Raul Fernandez described the incident as one of the most significant accidents he has ever experienced, expressing his relief by stating, "I was fortunate."

Raul Fernandez plans to participate in the MotoGP test in Buriram tomorrow, despite having suffered fractures to his left hand and foot only a week ago during the first day of testing in Sepang.

The Trackhouse Aprilia racer quickly went back to Barcelona to undergo surgery on a fractured metacarpal bone, then promptly traveled to Asia to participate in the last pre-season testing session.

During a press conference in Buriram on Tuesday, Fernandez expressed his gratitude, saying, "I feel fortunate to be present." He recounted his swift return to Spain following the accident and praised Dr. Xavier Mir for his prompt assistance. Upon Fernandez's arrival in Barcelona, Dr. Mir had already prepared everything for the necessary surgery, which Fernandez credits as the reason he is able to be here today. Dr. Mir's support was invaluable to him.

"The accident occurred only a week ago, necessitating swift action. I had to make a trip to Europe for surgery and then return. It was challenging, but we've managed to get through it."

Titleholder Jorge Martin, who recently joined Aprilia, suffered an injury on the first day at Sepang. As a result, he will be sidelined until the inaugural race weekend. Meanwhile, Fernandez and Aprilia must work to compensate for the time missed on the RS-GP25.

Fernandez expressed the significance of the test, stating that it holds great importance for himself, the team, and Aprilia.

"I require additional details since my initial experience with the bike was quite positive. I am pleased with the efforts Aprilia put in over the winter. However, having completed only 25-30 laps, we lack sufficient data to establish a foundational setup."

"That's why I'm present. I won't be concerned with the lap time or anything else; my sole focus will be on myself, understanding the bike, enhancing it, and getting ready for a good race."

Fernandez was reluctant to discuss his unusual crash at Turn 9, where he lost control just after applying the brakes.

"I’m not able to share many details about what occurred. I’d rather not dwell on the accident," he expressed. "It was among the most severe accidents I’ve experienced, and I can only say that I was fortunate."

"I was riding the bike, and moments later, I found myself lying on the ground. That's all I recall."

It is uncertain how many laps he will be able to finish during the test due to his injuries. Fernandez mentioned that his foot, which didn't need surgery, is causing him more discomfort than his hand.

"The hand is in relatively decent condition, but the foot is causing issues," he mentioned. "Additionally, I am experiencing significant pain in the leg muscles and in my back."

"I was upright and went down instantly. There was no leaning involved, so the crash was quite severe."

With Martin and Fernandez unable to participate, Marco Bezzecchi, who recently joined the factory team, emerged as the quickest Aprilia competitor at Sepang, securing ninth place.

The testing event in Buriram is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Statements sourced from Crash.net's correspondent Derry Munikartono, reporting from Buriram.

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Jorge Martin's absence from the Buriram test impacts all at Aprilia

The current world champion will not return for the testing in Thailand.

Marco Bezzecchi has expressed that Jorge Martin's absence from the Thailand MotoGP pre-season test has an impact on the entire Aprilia team.

The current MotoGP world champion endured several fractures after a severe accident on the first day of last week’s test in Sepang. This incident occurred during only his second day riding the Aprilia.

He was brought to a hospital for examinations prior to traveling back to Spain for an operation scheduled on Friday, resulting in Martin's absence from this week's test in Buriram.

This implies that Martin will participate in his first race with Aprilia after having ridden only 90 laps on the RS-GP since November of last year.

The accident has led to tensions between Aprilia and Michelin. Michelin maintains that their data indicates the tire used by Martin had no problems, as claimed. However, the team still disputes this assertion.

As he prepares for the upcoming two-day testing session in Buriram this week, Bezzecchi acknowledges that Martin's absence poses a challenge, although it's beyond his control.

The Italian remarked, "I need to make another attempt with the electronics aspect."

"We need to make improvements in various areas, including adjusting my riding technique to better suit the motorcycle."

"Without a doubt, Jorge's absence impacts the entire team, including myself. However, this is the situation we're in, so I need to focus on my responsibilities and refrain from complaining."

Bezzecchi mentioned, "There are still a few things we haven't tested in Sepang yet. It was part of our agenda."

"Thankfully, in Sepang, we managed to stick to the plan, leaving a few things reserved for this location, particularly for tomorrow."

