The top five most disappointing MotoGP title defenses

In this article, we reflect on some of the least successful attempts by MotoGP champions to retain their titles.

The 2025 MotoGP season has kicked off on a challenging note for the current titleholder, Jorge Martin. Heading into the initial race in Thailand, he has logged under 20 laps on his new Aprilia RS-GP this year. This limited practice is due to an accident that occurred during the early laps of the first test session of the year, held in Sepang.

Martin departed from Malaysia nursing a fractured right hand and a left foot, subsequently being excluded from participating in the Buriram test this week following a surgical procedure in Barcelona.

From a pessimistic standpoint, Martin is facing a challenging title defense. Instead of having the opportunity to test and familiarize himself with his new motorcycle, he finds himself racing to gain understanding. The gleaming #1 on the front of his bike serves as a constant reminder of the position he is expected to maintain.

This doesn't mean, of course, that the collaboration between Martin and Aprilia is doomed to endless failure or that they won't ever achieve a championship together.

By nearly all measures, Martin's attempt to defend his 2024 MotoGP World Championship title has had an incredibly poor beginning, despite the fact that the 2025 season hasn't even seen its first practice session.

Considering this, we decided to revisit a few of the unsuccessful title defenses in MotoGP history, specifically during the four-stroke era, to understand how former champions have lost their crowns.

Fabio Quartararo's 2022 Season

Describing Fabio Quartararo's attempt to defend his title in 2022 as a struggle might seem a bit severe. By November 2021, it was evident that maintaining his championship status would be a significant challenge.

This situation arose partly due to Yamaha's reduced competitiveness and largely due to Ducati's ascent to the top, driven by Francesco Bagnaia's success, as he secured victory in four of the final six races during the year Quartararo won the championship.

At the conclusion of 2021, Bagnaia expressed confidence that the Ducati Desmosedici GP22 had already shown improvements over the GP21, even with more than three months left before the commencement of the 2022 season.

The season kicked off in an unexpected manner for Bagnaia. He experienced a crash in Qatar, finished in 15th place in Indonesia, and secured fifth place in both Argentina and Texas. A qualifying crash in Portimao led to a last-place start, but he managed to climb to eighth by the end of the race.

Quartararo's performance was only slightly improved, placing ninth in Qatar, eighth in Argentina, and seventh in Texas. However, he managed to secure a podium finish in Indonesia and clinched a win in Portimao.

In their initial face-off at Jerez, Bagnaia emerged victorious over Quartararo, who spent 40 minutes attempting to prevent his front tire from overheating in Bagnaia’s turbulent airflow.

However, the situation shifted to benefit Quartararo: he achieved a sequence of 4th, 2nd, 1st, and 1st place finishes in the races held in France, Italy, Catalunya, and Germany. During that same timeframe, Bagnaia faced three races where he did not finish, allowing Quartararo to build a lead of more than 90 points over the Italian as they approached the Dutch TT.

For Bagnaia, the gap should have been impossible to overcome, despite the performance disparity between the Ducati and the Yamaha.

In the end, he secured the championship with a 17-point lead. Although this marked a victory for Bagnaia and Ducati, it also highlighted the shortcomings of Quartararo—who suffered crashes at Assen and Phillip Island—and Yamaha, as they allowed the title to slip from their grasp in such a significant manner.

Valentino Rossi, 2006

Throughout his career, Valentino Rossi secured nine championship titles, though he was unable to retain his title twice, specifically in the years 2006 and 2010.

The year 2006 is highlighted instead of 2010 because, in 2010, Rossi faced greater challenges in defending his 2009 title due to a shoulder injury he suffered prior to the season and a leg fracture he sustained during practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

Unlike the 2006 championship, which slipped from Rossi's grasp due to his own errors, both during races and outside of them.

In 2006, Rossi took a Ferrari Formula 1 car for a test drive, exploring the potential of transitioning to the top-tier racing series in the future.

The diversion ended up being futile because Rossi never competed in F1, resulting in a hindered progress of the 2006 YZR-M1. While this bike could win sometimes, Rossi only secured five victories with it in 2006, a significant drop from the 11 wins he achieved the year before.

