2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown Test: Your Guide to Today's Event

Everything you need to know about today's 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown Test

Here's your guide to keeping up with the 2025 Sepang Shakedown test from January 31 to February 2. Below, you'll find the schedule for the start times of the Sepang Shakedown test.

The fresh season kicks off with the Shakedown event in Sepang, Malaysia.

Each manufacturing plant will dispatch racers to the circuit for a three-day period to carry out initial trials of their latest motorcycles.

During the Shakedown, only test riders and newcomers from Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM are permitted to participate.

However, because of the regulations regarding concessions, both Honda and Yamaha are also permitted to include their MotoGP competitors in the competition.

This indicates that Aleix Espargaro, Honda's recent addition as a test rider, will team up with Luca Marini, Joan Mir, and the pair from LCR.

Yamaha's official duo, Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, will team up with Pramac's racers, alongside test pilots Augusto Fernandez and Andrea Dovizioso.

Tracking the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test from any location

The Sepang Shakedown test won't be broadcasted. There's no available live stream to catch the events as they happen.

However, there's no need for concern, as Crash.net will supply all the necessary updates and details you require.

We will be stationed at the Sepang paddock, providing you with real-time updates for each lap, along with live timing for every lap.

We'll keep you informed on the newest technology advancements and feature conversations with the riders.

Stay updated on MotoGP X by following the Crash.net account for photos, lap times, and rider opinions.

2025 Sepang Shakedown test kickoff schedule

Friday, January 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time / 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. UK

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time / 2 a.m. to 10 a

Sunday, February, from 10 am to 6 pm local time / 2 am to 10 am UK time

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Ducati unveils updated fairing at Sepang MotoGP Shakedown trial

Michele Pirro has been testing the Ducati Desmosedici GP25 equipped with a newly designed fairing at the Sepang circuit.

Ducati seems to have introduced a new fairing during the MotoGP Shakedown test at Sepang this weekend.

Michele Pirro has been the sole rider representing the Italian manufacturer on the track in Malaysia this weekend, testing their newest machinery. Meanwhile, rookie Fermin Aldeguer has participated in the test as well, but he is using the previous year's GP24 model, which he will be riding in the 2025 season.

This weekend at Sepang, Pirro has been testing various motorcycles, some of which featured a carbon fairing that had not been painted.

A picture shared on MotoGP's social media accounts on Friday, January 31, following the first day of the Shakedown, features Pirro riding one of these bikes without any branding.

Examining the front of the fairing, it's evident that changes have been made to the lower part of the front wing compared to the previous season. The outer portion now appears to be slimmer and features a more pronounced curve.

The image shared by the official MotoGP social media platforms, because of the angle at which it was captured, partially conceals a significant portion of the motorcycle's side fairing, leaving it in the shadows.

Adjusting the white balance and brightness of the picture uncovers more details in the shaded region.

Initially, it seems that the sidepod wings have been modified, although the precise details are unclear because of the angle at which the photograph was captured. The lower section of the wing seems to have been raised compared to earlier versions of Ducati’s MotoGP fairing. Furthermore, the left sidepod wing seems to have a curved exterior instead of a flat one.

Although these modifications might offer their own aerodynamic benefits, the clearest reason for them is found just beneath the lower edge of the sidepod wing, where a significantly taller downwash duct is now positioned.

The duct's design seems to resemble the one Ducati brought out during the Misano test last year. This updated fairing was used by both Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini for the rest of the 2024 season, though Francesco Bagnaia did not adopt it. Nevertheless, the duct now looks broader and significantly higher.

The picture reveals that the top section of the duct is now nearly aligned with the top of the mudguard, right at the point where it connects with the fork leg. This is a contrast to last season when the highest part of the duct used by Bastianini and Martin was positioned considerably lower, as depicted in the subsequent photo.

Located behind the duct is the raised ground effect section that made its debut last year. The image doesn't provide enough detail to confidently determine any changes made to that part of the fairing for 2025, if changes were made at all.

When observing the rear section of the motorcycle, although the photograph doesn't offer a clear perspective, there seems to be another set of 'stegosaurus' wings made of carbon black. These are located, from a visual standpoint, just behind Pirro's arm. They look akin to the wings attached to the bike's tail, but they are evidently placed further forward and linked by a connector between the two parts.

From an ergonomic perspective, these should be placed behind the seat to avoid limiting the rider's movement. However, the exact location is unclear from the photo.

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TNT Sports announces 2025 MotoGP commentary crew

Team of six set for Thailand MotoGP coverage confirmed

TNT Sports has announced its broadcast crew for the 2025 MotoGP season.

Host Suzi Perry has posted a picture of the team set to report on the Thailand MotoGP season opener.

Enjoyed spending the winter season in a state of dormancy. Preparations for the #Motogp @motogpontnt are moving forward, with travel plans, gatherings, brainstorming, and more all sorted. Plus, we're all set to kick things off in Thailand ♥️ Truly surrounded by the best people 😆 pic.twitter.com/xXV4VAQyx5— Suzi Perry (@suziperry) January 29, 2025

Perry, the seasoned television host, will once more be the focal point of TNT Sports' broadcasts.