"Naturally, we will need to spend some time getting ready for the race weekend."

"Tomorrow holds significance as it's our initial opportunity to test everything we need to, followed by concentrating on the adjustments and the riding technique."

Bezzecchi is set to kick off the season in Thailand after spending six days on the RS-GP bike since November.

Although he wishes for "a few extra days," he acknowledges that excessive testing isn't always beneficial because it might lead to "problems" when trying to determine the best path for development.

When questioned about whether five days of testing during the 2025 pre-season would suffice to familiarize himself with a new motorcycle, he replied, "It must be sufficient because that's all the time I have: three days in Sepang and two days here, making it five in total."

"This is what I have to work with, so naturally, I need to be at my peak performance for the opening race. I wish I had a few more days, but that's not an option."

"Testing is crucial, but overdoing it can often lead to complications."

"When you reach the final stage and locate a foundation, ensuring that you have tested all necessary components, it becomes sufficient."

"In that case, participating in the races is preferable. Ideally, I would enjoy having three days in Sepang followed by another three days here. That would be ideal for me. However, since it’s set as three days in one location and two days in the other, it’s still fine."

Savadori describes his role assisting Martin

Aprilia is set to bring in their test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, to step in for Martin. The Italian rider has explained how he will support the reigning world champion during the event in Thailand.

He mentioned that his goal is to support Jorge by collaborating with the team to establish a solid foundation for him before he arrives for the race.

"I am still working on improving the bike. We have some new components to evaluate, including aerodynamic features and electronic elements."

"Our aim is to establish a strong foundation for Jorge to begin his work."

Savadori mentioned that his role doesn't focus on set-up aspects but will instead address significant elements that are crucial and beneficial for Jorge as well.

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Johann Zarco: “It's great to close in on the leading riders”

“The difference isn't as large as it used to be”

Although Joan Mir posed a significant challenge, Johann Zarco maintained his position as the quickest Honda rider in the Sepang MotoGP test.

The French rider, who achieved an uncommon Q2 position for Honda during last November's Malaysia Grand Prix and came in eleventh in the main event, completed the test trailing leader Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati by 0.711 seconds.

Factory rider Mir was just 0.075 seconds slower, with Luca Marini securing the 15th position. Zarco's teammate on the LCR team, rookie Somkiat Chantra, finished in 19th place but was still only 1.64 seconds behind Marquez on the nearly two-minute circuit.

Zarco expressed optimism, stating, "We can view this test as not just positive, but even more so than I anticipated." He continued, "The performance on the last day was impressive. It's encouraging for my confidence to be closing in on the leading competitors. The difference in performance isn't as large as it used to be."

In Malaysia, Honda introduced updates to their engine, aerodynamics, and chassis components. Similar to Mir, Zarco appeared to prefer the new engine but opted for the previous aerodynamic setup.

Over the course of three days, we experimented with numerous strategies," the Frenchman explained. "Today, we managed to combine all those elements successfully, and the results were significantly improved. This makes me quite pleased."

"There aren't any single factors significantly impacting the bike, but when combined, I notice I have improved control over it."

"At this point, we need to conduct testing in Thailand to continue experimenting with these [new] elements and determine which combination will be ideal for kicking off the season, as we must select which components to approve."

The engine and aerodynamics must be approved for the first race. However, due to Honda's D concession system, similar to Yamaha, they are allowed to make updates to both components throughout the year.

Currently, Zarco is ranked 15th in terms of top speed, indicating that the RC213V is missing some sheer power. Additionally, the bike is struggling with rear grip issues.

Nonetheless, the updated engine design seems to aid in maneuverability.

He went on to say that there are definitely certain motorcycles that appear to have impressive acceleration capabilities, and when you're trailing behind one, it often feels like you're falling behind.

"When we examine all aspects of the corner, we often find that the exit isn't the most crucial part to concentrate on. Therefore, we had other areas to improve in order to enhance the rider's experience. I was able to identify these areas, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction."

Honda is working hard to maximize engine power while ensuring it's practical and usable.

The speaker expressed optimism about improvements as the season progresses but is confident that achieving top-ten finishes from the start is currently a primary goal.

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"I have to give it a shot!": Alex Marquez outpaces Marc in Sepang test 'Sprint'

"When I saw Marc's performance, it was incredibly quick. So I thought, 'Alright, I have to try and match it.'"

