Additional circuit hours deemed 'no benefit' for Fabio Quartararo during MotoGP trials

Yamaha competitor asserts robust trial speed isn't due to increased circuit hours

Fabio Quartararo has expressed that participating in the shakedown didn't provide him with any benefits, despite demonstrating consistent high performance with Yamaha during Thursday's MotoGP test at Sepang.

Yamaha has kicked off the pre-season testing for the 2025 season on a positive note, thanks to its latest M1 model. Quartararo led the pack on the initial day of testing in Sepang and secured the second spot on the following day.

Over the course of two days, three out of the four M1 factory bikes secured positions within the top 10, with Quartararo reducing his time from 1 minute 57.555 seconds to 1 minute 57.324 seconds by Thursday.

Yamaha's competitors in the race benefited from an additional two days on the circuit due to their participation in the shakedown. However, Quartararo is skeptical that this is the reason behind their impressive performance in this week's time trials.

"No, I wouldn't say that's the case, because by the second day of the test run, if I remember correctly, I clocked in at 1 minute and 57.7 seconds, and that was under rainy conditions," he explained in response to inquiries about whether his impressive speed was due to additional time on the track.

"In my view, it doesn't actually pose a benefit."

"For me, it served as excellent physical preparation, as you don't get the opportunity to ride the GP motorcycle during the winter. Therefore, it was beneficial for my physical conditioning to achieve it."

"Truthfully, having completed so many laps on the track, I'm genuinely pleased that tomorrow marks the final one before we switch tracks."

Quartararo mentioned that his primary attention on Thursday was on adjusting the electronic configurations to enhance the Yamaha's rear traction. However, he noted that they didn't quite reach the improvements he had hoped for in this aspect.

Quartararo acknowledges that although there's been an enhancement in rear traction during high-speed turns, issues remain with acceleration in areas requiring lower gears, predicting that the upcoming Buriram test will pose greater challenges.

"He noted that while there were improvements in rear grip in certain regions, other areas saw no change," he remarked upon inquiry about the enhancement of rear traction.

"The odds are split evenly. Our riding technique has significantly improved, yet we continue to struggle with minimal grip."

"The upcoming Buriram trial is expected to be more challenging, in my opinion. However, our engine has shown an improvement in speed compared to the previous year."

"Therefore, I believe this could be beneficial. However, particularly in corners where we slow down, we're facing significant challenges with maintaining grip at the back."

"In high-speed turns, the traction is quite decent. However, our main challenge arises when accelerating out of particularly slow corners."

"Hence, the primary objective for Buriram, and throughout the four days of our stay, this was the central point of emphasis for the test."

Yamaha has experimented with several innovations, but among the most noticeable is the introduction of a new chassis, distinct from what was trialed in Barcelona the previous November.

Quartararo views the newer model as not inferior, yet he favors the previous version due to its compatibility with his riding approach.

"Therefore, my preference leans towards the black version [older specification] from the Barcelona trial, although I find the new version acceptable – it's not inferior," he mentioned.

"I prefer riding with the previous year's model; it just feels right to me. However, during the test, I found that the performance with the new one was almost identical – very close indeed. But given the choice, I'd go for the black one."

Remarks offered by Peter McLaren, Editor at Crash MotoGP

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Francesco Bagnaia believes that those currently facing challenges in MotoGP will improve and shake up the current rankings. He predicts a change, suggesting that the lineup trailing behind Ducati will be different in the future.

Francesco Bagnaia expects a shift in the MotoGP hierarchy this season following Yamaha's impressive performance during the initial preseason test in Malaysia.

In recent years, European manufacturers have taken the lead in Grand Prix's top category. Meanwhile, the two surviving Japanese brands, Honda and Yamaha, have found themselves at the lower end of the rankings for both 2023 and 2024. During this period, Aprilia and KTM have emerged as the main competitors to Ducati.

Bagnaia hinted that the situation might be different in 2025, following Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo being the sole rider not on a Ducati to achieve a lap time in the 1:56 range on the last day of testing in Sepang.

After the conclusion of this week's three-day testing session in Sepang, Bagnaia remarked that he believes there will be a change in the person backing Ducati during this season.

"I believe Yamaha performed exceptionally well, but we need to see how things unfold in Thailand. They completed six days of testing, and due to their concession status, all four of their race riders participated in the Shakedown. This extra testing might have contributed to their performance."

"Indeed, Fabio Quartararo demonstrated remarkable speed throughout all three days, and during the time attack—an area where Yamaha struggled last year—he was impressively quick today."

