"Brake issues thwart Pedro Acosta's prime KTM ambition at Barcelona

"Tackling a challenging race is one thing; dealing with brake malfunctions at 350 km/h is entirely another"

A narrow margin of just two points and under two seconds denied newcomer Pedro Acosta the fifth spot and the position of the highest-ranked rider not on a Ducati in the overall 2024 MotoGP World Championship rankings.

The rider from GASGAS Tech3 entered the season's last Grand Prix holding a slim lead of two points ahead of Brad Binder from Red Bull KTM, this despite having to withdraw from the Sprint because of damage to the fairing caused by an early collision with Marc Marquez on the first lap.

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For the 13th occasion this season, Acosta hasn't managed to find the back of the net, which counts the game in Australia where he didn't make the

Despite Binder being positioned 18th on the starting grid and Acosta beginning from sixth, the 20-year-old remained the top contender to secure his aim of clinching fifth place in the championship standings.

Yet, his advantage was lost when Binder surged ahead with an outstanding move to sixth place, as Acosta dropped to tenth due to a problem with the brakes.

"After the race, Acosta reflected, mentioning, “There’s a big difference between navigating a challenging race and dealing with brake issues while speeding at 350 km/h.”

"I lost control over the brakes right from the start. It was challenging to handle from the very first lap. Initially, I had some traction at the back, but once that traction disappeared, it became impossible to maintain speed."

During the 12th lap, my time was 40.8 seconds, which was quite decent. Then, as the laps progressed, my times increased to 41.4, 41.6, and into the 42-second range! Surprisingly, I don’t usually clock times in the 42s even during the first free practice session (FP1).

"This is the situation as it stands. Please don't misunderstand me, it's hard to grasp the reason why."

"I'm managing because it seems I'm not alone in facing challenges throughout the season, as Marc has frequently pointed out. However, this situation shouldn't be considered acceptable."

It remains unclear whether the problem with the brakes was linked to the damage resulting from Acosta's severe crash during the warm-up.

Acosta might not have led the final rankings among RC16 competitors, yet he outperformed all with the highest number of KTM podium finishes (five) and the most laps leading the race (13).

"He mentioned that the season was a mix of ups and downs, including both commendable outcomes and some disappointing instances due to errors. Overall, however, he described the season as largely favorable."

Starting from the Barcelona test on Tuesday, Acosta is set to team up with Binder at the Red Bull KTM factory squad.

"I'm excited to begin a new chapter, albeit close by since I'm staying within the family. However, I will be parting ways with some individuals," he expressed.

"From the moment I arrived, I felt a warm reception, and the technicians along with everyone involved treated me kindly. Thus, my initial season in MotoGP with Tech3 will always hold a special place in my heart."

With Augusto Fernandez also leaving, likely for a role as a Yamaha test rider, Tech3 will feature MotoGP champions Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini in the upcoming season.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the motorsport landscape evolve, including Valentino Rossi's career from its peak to its end. Currently, he's leading the narrative on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Maverick Vinales is excited for an appealing fresh challenge in MotoGP with KTM

“In my view, [the KTM] aligns better with how I ride”

As the sole competitor to outpace Ducati in a race this year, Maverick Vinales transitions from Aprilia to KTM, making his first appearance on the RC16 at the Barcelona test on Tuesday.

Having clinched victories in the MotoGP on ten occasions with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia teams, Vinales concluded his tenure with the RS-GP by finishing in a disappointing 15th position at the Barcelona race this past Sunday.

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The Spanish rider, after securing a win in the Portimao Sprint and achieving back-to-back victories at COTA earlier in the season, pointed out that his downfall was due to opting for the hard rear tire.

"We made the wrong decision regarding the tires, particularly the rear one… There's nothing more to add.

Clearly, numerous improvements can be made, but I'll pass that responsibility to the successors.

"Embrace the outcome and proceed. Looking forward to what's coming next with great anticipation."

The forthcoming phase in Vinales' career involves him moving to the Tech3 KTM squad, with the objective of being the inaugural racer to secure victories on four distinct MotoGP manufacturer bikes.

Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder surpassed Vinales, securing positions just behind the top four Ducati riders in the championship standings. However, KTM has not tasted victory in a MotoGP race since their win in Thailand in 2022, and they failed to secure a win in any Sprint race throughout the current season.