In several instances, like those in Turkey and Germany, the Italian rider managed to climb up the ranks from disappointing qualifying spots to achieve a respectable race finish. Notably, at the Sachsenring, starting from a 14th-place qualifier, Rossi delivered an extraordinary performance to secure victory. Similarly, during the Dutch TT, after suffering a crash during practice, Rossi managed to push through and finish in eighth place despite his injuries.

In 2006, Rossi and Yamaha encountered numerous challenges, yet the Italian racer maintained a points advantage heading into the last race, surpassing Nicky Hayden. This was partially due to Hayden's bad luck at Estoril, where he was knocked out by his Repsol Honda teammate, Dani Pedrosa.

However, a crucial error led to the Italian losing out on what could have been his eighth world championship title at the time. In a dramatic turn of events, he lost control and crashed at the second corner of the season's final race, the Valencian Grand Prix, thereby missing the chance to secure the full collection of 990cc titles.

In examining the title defenses included in this list, it's clear that the year 2006 was not particularly poor for Rossi overall. However, compared to the high benchmarks he had established for himself since 2001, this season didn't quite hit the mark he aimed for.

Marc Marquez, 2015

Similar to Rossi, Marc Marquez has twice been unable to retain his championship title. For Marquez, these unsuccessful attempts occurred in 2015 and 2020. Like Rossi, his failure in 2020 was due to an injury, while in 2015, it was primarily because of Marquez's persistent errors. This is why 2015 is highlighted in this context.

It's undeniable that when reflecting on the 2015 MotoGP season, our thoughts immediately turn to its conclusion. However, it was actually a remarkable season of racing, which initially appeared as though it might be dull.

Entering his third season in the top-tier MotoGP category, Marquez had already secured back-to-back championships in his first two years. His second title was particularly remarkable, as he began the season with an unprecedented streak of 10 consecutive victories, ultimately achieving a total of 13 Grand Prix wins out of 18 races.

Believing that Marquez wouldn't eventually take control of the 2015 season, despite some initial hurdles during testing, seemed unreasonable.

Despite his successes in Texas and Germany, Marquez did not dominate the season as he had in the past two years. Overall, the Spanish rider couldn't replicate his previous impact.

A significant part of the problem was due to the motorcycle, since the Honda riders, including Marquez, faced difficulties that year because of the engine's aggressive nature.

However, Marquez's relentless ambition to seize victory at every chance played a significant role. Losing points in races he was expected to win, such as those in Argentina and Britain, resulted in the championship slipping away by the time he managed to stabilize his performance at the beginning of the Asian triple-header.

Notoriously, the fact that #93 couldn't clinch the championship himself that year didn't mark the conclusion of his impact on the series, even though it wasn't Marquez who directly exerted that influence. At its core, Marc Marquez didn't compete in 2015 with the goal of securing a title for Jorge Lorenzo.

Ultimately, Lorenzo had the skill to secure the championship on his own, while both Marquez and Valentino Rossi had the potential to let it slip away.

Joan Mir's performance in 2021 can only be described as a complete failure in defending his title, while Fabio Quartararo's 2022 season represented a significant downturn.

Suzuki clinched the 2020 championship alongside the Spanish rider, largely due to the GSX-RR's versatility and Mir's remarkable steadiness throughout a season marked by unpredictability.

In 2021, the general disorder in MotoGP decreased, while both Suzuki and Mir experienced a downturn in their performance consistency.

In 2021, the Spaniard failed to secure any race victories and achieved just six podium finishes across 14 races. This was a decline from the previous year, 2020, when he claimed seven podiums in the same number of races.

Overall, Mir had difficulty performing well in 2021, often failing to distinguish himself when compared to riders like Quartararo and Bagnaia. Even during the one event where he clearly outperformed both, he ended up being defeated in Styria by newcomer Jorge Martin.

Despite finishing third in the 2021 rankings, Mir's performance wasn't catastrophic. However, he is included in this list because, throughout the year, he never appeared to be the frontrunner for the championship title.

Nicky Hayden, 2007

Overall, our aim has been to avoid including seasons marked by significant rule or technical regulation changes. This rationale explains why Jorge Lorenzo's 2016 season is not featured on this list, while Fabio Quartararo's 2021 season is included.

Nevertheless, the last observation regarding Mir likely applies to Nicky Hayden in 2007 as well, but to a significantly larger degree. This is why his attempt to defend his 2006 title is included in our list.