"In my opinion, they performed exceptionally well."

Pecco Bagnaia provides an overview of the Sepang test. However, he mentioned several reservations, primarily concerning the constraints of his testing schedule, which resulted in reduced opportunities for setting fast lap times.

"In my own view, I wasn't able to exert the effort I had hoped for during this test," he expressed.

"My setup for the time trial allowed me to surpass the lap time, but with only one attempt, it was challenging to achieve the explosive performance I usually reach during a time trial."

"However, I'm pleased that all the completed tasks helped us identify areas for improvement and determine the foundation we should adopt in Thailand."

Fabio Quartararo's impressive time attack wasn't the only noteworthy performance, as Alex Marquez topped the charts by the conclusion of the third day.

The Gresini Ducati racer is set to ride the Ducati Desmosedici GP24 this year, a bike that was a top performer last season. The engine of this model is still being evaluated by the factory team, as Bagnaia has notably pointed out the differences in braking characteristics when compared to the 2025 engine.

Does Marquez's showing on the GP24 add complexity to the decision-making process regarding the choice of engine for the next season and for 2026 due to the upcoming development freeze?

Bagnaia expressed that he doesn't feel the same way, explaining that it's natural for performance to dip slightly when you're tasked with trying out multiple things.

This morning, I told my team, "I want to try a time attack just once."

"I couldn't attempt two or three like other riders since we had to concentrate more on our tasks."

"However, I understand that as engineers, our role involves cycling because it's essential for our testing process. We must maintain peak performance for their benefit, even if it means our own performance takes a back seat."

Different Setup Results

On the last day, Bagnaia managed to complete laps in the 1:56 range, narrowly trailing Marquez's leading time by just 0.007 seconds. However, his lap time of 1:56.500 was still nearly 0.3 seconds slower than his pole position time from the previous November.

Nonetheless, the three-time World Champion was pleased with his overall test performance.

"Bagnaia summed up the test by saying it had been three genuinely good days."

"We had some time, though not a lot, which allowed us to sift through numerous aspects and conduct tests on almost everything."

“We were unfortunate that Fabio Di Giannantonio couldn't participate in the test, as he would have been a great help. However, we managed to accomplish excellent work with Marc Marquez.”

Both Bagnaia and Marquez conducted Sprint simulations, with Marquez achieving lap times that were, on average, 0.3 seconds quicker than those of Bagnaia.

The Italian rider did not specifically mention this distinction, but he did point out that there were varying "configurations" between his motorcycle and Marquez's during the 10-lap test runs.

"Additionally, we chose to test two separate bike setups during the simulations today to provide the engineers with as much data as possible, which proved to be extremely beneficial," stated Bagnaia.

He explained, "During the Sprint simulation, I had to compromise on performance to test something out. This left me somewhat dissatisfied because an issue arose—I experienced some vibration. Although it wasn't the same as last year, it got progressively worse with each lap."

A key distinction between Bagnaia's setup and Marquez's on the last day involved the chassis.

Bagnaia expressed that they were engaged in separate tasks.

"Throughout the day, we experimented with two distinct approaches, and I focused more on testing the chassis than Marc did."

The initial feedback was favorable; however, the Italian rider intends to test it on surfaces with reduced traction, which he anticipates encountering in Thailand in the coming week.

"I enjoyed it, although, as with most things, it has its pros and cons. I'm eager to experience it more thoroughly in Thailand."

"We require less grip right now. Today felt like I was trying something new each time I exited, then returned and increased my speed, only to improve again with the latest adjustments. It's challenging to gauge what's happening when the grip level is this high."

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Speculation surrounds the performance of the Ducati GP24 in comparison to the much-anticipated GP25 models. Franco Morbidelli stands out during tests in Sepang.

Franco Morbidelli is at the heart of interesting discussions about how competitive Ducati's two motorcycles will be in the 2025 MotoGP season.

Older models frequently demonstrate greater speed in the initial stages, whereas riders familiarizing themselves with newer machines usually perform better over extended periods.

However, the expected trend did not emerge for Ducati in the previous year.

The latest Ducati models outperformed the older versions in the factory, with Marc Marquez being the only exception to this trend.

By the end of the 2025 Sepang test on Friday, the Ducatis, which were a year old, dominated the scene.

Alex Marquez from Gresini led the rankings, while VR46's Morbidelli secured the fourth position.

Morbidelli mentioned that everyone had higher expectations for the GP23 last year.

"Only Marc managed to succeed, contrary to what everyone had anticipated."

