during the shakedown, is joining the Yamaha team while it's in a phase of development. However, he expresses confidence in the efforts the engineering team has put in throughout the offseason.

"He conveyed to Sport TV his conviction that the team has dedicated immense effort, starting from our Barcelona test at the previous season's conclusion up to our current status."

"I'm convinced we're in the phase of construction, which definitely means we're facing many days of diligent effort ahead."

"Thankfully, we have additional days for testing and a plentiful supply of parts from Yamaha."

"They are exhausting every option in their efforts to restore the M1 to its leading position."

Miller expresses that it's a tremendous privilege to ride for Yamaha, a brand he admired since his childhood. He's also eager to repay the faith of those who have gambled on his potential.

Last year, there was a moment when it seemed Miller's career in MotoGP was coming to an end, until an opportunity arose with the Pramac team during the summer.

"He expressed his anticipation."

"Facing a fresh challenge in mastering a new motorcycle."

"Therefore, I'm eagerly anticipating this opportunity, and truly, rejoining the Pramac team gives me a sense of returning home, it's very inviting."

"Eager to honor the confidence and risks that others have placed in me."

Collaborating with Yamaha brings me immense joy. Given its status as a colossal enterprise, I've always admired it from a young age. Now, having the opportunity to pilot the M1 is an incredible privilege for me.

"I am excited about playing a minor role in Yamaha's future achievements."

The initial formal pre-season trial kicks off this week, spanning from February 5th to 7th in Malaysia, followed by two concluding days of testing in Thailand on February 12th and 13th.

As a manufacturer with concession privileges, Yamaha will have the liberty to conduct tests throughout the season using its racing team riders.

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What a MotoGP Rider Must Avoid at All Costs During Bike Switches

"It's Both a Technical and Psychological Challenge"

Miguel Oliveira has shared insights on the mistakes to avoid while adjusting to a new MotoGP motorcycle, something he'll be experiencing in 2025 as he transitions to Pramac Yamaha.

In 2025, Oliveira will team up with Pramac for their debut season as Yamaha's secondary team after a two-year stint riding an Aprilia with RNF and subsequently, Trackhouse Racing.

After spending a day testing the M1 in Barcelona last November, Oliveira is set to return to the track this week at Sepang for pre-season testing to further his understanding of the Yamaha.

After transitioning from riding a KTM to an Aprilia in 2023, Oliveira shared with Crash.net the mistakes riders should avoid when getting accustomed to a different motorcycle.

He mentioned, "I would say it's not just about the technical aspects, but there's a significant mental component too. It's important not to fall into the trap of attempting to recreate past successes."

"Psychologically, this can lead you into a situation where you're chasing an unattainable sensation with the new bicycle."

"Thus, there are moments when it's essential to compromise by altering your approach to riding, rather than attempting to adjust the motorcycle to better suit you."

"In my opinion, if the bicycle limits your abilities, it's essential to acquire new skills and investigate the bicycle's boundaries in specific aspects to fully utilize its potential."

Oliveira has expressed astonishment at the exceptional front-end performance of the M1 Yamaha, noting it to be significantly better than that of the Aprilia, despite his brief experience with the Yamaha thus far.

"He emphasized how, as commonly discussed, the Yamaha's turning capability was truly impressive and enjoyable."

"Strong, dependable, steady front, which was fine. That actually caught me off guard because I believed my bike's front was excellent and it maneuvered quite smoothly.

"And this particular instance was rather unexpected."

"We recognize that there's significant scope for enhancement, particularly in terms of acceleration and deceleration points."

"However, I believe it's heading towards a positive path. We're going to try out the latest Yamaha model here, which is quite an advancement from what I experienced in Barcelona, I suppose."

Remarks shared by Crash MotoGP Correspondent Peter McLaren

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Marc Marquez reveals his top priority for the Sepang testing session

Marc Marquez set to evaluate the GP25 during preseason trials

Marc Marquez has stated that his primary objective during the Sepang MotoGP pre-season testing is "to attempt to gain insights from" his factory Ducati teammate, Francesco Bagnaia.