In his first appearance on the GP24 last November during the Barcelona test, Alex Marquez set the fastest time. He replicated this achievement by topping the timing charts at the conclusion of the three-day MotoGP test in Sepang.

However, Marquez demonstrated speed not just on a single lap.

During a performance that may lead Ducati to reconsider the efficiency of the new GP25 components, or potentially switch back to the GP24 engine, Alex managed to surpass the 10-lap Sprint simulation times set by factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and his sibling, Marc Marquez.

"Today was an exceptionally good day," Alex said with a smile. "The initial two days went well, but today exceeded them both. Altogether, we performed excellently."

Completing a single lap is crucial, as it demonstrates that the motorcycle is performing well when pushed to its limits during a time trial.

"Most notably, our pacing is impressive. The Sprint practice went exceptionally well."

In last November's Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint, Alex, racing as Marc's teammate on GP23s, completed the race 5.6 seconds after Marc.

On this occasion, he completed the 10 laps on the GP24, finishing 0.2 seconds ahead of Marc.

When questioned about whether he took more satisfaction from the Sprint simulation compared to topping the one-lap timing charts, Alex responded:

"Absolutely! While I was in the pit, I watched Pecco's simulation. Afterward, I observed Marc's, and I thought, 'He's really going for it!' It was incredibly quick. So I decided, 'I have to give it my all.'"

"I gave it my all. We were neck and neck, and finally, after 10 laps, I managed to be 0.2 seconds quicker than him!"

Marc humorously saluted his brother with a middle finger gesture as he came back to the pits, continuing the playful banter from Barcelona regarding which sibling would outperform the other.

"It's great to create a simulation that is both consistent and quick," Alex mentioned.

"All seems great, but we're at Sepang. I really enjoy this circuit and have consistently been quick here."

He quipped, "Having all 22 races of a world championship here would be ideal for me!"

"We were the leaders at Montmelo as well. Our performance there was strong. I have a fondness for the circuit in Thailand too, so we’ll find out how we perform there and how quickly the team can assemble everything."

"When all the factories assemble everything, using all 100 components they're experimenting with, we'll be able to assess our progress."

"Stay relaxed and visit Thailand to experience what it's like there."

The 28-year-old confessed that his confidence is soaring with the GP24, especially when compared to the struggles he faced with the GP23 last year.

He expressed that his confidence level with the '23 model was consistently at a 7 out of 10. However, with the GP24, it has increased to a 9, which he noted as significant.

"Last year was challenging with the 23 bike, but those difficulties taught us valuable lessons. Everything we learned will serve as an important resource as we aim to make 2025 successful."

Marquez stated that the GP24 is the finest MotoGP motorcycle he has ever ridden.

"The GP22 was really impressive. It seems that the GP24 is quite similar, like a sibling to the GP22, and it's a fantastic experience to ride."

Alex enjoyed success with two podium finishes, secured a pole position, and claimed a Sprint race win on the GP22.

Franco Morbidelli matched Marquez's GP24 results by securing fourth place on the Sepang leaderboard. However, the Italian rider's Sprint simulation was significantly behind that of #73.

Marquez's first-year teammate, Fermin Aldeguer, posted the 11th quickest time with an average of 1 minute and 58.580 seconds during the Sprint, compared to Alex's 1 minute and 57.901 seconds.

During his Sprint simulation, Marc Marquez maintained an average lap time of 1 minute, 57.930 seconds, while Bagnaia's average was 1 minute, 58.243 seconds, both riding factory-spec GP25 motorcycles.

The testing sessions in Buriram are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

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Enea Bastianini admitted to losing significant time but is aware of the reasons. "I've pinpointed exactly where the time slipped away. After reviewing the videos and analyzing the data, it's clear to me," he stated.

During his first appearance for Tech3 KTM in Barcelona last November, Enea Bastianini achieved the 16th fastest time. However, after three days of testing at Sepang for MotoGP, his position fell to 18th place.

Nonetheless, the ex-Ducati factory racer was quite specific about the areas where he falls behind the most.

Bastianini showed strong performance in the initial sector of the lap, achieving the sixth quickest time with a margin of +0.119 seconds, thanks to effective braking, particularly in the demanding braking area at Turn 1. However, difficulties with entering corners caused him to lag behind in Sector 2, where he placed 19th with a time of +0.482 seconds, and in Sector 3, where he finished 17th with a time of +0.623 seconds.