"Let's find out what unfolds this year…"

"We were fast, which is a good thing. Let's put aside the heat, exhaustion, and the challenges that arise with the initial long run of the year!"

Franco Morbidelli is optimistic about joining VR46

Morbidelli has left Pramac to join VR46, while continuing to ride a Ducati model from the previous year.

Despite the fact that his teammate Fabio di Giannantonio suffered a broken collarbone in a crash on Wednesday, Morbidelli maintains that the Sepang test has been mostly successful for VR46.

"I'm thrilled about these past three days. The team performed exceptionally well, and I collaborated wonderfully with a new crew," he remarked.

During our initial three days of collaboration, we developed a solid understanding. The experience was quite positive, and we plan to grow from this point onward.

"Furthermore, it's an excellent beginning for the team. Transitioning from a challenging year to kicking off like this? It's a significant morale boost."

"Although we encountered a problem with Fabio on the initial day, things are progressing smoothly for us."

Morbidelli commented on his new team, highlighting the importance of communication. He emphasized the need to understand one another, clearly express his expectations for the bike, and have the team successfully implement those changes.

"Expressing your thoughts matters, and doing so effectively is equally crucial."

"The initial priority upon joining a new team is to focus on this aspect."

"I'm quite comfortable with my level of confidence! I consider myself a confident rider. Although I've experienced both highs and lows, right now I'm definitely on a high, so I feel self-assured."

Franco Morbidelli started the 2024 season with an injury sustained during preseason testing but concluded the 2025 testing session at Sepang in excellent condition.

Statements given by Peter McLaren in Sepang

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Brad Binder elaborates on emulating Pedro Acosta's technique on the KTM

Brad Binder discusses his test session in Sepang on Thursday

Brad Binder acknowledged his intention to emulate aspects of Pedro Acosta’s riding techniques to enhance his performance on his KTM.

Two days into the official MotoGP Sepang trials, Binder secured the 11th fastest time and has been trying out some of the techniques in corner entry that Acosta mastered during his debut season last year.

Acosta is teaming up with Binder at the factory garage this year to ensure the more experienced rider stays sharp.

In response to inquiries on emulating Acosta's approach to the corners, Binder mentioned, "I've been making an effort to shave off a few meters, wherever possible."

"When I'm compelled to exert effort, I fall back on my familiar habits. It's an area for improvement going forward."

"I've already noticed advantages in my cycling technique and braking method, particularly with initiating sharper and sooner turns at the front."

"I've discovered some exciting components to explore."

Brad Binder shares insights on KTM trials

Binder commented on the Sepang trials held on Thursday, stating: "The day kicked off quite well with consecutive runs in the morning, where we experimented with various engine setups. It was quite intriguing.

In the afternoon, we experimented with the suspension configurations. We discovered some elements that offer a slight increase in potential.

"This evening, we'll gather and piece everything together."

The recently observed tail design on the KTM still hasn't fully resolved the vibration problem.

"Binder noted, 'We're making strides. There appears to be an improvement in equilibrium, particularly with a few of our challenges.'"

"However, we must continue our efforts to acquire information."

In the previous year, Binder observed that his back tire was exerting pressure on the front one, but this issue did not recur in Sepang.

"Surprisingly, this track seems fine to me," he mentioned. "Well, for now at least!"

"However, the results from this trial can be misleading. The traction is surprisingly strong. To fully understand it, you'd have to try it on a fresh, unused track."

"The front has been comfortable."

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Brad Binder discusses advancements in emulating Pedro Acosta's techniques on the KTM

Brad Binder shares insights from his Thursday trial in Sepang

Brad Binder has acknowledged his intention to mimic aspects of Pedro Acosta's racing technique to enhance his performance on his KTM.

Just two days into the official MotoGP testing session at Sepang, Binder achieved the 11th fastest time and has been trying out some of the techniques on corner entry that Acosta mastered during his impressive debut season.

This season, Acosta will team up with Binder in the factory garage, pushing the veteran racer to stay sharp.

When questioned on mimicking Acosta's approach to the corners, Binder responded, "I've attempted to shave off a few meters, here and there."

"When I exert effort, I fall back on my familiar methods. It's an area for improvement moving forward."

"I've already experienced advantages, particularly in my cycling technique and braking methods, especially when it comes to leaning in closer and sooner with the front end."

"I've discovered interesting components to experiment with."

Brad Binder provides insights on KTM's trials

Binder remarked on the Thursday trials at Sepang, stating, “The day began quite well with consecutive sessions in the morning where we explored various engine setups. It was fascinating.

"In the afternoon, we experimented with suspension configurations. We discovered some elements that contribute a slight improvement in potential."

