![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bezzecchi-triumphantly-riding-aprilia-in-1024x1024-75850261.png)
Marco Bezzecchi’s Rise: From Pre-Season Concerns to Aprilia’s Factory Rider Success
Marco Bezzecchi expressed concerns, admitting he was unsure of his actions
An Aprilia racer looks back on the off-season period
Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia revealed that he had been consistently anxious about the 2025 MotoGP pre-season tests, even prior to Jorge Martin's injury, because he felt uncertain about his approach.
The racer, who has won three grand prix titles, had not been part of a factory team until the beginning of the 2025 season. Before that, he had been competing on a Ducati bike from the previous year with VR46 Racing.
The start of Aprilia's pre-season was thrown into disarray on the first day of the Sepang test when reigning world champion Jorge Martin endured a serious crash, resulting in several fractures. This incident is expected to keep him sidelined until at least the Thai Grand Prix.
Marco Bezzecchi assumes leadership at Aprilia
Despite being new to the team, Bezzecchi has led the testing of the 2025 RS-GP and has shown remarkable performance.
He concluded the Sepang test among the top 10 riders and recorded Aprilia's quickest lap ever at Buriram during the second day of the Thailand test.
Bezzecchi mentions that Aprilia instilled a great deal of confidence in him, which eased his anxiety and concerns about embarking on his new venture.
"It’s been a good pre-season for me, particularly due to the incident in Malaysia where Jorge got injured," he mentioned.
"The situation caused a lot of concern among everyone. Personally, I felt anxious the entire time since it was my debut as a factory rider, and I was unsure of the steps I needed to take."
"However, they eventually placed a lot of trust in me, which was encouraging. It was uplifting to witness the positive atmosphere and see everyone eager to get to work."
"This boosted my confidence to aim for the best outcome, making the pre-season a positive experience."
He stated, "I'm pleased. I sensed a favorable atmosphere for myself. Naturally, it's entirely unlike what I was accustomed to."
"However, truthfully, I've also encountered numerous dedicated individuals who put in a lot of effort, both at the workplace and in their personal lives. Therefore, I'm extremely pleased to be part of the Aprilia team."
Bezzecchi expressed his admiration for the RS-GP's front-end performance and mentioned that he is adjusting to the bike effectively. However, he remarked that he faces challenges with new tires during qualifying, even though he delivered an impressive lap in Buriram.
He admitted that he had been feeling positive since the Barcelona test in Montmelo last November, which took place after the season ended.
"Naturally, getting used to everything required time, and I believe I'm still adjusting in certain aspects of riding."
"Frankly speaking, this bike quickly instilled a strong sense of front-end confidence in me. This is crucial for adapting effectively."
"When you trust your instincts, things tend to get simpler in the end."
"However, I must admit that I'm still having difficulties with the new tires. The bike behaves quite differently when we equip it with the new tires, so I'm still in the process of fully adapting to the change."
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Marc Marquez Sizzles in Testing but Crowns Bagnaia as Thai MotoGP Favorite
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/marquez-blazing-on-track-bagnaia-poised-1024x1024-47466933.png)
Marc Marquez's performance in race simulations is impressive, yet he identifies someone else as the top contender for the Thai MotoGP. "I'm in second place…"
Marc Marquez has refuted claims that he is the leading contender to win the first race of the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand, even after delivering a remarkable performance during a race simulation on the final day of testing.
During Thursday's Buriram test, the official Ducati rider executed a 23-lap race simulation, achieving an average lap time of 1 minute and 30.378 seconds. This performance was notably half a second faster than the record-setting lap time from the 2023 grand prix at the same location.
During the Sepang test, Marquez made headlines with his sprint simulation, and he also led the combined standings on both days at Buriram.
As a result, numerous people now consider him the frontrunner to kick off the 2025 season with a victory. However, he maintains that his teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, deserves that recognition.
