Brad Binder believes KTM's gap to Ducati in MotoGP is "quite minimal."

The South African suggests Ducati's lead over KTM might not be as significant as perceived.

Brad Binder feels that the difference in lap times between KTM and the leading Ducati team in MotoGP for 2024 is minimal, despite Ducati's significant lead.

Last year, Ducati had its most successful season in MotoGP history, securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races, which led them to clinch both the riders' and constructors' titles.

In the team rankings, Ducati secured a substantial lead over KTM, outpacing the Austrian team by 395 points, marking KTM's second consecutive year without a win.

In certain competitions, Ducati competitors maintained advantages of more than 10 seconds ahead of their closest rivals.

Binder recognizes that Ducati's lead over the competition varied, but he doesn't think KTM lagged as much as it appeared.

"He mentioned that it varies across different locations," he remarked following the unveiling of KTM's 2025 model on Thursday.

"In certain locations, I believe we're on par and stand a chance, however, in various places and circumstances, the challenge appears significantly greater."

"Yet, when you crunch the data and examine the difference in times per circuit, it's surprisingly minimal."

"From my experience, there have been instances where obstacles seemed insurmountable at first glance. However, when you begin to tackle them with a few minor actions, those once daunting gaps eventually become negligible and fade away."

"Thus, our primary objective entering the pre-season, particularly with the upcoming trials in Malaysia and Thailand, is set."

"When I compete in Thailand, I aim to be in the peak condition I've ever been."

KTM embarks on the 2025 season amid the shadows of doubt cast by the company’s monetary troubles.

In response to whether this played a part in KTM's challenging 2024 season, Binder stated, "Definitely, our circumstances last year, in my view, involved us rushing to significantly enhance our performance."

"I believe none of us were content with our current situation."

"Clearly, everyone is putting in maximum effort to advance our positions and compete more aggressively towards the lead. Beyond that, there's nothing else to report."

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Luca Marini anticipates experimenting with a "brand-new" Honda MotoGP motorcycle during the upcoming testing sessions, which are set to start next week.

Honda's Luca Marini anticipates testing "a brand-new prototype" during the MotoGP pre-season sessions set to start next week in Malaysia.

The Japanese brand experienced a challenging 2024 season, unable to surpass 100 points in the constructors' rankings and marking its third season without a victory in the past five years.

Marini, who was brought in to fill Marc Marquez's spot on the factory team, finished at the bottom of the standings among the full-time competitors, accumulating only 14 points.

Honda is striving to change its trajectory by bringing in several important new staff members towards the end of last year, with the most significant addition being Romano Albesiano taking on the role of technical director.

After the tests conducted in Barcelona last November, Marini anticipated that Honda might experience significant progress during the latter part of the 2025 season.

When questioned about whether he believes this timeline is achievable, Marini responded by saying it's somewhat premature to determine that right now. He considers it a broad statement, acknowledging his understanding of Honda's operations. He anticipates that early in the season, they will definitely test an entirely new prototype at the Sepang trials.

"However, we still have to make some adjustments. Based on our guidance and last year's feedback, I believe we can begin this season at a more advanced level."

"Certainly not sufficient yet to compete for the goal we aim to reach."

"However, around the midway point of the season, it might be an opportune time to attempt improvements with a more competitive and enhanced package."

"However, it is crucial that everything proceeds correctly without errors, making this a challenging task."

This week, Honda has already been testing at Sepang for the shakedown event. However, the team's official riders have not participated yet because they were in Indonesia for the unveiling of the team's new livery.

In the 2025 season, Honda's factory team will not have Repsol as a sponsor for the first time since 1994. Instead, Castrol will be the title sponsor, and the team will adopt the official HRC corporate colors for the year ahead.

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Vinales offers a confident evaluation of KTM's MotoGP motorcycle

Vinales anticipates his upcoming adventure with KTM

Maverick Vinales claims the KTM MotoGP motorcycle he's set to pilot in 2025 significantly enhances his competitive edge on the track, offering a notable improvement over the Aprilia.

The racer, who has claimed victory in 10 grand prix events, will team up with Tech3 for the 2025 season, riding a factory KTM. This will be the fourth different motorcycle he has competed on in the premier class.

Despite securing a grand prix victory with Aprilia in the previous year, Vinales faced challenges maintaining a steady performance in 2024 on the RS-GP, finishing the season significantly behind in seventh place in the championship standings.

In Barcelona's November post-season trial, he finished 12th overall and was the second quickest among riders who changed bikes for 2025, trailing only behind Jorge Martin, his successor at Aprilia.

Facing challenges with overtaking in the current MotoGP scene, Vinales believes the KTM will enhance his chances for successful racing come 2025.

