2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test – Day 3: LIVE Coverage

Stay tuned for real-time updates from the third and concluding day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test happening this Sunday.

On Sunday morning at 10 am in Malaysia, the last day of the 2025 Sepang Shakedown test kicked off. This session provides rookies, test riders, and racers from Yamaha and Honda with a final opportunity to get on the track before the Official MotoGP test next week.

On the second day of the event, Yamaha's quartet of race riders entered the competition. Alex Rins managed to claim the top spot by a slim margin, surpassing KTM’s first-day leader, Pol Espargaro, with a lap time of 1 minute and 58.745 seconds.

Alex Rins' teammate, Fabio Quartararo, secured third place, followed by newcomers Ai Ogura and Fermin Aldeguer. Meanwhile, Jack Miller from Pramac Yamaha and Dani Pedrosa, who is Espargaro's testing partner, rounded out the top six.

The Sepang test, which will include all the race riders for the 2025 season, is scheduled to occur from February 5th to 7

After thirty minutes of testing, Aleix Espargaro has taken the lead on the timesheets for Honda, clocking a lap time in the mid-58-second range, which marks the fastest time recorded this week!

Quartararo is slightly behind in pace, while newcomer Aldeguer takes the third spot.

Newcomer Somkiat Chantra is progressing well with LCR, standing out as the sole Honda racer apart from HRC's test rider Aleix Espargaro.

Jack Miller, who recently joined the Pramac Yamaha team, leads the pack following the first 15 minutes of testing.

The Australian recorded a time of 1 minute 59.444 seconds, which is approximately 0.2 seconds slower than his best time from the previous day.

After ten minutes, Ogura leads with the quickest time, followed by Rins, as both clock in at one minute and 59 seconds.

Next were Quartararo, Savadori, Aleix Espargaro, Jack Miller, and Fermin Aldeguer.

First-time competitor Ai Ogura is also venturing out.

Fabio Quartararo, who is part of the Monster Yamaha team, is on the track alongside Rins. The riders of the M1 have a wide variety of new components to assess during the two test sessions at Sepang. These evaluations will help decide the specifications for the 2025 season's bike.

Just a quick note to remember

Quickest time on the second day:

Alex Rins recorded a time of 1 minute and 58.745

Sepang MotoGP official records:

Fastest lap time: Francesco Bagnaia clocked in at 1 minute 56.337 seconds (2024).

Quickest lap in the race: Alex Marquez clocked at 1 minute and 58.979 seconds (2023)

The signal is green, and Alex Rins, who posted the quickest time on the second day, immediately exits the pit lane.

Greetings from Sepang! We are just moments away from the 10 a.m. track opening for the last day of the 2025 Sepang Shakedown test.

Page Navigation

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the MotoGP paddock straight in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Headlines

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Replicating any part or the entirety of text, images, or drawings in any manner is prohibited.

Crash.Net is a website that

2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test – Day 2: LIVE

Real-time coverage from the second day of the Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test happening on Saturday.

Expectations are high for the second day of the Sepang Shakedown test as the quartet of Yamaha racers will be entering the fray, after the team's unveiling event the previous evening.

Nonetheless, a wet course ensured that no sound was heard from the track when the official testing commenced at 10am.

On Friday, newcomer Somkiat Chantra was conspicuously missing, while KTM's test pilot Pol Espargaro led the pack, followed closely by newcomer and current Moto2 titleholder Ai Ogura. HRC's latest test addition, Takaaki Nakagami, secured the third spot.

Newcomers, official test pilots, along with Honda and Yamaha racing competitors, qualify to participate in the Shakedown.

However, Honda team racers Joan Mir and Luca Marini will be absent once more today because of their team unveiling event in Jakarta.

The scheduled Sepang trial, including all racers for the 2025 season, is set from February 5th to 7th.

End-of-Day 2 lap times (6pm) – Access Here

The second day of the Shakedown concluded at 6pm, with Yamaha's Alex Rins narrowly clinching the lead, edging out KTM's Pol Espargaro by a mere 0.003 seconds as the final moments ticked down.

Fabio Quartararo secured a spot among the top three for the M1 team, with newcomers Ai Ogura from Trackhouse and Fermin Aldeguer of Gresini making a notable appearance in 4th and 5th places, respectively, with Jack Miller of Pramac coming in close behind.

Newcomer Ai Ogura records his fastest lap yet during the test, securing second place in the timings, just 0.102 seconds behind Quartararo.

Yamaha announced its strategy to evaluate the 2024 season's package by contrasting it with various components slated for release in 2025.

Currently, Quartararo is performing comparably on both of his motorcycles, recording a leading test time of 1 minute and 58.812 seconds on one bike, and a close time of 1 minute and 59.139 seconds on the second bike.