"This evening, we'll gather and assemble everything."

The recently observed tail design on the KTM has not fully resolved the vibration problem.

"Binder mentioned, 'We're making progress. It appears the balance has improved regarding several of our concerns.'"

"However, we must continue our efforts to gather more information."

Last year, Binder observed that his back tire was exerting pressure on the front one, but this issue did not resurface in Sepang.

"Surprisingly, the track seems fine to me," he mentioned. "Well, for now at least!"

"However, this trial can be misleading. The traction is excellent. To truly understand it, you must try it on a track that hasn't been worn in."

"The front has been comfortable."

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Luca Marini and Joan Mir recognize advancements at Honda, yet a significant issue persists. "We've made progress, but so has everyone else, and that's the problem…"

Although Honda made advancements during the winter, Luca Marini feels the team is still as distant from leading in MotoGP as it was in 2024.

The Italian rider thinks that the RC213V has improved overall this year compared to the previous one, but it doesn't mean it's more competitive.

Marini stated that they have enhanced the bike from the previous year and have made progress with the 2025 model.

"However, we are still quite distant because we have made progress, but so has everyone else, and that's the issue. I believe the difference in performance is roughly similar to what it was last year."

Specifically, Marini mentioned that the 2025 motorcycle has shown enhancements at the beginning of the turn, although issues with acceleration are still present.

He mentioned that they have enhanced the bike's braking and cornering abilities compared to the previous year.

"Certainly, the engine and the maximum speed are still absent."

The essential factor for enhancing future potential throughout the season, particularly in terms of overtaking, is evident as Joan Mir and Johann Zarco delivered an outstanding performance today with their incredibly fast lap times.

"The issue arises during a race because overtaking becomes challenging, and the bike heats up excessively, which also affects the tires."

"We need to concentrate on creating more chances to pass other cars during the race, as we'll still be starting from the middle of the grid, rather than near the front."

Overall, Marini determined that the new bicycle is simpler to handle, particularly when conducting a race simulation. It's very straightforward to maintain your speed without wearing out the tires.

The time attack is extremely challenging, significantly harder, and requires taking considerable risks to achieve a successful lap.

Joan Mir: "That's not entirely accurate"

Joan Mir, who is Marini's teammate on the Honda HRC Castrol team and is acknowledged by Marini for suggesting the throttle connection enhancement seen in the 2025 RC213V, offered further explanation on some of the statements made by the Italian.

In order to avoid any conflict, Mir expressed his agreement with Luca Marini's remarks regarding braking and turning.

"However, that's not entirely accurate. He is aware of this, though he may have described it differently."

The 2020 MotoGP World Champion stated that the combination of the 2024 and 2025 package improves the bike's performance in turns.

"We've made significant progress in this area compared to last year. I would also highlight the improved stability when braking, as I tend to brake sharply, allowing me to make smoother turns."

"The package we currently have isn't entirely from 2025, which would improve the bike's turning capabilities. Instead, it includes a mix of elements, incorporating some components from 2024 as well."

Mir concurred with Marini's view that HRC had improved during the winter, largely due to his own progress in lap times compared to his performance in qualifying at the previous year's Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We should be pleased because these individuals put in a lot of effort during the winter months, which is evident, and they demonstrate this with an improved bike," he mentioned.

"Our current package is an improvement over the previous one. Indeed, the grip conditions today, on the third day, are superior to those typically experienced during a race weekend."

"I improved my lap time by 1.3 seconds during qualifying. It's not just about the bike; it's also about how the bike lets me push myself. It's a combination of factors."

"I'm definitely not content, as I'm always striving for more. However, we should find contentment."

Mir then moved on to discussing the bike's drawbacks, highlighting its top speed and traction issues.

"We do have some areas where we're still quite vulnerable," he mentioned.

"The maximum speed is not up to par, and our traction is lacking compared to competitors. Our grip doesn't match that of others. We need to concentrate on addressing these issues."

"We continue to experience this well-known vibration issue. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to fix it yet. It's quite unfortunate because it significantly disrupts the rider and greatly affects how they tackle the corners."

Whenever there's vibration in a corner, time is wasted—each occurrence can easily cost you a tenth of a second.

"The truth is, we are significantly nearer."

"When the weather is hot, we face more challenges. Our engine has a harder time, and we experience significant grip issues."

"We need to focus on these two aspects and aim to advance in Buriram, as the initial race is likely to take place in warm weather."

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Luca Marini and Joan Mir recognize advancements at Honda, yet a significant issue persists.

