Johann Zarco: “It's great to close in on the leading riders”

“The difference isn't as large as it used to be”

Although Joan Mir posed a significant challenge, Johann Zarco maintained his position as the quickest Honda rider in the Sepang MotoGP test.

The French rider, who achieved an uncommon Q2 position for Honda during last November's Malaysia Grand Prix and came in eleventh in the main event, completed the test trailing leader Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati by 0.711 seconds.

Factory rider Mir was just 0.075 seconds slower, with Luca Marini securing the 15th position. Zarco's teammate on the LCR team, rookie Somkiat Chantra, finished in 19th place but was still only 1.64 seconds behind Marquez on the nearly two-minute circuit.

Zarco expressed optimism, stating, "We can view this test as not just positive, but even more so than I anticipated." He continued, "The performance on the last day was impressive. It's encouraging for my confidence to be closing in on the leading competitors. The difference in performance isn't as large as it used to be."

In Malaysia, Honda introduced updates to their engine, aerodynamics, and chassis components. Similar to Mir, Zarco appeared to prefer the new engine but opted for the previous aerodynamic setup.

Over the course of three days, we experimented with numerous strategies," the Frenchman explained. "Today, we managed to combine all those elements successfully, and the results were significantly improved. This makes me quite pleased."

"There aren't any single factors significantly impacting the bike, but when combined, I notice I have improved control over it."

"At this point, we need to conduct testing in Thailand to continue experimenting with these [new] elements and determine which combination will be ideal for kicking off the season, as we must select which components to approve."

The engine and aerodynamics must be approved for the first race. However, due to Honda's D concession system, similar to Yamaha, they are allowed to make updates to both components throughout the year.

Currently, Zarco is ranked 15th in terms of top speed, indicating that the RC213V is missing some sheer power. Additionally, the bike is struggling with rear grip issues.

Nonetheless, the updated engine design seems to aid in maneuverability.

He went on to say that there are definitely certain motorcycles that appear to have impressive acceleration capabilities, and when you're trailing behind one, it often feels like you're falling behind.

"When we examine all aspects of the corner, we often find that the exit isn't the most crucial part to concentrate on. Therefore, we had other areas to improve in order to enhance the rider's experience. I was able to identify these areas, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction."

Honda is working hard to maximize engine power while ensuring it's practical and usable.

The speaker expressed optimism about improvements as the season progresses but is confident that achieving top-ten finishes from the start is currently a primary goal.

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"I have to give it a shot!": Alex Marquez outpaces Marc in Sepang test 'Sprint'

"When I saw Marc's performance, it was incredibly quick. So I thought, 'Alright, I have to try and match it.'"

In his first appearance on the GP24 last November during the Barcelona test, Alex Marquez set the fastest time. He replicated this achievement by topping the timing charts at the conclusion of the three-day MotoGP test in Sepang.

However, Marquez demonstrated speed not just on a single lap.

During a performance that may lead Ducati to reconsider the efficiency of the new GP25 components, or potentially switch back to the GP24 engine, Alex managed to surpass the 10-lap Sprint simulation times set by factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and his sibling, Marc Marquez.

"Today was an exceptionally good day," Alex said with a smile. "The initial two days went well, but today exceeded them both. Altogether, we performed excellently."

Completing a single lap is crucial, as it demonstrates that the motorcycle is performing well when pushed to its limits during a time trial.

"Most notably, our pacing is impressive. The Sprint practice went exceptionally well."

In last November's Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint, Alex, racing as Marc's teammate on GP23s, completed the race 5.6 seconds after Marc.

On this occasion, he completed the 10 laps on the GP24, finishing 0.2 seconds ahead of Marc.

When questioned about whether he took more satisfaction from the Sprint simulation compared to topping the one-lap timing charts, Alex responded:

"Absolutely! While I was in the pit, I watched Pecco's simulation. Afterward, I observed Marc's, and I thought, 'He's really going for it!' It was incredibly quick. So I decided, 'I have to give it my all.'"

