Marc Marquez discusses weaknesses in the 2025 Ducati MotoGP engine

Top performer on the first day of testing in Buriram sheds light on Ducati engine issues

Marc Marquez explains that Ducati is considering using the GP24 MotoGP engine for the 2025 season due to significant weaknesses found in the GP25 model.

On Wednesday during the Buriram test, Davide Tardozzi, the head of the Ducati team, stated that the brand is expected to approve the 2024 engine for the upcoming season. This decision comes as the GP25 model posed several potential issues.

Starting from the first race of the 2025 season in Thailand, manufacturers that do not have concessions will have their engine development halted for the following two years.

Marquez believes that Ducati, having secured 16 victories out of 20 races last season with the GP24, should not "take the risk" of approving a GP25 model that the riders lack confidence in due to its clear shortcomings.

After leading the first day of the Buriram test, Marquez remarked, "On one hand, we have the engine, and on the other, there's a collection of new small components we need to consider."

"Today, we focused primarily on the 2024 engine throughout the day, as it seems that unless things drastically shift by tomorrow, this will likely be the direction for the season."

Ducati is being quite practical and clever in their approach. They understand that they cannot afford to approve an engine unless they are absolutely certain—without any doubt—that it outperforms the 2024 model. This is crucial because once they approve an engine, it remains in use for a two-year period.

From the beginning until now, we've realized that the 2025 model has its highs and lows: it's very impressive in certain areas but lacking in others.

"They are familiar with utilizing the 2024 model on various racetracks."

"They secured victories in 16 races last year, indicating that the bike had a strong foundation."

"It seems that we are heading to that base now, but we will confirm this again tomorrow."

"I feel really positive about the 2024 model. By 2024, I'm referring to the bike's core design for that year. It includes the 2024 engine, and they have put significant effort into refining small components that we are currently adding to this engine."

Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia's Opinion on the 2025 Engine

Francesco Bagnaia, a team-mate, has expressed that while the 2025 engine might not be lacking in competitiveness, Ducati has encountered challenges in achieving a "balance on braking," which has impacted their confidence in racing with it effectively.

Bagnaia, who finished eighth on Wednesday in Thailand, stated, "Frankly, it's a tough decision. Right now, both the team and I are inclined to choose the 2024 engine."

"Although the 2025 model is competitive, we're facing challenges in achieving a balance with the braking system. Starting the season with an engine that doesn't have a resolution for this issue would leave us in a difficult position."

In addition to that, we are fortunate that Marc [Marquez] didn't encounter any problems today, as everything on my side of the garage went wrong right from the beginning of the day.

"We faced numerous issues, but fortunately, my team did an excellent job, which provided me with a small chance to ride. However, from the beginning of the day, nothing seemed to go right."

In 2022, the Ducati factory team decided to use a previous engine model for their latest bike due to difficulties they faced during pre-season testing with the complete GP22 engine.

Statements given by Crash Indonesian Editor, Derry Munikartono

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Pecco Bagnaia has decided not to use the 2025 chassis and acknowledges the need to study Marc Marquez's performance data. "Luckily, within the team…"

Francesco Bagnaia acknowledged that he needs to analyze Marc Marquez's data following a challenging test session in Buriram.

Issues with the engine, chassis, and fairing caused Bagnaia to have a more challenging day compared to his factory Ducati teammate, Marquez.

Bagnaia admitted on Wednesday that it had been a challenging day.

"We needed to put in considerable effort to address a number of issues across different areas."

Luckily, there has been some advancement on the opposite side of the garage, which we will examine. This gives me a sense of assurance.

"As always, my team performed excellently. We're pausing for now, but we'll continue our efforts tomorrow."

Bagnaia is experiencing issues with the Ducati chassis. He announced that his current focus is on the 2024 MotoGP chassis from Ducati, instead of the newer 2025 model.

The Italian company revealed a fresh chassis design for the 2025 model during the Barcelona test held last year. Bagnaia had a favorable first reaction to it in Spain. However, challenges arose during last week's testing in Malaysia, leading the Italian to set aside the new chassis, at least temporarily, during the Buriram MotoGP test this week.