"We've improved, but so has everyone else, and that's the challenge…"

Although Honda made some advancements during the winter season, Luca Marini feels that the team remains just as distant from leading the MotoGP pack as they were in 2024.

The Italian rider feels that the RC213V has generally improved this year compared to the previous year, although it hasn't necessarily become more competitive.

Marini stated, "We have enhanced the bike from last year and have made progress with the 2025 model."

"However, we remain quite far behind because while we've made progress, so has everyone else. This is the issue at hand. I believe the gap is approximately the same as it was last year."

Marini specifically mentioned that while the 2025 motorcycle has made advancements when entering the corners, it still faces issues with acceleration.

He mentioned that they have enhanced the bike's braking system and cornering abilities compared to the previous year.

"Definitely, the engine and the maximum speed are still absent."

"This will be crucial for gaining more potential in the future, particularly throughout the season, as it will help with overtaking. Joan Mir and Johann Zarco put in an excellent performance today, clocking incredibly fast laps."

"The issue arises during a race because overtaking becomes challenging, and the bike heats up significantly, leading to similar problems with the tires."

"In my opinion, it's crucial for us to concentrate on creating more chances to pass other cars during the race, as our starting position will still be around the middle of the grid and not much closer to the front."

In summary, Marini determined that the new motorcycle is "simpler" to handle, particularly during a race simulation. It is very easy to maintain a consistent speed without wearing out the tires.

The time attack is extremely challenging, significantly harder, and requires taking substantial risks to achieve a strong lap time.

Joan Mir: "That's not entirely accurate."

Joan Mir, the teammate of Marini at Honda HRC Castrol, is acknowledged by Marini for initiating the enhancement in throttle response implemented in the 2025 RC213V. Mir offered some clarification on the remarks made by the Italian.

In an effort to minimize any drama, Mir stated that he would concur with Luca Marini regarding his remarks on braking and turning.

"However, that's not entirely accurate. He is aware of this, but likely chose to describe it differently."

The 2020 MotoGP World Champion mentioned that the combination of elements we have for 2024 and 2025 improves the turning section.

"We've made significant progress in this area compared to last year. Additionally, I feel more stable when braking, as I can apply the brakes firmly and then make much better turns."

"The package we currently have isn't entirely the 2025 version that improves the bike's turning capabilities, nor is it completely filled with new elements. We've also incorporated some aspects from 2024."

Mir concurred with Marini, acknowledging that HRC had made progress during the winter. This improvement was largely due to his own advancement in lap times compared to his performance in the qualifying round of the previous year's Malaysian Grand Prix.

“We should be pleased because these individuals put in a lot of effort during the winter, which was evident, and they have demonstrated it with an improved bike,” he remarked.

"Our current package is an improvement over the previous one. It's accurate to say that on this third day, the traction conditions are superior compared to those typically found during a race weekend."

"I improved my lap time by 1.3 seconds during the qualifying session. It's not just about the bike; it's also about how it enables me to push myself. It's a blend of both factors."

"I definitely feel discontent, as I constantly strive for more. However, we must find contentment."

Mir then turned his attention to the drawbacks of the motorcycle, highlighting its limitations in terms of maximum speed and traction.

"We still have some very significant vulnerabilities," he stated.

"The maximum speed is lacking, and our grip is inferior compared to our competitors. We need to concentrate on improving these aspects."

"We continue to experience this well-known vibration issue. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to fix it yet. It's quite unfortunate because it significantly bothers the rider and greatly affects how they approach the corner."

"When there's vibration in a corner, you easily lose a tenth of a second, which can take up a significant amount of time."

"The truth is that we are significantly nearer."

"When the weather is hot, we face more challenges. Our engine has a harder time, and we encounter numerous issues related to grip."

"We need to focus on these two aspects and aim to make progress for the upcoming race in Buriram, which is likely to take place in warm weather conditions."

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Marc Marquez discusses the "positive challenge" Ducati is encountering with their 2025 MotoGP motorcycle, noting, "Our foundation is built on a bike that secured 19 race victories…"

Marc Marquez believes that Ducati needs to be extremely confident in their choice of engine for the 2025 MotoGP season. He describes the current situation as a "good problem" because the GP24 model already provides an excellent foundation.

The official Ducati team has been thoroughly evaluating the GP25 against the previous year's GP24 during the three-day testing period at Sepang. This comparison is critical as they prepare for a two-year engine development freeze.

On Friday, Alex Marquez, riding the GP24, claimed the top spot, while his brother Marquez finished in fifth place overall in the test.