"I gave it my all. We were neck and neck, and finally, after 10 laps, I managed to be 0.2 seconds quicker than him!"

Marc humorously saluted his brother with a middle finger gesture as he came back to the pits, continuing the playful banter from Barcelona regarding which sibling would outperform the other.

"It's great to create a simulation that is both consistent and quick," Alex mentioned.

"All seems great, but we're at Sepang. I really enjoy this circuit and have consistently been quick here."

He quipped, "Having all 22 races of a world championship here would be ideal for me!"

"We were the leaders at Montmelo as well. Our performance there was strong. I have a fondness for the circuit in Thailand too, so we’ll find out how we perform there and how quickly the team can assemble everything."

"When all the factories assemble everything, using all 100 components they're experimenting with, we'll be able to assess our progress."

"Stay relaxed and visit Thailand to experience what it's like there."

The 28-year-old confessed that his confidence is soaring with the GP24, especially when compared to the struggles he faced with the GP23 last year.

He expressed that his confidence level with the '23 model was consistently at a 7 out of 10. However, with the GP24, it has increased to a 9, which he noted as significant.

"Last year was challenging with the 23 bike, but those difficulties taught us valuable lessons. Everything we learned will serve as an important resource as we aim to make 2025 successful."

Marquez stated that the GP24 is the finest MotoGP motorcycle he has ever ridden.

"The GP22 was really impressive. It seems that the GP24 is quite similar, like a sibling to the GP22, and it's a fantastic experience to ride."

Alex enjoyed success with two podium finishes, secured a pole position, and claimed a Sprint race win on the GP22.

Franco Morbidelli matched Marquez's GP24 results by securing fourth place on the Sepang leaderboard. However, the Italian rider's Sprint simulation was significantly behind that of #73.

Marquez's first-year teammate, Fermin Aldeguer, posted the 11th quickest time with an average of 1 minute and 58.580 seconds during the Sprint, compared to Alex's 1 minute and 57.901 seconds.

During his Sprint simulation, Marc Marquez maintained an average lap time of 1 minute, 57.930 seconds, while Bagnaia's average was 1 minute, 58.243 seconds, both riding factory-spec GP25 motorcycles.

The testing sessions in Buriram are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

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Enea Bastianini admitted to losing significant time but is aware of the reasons. "I've pinpointed exactly where the time slipped away. After reviewing the videos and analyzing the data, it's clear to me," he stated.

During his first appearance for Tech3 KTM in Barcelona last November, Enea Bastianini achieved the 16th fastest time. However, after three days of testing at Sepang for MotoGP, his position fell to 18th place.

Nonetheless, the ex-Ducati factory racer was quite specific about the areas where he falls behind the most.

Bastianini showed strong performance in the initial sector of the lap, achieving the sixth quickest time with a margin of +0.119 seconds, thanks to effective braking, particularly in the demanding braking area at Turn 1. However, difficulties with entering corners caused him to lag behind in Sector 2, where he placed 19th with a time of +0.482 seconds, and in Sector 3, where he finished 17th with a time of +0.623 seconds.

In Sector 4, Bastianini recorded the 10th fastest time, trailing by 0.319 seconds, as he tackled another intense braking point leading into the last hairpin turn.

Bastianini acknowledged at the conclusion of the Malaysian test that there wasn't significant progress, saying, "Honestly, the improvement has been minimal. From the beginning to now, I've only gained about 1.5 seconds."

"I am aware of the specific area that requires our attention."

"We need to explore alternative options, but right now it hasn't been feasible as we were experimenting with various components."

"It is likely that working with the same motorcycle in Thailand will be simpler, which could help boost confidence."

When asked about the areas where he is facing the most challenges, the MotoGP rider, who has won seven races, clarified:

"Yes, I'm aware of where I lost time. After reviewing the videos and data, and based on my own observations, the issue seems to be with my corner entry. Currently, my speed when entering corners is extremely slow, making it challenging for me to make the turns."

