Inside the MotoGP Paddock: What Teams Are Testing During the Crucial Misano In-Season Finale

Rumors are circulating in the paddock regarding the new developments each MotoGP team is experimenting with at Misano.

The last in-season test of the year is currently underway at Misano.

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

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

However, prior to that, there will be a crucial day of examinations taking place on Monday.

Some teams will use this opportunity to assess their early 2025 prototypes, whereas others will just experiment with a handful of new components.

This is the information we have at this moment.

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

According to es.motorsport.com, Davide Tardozzi stated that the GP25 "doesn't exist" at this time. This aligns with observations that the motorcycles currently in use are nearly the same as those that completed the grand prix on Sunday.

This doesn’t mean they aren’t experimenting with new things. According to MotoGP.com pitlane reporter Simon Crafar, Ducati is expected to trial a 2025-spec engine today, and Francesco Bagnaia has a new chassis to test.

Marc Marquez informed the press on Sunday following his grand prix victory that he wouldn’t be testing any new components on his Gresini Ducati, apart from a few set-up adjustments. Nonetheless, it’s possible he might have an opportunity to try out the 2025 chassis since Ducati will require his input on it for the upcoming year.

Pramac is experimenting with a modified aerodynamic design on the underside of its fairing, although this adjustment has been tested previously.

Crafar stated: "There isn't much difference. However, they are examining a different down-draft effect at the lower part of the fairing."

"I noticed it at Silverstone – occasionally, when Silverstone has challenging conditions, they move it aside, but it's returned now. It's quite easy to overlook, but I had the chance to examine it closely. The openings inside have a different design. It's a minor adjustment."

As Jorge Martin is set to join Aprilia next 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 plan to use this period to enhance my skills."

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

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

As a result, there are no new items to test at Misano; the focus is solely on evaluating and comparing the various old and new components that have already been under examination.

Different engine configurations will be a primary focus. Yamaha has introduced engine improvements in races this season, but a third version, which is the favored one, will be used more extensively.

During the San Marino GP weekend, Yamaha introduced a new chassis, which improved their performance. This allowed Fabio Quartararo to qualify in 10th place and finish the race in seventh place.

Crafar mentioned that he had a conversation with team manager Maio Meregalli.

I asked, "What's different? I don't notice any changes." He responded, "That's because we've secured the concessions; we've already tested everything."

This evaluation aims to verify the experiments they've conducted. It involves comparing the new attempts with the reliable, well-established methods to ensure they are an improvement. Only after this will the riders and crew chiefs be granted the liberty to experiment with different settings, something they haven't had the chance to do this year.

"They fell behind schedule due to wet weather tests. Additionally, their extensive testing agenda left no time to adjust the chassis setup, which is what they are focusing on this afternoon."

Aprilia

On Monday, Aprilia's testing efforts are primarily centered on Raul Fernandez, as he is the only Trackhouse rider confirmed to remain with the team through 2025.

Crafar explains that he is evaluating the 2023 and 2024 machines to determine if the 2023 model outperforms in the currently weak areas, in an effort to find an improved setup.

Fernandez is experimenting with a new underseat diffuser, described as a "Formula 1-style aero" enhancement that generates significant downforce at the rear of the bike. According to Crafar, this modification caused the bike to run wide in corners, so they are conducting further tests on it.

Aprilia's test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, is putting in significant effort on the engine for the 2025 model, while Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales are focusing on testing configurations to enhance their performance when entering corners.

"I am having difficulty bringing the bike to a halt," Espargaro remarked after a challenging San Marino Grand Prix for Aprilia.

“We’re experiencing a lack of traction, which is odd given that this track typically offers some of the best grip all year. We’re having difficulties and aren’t on par with our competitors. We have some strategies in mind to alter the setup for the next session here. I don’t believe we have many new components available, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

KTM

The motorcycle company based in Austria has assigned Dani Pedrosa to replace Pol Espargaro for today’s testing. Meanwhile, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta are evaluating the prototype bike that Espargaro has been racing lately.

According to Crafar, the engine in that motorcycle has a distinct firing order, resembling the engine used by Aprilia.

Crafar mentioned that he heard Dani has approved the new engine.

"Dani is well-informed on the subject. I've been told by individuals from KTM that they erred by pursuing their own ideas instead of heeding Dani's suggestions."

"He doesn't have the new engine, which indicates there are only a few available. These engines have been assigned to the 2025 riders, Acosta and Binder. They need to approve or reject it, so KTM can determine what to manufacture for the upcoming year."

Binder mentioned that, to his knowledge, Pol Espargaro is working with a significantly different setup.

"The top priority is to attempt that, evaluate it, and determine my initial thoughts on the package that Pol has developed."

"Additionally, it would be beneficial to identify and implement improvements immediately. Given the lengthy season, any enhancements we can discover to aid us now would be highly valued."

Since both Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez are departing, they need to share a single motorcycle to evaluate some configurations for this season.

Honda's HRC has introduced numerous updates for the Misano test, featuring new aerodynamics, chassis, and engine specifications for its riders to assess.

On Sunday, Johann Zarco expressed that the 2024 bike is completely ineffective, making Monday's testing crucial for the 2025 model.

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

On Monday, Honda factory 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 recognized the significance of this test.

Takaaki Nakagami mentioned that Honda has several areas to enhance, including the rigidity of the chassis. He acknowledged that there are significant gaps and emphasized their goal to boost the bike's performance during the test.

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