For instance, Lorenzo appeared poised to retain his 2015 championship following the first race in Qatar in 2016. He dominated the event with ease, having demonstrated impressive speed during the preseason while adapting to the new Michelin tires and the standard electronic systems.

Conversely, Hayden began the 2007 season, marking the start of the 800cc era, with finishes of 8th, 7th, and 7th in the opening three races. He concluded the season with an average finish of eighth place across the 15 races he completed.

The American managed to secure just three podium finishes as he attempted to defend his championship title. He ended the season in eighth place in the rankings, trailing his second-year teammate Dani Pedrosa by 115 points.

In the 2007 season, Hayden was not necessarily expected to be the leading contender for the championship. However, ending the season in eighth place, following his previous year's triumph as the titleholder, was a notable disappointment. He finished behind both of the main Suzuki riders, John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen, as well as Marco Melandri's satellite Honda, marking a clear underachievement.

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Main rationale stated for Marc Marquez's edge over Pecco Bagnaia Explanation offered for choosing Marc Marquez

A fascinating explanation has been offered to support the idea that Marc Marquez holds an edge over Francesco Bagnaia this season.

Marquez will team up with Bagnaia in Ducati's official team, providing both riders with the same equipment and the top-performing bike on the track.

A MotoGP icon has accused Marquez before the start of the championship battle.

Giacomo Agostini mentioned to La Gazzetta dello Sport that they will never form a friendship with one another.

"The producer needs to provide identical materials to both parties, and they need to be smart enough to stay within the boundaries."

It doesn't matter if you have Davide Tardozzi or Agostini on the sidelines; when a racer is competing, their sole focus is on defeating their rival, executing the overtake, and pulling ahead by a few meters.

"That wasn't what they mentioned to him down in the mines…"

Marc Marquez is considered superior to Pecco Bagnaia. "These are two exceptional professionals," Agostini commented. "One is more systematic and integrated within the team, while the other is more assertive."

"I foresee a direct competition between them, as they are likely to envy one another."

"Marc definitely has a stronger desire than Bagnaia, which might be the crucial factor…"

Find out more: Ducati is facing a significant issue, but it poses an even greater challenge for their competitors.

Bagnaia benefits from having spent the last four years on a Ducati, specifically the official factory model.

He clinched the championship titles in both 2022 and 2023. However, he narrowly lost in the final round of 2024, as Jorge Martin edged him out.

The brilliance of Marquez, who has won the world championship eight times, should always be acknowledged.

Following a season of transitioning from a Honda to a Ducati from the previous year, he will advance to utilizing factory equipment in 2025.

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Jack Miller expresses that the Yamaha motorcycle feels like it's already his following the Sepang MotoGP test, stating, "Adapting to it has been quite straightforward."

Pramac Yamaha's Jack Miller expressed that the M1 felt immediately familiar, as if it were his own bike, following the pre-season MotoGP testing in Sepang.

The racer who has clinched victory four times is making a comeback to Pramac for the 2025 season, set to ride his fourth distinct motorcycle after earlier experiences with Honda, Ducati, and KTM models.

Following a challenging first encounter with the Yamaha in Barcelona last November, Miller appeared to be more at ease with the M1 during last week's shakedown, maintaining that momentum into the official test.

Miller ranked among the top 10 competitors for the initial two days and finished 12th on the concluding day.

After finishing his testing schedule ahead of time on Friday, Miller shared his thoughts on adjusting to the Yamaha, stating, "I'm feeling positive. Now, when I hop on the bike, even in the early hours, it feels right. Often, switching brands can be challenging, as you might find the tank awkwardly pressing against your leg or the handlebars feeling odd. But it's become easier for me to get accustomed to what feels standard."

Adjusting to this became quite straightforward after I positioned my bars correctly and found the right spot for my pegs.

"The tank's position is extremely comfortable; it's smooth and seamless without any protrusions or unevenness. Unlike previous experiences where an awkward bike posture led to leg discomfort, this design eliminates any pressure points that could cause soreness in the legs."

"My body is in a good state, and there's a sense of joy when I start my day on my bike. It's great to already have this positive feeling just five days in."

"In the coming days, as we take a break and spend time in Thailand, we'll observe how well we adjust to the new surroundings."

"I have a subtle sense of assurance… as I mentioned before, it seems as though the bike is truly ours."

"Exploring unfamiliar circuits naturally requires a bit more time compared to riding on tracks where you've previously ridden. I'm not worried."