Gavin Emmett is set to offer analysis during MotoGP events and engage in interviews with riders, contributing to the channel's comprehensive coverage.

Former racers Michael Laverty, Neil Hodgson, and Sylvain Guintoli offer insightful viewpoints and will take on dual roles as analysts and commentators.

Natalie Quirk is a journalist stationed within the racing circuit, often the first to interview leading cyclists following a race.

Steve Day is set to resume his role as a commentator in 2025 as well.

TNT Sports has unveiled modifications for the upcoming season that will affect both the World Superbike Championship and the British Superbike Championship.

The network known for airing WSBK and BSB, Eurosport, is set to cease operations.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent organization of both networks, has announced that it will integrate it into TNT Sports.

This implies that MotoGP, World Superbike Championship, and British Superbike Championship will all now be available under one roof.

The alteration will take place starting February 28, 2025.

The MotoGP championship kicks off in Thailand from February 28 to March 2.

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Honda's Revamped Appearance for 2025: More Than a Mere Facelift in MotoGP

As the 2025 season approaches, Honda is not just changing its colors; it's embarking on a much-needed renewal in MotoGP.

The positive aspect for Honda as they approach the 2025 MotoGP season is that their situation couldn't possibly deteriorate further.

In the past five years, the team has faced a significant decline in performance, enduring three seasons without a single victory since 2020, including the most recent one. During this period, they also lost their long-standing title sponsor, Repsol, and let go of Marc Marquez, one of the greatest talents of this era, who moved to Ducati.

Honda's decline is a story that many are familiar with. For years, the challenging RC213V bikes were made to look better than they were by the exceptional skills of six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez. However, in 2020, when Marquez was sidelined for the entire season due to an injury, the inadequacies of the bikes were starkly revealed. This led to a shift in their design strategy, which unfortunately exacerbated the situation. By the end of 2023, Marquez decided to part ways, having endured significant physical strain to recover his fitness, only to find that Honda Racing Corporation did not reciprocate his efforts with sufficient improvements.

Initially, there were minimal expectations for the 2024 season. However, the reality turned out to be much more disappointing than anticipated.

At the beginning of 2024, Honda chose an incorrect path in its development strategy, which resulted in the company struggling to find the correct course of action. Although there were a few indications of progress as the season drew to a close, with Johann Zarco achieving Honda's top finish of eighth place in the wet conditions of the Thailand Grand Prix, the overall statistics by the end of the year were disappointing.

For the fourth consecutive year, Honda ended the constructors' championship at the bottom, accumulating only 75 points. This was 110 points less than its total in 2023, a year when they unexpectedly secured a win with Alex Rins at the Circuit of the Americas. Throughout the previous year, HRC never managed to score in double digits in any single round.

Johann Zarco was the highest-ranked rider in the standings, holding 17th place with 55 points. Meanwhile, factory team riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini were at the bottom among full-time competitors, accumulating just 35 points together. Marini, who was selected to replace Marquez from a limited selection of candidates, didn’t earn any points until the ninth race at the German Grand Prix, and even then, it was due to a penalty imposed on a competitor ahead of him.

Considering Mir's average of 1.05 points per round and Marini's 0.7 points per round, it's understandable why Repsol chose to conclude a partnership that has been thriving since 1995.

As 2025 approaches, Honda finds itself in a challenging situation.

Challenging periods require resilience, and Honda has evidently recognized that its past strategies have been ineffective. A major factor in the decline of Japanese manufacturers in MotoGP compared to their European competitors is rooted in cultural differences. European companies tend to adopt a more direct, experimental approach, while Japanese brands are more meticulous, ensuring a development is successful before it is tested on the track.

Certainly, the ultimate test to determine if a development is effective is to put it through a race. Yamaha is in a position to do this in 2024 thanks to appointing Max Bartolini, a former Ducati engineer, as their technical director. Following a similar strategy, Honda has decided to hire a prominent European engineer to lead their development efforts in 2025.

Honda initially considered former KTM employee Fabiano Sterlacchini as a potential candidate. However, they ultimately decided to hire Romano Albesiano, who was serving as the technical director at Aprilia. Albesiano, an Italian, played a key role in transforming the RS-GP from being a subject of ridicule into a competitive bike capable of attracting the reigning world champion, Jorge Martin, for the current season.

Albesiano's challenge at Honda mirrors the one he encountered at Aprilia in 2015, though this time he has the extensive resources of the powerful Honda Racing Corporation at his disposal. Despite enduring a lengthy period of difficulties, this is the same team that clinched six championships in seven years with Marquez from 2013 to 2019; secured a title with Casey Stoner in 2011; triumphed over Valentino Rossi and Yamaha in 2006 with Nicky Hayden; and dominated the initial two years of the modern era with Rossi in 2002 and 2003.

Honda still knows how to secure victories. Therefore, the optimistic statements made during Honda's 2025 launch event, where they revealed their revamped livery and announced Castrol as their title sponsor, are quite comprehensible.