In Sector 4, Bastianini recorded the 10th fastest time, trailing by 0.319 seconds, as he tackled another intense braking point leading into the last hairpin turn.

Bastianini acknowledged at the conclusion of the Malaysian test that there wasn't significant progress, saying, "Honestly, the improvement has been minimal. From the beginning to now, I've only gained about 1.5 seconds."

"I am aware of the specific area that requires our attention."

"We need to explore alternative options, but right now it hasn't been feasible as we were experimenting with various components."

"It is likely that working with the same motorcycle in Thailand will be simpler, which could help boost confidence."

When asked about the areas where he is facing the most challenges, the MotoGP rider, who has won seven races, clarified:

"Yes, I'm aware of where I lost time. After reviewing the videos and data, and based on my own observations, the issue seems to be with my corner entry. Currently, my speed when entering corners is extremely slow, making it challenging for me to make the turns."

"We have made significant progress with our braking system and are now very competitive. In fact, in some instances, we outperform the other KTM bikes, particularly in the opening and closing sectors."

"In Sectors 2 and 3, with particular emphasis on Sector 3, our losses were excessively high!"

Bastianini's fastest lap at Sepang was 1.5 seconds slower than the leading time set by Alex Marquez. He was 0.876 seconds off the pace of Pedro Acosta, who placed sixth as the top KTM rider, but trailed by just 0.146 seconds behind his new Tech3 teammate, Maverick Vinales, who finished 16th.

The Buriram test scheduled for this week is happening at the same location where Bastianini claimed victory in the Thai Grand Prix Sprint race last October, spearheading a top-eight finish dominated entirely by Ducati riders.

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Ducati Teases Major Engine Decision in Buriram

Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Davide Tardozzi Talk About Engine Choice

Ducati has suggested a crucial engine choice that will significantly impact their 2025 MotoGP season.

During the two-day testing session in Buriram this week, they need to choose between sticking with last season's engine or fully committing to the new one.

Factory riders Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia participated in testing sessions at Sepang, aware that their championship aspirations depend on selecting the correct option.

In a conversation with MotoGP.com following the Sepang test, Marquez explained that the focus isn't just on the engine itself. Instead, it's a combination of various minor components. He added that the engineers will now have the opportunity to examine these details, thanks to the numerous laps completed by both him and Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia].

"I believe they will make a wise choice because, over the past three days in the garage, I've noticed that they are both courageous and composed when it comes to making the right decisions. […] At times, it's important to be cautious when you already possess the best motorcycle."

"We must absolutely ensure and have complete confidence that the 2025 engine is significantly improved, and right now, we're uncertain about that. Therefore, we have to hold off for now."

Marquez prefers a cautious strategy for the 2025 motorcycle, mainly because he wants to minimize risk. Any errors made will have to be dealt with for two seasons, which matches the duration of Marquez's current and initial contract with Ducati.

"We must avoid any risk that isn't essential," he stated.

"We must recognize that with the last set of equipment, they managed to secure victory in 19 out of 20 races."

"Naturally, engineers and manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to enhance their work."

"However, if there is any uncertainty, it's wiser to proceed cautiously. Nonetheless, there are some favorable aspects regarding 2025, so we should continue to seek clarity."

Check out this Instagram post from the Crash MotoGP account.

Ducati acknowledges a deficiency in their new engine.

Francesco Bagnaia, who rides alongside Marquez, argued that the engine for 2024 is actually a year old. However, he also conceded that the engine slated for 2025 lacks certain elements.

"The GP24 is an amazing bike and it's performing exceptionally," Francesco Bagnaia told MotoGP.com.

"We've been using it for a season now. The GP25 engine is impressive, with excellent power delivery, but there's still something lacking."

"It's a difficult decision, and we require an additional two days in Thailand to gain a clearer understanding."

Bagnaia declined to clarify if the below-average time trial, during which he fell behind in two sectors, involved using the 2025 engine.

Davide Tardozzi, who manages the Ducati Lenovo team, expressed views similar to those of Marquez. He disclosed that following the Sepang sessions, the preference is shifting toward the engine designed for 2024.