Marc Marquez demonstrated remarkable speed during his race pace simulation. On average, he was 0.7 seconds quicker per lap compared to Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez, both of whom covered a similar distance. #MotoGP #BuriramTest
He stated, "In my opinion, Pecco is the top contender, and I see myself as the next in line."
"Here's how we concluded the championship last year."
Over the past four years, he competed for the championship and emerged victorious on two occasions.
"We're at the world championship level, where speed is a given. While testing is just testing, how often does one rider consistently show incredible speed during the pre-season?"
"We are aiming to establish a strong foundation. We've identified it, but maintaining a well-balanced approach is crucial."
"And let's not overlook [Jorge] Martin. Sure, he's absent right now, and it's easy to forget about him when his name isn't visible."
"However, he is a world champion, and as demonstrated by Marco Bezzecchi's performance today on the Aprilia, he was quick."
Marc Marquez Comments on Ducati's Engine Choice
During the last day of testing, Ducati announced that it will compete with its 2024 engine for the upcoming two seasons. This decision came after failing to achieve significant improvements with the 2025 engine model.
Regarding the decision, Marquez commented, "Initially, I noticed that, in my opinion, there were two unfamiliar motorcycles."
"Right from the start, I noticed that the balance of the '24 model was excellent."
"However, we continued to focus intensively on the model '25 to see if we could address its weaknesses, as it also had some very strong aspects."
"Testing the bike across three different circuits allowed us to realize… or rather, it highlighted Ducati's wise choice to remain composed and stick with the 2024 model's base engine. This approach enabled us to incorporate a few minor updates here and introduce them during the races."
“The motorcycle is functioning properly, so there was no justification to gamble on approving an engine that remains uncertain for the next couple of years.”
Marquez minimized the significance of his standout performance during the last day of testing, pointing out that few other riders completed full race distances as he did. He also mentioned that his brother, Alex Marquez, experienced a problem with his bike.
He mentioned that his goal was to complete a long race, something he believed few others had attempted.
"I understand it might be dull, but competing with my brother gave me motivation since he's quick too, although he did encounter a minor issue."
The approach was to tackle the task separately rather than collaboratively, with the plan to compare results afterwards. In the end, this method proved effective as he demonstrated excellent riding skills.
"I had an extensive checklist covering technical aspects, performance factors, and my own riding style, and we successfully completed everything. Therefore, I'm prepared to begin the season."
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Ducati Deliberates GP24 Engine for 2025 Amidst Upcoming Freeze: A Decision Pending
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ducati-motorcycle-engineers-ponder-bluep-1024x1024-69614490.png)
Ducati leans towards favored engine choice, yet “final call is still pending”
Ducati faces dilemma between 2024 or 2025 model specifications
Ducati's team leader, Davide Tardozzi, has indicated that the company is inclined to approve the GP24 engine for its MotoGP motorcycle set to release in 2025, although an official decision remains pending.
The GP24 emerged as an exceptionally dominant motorcycle in MotoGP history, securing victories in 16 out of the 20 grand prix races that took place last year.
Heading into a period where engine development will be halted for two years beginning in 2025, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia dedicated significant effort in evaluating the GP24 and GP25 engines during the Sepang trials.
Both riders emphasized the necessity of confirming a substantial improvement in the GP25 engine before committing to its use for the forthcoming two seasons, considering the high standard already established by the GP24 engine.
During the initial day of the testing session in Buriram, Thailand, this week, the primary Ducati racers seemed to prefer the GP24 engine, as Tardozzi affirmed, indicating this is probably the path they will follow.
"Up until now, no final decision has been made, but it seems we are leaning towards 2024," Tardozzi shared with MotoGP's After the Flag.
"However, this evening marks the moment when Gigi and the engineering team will make the ultimate choice. I have a hunch that [we'll opt for the GP24], though it hasn't been officially confirmed yet."
Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia to Use Ducati Engine?
Ducati's decision to use a previous version of their engine in their latest motorcycle isn't unprecedented. The manufacturer opted for a last-minute switch to a combined 2021/2022 engine for their GP22 model.