"When asked by Crash.net during KTM's 2025 launch about his thoughts on the RC16's impact on his performance, he explained that drawing comparisons between motorcycles is challenging, especially when one is not performing at their peak."

"However, my experience, particularly what stood out to me, was that the bike's response lived up to my expectations."

"This holds significant importance. I'm already sensing the potential in braking, which is crucial for making advances in the current MotoGP season."

"Following that, it's equipped with a strong motor."

"I believe it greatly enhanced my ability to compete on the track, which is crucial. Being adept at navigating track battles makes it simpler to secure a strong position and deliver an impressive performance."

"Thus, I'm confident in my ability to maintain a strong rhythm, and I'm aware of my capability to achieve quick times over a single lap, given that even last year I demonstrated significant speed in singular laps, though the competition proved challenging."

"Therefore, my anticipation is that with this motorcycle, I'll significantly improve, particularly when it comes to vying for a spot during the initial laps. Following that, it's crucial for me to excel in every single lap."

"At the moment, my primary concern over the coming days during pre-season testing is to get a grip on how the bike operates, figure out my requirements, and also assist the manufacturer in advancing to the next level. However, I believe we are capable of achieving great results."

In 2025, as Tech3 competes, KTM considers it an extension of its official team. This is evident as both Tech3 and the main team sport matching designs on their bikes.

Discussing his experience with the Austrian brand compared to Aprilia's team, Vinales remarked, "Honestly, the transition has felt smooth. The people are exceptionally welcoming.

"Definitely, this isn't my initial encounter with the Tech3 team, as they were my teammates back when I was with Yamaha."

"Thus, I was prepared with information to present to them. From my perspective, it appears quite straightforward and benevolent, as it seems everyone is concentrated on their work."

"Clearly, I'll be spending more time with them, which will allow us to get to know each other better.

"Everything is truly excellent. I'm content with the team I've got, and I'm pleased with the motorcycle.

"Therefore, it's simply a matter of time before turning off the lights and moving on. I've maintained communication with KTM and Red Bull. It's a setting I've been part of before, so it feels like coming home."

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Enea Bastianini urges KTM to maintain their motorcycle's unique identity and not to make it resemble a Ducati

"The motorcycle is distinct and should continue to embody KTM's characteristics"

Enea Bastianini expressed his astonishment at several aspects of the KTM MotoGP motorcycle he tried out last November, cautioning the brand not to simply imitate the Ducati model.

The rider, who has claimed victory in seven Grand Prix events, is transitioning to the Tech3 KTM team after dedicating the entirety of his four-year MotoGP career to racing with Ducati equipment.

Bastianini observed that his understanding of the leading Ducati would be crucial for KTM in enhancing their motorcycle, yet he pointed out that in many aspects, the RC16 was equally capable.

Therefore, he emphasizes that the motorcycle must retain its KTM identity and does not intend to draw numerous comparisons between the Ducati and the RC16 during the upcoming tests next week.

"He praised Ducati's performance and the quality of their motorcycle during the unveiling of KTM's 2025 model."

"At the moment, I'm not quite sure about the nature of the work at KTM. However, during the test, we engaged in extensive discussions, focusing on preparing for future tasks."

"The motorcycle shows promise. Drawing parallels to Ducati proves challenging given the differences between them, notably in their respective strengths."

"However, aside from that, it was satisfactory. The initial arrangement was also acceptable, and the positioning on the bike felt quite alike."

"However, regarding the other aspects, I'm unsure of the specific areas that require further effort since my experience is limited to just 50 laps."

"Therefore, I require additional time to gain a clearer understanding. However, I continue to be amazed."

When questioned further about the precise aspects of the KTM that caught him off guard, he elaborated, "At the point of entering a curve, the motorcycle exhibits significant traction, which, to my astonishment, stands out."

"We have to focus on improving the drive since the Ducati performed exceptionally well in that aspect. However, I prefer not to make too many comparisons."

"This bicycle stands out and must stay true to the KTM brand. We need to significantly enhance the bike's most robust components."

"In my opinion, this is the greatest aspect, though I need to slightly modify my technique to suit the bike, given that altering habits after four years is challenging."

This year, Bastianini is set to team up again with crew chief Alberto Giribuola at Tech3, after previously collaborating with him at Gresini in 2022.

Bastianini is convinced that reuniting with the former crew chief of Andrea Dovizioso will hasten his adjustment to the KTM during the winter season.

"Albi is absolutely thrilled to be reunited once more," he said with a bright smile.

"Having him in the mix is an advantage since he's quite familiar with my approach and requirements."

"It would be beneficial to condense my adjustment process; we might be able to achieve something positive sooner."

"This is excellent. Throughout the winter, we engaged in extensive discussions to ensure we were ready for the test, aiming to make some adjustments to the bike beforehand."