"The engine designed for 2025 shows a lot of promise, but ultimately, we believe the regulations require us to take a cautious approach since this engine needs to last for two years," he explained.

"Right now, the likelihood leans slightly more in favor of 2024 rather than 2025. However, the final decision will be made in Thailand."

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2025 MotoGP Official Buriram Test: Tracking Details

Details on the schedule, timing, and ways to stay updated on the two-day MotoGP test event in Buriram

Here's a guide on how to keep up with the 2025 MotoGP Buriram test scheduled for February 12-13. Additionally, we've included the start times for the MotoGP Buriram test below.

MotoGP teams and riders now have their last chance to put their bikes through tests before the season's opening race.

Ducati faces a significant challenge in deciding whether to begin the season with their engine from 2025 or stick with the one from 2024.

In a surprising turn of events, Yamaha made a notable impression in Sepang, potentially solidifying their emerging status as unexpected contenders.

Jorge Martin from Aprilia and Fabio di Giannantonio from VR46 are unable to participate in the test because they are injured.

The Thailand MotoGP, marking the first event of the season, is scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 2.

Guide to Tracking the 2025 MotoGP Buriram Test from Any Location

The 2025 MotoGP Buriram test does not offer a live stream to view all laps.

The last half-hour segment will be available on the MotoGP Video Pass.

Stay updated with live timings on Crash.net, where we will also deliver the latest news from the track. You'll receive the most recent insights from the riders and crucial updates on technology.

Be sure to check out amazing photos on Crash.net MotoGP X and Instagram/CrashMotoGP.

MotoGP.com will air "After The Flag" daily, providing a recap of the events on the track.

Start times for the 2025 MotoGP testing session in Buriram are set as follows: On Wednesday, February 12, the test will occur from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local

Thursday, February 13, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, which is equivalent to 3

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Davide Tardozzi has surprised many by naming an unforeseen rival for Ducati in the MotoGP 2025 season. "I expected them to improve, but I didn't anticipate it would happen this fast!"

Ducati kicks off the 2025 MotoGP World Championship as the top contender to win all three titles, owing to their recent technical superiority and impressive roster of riders.

Following them, it's uncertain which competitor will pose the biggest threat to the Bologna brand. In recent times, KTM and Aprilia have been in contention, but during last week's Sepang test, Yamaha emerged as a noteworthy contender.

Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati Lenovo team, anticipated advancements from the Iwata brand following their recruitment of ex-Ducati engineer Max Bartolini at the start of 2024. However, Tardozzi was taken aback by how quickly these improvements appeared to have been achieved.

"I was aware that Yamaha would make advancements, but I didn't expect it to happen so swiftly," Tardozzi mentioned to MotoGP.com after last week's test in Sepang, where Yamaha's rider, Fabio Quartararo, recorded the third-fastest time and demonstrated impressive speed during extended sessions.

"However, I am quite familiar with Massimo Bartolini and was completely confident that he could help them progress significantly."

"At present, I understand that they are paying a lot of attention to him, and with a remarkable rider like Fabio Quartararo on their side, he certainly stands as our competitor."

Satellite competition

During last week's testing, several impressive Sprint simulations caught the eye, featuring not only Quartararo but also Tardozzi's rider, Marc Marquez.

The Spanish racer managed to maintain lap times in the upper range of 1 minute and 57 seconds for the initial four laps of his practice run, before concluding with times in the lower range of 1 minute and 58 seconds.

The only rider who outpaced him was Alex Marquez. Additionally, Alex Marquez, a two-time World Champion, isn't the sole satellite Ducati competitor that Tardozzi is monitoring closely at this point.

"I witnessed the Sprint simulation by the elder Marquez with a grin," Tardozzi remarked, "and ultimately, we have another Marquez who performed excellently, as Alex executed an outstanding simulation."

Ultimately, it's a challenge – race day always has its own dynamics, and I believe that Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia will be there to contend.

"I am confident that our satellite teams will also be highly competitive this year."

The manager of the Ducati Lenovo team expressed confidence that both Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez would perform strongly right from their first race. He also mentioned feeling regret for Fabio Di Giannantonio but emphasized that they are eagerly anticipating his return, acknowledging his potential to compete effectively.

"We're anticipating the arrival of the new young rider by mid-season or maybe even sooner, as I believe Fermin Aldeguer is set to astonish everyone."