Following a successful revival of his paused career with the Gresini team last year, Marquez will rejoin a factory team in 2025, partnering with two-time premier class champion Bagnaia at the official Ducati squad.

Throughout the winter, discussions have centered around a possible rift between the two. However, Marquez mentions that during the pre-season tests, he will still look to Bagnaia as a point of reference because "he is knowledgeable about many aspects."

"Absolutely, I'm eager

"There's a crucial task before us at the Malaysia test, particularly as we aim to select the right path. It's essential to collaborate with Pecco and the entire team to establish the optimal foundation."

"In just over a week, we will undergo five days of testing, so it's crucial for us to stay focused."

"Currently, I've only participated in a single test session in Barcelona, and our feedback is roughly identical."

"This was crucial and simplified things for the engineers. However, after that, Ducati had everything it needed to tailor the bike to suit all the riders."

"However, if a bike is functioning properly, it means the control is entirely yours."

"Currently, my goal is to thoroughly grasp the situation and gain insights from Pecco, as he has spent many years in this garage and possesses a wealth of knowledge."

"From then on, gradually increase your speed on the track."

Marc Marquez expressed confidence that he would feel improved following the initial race. In the realm of MotoGP, Bagnaia has spent his entire career riding for Ducati and has now achieved the status of being the most successful rider for the brand in terms of statistics.

Marquez hasn't spent much time with his new Ducati team yet, but during the team's launch event in Italy last month, he mentioned that he has started to become more familiar with his crew.

"Certainly, I'm feeling good now, but I'll be more assured after the initial test and even more so following the first race as I aim to grasp how they operate," he remarked regarding the team's dynamics.

"It's somewhat unusual, and I need to adjust to this type of work."

"At that moment, I began to get acquainted with the team members. In Madonna di Campiglio, I was already familiar with the top executives, but now I'm starting to connect more with the mechanics, particularly Marco Rigamonti, who is set to become my lead engineer."

"Therefore, it's crucial to grasp what is required for us to achieve speed on the race track, as that is the key priority."

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New entrants in MotoGP face a myriad of challenges to tackle – will they manage?

Novices share insights from their initial experience at the Sepang trial run

Three newcomers to MotoGP are steadily becoming acquainted with their new bikes.

Trackhouse Aprilia's Ai Ogura, Gresini Ducati's Fermin Aldeguer, and LCR Honda's Somkiat Chantra comprise the set of three newcomers joining the top tier in 2025.

They wrapped up the three-day trial run in Sepang ahead of most of their competitors making their way back to the circuit this week for the sanctioned testing session.

The expectation for newcomers to immediately excel is set to intensify shortly.

Trackhouse's Ogura commented, "The season kicked off well for us. We put in solid work throughout all three days.

"At present, anything that happens is seen as a good sign."

Ogura mentioned regarding the formal trial this week, "I've barely spent time on a MotoGP motorcycle. There's a multitude of aspects to enhance!

As of now, I don't see any specific areas that need enhancement.

"Round after round, throughout each practice, I focus on enhancing the motorcycle. Our aim is to reach the pinnacle."

Aldeguer, who stepped in for Marc Marquez at Gresini, remarked, "I felt comfortable during the shakedown test, although the initial day was challenging."

"It was an intense physical experience!"

We progressed steadily, making significant improvements with each lap. We've managed to achieve a commendable time, which is crucial. Our continuous efforts are already yielding positive results.

"I've managed to cut down my time by two seconds. However, the focus isn't solely on the clock. We must maintain our composure and strive for enhancement alongside elite riders and under more favorable conditions."

"MotoGP motorcycles present a greater challenge compared to those in Moto2. Additionally, their races span a longer duration."

I need to keep improving my fitness level to make it to Thailand.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash MotoGP (@crashmotogp_)

Chantra, stepping into MotoGP with the least competitive motorcycle, remarked, "During the shakedown, I spent two days. On the first day, our focus was on getting a feel for the motorcycle's performance. It was a beneficial day for me to experience the new bike.