While Marc Marquez attracted attention with his sprint practice on Friday, he kept it a secret which engine he had opted for.

"It was a combination," he explained. "It included the aerodynamics from 2024, but the rest isn't visible… That's why I'm only mentioning the aerodynamics."

With only two days of testing remaining until the season kicks off and the two-year engine development freeze begins, Alex Marquez's performance in Sepang, where he posted the fastest time and completed a sprint simulation quicker than his brother, presents a challenge for Ducati.

Marc Marquez commented, "The positive challenge for Ducati is that we're beginning with a foundation that achieved victories in 19 out of 20 races."

"This aspect is challenging to enhance, which is why you must ensure it's an improvement, as the 2024 model will allow you to fully compete for the championship."

"Therefore, in that context, we experimented with various elements since it's not just about the engine or the aerodynamics."

"We focused on numerous minor elements today, concentrating on the finer points to determine which aspects were more effective and which were less so."

Marc Marquez Comments on Alex Marquez's Championship Prospects

When questioned about whether Alex Marquez is a contender for the championship this year, Marc Marquez, his older brother, responded: "It's too soon for him. I would never pressure my brother. He is currently having a good time and feels great."

"The expectation falls on the factory riders. Those in the factory team are required to compete for the championship title."

"He was having a good time, so we continued. However, I had to focus on my own garage since the schedule was really demanding. All the engineers were present to ensure they fully understood everything, as it was crucial for us to make the right decisions."

Ducati faces the fortunate challenge of having an excellent foundation. To make enhancements to this solid starting point, they must be extremely confident that any changes will indeed be improvements. Consequently, they engage in repeated trials and testing.

Marquez mentioned that the track's "unreal" conditions complicate identifying areas where Ducati needs to enhance the bike, as the high grip levels tend to "mask" any problems.

"You can always attempt to get better," he mentioned.

"The issue lay in the track conditions, which were quite unusual due to an abundance of rubber. This made it difficult to pinpoint any issues with the bike. With the track's grip being exceptionally strong, the surface appeared completely black if you walked on it."

"A lot of issues are soaked up by all that rubber."

"Right now, I've assembled the best setup I could find and I'm feeling positive about it. I'm unable to pinpoint any specific areas for improvement."

Statements shared by Peter McLaren, the editor of Crash MotoGP

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Marc Marquez discusses his fall during the Sepang MotoGP trial

"I fitted a fresh tyre intending to set a fast lap, however, I unfortunately took a spill at turn nine."

Landing in fourteenth place on the leaderboard isn't typically where one would predict Marc Marquez or a leading Ducati to rank, yet that's exactly the position the latest recruit of the Ducati Lenovo Team secured during the second day of this week's Sepang MotoGP trials.

Marquez referred to his accident, which occurred while slowing down for the low-speed ninth turn, as "usual".

"Marquez explained to MotoGP.com's After the Flag show that he experienced a common crash at turn nine, which is known as the circuit's slowest corner."

"Towards the end of the day, I installed a new tire to attempt a time trial," he continued, "but unfortunately, I ended up crashing at turn nine."

Update on Marc Marquez and Ducati's Testing Schedule

Despite Marquez's accident, he managed to complete the entire agenda he and the Ducati squad had set out to accomplish.

"We completed all the tasks today, every single item that was on our schedule," he stated.

Throughout the day, I remained highly cautious since our task is to pinpoint the strategic path for 2025, focusing particularly on engine and aerodynamics aspects. Ducati is keen on being exact in this pursuit while also adopting a cautious approach to ensure the right choices are made.

"Today, we conducted numerous tests. I believe we have a clear direction now, but we should verify it again tomorrow."

For the second consecutive season, Marquez is switching teams and consequently altering his crew setup. However, the eight-time World Champion is confident that he is integrating smoothly with his new squad.

"Positive," Marquez commented on his integration with his new team. "Regarding the team, I'm still getting to know them since they're busy throughout the day. By the time I take a break, I'm in discussions with the engineers about modifications needed on the motorcycle, leaving us little opportunity to interact," he explained.

"However, currently I feel fine with [Marco] Rigamonti."

"Indeed, our collaboration isn't frequent since the concepts and resources we utilize originate from the engineers. However, his ability to organize our day is impressive, and I appreciate that."

Marquez mentioned that he has been experiencing some physical discomfort lately, though he's uncertain whether it's due to illness or insufficient rest.

"I'm not feeling well today," he mentioned on Thursday.

"I'm unsure whether I'm coming down with something or just didn't get enough rest. Tomorrow should give us a clearer picture since my sleep was limited to five hours last night due to jet lag. We'll find out if it's an illness or just lack of sleep."