He mentioned that their primary attention would shift more towards the 2025 chassis moving forward.

“Currently, our attention is directed toward different aspects of the bike, which is typical, given the limited time and the need to prioritize more crucial decisions.”

Following the Barcelona test last year, Bagnaia expressed satisfaction with the new chassis. However, he noted that his perspective shifted somewhat during the tests in Malaysia.

Upon reaching Malaysia, the new frame was functioning effectively at first. However, we encountered some problems with it, so we opted to remove it and plan to test it again at a later date.

Further Details: Marc Marquez Highlights Significant Weaknesses in 2025 Ducati MotoGP Engine

Pecco Bagnaia discusses the 2025 fairing. Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia share their opinions on the 2025 Ducati engine during the Buriram test. #MotoGP

Bagnaia, alongside his Ducati Lenovo teammate Marc Marquez, appears to be moving towards using the 2024 Desmosedici engine and is likely to continue with the 2024 chassis. However, he is sticking with the 2025 fairing, despite having some reservations about it.

Bagnaia noted that the track in Buriram is ideal for testing due to its minimal grip, and that persistence carried on at this location.

Bagnaia mentioned that he believes the grip level at the Buriram International Circuit is quite low.

"We also have a tire casing that is not the standard type, but it doesn't provide much additional grip."

On the initial day of testing in Buriram, Bagnaia was the sole rider to use the 2025 fairing. However, the Italian encountered unspecified issues that hindered his capacity to provide meaningful feedback to the Ducati engineers, particularly regarding the new fairing. As a result, further assessments are scheduled to proceed on Thursday.

Bagnaia mentioned that right now, the fairing is very important since it can only be altered once throughout the season. He added that the 2024 version was performing effectively.

"However, today I completed a few circuits on the 2025 model. Although it wasn't entirely clear due to some other problems I was facing at the time, we still succeeded in identifying some positive aspects."

"I wasn't really that slow; in fact, without attempting a time trial using this fairing, I was only 0.8 seconds off my time compared to when I did a time trial. So, it's not a huge gap, but we need to pay more attention to it tomorrow."

"We need to basically begin anew tomorrow to gather additional insights."

He mentioned, "Conducting an extended session on Thursday will be crucial, but first, we need to provide more input to the team. Today, however, it was challenging to offer much feedback due to it being a tough day."

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A MotoGP competitor confesses, "I can't feel at ease on the bike since the crash." Last week, a Trackhouse racer underwent surgery for a hand injury.

Raul Fernandez expressed feeling "devastated" after his initial experience on the Trackhouse Aprilia during the Buriram MotoGP test. This comes shortly after undergoing surgery for a hand fracture last week.

Last week, during the first day of testing in Sepang, the rider who finished second in the 2021 Moto2 championship experienced a high-speed accident, resulting in a fracture to his left hand.

He was sidelined for the remainder of the test and traveled home to undergo surgery. The procedure went well, allowing him to get back to competing in Thailand this week.

On Wednesday, he finished 33 laps during the Buriram test and ended up in 19th place on the timesheet.

Raul Fernandez makes a comeback after being sidelined by an injury. He described the experience as a "generally good day," although he acknowledged that he "can't feel at ease while riding" because of his physical condition.

He mentioned that his health isn't in the best shape.

"Following the accident, I find it difficult to feel at ease while riding my bike."

"In this situation, I'm fortunate since we don't encounter many left turns, and it's particularly challenging for me to accelerate on left turns due to issues with my finger and foot."

"I find it nearly impossible to maintain my usual posture while riding the bike."

"From my perspective, the initial day was quite encouraging, as the level of pain was manageable, which was the most important aspect."

"We are currently concentrating on maintaining a steady pace and managing the performance of worn tires, rather than aiming for fast lap times."

"I understand that nearly everyone is on the brink of demonstrating their potential in terms of lap time."

"I'm not like that. My attention is more on my own progress, and I'm genuinely pleased with the efforts we put in today. All in all, it was a productive day."

"In left-hand turns, I struggle to stay relaxed, which is problematic because I can't position my feet the way I need to, forcing me to remain tense while navigating the curve."

"I feel completely devastated, but overall, it was a good day for everyone else."