Vinales expressed excitement about his new venture, describing it as an attractive opportunity. "Clearly, it won't be straightforward. The bike is quite distinct. However, I believe it aligns better with how I ride, which should be advantageous," he stated.

"Regardless, there's a significant amount of effort required, and having not tested the bike myself, I can't make any definitive statements. However, judging from the outcomes, it's clear that to compete with the likes of Ducati, enhancements are necessary."

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, who brought Vinales over from Yamaha to team up with Aleix Espargaro, stated:

A significant phase is ending as Maverick, who played a crucial role in the development of our bike, moves on.

"The close of a chapter comes with Aleix, a rider whose resilience and determination have been a beacon for everyone."

Following the retirement of Espargaro and the exit of Vinales, Pramac Ducati's freshly titled champion, Jorge Martin, alongside VR46's Marco Bezzecchi, are set to be the new faces of the Aprilia factory team in 2025.

For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of the paddock, including Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Ducati Anticipates Smooth Feedback from Marc Marquez Following Initial Factory Bike Trial

Marquez Undertakes First Factory Ducati Ride on Tuesday in Barcelona

Ducati's chief Gigi Dall’Igna does not anticipate any major issues following Marc Marquez's initial reactions to testing the Italian manufacturer's premier MotoGP motorcycle during Tuesday's session in Barcelona.

Twelve months following his initial appearance on the 2023-version Ducati with Gresini during the post-Valencia Grand Prix testing, the eight-time global champion Marquez is set to experience the Italian manufacturer's top-tier factory motorcycles for the first time on Tuesday in Barcelona.

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Marquez is set to test the GP24 and the GP25 prototype during Tuesday's session, providing Ducati with their initial chance to gauge his impressions on a bike he hasn't yet contributed to in terms of development.

Peeking into 2025! 🐜 A warm welcome to @marcmarquez93 as part of our team! It's time to familiarize yourself with your new environment! 💪🏼 #GoDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/h0hZ8Xsczq— Ducati Racing (@ducaticorse) November 18, 2024

Dall'Igna acknowledges the possibility that Marquez might have critical views on the GP25 motorcycle but isn't worried about it.

"When questioned by Crash.net on Monday about concerns that Marquez's input might significantly deviate from that of other Ducati riders, he responded, 'This is a possibility, and undoubtedly, we must strive to enhance the motorcycle should the trial outcomes suggest so.'"

"To be frank, we've collaborated with Marc for a duration of one year at this point, and we've become acquainted with each other."

"I'm not anticipating major issues with the test tomorrow, however, there's always a chance of the unexpected."

On Sunday, Crash.net revealed that Marquez is set to pilot a factory Ducati bike in Tuesday's test session, however, his bike and racing suit will not feature any sponsor logos.

The leap from the GP23, which Marquez rode to three Grand Prix victories this year, to the GP24, aboard which Jorge Martin clinched the championship, was considerable.

Dall'Igna has emphasized that the performance improvement from the GP24 to the GP25 will not be markedly significant.

"To be frank, currently, the 25 hasn't made the same progress," he further stated.

"Frankly, the current standard of the GP24 is quite elevated, and introducing significant variations between the two motorcycles necessitates embracing certain risks."

"Currently, I believe it's not required."

Dall’Igna has highlighted enhancing top speed and boosting mid-corner grip as key areas for improvement.

Enhancing engine performance will be particularly vital this winter, given that once the Ducati engine is locked in before the 2025 Thai Grand Prix, there won’t be an opportunity for further development until the end of 2026, just before the start of the new 850cc era in 2027. “In my view, we need to slightly boost our bike's straight-line speed, as I believe some of our rivals have a bit of an edge over us in that area,” he mentioned.

"Additionally, I'm aiming to enhance the spin slightly when rounding the corner."

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Guide to Streaming Today's MotoGP Postseason Trial Live

Details on viewing and keeping up with today's test in Barcelona

Today marks the MotoGP offseason trial in Barcelona. Here's the agenda, viewing options, and methods to stay updated.

MotoGP racers are set to transition to their updated motorcycles and join their new teams for the 2025 season starting Tuesday in Barcelona.

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Marc Marquez is set to don the official Ducati red colors for his inaugural appearance.

Jack Miller pilots a Yamaha, while Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini switch to KTM, among other updates.

Today marks the debut of the initial previews of the 2025 equipment.