Luca Marini expressed his optimism about the project's future to Crash.net, attributing it to the influx of new engineers, including Romano and several other talented individuals on the team. He is confident that Honda will progress significantly by 2025.

"This represents a significant shift that Honda has not experienced before. Consequently, we're beginning to see transformations. I mentioned this last year, but the changes are even more apparent this winter. Romano just began his involvement with this project in January, so it will require some time to truly incorporate his ideas and influence. However, the exchange of insights and feedback from other manufacturers, particularly the Italian ones, will fundamentally alter the approach. Although it will take time, everyone is extremely optimistic and highly motivated."

Fellow racer Joan Mir expressed a similar sentiment, stating, "I've been discussing with [crew chief] Santi [Hernandez] regarding the latest upgrades we're getting right now. It seems he's feeling quite positive, which in turn makes me feel happy and hopeful too."

"I don't anticipate immediately regaining the lead, but we have options to explore: we can test various engines and chassis. If these adjustments bring us closer to what we've been aiming for over a long period, it will be a positive step forward for us."

Albesiano did not play a role in designing the 2025 motorcycle, which has already been tested at the Sepang track before the season starts. He will require time to analyze all aspects and develop a version reflecting his vision. However, he will benefit from certain allowances to assist in this endeavor.

According to Marini, Honda is likely to make substantial progress in the latter part of the year. Achieving this won't be simple due to the intense competition, but Honda possesses all the necessary resources to succeed.

This also involves a Joan Mir who appears to be quite distinct.

Since the unexpected exit of Suzuki from MotoGP, the 2020 world champion has faced challenges after moving to Honda in 2023. His debut season on the RC213V was marred by injuries, resulting in just 26 points and a highest finish of fifth place at the Indian Grand Prix. This result was primarily due to the advantage provided by a more durable rear tyre carcass that suited the Honda.

During the 2024 season, Mir seemed to find himself more often in the gravel than riding his RC213V. Over the course of the year, he experienced 17 crashes and failed to complete 10 of the 20 grand prix races. His top performance for the year was securing 11th place at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Throughout various points during his time with Honda, Mir has considered leaving MotoGP. However, his apprehension about not succeeding has prevented him from taking that step. He has now secured a new two-year contract with HRC starting in 2025.

Following the test in Barcelona, Mir expressed frustration over what he perceived as Honda's failure to provide new components. He frequently voiced his concerns, becoming one of the most vocal figures within the team. While his reaction is reasonable, given his status as a MotoGP champion, there is an expectation for him to take on a leadership role for the brand and make the most of the resources available to him, similar to Fabio Quartararo's approach at Yamaha.

In response to a question from Crash about how he can become a better leader in 2025 and improve his performance, irrespective of the bike's performance compared to his expectations, Mir provided an honest and straightforward reply.

"It's quite challenging," he started, "when you've had strong performances in the past and have consistently been a key competitor in the world championship, to suddenly become a rider who is no longer considered significant. It's an adjustment you have to manage."

"You must come to terms with it. Initially, it was harder for me to come to grips with the situation. However, I now understand what needs to be done to change things around. No one should doubt my confidence in the project because I remain here, putting in as much effort as I can."

"At home, I find it very helpful to train as intensely as possible and ensure I am in peak physical condition. I aim to eliminate any doubts from my mind about whether I could have done more. This approach serves as my form of therapy. Despite everything, I am eager to begin. I am determined to change the current situation, start anew, and grasp what we will explore in the test. I am curious about the suggestions the new team members at Honda have for us and their innovative ideas. More importantly, I am keen to see how Honda responds after all our efforts."

Before the new season kicks off, Honda has already scored a victory with its striking new livery, which stands out as the best among its competitors. This fresh look symbolizes a brand ready to evolve. The previous Repsol design felt uninspired, as though the team was clinging to its successes of the past, with Marquez's legacy still looming large—and the team's performance on the track reflected that stagnation.

The tangible signs of this new phase are beginning to emerge. With Albesiano leading the technical overhaul, the factory riders, who were in dire need of a boost, are starting to feel more assured. The enhanced test team, which includes Aleix Espargaro, promises to speed up development, something the race riders have long desired. Additionally, Takaaki Nakagami's fresh role in testing aims to improve communication between the team's European and Japanese divisions.

Although it may be difficult to predict that Honda will contend for podium finishes in the final part of the season, as Yamaha potentially might, considering their current trajectories, there is indeed a valid cause for optimism at HRC. It appears that there is now a glimmer of hope emerging from what has been a very challenging period.

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Former MotoGP crew chief for Marc Marquez provides Joan Mir with encouraging news about Honda. "I talked to Santi last week, and he was in good spirits."

Joan Mir has mentioned that his MotoGP crew chief, Santi Hernandez, has provided him with positive indications that Honda is making progress in the development of its 2025 motorcycle.

As Honda enters the 2025 season, it does so following one of its most challenging years in grand prix racing history. The team concluded the previous season with only 75 points in the constructors' championship, marking its third season without a victory in the last five years.