"We have made significant progress with our braking system and are now very competitive. In fact, in some instances, we outperform the other KTM bikes, particularly in the opening and closing sectors."

"In Sectors 2 and 3, with particular emphasis on Sector 3, our losses were excessively high!"

Bastianini's fastest lap at Sepang was 1.5 seconds slower than the leading time set by Alex Marquez. He was 0.876 seconds off the pace of Pedro Acosta, who placed sixth as the top KTM rider, but trailed by just 0.146 seconds behind his new Tech3 teammate, Maverick Vinales, who finished 16th.

The Buriram test scheduled for this week is happening at the same location where Bastianini claimed victory in the Thai Grand Prix Sprint race last October, spearheading a top-eight finish dominated entirely by Ducati riders.

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2025 MotoGP Official Buriram Test: Tracking Details

Details on the schedule, timing, and ways to stay updated on the two-day MotoGP test event in Buriram

Here's a guide on how to keep up with the 2025 MotoGP Buriram test scheduled for February 12-13. Additionally, we've included the start times for the MotoGP Buriram test below.

MotoGP teams and riders now have their last chance to put their bikes through tests before the season's opening race.

Ducati faces a significant challenge in deciding whether to begin the season with their engine from 2025 or stick with the one from 2024.

In a surprising turn of events, Yamaha made a notable impression in Sepang, potentially solidifying their emerging status as unexpected contenders.

Jorge Martin from Aprilia and Fabio di Giannantonio from VR46 are unable to participate in the test because they are injured.

The Thailand MotoGP, marking the first event of the season, is scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 2.

Guide to Tracking the 2025 MotoGP Buriram Test from Any Location

The 2025 MotoGP Buriram test does not offer a live stream to view all laps.

The last half-hour segment will be available on the MotoGP Video Pass.

Stay updated with live timings on Crash.net, where we will also deliver the latest news from the track. You'll receive the most recent insights from the riders and crucial updates on technology.

Be sure to check out amazing photos on Crash.net MotoGP X and Instagram/CrashMotoGP.

MotoGP.com will air "After The Flag" daily, providing a recap of the events on the track.

Start times for the 2025 MotoGP testing session in Buriram are set as follows: On Wednesday, February 12, the test will occur from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local

Thursday, February 13, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, which is equivalent to 3

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Davide Tardozzi has surprised many by naming an unforeseen rival for Ducati in the MotoGP 2025 season. "I expected them to improve, but I didn't anticipate it would happen this fast!"

Ducati kicks off the 2025 MotoGP World Championship as the top contender to win all three titles, owing to their recent technical superiority and impressive roster of riders.

Following them, it's uncertain which competitor will pose the biggest threat to the Bologna brand. In recent times, KTM and Aprilia have been in contention, but during last week's Sepang test, Yamaha emerged as a noteworthy contender.

Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati Lenovo team, anticipated advancements from the Iwata brand following their recruitment of ex-Ducati engineer Max Bartolini at the start of 2024. However, Tardozzi was taken aback by how quickly these improvements appeared to have been achieved.

"I was aware that Yamaha would make advancements, but I didn't expect it to happen so swiftly," Tardozzi mentioned to MotoGP.com after last week's test in Sepang, where Yamaha's rider, Fabio Quartararo, recorded the third-fastest time and demonstrated impressive speed during extended sessions.

"However, I am quite familiar with Massimo Bartolini and was completely confident that he could help them progress significantly."

"At present, I understand that they are paying a lot of attention to him, and with a remarkable rider like Fabio Quartararo on their side, he certainly stands as our competitor."

Satellite competition

During last week's testing, several impressive Sprint simulations caught the eye, featuring not only Quartararo but also Tardozzi's rider, Marc Marquez.