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Accident.Web

Brad Binder from KTM points out a motorcycle issue that is common to all riders, stating, "There are a few turns where everyone experiences this problem…"

Brad Binder is aware of the main problem with his KTM, yet he emphasizes that everyone faced similar challenges at Sepang.

Binder and KTM struggled to solve the vibration problem that troubled them all of last year.

However, he firmly believes that his competitors encountered the same situation during the official MotoGP test in Sepang.

"Certainly, there's a significant amount of vibration," Binder acknowledged regarding his motorcycle.

"Honestly, I believe everyone experiences internal dialogue."

"There are a few turns where everyone experiences it. We aren't the only ones dealing with this issue."

Brad Binder expressed disappointment with his performance, saying, "The outcome wasn't what I hoped for." On Friday at Sepang, Binder ranked 11th in terms of speed, while his teammate, Pedro Acosta, secured the sixth spot.

"It's been three lengthy days, but they haven't been unpleasant," stated Binder.

"We have experienced numerous situations and various arrangements."

"We now possess a deeper comprehension of all aspects of the bicycle."

"The outcome wasn't what I had hoped for; I struggled to complete laps consistently. It was challenging."

"Overall, things are going well. We're beginning to identify a promising path forward."

"If we continue on this path, I believe we will be well-prepared when race day arrives."

He mentioned, "Usually, if something is effective at one track, it tends to work at all tracks."

"When everything is combined, it will be fascinating."

"I'm excited to assemble our racing bikes and find out what's ahead."

Binder and KTM are set to attend the MotoGP test in Buriram next week, where Binder aims to finalize the race setup he'll utilize for the first race of the season.

"Absolutely. Right now, our main focus is to review all the tests we've conducted, select the effective components, combine them, and develop a competitive race package," he stated.

"In a perfect scenario, my preference would be to start on the first day. However, on the second day, it's crucial to make all the decisions and proceed accordingly…"

Statements given by Peter McLaren in Sepang

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Fabio Quartararo discusses Yamaha's advancements following his record-setting lap at Sepang. "We've made gains, improving by 0.6 seconds between 2019 and 2024, and expect to enhance that by 0.8 seconds from 2024 to 2025…"

Fabio Quartararo concluded this week's MotoGP test session at the Sepang International Circuit in third place on the timing charts, achieving his fastest lap ever at this track.

The French rider had never surpassed the 1:57 mark at the Malaysian track before, but during the last day of this week's testing, he managed to achieve a time in the 1:56 range. He was the sole competitor not riding a Ducati to accomplish this feat.

At the conclusion of Friday's events in Sepang, Quartararo expressed his happiness.

"Last year, my quickest lap during qualifying was 1 minute and 57.5 seconds, which suggests that the difference is over 0.8 seconds."

"I was explaining that between 2019 and 2024, we've managed to enhance our performance by 0.6 seconds, and from 2024 to 2025, we're expecting an improvement of 0.8 seconds. Naturally, this is a

"It's important to remain composed; this is just a trial run, though I believe it's rather promising."

"During last year's test, Pecco, also known as Francesco Bagnaia, clocked a lap time of either 1:56.6 or 1:56.5. This year's lap times were about the same, which is a reason for us to be quite satisfied."

Quartararo was particularly excited about his ability to achieve fast lap times, especially given that in 2024, Yamaha faced its biggest challenges during the qualifying sessions each weekend.

Quartararo noted that the most challenging aspect last year wasn't the race itself. He pointed out that the main issue was during a single lap, which often resulted in starting from a very distant position, making it extremely hard to pass other competitors.

Before I attempted my initial time attack, I was confident that I would achieve a lap time of 1:56. When we first arrived here, Maio [Massimo Meregalli, the team manager for Monster Energy Yamaha] and I joked about hitting that time. Each day, we inched nearer to that goal, and today, it finally became a reality.

"However, the issue last year was that when you fitted a new tire, you couldn't predict the lap time you would achieve."

"During a single lap today, out of the last three days, it went exceptionally well."

Fabio Quartararo discusses the reasons behind Yamaha's enhanced performance, attributing it to changes in his riding technique and upgrades made to the YZR-M1 motorcycle.

"The 2025 M1 resembles it but isn't identical," Quartararo commented.

"In essence, the electronics have undergone many changes, which has altered my riding style. The bike now features new additions."

"Certainly, it's challenging to identify what's different, but based on lap times, it's evident that we were significantly faster compared to the previous year."

