2024 Official Barcelona MotoGP Test – Final Standings

Conclusive lap results from the official MotoGP test on Tuesday, held post-race in Barcelona, Spain.

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Documented Achievements of Barcelona's MotoGP

Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro clocked at 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time in the race: Pedro Acosta clocked at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday for an official day of testing with their teams for the 2025 season.

The trial marked the first appearance of freshly crowned world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, alongside Marc Marquez who joined Ducati Lenovo. Pedro Acosta made his debut with Red Bull KTM, while Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were seen with Tech3 KTM. Franco Morbidelli took to the track with VR46, and the newly unveiled Pramac Yamaha team featured Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, it was the inaugural MotoGP run for Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR).

During his first outing on the GP24, Gresini's Alex Marquez topped the charts for the majority of the day, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the later part of the afternoon.

Former Ducati title-holder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo momentarily eclipsed Marquez in speed, until the #73 made a comeback.

Champion Martin managed to lower his shoulder, followed by a thumbs-up gesture and a beaming smile, following his initial laps with Aprilia. Subsequently, Martin experienced his first tumble on the RS-GP, during an attempt to keep up with his close pal Aleix Espargaro, at the fifth turn.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while decelerating for the same turn shortly after 3pm, resulting in significant damage to his RC16. Martin indicated that red flags were necessary to remove debris from the circuit, leading to a halt in the session shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to sixth place in his initial attempts wearing the factory red colors, but later fell out of the top ten.

The eight-time world champion increased his speed to end just slightly behind Bagnaia in fourth position during his last lap, humorously gesturing with a middle finger to his old Gresini team as he made his way back to the factory pits.

First-time MotoGP riders Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced falls in their debut but managed to escape unharmed, while Luca Marini was visibly upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

During a practice start, following the completion of a testing session, Aldeguer shattered his Ducati's screen by hitting it with his helmet!

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

Several cyclists were once more experimenting with the use of radio communication systems integrated into their helmets.

Trials were conducted between 10 am and 5 pm in the local time zone. The following sanctioned MotoGP trials are scheduled for February in Sepang.

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday to engage in a day of formal trials with their 2025 squads.

The trial run showcases the inaugural appearances of world champion Jorge Martin alongside Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, Marc Marquez joining Ducati Lenovo, Pedro Acosta stepping into Red Bull KTM, with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales teaming up at Tech3 KTM. Additionally, Franco Morbidelli will be seen at VR46, alongside the fresh Pramac Yamaha initiative featuring Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Moreover, this event marks the first MotoGP rounds for Ai Ogura with Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra joining LCR.

Throughout the day, Alex Marquez of Gresini topped the charts during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the middle of the afternoon.

Ducati's departing titleholder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, alongside Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, were momentarily faster than Marquez, until he made a comeback with the #73.

After completing his initial laps on the Aprilia, world champion Martin expressed his satisfaction with a thumbs up and a beaming smile. However, Martin experienced his first fall on the RS-GP while pursuing his close pal, Aleix Espargaro, at Turn 5.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while braking for the same turn just after 3pm, resulting in his RC16 being completely wrecked. Martin alerted that red flags should be deployed to remove debris from the circuit, leading to the session being halted shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to the sixth position early on while riding in factory red colors, but then dropped out of the top ten. Later in the day, he increased his speed in the afternoon sessions.

Newcomers Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced their initial crashes in MotoGP unscathed, while Luca Marini was notably upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro has embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

The testing session is scheduled from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, based on the local time zone. Following this session, there won't be any sanctioned MotoGP tests until the upcoming February in

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

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F1-inspired two-way radios trialed in MotoGP during Barcelona's Tuesday session

Ducati observed evaluating novel communication setup with Pirro, though a broad rollout not anticipated by 2025

On Tuesday in Barcelona, Ducati MotoGP leaders Davide Tardozzi and Michele Pirro conducted trials of a dual-channel radio setup, but it's understood from Crash that this technology won't be broadly implemented until 2025.

MotoGP has been contemplating the implementation of radio communication for a while, experimenting with rudimentary systems that have garnered mixed reactions during various trials.

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In a recent trial conducted at the Misano circuit, a communication setup was evaluated, allowing pre-set messages to be transmitted from the race officials directly to the competitors.

On Tuesday during the testing session in Barcelona, Ducati appeared to advance their experimentation by testing a dual-direction system with Pirro.