Miller experienced a collision at Turn 4 on the last day while attempting a fast lap, attributing it to his insufficient knowledge of the Yamaha's handling characteristics during unstable braking situations.

Jack Miller gears up for Buriram trial

Anticipating the upcoming trial in Thailand, Miller highlights that the bike's performance upon exiting corners is the aspect he believes requires enhancement.

"He also mentioned that the braking performance is impressive, and it handles well when turning corners."

"In the initial section of the track, I notice that from the midpoint of the turn until the exit, the interval during which I transition from releasing the brakes has shortened, yet there's room for improvement."

"As you swiftly maneuver this bicycle, similar to the ones I've previously experienced, you have the ability to adjust as necessary to alleviate the tension on the chain and maintain your speed through the curve, which is among its notable features.

Approaching Turn 1, it's evident to me given its rounded nature. This corner doesn't offer much traction since you're riding on the tire's edge, necessitating a slightly altered racing line. Hence, my focus is on refining this aspect.

"I find my braking to be quite powerful. Just this afternoon, while experimenting with various approaches, I realized that when approaching Turn 1, there's no rush to start turning. Instead, I can allow myself a moment to continue braking in a more upright position before leaning into the turn."

"I believe we have to focus on improving the driving section and finding a way to enhance exiting the corners by a slight margin."

"Primarily, it's not so much about the slower corners, for instance, the penultimate and final turns, which are quite intuitive and you can navigate by feeling. The real challenge lies in navigating Turns 5 and 6, especially when it comes to the transition in direction there."

"I sense a high level of speed, especially in the mid-corner, yet the challenge lies in the initial acceleration at six and ensuring smooth transition and propulsion. Yamaha's throttle has a notably short stroke, which is an area I aim to improve upon."

The team is developing a modification for the Thailand project, aiming to enhance the throttle tube's responsiveness. This adjustment is intended to provide a broader range of control, as the current settings offer too limited a range for optimal driving engagement.

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Honda's MotoGP motorcycle has seen improvements compared to last year's model, although there are still some concerns. "We've made progress in areas that were challenging for us before…"

Honda has experienced a decline in its MotoGP performance, placing it at the lowest rank among manufacturers. However, Alberto Puig, the head of Honda HRC Castrol, remains confident that the company is making strides forward.

Joan Mir and Luca Marini, both part of Honda's factory racing team, expressed optimism regarding the enhancements made during the winter season. They observed that the 2025 RC213V showed marked improvement in corner entry compared to the previous model during initial testing at Sepang last week. However, Marini remarked that, despite these advancements, Honda's progress over the winter seemed limited when compared to the top-performing motorcycles in the championship.

Alberto Puig Puig backed this up by stating to MotoGP.com that the RC213V has improved this year in comparison to 2024.

"The foundation has improved compared to the previous year," he mentioned.

"We've made progress in some challenging areas, but there are still several crucial aspects that need attention, which the riders have been asking for, and we're aware of what those are."

"The start of the season is definitely going to be challenging."

"In Japan, significant efforts were made to incorporate all their initiatives, and we also hired numerous individuals who are assisting us."

Find out more: While Ducati faces a significant issue, it seems to be an even greater challenge for others.

Honda has pinpointed its main objective for the MotoGP in 2025. Romano Albesiano, a prominent figure known for his leadership of Aprilia’s RS-GP initiative, is a key addition to their team.

According to Puig, the Italian is currently in the process of learning during his tenure with Honda.

"We are pleased that [Romano] Albesiano has become a part of our team," he mentioned.

"Naturally, it's just the start for him, and he requires some time to adapt to Honda's system, which is likely very different from the Italian approach."

Ultimately, Honda represents a collective effort rather than a single person, and this is the source of its potential strength. The aim is clear: the goal and drive are to elevate Honda back to the forefront of the industry.

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

VR46 offers an update on Fabio di Giannantonio's health status

VR46 has provided a new report regarding Fabio di Giannantonio following his surgical procedure.

Di Giannantonio suffered a collarbone break during the tumultuous opening day of the MotoGP Sepang test last week.

On Monday, his team announced, "Fabio Di Giannantonio underwent a successful operation on Sunday, February 9th, in Italy, for the treatment of his fractured left collarbone."

The rider from the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team experienced a fall during the initial day of trials in Sepang, occurring last Wednesday.