The Spanish racer managed to maintain lap times in the upper range of 1 minute and 57 seconds for the initial four laps of his practice run, before concluding with times in the lower range of 1 minute and 58 seconds.

The only rider who outpaced him was Alex Marquez. Additionally, Alex Marquez, a two-time World Champion, isn't the sole satellite Ducati competitor that Tardozzi is monitoring closely at this point.

"I witnessed the Sprint simulation by the elder Marquez with a grin," Tardozzi remarked, "and ultimately, we have another Marquez who performed excellently, as Alex executed an outstanding simulation."

Ultimately, it's a challenge – race day always has its own dynamics, and I believe that Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia will be there to contend.

"I am confident that our satellite teams will also be highly competitive this year."

The manager of the Ducati Lenovo team expressed confidence that both Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez would perform strongly right from their first race. He also mentioned feeling regret for Fabio Di Giannantonio but emphasized that they are eagerly anticipating his return, acknowledging his potential to compete effectively.

"We're anticipating the arrival of the new young rider by mid-season or maybe even sooner, as I believe Fermin Aldeguer is set to astonish everyone."

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Marc Marquez signs a deal with a new visor sponsor for stunning video capture

Marc Marquez reveals partnership with a new sponsor

Marc Marquez has secured a fascinating new sponsor for the 2025 MotoGP season.

The official Ducati rider has revealed a partnership with Insta360.

Insta360 is a company that manufactures cameras, and they get their name from their specialty in producing cameras that capture 360-degree views

See this Instagram update shared by Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93).

In a social media update, Marquez shares stunning shots of him maneuvering his Ducati, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his world.

According to the company, "Athletes and creators from around the globe make up Team Insta360, utilizing our cameras to capture their amazing adventures and inspire their creative endeavors."

Over the last year, Marquez has seen changes in his sponsorship deals after transitioning from Honda to Ducati.

This year, Marquez transitioned to being a factory rider and consequently ended his longstanding partnership with Red Bull due to Ducati's collaboration with competing energy drink brand Monster.

Estrella Galicia, the beer brand from Spain, is one of the personal sponsors that Marquez has continued to support.

Ducati has acknowledged that bringing Marquez into their team has enabled them to connect with a larger fan base, thanks to his reputation as the most famous MotoGP racer.

This season, he is preparing to compete for his ninth world championship title. Achieving this would mark an incredible comeback from his struggles with injuries and bring him level with Valentino Rossi's record.

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Casey Stoner reconnects with crucial figure in Honda's MotoGP triumph

During a visit to Japan, Casey Stoner had the opportunity to reunite with a significant individual who played a pivotal role in his championship victory in 2011.

Since stepping away from the sport, Casey Stoner's legacy in MotoGP has increasingly been associated with his initial top-tier championship win in 2007 with Ducati. However, in 2011, the Australian rider achieved his second championship in a way that was almost entirely different.

Casey Stoner's championship victory marked Ducati's inaugural win in the top tier of Grand Prix racing. This triumph validated the Italian manufacturer's efforts that began when they entered the MotoGP scene in 2003, during the second year of the World Championship's transition to four-stroke engines.

As the years went by, the significance of this accomplishment grew, especially after Stoner retired. Ducati struggled to regain its status as a championship contender in the MotoGP circuit until 2022. That year, Francesco Bagnaia clinched his first championship, although some might argue that Ducati's resurgence began in late 2021 when Bagnaia secured victory in four of the last five races, including a streak of wins in the final three events.

In 2011, Stoner switched to Honda, leaving behind a team where he had been the sole contributor to their achievements to join a company with a history of numerous champion racers.

By 2011, the renowned collaboration between Repsol and Honda had already reached its 17th anniversary, having benefited from the skills of champions like Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino Rossi, and Nicky Hayden.