The Japanese brand has implemented numerous staffing alterations for the upcoming season, such as appointing Romano Albesiano, formerly with Aprilia, as their technical director.

Mir, who finished the previous season near the bottom of the standings for full-time competitors with 21 points, frequently expressed his dissatisfaction with Honda's seeming inability to make advancements throughout 2024.

Before the start of winter testing next week in Malaysia, Mir has received assurance from his crew chief, Hernandez. Hernandez, who collaborated with Marc Marquez in MotoGP from 2013 to 2023, has informed Mir about the advancements Honda has made.

"After Honda unveiled their brand-new livery in Indonesia, he mentioned that he had a conversation with Santi the previous week and noted that Santi seemed pleased."

"Santi is someone who expresses emotions very openly."

He is a person who openly expresses his feelings. He mentioned, "Joan, hear me out: last year, when the year began, I indicated that the path they chose would likely lead to challenges. However, this year, I might have a slightly different perspective."

"Undoubtedly, the upcoming year will present challenges, yet I'm beginning to notice a sense of tranquility, which makes me content and confident in the journey ahead."

Albesiano took on his position at Honda starting in January, and Mir is confident that the Japanese company will allow the Italian engineer the "liberty" necessary to enhance the RC213V.

He mentioned that when individuals like Romano become part of the team, it's more significant than when someone like Aleix Espargaro does, as Romano's primary role is to serve as a test rider and provide feedback.

"Aleix does not influence the engineering setup at all. It's more up to Romano to adjust his approach to fit with Honda's methods, or perhaps not completely adjust but rather modify his approach."

"Based on my observations, he is highly systematic. We have a specific procedure to adhere to. Each day, we stick to the guidelines as he insists on absolute clarity."

"He has a method that has been successful for him before, so it's understandable that he wants to apply it at Honda."

"I’m curious to know if Honda will allow him complete freedom to perform at his best. It seems likely. His approach to adjusting to the situation appears to be very encouraging."

This weekend, Honda's testing crew has been active on the track for the Sepang shakedown, which will wrap up on Sunday, before the official testing sessions scheduled for February 5-7.

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KTM reveals 2025 factory MotoGP designs for official team and Tech3

Austrian maker launches 2025 season campaign

KTM has revealed a consistent team color scheme that will be featured on all of its official MotoGP team and Tech3 support team motorcycles for the 2025 season.

The 2025 campaign marks KTM's ninth year in MotoGP since their debut in 2017, however, it unfolds against a backdrop of significant uncertainty due to a financial crisis within the company.

KTM is set to undergo a pivotal ballot regarding its reorganization efforts on February 25, mere days prior to the start of the MotoGP season.

KTM has pledged its commitment to the 2025 season, yet its long-term future past that point is still up in the air.

In 2025, the brand plans to deploy four official RC16 motorcycles across its in-house racing team and the Tech3 satellite team, marking the seventh year of partnership with KTM.

KTM presents what many consider its most formidable roster to date, as newcomer Pedro Acosta, a standout rider of 2024, joins the premier team alongside Brad Binder, who has twice triumphed in MotoGP races.

At Tech3, Maverick Vinales has transitioned from Aprilia, and Enea Bastianini has joined from Ducati, collectively holding 17 wins between the two of them.

In 2025, the racing colors for both teams will be almost the same, with Tech3 transitioning away from its association with the GASGAS brand.

Both teams will sport the Red Bull KTM livery, yet the Tech3 motorcycles will be distinguished by Motul logos at the lower part of their fairings, in contrast to the factory team's bikes which are adorned with Mobil 1 decals.

In a challenging season marked by a lack of victories for the second consecutive year, KTM concluded the 2024 season as the runner-up in the constructors’ championship.

In the 2025 season, renowned talent scout Aki Ajo will ascend to the role of team manager for KTM's premier team, taking over from Francesco Guidotti.

This month, seven out of the eleven teams participating in MotoGP have revealed their 2025 team colors, including Trackhouse, Aprilia, Gresini, Ducati, and VR46.

Yamaha along with its newly partnered satellite team, Pramac, are slated for their presentation on Friday, January 31st. This will precede the factory Honda team's reveal of its first non-Repsol colors in more than three decades, scheduled for February 1st.

LCR is set to unveil its team last on February 8, just before MotoGP's Bangkok gathering, where all teams will convene on February 9.

This weekend marks the start of MotoGP trials, featuring the Sepang shakedown that includes test riders, newcomers, and concession riders.

The inaugural pre-season trial in Malaysia is scheduled from February 5th to 7th, followed by the concluding session in Thailand on February 12th and 13th.

The Thai Grand Prix marks the start of the 2025 season, taking place from February 28 to March 2

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Pedro Acosta highlights the "major error" he aims to eliminate in MotoGP by 2025. "Indeed, it all came down to experience…"

In his debut MotoGP season, Pedro Acosta performed well enough to secure a position with the factory KTM team. However, as is typical for a newcomer, the Spanish rider identified areas for enhancement as he prepared for his second year in the top-tier category.