Newcomer Fermin Aldeguer matches Fabio Quartararo's pace with laps in the 1 minute 58 seconds range – CLICK HERE

As of 4pm, with two hours remaining in the testing session, Fabio Quartararo leads for Monster Yamaha, recording the fastest lap at 1 minute 58.812 seconds. He stands as the sole rider to break into the 1 minute 58 second range this week. However, in a conversation with Crash.net the previous night, he expressed his ambition to achieve a lap time in the 1 minute 56 second bracket before testing concludes…

Pol Espargaro riding for KTM, alongside Ai Ogura with Trackhouse Aprilia, Fermin Aldeguer representing Gresini Ducati, Dani Pedrosa also from KTM, Aleix Espargaro on a Honda, Jack Miller from Pramac Yamaha, and Michele Pirro for Ducati, rounded out the leading eight positions.

It

Hazrin captures an excellent photo of the latest KTM salad box and exhaust configuration during a race:

Latest updates to KTM's rear seat and exhaust system ?#SepangShakedown#MotoGPpic.twitter.com/NjW5DvZgpy— Hazrin CRIC (@hazrin) February 1, 2025

Aleix joins the ranks of Honda riders on the circuit today, alongside Takaaki Nakagami and Somkiat Chantra, marking a trio.

At the recent unveiling event for Pramac Yamaha, which took place last night, Johann Zarco, who currently races for LCR Honda and used to be part of Pramac, made an appearance as a guest. However, he did not participate in today's riding activities.

Team Honda's Joan Mir and Luca Marini are currently showcasing their new team colors in Indonesia.

Aleix Espargaro is currently testing for HRC and – Latest News – has taken over Takaaki Nakagami's position in the timing displays, indicating he's riding the test bikes originally allocated to Taka.

Quartararo, donning his vibrant green number 20 and matching helmet, stands out as the sole competitor to clock in the 1m 58s range, securing the top two spots on the leaderboard with his pair of motorcycles. Following him is Pol Espargaro, representing KTM, trailing by 0.454 seconds.

Update: Trackhouse has informed Crash.net that it was indeed Ogura's motorcycle that was returned to the pit area, however, they clarified that there was no crash involved (indicating a technical problem).

By 3pm, Ogura was still leading in speed, though it seemed his motorcycle was later brought back on a trailer.

Just past 3pm, Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha ascended to the leading position, clocking in at 1 minute and 59.139 seconds, indicating the possibility of achieving lap times in the 1 minute and 58 seconds range before the day concludes.

At 2:49pm local time, newcomers led the way as Trackhouse Aprilia's Ai Ogura took a slim lead of 0.137 seconds over Gresini Ducati's Aldeguer, marking a one-two finish for the rookies.

As we near 2 pm local time, 13 riders have taken to the track, with Fermin Aldeguer of Gresini leading the pack, followed closely by the KTMs ridden by Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa.

Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo and Honda's Takaaki Nakagami have also clocked times under 2 minutes.

In a unique move, the Yamaha testing crew remains the sole group without specific rider names linked to their transponders, opting instead to label each of their motorcycles with the generic term "Test Rider."

Currently, Andrea Dovizioso has been on the track for the entirety of day 1. However, newcomer test rider Augusto Fernandez is anticipated to make his first appearance later today.

Quartararo's dominance was short-lived, as Dani Pedrosa and subsequently newcomer Fermin Aldeguer surpassed the French rider.

Aldeguer achieved a lap time of 1 minute and 59.479 seconds, marking an improvement of 0.6 seconds over his performance on the first day.

Follow this link for the Day 2 results of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test, as of 1pm.

Fabio Quartararo quickly takes the lead during his initial attempt.

Newcomer Somkiat Chantra successfully finishes his inaugural MotoGP laps for the year.

As 1pm nears, newcomers Fermin Aldeguer and Ai Ogura enter into the Saturday events.

LCR's Somkiat Chantra was nowhere to be found on the first day.

Jack Miller returns to the pits following his initial laps of 2025 with Pramac Yamaha.

On the first day, Espargaro, who was leading, has climbed to the second position, yet he trails Nakagami by 1.090 seconds.

Pol Espargaro has emerged as the fifth racer to hit the circuit today.

At half past twelve, Takaaki Nakagami leads the pack for HRC, clocking the day's initial lap under 2 minutes at 1 minute and 59 seconds.

Pirro, Miller, and Dani Pedrosa have also recorded a lap time.

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP reports, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

It is not allowed to fully or partially replicate texts, photos, or illustrations in any manner.

SmashLink

MV Agusta Parts Ways with KTM

MV Agusta has declared its separation from KTM, resulting in the Sardarov family taking back complete ownership of the firm.

A little more than two years since the Pierer Mobility Group, via its subsidiary KTM AG, initially purchased shares in MV Agusta, the Italian company has now fully regained its independence.

On January 31, MV Agusta revealed in a statement that the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, which had seen 50.1 per cent of its ownership transferred to KTM AG since the previous spring, will revert to being completely overseen by its CEO, Timur Sardarov.

The Italian firm announced that KTM's recent economic difficulties prompted the action.

"The statement highlights that MV Agusta's operations might have faced significant challenges due to the recent financial developments at Pierer Mobility AG, despite having a prosperous year."