Certainly, prior to Repsol's entry in 1995, Mick Doohan had secured his inaugural 500cc championship in 1994. Additionally, Honda Racing Corporation's roster of top-tier class champions also features notable names such as Eddie Lawson, Wayne Gardner, and Freddie Spencer.

The title Stoner earned placed him in an elite group of top riders in the sport, specifically those who have achieved victories in the premier class while riding for Honda.

For the manufacturer based in Tokyo, this represented a significant triumph, as Stoner's victory halted Yamaha's streak of championship wins, which they had achieved in 2008, 2009, and 2010 with riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. This was also Repsol Honda's first championship victory in the MotoGP 800cc era, achieved in their last opportunity before the introduction of the 1,000cc regulations in 2012.

Check out this Instagram post from Casey Stoner AM (@official_cs27). Another update is also shared by Casey Stoner AM (@official_cs27).

A significant contributor to the achievements of Stoner and Honda that year was Shuhei Nakamoto. He became vice president at HRC in 2009 after Honda's Formula 1 team disbanded in late 2008. Stoner recently reconnected with Nakamoto during a visit to Tokyo.

In the initial two years of the 800cc era, Honda faced difficulties with their RC212V, which struggled to compete consistently against Ducati with Stoner and Yamaha with Rossi and Lorenzo.

During the 2009 season, significant technical modifications were implemented, including a switch in suspension providers from Showa, a subsidiary of Honda, to Ohlins, and a change in brake suppliers from Nissin, another Honda subsidiary, to Brembo.

In that particular year, Dani Pedrosa secured victories in just two races. However, in 2010, he managed to pose a serious threat to Jorge Lorenzo's championship bid until he had to sit out the Japanese Grand Prix due to an accident during practice.

Honda's advancements with their 800cc bikes coincided with a period when Ducati was losing its edge. As a result, they managed to secure Stoner for the 2011 season by offering him a bike capable of securing a championship.

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VR46 shares news about Fabio di Giannantonio's condition following his operation

VR46 gives a health update on Fabio di Giannantonio

The VR46 team has provided new information regarding Fabio di Giannantonio following his surgical procedure.

During the tumultuous opening day of last week’s MotoGP test at Sepang, Di Giannantonio suffered a broken collarbone.

On Monday, his team announced that Fabio Di Giannantonio underwent a successful operation in Italy on Sunday, February 9th, to fix the break in his left collarbone.

Last Wednesday, the rider from the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team had an accident on the initial day of testing in Sepang.

Following his accident, Fabio returned to Italy and arrived at Villa Stuart, a private hospital. There, a team led by Professor Alessandro Castagna conducted surgery on Sunday morning to treat his injury.

The operation went well, and the cyclist will begin the recovery phase right away.

"The aim is to be in peak physical shape for the initial race of the season, scheduled in Thailand from February 28th to March 2nd."

As a result, Di Giannantonio will not participate in the Buriram test scheduled for this week.

MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin is set to be absent from the Buriram test because of an injury he sustained after a crash on his Aprilia motorcycle last Wednesday at Sepang.

The two riders will enter the inaugural race of the 2025 season, scheduled from February 28 to March 2, facing significant challenges due to limited testing of their new equipment.

Di Giannantonio's accident happened as he was trying to perform a wheelie to show off.

This season, he will be racing on a Ducati that meets the original factory specifications.

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Upbeat Romano Albesiano discusses Honda's resurgence

Honda's tech director evaluates encouraging advancements in Sepang

Romano Albesiano has evaluated Honda's performance during the Sepang test, and it's evident that there is a sense of hope within their team.

In 2024, Honda struggled with the least competitive motorcycle in MotoGP. However, their decision to bring in Albesiano from Aprilia as the new technical director demonstrated their determination to improve.

Following a trial run and a formal three-day testing session in Sepang, factory rider Joan Mir expressed his excitement about the progress being made with the Honda.

Albesiano remarked that the test was crucial as they experimented with numerous versions of the components.