Acosta experienced a memorable weekend, filled with both positive and negative moments, during the Japanese Grand Prix.

The reigning champion, who has claimed the world title twice, was at the forefront of the Sprint race when he suffered a crash. Later, as he was pursuing Francesco Bagnaia to reclaim the lead in the Grand Prix, he experienced another crash, losing control of the front.

During the recent launch of the KTM MotoGP team, Acosta expressed his desire to avoid repeating the errors he made in Japan, which led to two crashes.

Ultimately, we were most ready to perform well in the Grand Prix, although it all came down to our level of experience.

Acosta mentioned that a key aspect of his winter training has been improving his performance during qualifying sessions, as well as enhancing his race management skills.

In the end, it's accurate to say that I don't have any expectations for these tests. I indeed dedicated a significant amount of time this winter to improving certain areas that needed attention, he mentioned.

"This included both the qualifying sessions and the handling of certain aspects of the races. In this regard, I am satisfied."

"We really have to wait until we arrive to assess the situation, not just for me, but for the other competitors as well."

"Perhaps last year I was too eager and wanted to achieve too much too quickly. Because of this, I ended up making numerous errors, not just during the races but throughout the weekend as well. I even had incidents on Fridays, crashing two or three times."

"It was challenging to create a successful weekend, and perhaps this represents my greatest progress this year."

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Pedro Acosta addresses KTM's troubles: 'Our best contribution is securing victories in MotoGP'

MotoGP's 2024 breakthrough star remains "composed" amid ongoing KTM doubts

Pedro Acosta expresses tranquility amidst KTM's ambiguous future, stating, "the most significant assistance we can provide to everyone is through our victories" in the 2025 MotoGP season.

KTM kicked off its 2025 racing season with both its factory team and Tech3 on Thursday, however, this was overshadowed by doubts about the company's long-term stability due to its ongoing financial troubles.

Acosta, advancing to the factory KTM team, has been at the heart of speculation about potential transfers to other teams for 2026, even though he is presently under contract with the Austrian brand.

In Thursday's press briefings with KTM riders, they were instructed not to speak openly about the issue at hand.

When questioned by Crash.net about his ability to ignore the chatter concerning KTM's challenges, Acosta responded, "Ultimately, it's not something I need to dwell on."

"This reflects the effort of the factory team, including Pit and the entire management. We're primarily concentrating on achieving speed on the racetrack."

"Ultimately, the best support we can offer to everyone is through our victories. We remain composed, and it's not my role to dwell on this matter."

Discover More: Pedro Acosta's Rookie Season: A Physics-Defying Feat

In his debut season last year riding for KTM's GASGAS team at Tech3, the Spanish rider, Acosta, achieved an impressive tally of nine podium finishes throughout the grand prix and sprint races.

He came very close to finishing the year as the leading KTM rider in the rankings, falling just two points short of his 2025 teammate, Brad Binder.

Acosta, who has narrowly missed clinching his first victory multiple times, feels that he now possesses all the necessary tools and, with the wisdom gained from the previous year, is poised to secure his inaugural top podium finish.

"Without a doubt, ultimately, this is the transformation I was striving or searching for," he remarked about his promotion to the factory team.

"Ultimately, throughout this season, there were numerous occasions where we aimed for our initial victory, as we frequently found ourselves contending for podium finishes."

Indeed, with the wisdom gained over time, I've found myself becoming increasingly serene, which has significantly altered my mindset as well.

"Definitely, I feel more at ease than the previous year, and it's impossible to find a better team, from the mechanics to the engineers, even including the media folks."

"The crucial thing now is to stay serene, and it will come shortly."

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Brad Binder believes KTM's gap to Ducati in MotoGP is "quite minimal."

The South African suggests Ducati's lead over KTM might not be as significant as perceived.

Brad Binder feels that the difference in lap times between KTM and the leading Ducati team in MotoGP for 2024 is minimal, despite Ducati's significant lead.

Last year, Ducati had its most successful season in MotoGP history, securing victories in 19 out of 20 grand prix races, which led them to clinch both the riders' and constructors' titles.

In the team rankings, Ducati secured a substantial lead over KTM, outpacing the Austrian team by 395 points, marking KTM's second consecutive year without a win.

In certain competitions, Ducati competitors maintained advantages of more than 10 seconds ahead of their closest rivals.

Binder recognizes that Ducati's lead over the competition varied, but he doesn't think KTM lagged as much as it appeared.

"He mentioned that it varies across different locations," he remarked following the unveiling of KTM's 2025 model on Thursday.

"In certain locations, I believe we're on par and stand a chance, however, in various places and circumstances, the challenge appears significantly greater."

"Yet, when you crunch the data and examine the difference in times per circuit, it's surprisingly minimal."

"From my experience, there have been instances where obstacles seemed insurmountable at first glance. However, when you begin to tackle them with a few minor actions, those once daunting gaps eventually become negligible and fade away."