Following his accident, Fabio returned to Italy and was admitted to Villa Stuart, a private hospital. There, under the guidance of Professor Alessandro Castagna, the team conducted a surgery on Sunday morning to address his injuries.

"The operation went well and the cyclist will begin their recovery process right away."

"The aim is to reach peak physical fitness by the time of the season's opening race in Thailand, scheduled from February 28th to March 2nd."

This indicates that Di Giannantonio will be absent from the Buriram test scheduled for this week.

MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin is set to skip the Buriram test owing to an injury sustained from a fall off his Aprilia during Wednesday's Sepang session.

The two competitors are set to begin the 2025 season's initial race from February 28 to March 2, facing significant setbacks due to their limited experience with the newly introduced equipment.

Di Giannantonio's accident happened as he tried to impress by performing a wheelie.

He's set to pilot a standard Ducati for this racing season.

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A MotoGP racer presents a surprising idea regarding the progression of bikes across different levels.

Ai Ogura discusses the transition from Moto2 to MotoGP.

Newcomer Ai Ogura in MotoGP thinks that transitioning from Moto3 to Moto2 is more challenging than moving from Moto2 to the top-tier class.

The current Moto2 titleholder has signed with the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This move was unexpected when announced last summer.

During the Sepang shakedown two weeks ago, Ogura caught everyone's attention with an outstanding race simulation performance. He concluded the official test in Malaysia by securing the 14th position on the last day.

When questioned about the transition from Moto3 to Moto2 compared to the shift from Moto2 to MotoGP, Ogura revealed something unexpected.

He mentioned that the first experience with the Moto2 bike stood out to him. He speculated that transitioning from Moto3 to Moto2 might be a more significant change.

"This is simply my personal feeling. Just a day after wrapping up the Moto3 season, I was in Portimao and found myself unable to navigate a turn, particularly the initial one."

"Reaching speeds close to 300 km/h and handling larger tires made it difficult for me to tilt the bike. It was quite challenging. Transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP was somewhat easier for me."

Ogura is set to undergo two additional days of testing on his RS-GP at Buriram before he makes his first appearance in a MotoGP race during the Thai Grand Prix later this month.

When questioned about his expectations for the test, he said, "I aim to perfect my timing on the track since our initial race is scheduled here. It's great that I have the opportunity to practice for two days on this circuit."

The straightforward young Japanese rider kept his response brief when questioned about what aspects of the bike and his personal performance need enhancement, merely replying, “Everything.”

Identifying a particular challenge he faces with the MotoGP motorcycle, Ogura mentions that braking in a straight line is "the primary concern at the moment."

Regarding his physical readiness, Ogura feels confident that he is sufficiently strong to complete a race distance without experiencing any issues with arm pump.

He mentioned that he was uncertain about his strength, but felt capable of handling 20 laps.

"This is what I'm aware of. I might become even stronger, but I'm not certain. Right now, I don't experience any arm fatigue or similar issues during the race."

Ogura's teammate, Raul Fernandez, is set to join him on the track in Buriram. Fernandez had to miss the Sepang test following a crash on the first day.

Fernandez underwent an operation for a fracture in his left hand but plans to try riding this week before the season's first round begins.

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Casey Stoner reconnects with pivotal figure from Honda MotoGP triumph

During a visit to Japan, Casey Stoner caught up with a crucial individual responsible for his 2011 championship victory.

Since stepping away from professional racing, Casey Stoner's legacy in MotoGP has solidified, particularly due to his initial victory in the premier class championship in 2007 riding for Ducati. However, his achievement of a second championship in 2011 showcased the Australian rider accomplishing something quite distinct from his first triumph.

Stoner's championship win on a Ducati marked the Italian brand's inaugural victory in the top tier of Grand Prix racing, thereby validating the initiative that made its MotoGP debut in 2003, coinciding with the second year of the four-stroke period in the World Championship.

As the years went by, this accomplishment became more remarkable, especially after Stoner's departure from the scene. Ducati struggled to position itself as a competitive force in MotoGP for a considerable period until 2022, when Francesco Bagnaia clinched his inaugural championship. This resurgence could also be traced back to the latter part of 2021 when Bagnaia secured victories in four of the final five races, triumphing in the last three consecutively.