This morning, the technology crafted by Dorna Sports was utilized by Tardozzi and Pirro, with Tardozzi successfully transmitting real-time messages to his racer.

The effectiveness of this trial remains uncertain. When contacted by Crash.net, Ducati chose not to provide any comments.

Francesco Bagnaia gave it a go as well, yet he believes the system he experimented with isn't quite there yet.

He confirmed his actions when questioned by Crash, responding with, "Yes, I'm responsible."

"I completed the task, yet the outcome remains incomplete. Upon evaluation, the system failed to operate as expected. There was no response due to its malfunction, which also caused me minor discomfort. Moreover, the connecting cable is excessively large, posing potential risks. Therefore, the project is still in progress, and further testing will be conducted once it's prepared."

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

MotoGP continues to experiment with various technologies, including both the two-way channel and the single-direction communication approach.

Currently, a communication system will only be broadly implemented after undergoing extensive testing and ensuring its safety for use.

Definitely, Thailand won't be rolling out a new communication system for riders by the beginning of the 2025 season.

Crash recognizes that enthusiasm for the concept varies among riders, and as such, the adoption of a radio system in an official race would initially be optional.

The approach of sending pre-recorded messages from race control to participants is expected to be the initial system widely adopted. Crash has learned that all such messages have already been captured.

MotoGP is considering incorporating team-sent messages, like strategic directions, into the one-directional pre-recorded system through the dashboard display.

During this year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Jorge Martin attributed his loss of the lead in the sprint race to being sidetracked by a dashboard notification about a warning for exceeding track limits.

Martin potentially gained an advantage through the use of team radio during the flag-to-flag race at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Currently, this project is in its early phases of creation, with its main goal centered on enhancing the safety features within MotoGP.

Cyclists have previously mentioned that radios would be beneficial for immediate alerts regarding dangers on the course, or to communicate with race officials about the necessity of a red flag.

Currently, as Liberty Media takes ownership, numerous parallels are being made between MotoGP and Formula 1. However, Crash has learned that there is no effort to promote team radio as a feature for broadcasting.

If the systems reach a stage where they are secure and all users are satisfied, then they may be implemented in a widespread application.

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Fabio Quartararo expressed satisfaction, saying, "It's rewarding to see your name leading the board."

He then added, "It's just a test, but it slipped my mind!"

After Alex Marquez secured the leading position in the MotoGP test times on Tuesday in Barcelona, merely two competitors managed to challenge the dominance of the Gresini team's rider.

The initial rider was Ducati's own and the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia. However, the greater shock came from Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.

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Despite Marquez's quick reaction, Quartararo maintained the second position until the end of the 2024 season, equipped with updated aerodynamics, alongside a newly designed chassis, swingarm, and engine for evaluation.

"Quartararo expressed surprise at leading, stating, 'I just forgot it was merely a test! We usually need to move on quickly.'"

Seeing your name at the top brings a sense of satisfaction. Even when it's merely a test, you return home feeling positive.

"We're still quite a distance from the leading competitors, but at least for today, I was able to have fun, maintain a strong pace, and execute several impressive laps."

Back at the track where he secured an eleventh-place finish in Sunday’s final grand prix of the season, Quartararo recorded a top lap time of 1 minute and 39.199 seconds, ending up 0.396 seconds slower than Marquez.

The Frenchman stated that the updated chassis provided the most noticeable enhancement, particularly in facilitating the entry into corners.

"He mentioned that they saw some improvements in certain aspects thanks to the new chassis. However, he noted that traction hadn't seen enhancements yet, but there are plans to introduce a significantly different and more substantial upgrade in Malaysia."

"We made advancements in transitioning from straight-line speed to maximum lean. This marked our most significant progress. Our next focus is on enhancing the process from being at full lean to straightening up.

"However, we've already identified how to enhance the entrance. Now, our task is to figure out how to better the departure."

Quartararo mentioned, "We also experimented with a new engine and tested a top fairing. Essentially, the goal wasn't necessarily improvement, but rather to maintain the same performance level. Similarly, with the new swingarm, our objective was the same."

"The goal wasn't enhancement, but rather to explore possibilities of slightly decreasing the weight."

On Tuesday, Yamaha witnessed four of its MotoGP racers hit the track together for the first time since 2022, as Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira made their first appearances riding for the newly formed Pramac Yamaha squad.