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Examination: Amidst internal turmoil, KTM’s MotoGP initiative remains unyielding

In their 2025 unveiling, KTM conveyed a theme of resilient determination.

Consider the plight of the numerous employees at KTM who endured an uncertain holiday season, anxious about the security of their employment and the timing of their next paycheck.

Despite the challenges, KTM remains committed to its competitive ethos, "Ready To Race," in Austria. On Thursday, the company, which was the second-ranked manufacturer the previous year, unveiled its strategy for 2025. This included the introduction of a consistent design theme for both its primary factory team and the closely associated Tech3 team, which receives factory support.

KTM protected its racers from having to answer inquiries related to the company's current bankruptcy process, however, they realized that evading the issue was impossible. As a result, they put forward their motorsport head, Pit Beirer, to address questions from the press.

Since December 20, KTM has consistently maintained its position that it plans to participate in the 2025 racing season. Speculation about a potential halt in development—which might not have a significant effect considering the upcoming rule changes in 2027—and about their leading racer, Pedro Acosta, potentially seeking an exit by 2026, has contributed to the growing speculation.

Beirer, addressing the pivotal trio of dates that have and continue to shape KTM's destiny, playfully described them as "Dakar stages." This reference subtly underscores KTM's enduring success, highlighted by their recent triumph at the renowned rally-raid. He tackled the ongoing scenario with the clear and forthright approach necessary in such moments.

"Beirer mentioned, "The winter was quite challenging, yet we all banded together to maintain the essence and significance of our company: it embodies our fervor and our existence."

"I've spent two decades in this place, and it wasn't just any ordinary day that brought me here: it was the aspiration to collaborate with countless coworkers on a vision, all for the sake of this motorcycle manufacturing plant."

"We're all putting in our maximum effort to maintain our current state. This involves streamlining our operations to become leaner yet still robust. Even with these changes, we anticipate retaining over 4,000 employees in Mattighofen, and that's the goal we're striving for."

"The entire organization has faced challenging times, and we're not out of the woods yet. Should February 25th turn out well, it doesn't mean everything becomes simple overnight. However, I can assure you that we've developed an incredibly robust strategy for the future of this company. This isn't a short-term vision extending merely a year or two, nor does it solely apply to our racing activities. Our goal is to ensure KTM's perpetual presence, race department included."

KTM battles economic challenges

KTM is set for a decisive meeting with its creditors regarding its proposed restructuring strategy, aiming for a 30% repayment on its €2.2 billion debt. This crucial vote is scheduled for February 25, shortly before the MotoGP 2025 season kicks off in Thailand.

Starting next week in Malaysia, trials are set to commence, and racers including Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini, along with the whole racing team, will take to the Sepang track amid lingering uncertainties. If the decision doesn't favor KTM – despite a tentatively hopeful mood in their group – they will be entering the 2025 season uncertain about what lies ahead for them.

The challenge confronting the MotoGP division's management team is immense. Nonetheless, when Beirer was asked by Crash.net regarding this issue, he remained unwavering in his confidence in his team.

"He expressed, "The advantage is the robust team we have, both locally and on the circuit, coupled with these four outstanding boys. Each one has been here, and trust me, the least of my concerns is needing to motivate them."

Their motivation is beyond what you might think, and they are an integral part of our team. Our collective goal is to present ourselves as a united and powerful group and to excel. While we have no control over the grand scheme of things, we can concentrate on our responsibilities and ourselves, aiming to excel in the racing sector. I believe we are thoroughly prepared, and the riders are poised to stand out.

"Pedro is part of our team; he's under contract with us. During this period, we've had two meetings; once, he came by himself along with his manager, and recently, we gathered all four riders at the Red Bull training facility. They're fully equipped to succeed this season: they have the support of the team, access to the bikes, and we're all in to make it happen. It's absolutely certain. Honestly, their level of motivation is unprecedented. You'll be amazed when you see them in action soon."

The paradox in this situation is that it unfolds during a period when KTM's MotoGP involvement boasts what could be considered its most formidable combination of factory and satellite team riders. Each of its four racers has clinched world championship titles in the junior categories, and with the exception of Acosta, all have secured victories at numerous MotoGP races.

Questions Arise Over Pedro Acosta's Future with KTM

The situation surrounding Acosta adds another layer of intrigue. In 2024, the Spanish newcomer impressed with nine podium finishes in both sprints and grand prix races, a performance many anticipated in his first year. Despite his efforts, a victory eluded him, with a notable chance in Japan slipping through his fingers due to a crash, a moment that seemed to encapsulate his entire season.

The ambiguity surrounding KTM's involvement in future races has inevitably drawn attention to what's next for Acosta. There have been rumors of Ducati showing interest, and at just 20 years old, he has also been associated with Valentino Rossi’s team. However, VR46 clarified the situation by addressing these rumors earlier in the week.