"I attempted to understand the bike's operation and its electronic systems, which was a departure from the Barcelona trial."

"On the subsequent day, we conducted an alternative examination and enhanced our circuit time."

"Yet, I remain at a distance."

Chantra explained his improvement strategy, stating, "Upon reviewing Taka's data and comparing it with my own, I realized I was significantly behind in Sectors 1, 2, and 3, although I performed well in Sector 4."

"My speed significantly decreased around the bends. In the areas where you stop and then accelerate again, the experience was much the same."

The three newcomers are set to unite with the rest of the MotoGP competitors for a three-day trial at Sepang, scheduled for February 5-7 this week.

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Pecco Bagnaia informs Marc Marquez: “Our collaboration will continue until…”

“We both understand the significance of this moment because we are intelligent individuals."

Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has expressed his intention to collaborate with Marc Marquez throughout the testing phase to prepare the GP25 for the upcoming season's initial race.

After Marquez was revealed to be joining the factory Ducati team as Bagnaia’s teammate for the 2025 season, the two have continued to keep a friendly relationship.

Before reaching that stage, there were significant on-track incidents, with the most prominent being their collision at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Throughout the winter, discussions have centered on the anticipated rivalry between the duo as they are predicted to compete for the championship title.

Bagnaia emphasized that both of them need to collaborate during winter testing to optimize the GP25 for the season opener in Thailand later this month.

As the sun goes down in Sepang, Malaysia, Ducati's team works on Pecco Bagnaia's bike. #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/wmy1CUE67B— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 4, 2025

He mentioned that at the moment, it's acceptable for us to be satisfied with the current arrangement.

"In Barcelona, our requests and emotions were aligned, so I believe we don't require much variation."

"My approach will remain consistent, and his approach will be unchanged as well."

"We will collaborate up until the initial race."

"We're intelligent individuals who understand the significance of this moment."

"The relationship between teammates is typical, and it should be this way because mutual respect is the most important aspect."

Bagnaia commends Ducati ahead of Sepang

Bagnaia appreciates Ducati's efforts, stating that the company has performed "exceptionally well" in providing the updates to the GP25 that both riders asked for after the test in Barcelona last November.

He mentioned, "In my opinion, regarding the requests Marc and I made, they performed exceptionally well."

"The agreement was challenging to reach because the hybrid bicycle we evaluated in Barcelona performed excellently on straight paths, but it lacked in other aspects."

"I am fully aware of the effort they put in to bring us joy, and I believe they succeeded."

"Let's wait for tomorrow. We have many activities to explore and numerous tasks to accomplish."

"I am genuinely wishing for dry weather since there will be three consecutive days dedicated to testing."

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Valentino Rossi offers Pecco Bagnaia three pieces of advice to counter Marc Marquez

The iconic MotoGP racer was well-known for his intense competition with Marquez

Valentino Rossi has advised Francesco Bagnaia to stay cautious and avoid pitfalls while competing against Marc Marquez, his new Ducati MotoGP teammate, in 2025.

Marquez joins the factory Ducati team alongside two-time world champion Bagnaia this year, having turned down a factory bike offer from the Pramac team.

Bagnaia and Marquez experienced multiple intense moments during races last season, with their most significant incident being a crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix. This incident resulted in a heated confrontation near the stewards' office.

Discover further: Exploring Valentino Rossi's journey towards securing his tenth world championship

Rossi harbors a deep-seated animosity towards Marquez, a conflict that began in 2015, stemming from Rossi's conviction that Marquez intentionally undermined his bid for the championship.

Rossi continues to embrace this conviction, which he brought to public attention again last year while being a guest on the podcast of ex-Moto3 competitor Andrea Migno.

In a recent conversation with Corriere della Serra, Rossi was queried about the three pieces of advice he would offer his protégé to get ready for a direct competition with Marquez in 2025.

"Some days you need to secure a victory, while on others, it's about accumulating points," he remarked.