"Having four riders and four factory bikes is fantastic," remarked Quartararo.

"Moreover, riders hailing from two distinct manufacturers and engineers originating from various manufacturers have contributed, and I believe we've made progress during today's practice session."

When queried about his conversation with Miller, Quartararo responded, “I only chatted briefly regarding his sensations, and also, he hasn't yet switched to the hard front tire.

"Understanding our bike fully requires more than a single day. However, it's crucial to take into account and listen to their feedback. I believe the bike shines in certain areas, particularly in how it handles at the front, but it also has several shortcomings that need addressing."

Team member from the factory, Alex Rins, secured the eighth fastest time.

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Marc Marquez shares initial impressions on testing Ducati's latest model

"I experienced the complete 2025 setup: Chassis, motor, and various aspects"

In a repeat of his performance from his Gresini debut a year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his inaugural MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team rider in fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he made his first appearance on a Desmosedici riding a satellite bike at Valencia. This year, his attention shifted to testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting an eye-catching bright red paint job, the eight-time world champion found himself primarily within the bottom half of the top ten throughout the day.

A final push elevated him to fourth place, trailing behind the session's top performer, his younger sibling and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda from 2013 to 2023, trailed closely by just 0.056 seconds behind his new teammate, the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 model, moving directly from the year-old GP23 to the upcoming 2025 model for the next season.

"Marquez acknowledged spending the majority of the day, approximately 90% of it, utilizing the GP25. He mentioned, "Most of my time was dedicated to assisting the engineers with their work."

"Joining the official team signifies adherence to a stringent strategy, outlining all the necessary experiments and tasks, where the rider becomes a vital asset under the engineers' guidance, essentially serving the engineering team's objectives."

Indeed, the bicycle possesses certain advantages that perform slightly better. However, ultimately, it remains a bicycle, and your riding skills are crucial. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The sensation was incredibly positive, especially when interacting with the team. This is the most crucial aspect when forming an initial impression, and we collaborate effectively."

When asked which experience is more satisfying, Marquez responded:

"The performance of the engine has improved on straight paths, which is a significant advancement over last year's model. Additionally, it appears that the bike behaves differently when entering corners. I still need to figure out the maximum capabilities in that aspect."

"He explained that he experimented with the entire set, including the frame, engine, and various other components. As a result, it's unclear which specific parts contributed to the distinct feel."

"Pecco then took a slightly different approach in his work. However, what mattered most was that our observations were very much alike. We identified the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things significantly for the engineers."

Ducati's test pilot Michele Pirro indicated that the GP25 is particularly favorable for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At this moment, Marquez is holding off on forming an opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend because, in Pecco's case, we expressed similar observations. Indeed, it performs exceptionally well in certain areas, yet it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"Thus, it's time for assessment, as it's essential to maintain a 'steady' motorcycle throughout all 22 races. Not just quick on one type of circuit."

Was it odd to switch to riding in red, having spent years competing against the Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Actually, it was delightful," Marquez remarked. "Particularly joining a team that has shown superior performance in the recent years.

"Being part of the top team on the track comes with the obligation to perform quickly. Thus, it was delightful to be a part of that team in the garage."

Indeed, it was odd to find Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering my numerous clashes with Dovizioso!

"However, our relationship has always been strong and courteous. This is beneficial, especially since we are already acquainted."

Marquez's next opportunity to ride the GP25 will come in February at Sepang.

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Francesco Bagnaia Expresses Relief at Skipping Post-Title MotoGP Test in Barcelona

Bagnaia Shares Thoughts on Forgoing Barcelona Test After Race

Francesco Bagnaia mentioned that not participating in testing following the season's last race, as the MotoGP world champion, was advantageous for him because it allowed him to concentrate more on refining the GP25.

The two-time world champion relinquished the top spot to Jorge Martin in the final race of the Solidarity GP in Barcelona last weekend.

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This signifies that for the first time since 2021, Bagnaia started the subsequent year's testing without being the reigning champion.

Explore further: The lasting legacy of Bagnaia as an exceptional MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia clocked the third quickest time after 58 laps aboard his Ducati, mainly focusing on testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting his testing on Tuesday held any extra meaning as he aims to reclaim the championship, Bagnaia stated, "I must admit, not being the reigning world champion made me concentrate more on the motorcycle.