Schedule for Barcelona Testing (UK Time)

Viewing Options for the Barcelona Test

The post-season Barcelona test can be watched live through MotoGP's Video Pass.

The coverage will feature live broadcasts of the motorcycles on the circuit, along with conversations with the riders and the heads of the teams.

Simon Crafar is set to share his expertise on the latest technological advancements at 1pm via MotoGP's social media platforms.

Crash.net is set to provide real-time updates with a live blog throughout the day, including immediate feedback as Marquez tests out the '25 Ducati.

Feedback from the riders after the postseason trial will be available at Crash.net.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, covering a wide range of events from American sports and soccer to Formula 1 racing.

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Live Coverage of MotoGP Barcelona Testing

Catch up on the MotoGP off-season testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The MotoGP Barcelona Testing goes on until 4pm UK time.

This marks the initial chance to witness several racers debuting on their fresh motorcycles and showcasing their new team affiliations.

Marc Marquez donning Ducati's crimson hues, KTM welcoming fresh faces, Jorge Martin joining Aprilia, and Jack Miller taking the helm at Yamaha…

Throughout the day, we will be updating this space with images and timing records.

Marini has returned to the pit area as well. Marquez has just gone out for a practice launch, and that's all for now. The race is officially over with the waving of the chequered flag, and Alex Marquez leads the pack, with Fabio Quartararo and Pecco Bagnaia following closely behind.

2024 Official Barcelona MotoGP Test Results as of 5PM (FINAL)

Bagnaia engages in start drills; Marini remains the only one continuing laps.

Bagnaia returns to the track, experimenting with the rumored radio communication technology set to debut in 2025.

Luca Marini is making his way back onto the track with his 2024 motorcycle. It appears that Bagnaia is also preparing to return to the track shortly.

With under 10 minutes remaining, a 15-minute practice session will follow shortly after.

Marquez has returned to the pit area. He's sporting a fairly good smile, suggesting his activities for the day have likely concluded.

With 13 minutes remaining, Fernandez, Binder, Zarco, Vinales, and Pirro continue to race on the circuit.

Marc Marquez recently achieved a personal best, initially clocking in at 1:39.598 to move up to ninth, then improved further with a time of 39.454, catapulting him to fourth place. He is now just slightly more than a tenth of a second slower than his teammate Bagnaia.

Currently, the majority of racers have returned to the pit area, however, Raul Fernandez has recently ascended to fourth place, clocking in at 1:39.471

Recently, Alex Marquez experienced a fall, but fortunately, he's unharmed.

A halted beginning for the latest rider from Ducati Lenovo.

After spending 15 minutes in the garage making adjustments, Marquez has returned to the track. He is now ranked 8th in the current timings.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 4pm

Following a thorough cleanup at turn five, the circuit is now clear for racing. With 1 hour and 38 minutes remaining.

A caution signal has been raised due to the chaos at turn five. We're optimistic that the cleanup won't take much time. There's still 1 hour and 40 minutes remaining.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 3pm

The track at turn five was quite chaotic following Bastianini's accident. Martin was seen passing through that area, gesturing with his hand as if to suggest the need for a red flag to be issued. However, no such action has been taken so far.

Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia were seen having a conversation in the pit area following Bagnaia's most recent track session. Those anticipating any dramatic interactions between the two will be disappointed today, as there seems to be none in sight.

Enea Bastianini experienced a fall at turn five. Bastianini appeared to be in good condition, however, his RC16 sustained significant damage.

He has reverted to a more conventional design recently, but earlier today, Pedro Acosta was experimenting with an extremely slim fairing.

Slight modifications made to the front fairing of Quartararo's Yamaha factory bike.

Luca Marini pursues his HRC teammate Somkiat Chantra along the primary straightaway at the Barcelona circuit.

Fabio Quartararo connects with Yamaha's new secondary team member, Jack Miller.

🏍️ Jorge Martin's day hits a rough patch as he crashes at the notorious Turn 5 during the afternoon session 🚨 #BarcelonaTest 📸 MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) November 19, 2024

The inaugural accident for the world champion on the Aprilia.

He is doing fine.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 2pm

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INITIAL GLIMPSE: Marc Marquez dons red, Jorge Martin joins Aprilia, fresh KTMs unveiled…

The Barcelona trials have offered an initial glimpse into several riders with their new squads and aboard their new motorcycles.