The statement further clarifies that MV Agusta will remain unaffected by KTM AG's current reorganization efforts amidst its bankruptcy processes, enabling the company to persist in its trajectory of favorable expansion.

MV's announcement confirms that despite parting ways with KTM and PMG, its worldwide network of dealerships will maintain their operations as normal.

Timur Sardarov expressed, "This is a proud moment for everyone at MV Agusta. Achieving complete ownership of the company signifies that we are now more robust and concentrated on achieving excellence than before."

In the last two years, the firm has considerably enhanced its procedures, infrastructure, and employee base.

The foundational shifts implemented are key to the remarkable outcomes realized in 2024 and are expected to sustain our prosperity moving forward.

"I am completely assured in the capabilities of our executive team, whose foresight, together with the commitment and expertise of our revitalized dealership network, will elevate MV Agusta to unprecedented levels.

"My pledge, along with my family's, is to serve as an essential influence for the Varese squad, the local area, and all our collaborators."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating any part of the text, images, or graphics in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Unfortunately, without seeing the specific

Honda unveils brand-new MotoGP colors, announces Castrol as the primary sponsor

This marks the first season since 1994 that the official Honda team will not have Repsol as their sponsor

The Honda team has revealed a completely new color scheme for the 2025 MotoGP championship, marking a departure from its three-decade-long sponsorship deal with Repsol, as Castrol steps in to take its place.

From 1995 onwards, every premier class racing factory Honda has featured a Repsol-themed paint scheme, marking the Spanish oil major's role as the principal sponsor.

Nonetheless, the emblematic partnership concluded last year when the Honda team officially revealed its new factory HRC colors for the 2025 season during its launch event in Indonesia.

Honda announced that starting in 2025, Castrol will be its main sponsor.

Honda faced a challenging 2024 season, ending up at the bottom of the constructors' standings with a mere 75 points.

Discover More: Honda's Journey to Identifying Its Genuine MotoGP Captain in 2024

The team's competitors, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, ended up at the bottom of the championship rankings, with the company's top performance in a Grand Prix being an eighth-place finish by LCR's Johann Zarco during a rainy Thai GP.

Zarco led Honda's rankings, holding the 17th spot.

The previous year also represented the third time in five years that Honda failed to secure a race victory.

In an effort to climb back up the competitive ladder, Honda has implemented major changes to its team lineup for the 2025 season.

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

Albesiano played a pivotal role in transforming Aprilia from the slowest factory team on the grid upon its MotoGP comeback in 2015, to a team celebrating numerous grand prix victories throughout his decade-long tenure with the Italian brand.

Joining Aprilia's test team as well, former three-time grand prix champion Aleix Espargaro steps in, having concluded his career in full-time racing at the close of the previous season.

Honda became the last manufacturer team to reveal its livery for the 2025 season, succeeding Yamaha and KTM who had made their announcements in the two days prior.

Only the LCR team remains to unveil its colors for the upcoming season, with the announcement scheduled for February 8, just a day prior to the official MotoGP season kickoff event.

This week, Honda has actively participated in the Sepang shakedown, taking advantage of the opportunity to conduct unrestricted testing throughout the year with its race riders, thanks to concessions.

The official testing period kicks off in Malaysia from February 5th to 7th, followed by the concluding pre-season tests in Thailand on February 12th and 13th. This sets the stage for the 2025 season, which commences with races from February 28th to March 2nd in Buriram.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-date MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive conversations, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing text, photos, or illustrations in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Web

Results from the Second Day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown Test – Saturday

The lap times following Saturday's completion of day two at the 2025 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test.

Here are the final lap times from day two of the Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test, with Yamaha's Alex Rins leading the pack.

*Beginner.

The times shown represent the fastest single lap achieved by each rider today, not the quickest lap on each unique motorcycle they rode.

The Yamaha testing squad stands out as they do not assign specific rider names to their transponders, opting instead to label all of their motorcycles with the generic title "Test Rider."

Andrea Dovizioso spent the entirety of the first day riding for the Yamaha test team and continued to do so for the majority of the second day. Towards the close of day two, Augusto Fernandez embarked on his initial laps as a test rider for Yamaha.

In the final moments, Alex Rins climbed to the lead position in the time rankings, surpassing KTM’s Pol Espargaro and his Monster Yamaha colleague, Fabio Quartararo.

Ai Ogura secured the fourth position and was the leading newcomer, closely followed by Fermin Aldeguer of Gresini Ducati. On the second day, both riders were prominent at the forefront of the leaderboard, around the time Somkiat Chantra experienced his initial MotoGP rounds of the year with LCR Honda.

In addition to Rins and Quartararo, Pramac Yamaha's newest team members, Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, also took to the track, alongside Aleix Espargaro who alternated rides on the HRC test bike with Takaaki Nakagami.

The last day of the preliminary tests is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday.

Quickest first day record:

Pol Espargaro, riding for KTM, clocked a time of 1 minute

I

The times mentioned represent the fastest lap each rider achieved today, regardless of the various bikes they may have ridden.