"Being a world champion certainly brings happiness and a sense of improvement, but it also makes me focus less on getting better."

The progression from the GP23 to the GP24 model this year has been significant, with Bagnaia commenting on Tuesday that the foundation of the 2025 motorcycle is more robust than at any comparable stage in past years.

"Does the GP25 stand out? It's worth mentioning that after conducting various tests today, the GP25 has shown to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he remarked.

"I believe our team, along with our engineers, will be putting in significant effort this winter, as there's a need to enhance the foundation we've experimented with."

Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same sentiment regarding the motorcycle, which is crucial for aligning our efforts in its development, and that's fantastic.

Regarding control, the GP24 remains superior when it comes to braking.

"This year, I made significant progress with the GP24, especially in the braking department. Thus, I believe we should continue to pursue this path."

"The GP25 exhibits excellent handling around sharp turns, and its performance remains commendable even on worn tires. This is a positive aspect. Additionally, the upgraded engine possesses significant power."

"Typically, we don't begin from this stage with a new bike; some adjustments are usually necessary. However, the foundation is solid, and I'm pleased about that."

He mentions, "I believe the gap between 24 and 25 is significant, and I don't foresee a major advancement for Malaysia since I feel we've already made that leap."

"We must organize it, and in terms of configuration, we have to adjust it for the new bicycle."

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"Speed is to be expected": Alex Marquez shines in GP24 debut at Barcelona MotoGP Test

“With each attempt, there was continuous improvement”

Alex Marquez highlighted that the frontrunners of the MotoGP World Championship, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, had an exceptional season and displayed incredible speed under every circumstance.

Following his impressive performance in Tuesday's Barcelona test, where he led the timesheets on his first outing with the previous GP24 Ducati model, the Gresini team member experienced a noticeable improvement compared to the year-old motorcycle he raced with throughout this season.

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It came as no surprise that the GP24 was built to accommodate the updated Michelin rear tyre introduced this year, a change that, while increasing grip, led to front-end problems on the GP23.

"Marquez explained, “In the morning, I took the 23 bike out for a spin to get a sense of the traction and the state of the track, before switching over to the 24. Initially, it felt odd, quite a departure from what I'm used to, yet despite the worn tires, our lap times remained consistent.”

"Subsequently, it became a bicycle that improved progressively with each attempt I made to enhance its performance further and further."

The primary distinction I experienced was during the entry into corners, where we encountered significant difficulties with the 23 model. Additionally, Pirro mentioned that he had adapted to the 24 model, and when he returned to using the 23 model here, it felt somewhat unstable.

"The entrance is notably a strong move… This bicycle is designed specifically for that back tire."

"The day went well. Truly, consistently strong throughout with the lap times."

Instead of focusing on a singular, attention-getting performance on soft tyres, Marquez topped the leaderboard five separate times.

The Spanish rider crossed the finish line with a lead of 0.396 seconds ahead of Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo and 0.595 seconds in front of Bagnaia. Bagnaia's latest team partner, Marc, who is also Alex's sibling, secured the fourth spot while the team focused on developing the GP25 for the upcoming season.

"Alex remarked, 'It was only a single day at a circuit that I'm quite fond of, so I wouldn't attribute their victory to the [GP24 bike] alone! Pecco and Jorge had an incredible season too. They showed remarkable speed under every condition.'"

"It's premature to say much at this point, but it marks progress from the [GP23]. My goal is to test it on a circuit that doesn't particularly suit my riding technique. However, our next stop is Malaysia, a place where I excel. Following that, we'll head to Thailand, where I'm also quick."

"Therefore, it's essential for us to hold off, especially to observe the extent of enhancements from other makers, as well as the progress made by the 25 Ducati. Following that, we'll have a clearer understanding of our precise position."

Alex further commented, “It's expected [to be quick] given that you're handed a bike that's already ‘complete.’ This means there's no need to gather data for the manufacturer; your attention can solely be on fine-tuning.

"It's understandable that we were quicker since we didn't have much work on our plate."

Fermin Aldeguer, the new addition to Alex's rookie team, ranked 20th in the timing charts.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Pramac aims to maintain its approach during the transition from Ducati to Yamaha

"Our goal is to preserve our current framework and mindset as we transition from Ducati."

Pramac is potentially trading their championship-winning Desmosedicis for Yamahas that haven't seen a podium, yet the team is keen on maintaining the same approach and mindset that propelled Jorge Martin to victory in this year's MotoGP championship.