Even though he is in pain, Fernandez anticipates being fully recovered in time for the Thai GP scheduled at the month's end.

During the race, the goal is to be at full capacity since I underwent surgery to participate, but also to be in top shape for the race week, he mentioned.

"If the surgery doesn't go as planned, I might not be able to participate in the race. However, I am hopeful and confident that I will be 95% to 100% prepared for the event."

"I will remain focused and continue to give my best effort, regardless of the circumstances."

"Overall, I feel content. Today, my aim is to concentrate on the present moment, and I remain hopeful about tomorrow as we have an alternative approach to explore. I'm eager to find out what unfolds."

During the Wednesday testing session in Buriram, Fernandez spent additional time with the 2025 RS-GP. He observed that there are significant improvements compared to last year's model. However, he acknowledged that he requires some time to adapt, as it is a challenging motorcycle to handle.

"There are many positive aspects I notice while cycling," he mentioned.

"I notice that we have made significant progress in two or three areas that were quite challenging for us since we joined Aprilia."

"The bicycle is notably straightforward to ride, and I can sense a change when I'm on it."

"I also believe that this bike has greater potential when it comes to speed and achieving better lap times."

"I believe this bike has the potential to go faster. However, we need additional time to make improvements. It's a challenging bike to work with."

"I require additional time to comprehend and my mechanics need more time to determine the right set-up for speed. The issue is how much time I'll need on the bike to regain my speed."

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Enea Bastianini acknowledged a significant loss, stating, "I'm aware of where I fell behind. After reviewing the footage and examining the data, it became clear to me."

During his initial outing with Tech3 KTM in Barcelona last November, Enea Bastianini secured the 16th fastest time. However, over the course of three days at the Sepang MotoGP test, he fell two spots to finish in 18th place

Nonetheless, the ex-Ducati team racer had a definite understanding of where he primarily lost time.

Improvements in braking propelled Bastianini to the sixth quickest time, trailing by just +0.119 seconds, in the lap's initial sector, characterized by the intense braking required for Turn 1. However, difficulties with entering corners placed him significantly lower, at 19th with a time difference of +0.482 seconds in the second sector, and 17th, falling behind by +0.623 seconds, in the third sector.

Bastianini secured the 10th fastest time, lagging by 0.319 seconds, in Sector 4, marked by another intense braking point leading into the concluding hairpin turn.

"At the conclusion of the Malaysian test, Bastianini acknowledged, "As for improvement… there's hardly any," revealing that from the beginning up to now, he had only managed to shave off 1.5 seconds."

"However, I'm aware of the specific field that requires our attention."

"It's necessary for us to explore alternative strategies, but currently, that's not feasible as we're experimenting with various components."

"In Thailand, it's likely that continuing to use the same motorcycle will simplify efforts and boost confidence."

When asked about his biggest challenges, the winner of seven MotoGP races shared his insights:

"Absolutely, I've pinpointed where I'm falling behind. After reviewing the footage and analyzing the data, my sense is that it boils down to my approach into corners. Currently, my speed going into these turns is significantly reduced, making it challenging for me to navigate them."

"In terms of braking performance, we've made significant advancements and are now nearly on par with, and at times even surpassing, the other KTMs, especially in the first and last sectors."

"However, in areas 2 and 3, particularly in 3, our losses were significant!"

Bastianini clocked a lap at Sepang that was 1.5 seconds slower than the pace set by the fastest rider, Alex Marquez. He was also 0.876 seconds behind the quickest KTM rider, Pedro Acosta, who finished 6th, but trailed closely by just 0.146 seconds to his new teammate at Tech3, Maverick Vinales, who came in 16th.

This week's testing session in Buriram occurs at the same location where Bastianini clinched victory in the Thai Grand Prix Sprint race last October, heading a Ducati-dominated finish that saw the top eight positions.

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Luca Marini acknowledges a significant decision by Honda, though uncertainties linger

Luca Marini considers Honda's advancements in Buriram

Luca Marini mentioned that Honda is fully aware of the specific setup they plan to introduce at the Thailand MotoGP.

The company has decided on the materials they will employ for the season's first event following their discussions in Buriram.