"The mechanics and riders have put in a tremendous amount of effort, and we've established a solid foundation for the season's kickoff."

Albesiano is hopeful about the company's prospects: "Absolutely. I had no idea what to anticipate from this test."

"Currently, I believe that both the motorcycle's overall performance and the riders' capabilities are impressive."

"We have an initial foundation to build upon, allowing us to introduce gradual improvements incrementally, which is the appropriate approach to take."

"Our goal is to reach the summit. It might take a while, but it's achievable."

Albesiano has just begun his new position at Honda.

When discussing his winter preparation, he mentioned, "Our efforts were directed towards the appropriate goals. We planned and structured the tasks for what lies ahead."

"This is primarily what I've accomplished during this time."

Aleix Espargaro joining Honda as a test rider following his retirement from competing with Aprilia is seen as a positive development.

Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami, who no longer have their racing positions since last year, are a seasoned pair for testing.

Albesiano commented on Espargaro, stating that it is a significant advantage both for himself and for Honda to have two individuals who have communicated effectively for an extended period. He mentioned that it is straightforward for him to grasp Espargaro's feedback or to request him to conduct a specific test.

"It's an excellent mix for growth. He excels at channeling his incredible talent, injecting energy into all his efforts."

Albesiano has transitioned from working with a European company to collaborating with a Japanese manufacturer and observes the distinctions between the two.

"The way people tackle racing varies," he commented. "I'm not suggesting that any particular method is correct or incorrect."

"If we combine the strengths of both, it could create an excellent blend for the future."

Honda is set to participate alongside their competitors in testing at Buriram, ahead of the opening race of the 2025 season in Thailand, scheduled from February 28 to March 2.

"The engine is a section where the team has excelled in improving connectivity," Albesiano commented regarding the Buriram test.

"This was a positive move for the riders. Our next focus should be on enhancing fuel efficiency, as this is an area where we are currently lacking in order to achieve top-level competitiveness."

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Jack Miller has expressed that he already feels a strong connection with the Yamaha bike following the MotoGP test in Sepang. "Adapting to this has been quite straightforward," he remarked.

Jack Miller, who rides for Pramac Yamaha, expressed that the M1 motorcycle immediately felt familiar to him during the pre-season MotoGP testing session at Sepang.

The racer, who has claimed victory in four races, is set to rejoin Pramac for the 2025 season. This marks his experience with a fourth distinct motorcycle brand, as he has previously competed on Honda, Ducati, and KTM bikes.

Following a challenging initial experience with the Yamaha in Barcelona last November, Miller appeared more at ease with the M1 during last week's shakedown and maintained that performance into the official test.

On the first two days, Miller was among the top 10 in the rankings, but he concluded the last day in 12th place.

After finishing his testing schedule early on Friday, Miller commented on how he was adjusting to the Yamaha: "I feel comfortable. Now, when I get on the bike and head out in the morning, it feels natural. Switching manufacturers can take some time because you might experience issues like the fuel tank pressing against your leg or the handlebars feeling unfamiliar. It requires some time to get used to what becomes your new normal."

"Adjusting to this became quite straightforward after I positioned my bars and pegs correctly."

"The tank is very comfortable; it fits smoothly without any uneven areas. In the past, sitting differently on a bike sometimes caused leg discomfort due to pressure points, but that's not the case here."

"My body feels great, and when I get up in the morning, I think, 'Ah, I'm ready to ride my bike,' which is a wonderful feeling to have after just five days."

"We'll observe how the adaptation goes after a few days of rest and while in Thailand."

"I have a calm sense of assurance… as I mentioned earlier, it truly feels like the bike belongs to us."

"When visiting unfamiliar tracks, it naturally requires more time compared to having previous experience riding there. I'm not worried."

On the last day, Miller experienced a crash at Turn 4 while attempting a time attack. He attributes the incident to his unfamiliarity with the Yamaha's behavior when it becomes unstable during braking.