"Thus, our primary objective entering the pre-season, particularly with the upcoming trials in Malaysia and Thailand, is set."

"When I compete in Thailand, I aim to be in the peak condition I've ever been."

KTM embarks on the 2025 season amid the shadows of doubt cast by the company’s monetary troubles.

In response to whether this played a part in KTM's challenging 2024 season, Binder stated, "Definitely, our circumstances last year, in my view, involved us rushing to significantly enhance our performance."

"I believe none of us were content with our current situation."

"Clearly, everyone is putting in maximum effort to advance our positions and compete more aggressively towards the lead. Beyond that, there's nothing else to report."

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Vinales offers a confident evaluation of KTM's MotoGP motorcycle

Vinales anticipates his upcoming adventure with KTM

Maverick Vinales claims the KTM MotoGP motorcycle he's set to pilot in 2025 significantly enhances his competitive edge on the track, offering a notable improvement over the Aprilia.

The racer, who has claimed victory in 10 grand prix events, will team up with Tech3 for the 2025 season, riding a factory KTM. This will be the fourth different motorcycle he has competed on in the premier class.

Despite securing a grand prix victory with Aprilia in the previous year, Vinales faced challenges maintaining a steady performance in 2024 on the RS-GP, finishing the season significantly behind in seventh place in the championship standings.

In Barcelona's November post-season trial, he finished 12th overall and was the second quickest among riders who changed bikes for 2025, trailing only behind Jorge Martin, his successor at Aprilia.

Facing challenges with overtaking in the current MotoGP scene, Vinales believes the KTM will enhance his chances for successful racing come 2025.

"When asked by Crash.net during KTM's 2025 launch about his thoughts on the RC16's impact on his performance, he explained that drawing comparisons between motorcycles is challenging, especially when one is not performing at their peak."

"However, my experience, particularly what stood out to me, was that the bike's response lived up to my expectations."

"This holds significant importance. I'm already sensing the potential in braking, which is crucial for making advances in the current MotoGP season."

"Following that, it's equipped with a strong motor."

"I believe it greatly enhanced my ability to compete on the track, which is crucial. Being adept at navigating track battles makes it simpler to secure a strong position and deliver an impressive performance."

"Thus, I'm confident in my ability to maintain a strong rhythm, and I'm aware of my capability to achieve quick times over a single lap, given that even last year I demonstrated significant speed in singular laps, though the competition proved challenging."

"Therefore, my anticipation is that with this motorcycle, I'll significantly improve, particularly when it comes to vying for a spot during the initial laps. Following that, it's crucial for me to excel in every single lap."

"At the moment, my primary concern over the coming days during pre-season testing is to get a grip on how the bike operates, figure out my requirements, and also assist the manufacturer in advancing to the next level. However, I believe we are capable of achieving great results."

In 2025, as Tech3 competes, KTM considers it an extension of its official team. This is evident as both Tech3 and the main team sport matching designs on their bikes.

Discussing his experience with the Austrian brand compared to Aprilia's team, Vinales remarked, "Honestly, the transition has felt smooth. The people are exceptionally welcoming.

"Definitely, this isn't my initial encounter with the Tech3 team, as they were my teammates back when I was with Yamaha."

"Thus, I was prepared with information to present to them. From my perspective, it appears quite straightforward and benevolent, as it seems everyone is concentrated on their work."

"Clearly, I'll be spending more time with them, which will allow us to get to know each other better.

"Everything is truly excellent. I'm content with the team I've got, and I'm pleased with the motorcycle.

"Therefore, it's simply a matter of time before turning off the lights and moving on. I've maintained communication with KTM and Red Bull. It's a setting I've been part of before, so it feels like coming home."

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Enea Bastianini urges KTM to maintain their motorcycle's unique identity and not to make it resemble a Ducati

"The motorcycle is distinct and should continue to embody KTM's characteristics"

Enea Bastianini expressed his astonishment at several aspects of the KTM MotoGP motorcycle he tried out last November, cautioning the brand not to simply imitate the Ducati model.

The rider, who has claimed victory in seven Grand Prix events, is transitioning to the Tech3 KTM team after dedicating the entirety of his four-year MotoGP career to racing with Ducati equipment.

Bastianini observed that his understanding of the leading Ducati would be crucial for KTM in enhancing their motorcycle, yet he pointed out that in many aspects, the RC16 was equally capable.

Therefore, he emphasizes that the motorcycle must retain its KTM identity and does not intend to draw numerous comparisons between the Ducati and the RC16 during the upcoming tests next week.

"He praised Ducati's performance and the quality of their motorcycle during the unveiling of KTM's 2025 model."

"At the moment, I'm not quite sure about the nature of the work at KTM. However, during the test, we engaged in extensive discussions, focusing on preparing for future tasks."

"The motorcycle shows promise. Drawing parallels to Ducati proves challenging given the differences between them, notably in their respective strengths."

"However, aside from that, it was satisfactory. The initial arrangement was also acceptable, and the positioning on the bike felt quite alike."

"However, regarding the other aspects, I'm unsure of the specific areas that require further effort since my experience is limited to just 50 laps."