While the adjustments have enhanced Quartararo's experience in certain aspects of his riding, the main problem from previous years persists.

"The 2021 World Champion mentioned that they have significantly enhanced their handling while navigating corners and changing directions."

"However, our main vulnerability lies in our grip."

"The track had a lot of grip today, evident from the blackened surface due to rubber. I wouldn't describe our lap time as misleading because last year, under similar conditions, we were one second behind the fastest lap – and now we're just 0.3 seconds off."

"I'm eager to see how the track performs when it has very low grip, as these are the most challenging conditions for us."

In general, Quartararo is of the opinion that this off-season with Yamaha has been the most successful since he became part of the factory team in 2021.

He expressed that while they make progress each year, particularly from 2022 to 2024, Ducati and other competitors seem to advance two or three steps ahead.

This year, we've made significant progress. The way we ride has changed compared to 2019 or 2021, but I can tell the bike has speed. Although our riding technique has evolved from before, this is the first year we've successfully narrowed the gap.

"Previously, whenever we made progress, others made progress as well, or sometimes they advanced even more than we did. Now, I believe the difference between us has narrowed."

Not Just Excelling in Single Laps

Quartararo's excitement about the new Yamaha setup extended beyond just its performance in individual laps.

The French motorcyclist managed to complete several consecutive laps, maintaining a speed that was just a few tenths of a second slower than the top-performing Ducatis.

The French rider clarified that the exercise wasn't exactly a Sprint simulation. Instead, he was required to complete six laps using one setup and another six laps with a different setup, all on new tires.

"The performance was impressive. When we reflect on last year's results, where we finished in 11th and 12th positions, it's clear that we've made significant progress. Currently, we're matching the speed of the quickest riders at this track: Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and Alex Marquez."

"In my opinion, the difference is quite significant, but I'm really satisfied with the lap time we achieved, particularly because it wasn't just a single lap that counted."

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Enea Bastianini describes an unusual characteristic of the KTM MotoGP bike he must adjust to

Tech3 competitor is getting accustomed to the RC16 during practice sessions

Enea Bastianini has remarked that the braking support from the KTM MotoGP motorcycle feels "somewhat odd" to him, noting it's a fresh experience compared to the sensations he was accustomed to while riding the Ducati.

The individual who has clinched victory in seven Grand Prix races is recognized for his exceptionally forceful braking technique, a skill that harmonized perfectly with the characteristics of the Ducati bikes he used to ride.

Following a couple of days spent evaluating the KTM during this week's session in Malaysia, Bastianini has observed that the RC16 exhibits exceptional strength when braking, a characteristic he finds somewhat surprising.

When questioned about his favorite aspect of the bicycle, he responded, "What I like the most? The brakes allow for significant force application.

"At times, I would lose control at the front end on older motorcycles, but with this one, adopting a more aggressive approach seems to be better supported by the bike."

"This is a novel experience for me and feels somewhat odd."

"I require a period to discern which aspect needs further attention, as this particular feature of the bike is exceptionally prominent."

Bastianini has faced challenges this week at Sepang, ending up approximately a second behind his teammate Maverick Vinales on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Bastianini expressed that he "struggled" in the morning due to several modifications made to the motorcycle that were unsuccessful.

Throughout the day, KTM succeeded in enhancing Bastianini's ease on the motorcycle, finishing 17th at the finish line, but merely less than a tenth of a second slower than Vinales.

"He mentioned that he experienced distress earlier today."

"I endured hardship due to numerous adjustments I made, yet none proved effective."

"In the afternoon, we made some adjustments to the motorcycle, and I experimented with different approaches, which boosted my confidence."

"Ultimately, I commenced my duties after obtaining certain details, which I was then able to share with the group."

In the final stretch, I managed to maintain a tighter proximity to my fellow competitors during the time trial, as well as keeping up with their speed more effectively.

"However, there's a need for us to put in additional effort. Likely, tomorrow will involve us undertaking several circuits and engaging in time trials, as it's crucial and currently what I'm lacking the most. This is because the primary advantage of this motorcycle differs significantly from my previous one."

"Occasionally, I commit errors. There's room for me to get better. Time is on my side."

"We only have a single day remaining here, but next up is Thailand, which is crucial since I'm somewhat delayed."

He elaborated on the adjustments that improved his motorcycle experience, stating, "I altered an aspect of the swingarm as I attempted to replicate previous modifications, but the outcome was unfavorable."

"We headed in a different direction and subsequently, things improved. However, we need to explore additional adjustments tomorrow, which might include altering my positioning on the motorcycle."

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