Jack Miller Prepares for Buriram Trial

As he anticipates the upcoming trial in Thailand, Miller mentions that enhancing the bike's performance when exiting corners is a key focus.

"The braking performance is excellent, and the car handles well in the middle of the corner," he mentioned.

"In the first sector, as I move from mid-corner to exit, I've noticed that my transition from releasing the brakes has become quicker, though there's still room for improvement."

"When you're speeding along on this bike, similar to the ones I've ridden before, you can adjust the way you need to lessen the chain tension and maintain that speed through the middle of the corner. It's one of the key aspects."

In my opinion, Turn 1 is quite straightforward because it's a rounded corner. There isn't much traction there, as you're riding at the limits of the tire, and you tend to take a slightly different path. Therefore, I'm focused on improving that aspect.

When it comes to braking, I feel very confident. This afternoon, I experimented with different racing lines to better understand them. For instance, approaching Turn 1, I've realized that I don't need to start turning immediately. Instead, I can delay slightly and allow the bike to brake more in an upright position before I lean into the turn.

"I believe we should focus on improving the drive section and finding a way to exit the corners more efficiently."

"Rather than the slower turns, such as the second-to-last and the final corner, which are quite straightforward and easy to understand, it's actually Turns 5 and 6 where you notice the difference, especially during the changes in direction."

"I feel very quick, especially with the speed in the middle of the corners, but the challenge lies in the transition at turn six and getting the bike to accelerate smoothly. Yamaha's throttle has a very brief stroke, and I want to focus on improving that aspect."

The team is developing an adjustment for the throttle tube specifically for Thailand. The goal is to extend its range, allowing for more control and finer adjustments. Currently, the increments are too small for my preference, making it challenging to maintain the desired drive window.

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Announcement: Jorge Martin to Sit Out Buriram MotoGP Trial

Jorge Martin will enter the 2025 MotoGP season having completed only 13 laps in the pre-season on his latest Aprilia motorcycle.

Aprilia has formally announced that the current MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin, will not participate in the upcoming Buriram test.

This indicates that the Spanish rider, who suffered an injury at Sepang the previous week, will enter the season's first race, which also takes place in Buriram, after having managed to complete only 13 laps during the 2025 pre-season tests.

During the initial stages of the Malaysian test, Martin experienced two significant crashes, with Aprilia and Michelin openly conflicting on the reasons behind these incidents.

During the race, as they navigated Turns 1 and 2, the second incident caused Martin to catapult into a massive flip, resulting in broken bones in his right hand and left foot.

"An inexplicable accident occurred, with no fault from the motorcycle or from the rider," stated Aprilia Racing's CEO, Massimo Rivola.

This indicated a problem with the tire.

"Rivola conveyed to the Sepang journalists that both incidents occurred with the identical tyre set. He elaborated, stating that the initial incident affected the right side, while the subsequent one impacted the left side. He then suggested that the journalists should further investigate the matter for more details."

Rivola mentioned that the tyre's temperature was within the expected range.

Nonetheless, Piero Taramasso from Michelin argued that despite the surface temperature being acceptable, the crucial inner tire temperature of the medium compound rear, as recorded by dedicated sensors, was not.

Upon exiting the pit, [Martin] experienced a 15-degree drop in tyre temperature from his initial run, indicating the tyres were cooler. Additionally, at the time of his crash, his tyre temperature was also 15 degrees cooler than his teammate Marco [Bezzecchi]'s, despite both using the same tyres.

"The temperature in reference here pertains to the internal layer temperature, the one measured by the internal infrared sensor. Massimo mentioned during his talk that both the pressure and temperature readings were satisfactory.

"However, we're discussing the temperature at the surface. This is because the temperature at the surface can be easily and quickly measured, yet it's the temperature within the inner layers that holds greater significance. The reason being, even if the surface appears extremely hot due to rapid spinning, showing a temperature of 160 degrees, the core temperature of the tire might just be around 100 degrees."