"Therefore, I require additional time to gain a clearer understanding. However, I continue to be amazed."

When questioned further about the precise aspects of the KTM that caught him off guard, he elaborated, "At the point of entering a curve, the motorcycle exhibits significant traction, which, to my astonishment, stands out."

"We have to focus on improving the drive since the Ducati performed exceptionally well in that aspect. However, I prefer not to make too many comparisons."

"This bicycle stands out and must stay true to the KTM brand. We need to significantly enhance the bike's most robust components."

"In my opinion, this is the greatest aspect, though I need to slightly modify my technique to suit the bike, given that altering habits after four years is challenging."

This year, Bastianini is set to team up again with crew chief Alberto Giribuola at Tech3, after previously collaborating with him at Gresini in 2022.

Bastianini is convinced that reuniting with the former crew chief of Andrea Dovizioso will hasten his adjustment to the KTM during the winter season.

"Albi is absolutely thrilled to be reunited once more," he said with a bright smile.

"Having him in the mix is an advantage since he's quite familiar with my approach and requirements."

"It would be beneficial to condense my adjustment process; we might be able to achieve something positive sooner."

"This is excellent. Throughout the winter, we engaged in extensive discussions to ensure we were ready for the test, aiming to make some adjustments to the bike beforehand."

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Examination: Amidst internal turmoil, KTM’s MotoGP initiative remains unyielding

In their 2025 unveiling, KTM conveyed a theme of resilient determination.

Consider the plight of the numerous employees at KTM who endured an uncertain holiday season, anxious about the security of their employment and the timing of their next paycheck.

Despite the challenges, KTM remains committed to its competitive ethos, "Ready To Race," in Austria. On Thursday, the company, which was the second-ranked manufacturer the previous year, unveiled its strategy for 2025. This included the introduction of a consistent design theme for both its primary factory team and the closely associated Tech3 team, which receives factory support.

KTM protected its racers from having to answer inquiries related to the company's current bankruptcy process, however, they realized that evading the issue was impossible. As a result, they put forward their motorsport head, Pit Beirer, to address questions from the press.

Since December 20, KTM has consistently maintained its position that it plans to participate in the 2025 racing season. Speculation about a potential halt in development—which might not have a significant effect considering the upcoming rule changes in 2027—and about their leading racer, Pedro Acosta, potentially seeking an exit by 2026, has contributed to the growing speculation.

Beirer, addressing the pivotal trio of dates that have and continue to shape KTM's destiny, playfully described them as "Dakar stages." This reference subtly underscores KTM's enduring success, highlighted by their recent triumph at the renowned rally-raid. He tackled the ongoing scenario with the clear and forthright approach necessary in such moments.

"Beirer mentioned, "The winter was quite challenging, yet we all banded together to maintain the essence and significance of our company: it embodies our fervor and our existence."

"I've spent two decades in this place, and it wasn't just any ordinary day that brought me here: it was the aspiration to collaborate with countless coworkers on a vision, all for the sake of this motorcycle manufacturing plant."

"We're all putting in our maximum effort to maintain our current state. This involves streamlining our operations to become leaner yet still robust. Even with these changes, we anticipate retaining over 4,000 employees in Mattighofen, and that's the goal we're striving for."

"The entire organization has faced challenging times, and we're not out of the woods yet. Should February 25th turn out well, it doesn't mean everything becomes simple overnight. However, I can assure you that we've developed an incredibly robust strategy for the future of this company. This isn't a short-term vision extending merely a year or two, nor does it solely apply to our racing activities. Our goal is to ensure KTM's perpetual presence, race department included."

KTM battles economic challenges

KTM is set for a decisive meeting with its creditors regarding its proposed restructuring strategy, aiming for a 30% repayment on its €2.2 billion debt. This crucial vote is scheduled for February 25, shortly before the MotoGP 2025 season kicks off in Thailand.

Starting next week in Malaysia, trials are set to commence, and racers including Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini, along with the whole racing team, will take to the Sepang track amid lingering uncertainties. If the decision doesn't favor KTM – despite a tentatively hopeful mood in their group – they will be entering the 2025 season uncertain about what lies ahead for them.

The challenge confronting the MotoGP division's management team is immense. Nonetheless, when Beirer was asked by Crash.net regarding this issue, he remained unwavering in his confidence in his team.

"He expressed, "The advantage is the robust team we have, both locally and on the circuit, coupled with these four outstanding boys. Each one has been here, and trust me, the least of my concerns is needing to motivate them."

Their motivation is beyond what you might think, and they are an integral part of our team. Our collective goal is to present ourselves as a united and powerful group and to excel. While we have no control over the grand scheme of things, we can concentrate on our responsibilities and ourselves, aiming to excel in the racing sector. I believe we are thoroughly prepared, and the riders are poised to stand out.