Here are the most recent images of MotoGP competitors showcasing their new liveries and motorcycles at the Barcelona test following the season's end.

Marc Marquez hits the circuit riding the official Ducati 🔴🐜 #MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

Marc Marquez takes to the track aboard the official Ducati 🔴🐜 #MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd

Marc Marquez made his first appearance sporting the factory Ducati team's red colors on Tuesday.

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He was dressed in red leathers, as shown at the beginning of this document, that mostly lacked prominent brand logos or significant sponsorships.

Franco Morbidelli began racing for the VR46 Ducati squad following his switch from Pramac.

Fermin Aldeguer made his first appearance with Gresini, stepping in for Marquez.

Jorge Martin, the newly crowned MotoGP champion, debuted his Aprilia team colors for the first time.

Marco Bezzecchi is set to join as the new team member for the factory Aprilia squad.

Ai Ogura makes his first appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle, joining forces with the Trackhouse team and Raul Fernandez.

Pedro Acosta joins the factory team for his inaugural season, alongside Brad Binder at KTM.

The revamped Tech3 KTM squad combines the talents of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales.

Yamaha's official team continues to feature Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, yet the brand is set to introduce a pair of new motorcycles.

The Pramac squad has transitioned from Ducati to Yamaha, and has chosen Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira as their team riders.

Luca Marini and Joan Mir remain the official riders for the Honda team.

Somkiat Chantra has joined Johann Zarco as the latest addition to the LCR Honda team.

Today marks the first day Aleix Espargaro is serving as a test rider for HRC.

In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net team after previously reporting on both consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown for a duration of two years.

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PREVIEW: Marc Marquez sports red, Jorge Martin debuts with Aprilia, fresh KTMs unveiled…

The Barcelona trials have offered an initial glimpse of several racers with their new squads and astride their latest motorcycles.

Check out the newest photos of MotoGP racers sporting their updated team liveries, as they take their latest motorcycles for a spin during the offseason test in Barcelona.

Marc Marquez hits the circuit riding the official Ducati 🏍️🐜#MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hRNAxOxXqd— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

On Tuesday, Marc Marquez made his first appearance donning the factory Ducati team's red colors.

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He was dressed in red leather attire (refer to the beginning of this page) that mostly lacked significant brand logos or major sponsor affiliations.

Franco Morbidelli made his first appearance for the VR46 Ducati team following his transfer from Pramac.

Fermin Aldeguer made his first appearance with Gresini, stepping in for Marquez.

In his debut appearance, Jorge Martin showcased his Aprilia team colors, marking his entry as the latest MotoGP champion.

Marco Bezzecchi has been announced as the new team member for Aprilia's factory team.

Ai Ogura makes his first appearance on a MotoGP motorcycle, teaming up with Raul Fernandez under the Trackhouse banner.

Pedro Acosta joins the factory team, partnering with Brad Binder for his inaugural season.

The revamped Tech3 KTM squad unites Enea Bastianini with Maverick Vinales.

Yamaha's official team continues with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, but the brand is set to introduce two new motorcycles.

The Pramac squad has transitioned from Ducati to Yamaha and has chosen Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira as their racing duo.

Luca Marini and Joan Mir remain as the lead racers for the Honda team.

Somkiat Chantra has teamed up with Johann Zarco at LCR Honda as his latest teammate.

Today marks the first day Aleix Espargaro is participating as a test rider for HRC.

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

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The widely anticipated MotoGP rider transfer has been revealed

Projected 2025 rider change under discussion

Yamaha has not yet made an official statement regarding Augusto Fernandez becoming their new MotoGP test rider, but the Spanish rider has personally confirmed that he will be taking on this position.

Fernandez is set to become Yamaha's official test rider for the 2025 season. The Spanish motorcyclist is anticipated to begin riding the bike by the close of 2024.

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Fernandez expressed his happiness, a sentiment he has shared recently in other races, regarding his upcoming move to Yamaha. He mentioned this in a conversation with MotoGP.com during the Barcelona test, although the official announcement is still pending.

"We were on the verge of achieving it, and now we're finally going to make it happen."

Despite having a guaranteed future, Fernandez is unsure about when he will have the opportunity to get on the YZR-M1 for the first time. He missed the chance to participate in the post-race test in Barcelona due to the Pramac team's entry into Yamaha's MotoGP lineup.