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Marc Marquez signs a deal with a new visor sponsor for stunning video capture

Marc Marquez reveals partnership with a new sponsor

Marc Marquez has secured a fascinating new sponsor for the 2025 MotoGP season.

The official Ducati rider has revealed a partnership with Insta360.

Insta360 is a company that manufactures cameras, and they get their name from their specialty in producing cameras that capture 360-degree views

See this Instagram update shared by Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93).

In a social media update, Marquez shares stunning shots of him maneuvering his Ducati, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his world.

According to the company, "Athletes and creators from around the globe make up Team Insta360, utilizing our cameras to capture their amazing adventures and inspire their creative endeavors."

Over the last year, Marquez has seen changes in his sponsorship deals after transitioning from Honda to Ducati.

This year, Marquez transitioned to being a factory rider and consequently ended his longstanding partnership with Red Bull due to Ducati's collaboration with competing energy drink brand Monster.

Estrella Galicia, the beer brand from Spain, is one of the personal sponsors that Marquez has continued to support.

Ducati has acknowledged that bringing Marquez into their team has enabled them to connect with a larger fan base, thanks to his reputation as the most famous MotoGP racer.

This season, he is preparing to compete for his ninth world championship title. Achieving this would mark an incredible comeback from his struggles with injuries and bring him level with Valentino Rossi's record.

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Casey Stoner reconnects with crucial figure in Honda's MotoGP triumph

During a visit to Japan, Casey Stoner had the opportunity to reunite with a significant individual who played a pivotal role in his championship victory in 2011.

Since stepping away from the sport, Casey Stoner's legacy in MotoGP has increasingly been associated with his initial top-tier championship win in 2007 with Ducati. However, in 2011, the Australian rider achieved his second championship in a way that was almost entirely different.

Casey Stoner's championship victory marked Ducati's inaugural win in the top tier of Grand Prix racing. This triumph validated the Italian manufacturer's efforts that began when they entered the MotoGP scene in 2003, during the second year of the World Championship's transition to four-stroke engines.

As the years went by, the significance of this accomplishment grew, especially after Stoner retired. Ducati struggled to regain its status as a championship contender in the MotoGP circuit until 2022. That year, Francesco Bagnaia clinched his first championship, although some might argue that Ducati's resurgence began in late 2021 when Bagnaia secured victory in four of the last five races, including a streak of wins in the final three events.

In 2011, Stoner switched to Honda, leaving behind a team where he had been the sole contributor to their achievements to join a company with a history of numerous champion racers.

By 2011, the renowned collaboration between Repsol and Honda had already reached its 17th anniversary, having benefited from the skills of champions like Mick Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino Rossi, and Nicky Hayden.

Certainly, prior to Repsol's entry in 1995, Mick Doohan had secured his inaugural 500cc championship in 1994. Additionally, Honda Racing Corporation's roster of top-tier class champions also features notable names such as Eddie Lawson, Wayne Gardner, and Freddie Spencer.

The title Stoner earned placed him in an elite group of top riders in the sport, specifically those who have achieved victories in the premier class while riding for Honda.

For the manufacturer based in Tokyo, this represented a significant triumph, as Stoner's victory halted Yamaha's streak of championship wins, which they had achieved in 2008, 2009, and 2010 with riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. This was also Repsol Honda's first championship victory in the MotoGP 800cc era, achieved in their last opportunity before the introduction of the 1,000cc regulations in 2012.

Check out this Instagram post from Casey Stoner AM (@official_cs27). Another update is also shared by Casey Stoner AM (@official_cs27).

A significant contributor to the achievements of Stoner and Honda that year was Shuhei Nakamoto. He became vice president at HRC in 2009 after Honda's Formula 1 team disbanded in late 2008. Stoner recently reconnected with Nakamoto during a visit to Tokyo.

In the initial two years of the 800cc era, Honda faced difficulties with their RC212V, which struggled to compete consistently against Ducati with Stoner and Yamaha with Rossi and Lorenzo.

During the 2009 season, significant technical modifications were implemented, including a switch in suspension providers from Showa, a subsidiary of Honda, to Ohlins, and a change in brake suppliers from Nissin, another Honda subsidiary, to Brembo.

In that particular year, Dani Pedrosa secured victories in just two races. However, in 2010, he managed to pose a serious threat to Jorge Lorenzo's championship bid until he had to sit out the Japanese Grand Prix due to an accident during practice.