Acosta's remarkable achievement of clinching the Moto3 championship in his first season and securing the Moto2 title in his next has earned him widespread recognition as an emerging superstar in the sport. As a product of KTM's development program, it's fair to say that he has been seen as a pivotal figure for the brand's future success for quite some time, a sentiment that holds even more weight today.

Following KTM's unveiling on Thursday, Acosta's reaction showcased his maturity, positioning him as the type of leader on the track that the brand seeks as it moves forward in these unpredictable times.

"He emphasized that their primary concentration is on speed during races," he stated. "Ultimately, achieving victory is the greatest support we can offer to all involved."

KTM's 'No-Nonsense Approach'

According to Beirer, the ongoing restructuring efforts have underscored the critical role of racing in KTM's corporate strategy. Throughout his interaction with the press, he never hinted at the possibility of scaling down the MotoGP initiative. Although the decision is not entirely up to KTM at this moment, there's an evident optimism regarding the project's future. Beirer has verified that they are in the early phases of designing their 2027 model.

Beirer has highlighted the coincidental benefit in the timing of KTM's financial troubles. Conveniently, MotoGP is set to implement an engine freeze starting with the first race of 2025 and extending through the end of 2026. KTM's engine, known for its high performance and currently holding the MotoGP top speed record, stands in good stead during this period.

The financial planning for all 2025 components occurred long before KTM encountered its most severe financial difficulties, ensuring the team is in a strong position as it enters the testing phase. Should the team make it to 2026, it's expected that there will be minimal alterations to this year's motorcycles, especially with the significant regulation overhaul scheduled for the next season.

From what was observed during the tests towards the end of 2024, the upcoming 2025 RC16 appears to lay a solid groundwork for KTM in their efforts to substantially reduce the 395-point gap that Ducati created during the previous season's constructors' championship competition.

Assuming the role of team manager in the factory KTM garage is Aki Ajo, renowned for his success in developing talent in the junior categories. Binder highlights Ajo's straightforward approach, emphasizing his intolerance for nonsense. This attitude is expected to benefit KTM significantly this season by streamlining different aspects of their racing strategy, particularly given the team's struggles last season with seemingly endless challenges.

Ajo, when questioned by Crash about whether KTM's path to success this season lay in simplifying aspects of their program, remarked, "Certainly, technology plays a significant role in MotoGP, and it's not something you can overly resist."

"However, I do believe it's accurate that simplicity should be maintained wherever possible. It's something I emphasize constantly to my former and current riders, to the point where it occasionally amuses them. I'm always reiterating phrases like 'maintain simplicity, concentrate on what matters, and so forth. But, in my opinion, this principle is crucial in every profession, particularly in racing. From my perspective, our technical setup is also quite robust."

"I believe it's crucial to maintain simplicity – it's about extracting the utmost from what you have. This doesn't just apply to the bike but extends to the team, the riders, everyone involved. We should identify our strengths and not always rush to introduce new elements. It's essential to discern what truly matters and stick to simplicity."

Following its launch, KTM received positive feedback from its riders, which was a good sign. Instead of the typical non-committal remarks, the riders shared their optimistic views. Vinales expressed confidence in his ability to compete with the new bike; Binder felt that the difference between them and Ducati might not be as significant as it appears, and Bastianini strongly advised KTM to maintain the unique characteristics of their current bike rather than attempting to mimic the Desmosedici.

KTM appears to have a solid base as it embarks on its ninth season in MotoGP, one year beyond the initial goal set by former CEO Stefan Pierer to compete for a championship within eight years, and two years since its last victory at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix.

The parent company faces challenges as it attempts to navigate through difficult periods for the racing team. However, overcoming obstacles can lead to success in sports. Boasting its most formidable roster to date, a potentially competitive setup, and the drive that emerges from battling to stay afloat, KTM enters the 2025 MotoGP season with a stance of defiance.

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2027 KTM MotoGP motorcycle still in preliminary development phase

"Our team of engineers is currently on-site, actively engaged in its development"

The repercussions of KTM's latest economic challenges go much further than just MotoGP, yet their effect on Grand Prix racing cannot be overlooked, particularly considering the significant regulatory modification set to occur in two years.

The regulations for MotoGP in 2027 will modify the engine sizes from 1,000cc to 850cc, adjust aerodynamic guidelines, and ban the use of devices that control ride height.

A modification in the rules of the world's priciest motorcycle racing competition could potentially place a manufacturer in a challenging financial position, struggling to evolve their new platform.

Pit Beirer, the head of KTM's motorsport division, has stated that the progress on KTM's 850cc MotoGP motorcycle continues, with the absence of an actual motorcycle being solely due to the finalisation of the regulations still pending.