"It's challenging because the Pramac team is busy with a new team and project planned for 2025," Fernandez explained.

"We aim to have a test ride by December. While it's not yet finalized, we're making significant efforts to conduct the initial bike test before the year concludes."

Fernandez is aware that he will participate in six races for Yamaha next year, as he plans to take part in all of their wildcard opportunities.

"I plan to participate in every wildcard event available — there are six in total, and I'll be competing in all of them," he stated.

"Prepared to take on this new project, which involves a different role. Watching the bikes go by without being on the track myself is challenging."

The Spanish rider mentioned that they will talk about the schedule for the wildcard entries over the upcoming weeks. He also confirmed that he is still uncertain about where his first wildcard will take place.

In conclusion, Fernandez mentioned the opportunity to communicate with fellow riders participating in Yamaha’s testing program, specifically Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso, and how he gains from their extensive experience in MotoGP.

"Fernandez mentioned that it's beneficial since Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso both bring a wealth of experience."

"It's really great to work alongside them, given their extensive MotoGP experience, now in their role as a test rider."

"I’m eager to collaborate with them, share rides, and make comparisons without the pressure of race weekends. I look forward to experiencing the MotoGP bike and understanding their feedback and daily strategies."

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

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Uncovered: Aprilia’s Response to Jorge Martin's Initial Accident

New Aprilia rider Jorge Martin took a tumble at Turn 5 in Barcelona.

Jorge Martin experienced his initial fall while riding an Aprilia.

During the postseason test on Tuesday, the recent MotoGP titleholder moved from Pramac Ducati to the official Aprilia team.

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During his first ride on the 2025 bike, he experienced an accident at Turn 5 in Barcelona, a notoriously challenging section of the track. Later, Enea Bastianini also fell victim to the same corner while making his initial ride on a KTM.

Rider @88jorgemartin encounters a challenging start to his afternoon as he experiences a fall at his favorite Turn 5 during the #BarcelonaTest. pic.twitter.com/U2wxj7ezO4— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 19, 2024

From within the paddock, broadcaster Jack Appleyard reported that Jorge and Marco Bezzecchi will not be available for media interviews at the end of the day because they are still under contract with Ducati.

"I spoke with a few individuals from Aprilia to gain insight into the events surrounding that accident."

"In essence, his speed was too low!"

"There was also confusion about sensing the front end, especially with the aerodynamic influence from a rider ahead."

"Therefore, there are clearly a few areas that require improvement."

"The positive update is that the bicycle arrived with almost no damage at all."

"There were a few minor marks and abrasions on the left side, and that was all."

"After a brief touch-up, he was prepared to proceed once more."

Martin emerged from the crash unscathed and promptly resumed his journey.

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

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Results from the 2024 Official MotoGP Test in Barcelona (FINAL)

Here are the last lap times recorded during Tuesday's official MotoGP test held in Barcelona, Spain, following the race.

Rider X has moved up X places compared to the last hour.

= The rider remains in the same spot as they were an hour ago.

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X Rider has dropped X places compared to the last hour.

* Newcom

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

Fastest lap achieved by Aleix Espargaro: 1 minute 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap during the race: Pedro Acosta clocked a time of 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

After the MotoGP season concluded on Sunday, the riders headed back to the Barcelona track on Tuesday to participate in an official test day with their teams for the 2025 season.

The test marked the first appearance of recently crowned world champion Jorge Martin alongside Marco Bezzecchi at Aprilia. Marc Marquez showcased his skills with Ducati Lenovo, while Pedro Acosta joined Red Bull KTM. Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were seen in action with Tech3 KTM, and Franco Morbidelli rode for VR46. The new Pramac Yamaha project included Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR) completed their inaugural MotoGP laps.

Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini, maintained the fastest lap times for the majority of the day during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a crash in the middle of the afternoon at Turn 7.

Francesco Bagnaia, the current titleholder from Ducati, and Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha, both managed to surpass Marquez for a short period, but the rider with the number 73 quickly regained the lead.

World champion Martin leaned into the track and flashed a thumbs up, beaming after completing his initial laps on the Aprilia. However, while closely following his friend Aleix Espargaro, Martin experienced his first crash on the RS-GP at Turn 5.

After 3 p.m., Enea Bastianini experienced a severe crash while braking for the same turn, resulting in significant damage to his RC16. Martin cautioned that red flags were necessary to remove the debris from the track, leading to the session being halted shortly thereafter.