In 2011, Stoner made the switch to Honda, transitioning from a brand where he was the sole contributor to their triumphs, to joining a manufacturer with a long history of champions that had raced under its banner.

By 2011, the renowned alliance between Repsol and Honda had reached its 17th anniversary, boasting a history of collaboration with celebrated riders like Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino Rossi, and Nicky Hayden.

Naturally, prior to Repsol's partnership beginning in 1995, Doohan had secured his initial 500cc championship in 1994. Moreover, the roster of top-tier champions from HRC extends to feature notable riders like Eddie Lawson, Wayne Gardner, and Freddie Spencer as well.

Thus, Stoner's achievement placed him in the elite group of the sport's top riders, specifically those who have secured victories in the premier class riding for Honda.

For the company based in Tokyo, this triumph was crucial. Stoner's win halted Yamaha's streak of victories (the Iwata brand had clinched consecutive championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010 with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo), marking Repsol Honda's inaugural championship in the 800cc category of MotoGP at their last opportunity before the shift to 1,000cc regulations in 2012.

Check out this Instagram post from Casey Stoner AM (@official_cs27)

A pivotal contributor to Stoner's and Honda's triumph that year was Shuhei Nakamoto. He came onboard as HRC's vice president in 2009, following the disbandment of Honda's F1 team at the close of 2008. Stoner had a recent reunion with him during a visit to Tokyo.

During the initial two seasons of the 800cc period, Honda struggled significantly, as their RC212V failed to pose a consistent threat to Ducati and Stoner or to Rossi, Lorenzo, and the Yamaha team.

In the 2009 racing season, significant alterations were made to the technical setup, including a switch in the suspension system from Honda's affiliate Showa to Ohlins, and a change in the brakes provider, moving from Honda's affiliated Nissin to Brembo.

In that particular year, Dani Pedrosa managed to secure victories in just two competitions. However, by 2010, he posed a real threat for the championship title, competing closely with Jorge Lorenzo. This contention was disrupted when a crash during practice led to Pedrosa's absence from the Japanese Grand

Honda's enhancements to their 800cc model coincided with a downturn in Ducati's performance levels. Consequently, they managed to secure Stoner for the 2011 season by merely offering him a bike capable of clinching a championship.

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Marc Marquez reveals new partnership for exceptional visor footage

Marc Marquez unveils latest sponsorship deal

Marc Marquez has secured an interesting sponsorship deal for the 2025 MotoGP season.

The Ducati team's racer has disclosed an agreement with Insta360.

Insta360 is known for manufacturing cameras that capture 360-degree imagery, which is reflected in their company name.

Check out this Instagram post from Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93)

In Marquez's recent social media update, he shares stunning perspectives of him maneuvering his Ducati, drawing his followers deeper into his world.

The business mentions, "Our network of Insta360 team members, encompassing both athletes and content creators, spans the globe. They utilize our cameras to capture their extraordinary adventures and inspire their creative pursuits."

Over the past year, Marquez has seen a transformation in his endorsements after transitioning from Honda to Ducati.

In 2023, upon becoming an official Ducati team member, Marquez concluded his lengthy partnership with Red Bull due to Ducati's collaboration with competing energy drink brand, Monster.

Marquez has managed to keep Estrella Galicia, a Spanish beer brand, as one of his individual sponsors.

Ducati has acknowledged that Marquez's presence in their team has expanded their reach to a broader audience, thanks to his reputation as the most famous MotoGP rider.

He is poised to compete for his ninth world championship this season, aiming to achieve an incredible comeback from his injury woes and match Valentino Rossi's record.

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Davide Tardozzi unexpectedly names Ducati's rival for the 2025 MotoGP season

"I was aware they would advance – just not this rapidly!"

Ducati is poised to dominate the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, leading the predictions for sweeping all three championships due to their recent advancements in technology and their formidable team of riders.

It remains uncertain which competitor will emerge as the primary rival to the Bologna marque. In recent times, this position has fluctuated between KTM, Aprilia, or occasionally both. However, during the previous week's Sepang test, Yamaha distinguished itself as a noteworthy contender.

Team leader Davide Tardozzi of Ducati Lenovo was anticipating advancements from the Iwata brand after they brought on board ex-Ducati engineer Max Bartolini at the start of 2024. However, the rapid pace at which these improvements have occurred has caught him off guard.

