Inside the Misano MotoGP Test: What Each Team is Trialing for the Future

Rumors circulate in the paddock regarding the components each MotoGP team is evaluating at Misano. The last test session of the season is currently underway at Misano.

Information is beginning to surface regarding the specific tests each MotoGP team is conducting at Misano on Monday after the San Marino Grand Prix.

The MotoGP teams and riders are remaining at Misano for a longer period, as the upcoming race of the 2024 season will also be held at this Italian circuit due to the Kazakhstan GP being called off.

However, prior to that, a crucial testing day is scheduled for Monday.

For certain teams, it will be an opportunity to assess early models for 2025, whereas other teams will just test some new components.

This is the information we have at this point.

Ducati seems to be the company conducting the least development activity at Misano on Monday.

According to es.motorsport.com, Davide Tardozzi mentioned that the GP25 model "hasn't been created" yet. This statement aligns with the observation that the bikes currently in use are nearly the same as those that competed in the grand prix last Sunday.

This doesn't mean they're not experimenting with new things. According to Simon Crafar from MotoGP.com pitlane, Ducati is expected to test an engine designed for the 2025 season today, and Francesco Bagnaia has a new chassis to try out.

On Sunday, after winning the grand prix, Marc Marquez informed the press that he wouldn't be testing any new components on his Gresini Ducati, aside from a few set-up adjustments. Nonetheless, it's possible he might try out the 2025 chassis, as Ducati will require his input for the upcoming year.

Pramac is testing a modified aerodynamic design on the lower part of its fairing, which is an adjustment they have experimented with previously.

Crafar commented, "There is hardly any difference between them. However, they are examining a different airflow pattern at the base of the fairing."

At Silverstone, I noticed it. Occasionally, in challenging conditions at Silverstone, they move it aside, but now it's back. It's quite subtle, but I was fortunate to get a closer look. The openings inside have a different design. It's a minor adjustment.

As Jorge Martin is set to leave for Aprilia after this year, he mentioned, "I doubt I'll receive any new components – my focus will be on refining certain aspects of my riding, such as the time attack. I'll dedicate time to enhance my skills."

Franco Morbidelli, a team member, is experimenting with new concepts to enhance his connection with the GP24. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio is not present for VR46 as he focuses on healing from a shoulder dislocation he sustained in Austria.

Yamaha has been able to conduct extensive testing with its riders this year due to its concessions.

Consequently, there are no new elements to experiment with at Misano; instead, the focus is on evaluating and contrasting the different previously tested items.

One of the main changes involves varying engine specifications. Although Yamaha has introduced engine updates in races this year, there was a third specification that emerged as the favored choice and will be used more extensively.

During the San Marino Grand Prix weekend, Yamaha introduced a new chassis that improved their performance slightly. Fabio Quartararo managed to qualify in 10th place and finished the race in seventh place.

"I spoke with team manager Maio Meregalli," Crafar mentioned.

"I asked, 'What's new? I don't see any changes.' He replied, 'That's because we have the concessions; we've already tested everything.'"

This examination aims to validate their previous attempts. They are comparing it directly with the older, reliable methods to ensure it's an improvement. Only after this confirmation will they allow the riders and crew chiefs to experiment with settings. There hasn't been enough time for such experimentation this year.

"They wasted time on wet tests. Additionally, their extensive testing schedule prevented them from adjusting the chassis set-up, which is what they're focusing on this afternoon."

Aprilia

The majority of Aprilia's testing efforts on Monday are centered around Raul Fernandez, as he is the sole Trackhouse rider remaining with the team for the 2025 season.

According to Crafar, he is evaluating the 2023 and 2024 models to determine if the 2023 version excels in the areas where they currently have weaknesses, in an effort to identify a more effective combination.

Fernandez is experimenting with an underseat diffuser, which is an upgrade inspired by Formula 1 aerodynamics that increases downforce at the rear of the vehicle. According to Crafar, this adjustment was causing the vehicle to run wide in the corners, so they are conducting further tests.

Aprilia's test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, is putting in significant effort on the 2025 engine. Meanwhile, Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales are experimenting with different set-up adjustments to enhance their performance when entering corners.

Espargaro mentioned that he is having difficulty bringing the bike to a halt after a challenging San Marino GP for Aprilia.

"We're experiencing a lack of traction, which is unusual since this track typically offers some of the best grip all year. We're facing difficulties and aren't matching up to our competitors' performance. We have some strategies and adjustments in mind to tweak the setup for the next session here. While I don't believe we have many new components available, we'll have to wait and see."

KTM

Today, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer has assigned Dani Pedrosa to replace Pol Espargaro for testing tasks. Meanwhile, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta are evaluating the prototype bike that Espargaro has recently been racing.

Crafar thinks the engine in that motorcycle has a unique firing sequence, making it more similar to the engine used by Aprilia.

Crafar mentioned that Dani has approved the new engine.

"Dani is well-informed. I've been told by folks at KTM that they erred by sticking to their own beliefs instead of heeding Dani's recommendations."

“He’s not using the new engine, which means there are only a few available. These engines have been allocated to the 2025 riders, Acosta and Binder. They need to approve or reject them, so KTM can decide on production plans for the next year.”

Binder mentioned that, as far as he knows, Pol Espargaro is using a significantly different setup.

"The top priority is to attempt and evaluate that package to understand my initial reaction to Pol's work."

"Additionally, it would be beneficial if we could enhance our performance and identify ways to make immediate improvements. The season is lengthy, so any measures we can implement to help us during this period would be highly valued."

Due to their impending departures, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez must share a single motorcycle to evaluate various settings for this year.

Honda

At the Misano test, HRC introduced numerous updates for its riders to assess, featuring changes to the aerodynamics, chassis, and engine specifications.

Johann Zarco mentioned on Sunday that the 2024 bike is not performing well at all, making Monday's tests crucial for the 2025 model.

The LCR rider has been experimenting with a new ground effect fairing, akin to the ones used by Ducati and Aprilia in their races.

On Monday, factory Honda riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini returned to the track after being absent from the grand prix because of illness. Despite facing physical challenges, they understood the significance of this test.

"We have numerous areas that require enhancement, such as the rigidity of the chassis," Takaaki Nakagami commented regarding Honda's objectives for the test. "We have significant gaps to address. Therefore, our aim is to boost the bike's performance."

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