As Martin transitions to a role with Aprilia at their factory location, Pramac embarks on a fresh journey by teaming up with Yamaha as their satellite ally starting in 2025.

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On Tuesday in Barcelona, Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller marked their first appearances on the Pramac-operated M1s.

The beginning was humble, with Oliveira ranking 17th and Miller finishing 22nd in what essentially served as an initial test.

However, Yamaha's factory competitor, Fabio Quartararo, delivered an impressive performance by securing the second position in the rankings.

"Pramac's team manager, Gino Borsoi, expressed to MotoGP.com their intention to maintain their current approach and mindset, similar to when they were with Ducati."

"I believe this mindset will benefit Yamaha."

"Furthermore, receiving insights from the riders is greatly beneficial for quickly grasping our responsibilities and what actions they need to take on the motorcycle."

"Certainly, time is essential for us. It's clear that we require time. There are numerous concepts we wish to implement. We possess extensive expertise to share with Yamaha."

"Winter presents the perfect opportunity to get everything set up. Let's find out if we can kick things off successfully in Malaysia [next year]."

"However, as is widely recognized, a mere handful of months won't suffice."

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How does Marc Marquez view the stress from Ducati's factory team following his initial MotoGP trial?

"I wouldn't have taken this path if I wasn't willing to embrace the pressure."

Marc Marquez acknowledges that joining the factory Ducati MotoGP team will increase the pressure on him, yet he remains calm about the situation and is willing to embrace it.

On Tuesday, during the post-season Barcelona test, the athlete who has clinched the world championship title eight times, made his first appearance in the Ducati team garage.

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Marquez tested both the GP24 and GP25 motorcycles during the trial, securing the fourth quickest time over 49 laps, just 0.056 seconds behind his teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

Nearly a year after his initial outing on the Ducati during the 2023 post-season test, this trial had a different set of anticipations compared to the first.

Securing three grand prix victories in 2024 while riding the GP23, Marquez's transition to the factory team is anticipated to place him back in contention for championship titles.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether joining the factory team on his first day brought extra pressure, Marquez stated, "No, I'm at ease. I'm calm."

"Obviously, there will be pressure, but ultimately, I'm on board. Had I not been willing, I wouldn't have opted to switch to Ducati two years ago."

"I enjoy facing pressure because it requires management, but I'm aware that with the new role in the top team on the grid, my objective is to contend for podium spots in every race.

"Subsequently, regardless of winning the championship, this year demonstrated that with Pecco securing victories in 11 races yet finishing second, he truly had an outstanding season and showcased his best performance."

This year, Marquez received a certain degree of backing from the factory team at Gresini, but not to the extent he will experience now with his move to the official works team.

However, he's convinced that he hasn't acquired any fresh understanding regarding Ducati's dominance, observing that his experience with them at Gresini had already provided him with clarity.

"He further mentioned that from what he has observed this year, Ducati's operations extend beyond just the factory team."

"The approach taken also involves collaboration with satellite teams, where the data they receive is considered equally valuable as that of the main factory team."

"They manage those specifics, and it's what sets you on the right path."

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Francesco Bagnaia reveals: "I understand the reason for my defeat"

Ex-MotoGP titleholder contemplates how the championship eluded him

Francesco Bagnaia has stated that he feels no resentment about not securing the 2024 MotoGP championship, as he understands the reasons behind his loss.

Last weekend in Barcelona, Jorge Martin defeated the two-time world champion at the conclusion of the 2024 Solidarity Grand Prix season.

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After extending the championship battle to the last race and securing victories in both events in Barcelona, Bagnaia eventually fell short to Martin by a margin of 10 points.

The two-time MotoGP world champion acknowledged before the weekend that making up a 24-point gap after eight DNFs this season was always going to be a challenging task. He accepted his loss to Martin with humility.

After Tuesday's testing session in Barcelona, where Bagnaia finished third after completing 58 laps, he discussed why he's not upset about his defeat and how he managed to move past the challenges of the weekend.

When asked if he felt any irritation about not securing a third premier class title, he responded, "Honestly, no. I'm not the kind of person who gets frustrated over such matters."

"I understand the reasons behind my defeat, and I will not offer any justifications for the outcome."

"After the Malaysia race, I mentioned that coming into the final Grand Prix with a 24-point deficit made it hard to envision a victory."