The Yamaha testing squad stands out as the sole group whose transponders do not display specific rider names, instead uniformly labeling each of their motorcycles as "Test Rider".

Andrea Dovizioso spent the entirety of the first day riding for the Yamaha test team and returned to the track for a second day. Meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez has joined the activities this weekend as well.

Quickest opening day record:

Pol Espargaro, riding for KTM, clocked a time of 1 minute

Authorized Records from Sepang MotoGP

Quickest round: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati clocked at 1 minute and 56.337 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time: Alex Marquez on a Ducati clocked 1 minute and 58.979 seconds (2023)

The Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test scheduled for 2025, welcoming newcomers Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR), along with factory test riders and competing racers from Yamaha and Honda, is set to commence this Friday in Malaysia.

Pol Espargaro led the pack for KTM on the initial day, with Yamaha's racers, including Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira, set to participate on the following day following their team's unveiling in Kuala Lumpur the previous evening.

Examinations are scheduled from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, however, a wet circuit due to nighttime rainfall (along with the necessity to conserve tires allocated for private testing) resulted in a sluggish beginning to the second day, with only Michele Pirro having finished a lap by noon.

The authorized test at Sepang, open to all teams and competitors, is scheduled from February 5th to 7th…

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the heart of the MotoGP world straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Peter, with two decades of experience in the paddock, witnessed Valentino Rossi's era from start to finish. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is strictly forbidden to copy or replicate any part of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Smash.Web

Pedro Acosta aims to eliminate "major error" in MotoGP 2025

"Indeed, it all boiled down to gaining experience…"

Pedro Acosta's debut season in MotoGP was impressive enough to secure him a position with the KTM factory team, yet as is common for newcomers, the Spanish rider identified areas for enhancement in his sophomore year in the top racing category.

Acosta experienced a memorable weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, marked by highs and lows.

The double World Champion was in the lead during the Sprint but met with an accident, and later, while pursuing Francesco Bagnaia for the top position, he experienced another crash that led to his exit from the Grand Prix.

"During the recent unveiling of the KTM MotoGP team, Acosta mentioned that the two accidents in Japan are mistakes he aims to avoid repeating in 2025."

"In the final analysis, it was the Grand Prix where we felt most ready to perform well, but indeed, it all came down to experience."

Acosta mentioned that improving his qualifying results and refining his race management strategies have been key areas of emphasis for him this winter.

"In conclusion, I really don't have any expectations for these exams. It's accurate to say that I spent much of this winter addressing the areas I was lacking in," he mentioned.

"This involved the qualification as well as handling certain aspects of the races. In this regard, I’m pleased."

"Indeed, we must bide our time until our arrival, at which point we will be able to observe not just my performance, but that of the competitors as well."

"Additionally, it's possible that last year my eagerness to achieve quickly led me to numerous errors, not just in the races but also throughout the weekend, including having two or three accidents on Friday alone."

"Creating a solid weekend proved challenging; perhaps, this marks my most significant progress this year."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive all the newest updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, unique content, conversations, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing, in whole or in part, any text, photos, or illustrations is strictly prohibited.

Collision.Web

Luca Marini anticipates testing an entirely new Honda MotoGP motorcycle in the upcoming trials

Trials are set to start the following week

Luca Marini of Honda has expressed anticipation for testing a brand new prototype once MotoGP's pre-season trials kick off in Malaysia next week.

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

Marini, brought in to take over Marc Marquez's spot on the factory team, finished at the bottom among the regular competitors in the riders’ rankings, amassing only 14 points.

However, Honda is striving to change its fate by making significant additions to its team, notably bringing on board Romano Albesiano as technical director among other crucial hires towards the end of last year.

After the Barcelona trials in November, Marini believed Honda would witness significant progress during the latter part of the 2025 season.

When questioned about whether he believes the timeline is still achievable, Marini responded, "At this stage, it feels a bit premature to have that confidence, it's a broad view since I'm familiar with Honda's operations, and I'm convinced that in the initial phase of the season, we'll definitely be experimenting with an entirely new prototype during the Sepang test.

"However, it's necessary to make some adjustments, yet by adhering to the guidance and input we received last year, I believe we're positioned to kick off this season at an elevated level."

"Definitely not sufficient to strive for the goal we aim to reach."

"However, once the initial segment of the season has passed, roughly around the midpoint, it could be an opportune time to aim for improvement by leveraging a more competitive package."

"However, for it to be successful, everything must proceed flawlessly without any errors. Therefore, it's not a simple task."

Honda has already hit the Sepang track this week for the shakedown sessions, but its main pair of riders haven't taken to the track yet, as they were in Indonesia for the team's color scheme unveiling.

The 2025 campaign will be the first time since 1994 that Honda's factory team competes without Repsol's sponsorship, as Castrol steps in as the primary sponsor. The team will also transition to HRC's official colors for the upcoming season.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the racing circuit straight to your email.

For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the freshest updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers from the heart of the racing world straight to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Any form of complete or partial copying of text, photos, or images is strictly prohibited.