This decision turned out to be wise, as Bagnaia eventually clinched the title, whereas the Pramac pair, utilizing the complete 2022-spec engine, only managed to secure eight podium finishes combined.
Tardozzi has acknowledged that the probable choice of the GP24 is due to the impending two-year freeze on engine development.
"Indeed, as previously mentioned, we are making this choice due to the necessity of halting [the engine's] development for two years, aiming to avoid any risks during this period," he explained.
"Hence, the feedback and reliability we've received from the 2024 engine in previous instances were positive. Therefore, I believe this will likely be our decision."
Marquez caught attention on Wednesday in Thailand by opting not to test Ducati's aerodynamic setup planned for 2025.
Yet, Tardozzi clarified that the variation was merely a result of the riders following distinct schedules, and he also minimized the significance of both competitors facing difficulties during a practice start session.
"Today, their tasks and schedules vary," he clarified.
Marc is exploring alternative seating arrangements on his bicycle as he appears to be experiencing some discomfort.
"He's experimented with various ergonomic designs, including handlebars, to improve his seating position on the bike."
"I believe the issue stemmed from beginning with the hard tire, yet I noticed that other brands encountered similar difficulties."
"It appears that there was an issue with the bike's clutch not being correctly adjusted. However, I believe that, as always, Marc and Pecco are expected to have a strong start in the upcoming race."
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Joan Mir’s Dual Perspective: Celebrating Honda’s Progress Amid Engine Concerns Ahead of 2025 MotoGP Season
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/joan-mir-celebrates-hondas-dual-engine-t-1024x1024-56373163.png)
Joan Mir expresses concern regarding the engine, pointing out Honda's "vulnerabilities." He acknowledges, "When it comes to racing, we've already been defeated…"
Joan Mir expressed his satisfaction with the advances Honda has made in MotoGP following the last day of preseason testing in Thailand. However, he still has reservations about certain shortcomings of the RC213V.
Mir's positive outlook was sparked by his performance during the last day's time trial. Although he completed just a single attempt, he still achieved a speed that ranked him sixth overall.
"The lap wasn't impressive," remarked Mir. "I struggled to piece everything together since we only fitted one tire at the end and didn't perform two time attacks as many other riders did."
"I'm pleased about this, as it indicates that we achieved the lap time and still have some room for improvement."
Joan Mir highlights the benefits of Honda. The Spanish rider expressed his satisfaction with his comfort on the motorcycle and his consistent speed during extended rides.
Mir stated that what matters most to him at present is how he feels while riding the bike.
"The speed we achieved in the Sprint simulation is the best I've experienced since joining Honda, so I couldn't ask for anything better."
He stated: "My current emotions are quite different from what I experienced last year. I am optimistic that we can maintain this progress and avoid losing our way during the development process, as we did around the same time last year."
"I trust that we will gain insights from our errors, and I also wish to commend my team for achieving such progress in a short timeframe, which is no small feat."
"I'm really pleased for the team. While these tests might seem insignificant, they hold great importance for the employees involved."
"It’s remarkable to be nearing the top five with such a gap, especially considering that just a few months back, we struggled to compete even against some test riders."
During this preseason, Mir has repeatedly expressed a mix of hope for the advancements achieved and concern over the remaining weaknesses of the Honda in 2025.
"We have a few vulnerabilities, and the issue is that these vulnerabilities are quite significant and very fragile," he stated.
"I'm concerned about the engine. Although the bike performs nicely and allows me to ride in a manner that I enjoy, I can't deny that there's an issue. The problem is that we're the slowest on the straight sections."
"Today, we managed to achieve a lap time that placed us in a strong position, even though the bike might not match the competition on the straights."
"In the context of racing, we've already been defeated, which is somewhat concerning to me."
Marini seeks validation of a “normal GP”
Luca Marini, who is Mir's teammate at Honda HRC Castrol, shared a similar sense of careful hopefulness. However, Marini's main worry was about the grip on the track. The excellent conditions in Buriram, along with the high grip resulting from continuous practice over two days, suggested that the test—particularly on the second day—did not accurately reflect what one would expect during a typical race weekend.