"Jorge performed exceptionally well. This arrangement works fine. To be honest, I did a lot of walking in Barcelona yesterday, on Monday."

After waking up in the paddock, I decided to head to a seaside restaurant for lunch.

"After that, I continued walking for another hour, covering a total of about 10 kilometers throughout the day, which was beneficial."

After the Solidarity GP on Sunday, Bagnaia shared an image on social media showing him tearing off the number one decal that had adorned his Ducati for the past two years.

He stated, "I preferred to take it out on my own rather than have someone else do it for me."

"I placed the number one on the initial fairing, which meant I had to take off the number one from the final fairing of the season."

"In my opinion, it was the right decision."

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Examination: Initial Indications of Optimism in Jorge Martin’s Aprilia MotoGP Test Debut

Evaluating Jorge Martin's inaugural laps on an Aprilia, authored by Lewis Duncan in Barcelona

On a chilly Tuesday morning in November, Jorge Martin enjoyed a warm reception from a relatively sizable audience at Barcelona, considering it was a test event. Unlike the tense demeanor he displayed throughout the Solidarity Grand Prix weekend, Martin appeared calm and at ease.

In all honesty, it was completely reasonable for him to feel that way, as he was confronting his last opportunity to secure his first MotoGP world championship. Remarkably, he achieved this dream during the season's concluding grand prix last Sunday, where he secured a third-place finish even though Francesco Bagnaia clinched the race victory.

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There was little opportunity for celebration, however. By Monday, all Ducati and Pramac logos were removed from his racing equipment as he had his initial formal interaction with the Aprilia factory team, which he is set to compete with in 2025.

On Tuesday, Martin entered the garage clad in his leather gear, beaming with joy. His happiness remained intact when he came back to the pit area following his initial five-lap session on the 2024 model RS-GP.

In certain aspects, it was similar to when Marc Marquez first rode the Ducati during the post-season test in Valencia last year. Although the situations surrounding their transitions are quite distinct, a great deal of attention was focused on Martin.

He swapped the top-performing bike in the lineup for a model that ranked third among manufacturers in 2024. However, it was noteworthy as the only brand to interrupt Ducati's streak of grand prix wins, thanks to Maverick Vinales' triumph at the Americas Grand Prix.

Jorge Martin takes the 2024 Aprilia RS-GP for a spin 👀#MotoGP #BarcelonaTest pic.twitter.com/hmPjoghThg— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) November 19, 2024

The performance of the RS-GP in the latter half of 2024 likely didn't sit well with Martin. Factory riders Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro accumulated a total of 137 points and secured only two sprint podium finishes from the British GP to the season's conclusion. In contrast, Jorge Martin alone surpassed that point total in just five rounds.

Martin chose to join Aprilia after seven rounds of races. During this period, Aprilia had managed to secure a victory at the Americas GP and won two sprint races. Although Aprilia's performance didn't match that of Ducati, the brand was not struggling as much as it did in the latter half of the season.

During his initial day riding, Martin divided his sessions between the 2024 RS-GP and the 2025 RS-GP, completing a total of 77 laps. Only Marco Bezzecchi, his teammate, and Ai Ogura, a newcomer with Trackhouse Aprilia, surpassed his lap count. As the newly crowned world champion, Martin placed 11th in the standings, trailing Gresini's Alex Marquez by 1.056 seconds.

Although it may not be very significant, there is a slight sense of pride in being the leading rider who switched manufacturers for the test.

Due to his contract with Ducati, Martin was prohibited from giving interviews to the media until the year's end, so we'll have to wait until February to hear his opinions on the RS-GP. During the test, his performance varied; sometimes he appeared at ease, while at other times, he didn't seem as comfortable. His initial experience with the 2025 RS-GP included a minor crash at Turn 5 during the last three hours of the session. Additionally, he did not complete any significant long-distance runs to gather substantial insights.

Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, mentioned that Jorge Martin's impressions of the RS-GP were "more favorable than anticipated" and that "he really enjoys the bike." For the time being, we have to trust Rivola's statement, particularly at a track where Aprilia usually performs well. However, Martin's demeanor seemed to support Rivola's remarks.

The media had the opportunity to hear from Aprilia's newly appointed technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini. Although he refrained from making definitive statements about the RS-GP due to his recent involvement with the project, he did provide some insights into the team's atmosphere following Martin's initial experience with the motorcycle.