"Tardozzi revealed to MotoGP.com after the Sepang test last week that he was aware Yamaha would improve, but he didn't anticipate it happening so swiftly. During the test, Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo not only secured the third-fastest time but also demonstrated consistent speed during extended laps."

"Regardless, I'm quite familiar with Massimo Bartolini. I had complete confidence in his ability to help them advance significantly."

"Now it's clear to me that they're paying close attention to what he says, and in my opinion, they have an incredible talent in Fabio [Quartararo]. Without a doubt, he's currently our rival."

During the recent trial, several impressive Sprint simulations caught attention, notably from Quartararo and also from Tardozzi's racer, Marc Marquez.

The Spanish rider managed to clock times in the upper 1 minute and 57 seconds range during the initial four laps of his run, eventually settling into the lower 1 minute and 58 seconds range by the conclusion of his session.

Just a single competitor outpaced him: Alex Marquez; and this two-time World Champion isn't the sole satellite Ducati competitor that Tardozzi is closely watching at this point.

"Tardozzi observed the elder Marquez's Sprint simulation with a grin," he recounted, "yet ultimately, we have another Marquez who excelled since Alex performed an outstanding simulation."

"Ultimately, it boils down to a challenge – come the day of the race, circumstances change, and I believe that Marc [Marquez] and Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] will be in contention."

"I'm confident that our affiliate teams will also demonstrate strong competitiveness this year."

"The Ducati Lenovo team manager expressed confidence that Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez will be strong contenders right from the outset. He also conveyed his regret for Fabio Di Giannantonio's situation, assuring that the team eagerly anticipates his return, recognizing his potential to compete at the same level."

"We're anticipating the midpoint of the season, if not sooner, to witness the debut of the promising young racer, as I believe Fermin Aldeguer is set to astonish everyone."

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

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Davide Tardozzi Surprisingly Names Ducati Challenger for 2025 MotoGP Season

"I was aware they would improve – just didn't foresee it happening this rapidly!"

Ducati is stepping into the 2025 MotoGP World Championship as the top contender for all three championships, attributed to their recent supremacy in technology and their formidable lineup of riders.

It remains uncertain which competitor will emerge as the primary rival to the Bologna-based team. In recent times, this position has alternated between KTM, Aprilia, or sometimes both. However, during the last week's testing session in Sepang, Yamaha distinguished itself as a noteworthy contender.

Ducati Lenovo's team leader, Davide Tardozzi, anticipated improvements from the Iwata brand following their hiring of ex-Ducati engineer Max Bartolini at the start of 2024. However, the rapid pace of these advancements caught him off guard.

"Tardozzi revealed to MotoGP.com after last week's Sepang test that he was aware Yamaha would improve, but he was surprised by the rapid advancement. During the test, Yamaha's Fabio Quartarazzo achieved the third fastest time and demonstrated consistent speed during extended laps."

"Regardless, I'm quite familiar with Massimo Bartolini. I had no doubt that he could help them advance significantly."

“Currently, it's clear to me that his words carry significant weight with them, and considering they have an exceptional talent in Fabio [Quartararo], he's undoubtedly our main competitor at this point.”

Satellite Competition

The recent trial featured several impressive Sprint trials, notably from Quartararo, as well as from Tardozzi's racer, Marc Marquez.

The Spanish rider managed to record lap times in the high-1:57 range during the initial four laps of his simulation, eventually finishing with times in the low-1:58 range by its conclusion.

Alex Marquez alone outpaced him; the two-time World Champion is also among the satellite Ducati riders Tardozzi is currently watching closely.

"Tardozzi observed the older Marquez's Sprint simulation with a grin," he remarked. "However, ultimately, there's another Marquez who performed excellently as Alex delivered an outstanding simulation."

"Ultimately, it's an evaluation – come the day of the race, the dynamics often shift, and I believe that Marc [Marquez] and Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia] will be in contention."

"I'm confident that our affiliated teams will also demonstrate strong competitiveness this year."

"The Ducati Lenovo team manager expressed confidence that Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez will be strong contenders right from the start of the season. He also conveyed his regret over Fabio Di Giannantonio's situation, reassuring that the team eagerly anticipates his return, acknowledging his potential to compete at the top level."

"We're anticipating the mid-season or possibly sooner to witness the emergence of the new young talent, as I believe Fermin Aldeguer is going to astonish everyone."