In his initial outings with the factory team, Marc Marquez climbed to sixth place but eventually slipped to a position beyond the top ten.

The eight-time world champion increased his speed, finishing just behind Bagnaia in fourth place on his last lap. On his return to the factory pits, he humorously flashed a middle finger at his old Gresini team.

Newcomers Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each emerged unscathed from their initial MotoGP crashes. Meanwhile, Luca Marini was left exasperated after a severe crash that caused significant damage to his Repsol Honda.

In a fit of frustration, Aldeguer struck the Ducati's screen with his helmet following a practice start, right after the testing session concluded.

Following his retirement from full-time racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro made his first appearance as a test rider for HRC.

A few riders were once more experimenting with radio communication systems inside their helmets.

The testing sessions were conducted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. according to local time. The upcoming official MotoGP testing is scheduled for February at Sepang.

After the MotoGP season concluded on Sunday, the riders headed back to the Barcelona track on Tuesday to engage in an official testing session with their teams for the 2025 season.

The test marks the first appearance of newly crowned world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, while Marc Marquez joins Ducati Lenovo. Pedro Acosta is set to ride with Red Bull KTM, and Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales will represent Tech3 KTM. Franco Morbidelli is slated to race for VR46. The new Pramac Yamaha venture includes Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR) will take their inaugural MotoGP laps.

Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing dominated the timing charts for a significant portion of the day during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a crash at Turn 7 in the early afternoon.

Ducati's current titleholder, Francesco Bagnaia, who wears white, and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo managed to surpass Marquez's speed momentarily, before the rider with the number #73 made a comeback.

World champion Martin leaned his shoulder into the turn, flashed a thumbs up, and beamed with joy during his initial laps on the Aprilia. However, while trying to keep up with his close friend Aleix Espargaro, Martin experienced his first crash on the RS-GP at Turn 5.

Enea Bastianini experienced a severe crash while braking at the same corner shortly after 3 p.m., which resulted in significant damage to his RC16. Martin indicated that red flags were necessary to remove debris from the track, and the session was halted shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez initially climbed to sixth place during his early laps in the factory's red colors. However, he was later moved out of the top ten, but managed to increase his speed once more in the afternoon session.

First-time MotoGP riders Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced their initial crashes without injury, while Luca Marini faced disappointment after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda bike.

Following his retirement from full-time racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro is beginning his new role as a test rider for HRC.

The testing sessions are scheduled between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time. Following this, there will be no sanctioned MotoGP tests until the next round in February at Sepang.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's arrival and departure. He is currently leading the coverage of Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury concerns.

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On Tuesday, MotoGP conducted trials of F1-inspired two-way radios in Barcelona. Ducati was observed experimenting with this new technology using Pirro, though it's not anticipated to be broadly implemented by 2025.

On Tuesday, Ducati MotoGP manager Davide Tardozzi and Michele Pirro conducted a test of a two-way radio system in Barcelona. However, according to information obtained by Crash, this system is not expected to be widely implemented until 2025.

MotoGP has been considering the implementation of radio communication for a while now. Over time, they have experimented with simple systems, which have received varied feedback.

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At the Misano test conducted earlier this year, a radio system was tested that allowed race direction to send pre-recorded messages to the riders.

On Tuesday during the test in Barcelona, Ducati was observed advancing their efforts by experimenting with a two-way system alongside Pirro.

This morning, Tardozzi and Pirro utilized a system created by Dorna Sports, which allowed Tardozzi to transmit real-time messages to his rider.

The effectiveness of this test remains uncertain. Ducati did not provide a statement when Crash.net reached out for comments.

Francesco Bagnaia gave it a shot but believes the system he tested isn't fully prepared yet.

When Crash inquired about it, he responded, "Yes, I was the one who did it."

"I attempted it, but it's not finished yet. During the trial, it failed to operate properly. Since it wasn't functioning, I couldn't hear any sound. Additionally, I found it somewhat bothersome. The connecting cable is quite large and poses a potential hazard. Therefore, it's still not ready, and I plan to conduct another test once it is prepared."

According to information obtained by Crash.net, the system that Ducati tested on Tuesday is unlikely to be implemented across MotoGP in the near future.