"Beirer mentioned that the 2027 bike is still in the preliminary phase as the regulations have not been fully finalized, which means constructing the bike right now is not possible."

"However, our engineering team is present and actively engaged in developing the 2027 motorcycle model. Currently, it's not the phase for introducing physical components."

"Certainly, there's a well-thought-out timeline in place. Post-February 25, our understanding of the distant future becomes much clearer, giving us ample opportunity to begin hardware development. However, it's important to note that work on the 2027 motorcycle model has already commenced, as it's integral to our planning process."

Beirer pointed out that KTM's recent economic challenges haven't affected their performance-driven racing initiatives this winter, thanks to measures implemented last summer. At that time, the Pierer Mobility Group initiated a downsizing of its worldwide racing operations.

"The significant event took place during the summer when we decreased the worldwide count of factory riders by 12," he mentioned.

"Following 12 riders, there are a couple or a few staff members – this number has decreased."

Globally, we made the decision to disband several teams to concentrate our efforts on orange. We took the stance that to demonstrate our capability to succeed, it wasn't necessary to spread our resources across three brands. Instead, we decided to channel our focus into a singular brand, especially since our primary rivals are also competing at the top tier with just one brand.

Thus, to remain competitive against these powerful manufacturing entities, it's imperative we concentrate on areas where we can truly make an impact. Simply cutting down on food and beverages for the crew won't significantly lower expenses. However, decreasing the roster of riders can lead to substantial savings. This is because each rider is supported by a range of resources including equipment, personnel like mechanics, as well as logistical needs such as trucks and infrastructure.

"Our program was exceptionally robust as we participated in races across multiple categories – 250, 450, off-road, and even on asphalt tracks – with three different brands represented in each."

"Thus, it's in that area we implemented the most significant reductions and where we were able to achieve substantial savings swiftly. However, it's evident that whatever we undertake, we aim to do it with utmost quality."

Besides its involvement in MotoGP, KTM also plays a significant role in Moto3, where it stands as one of the two manufacturers, and extends its presence into Moto2.

Cuts have occurred as well, seeing the departure of the GasGas and Husqvarna names from Moto3, with the latter also vanishing from the Moto2 scene.

Beirer revealed that they have identified cost reductions in both the Moto3 and Moto2 categories. However, he emphasized their commitment to remaining in their current classes, expressing a desire to continue competing in them.

"Cuts will be made in numbers, but not in the highest quality motorcycles. Therefore, we will definitely continue our support for Moto3 and Moto2 in the future.

"Certainly, there will be some cutbacks, that's evident. When we examine Moto3 and Moto2 closely, it's apparent they require significant investment. Thus, we must adjust our approach to supporting these categories."

"However, making decisions in that area is currently challenging due to ongoing extensive debates about potential future changes in regulations. This makes it somewhat hard to create a solid plan."

We've outlined a strategy for 2025, established a financial plan for racing in that year, and while we're certainly planning for the future, none of my peers in racing have a budget set for 2026. Similarly, no other manufacturer has secured a deal with Dorna for the years beyond 2027.

"We've endured a challenging period, and despite these tough times, we've made it to this point. Today, we continue to compete across all categories."

"Allow us some time to prepare for 2026 and 2027. However, if we succeed in participating in the 2025 race, we will devise strategies for 2026 and beyond."

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

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Initial Test Day – Highlights from Day 1

A summary of the action from the first day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP preliminary tests this Friday.

The 2025 MotoGP season kicked off in Sepang, Malaysia, with a trio of Shakedown testing days leading up to the Official tests scheduled for the following week.

Newcomers Ai Ogura, Fermin Aldeguer, and Somkiat Chantra, along with official test riders and regular racers from Yamaha and Honda (thanks to the manufacturer’s D-level concession status), are allowed to take part in the Shakedown.

Yet, restrictions on the quantity of private testing tires and team debuts might also decrease the turnout for the Shakedown.

Yamaha's racing team, comprising Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins from Monster, alongside Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira from the newly launched Pramac initiative, is scheduled for an unveiling in Kuala Lumpur tonight, Friday.

Nonetheless, Andrea Dovizioso, who previously finished second in the MotoGP championship, and Augusto Fernandez, who is slated to race in 2024, are scheduled for M1 testing this upcoming weekend.

The Honda racing team, featuring riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini, is set to unveil their 2025 team in Indonesia on Saturday. This event might lead to their new test pilots, Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami, assuming additional responsibilities during the Shakedown sessions.

Espargaro recently participated in a private test spanning two days at Buriram, marking the first time Romano Albesiano engaged with Honda in his role as the new technical director.