On the first day of the official MotoGP test, held at the same track where the inaugural race will take place, Marini delivered an outstanding performance by securing the sixth-fastest time.

Marini responded by saying, "I was quick at the start in Sepang as well. However, everyone ended up achieving an impressive lap time."

"Today was significant as we concentrated on the environment."

"We explored all options and implemented every update. At Sepang, our attention was dedicated to finalizing the setup for the opening race."

In this initial race, our primary goal is to unlock the full capabilities of this motorcycle.

"We made efforts to enhance the bike, and it ended up being a productive day for this purpose."

Marini stated that the Honda package will not undergo any further modifications until after the beginning of the 2025 season.

"Indeed, for the initial four races, the bike will remain as it is. We've made all our selections," he stated.

"Following the initial four races, we'll evaluate our capabilities and aspirations."

Luca Marini suggests that competitors riding Honda bikes might show better performance. On Wednesday in Buriram, Marini wasn't the sole standout among those on Honda machines.

Johann Zarco secured the seventh position, while Joan Mir finished in 11th place.

It offers a glimmer of hope for the company producing the least successful bicycle in 2024.

Marini quipped, "I feel much more satisfied when they're not as fast as I am!"

"We need to hold off and see how the initial race unfolds. A lot of competitors still have surprises up their sleeves."

"We can maintain an optimistic outlook and make the most of what we have."

Marini suggested what Honda might experiment with on Thursday, saying, "Given the quality of the tyres we have, it's not crucial to complete the entire race distance. The tyres maintain their performance consistently throughout a race without any issues."

"Completing 20 laps rather than 27 is acceptable; it makes no significant difference."

"The key focus should be on maintaining speed during the initial 10 laps. After that, you can strategically position yourself and maintain that spot by carefully handling the tires."

Marini was reserved in discussing Honda's expectations for the March 2nd season opener.

"The performance has enhanced since the previous race at this location, and the bike's condition has improved," he stated.

"We acknowledge that the other team has superior skills."

"We are making significant efforts to enhance our situation. From our perspective, all aspects have improved."

"However, it's essential for us to grasp the speed of our competitors during a race weekend."

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"Time to push the limit!": Alex Marquez outpaces Marc in Sepang trial 'Sprint'

"I noticed Marc's speed; it was incredibly quick. That's when I thought, 'Alright, time to push the limit'."

In his first appearance on the GP24 in November's Barcelona test, Alex Marquez set the fastest time, a performance he replicated by topping the leaderboard after the three-day MotoGP test in Sepang.

However, Marquez wasn't just fast during a single lap.

In a display that may lead Ducati to reassess the utility of the newest GP25 components – potentially even considering a return to the GP24 power unit – Alex surpassed the 10-lap Sprint simulation times set by factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and his sibling, Marc Marquez.

"Absolutely fantastic third day," Alex said with a smile. "The initial two days were impressive, but today topped them. On the whole, we performed exceptionally well.

"Completing a single lap is crucial as it demonstrates that the motorcycle is performing well under pressure, especially when you're pushing it to its limits."

"Particularly, the pace we've established. The Sprint mock-up went extremely well."

In the previous year's Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint, Alex completed the race 5.6 seconds after Marc, both competing as teammates on GP23s.

This round, he finished 0.2 seconds ahead of Marc after completing 10 laps on the GP24.

When inquired about whether he preferred the Sprint simulation over topping the one-lap time charts, Alex responded:

"Absolutely! I was in the pit and caught a glimpse of Pecco's [run through]. Then, when I saw Marc's attempt, I thought, 'he's really giving it his all!' He was incredibly quick. So I thought, 'Alright, it's time for me to step up.'"

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

Marc humorously 'welcomed' his brother back to the pit lane with an upturned middle finger, continuing their running jest from Barcelona regarding which sibling would end up in the lead.

"Creating a simulation and maintaining speed and consistency is beneficial," remarked Alex.

"Everything appears great, although it's Sepang. This track is a favorite of mine, and I've consistently performed well here."

He humorously remarked, "Hosting all 22 races of the world championship right here would be ideal for me!"