"Marini remarked that achieving a 1:29 was straightforward on the last day of testing."
"In the Grand Prix, it's essential for us to verify everything, as the track conditions both today and yesterday were unbelievable."
"The conditions were masking certain issues we face, such as grip. In these situations, the grip is exceptional, allowing us to apply more power to the bike when accelerating out of slow corners, and making it easier to bring the bike to a stop."
"Thursday was definitely a great day, and Wednesday was also successful, making the entire preseason a positive experience overall."
"We have a clear understanding of the setup needed for the initial races, and we are fairly pleased as we've improved upon our performance from this time last year."
"It's somewhat premature to make a definitive statement, as we need to assess our standing in a regular Grand Prix."
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Jack Miller’s Yamaha Journey: Adapting Style Using Fabio Quartararo as a Benchmark
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/jack-miller-emulating-quartararo-on-yama-1024x1024-3581704.png)
Jack Miller draws a comparison between his riding technique and that of Fabio Quartararo on the new Yamaha. "I am working on figuring out how to adjust my style to replicate those actions," he said.
Jack Miller has taken Fabio Quartararo as a reference point while familiarizing himself with his Yamaha.
During preseason trials, Yamaha has drawn significant attention, as Quarararo led the first day of testing in Sepang.
During the last day of testing in Buriram, Quartararo secured an impressive eighth place, whereas Pramac Yamaha's Miller finished in 10th position.
Miller drew a parallel between his experience on the Yamaha and that of Quartararo, noting, "I've primarily been comparing myself to Fabio, since he is the quickest rider."
"He has notable strengths, certain weaknesses, and some unique qualities."
"With this bicycle, he performs unique actions."
"I am working on adjusting my style to accomplish tasks like that, while also recognizing my strengths."
Jack Miller Transitions from KTM to Yamaha
During the 2025 preseason tests, Jack Miller's switch from KTM to Yamaha has shown mostly favorable results.
He expressed that he had always believed Yamaha had a solid foundation. His main curiosity was about how his riding style would mesh with the bike and what adjustments he might need to make.
"I'm having a great time riding it. Whenever I put on a new tire, I find myself thinking, 'I should have let go sooner and taken the corner just a bit faster.'"
"It's an enjoyable bike to ride, especially when pushing it to its limits. That's when its true qualities really shine."
"We've taken significant strides and are certain to see progress in the initial races."
"The path looks promising. I'm feeling positive. I'm eager to start racing now."
Miller commented, "I believe I'm as prepared as possible. The bike is performing well, and I'm pleased with our current situation."
"We tossed two tires onto it, something we hadn’t tried before. It was enjoyable. While it's always a bit nerve-wracking, it’s also exciting. Completing it brings satisfaction."
"The bike handles nicely in that scenario, which is impressive."
The focus is on grasping the necessary steps to prepare the motorcycle for achieving that specific lap time. This involves techniques such as scrubbing the rear tire, optimizing the performance of the front, and finding ways to make up the time.
"I completed the sprint simulation and was very pleased with my timing."
"I encountered a problem with one of the maps when trying to start. There was a preset qualifying map that caused me to begin the lap immediately! The last three laps became quite intense."
"It was useful to have her take that action to grasp the situation."
"When we return in 10 days, the situation will largely remain unchanged."
"I'm prepared to ride, and I find the bike enjoyable. Each day is an opportunity to discover something new about it and understand what it requires from me."
Statements shared by Derry Munikartono in Buriram
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Marquez Brothers Dominate Day 1 at Buriram MotoGP Test as 2025 Season Revs Up
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/marquez-brothers-speed-ahead-on-track-ma-1024x1024-51378424.png)
2025 Buriram MotoGP Official Test Scores – First Day (Wednesday)
Closing lap times recorded at 6pm on the initial day, Wednesday, of the 2025 Buriram MotoGP official testing.