Accident.Net

Ducati unveils fresh fairing design during Sepang MotoGP Shakedown trial

At Sepang, Michele Pirro has taken to the track on his Ducati Desmosedici GP25 equipped with an updated fairing.

Ducati seems to have unveiled a fresh fairing design during the Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test over the weekend.

This weekend in Malaysia, Michele Pirro was the sole representative for the Italian manufacturer, testing their newest machinery. Meanwhile, newcomer Fermin Aldeguer also participated in the testing session, though he was using the GP24 model from the previous year, which he is set to compete on in the 2025 season.

This weekend at Sepang, Pirro has been seen testing various motorcycles, some of which feature a bare carbon fiber fairing.

An image shared on MotoGP's online platforms following the initial day of the Shakedown on Friday (31 January) depicts Pirro riding one of the non-labeled motorcycles.

Observing the front aspect of the fairing, it's evident that there have been modifications to the lower surface of the front wing relative to the previous season. The external portion now appears slimmer and features a more pronounced curve profile.

The initial photo shared by the official MotoGP social media profiles conceals a significant portion of the bike's side fairing, primarily because of the perspective it was captured from, which leaves it in the shadows.

Adjusting the white balance and brightness levels of the picture can uncover extra details hidden in the darker sections.

Initially, it seems that the sidepod wings have been modified, although it's difficult to confirm this due to the perspective of the photograph. The lower section seems to have been raised relative to earlier versions of the Ducati MotoGP bodywork. Furthermore, when examining the left sidepod wing, the external side presents a curved shape instead of a flat one.

These modifications might offer their own aerodynamic benefits, but their primary purpose is evident just beneath the lower surface of the sidepod wing, where a significantly taller downwash duct is now positioned.

The design of the duct seems to mirror the one Ducati unveiled during the previous year's Misano trial – a bodywork modification that Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini chose to use for the rest of the 2024 season, unlike Francesco Bagnaia. Yet, it looks to be broader and significantly higher.

The photo indicates that the highest section of the duct is now almost level with the peak of the mudguard at the point it connects with the fork leg. This contrasts with the position of the duct's highest section used by Bastianini and Martin at the end of the last season, which was positioned significantly lower, as illustrated in the following image.

The area behind the duct still features the expanded ground effect section that was first seen last year. From the image provided, it's difficult to definitively determine any changes to this portion of the fairing for the 2025 model, if there have been any.

Gazing at the bike's rear section – although the image isn't very clear – one can notice another set of 'stegosaurus' fins, in a dark carbon color, situated seemingly just beyond Pirro's arm. These fins look to mimic those found on the bike's tail, yet are obviously placed a bit more towards the front and are linked by a connector joining the two parts.

Taking into account ergonomic design, these should be placed at the back of the seating area so as not to limit the rider's movement, though their precise location cannot be determined from the image.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive up-to-the-minute MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

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

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive conversations, and special offers from the racing world directly to your email.

For additional details, please consult our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether it be text, photos, or illustrations, fully or partially, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Collision.Web

Insight: The Significance Behind Honda's Updated MotoGP Appearance for 2025

Honda is unveiling a revamped visual identity for the 2025 MotoGP season, a move that signifies a much-needed reboot for the renowned Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in the competitive MotoGP scene.

Heading into the 2025 MotoGP season, Honda has reason for optimism as their situation is unlikely to deteriorate further.

In the past half-decade, there's been a significant decline in performance, with three seasons without a victory since 2020 (last season included), the departure of its longtime main sponsor Repsol, and the loss of the era's top rider, Marc Marquez, to Ducati.

Honda's decline has been thoroughly recorded. The company's struggle with problematic RC213Vs was concealed by Marquez, a six-time MotoGP champion, until 2020 when an injury forced him to miss the entire season, revealing the issues. This led Honda to rethink its design strategy, unfortunately leading to further setbacks. Marquez, having endured much to return to fitness, found himself parting ways with HRC at the conclusion of 2023, as his efforts were not reciprocated by the company.

Consequently, there were low expectations for the 2024 season. However, the outcome was much more disastrous than anticipated.

Honda once again took a misguided approach to its development strategy at the beginning of 2024, resulting in a repeated cycle of backtracking to establish a correct path. Despite some indications of progress in the later parts of the season, highlighted by Johann Zarco securing the brand's top finish of eighth place in Thailand (during a rain-affected grand prix), the year-end statistics presented a bleak picture.

For the fourth consecutive year, Honda ended up at the bottom of the constructors' championship, accumulating only 75 points – a significant drop of 110 points from their 2023 score, where they unexpectedly won with Alex Rins at COTA. Throughout the last season, HRC never succeeded in earning ten or more points in any of the races.

The top performer for the team in the rankings was Johann Zarco, who secured the 17th spot with 55 points. The team's official pair, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, unfortunately found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard among all season-long competitors, amassing a total of 35 points together. Selected to fill in for Marquez from a limited selection of candidates, Marini failed to earn any points until the German Grand Prix, which was nine races into the season, and that too came about due to a penalty imposed on another rider ahead of him.