"The temperature of the tire's structure is critical. It indicates whether the tire is functioning properly," he further stated.

According to Taramasso, the combination of reduced temperatures within the inner tyre, alongside unfavorable track conditions characterized by slipperiness, strong winds, a cooler than usual temperature of only 30 degrees compared to the normal 50, and rainfall the previous night, were the contributing factors to the crash.

However, Rivola quickly dismissed that assertion, stating, "Concerning the incident, I must clarify that our information does not support the claims put forward by Piero Taramasso.

"I am of the opinion that the well-being of the riders must take precedence, and I have recommended to him the organization of a meeting involving all teams to address what is undeniably a pressing issue, as demonstrated by the frequency of injuries."

"Jorge to miss the Thailand trial"

In related news, Martin has traveled back to Europe for a surgical procedure on Friday morning to mend his injured hand. His left foot's fracture will not necessitate surgical intervention.

In a statement, Aprilia revealed that Martin has been "released from Clinica Dexeus in Barcelona and is returning to his residence in Andorra." They further stated, "Jorge will miss the Thai test in order to optimally prepare for the Thai Grand Prix."

Test pilot Lorenzo Savadori will once more assume a portion of Martin's test responsibilities.

Fabio di Giannantonio, who suffered a broken left collarbone, and Raul Fernandez, who sustained a fractured metacarpal bone in his left hand, both experienced injuries during the first day of the Official Sepang test. They have since undergone surgical procedures.

Diggia will be absent for the Buriram event scheduled for February 12-13. "The recovery time from his operation is between 15 to 20 days; however, it's unfortunate that he won't be present for the winter trials," commented Pablo Nieto, the team manager for VR46.

Nonetheless, Trackhouse's leading figure, Davide Brivio, suggested the possibility of Fernandez making a return to the circuit by next week, stating, "We're looking forward to having [Raul] rejoin us, potentially even before the upcoming race."

The race weekend in Thailand kicks off with practice sessions on Friday, February 28.

Martin is set to participate in the event having completed 90 laps on the RS-GP, with 77 of those laps occurring during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, where he rode an early prototype of the 2025 model.

At the Sepang test, Marco Bezzecchi emerged as the highest-ranked Aprilia rider, securing the eighth position.

Martin's absence due to his injury implies that the upcoming MotoGP Season Launch event in Bangkok will proceed without the current champion in attendance.

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For two decades, Peter has witnessed the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi from the racing scene. He's been a key figure in covering Suzuki's withdrawal from the sport and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Pedro Acosta Highlights Three Major Areas for Improvement in MotoGP 2025

Pedro Acosta Points Out His Weak Points

Pedro Acosta understands the steps he needs to take to enhance his performance in his sophomore MotoGP year.

In the previous season, the newcomer made a significant impact in the top division, securing a sixth-place finish in the overall standings, which led to an advancement to KTM's official team.

By 2025, having established himself as a recognized figure and perhaps the most sought-after talent in MotoGP, Acosta aims to address three significant shortcomings.

"In 2024, I discovered that occasionally it's wiser to remain composed and think things through during certain situations," he remarked.

"Indeed, we missed numerous valuable chances over the past year due to our excessive desires. This year, we aim to be more thoughtful in our approach."

Acosta mentioned enhancements for 2025, highlighting the initial qualifying rounds followed by the opening laps of the race.

"During the previous year, there were numerous occasions when we had the speed to contend for podium finishes or wins, but due to poor qualifying rounds, we found it challenging to keep up with the leading pack."

"Thus, focusing on these two aspects will be crucial for enhancement throughout the season."

Acosta looked back on his first year, saying, "2024 was filled with several high points, yet there remains a goal we hold onto, aiming to achieve it.

"I gained insights into race management and understood the distinct differences between the MotoGP class and the lower categories."

"To achieve this, there are still numerous objectives we need to accomplish."

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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