The formal testing event at Sepang, which will include every racer participating in the 2025 season, is scheduled from February 5th to 7

Access the concluding lap durations here

The track activity has wrapped up for the initial day of the Sepang Shakedown.

As the first day drew to a close, newcomer Ai Ogura recorded his fastest lap, securing the second spot on the leaderboard, sandwiched between Pol Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami.

LCR has announced that unlike the new entrants Fermin Aldeguer and Ai Ogura, Somkiat Chantra will not participate in the first day of the race.

On Friday, Takaaki Nakagami was the sole Honda rider to make an appearance on the circuit.

Pol Espargaro, riding for KTM, has reclaimed a leading position alongside Nakagami and Pedrosa, breaking into the 1 minute and 59-second bracket.

The light rain has ceased, and both Dani Pedrosa and Michele Pirro have returned to the circuit with ninety minutes remaining in the first day of testing.

At 4pm in Sepang, the timing monitors indicate 'light rain on the circuit'.

Currently, skies are becoming overcast, suggesting the possibility of rain (once more) looming on the horizon…

At 3:45pm, Takaaki Nakagami propelled Honda to the lead by clocking a time of 1 minute and 59.888 seconds, narrowly edging out KTM's Dani Pedrosa by 0.038 seconds.

Nakagami is the sole Honda competitor to hit the track today, starting his session around noon.

The majority of the team's management are missing the beginning of the Shakedown because they are attending the Honda team unveiling in Indonesia tomorrow. However, Romano Albesiano, the newly appointed technical director, is present to supervise the activities of the first day.

Check out this Instagram post from @motogp

Savadori takes to the track aboard a Jorge Martin Aprilia. #SepangShakedown pic.twitter.com/kKu5gitZFw— Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) January 31, 2025

Despite ranking last in the time rankings, Lorenzo Savadori has taken six distinct RS-GPs for a spin today, conducting checks on the bikes for the racing team in preparation for the upcoming official test next week.

At 3pm in Sepang, Dani Pedrosa continues to lead, recording the sole lap under 2 minutes at 1 minute and 59 seconds. His teammate from KTM's testing squad, Pol Espargaro, has narrowed the distance to just 0.381 seconds, while Takaaki Nakagami from HRC follows closely in third place.

As 2pm approaches, Takaaki Nakagami deems the conditions favorable enough to make his return to the track.

Miguel Oliveira from Pramac Yamaha has been present in the paddock; however, as previously stated, Yamaha's racers will not be hitting the track today because of the team's unveiling event scheduled for this evening.

Light rainfall at Sepang has prompted all riders to return to the pits, with only minor droplets being reported and the sun still shining.

1pm results: 2025 Sepang MotoGP Preliminary Trial Outcomes – Day 1 (Friday)

It

It

Nakagami and Dovizioso, each astride jet-black motorcycles, are cruising in tandem, with the Italian closely following the Japanese rider.

Nakagami secures the runner-up spot. What a remarkable start to the race!

Takaaki Nakagami quickly adapts, moving up to 3rd position in the rankings without delay.

At 12:45, the first Honda makes its appearance on the track, with ex-racer turned HRC factory test rider Takaaki Nakagami behind the wheel.

Augusto Fernandez is scheduled for a Yamaha trial run at Sepang, but so far, it appears that only Dovizioso's pit board has seen action.

Although not officially listed under his name on the timing screens, with Yamaha opting for the designation "Test Rider" for its bikes, Andrea Dovizioso has been actively engaged this morning at the Sepang Shakedown, working with multiple motorcycles.

Several motorcycles have made a return to the circuit, featuring the current Moto2 titleholder Ogura, who has ascended to second place just behind Dani Pedrosa, trailing by 0.9 seconds.

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Honda unveils a brand-new MotoGP design, announcing Castrol as the main sponsor. This marks the first time since 1994 that the official Honda team will not have Repsol as its sponsor.

The Honda factory team has introduced a brand-new design for the 2025 MotoGP season, marking a shift from its three-decade-long title sponsorship with Repsol, as Castrol steps in as the new sponsor.

Since 1995, all the Honda motorcycles competing in the top racing class have sported designs influenced by Repsol, as the Spanish oil company has been the main sponsor.

Nonetheless, that legendary partnership concluded last year as the Honda team showcased their factory HRC colors for the 2025 season during their launch event in Indonesia.

Honda announced that Castrol is set to become its main partner starting in 2025.

In the 2024 season, Honda faced a challenging year, ending up at the bottom of the constructors' rankings with only 75 points to their name.

Discover: How Honda Identified Its Genuine MotoGP Leader for 2024

Factory racers Joan Mir and Luca Marini ended up at the bottom of the riders' rankings. Meanwhile, the highest grand prix placement for the brand was an eighth-place finish by LCR’s Johann Zarco during a rainy Thai GP.