Given Mir's scoring rate of 1.05 points per round and Marini's 0.7, Repsol's choice to conclude a collaboration that has been solid since 1995 is understandably excusable.

As 2025 approaches, Honda finds itself at its lowest point.

Challenging periods necessitate resilient spirits. It's evident that Honda has come to terms with the reality that its current strategies are falling short. A significant factor contributing to the lag of Japan's MotoGP teams behind their European counterparts is a difference in cultural approaches to development and problem-solving. European teams tend to be more direct and willing to learn from mistakes through a process of trial and error. In contrast, Japanese manufacturers adopt a more systematic approach, insisting that a development must be proven effective before it is implemented on the racetrack.

Naturally, the most effective method to verify the success of a development is by putting it through competition. Yamaha managed to do this in 2024, thanks to the recruitment of Max Bartolini, a seasoned engineer from Ducati, as their technical director. Following Yamaha's strategy, Honda has also brought on board a renowned European engineer to lead its development efforts in 2025.

Honda had considered bringing on board ex-KTM figure Fabiano Sterlacchini, but in the end, chose to appoint Romano Albesiano, the technical director from Aprilia. Albesiano, hailing from Italy, successfully transformed the RS-GP from being the subject of paddock ridicule to a competitive motorcycle, compelling enough to attract the current world champion, Jorge Martin, for the current racing season.

Albesiano's challenge at Honda mirrors his previous experience at Aprilia in 2015, though he now has access to the significantly more powerful resources of the esteemed Honda Racing Corporation. Despite recent struggles, Honda boasts an impressive history, securing six championships in a span of seven years with Marquez from 2013 to 2019, clinching the title in 2011 with Casey Stoner, triumphing over Valentino Rossi and Yamaha in 2006 with Nicky Hayden, and dominating the early years of the modern era with Rossi in 2002 and 2003.

Honda clearly hasn't lost its winning touch. Therefore, the assertive rhetoric shared during Honda's 2025 unveiling ceremony, introducing their fresh livery design and Castrol as the title sponsor, comes as no surprise.

"Luca Marini attributes the optimistic outlook to the influx of fresh engineering talent joining the project, including Romano and other highly skilled engineers on the team," he explains to Crash.net regarding his confidence in Honda's progress by 2025.

"I believe this represents a significant transformation that Honda has never experienced before. Consequently, we are witnessing the beginning of shifts in our approach. I mentioned it last year, and now, more than ever, I can observe the evolution during this winter. Clearly, Romano only began his involvement with this initiative in January, so it's going to require a period to truly sense his influence and contribution to this new endeavor. However, merely exchanging insights and the feedback from other brands, particularly the operational strategies currently employed by Italian companies, is going to revolutionize everything. We need a bit of patience, but there's an overwhelming sense of optimism and enthusiasm among everyone involved."

Colleague Joan Mir concurred, stating, "I've had discussions with [crew chief] Santi [Hernandez] regarding the recent enhancements we're getting. It appears he's very hopeful. Consequently, this brings me joy and also makes me hopeful.

"I'm not anticipating a return to the forefront, but we're open to experimentation: we have a variety of engines and chassis to test out. If these elements can provide the improvements we've long sought, I'll be satisfied."

Albesiano didn't play a role in shaping the 2025 motorcycle that's already been tested at the Sepang track before the season starts. He'll require time to thoroughly examine every aspect and craft something that reflects his vision. However, certain allowances will aid him in this endeavor.

Marini is optimistic that by the latter half of the year, Honda will have made considerable progress. Although the intense competition presents a challenge, Honda possesses all the necessary resources to achieve this.

This also encompasses what appears to be a distinct version of Joan Mir

Since moving to Honda in 2023 after Suzuki unexpectedly exited MotoGP, the 2020 world champion has faced challenges. In his initial season with the RC213V, marred by injuries, Mir managed to accumulate 26 points, with his peak performance being a fifth-place finish at the Indian GP. This achievement was primarily attributed to the advantage the Honda gained from a stiffer rear tyre carcass.

In 2024, it seemed as though Mir was more often found navigating through gravel pits than riding his RC213V. Throughout the season, he encountered 17 crashes and failed to finish in 10 of the 20 grand prix events. His highest achievement for the year was securing an 11th place finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Throughout various points in his career with Honda, Mir has considered leaving MotoGP. However, the worry of not succeeding has prevented him from taking that step, leading to his recent commitment to a fresh two-year contract with HRC starting in 2025.

Following the test in Barcelona, Mir expressed frustration over what he perceived as Honda's failure to provide new components, frequently vocalizing his opinions more than other riders from the same team. While his feelings are justified, as a MotoGP champion, there's an anticipation that he would act as a figurehead for the brand, making the most out of the equipment at his disposal, similar to Fabio Quartararo's approach at Yamaha.

In response to Crash's inquiry about what steps he must take to enhance his leadership qualities by 2025 and improve his performance irrespective of how his bike measures up to his expectations, Mir provided an impressively straightforward response.