"However, we also led the way in Montmelo, demonstrating our strength. I have a fondness for the Thailand circuit as well, so it will be interesting to see our performance there and how quickly the team from the factory can get everything in place."

"Once all the manufacturing sites have assembled everything from the 100 pieces they are attempting to use, we'll understand our position."

"Stay relaxed, and visit Thailand to experience our way of life there."

However, the 28-year-old confessed that his confidence levels on the GP24 are significantly higher than they were last year while dealing with the challenges of the GP23.

"In the '23, the confidence level was consistently at a 7 out of 10. Now, with the GP24, it's risen to a 9, which is significant," he mentioned.

"Last year was challenging for us with the 23 model bike, but adversity often brings valuable lessons. The knowledge we gained through those challenges will serve as an essential asset in ensuring the success of 2025."

Marquez acknowledged that, in his opinion, the GP24 surpasses all other MotoGP motorcycles he has ridden.

"The GP22 was incredibly impressive as well. It appears that the GP24 is closely related to the GP22, akin to being its sibling – whether you refer to it as a sister or a brother – and it offers an exceptionally pleasant riding experience."

Alex achieved two top-three finishes, secured a pole position, and won a Sprint race on the GP22.

Franco Morbidelli supported Marquez's impressive results on the GP24 by securing the fourth position in the Sepang rankings, though the Italian's Sprint trial fell significantly short of #73's achievement.

Fermin Aldeguer, a newcomer to Marquez's team, secured the 11th spot with an average Sprint time of 1 minute and 58.580 seconds, compared to Alex's faster pace of 1 minute and 57.901 seconds.

In the Sprint simulation, Marc Marquez recorded an average speed of 1 minute and 57.930 seconds, while Bagnaia followed closely with a time of 58.243 seconds, both competing on the factory-spec GP25s.

The trial in Buriram is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

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Raul Fernandez described the incident as "one of the most significant accidents I've ever experienced. All I can say is that I was fortunate."

Raul Fernandez is set to participate in the upcoming Buriram MotoGP trial tomorrow, merely seven days following injuries to his left hand and foot he incurred on the first day of the Sepang trial.

The racer representing Trackhouse Aprilia quickly went back to Barcelona to undergo an operation for his fractured metacarpal bone, then flew to Asia shortly after to participate in the last pre-season trial.

Fernandez expressed his gratitude in Buriram on Tuesday, stating, "I feel fortunate to be present." He explained, "Following the accident, I returned to Spain straight away. I’m truly thankful for the efforts of Dr. Xavier Mir; upon my arrival in Barcelona, he had already prepared everything necessary for the operation. That’s why I’m able to stand here today. He provided me with significant assistance."

"The accident occurred merely a week prior, necessitating swift action on my part. My journey included a trip to Europe for surgical treatment before returning. Despite the challenges, we've managed to make it through."

Defending champion and recent addition to Aprilia, Jorge Martin, sustained an injury on the first day at Sepang, sidelining him until the season's first race weekend. Consequently, Fernandez and Aprilia are now faced with the challenge of compensating for the missed time on the track with the RS-GP25.

"Fernandez emphasized, "This test is crucial for myself, for our team, and for Aprilia as well. We all need it."

"I require additional details since my initial experience with the motorcycle was quite positive. I was pleased with the progress Aprilia achieved over the winter. However, since it was only 25-30 laps, we lack sufficient data to establish a foundational setup."

"Therefore, my presence here is with a purpose. My attention won't be on the lap times or anything beyond dedicating myself to understanding the motorcycle, enhancing its performance, and setting up something impressive for the race."

Fernandez preferred not to linger on his unusual Turn 9 mishap, where the Spanish rider lost grip just after applying the brakes.

He remarked, "I'm not in a position to share much. I prefer not to dwell on the accident," adding, "It was among the most severe accidents I've ever experienced. All I can really say is that I was fortunate."

"I was cycling, and then suddenly, I found myself lying on the pavement. That's all I recall."

The extent to which his injuries will permit him to participate in the test is still uncertain, as Fernandez has shared that his foot, which did not need surgical intervention, is causing him more discomfort than his hand.