During a media briefing on Tuesday, which included Crash.net, he expressed that having Jorge on board, a rider with a world title background, presents a significant opportunity. Jorge serves as a benchmark, allowing them to better comprehend the areas they need to focus on.

"In the brief period we collaborated, which included half a day yesterday and today, I've observed that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader. Frankly, his approach to the role is quite remarkable. It's truly impressive."

The Aprilia initiative for 2025 presents significant changes from the 2024 plan. Except for Raul Fernandez, who couldn't try out an RS-GP 25 due to a shortage of components, the Aprilia team has a fresh roster. Martin will be accompanied by Bezzecchi and Ogura.

Romano Albesiano, who has overseen the development of the RS-GP motorcycle throughout its existence, has left his role as technical director to join Honda. Aleix Espargaro, who also played a key role in transforming Aprilia into an appealing option for top-tier riders like Martin, has followed him.

Aprilia is facing an important winter season as it aims to adjust its approach for 2024 with fresh technical guidance and a new lineup of riders. The addition of Martin to the team only intensifies the pressure. Despite this, CEO Massimo Rivola observed on Monday that the team appeared cohesive, as if they had been collaborating for a long time.

This year, Martin's display of maturity has been instrumental in securing the championship, effectively preparing him mentally for the upcoming Aprilia challenge.

After Ducati declined to advance him to their main team, Martin signed with the Noale brand, sparking discussions about the possibility of him taking the top spot at Aprilia. The absence of a prominent number one on the front of his RS-GP during the Barcelona track session might reveal his current mindset.

When questioned by Crash.net before the weekend about whether he felt any disappointment regarding the championship situation, given that Ducati had chosen Marc Marquez over him for the factory team, his answer revealed a rider driven by factors other than revenge.

He expressed, "In my opinion, it's not about me lacking the necessary skills for them. I am certain they have confidence in my abilities; that's evident from the contract I've been given. The issue was different, and perhaps their focus was elsewhere. I don't believe they were discussing in meetings that I wasn't capable of handling a factory bike."

"I'm pleased with their choice, as long as they believe it's the right one, and I'm content with what lies ahead for me. I believe we are maintaining a positive relationship. It's impossible to predict what might occur in two years during the next contract period. The key thing is to preserve the good relationship we have."

Undoubtedly, defending his title will be a challenging task for Martin. The RS-GP doesn't match the performance level of the Ducati and might not reach that standard by the beginning of 2025, if at all throughout the season. Despite having the opportunity to stay with Ducati at Pramac following Marquez's advancement, Martin chose to embark on a different path. Regardless of the outcome, his courage to venture independently deserves commendation.

During the Barcelona weekend, Ducati's head, Davide Tardozzi, commented that if Aprilia intends to acquire the top spot, it will be interesting to see if they can maintain it next year.

The statement doesn't fully explain the reasons behind Aprilia's decision to have Martin join them. Nonetheless, the impression he made on his initial day with the team seems to justify the investment completely.

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Maverick Vinales expressed excitement about the speed of the KTM during his MotoGP debut, stating he felt comfortable right from the initial lap. He described the experience as perfectly suited to his riding style.

Maverick Vinales has started his journey to make history as the first MotoGP racer to achieve victories on four different motorcycle brands, beginning with his debut on a KTM during the Tuesday test in Barcelona.

The Spanish rider, who has achieved ten victories in races with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia bikes, was also experiencing his initial laps as a satellite team member at Tech3.

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The initial reaction was favorable.

"I began the day without any preconceived notions, aiming to be quite open-minded. Immediately, however, during the initial lap, I noticed a positive feeling. Everything felt very instinctive," Vinales remarked.

"Clearly, there are numerous aspects of my riding technique that I still need to grasp and incorporate. However, the experience was positive. We didn't conduct extensive testing. I simply requested Pedro's setup to give it a try and get a sense of the bike."

During the day's mid-session, Vinales reached fourth place on the timing charts, but eventually dropped to 12th position.

He trailed test leader Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini Ducati, by one second and was only 0.3 seconds slower than the fastest KTM rider, Brad Binder.

Vinales mentioned that he currently doesn't notice any issues, but he hasn't yet pushed the bike to its full potential. He expressed a preference to remain reserved for the time being, focusing on reaching the bike's limits before assessing what might be lacking.