Last year, he didn't manage to achieve that, otherwise he would have secured his third world championship as well.

"Avoid getting caught in manipulations or psychological tricks, and resist being influenced or controlled by your colleague."

"In contests of skill, enjoy yourself and attempt the unimaginable."

Bagnaia fell short of securing his third championship title by a margin of 10 points last season, losing to his Pramac Ducati competitor Jorge Martin. His bid for the championship was adversely affected by failing to score in eight races throughout the season.

Throughout his time in MotoGP, Rossi had several notable competitors, including Sete Gibernau, Max Biaggi, and Jorge Lorenzo.

Regarding these competitions, Rossi mentioned, "Competing against them brings about an intense competitive animosity."

"However, when you pause, admiration continues for those who experienced feelings and strains alongside you."

"When I encounter Stoner, it's the same feeling. Seeing Gibernau or Lorenzo again brings me joy; adversaries who always maintained a level of aggression without crossing the line."

During the winter season, Rossi extended an invitation to Stoner to spend a day riding at his VR46 Ranch located in Tavullia.

The individual who has clinched the grand prix championship nine times is set to commence his second complete season in the World Endurance Championship, competing in the LMGT3 category with WRT BMW this year.

Before this event, Rossi had previously begun his car racing season with an impressive second-place finish at the Bathurst 12 Hour the previous weekend.

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Anticipation builds around Marc Marquez’s Ducati aerodynamics at Sepang trial

This week's 2025 Sepang pre-season trial is discussed in the team's preview on the Crash MotoGP Podcast

The excitement of MotoGP racing returns in 2025 with the season's inaugural official pre-season test scheduled in Malaysia from February 5th to 7th.

A handful of rookies and seasoned riders with concessions have already hit the track at Sepang for preliminary runs, but this week, the full lineup for the 2025 season will gather in Malaysia for their initial group session since November 19.

The upcoming pre-season is packed with excitement, featuring notable changes among riders, the introduction of three newcomers, and the collective effort to bridge the gap with Ducati's lead.

Get the MotoGP Crash Podcast here

In this week's episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, with Jordan Moreland at the helm, the crew offers a glimpse into what's anticipated for the upcoming test.

Nonetheless, it's important to temper expectations regarding certain aspects.

Ducati has captured attention with minor aerodynamic adjustments during the shakedown, yet Crash Senior Journalist Lewis Duncan anticipates no significant aerodynamic changes for the Italian marque in the near future.

"Gigi Dall'Igna is known for having a trick or two up his sleeve, and my guess is that we might not witness any significant alterations to the fairing until Buriram," he commented.

Historically, Gigi has a tendency to unveil new developments during the last trial, a strategy that catches competing teams off-guard, leaving them with insufficient time to respond or adapt swiftly.

All eyes will be on the Ducati team's pit area to observe the updates they've implemented. It's acknowledged that the new frame they experimented with previously has already shown to be a beneficial development.

"Thus, if you add that into the mix of what they've already got, coupled with some fine-tuning, Ducati will become a formidable opponent to overcome."

It's fascinating to observe Ducati's moves. In my view, the aerodynamic modifications observed are merely an appetizer. I believe that the aerodynamic enhancements hinted at by Dall’Igna are yet to be fully unveiled.

"Ducati has consistently made bold alterations to numerous elements throughout the years, as this might be their final opportunity to implement such changes."

"It's likely that this will be the final significant update in aerodynamics, as it's difficult to envision that they would allocate a substantial development budget to aspects that are expected to be drastically reduced by 2027."

"In what seems to be the final iteration of the aero generation, it appears Gigi has crafted something particularly remarkable."

Will Yamaha Unveil a V4 at Sepang?

The development of Yamaha will be under keen observation this off-season, however, according to Crash MotoGP's Editor Peter McLaren, the V4 won't make an appearance this week.

"McLaren mentions, they've received information about its development and are eager to find out when it will make its debut on the race track."