"He mentioned that his hand is fairly okay, but the real issue is with his foot. He also noted that he's experiencing significant pain in his leg muscles and his back."

"I was completely vertical when I suddenly crashed. Since I wasn't leaning at an angle, the collision was quite severe."

At Sepang, Marco Bezzecchi, the recent recruit for the factory team, emerged as the top Aprilia competitor, securing ninth place, in the absence of Martin and Fernandez.

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

Statements given by Crash.net reporter Derry Munikartono in Buriram.

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Ducati Indicates Favored Engine Option – Yet "No Decision Made"

Ducati Faces Dilemma Between 2024 or 2025 Specifications

Davide Tardozzi, the head of the Ducati team, mentioned that the brand is inclined to approve the GP24 engine for its 2025 MotoGP motorcycle, although a conclusive decision has not been made yet.

The GP24 emerged as one of the most powerful motorcycles in the history of MotoGP, securing victories in 16 out of the 20 grand prix races held last year.

With the introduction of a two-year engine freeze beginning in early 2025, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia dedicated significant time at the Sepang test to evaluating the engines for the GP24 and GP25 models.

Given the impressive performance of the GP24 engine, both riders emphasized the need to ensure the GP25 represented a substantial advancement before committing to its approval for the next two years.

During the first day of this week's testing session in Buriram, Thailand, the factory Ducati riders seemed to be leaning towards using the GP24 engine. Tardozzi has indicated that this engine is now the probable choice moving forward.

"The choice hasn't been made yet, but it seems we're leaning towards 2024," Tardozzi mentioned to MotoGP's After the Flag.

"Ultimately, this evening, Gigi and the team of engineers are set to make the final call. I sense that we will opt for the GP24, though no decision has been reached yet."

Is Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia getting a Ducati engine?

Ducati has previously chosen to use an older engine model in its latest motorcycle. For example, the factory team switched at the last moment to a hybrid engine combining elements from 2021 and 2022 for their GP22 bike.

This decision turned out to be wise, since Bagnaia ended up winning the championship, whereas the Pramac team, using the complete 2022-spec engine, only managed to achieve eight podium finishes combined.

Tardozzi stated that the choice to probably opt for the GP24 is influenced by the upcoming two-year freeze on engine development.

"Indeed, as previously mentioned, the decision to freeze the engine for two years is being made because we aim to avoid any risks during that period," he stated.

"The 2024 engine has previously provided us with positive responses and proven to be reliable. Therefore, I believe this will be the choice we go with."

On Wednesday in Thailand, Marquez surprised observers by choosing not to use Ducati's 2025 aerodynamic package.

Tardozzi clarified that the differences arose because each rider was following their own schedule. He also minimized the significance of their difficulties during the practice start session.

"They have various tasks and schedules to manage today," he clarified.

"Marc is exploring other options. He is also experimenting with various positions while riding the bike since he appears to be uneasy."

"He has experimented with various ergonomic setups, handlebars, and other adjustments to improve his seating position on the bike."

"I believe one issue was that they began the race using hard tires, although I noticed that other manufacturers faced similar challenges."

"It appears that the bike's clutch was not adjusted correctly. However, I believe that, as always, Marc and Pecco will have a strong start in the next race."

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2025 Buriram MotoGP Test: Marc Marquez Leads Day One

The eight-time world champion propels the factory Ducati to the leading position.

Marc Marquez topped the leaderboard on the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season test, achieving the fastest time with a late surge on his factory Ducati, finishing 0.465 seconds ahead of his competitors.

The last two-day test before the season starts holds significance for everyone, but it appears to be especially crucial for the official Ducati team. They are in the process of determining which engine they will choose to utilize over the upcoming two seasons.

David Tardozzi, the team manager, announced before the session concluded that they would probably compete with the GP24 engine this season.

It seems that Marquez dedicated most of his day to working on that engine, and it was with this engine that he recorded the quickest time on Wednesday.

After remaining in the top two positions until the last hour of the session, Marquez made a late push with a time of 1 minute and 29.184 seconds to take the lead.

During the third hour of the session, he surpassed his brother, Alex Marquez, who races for Gresini on the full GP24, to claim the leading position with a time of 1 minute and 29.649 seconds.