Closing lap records from the first day of the 2025 Buriram MotoGP trials on Wednesday.
Throughout much of the initial day of testing at the sweltering Buriram circuit, Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez, who previously led in Barcelona and Sepang tests, was at the top of the timesheets. However, in the final moments of the day, his brother Marc Marquez surged ahead, beating Alex's time by 0.465 seconds.
Marc Marquez alongside his team member from Ducati Lenovo, Francesco Bagnaia, were seen on GP24 Desmosedicis, fueling speculation about their indecision on selecting GP25 components for racing.
Franco Morbidelli secured third place for VR46, followed closely by Aprilia’s sole factory racer Marco Bezzecchi. Red Bull KTM's Pedro Acosta and Honda's Luca Marini rounded out the top six, while Jack Miller was the quickest Yamaha, finishing in tenth.
The last day of pre-season trials is set for Thursday, ahead of MotoGP's comeback to Buriram for the season's first race at the month's close.
Rider has moved up X spots since the last hour.
Rider's status remains unchanged from the last hour.
X Rider has dropped X spots since the last hour.
Recorded achievements at the Buriram MotoGP:
Fastest circuit time: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati clocked at 1 minute and 28.700 seconds (2024).
Quickest lap time in the race: Marco Bezzecchi on a Ducati clocked at 1 minute and 30.896 seconds (2023)
The last pre-season test for the 2025 MotoGP season kicked off on Wednesday morning at Thailand's Buriram circuit.
Last week at Sepang, Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing took the Ducati GP24 to the leading position, and after topping the timesheets at the Barcelona test in November, he's poised to dominate the winter testing season.
In the meantime, the Ducati factory team, featuring siblings Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, faces significant decisions regarding the engine selection for their upcoming GP25 model. This is especially critical as the engine designs for all European motorcycles will be locked in from the first round through to the conclusion of 2026.
Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha emerged as the top contenders following Ducati at Sepang, leveraging additional track time during the Shakedown. However, the question remains if they can maintain their performance in Buriram when conditions are the same for everyone.
Exclusive to Honda, the Chang International Circuit has already seen MotoGP action before 2025, thanks to a private session in January where Aleix Espargaro and Takaaki Nakagami took to the track.
This week, Aprilia's recent recruit and the current MotoGP titleholder, Jorge Martin, along with VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio, who both sustained injuries in Sepang, will not be participating. Raul Fernandez, who was also hurt on the opening day in Malaysia, plans to attempt to compete in Buriram.
The Buriram trials are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with practice launches occurring afterward, on both Wednesday and Thursday.
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Fabio Quartararo Cautiously Optimistic as Yamaha Embraces ‘Dark Horse’ Status for 2025 MotoGP Season
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quartararo-confidently-rides-yamahas-fut-1024x1024-41107421.png)
Fabio Quartararo reacts to Yamaha being labeled as the underdog in MotoGP, stating, "Setting a specific goal is quite challenging."
Fabio Quartararo has stated that he is not setting any specific goals for the 2025 MotoGP season. Although Yamaha's winter testing showed promising results, he mentioned that they are still in a phase focused on making improvements.
Following a second consecutive season without any victories in 2024, Yamaha seems to have made a strong start with its 2025 contender during the Sepang shakedown and two official pre-season tests conducted over the past month.
Quartararo finished the Buriram test in eighth place overall, and on Thursday in Thailand, the French rider performed a promising sprint simulation.
Yamaha's impressive performance over the winter has led some, including Ducati, to see the Japanese brand and Quartararo as contenders in the upcoming season.
However, the 2021 world champion is careful not to set high expectations before the start of the new season.
"I don't have any objectives or ambitions," he stated.
"At this moment, it's challenging for me to establish a specific goal because we are still in the phase where improvements are necessary."
"Currently, we are in a phase where we continue to make progress."
"I believe the objectives will be established shortly before the sprint event and the main race."
"It's advisable to establish goals once we have a reasonable understanding of our current situation."