"I never encountered a 'wall.' Each time I ventured out, I picked up more speed."

Vinales, the sole competitor to outpace Ducati in a grand prix this year, thanks to his triumph at COTA, mentioned:

One aspect of the bike that appeals to me, particularly in how it suits my riding style, is its performance when exiting a corner. Essentially, the sooner you lift the bike upright, the sooner you can accelerate.

"This suits my way of riding perfectly. I get the bike going early on, and there's always power helping me accelerate out of the corner."

"I'm still trying to fully grasp how the bike handles, particularly with the brakes. It appears to be quite stable overall. However, when I attempt to make it slide, I'm still figuring out the extent to which I can utilize the front brake during various stages."

Prior to the test, my main worry was the high-speed corners, as I've always been quick on other bikes. However, theoretically, those bikes were designed to handle fast corners well.

"I really enjoy this one because the quick turns, such as 13-14, feel very smooth and allow for high cornering speed."

As Vinales discovered, the RC16, which secured second place in the constructors' rankings behind Ducati this season, outperforming Aprilia’s RS-GP, is not just fast when it comes to cornering.

During the test, the Spanish racer achieved the fastest top speed, reaching 354 km/h while riding solo. This was slightly higher than Aprilia's top speed of 352.9 km/h during the grand prix weekend.

"It's quick. That's the initial impression I had!" Vinales remarked. "The exit performance is impressive, with good traction, and like I said, as soon as you accelerate, the bike propels itself out of the corner. But it's quick: in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear, it's really fast."

One notable feature of the orange machine is its excellent start-up capability.

Vinales commented on Tuesday, after completing three practice starts, that he finally grasps the reason for his numerous setbacks this season. He expressed optimism, saying, "It's alright; I'll get another chance next year, which is wonderful."

In contrast to the RS-GP's substantial downforce, the KTM seemed "quite light. While it's still a physical ride, it's not as demanding. It's simpler to change directions with it."

One distinguishing characteristic of the KTM is its chassis made from carbon fiber instead of aluminum, and its suspension system utilizes WP components instead of those from Ohlins.

"The initial braking felt great. Honestly, I thought I might be on the fence about it, but the suspension gets a thumbs up," he commented.

The rear mechanism is quite impressive. It operates in a very smooth manner, which prevents the tire from spinning, and that is excellent.

Following over a decade as a factory rider, Vinales is optimistic about enjoying the close-knit environment at Tech3. This team is where newcomer Pedro Acosta achieved five podium finishes and was in the lead for 13 laps during grand prix events this season.

"A positive vibe and atmosphere are present. I believe we have the potential to form a solid team," Vinales expressed. "This feels like a family to me. That's the sense I get from the interactions among the mechanics. It's likely the feeling I've been seeking."

"We made only minor tweaks to the bike. Simple changes. However, I was eager to try out Pedro's bike and keep riding it until I increased my speed," Vinales stated.

"I collaborated with Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro to figure out the areas where I should apply more force on the bike and where I should handle it with more care. It was a great experience working alongside them."

Enea Bastianini, who has recently switched to Vinales' team from Ducati, recorded the 16th quickest time, trailing by 1.269 seconds. This performance came after he made a comeback from a significant crash at Turn 5.

The upcoming sanctioned MotoGP test is scheduled to take place in February at Sepang.

For two decades, Peter has been a prominent figure in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is also closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's struggles with injuries.

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Draft of the 2025 MotoGP World Championship Participation Roster

Here is the preliminary list of participants for the 2025 MotoGP World Championship.

The preliminary entry list for the upcoming MotoGP World Championship has been released, and it includes the names of all 22 riders, as previously revealed, without any unexpected additions.

It has been confirmed that Pedro Acosta will change his racing number from #31 to #37 as he joins Red Bull KTM. The opportunity to adopt this new number arose following the exit of his former teammate, Augusto Fernandez.

Jorge Martin, the newly crowned world champion, is still associated with the number 89. However, a decision has not been reached regarding his potential use of the number 1 plate at Aprilia.

Honda's official team has not revealed who will replace Repsol as their sponsor and is currently referred to as ‘Honda HRC’. Meanwhile, Pramac continues to have Prima as their main sponsor as they enter their new phase with Yamaha…

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the paddock, witnessing both the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is closely involved with the unfolding developments regarding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's injury challenges.

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