We had speculated that it might occur during this trial. The unveiling of the Yamaha was scheduled for the first evening of the initial shakedown.

On the first day, only Andrea Dovizioso had the opportunity to test ride the two Yamaha motorcycles, which closely resembled the existing model equipped with an inline-four engine.

"One could clearly observe, in addition to hearing a distinct difference, in the case of a V4. This is why Yamaha has maintained a level of openness regarding it."

"In my recent conversation with Paolo Pavesio, the successor to Lin Jarvis, he candidly confirmed the existence of the V4, although he mentioned that it's not yet prepared for track debut."

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Dani Pedrosa unexpectedly changes gear supplier

KTM test rider's unnoticed move during Shakedown

Dani Pedrosa appeared somewhat altered from what was anticipated during the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test.

Pedrosa stepped out from the KTM workshop on the first day of testing his company's motorcycles, sporting gear from a different brand.

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For the first time since 2006, he donned Dainese gear.

Switching from Alpinestars attire marks a significant change. Not long before, while practicing with Pedro Acosta, Pedrosa was outfitted in Alpinestars equipment.

His subtly altered appearance was among a handful of low-key incidents during the off-air rehearsal.

Pedrosa was actively engaged as a test rider for KTM, working alongside Pol Espargaro.

The rider with the highest achievements in MotoGP history who has yet to secure a championship title continues to be highly regarded by his contemporaries for his skill in bike development and his prowess on the race track.

In the previous year, Pedrosa participated exclusively in the Spanish MotoGP, where his competing racers remarked on the veteran's maintained prowess.

His real contribution to KTM lies in refining their motorcycle. Serving on their testing squad, he hit the racetrack during the initial shakedown, just before the usual MotoGP competitors are back this week for the official MotoGP test.

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EXCLUSIVE – Aki Ajo Discusses KTM's Intense Shakedown: "A Lot of Innovations"

"We're truly pleased with the progress made in the production"

Aki Ajo, the newly appointed team manager for Red Bull KTM's MotoGP squad, mentioned that the Austrian team successfully achieved its off-season development goals, introducing "numerous innovations" during the intense Sepang Shakedown trials.

The future of the RC16's development is uncertain because of the financial instability currently affecting KTM.

However, test riders from the factory, Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, spent all three days of the Shakedown on the circuit, evaluating several new components (including the rear seat unit and exhaust system) as well as other enhancements not immediately apparent.

"Absolutely," Ajo confirmed in a conversation with Crash.net, responding affirmatively to inquiries about whether winter development proceeded normally notwithstanding KTM's ongoing financial struggles.

"We're truly pleased with the progress made at the plant over the recent months. It seems all the scheduled tasks were accomplished, if not surpassed."

"Our [Shakedown] test was exceptionally chaotic as we encountered numerous novelties and had a plethora of elements to comprehend, verify, and inspect."

"Examinations proceed for an additional three days [at the Official test], with numerous aspects requiring further verification."

"In my opinion, we currently find ourselves in a favorable position."

"There are still numerous days of trials ahead, including sessions in Buriram, yet we've already seen a lot of encouraging outcomes."

Espargaro, who led the pack on the first day, ultimately secured the fifth position in the Shakedown rankings, trailing Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo by half a second. Pedrosa came in ninth, 1.286 seconds behind the leader.

Transponder signals indicated that Espargaro had been utilizing a pair of motorcycles set to be transferred to Brad Binder for the next Official test, while Pedrosa took to the tracks on the motorcycles allocated to the new factory team member, Pedro Acosta.

When asked if he believes KTM is capable of stepping up to compete with the current MotoGP champions, Ducati, Ajo responded:

"We possess a competitive spirit and naturally, our ambition is to emerge victorious. As mentioned earlier, Ducati previously set the standard as the top contender. Naturally, our goal is to narrow the gap and ultimately secure the position as the leading team."

"Initially, it's crucial to acknowledge that we are the latest entrant in the MotoGP, having made our debut in 2017, and over the past two years, we've emerged as the second leading manufacturer."