Marc Marquez set the timing screens ablaze in the final moments, surpassing the previous record lap.

Franco Morbidelli secured the third position for VR46, finishing just 0.034 seconds behind Alex Marquez, in an all-Ducati top three.

Marco Bezzecchi secured fourth place riding the top-performing Aprilia, clocking a time of 1 minute and 29.794 seconds. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta spearheaded the KTM effort, finishing in fifth position.

Luca Marini delivered another promising performance for Honda during this pre-season, securing sixth place with a time of 1 minute and 29.928 seconds. The Italian rider finished ahead of his fellow Honda Racing Corporation counterpart, Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

Francesco Bagnaia, riding for the sister factory Ducati team, finished in eighth place. Meanwhile, KTM's Brad Binder secured ninth position, despite experiencing a crash at Turn 5 towards the end of the race.

Jack Miller from Pramac secured the top spot for Yamaha, finishing in 10th place with a time of 1m30.047s. Meanwhile, Joan Mir on his Honda positioned himself between the M1s, ahead of both Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.

Fermin Aldeguer was the leading newcomer for Gresini Ducati, finishing in 14th place, while Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Racing secured the 15th spot.

On Wednesday in Thailand, Tech3 KTM racers Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales appeared to face challenges once more, finishing in 16th and 18th positions. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, returning from an injury, completed 33 laps for Trackhouse and ended up in 19th place.

Results from Day One of the Buriram Test

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Fermin Aldeguer describes the "wild" practice session that resulted in a hectic spin. "I've never slipped like that before…"

During the midday practice session for start procedures at the Buriram MotoGP test, several riders experienced some difficulties while taking off from the grid. Fermin Aldeguer, however, had the most noticeable issues.

The novice from Spain lost control at the start of one of his races and nearly collided with his Gresini Racing teammate, Alex Marquez. Luckily, he managed to steer clear and prevent any contact.

Aldeguer clarified that the excessive spin he experienced at the start was due to the track conditions in Buriram.

"After his initial day riding the Desmosedici GP24 in Buriram, Aldeguer described the experience as 'crazy.'"

"For the first time, I experienced a slip like this. It's typical when the track is in such a state, and other riders also face similar issues. While theirs may not be as severe, it's still a common occurrence."

The newcomer happened to be beside his teammate on the grid during that practice start purely by chance, not to seek any insights from Marquez or for any specific purpose.

"In the end, I don't require Alex [Marquez] to evaluate whether my practice start is effective," he stated.

"With the information available, we have a comprehensive view of everything."

"We need to make some improvements, as the track was somewhat slippery today and we didn't perform at our best. However, we'll assess the situation."

In addition to the inconsistent beginnings in practice, Aldeguer acknowledged facing challenges in adjusting his riding style on the Ducati for the Buriram track, where he had claimed victory in Moto2 during 2023.

He stated that the Buriram circuit is entirely distinct from the Sepang track.

"In conclusion, it's just a different style. With Michelin, we utilize a distinct casing here, which is another element to adjust to."

"Adjusting my approach to this track was challenging at first this morning. However, we remained composed, and after the break, we made significant progress."

"We're not at the pinnacle yet, but progress is moving in the right direction."

Statements shared by Derry Munikartono in Buriram.

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

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Official Buriram MotoGP Test 2025: Marc Marquez Climbs to the Lead on Day One

The eight-time world champion propels the factory Ducati to the leading position.

Marc Marquez concluded the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season testing as the quickest rider. He achieved this with a late surge on his official Ducati, which placed him 0.465 seconds ahead of his competitors.

The last two-day test before the season starts holds significance for everyone, but it appears to be particularly crucial for the factory Ducati team as they work to choose an engine for the upcoming two seasons.

Before the session concluded, team manager David Tardozzi announced that the team would probably compete using the GP24 engine this season.

It seems that Marquez dedicated most of his day to working on that particular engine, which is also the one he used to achieve the quickest time on Wednesday.

After consistently being among the top two for most of the final hour, Marquez made a late push and clocked a time of 1 minute 29.184 seconds to secure the fastest position.