Honda's advancements with their 800cc bikes coincided with a period when Ducati was losing its edge. As a result, they managed to secure Stoner for the 2011 season by offering him a bike capable of securing a championship.

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

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VR46 shares news about Fabio di Giannantonio's condition following his operation

VR46 gives a health update on Fabio di Giannantonio

The VR46 team has provided new information regarding Fabio di Giannantonio following his surgical procedure.

During the tumultuous opening day of last week’s MotoGP test at Sepang, Di Giannantonio suffered a broken collarbone.

On Monday, his team announced that Fabio Di Giannantonio underwent a successful operation in Italy on Sunday, February 9th, to fix the break in his left collarbone.

Last Wednesday, the rider from the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team had an accident on the initial day of testing in Sepang.

Following his accident, Fabio returned to Italy and arrived at Villa Stuart, a private hospital. There, a team led by Professor Alessandro Castagna conducted surgery on Sunday morning to treat his injury.

The operation went well, and the cyclist will begin the recovery phase right away.

"The aim is to be in peak physical shape for the initial race of the season, scheduled in Thailand from February 28th to March 2nd."

As a result, Di Giannantonio will not participate in the Buriram test scheduled for this week.

MotoGP titleholder Jorge Martin is set to be absent from the Buriram test because of an injury he sustained after a crash on his Aprilia motorcycle last Wednesday at Sepang.

The two riders will enter the inaugural race of the 2025 season, scheduled from February 28 to March 2, facing significant challenges due to limited testing of their new equipment.

Di Giannantonio's accident happened as he was trying to perform a wheelie to show off.

This season, he will be racing on a Ducati that meets the original factory specifications.

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

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Upbeat Romano Albesiano discusses Honda's resurgence

Honda's tech director evaluates encouraging advancements in Sepang

Romano Albesiano has evaluated Honda's performance during the Sepang test, and it's evident that there is a sense of hope within their team.

In 2024, Honda struggled with the least competitive motorcycle in MotoGP. However, their decision to bring in Albesiano from Aprilia as the new technical director demonstrated their determination to improve.

Following a trial run and a formal three-day testing session in Sepang, factory rider Joan Mir expressed his excitement about the progress being made with the Honda.

Albesiano remarked that the test was crucial as they experimented with numerous versions of the components.

"The mechanics and riders have put in a tremendous amount of effort, and we've established a solid foundation for the season's kickoff."

Albesiano is hopeful about the company's prospects: "Absolutely. I had no idea what to anticipate from this test."

"Currently, I believe that both the motorcycle's overall performance and the riders' capabilities are impressive."

"We have an initial foundation to build upon, allowing us to introduce gradual improvements incrementally, which is the appropriate approach to take."

"Our goal is to reach the summit. It might take a while, but it's achievable."

Albesiano has just begun his new position at Honda.

When discussing his winter preparation, he mentioned, "Our efforts were directed towards the appropriate goals. We planned and structured the tasks for what lies ahead."

"This is primarily what I've accomplished during this time."

Aleix Espargaro joining Honda as a test rider following his retirement from competing with Aprilia is seen as a positive development.

Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami, who no longer have their racing positions since last year, are a seasoned pair for testing.

Albesiano commented on Espargaro, stating that it is a significant advantage both for himself and for Honda to have two individuals who have communicated effectively for an extended period. He mentioned that it is straightforward for him to grasp Espargaro's feedback or to request him to conduct a specific test.

"It's an excellent mix for growth. He excels at channeling his incredible talent, injecting energy into all his efforts."

Albesiano has transitioned from working with a European company to collaborating with a Japanese manufacturer and observes the distinctions between the two.

"The way people tackle racing varies," he commented. "I'm not suggesting that any particular method is correct or incorrect."

"If we combine the strengths of both, it could create an excellent blend for the future."

Honda is set to participate alongside their competitors in testing at Buriram, ahead of the opening race of the 2025 season in Thailand, scheduled from February 28 to March 2.

"The engine is a section where the team has excelled in improving connectivity," Albesiano commented regarding the Buriram test.

"This was a positive move for the riders. Our next focus should be on enhancing fuel efficiency, as this is an area where we are currently lacking in order to achieve top-level competitiveness."

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