"Indeed, it's challenging. Transitioning from a history of strong performances and consistently being considered a key competitor in the world championship to a position where you're overlooked is a reality I've had to confront," he explained.

"Embracing the reality is essential. Initially, it was a tougher challenge for me to come to terms with it. However, given our current circumstances, I understand the actions we need to take to turn things around. No one should doubt my belief in our mission, given that I'm still present and putting in as much effort as I am capable of."

"One strategy that significantly aids me while I'm at home is pushing myself to the limit in my training, striving to achieve peak physical condition, and doing my utmost to eliminate any thoughts of not having done enough. This approach serves as my form of therapy. Despite everything, I'm eagerly anticipating getting started. I'm determined to turn things around, to get going, to grasp what we'll be exploring in the tests, and to learn from the fresh perspectives the new arrivals at Honda will offer. Beyond that, I'm curious about how Honda will respond following all our efforts."

Before the season has even started, Honda has already claimed a victory of sorts: its new livery is undeniably the standout. Yet, this is merely the outward sign of a brand taking strides forward. The uninspiring last Repsol design seemed like the team was clinging to former triumphs, with Marquez's shadow still lingering around it – a sentiment that was reflected in their performance on the racetrack.

The tangible signs of this fresh phase are beginning to emerge. With Albesiano leading the technical overhaul, there's a growing sense of optimism among the two main riders who are in dire need of a morale boost. The expansion of the test team, now including Aleix Espargaro, is set to fast-track improvements that the team's racers have been eagerly awaiting. Additionally, Takaaki Nakagami taking on a new role in testing will help enhance the dialogue between the team's European and Japanese divisions.

It may seem unlikely that Honda could aim for top finishes towards the season's end in the same manner as its competitor Yamaha, considering their current trajectories. However, there's real optimism within HRC that brighter days are ahead after a period of significant struggles.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the most recent MotoGP updates, special content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive offers from the racetrack straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one interviews, and exclusive offers from the racing circuit straight to your email

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Any form of complete or partial copying of text, images, or illustrations is strictly prohibited.

Accident.Report

Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia disclose their most impactful colleagues

"It was a lesson in excellence at every meeting"

The spotlight will shine on the Ducati Lenovo 'dream team' in this year's MotoGP season, as the team's two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia teams up with Marc Marquez, who has won six titles with Honda.

Luca Marini is among those who think that the competition will elevate both contenders to unprecedented heights.

"Marini expressed to Crash.net that having Pecco and Marc as teammates will drive them to outdo themselves. He believes that if Aprilia and KTM fail to match Ducati's performance, it might just be those two competing for the win in each race."

Which colleagues did Bagnaia and Marquez gain the most knowledge from previously?

Bagnaia identified Jorge Martin, his anticipated competitor for the championship and the 2024 champion, along with his initial MotoGP colleague Jack Miller, as significant figures.

Bagnaia revealed that his initial moment of learning from a teammate occurred in Moto3, during Jorge Martin's arrival. He mentioned that it was during a wet first test where Martin showcased exceptional speed. By tailing him, Bagnaia absorbed numerous techniques for wet conditions.

"In MotoGP, it's essential to mention Jack Miller, with whom we created an amazing environment both in the pit box and the garage."

Bagnaia teamed up with Miller at Pramac to kick off his debut 2019 MotoGP season. They shared four seasons together, eventually moving up to the official Ducati team for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

"Bagnaia further commented, "I believe we both played a significant role in shaping the current success of Ducati."

Miller transitioned to KTM following his replacement by Enea Bastianini, and Marquez is set to succeed the Italian starting in 2025.

From his victorious MotoGP debut in 2013 until the conclusion of 2018, Marquez shared a team with Dani Pedrosa at Repsol Honda.

"Without a doubt, the teammate I gained the most knowledge from was Dani Pedrosa," Marquez stated.

"Each session felt like an expert tutorial, especially when you make your debut in MotoGP and have someone like Dani Pedrosa as your team-mate.

"It was incredible to grasp. I gained significant knowledge."

Marquez pointed out the parallels between teaming up with Pedrosa at Repsol Honda and his upcoming venture with Bagnaia at Ducati Lenovo.

"Marquez mentioned, 'It's not exactly the same, but there are some similarities.'"

"I show up in a container where there's a racer who has clinched two global titles, who is incredibly quick, and who has exclusively piloted a Ducati, thus he is highly knowledgeable in resolving any issue."

Marquez stated: "Often, we observe that on Fridays, Pecco is not among the front runners, but then he quickly becomes the quickest on the circuit from one session to the next. Therefore, I aim to glean insights from him, given his extensive expertise riding a Ducati motorcycle."

Bagnaia aims to understand how Marquez excels in challenging circumstances.