MotoGP is currently experimenting with various systems, including both the two-way and one-way communication methods.

Currently, a communication system will only be rolled out on a large scale after it has undergone extensive testing and has been confirmed as safe for use.

It has been confirmed that a rider communication system will not be implemented at the beginning of the 2025 season in Thailand.

According to Crash, the enthusiasm for the radio system varies among riders. As a result, participation in using the system during an official race would initially be optional.

The approach involving the transmission of pre-recorded messages from race officials to riders is expected to be the initial system implemented on a large scale. Crash has learned that all these messages have already been documented.

MotoGP is considering the possibility of incorporating team messages, like strategic instructions, into the one-way pre-recorded dashboard communication system.

During this year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Jorge Martin explained that he lost his position at the front in the sprint race because he got sidetracked by a dashboard alert notifying him of a track limits warning.

During the flag-to-flag San Marino Grand Prix, Martin might have gained an advantage from the team's radio communications.

This is still largely in the early phases of development, with the main goal centered on enhancing safety in MotoGP.

Racers have previously discussed the potential benefits of using radios to swiftly alert them to dangers on the course or to communicate with race officials about the necessity of a red flag.

With Liberty Media taking over ownership, a lot of parallels are being made between MotoGP and Formula 1. However, sources indicate that including team radio as a broadcast feature is not being emphasized at this time.

If the systems reach a level of safety and all participants are satisfied, they can be implemented for broadcast purposes.

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Fabio Quartararo expressed his satisfaction by saying, "It's a great feeling to see my name in the lead." He added, "Even though it's just a test, I momentarily forgot that detail!"

After Alex Marquez secured the leading position on the MotoGP testing leaderboard in Barcelona on Tuesday, just two other riders managed to challenge the dominance of the Gresini team member.

The initial person was Francesco Bagnaia, a Ducati rider and the reigning two-time world champion. However, the unexpected name on the list was Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha.

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While Marquez reacted quickly, Quartararo, equipped with updated aerodynamics, a modified chassis, swingarm, and engine for testing, maintained his hold on second position until the conclusion of the 2024 season.

"It's just a test, but I completely forgot about it!" Quartararo exclaimed when he saw his name at the top of the list. "Usually, we need to move on!"

"It's satisfying to see your name at the top. Even when it's just a practice run, you still leave with a sense of accomplishment."

"Although we remain quite distant from the leading competitors, I was able to have fun today, maintain an impressive speed, and complete several strong laps."

Back at the track where he placed eleventh in the final grand prix of the season on Sunday, Quartararo recorded his fastest lap at 1 minute and 39.199 seconds, trailing Marquez by 0.396 seconds.

The French driver mentioned that the updated chassis provided the most noticeable enhancement, particularly helping with entering corners.

"We made some progress in certain aspects with the introduction of the new chassis," he stated. "However, we haven't seen improvements in traction just yet. Our strategy is to introduce a significantly different and more advanced solution in Malaysia."

"We made progress in the area where we transition from riding straight to reaching maximum lean angle in corners. This was our most significant advancement. Our next focus is to enhance the transition from leaning to straightening up."

"We have already identified how to enhance the entry. Our next step is to figure out how to make the exit better."

Quartararo stated, "We tested a new engine and a top fairing. The main goal wasn't to improve but to maintain the same feeling. The new swingarm was approached with the same intent."

"The goal was not to enhance, but rather to explore whether we could slightly decrease the weight."

On Tuesday, Yamaha witnessed a significant event as four of its MotoGP riders were present on the circuit simultaneously for the first time since 2022. This included Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, who were making their inaugural appearances for the newly formed Pramac Yamaha team.

"It's fantastic to have a team of four riders, each with a factory bike," Quartararo remarked.

"Additionally, riders and engineers from various manufacturers participated in today's practice, and I believe we made some progress."

When questioned about his conversation with Miller, Quartararo said: "We only talked briefly about how he was feeling, and he mentioned that he hadn't used the hard front tire yet."

"To truly comprehend our bicycle, a single day isn't sufficient. However, gaining insights from their feedback is crucial. This bike possesses several significant strengths, such as the front-end feel, but it also has numerous areas that need enhancement."

Alex Rins, who is part of the factory team, recorded the eighth fastest

For two decades, Peter has been a part of the paddock, witnessing the era of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the ongoing challenges faced by Marc Marquez due to his injuries.

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