Zarco ranked as the highest-placed Honda rider, occupying the 17th position in the standings.

In the previous year, Honda experienced its third instance in five years where it failed to secure a victory in any race.

Honda has implemented major staffing adjustments for the 2025 season in an effort to regain its competitive standing.

In a significant move, Romano Albesiano has been brought on board from Aprilia to assume the role of technical director, succeeding Ken Kawauchi, who has transitioned to the test team.

Albesiano played a crucial role in transforming Aprilia from the least competitive factory bike on the MotoGP grid upon their 2015 return, into a team that achieved multiple grand prix victories over his ten seasons in the premier class with the Italian brand.

Joining the test team from Aprilia is Aleix Espargaro, a three-time grand prix winner who stepped away from regular racing duties at the conclusion of last season.

Honda was the last manufacturer team to reveal its livery for the 2025 season, after Yamaha and KTM had done so in the last 48 hours.

Only one team, the LCR squad, hasn't unveiled its livery for the upcoming season. The unveiling is scheduled for February 8, just one day before the official MotoGP season launch event.

Honda has already hit the track this week at the Sepang shakedown. The brand is allowed to conduct tests throughout the year with its race riders because of certain concessions.

The official testing period kicks off from February 5 to 7 in Malaysia. Following this, the championship heads to Thailand on February 12 and 13 for the last two days of pre-season activities. The 2025 season is set to commence from February 28 to March 2 in Buriram.

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Results from the First Day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test on Friday

Summary of Friday's initial lap times from the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test's first day.

These are the concluding lap times from the MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test on Friday in 2025.

Yamaha hasn't officially assigned specific riders to its test motorcycles for the purpose of timing sessions, but it appears Andrea Dovizioso has conducted the entirety of the M1's testing to date. Additionally, Augusto Fernandez is expected to participate in the upcoming Shakedown.

Yamaha's racing team members are anticipated to skip today's race because of the team's unveiling event scheduled for tonight in Kuala Lumpur.

Takaaki Nakagami, representing Honda, was the sole rider from his team to hit the track, making his appearance post-lunch. He quickly ascended to second position and momentarily topped the leaderboard.

Apart from Yamaha, the times mentioned represent the top performance of each rider (not necessarily their fastest time on every motorcycle they've ridden).

Showers forced all competitors to return to the garages at 2pm, but the weather improved shortly after. Light rain made a comeback later on but dissipated once more.

A temporary halt in the race was caused by Dani Pedrosa after a mechanical issue occurred at turn 6, shortly before 5pm, leading to the waving

Recorded fastest lap at Sepang MotoGP

Top time: Francesco Bagnaia 1 minute 56.337 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time: Alex Marquez achieved a time of 1 minute and 58.979 seconds in 2023.

It

The initial test for the 2025 Sepang MotoGP, which included newcomers Ai Ogura of Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra representing LCR, along with factory test riders and competing racers from Yamaha and Honda, kicked off at 10am on a Friday in Malaysia.

Restrictions on individual tire testing and team unveilings may decrease the number of participants at the 2025 Yamaha and Honda racing events during the Shakedown sessions.

This weekend, Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez will undertake development work for Yamaha, leading to rumors of a potential 'public' unveiling of the V4. Meanwhile, new test riders Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez have been scheduled for testing duties with HRC.

Test runs are scheduled from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Sepang Official test is scheduled to take place from February 5th to 7th

I

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Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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The finest photos from the opening day of the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test

A selection of the greatest shots from Friday's action in Sepang

Here are the top photos of motorcycles racing on the Sepang circuit during the 2025 MotoGP Shakedown trial.

Ducati has successfully maintained secrecy around their GP25, anticipated to be the top-performing motorcycle in the competition. Riders Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Fabio di Giannantonio are set to race on this bike.

Michele Pirro took to the track for testing.

Displayed above is a photo of Gresini's previous-year Ducati model.

Gresini's newcomer, Fermin Aldeguer, achieved the fifth highest speed on Friday.

Savadori takes to the track aboard a Jorge Martin Aprilia. #SepangShakedown pic.twitter.com/kKu5gitZFw— Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP) January 31, 2025

The finest photograph of the Aprilia taken on Friday is featured prominently at the beginning of this page.

On Friday, Ai Ogura from Trackhouse made an impression by securing the second-fastest time. He was among three newcomers qualified to participate.

Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia's reliable test pilot, secured the 10th position.

Dani Pedrosa leads the way for KTM, topping the speed charts by midday during the first day of the 2025 Sepang Shakedown. (Image source: pic.twitter.com/NEfSmF7Imd) – Tweet from Peter McLaren (@McLarenMotoGP), January 31, 2025

On Friday, KTM's seasoned testing pair, Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, took to the circuit.