"Regarding Marc, it's definitely something novel… However, my perspective and understanding is that when you're dealing with a rider of his caliber – an eight-time world champion who has clinched championships even under challenging conditions, without the top motorcycle – it's truly inspiring for me. It pushes me to strive for competitiveness even when circumstances aren't perfect."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the freshest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the racetrack to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Keep Up with Crash MotoGP

Reproducing the content, whether entirely or partially, including text, photos, or images, is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Collision.Network

VR46 clarifies situation amid Pedro Acosta speculation

Uccio Salucci addresses speculations about a possible connection between Acosta and VR46

Uccio Salucci has addressed speculation regarding Pedro Acosta being considered for the VR46 MotoGP team, stating, 'I never had a serious conversation about it within our team'.

In a significant move, Acosta, who made a remarkable debut last year, has inked a long-term agreement to remain with KTM as a factory rider starting from the 2025 season, maintaining his relationship with the Austrian brand that has supported him throughout his Grand Prix journey.

Nonetheless, KTM's ongoing economic troubles and the ambiguous prospects of its MotoGP involvement have sparked rumors that Acosta is seeking an exit strategy for 2026.

Recently, there's been buzzing speculation about a possible switch to the VR46 team on a satellite Ducati for Acosta. This speculation gained more traction after Acosta participated in Valentino Rossi's 100Km of Champions race in Tavullia, which took place earlier this month.

VR46 team leader Salucci has stepped in to dispel these speculations, emphasizing that there hasn't been any significant conversation about it.

"To begin with, I apologize for the narrative concerning KTM, as we maintain a strong rapport with KTM," he stated.

"Our partnership began in 2014 in the Moto3 category, alongside Stefan Pierer, Pit Beirer, and the entire KTM board and leadership team."

"I'm not a fan of this narrative, but sadly, that's how it is."

"Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Acosta is an exceptional cyclist."

"Perhaps he's currently the top talent in MotoGP. However, it's premature to discuss this matter, and frankly, I've never had a serious conversation about Acosta within our team."

In the past few weeks, Acosta has openly stated that the current circumstances with KTM do not impact his short-term career plans in MotoGP.

KTM is facing a financial turmoil, which has forced it to enter a phase of self-administration and undergo a restructuring effort to rescue the firm.

The latest news from Austria reveals that 23 prospective financiers have shown interest in backing the company.

On February 25, a vital gathering is scheduled where lenders will decide on the proposed reorganization strategy that entails receiving 30% repayment of the funds KTM owes them.

Though this is the legal minimum required, it's reported that certain creditors are dissatisfied with this amount.

KTM's current financial obligations have been verified at €2.2 billion.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, unique content, conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, behind-the-scenes exclusives, one-on-one conversations, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

It is strictly forbidden to copy or replicate any portion of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Accident.Network

New allegations suggest Marc Marquez turned down a sponsorship from Monster

The eight-time world champion reportedly declined a partnership offer with Monster

It is reported that Monster Energy proposed a personal sponsorship agreement to Marc Marquez, a Factory Ducati MotoGP racer, matching the one extended to Francesco Bagnaia. However, Marquez turned down the offer.

The athlete, who has clinched the grand prix world championship eight times, has had a longstanding association with Red Bull, the Austrian energy drink powerhouse, prominently featured on his racing helmet until the conclusion of the previous season.

By joining the factory Ducati team, Marquez terminated his individual agreement with Red Bull as a gesture of respect towards the brand.

The team from Ducati receives sponsorship from Monster Energy, which is clearly visible on their motorcycles, the riders' suits, and the team's apparel.

In 2025, Marquez will wear all these items, but his racing helmet won't display the Monster logo.

As reported by Motorsport.com, Marquez received a proposal from Monster that was the same as the one given to his teammate Bagnaia, but he chose not to accept it.

This action was taken once more as a gesture of respect towards Red Bull, keeping the possibility of rekindling this alliance in the future.

According to Motorsport.com, Ducati anticipated Red Bull would reach out to them regarding 2025, but the conversation happened later than expected.

Marquez has replaced the Red Bull emblems on his helmet with Estrella Galicia decals.

Fascinatingly, as reported by El Periodico, Lenovo, the main sponsor for Ducati, conducted a research last year indicating that signing Marquez instead of Jorge Martin would be more beneficial for the brand because of his international reputation.

Naturally, this didn't significantly influence Ducati's final decision.

Marquez's decision to openly reject the offer of a factory Ducati bike from the Pramac team for the 2025 season ultimately caused the brand to reverse its original plan of advancing Martin.

In the same article by El Periodico, it features a statement from Carlo Merlini, Gresini's director of commercial and marketing, in which he remarks, "One thing is certain, and we witnessed it directly last year.

"Marc provides more than mere success and triumphs. He ensures you gain recognition."

"Marc stands out for his unparalleled visibility and allure. His magnetic charm paves the way for securing sponsorships and media attention."

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP developments, exclusive content, one-on-one interviews, and special offers straight from the race track to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Explore Further

Sign up for our MotoGP Bulletin

Stay updated with the newest MotoGP updates, behind-the-scenes content, one-on-one conversations, and special offers straight from the track to your email.

Refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Current Updates

Additional Updates

Stay Updated with Crash F1

Stay Updated with Crash MotoGP

Copying or replicating the content, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Accident.Net