In the third hour of the session, he surpassed his brother Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini on the full GP24, claiming the leading position with a time of 1 minute and 29.649 seconds.

The lap remained the standard to beat until the final moments, when Marc Marquez made a significant impact on the timing screens.

Franco Morbidelli secured third place for VR46, making it an all-Ducati lineup, trailing Alex Marquez by 0.034 seconds.

Marco Bezzecchi secured the fourth spot riding the top Aprilia, clocking a time of 1 minute 29.794 seconds. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta spearheaded the KTM effort, finishing in fifth place.

During the pre-season testing, Luca Marini delivered another promising performance for Honda, securing the sixth position with a time of 1 minute 29.928 seconds. The Italian rider outpaced his fellow HRC competitor, Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

Francesco Bagnaia secured the eighth position riding for the sister factory Ducati team, while Brad Binder from KTM finished in ninth place, even though he experienced a late incident at Turn 5.

Jack Miller from Pramac led the Yamaha contingent by securing the 10th position with a time of 1 minute and 30.047 seconds. Meanwhile, Joan Mir from Honda positioned himself between the M1 riders, placing ahead of Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.

Fermin Aldeguer, representing Gresini Ducati, emerged as the leading newcomer by securing the 14th position, while Ai Ogura of Trackhouse Racing rounded out the top 15.

On Wednesday in Thailand, Tech3 KTM's Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales appeared to face challenges, finishing in 16th and 18th positions, respectively. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, representing Trackhouse, secured the 19th spot after completing 33 laps as he returned from an injury.

Results from the first day of testing in Buriram

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Johann Zarco Evaluates Honda's Improved Engine Performance

"The difference is now smaller than it used to be"

Despite facing stiff competition from Joan Mir, Johann Zarco maintained his position as the quickest rider for Honda in the Sepang MotoGP trials.

The racer from France, who notably achieved a coveted position in Q2 for Honda during the previous year's Malaysia Grand Prix in November and secured the eleventh spot in the primary race, concluded the trial with a time that was 0.711 seconds slower than the front-runner, Alex Marquez, from Gresini Ducati.

Team member Mir from the factory was a mere 0.075 seconds slower, followed by Luca Marini in 15th place and Zarco’s newcomer colleague from LCR, Somkiat Chantra, in 19th position, yet all were within a 1.64-second gap of Marquez on the almost two-minute circuit.

"Zarco started off by saying, “This test turned out to be even better than I had anticipated, which is a positive sign. The performance on the final day was particularly impressive. It’s a boost for my confidence to see that we’re narrowing the gap with the leading riders, which isn’t as wide as it used to be.”

Honda introduced fresh engine, aerodynamics, and chassis components for testing in Malaysia. Both Zarco and Mir appeared to prefer the latest engine paired with the previous aerodynamic setup.

"The French individual mentioned, "Over the course of three days, we experimented with various approaches. Today, we were able to integrate all those elements effectively, and the results were significantly improved. I'm pleased with this outcome."

"No single element significantly impacts my cycling, but when I combine them, I notice an improved handling of the bike."

"Currently, it's essential for our trials in Thailand to continue experimenting with various options and select the optimal package to begin the season with, since we must choose which components to officially approve."

Johann Zarco highlights Honda's advantages

Honda must finalize its engine and aerodynamics by the first race, but thanks to its D concession ranking, similar to Yamaha, it has the flexibility to refine these elements throughout the season.

Currently positioned 15th in the top speed rankings, the RC213V is facing a deficit in sheer power, and issues with rear traction continue to be a problem.

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

"Certain bikes appear to have significant power in terms of acceleration, and it's noticeable, especially when trailing behind someone, that you seem to be falling behind," he added.

"However, upon examining every aspect, occasionally the escape isn't the main point of emphasis. Thus, we had additional elements to improve to enhance the rider's experience. I was able to identify these, which genuinely satisfies me."

Regarding the engine aspect, Honda is striving to maximize the power output while ensuring it's practically usable.

"I'm optimistic that as the season progresses, we'll see improvements, but I'm confident that right from the start, we'll be contenders for the top ten positions, which is currently a primary goal of mine."

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For two decades, Peter has experienced the ebb and flow of the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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