Live Coverage of MotoGP Barcelona Testing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A halted beginning for the latest rider from Ducati Lenovo.

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

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 4pm

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

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

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 3pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The inaugural accident for the world champion on the Aprilia.

He is doing fine.

2024 Barcelona MotoGP Official Test – Results at 2pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The widely anticipated MotoGP rider transfer has been revealed

Projected 2025 rider change under discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jorge Martin experienced his initial fall while riding an Aprilia.

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

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

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

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

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

"In essence, his speed was too low!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Newcom

Barcelona MotoGP Official Records:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Marc Marquez shared his initial impressions after riding the factory Ducati. "I tested the complete 2025 setup, including the frame, engine, and various components."

Similar to his Gresini debut one year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his initial MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo official rider by securing fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he was debuting on a Desmosedici satellite motorcycle in Valencia. This year, his attention is on testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting a distinctive bright red design, the eight-time world champion spent a significant portion of the day positioned towards the bottom of the top ten rankings.

A strong performance towards the end moved him into fourth place, trailing the test leader, his younger brother and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda's factory team between 2013 and 2023, was only 0.056 seconds slower than his new colleague, Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning two-time world champion.

Marquez disclosed that he essentially bypassed the GP24, moving directly from the previous year's GP23 to the model for the 2025 season.

Marquez stated, "I spent the majority of the day testing the GP25, using it for about 90% of my rides. My main focus was collaborating closely with the engineers."

"When you join the official team, it indicates that you have to follow a very structured plan, adhering to all the necessary tests. At this point, the rider's role is largely under the direction of the engineers. Essentially, your work is primarily focused on supporting the engineers."

"There are certain advantages to the bike that enhance its performance, yet ultimately, it remains just a bicycle that requires proper handling. To achieve speed, one must exert effort and drive it assertively."

"The overall experience was extremely positive, particularly with the team. That's crucial for a first impression, and we're collaborating effectively."

When asked about what brings him more satisfaction, Marquez responded:

"The engine performs slightly better on the straights, which is a significant improvement over last year's model. Additionally, the way it handles when entering corners seems to have changed somewhat. I still need to figure out the limits in that area."

He mentioned that he experimented with the complete package, including the frame, engine, and various components. As a result, they're uncertain about which specific parts have a different feel.

"Pecco approached things somewhat differently. However, the key takeaway is that we both shared similar observations. We faced the same issues and enjoyed the same benefits, which simplifies the task for the engineers."

Michele Pirro, who tests for Ducati, indicated that the GP25 would be particularly advantageous for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At present, Marquez is withholding his opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend the situation, as we received similar feedback with Pecco. While it's excellent in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"At this point, it's essential to assess the situation, as maintaining a consistent performance across all 22 races is crucial. It's not enough for the bike to excel on just one type of track."

Was it odd to wear red after spending years competing against the official Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Not at all, it was enjoyable," Marquez remarked. "Particularly when you join a team that has excelled in recent years."

Being part of the top team on the track means you need to be quick. It was truly enjoyable to be in that garage.

"However, it was indeed unusual to see Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering all the conflicts I've had with Dovizioso!"

"We have consistently maintained a friendly and respectful relationship, which is beneficial since we are already familiar with one another."

Marquez will have to hold off until February at Sepang for his upcoming session on the GP25.

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

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Marc Marquez shares his initial impressions after riding the factory Ducati, stating, "I tested the complete 2025 setup, which included the frame, engine, and various components."

Similar to his Gresini debut a year prior, Marc Marquez concluded his initial MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team member by securing fourth position on the timing charts.

Last year, he was riding a satellite bike for the first time on the Desmosedici at Valencia, but this year, his attention is on testing a prototype of the GP25 factory model for next season in Barcelona.

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Sporting a striking bright red design, the eight-time world champion spent a significant portion of the day positioned towards the bottom of the top ten.

A late push propelled him to fourth place, trailing test leader, his younger brother and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for the factory Honda team between 2013 and 2023, trailed his new teammate and the soon-to-be double world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, by only 0.056 seconds.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 entirely and moved directly from the GP23 model, which is a year old, to the 2025 machine for the upcoming season.

Marquez stated that he spent the majority of his day testing the GP25, riding it for about 90% of the time. He mentioned that he was heavily involved in efforts to assist the engineers.

"When you join the official team, it signifies that you must adhere to a rigorous schedule, focusing on testing everything required. At this point, the rider essentially becomes a tool for the engineers, dedicating efforts to meet their requirements."

Certainly, the bicycle does have certain advantages that function slightly more effectively. However, at the end of the day, it's still a bicycle and requires proper riding. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, particularly among the team. That's what matters most when making a first impression, and we're collaborating effectively."

When asked to compare the feelings, Marquez responded:

"The engine performs slightly better on the straight compared to last year's model, which is a significant improvement. Additionally, the way the bike handles when entering corners seems to have changed. I still need to figure out where the limits are in this aspect."

"The issue is that I tested the complete set-up, including the frame, engine, and various components," he explained. "Therefore, we can't determine which specific parts have a different feel."