"Pedro is part of our team; he's under contract with us. During this period, we've had two meetings; once, he came by himself along with his manager, and recently, we gathered all four riders at the Red Bull training facility. They're fully equipped to succeed this season: they have the support of the team, access to the bikes, and we're all in to make it happen. It's absolutely certain. Honestly, their level of motivation is unprecedented. You'll be amazed when you see them in action soon."

The paradox in this situation is that it unfolds during a period when KTM's MotoGP involvement boasts what could be considered its most formidable combination of factory and satellite team riders. Each of its four racers has clinched world championship titles in the junior categories, and with the exception of Acosta, all have secured victories at numerous MotoGP races.

Questions Arise Over Pedro Acosta's Future with KTM

The situation surrounding Acosta adds another layer of intrigue. In 2024, the Spanish newcomer impressed with nine podium finishes in both sprints and grand prix races, a performance many anticipated in his first year. Despite his efforts, a victory eluded him, with a notable chance in Japan slipping through his fingers due to a crash, a moment that seemed to encapsulate his entire season.

The ambiguity surrounding KTM's involvement in future races has inevitably drawn attention to what's next for Acosta. There have been rumors of Ducati showing interest, and at just 20 years old, he has also been associated with Valentino Rossi’s team. However, VR46 clarified the situation by addressing these rumors earlier in the week.

Acosta's remarkable achievement of clinching the Moto3 championship in his first season and securing the Moto2 title in his next has earned him widespread recognition as an emerging superstar in the sport. As a product of KTM's development program, it's fair to say that he has been seen as a pivotal figure for the brand's future success for quite some time, a sentiment that holds even more weight today.

Following KTM's unveiling on Thursday, Acosta's reaction showcased his maturity, positioning him as the type of leader on the track that the brand seeks as it moves forward in these unpredictable times.

"He emphasized that their primary concentration is on speed during races," he stated. "Ultimately, achieving victory is the greatest support we can offer to all involved."

KTM's 'No-Nonsense Approach'

According to Beirer, the ongoing restructuring efforts have underscored the critical role of racing in KTM's corporate strategy. Throughout his interaction with the press, he never hinted at the possibility of scaling down the MotoGP initiative. Although the decision is not entirely up to KTM at this moment, there's an evident optimism regarding the project's future. Beirer has verified that they are in the early phases of designing their 2027 model.

Beirer has highlighted the coincidental benefit in the timing of KTM's financial troubles. Conveniently, MotoGP is set to implement an engine freeze starting with the first race of 2025 and extending through the end of 2026. KTM's engine, known for its high performance and currently holding the MotoGP top speed record, stands in good stead during this period.

The financial planning for all 2025 components occurred long before KTM encountered its most severe financial difficulties, ensuring the team is in a strong position as it enters the testing phase. Should the team make it to 2026, it's expected that there will be minimal alterations to this year's motorcycles, especially with the significant regulation overhaul scheduled for the next season.

From what was observed during the tests towards the end of 2024, the upcoming 2025 RC16 appears to lay a solid groundwork for KTM in their efforts to substantially reduce the 395-point gap that Ducati created during the previous season's constructors' championship competition.

Assuming the role of team manager in the factory KTM garage is Aki Ajo, renowned for his success in developing talent in the junior categories. Binder highlights Ajo's straightforward approach, emphasizing his intolerance for nonsense. This attitude is expected to benefit KTM significantly this season by streamlining different aspects of their racing strategy, particularly given the team's struggles last season with seemingly endless challenges.

Ajo, when questioned by Crash about whether KTM's path to success this season lay in simplifying aspects of their program, remarked, "Certainly, technology plays a significant role in MotoGP, and it's not something you can overly resist."

"However, I do believe it's accurate that simplicity should be maintained wherever possible. It's something I emphasize constantly to my former and current riders, to the point where it occasionally amuses them. I'm always reiterating phrases like 'maintain simplicity, concentrate on what matters, and so forth. But, in my opinion, this principle is crucial in every profession, particularly in racing. From my perspective, our technical setup is also quite robust."

"I believe it's crucial to maintain simplicity – it's about extracting the utmost from what you have. This doesn't just apply to the bike but extends to the team, the riders, everyone involved. We should identify our strengths and not always rush to introduce new elements. It's essential to discern what truly matters and stick to simplicity."

Following its launch, KTM received positive feedback from its riders, which was a good sign. Instead of the typical non-committal remarks, the riders shared their optimistic views. Vinales expressed confidence in his ability to compete with the new bike; Binder felt that the difference between them and Ducati might not be as significant as it appears, and Bastianini strongly advised KTM to maintain the unique characteristics of their current bike rather than attempting to mimic the Desmosedici.

KTM appears to have a solid base as it embarks on its ninth season in MotoGP, one year beyond the initial goal set by former CEO Stefan Pierer to compete for a championship within eight years, and two years since its last victory at the 2022 Thai Grand Prix.

The parent company faces challenges as it attempts to navigate through difficult periods for the racing team. However, overcoming obstacles can lead to success in sports. Boasting its most formidable roster to date, a potentially competitive setup, and the drive that emerges from battling to stay afloat, KTM enters the 2025 MotoGP season with a stance of defiance.

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