"Thus, it's essential to view it optimistically, yet naturally, we aspire for greater outcomes."

"Moreover, the rivalry is quite intense. Numerous factories lack what were once referred to as satellite teams. Nowadays, I'd refer to them as secondary factory teams."

Acosta demonstrated Tech3 KTM's prowess as the brand's secondary factory team, securing nine podium finishes and barely missing the fifth spot in the previous year's world championship to Binder.

After completing his inaugural season, Acosta now looks to the future alongside seasoned victors Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, who are joining Tech3's team. Ajo believes this gives KTM an opportunity to approach strategies differently in 2025.

"Having riders such as Maverick and Enea join Tech3 influences our operations to some extent. It impacts our testing methods and how we optimize their use."

"Having newcomers on the team is always a positive addition. However, their presence might necessitate adjustments in the way we work, particularly in areas like testing. On the other hand, with veteran riders, we might find opportunities to explore and evaluate a broader range of options."

"One of our objectives is to enhance our collaboration with our second factory team, aiming to operate seamlessly as a single entity."

He mentioned, "In essence, we have four riders representing our factory. I'm quite familiar with three of them, and with Enea, we're in the process of developing our connection.

"However, I've collaborated extensively in the past with Brad, Pedro, and Maverick, which is definitely a plus. We're familiar with one another, understand what to anticipate, and hold mutual respect."

Ajo emphasized that advancement is not solely measured by the quantity of new components but also by enhancing their utilization and improving team collaboration.

"He mentioned that their focus spans across various aspects, including the chassis, engine performance, and electronics. However, he personally believes it's not just about the technical details and innovations."

"My approach, along with that of our top tech experts, involves not just knowing our product but also enhancing it wherever possible."

"I'm referring to not just the bicycle and its technical aspects, but also the collaboration among individuals and particularly how we provide everything the cyclists need and assist them in the most effective manner."

The formal testing session in Sepang, which includes all riders for the 2025 season, is scheduled from Wednesday through Friday.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing world, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's also leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with injuries.

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EXCLUSIVE – Aki Ajo Discusses Busy Shakedown, Innovations at KTM

“There’s significant satisfaction with the progress in manufacturing”

Aki Ajo, the new team manager for Red Bull KTM's MotoGP squad, stated that the Austrian team successfully achieved its off-season development goals, introducing "numerous innovations" during a "busy" testing session in Sepang.

The future progress of the RC16 is under scrutiny because of the current economic instability at KTM.

However, factory test pilots Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro spent all three days of the Shakedown on the circuit, testing some notably new components (like the back seat area and the exhaust system) in addition to other elements concealed within the bike's framework.

"Absolutely," Ajo confirmed in a conversation with Crash.net, in response to whether winter development had progressed normally despite KTM's ongoing financial challenges.

"We're genuinely pleased with the progress made in the plant over the recent months. It seems all the scheduled tasks were accomplished, if not exceeded."

"Our Shakedown test was incredibly busy as we were faced with numerous new elements and several aspects to comprehend, verify, and examine."

"The Official test will now extend for an additional three days, during which multiple aspects will undergo further verification."

"In my view, we're currently in a favorable situation."

"There are still numerous days of trials ahead, including sessions in Buriram, yet we've already seen a lot of encouraging outcomes."

Espargaro, who led the pack on the first day, ended up in fifth place on the Shakedown leaderboard, trailing Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo by half a second. Pedrosa came in ninth, lagging 1.286 seconds behind the leader.

Transponder data indicated that Espargaro was riding a pair of motorcycles set to be passed on to Brad Binder for the next official trial, while Pedrosa took the helm of the motorcycles assigned to the new team member, Pedro Acosta.

Asked about KTM's prospects of competing against the current MotoGP title-holder Ducati, Ajo responded:

"We possess a competitive nature and naturally, our aspiration is to come out on top. As you've mentioned, Ducati previously set the standard and was the top contender. Naturally, our aim is to narrow that gap and ultimately reach the pinnacle as the foremost team."

"Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that we are the most recent addition to the MotoGP lineup, having joined in 2017. Over the past two years, we've secured our position as the runner-up manufacturer."

"Thus, we should view it optimistically, though naturally, we aspire for greater outcomes."

"Additionally, the rivalry is quite intense. Numerous factories no longer maintain what were once referred to as satellite teams. Nowadays, I'd refer to them as secondary factory teams."

Acosta demonstrated the capability of KTM's secondary team, Tech3, by securing nine podium finishes and missing the fifth position in the previous season's world championship to Binder by a slim margin.

Following Acosta's debut season, and with seasoned victors Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini joining the Tech3 team, Ajo believes KTM has the opportunity to adopt a somewhat novel approach in 2025.

"When we get the opportunity to include racers such as Maverick and Enea in our team [Tech3], it influences our approach slightly. It affects our testing methods and how we maximize their use."

"Having newcomers in the team is always a positive aspect. However, the approach and techniques we employ might need to be adjusted, like in testing. With veteran riders, we might have the opportunity to explore [more] options and make comparisons."

"One of our goals is to strengthen our bond, aiming to be as unified as possible with our second factory team. In our efforts, we aspire to operate seamlessly as a single entity."

He stated: "Essentially, we're working with four factory riders. I'm quite familiar with three of them already, and we're currently developing our connection with Enea.

"However, my previous collaborations with Brad, Pedro, and Maverick have been extensive, which naturally is advantageous. We're familiar with one another, understand our mutual expectations, and have already established a foundation of respect."

Ajo emphasized that advancement isn't solely measured by the quantity of new components but also by enhancing their utilization and improving the team's operational methods.

"He mentioned, "Our focus spans across multiple domains, including the chassis, engine efficiency, and electronics. However, for me, it's not just about the technological aspects and innovations.

"My approach, which I believe is shared by our top tech experts, involves not just comprehending our product but also enhancing it."

"I'm referring not just to the motorcycle and its specifications, but also to the collaboration among individuals and, importantly, how we provide everything necessary for the riders and assist them in the most effective manner."

The formal testing session at Sepang, involving all riders slated for the 2025 season, is scheduled from Wednesday through Friday.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing world, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's health concerns.

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Jack Miller is set to make an unexpected change to his MotoGP gear lineup for the 2025 season. The Pramac team rider will be showcasing gear from two different

Pramac Yamaha's MotoGP competitor, Jack Miller, is set to participate in the 2025 season while sporting gear from a variety of different brands.

In the past, Miller was sponsored by Alpinestars for his gloves, boots, leathers, and helmet.

For his transition to Pramac Yamaha, he will don Dainese gear, including leathers, gloves, and boots, while continuing to use his Alpinestars helmet.

Pramac has entered into a new agreement with Dainese, which will provide the team with its official apparel. The partnership is set to continue until the conclusion of 2027.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash MotoGP, shared by their account @crashmotogp_.

Pramac team leader Gino Borsoi expressed great enthusiasm about beginning a new phase with Dainese, a brand well-known for its commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in the motorsport industry.

This partnership signifies the joining of a legendary MotoGP brand with a team that has already made its mark in MotoGP history. Together, this union will enable both parties to elevate their reputation and standards.

As we face the challenge of competing against Yamaha in MotoGP and Moto2, having Dainese's support and protection will be essential for our performance on the track.

"This collaboration not only bolsters our team's dedication to excellence but also embodies our mutual values of quality and commitment to the sport."

With the risk of not having a spot on the grid for the 2025 season, Miller appeared to have little choice regarding equipment sponsorship when the chance to return to Pramac in 2025 arose.

Dani Pedrosa, a test rider for KTM, was recently seen wearing Dainese gear at the Sepang shakedown. He joins other notable figures changing to the Dainese brand for 2025.

In his debut MotoGP season back in 2006, Pedrosa raced for the Honda factory team and was last seen representing Dainese.

All riders from Pramac’s MotoGP and Moto2 teams will be outfitted in Dainese racing suits.

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