"Pecco approached things somewhat differently. However, the key takeaway is that we both provided very similar feedback. We encountered the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things for the engineers."

Ducati's test rider, Michele Pirro, implied that the GP25 is likely to be well-suited for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At the moment, Marquez is withholding his opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend the situation. Regarding Pecco, we encountered similar feedback. While it's excellent in certain areas, it presents more challenges in others," he stated.

"At this point, it's essential to assess the situation, as it's crucial to maintain a 'stable' bike throughout all 22 races, rather than just excelling on a specific type of track."

Did it seem odd to wear red after spending many years competing against the official Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Not at all, it was enjoyable," Marquez remarked. "Particularly when you join a team that has been doing well in recent years."

"You must be quick since you're part of the top team in the lineup. It was a delight to be in that garage."

"However, it was indeed unusual to see Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering all the clashes I've had with Dovizioso!"

"We’ve consistently maintained a cordial and respectful rapport, which is beneficial since we are already familiar with one another."

Marquez will not have another opportunity to ride the GP25 until February at Sepang.

For two decades, Peter has been present in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Francesco Bagnaia: Skipping Testing After Winning MotoGP Title is "Preferable"

Bagnaia responds to the post-race testing session in Barcelona.

Francesco Bagnaia believes that skipping the post-season testing after winning the MotoGP world championship was advantageous for him, as it allowed him to concentrate more on the development of the GP25.

In the final race of the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona last weekend, the two-time world champion was overtaken by Jorge Martin for the top position.

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This marks the first instance since 2021 where Bagnaia did not start the next year's testing holding the champion title.

For more details: Reasons Bagnaia deserves recognition as a remarkable MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia recorded the third-fastest time after riding his Ducati for 58 laps, mainly testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting tests on Tuesday held any extra importance now that he is aiming to reclaim the title, Bagnaia said: "I must admit, conducting the test without currently holding the world champion title made me concentrate more on the motorcycle."

"Being a world champion makes you happier and more content, but it also means I'm not as focused on getting better."

This year, the transition from the GP23 to the GP24 marked a significant leap forward. On Tuesday, Bagnaia mentioned that the foundation of the 2025 model is more robust than it has been at this stage in any prior year.

"Is the GP25 distinct? We must acknowledge that we experimented with numerous elements today, and the GP25 appears to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he mentioned.

"Our team and engineers are expected to put in significant effort over the winter, as we need to make some improvements to the foundation we evaluated."

"Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same opinion regarding the bike, which is crucial for progressing in the same direction during its development, and this is excellent news."

When it comes to braking performance, the GP24 still has the advantage.

"I've made significant progress with braking on the GP24 this year. Therefore, I believe we need to continue pursuing this same path."

"The GP25 excels in maintaining stability when navigating fast corners, and I appreciate its performance even with worn tyres. Additionally, the new engine is quite powerful."

"We usually don't begin with the new bike in such a good state, as there's typically some work to be done. However, I'm pleased that the foundation is solid this time."

He mentions, "In my opinion, there's a significant gap between 24 and 25, and I don't anticipate a major change for Malaysia since I believe the advancement has already occurred."

"However, we must organize it, and regarding the configuration, we need to adjust it for the new bike."

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Aprilia's new technical director praised Jorge Martin after his initial test, describing him as a blend of a champion and a leader.

Aprilia's MotoGP technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, describes Jorge Martin as "remarkable," noting that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader after his initial trial with the RS-GP.

A mere two days following his victory in the 2024 MotoGP world championship, Martin transitioned from riding for Pramac Ducati to joining the official Aprilia team during the post-season test in Barcelona on Tuesday.

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The Spanish rider evaluated the RS-GP models for 2024 and 2025, finishing 11th on the timing charts after completing 77 laps. Unfortunately, he experienced a minor crash towards the end of the session.

Because of contractual obligations, Martin was unable to give interviews to the press after his initial trial of the RS-GP.

Sterlacchini, who is succeeding Romano Albesiano as Aprilia's technical director, had the opportunity to assess Martin's initial test with the company.

During a media session on Tuesday, which included Crash.net, he expressed that having Jorge on board is a significant opportunity. Jorge comes from a championship-winning bike and is himself a world-class rider. This provides the team with a valuable benchmark, enabling them to better identify and focus on key areas for improvement.

"In the brief period we've collaborated—half a day yesterday and today—I've observed that he embodies both the qualities of a champion and a leader."

"Frankly, it's pretty remarkable how he's handling the role. Truly impressive."

Sterlacchini joins Aprilia after spending the years 2022 and 2023 at KTM, following a 17-year tenure in the engineering department at Ducati.

Lacking sufficient time to grasp the project and the motorcycle, he declined to engage in a discussion about the areas where the RS-GP requires enhancements.

"In my opinion, it's not feasible: you require divine insight, not just a capable individual, to grasp everything so quickly," he remarked.

"Frankly, in certain areas, things are beginning to become clearer and less vague, but it is definitely too early to make any definitive conclusions right now."

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