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

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Ducati hints at pivotal engine choice in Buriram

Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Davide Tardozzi comment on engine selection decision

Ducati has alluded to a significant engine choice critical to their MotoGP campaign for the 2025 season.

During the upcoming two-day test in Buriram, they are faced with the decision of either moving forward with their new engine or sticking with the one from the previous season.

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, who are the team's main riders, conducted tests in Sepang, understanding that their chances for the championship hinge on choosing wisely.

"According to Marquez, who spoke to MotoGP.com following the Sepang trial, the focus isn't just on the engine but also includes a compilation of minor details. He noted that with the upcoming period, both he and Francesco Bagnaia, referred to as Pecco, will have ample opportunity to dissect these elements, thanks to the extensive laps they've completed."

"I believe they'll make a wise choice, given that over the past three days in the garage, I've observed their courage and composure in making the right calls; […] at times, being cautious is necessary when you're already equipped with the top motorcycle.

"It's crucial that we have absolute certainty that the 2025 engine significantly outperforms its predecessors, which currently, we cannot confirm. Therefore, a period of waiting is necessary."

Marquez prefers a cautious strategy for the 2025 motorcycle, driven by his aim to minimize risk. This is because any errors would need to be dealt with over two seasons, which matches the duration of Marquez's inaugural contract with Ducati.

"We must avoid any unwarranted danger," he stated.

It's important to realize that, from the last set of enhancements, they secured victories in 19 out of 20 races.

"However, it's natural that engineers and producers are constantly aiming for enhancements."

"However, if certainty is lacking, it's wise to hold off. Yet, looking ahead to 2025, there are encouraging signs, suggesting we should continue to seek clarity."

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

Ducati acknowledges their latest engine lacks certain elements

Marc Marquez's partner, Francesco Bagnaia, highlighted that the engine for 2024 is not brand new, being a year old. He conceded as well that the engine set for 2025 is not yet up to par, indicating it lacks some aspects.

"Francesco Bagnaia mentioned to MotoGP.com, 'Honestly, the GP24 is an amazing device and it's performing incredibly well.'"

"However, we've been utilizing it for an entire season now. The GP25 engine appears remarkable, and its power output is impressive, yet there's still something lacking."

"Thus, making a decision isn't straightforward, and we require an additional two days in Thailand to gain clarity."

Bagnaia did not verify if his below-average time attack, during which he fell behind in two sectors, occurred while he was testing the 2025 engine.

Ducati Lenovo's team leader, Davide Tardozzi, shared Marquez's view, disclosing that post-Sepang evaluations are tilting towards favoring the 2024 engine.

"He mentioned that the 2025 engine holds significant promise. However, he believes that the regulations compel them to adopt a cautious approach, given the requirement for the engine to serve for a two-year duration."

"Currently, the scales are tipping slightly more in favor of 2024 than 2025. However, the final decision will be made in Thailand."

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

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2025 MotoGP Buriram Test: Tracking Guide

Details on the schedule, timings, and ways to keep up with the MotoGP's two-day testing event in Buriram.

Here's your guide to keeping up with the MotoGP Buriram test on February 12th and 13th, 2025. Below, you'll find the schedule for when the testing begins.

The last chance for MotoGP teams and riders to fine-tune their bikes before the season's opening race has arrived.

Ducati faces a significant challenge in deciding whether to enter the season with their 2025 or 2024 engine model.

Yamaha, on the other hand, surprisingly grabbed attention in Sepang and might solidify their emerging status as underdogs.

Jorge Martin from Aprilia and Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46 will miss the test due to injuries.

The inaugural race of the season, known as the Thailand MotoGP, is scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 2.

GUIDE ON KEEPING UP WITH THE 2025 MOTOGP BURIRAM TRIAL FROM ANY LOCATION

Unfortunately, a live stream for viewing each lap of the MotoGP 2025 Buriram trial is not available.

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

Stay updated with Crash.net for real-time race data, along with the latest updates from the circuit. We'll deliver insights directly from the competitors and essential technology news.

Keep an eye out for amazing pictures on Crash.net's MotoGP X and on Instagram at CrashMotoGP.

MotoGP.com plans to stream 'After The Flag' daily, providing summaries of the track events.

Starting times for the 2025 MotoGP Buriram trials

Wednesday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, which corresponds to 3 a.m. to

On Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, which corresponds to 3 a.m. to

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

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