Espargaro led the rankings, while Pedrosa secured the fourth position.

Yamaha has the advantage of leveraging their two main team riders, two Pramac team members, and their testing squad on Friday, in accordance with the concession regulations.

On Friday, only the testing pair, Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez, took to the track.

Honda

In his debut as Honda's test rider, Takaaki Nakagami registered the third-highest speed on the leaderboard.

He splits test responsibilities with Aleix Espargaro.

Yet, despite the curiosity surrounding the innovations that new technical director Romano Albesiano might introduce to the faltering program, no insights were shared from the activities on Friday.

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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 One racing.

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MV Agusta and KTM have parted ways, with the Sardarov family taking back complete ownership of the firm.

A little more than two years following Pierer Mobility Group's initial investment in MV Agusta via KTM AG, the Italian company has regained full independence.

On January 31, MV Agusta declared that the Italian firm, which has been 50.1 percent owned by KTM AG since last spring, will now return to being entirely managed by its CEO, Timur Sardarov.

According to a statement from the Italian company, KTM's recent financial difficulties prompted their decision to take action.

According to the announcement, while MV Agusta had a prosperous year, the recent financial developments at PIerer Mobility AG might have greatly affected the activities of the Schiranna brand.

The statement further mentions that MV Agusta will not participate in KTM AG's current restructuring efforts linked to its insolvency proceedings. This decision will enable MV Agusta to maintain its trajectory of positive growth.

Following their separation from KTM and PMG, MV has released a statement confirming that their worldwide network of dealers will maintain operations without any changes.

Timur Sardarov expressed that everyone at MV Agusta feels a deep sense of pride at this time. By taking back complete control of the company, they are now more empowered and dedicated to achieving outstanding results.

"In the last two years, the organization has greatly improved its procedures, systems, and team."

The foundational changes we've implemented have led to remarkable outcomes in 2024 and will keep propelling our success in the future.

"I am completely confident in our leadership group. Their visionary outlook, along with the commitment and expertise of our revitalized network of dealers, will elevate MV Agusta to greater success."

"My family and I are dedicated to being a driving force for the Varese team, the local area, and all our collaborators."

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

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Yamaha and Pramac Unveil Fresh Color Schemes for the 2025 MotoGP Season in Malaysia

Yamaha and Pramac Showcase New Designs

The Pramac team has revealed its updated appearance for its inaugural MotoGP season with Yamaha in 2025, showcasing significant Alpine branding, although the primary team hues stay mostly the same.

Yamaha is currently undergoing a period of restructuring after experiencing a significant drop from competing for the championship with Fabio Quartararo as the reigning champion in 2022 to failing to achieve a single podium finish last year.

The brand from Japan concluded the season in fourth place in the constructors' rankings, with Quartararo being the highest-placed rider for the team, finishing 13th.

Nonetheless, towards the end of the campaign, there were encouraging indicators of advancement, and with Max Bartolini at the helm as technical director, Yamaha is gearing up for a more substantial effort in 2025. This includes the anticipated launch of its inaugural V4 at some stage during this season.

Before resigning from his position as team leader, Lin Jarvis successfully negotiated a fresh two-year agreement with Quartararo, then with Alex Rins, and also managed to acquire a satellite team for Yamaha, marking the first time since 2022 that this has occurred.

Pramac, victorious in the 2024 independent teams' championship and instrumental in Jorge Martin securing the riders’ championship, chose to switch from Ducati to Yamaha's factory equipment.

The team is set to introduce a completely fresh roster featuring Jack Miller, previously with the team riding a Ducati from 2018 to 2020, alongside Miguel Oliveira, making a move from Trackhouse Aprilia.

The Pramac team recently announced the addition of French car maker Alpine as a primary sponsor, prominently displayed on its updated team colors.

At the event, the unveiling of the Pramac Yamaha Moto2 motorcycles ridden by Tony Arbolino and Izan Guevara took place. Ex-MotoGP rider Alex de Angelis has been appointed as the team manager.

Yamaha announced plans to commemorate its 70th anniversary with unique celebrations scheduled for July this year.

The brand was present on the Sepang circuit on Friday for the preliminary runs, with its competing racers slated to join over the weekend in preparation for the initial official testing from February 5-7 in Malaysia.

As of now, only two teams have not revealed their new liveries for the upcoming season. The factory Honda team will unveil theirs on Saturday, February 1st, in Indonesia.

LCR Honda is set to make their announcement on February 8, just before the MotoGP season kicks off with an event in Bangkok.

The Honda team is gearing up to present its inaugural motorcycle not featuring the Repsol colors in more than three decades, following the conclusion of its partnership with the Spanish petroleum company as the main sponsor.

The 2025 season kicks off from February 28 to March 2 with the Thai Grand Prix.

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