Fabio Quartararo discusses problem with tires
Quartararo has faced difficulties with the front tires provided by Michelin during the Buriram test, and these issues continued on Thursday.
When questioned about whether the distance to the lead was greater than anticipated, he remarked, "I believe the conditions in Sepang were distinct."
Additionally, I lacked a strong sense of control at the front, which I believe cost me about two to three tenths of a second, particularly during the time attack.
"Regarding our speed, I believe that, similar to Malaysia, we were about three-tenths slower during the sprint simulation."
"In my opinion, we're about three to four-tenths of a second slower compared to the leading competitors."
"Indeed, I believe it's pretty much what I anticipated here. However, I thought the time attack would be quicker because I didn't foresee having an issue with the front end."
The French rider mentioned that Yamaha still hasn't resolved its issues with rear traction; however, the 2025 model has shown improvements in top speed.
"Regrettably, we were unable to enhance the traction grip."
"We enhanced the maximum speed, which is essential for us."
"Like I mentioned earlier, we struggled with the front corner speed, which was a challenge for us. We're hopeful we can address this issue during the race weekend."
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Marc Marquez Dominates Day One at 2025 Buriram MotoGP Test with Ducati’s Power Surge
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/marquez-speeds-ahead-under-thai-sun-make-1024x1024-96548712.png)
2025 Official Buriram MotoGP trial: Marc Marquez ascends to leading position on initial day
Eight-time world champion propels Ducati team to forefront
Marc Marquez concluded the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season trials at the top of the leaderboard, pulling ahead of the competition by 0.465 seconds with a quick lap on his official Ducati during a late surge.
The concluding two-day trial before the season kicks off holds significance for everyone, yet it appears to be particularly crucial for the official Ducati team as it determines which engine to deploy for the upcoming two seasons.
Before the session concluded, team leader David Tardozzi indicated the high probability of competing with the GP24 engine this season.
It seems that was the motor Marquez primarily used throughout the day, and it was also the one he utilized to achieve Wednesday's quickest lap time.
Positioned within the leading duo until the last hour, Marquez pushed ahead with a late burst, clocking a 1m29.184s to take the top spot.
He surpassed his sibling, Alex Marquez, who was riding for Gresini on a complete GP24, by achieving the best time of 1m29.649s in the third hour of the session.
The lap remained the standard until the final moments, when Marc Marquez dazzled everyone with his time on the scoreboard.
Franco Morbidelli secured a top three finish for VR46 on a Ducati, trailing Alex Marquez by just 0.034 seconds.
Marco Bezzecchi secured the fourth position riding the top Aprilia, clocking in at 1 minute and 29.794 seconds, as Pedro Acosta spearheaded KTM's effort, finishing fifth.
Luca Marini had yet another promising day of pre-season testing for Honda, securing sixth place with a time of 1 minute and 29.928 seconds, outpacing his HRC teammate Johann Zarco from LCR.
Francesco Bagnaia secured the eighth position riding for the affiliated Ducati team, while KTM rider Brad Binder finished ninth, even after a late fall at Turn 5.
Jack Miller from Pramac emerged as the top Yamaha rider, securing the 10th spot with a time of 1 minute and 30.047 seconds. Meanwhile, Honda's Joan Mir positioned himself among the M1 riders, surpassing both Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.
Fermin Aldeguer led the newcomers for Gresini Ducati, finishing 14th, while Ai Ogura of Trackhouse Racing rounded out the top 15.
On Wednesday in Thailand, Tech3 KTM's Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales appeared to face difficulties once more, finishing 16th and 18th respectively, whereas Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse, returning from injury, ended up 19th after completing 33 laps.
Complete Results from the First Day of Testing in Buriram
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Moto GP
Pecco Bagnaia’s Revelation: The Truth Behind Ducati’s Engine Decision at Buriram Test
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bagnaia-reveals-ducati-engine-secrets-dr-1024x1024-7901147.png)
Pecco Bagnaia confesses: “I was dishonest and couldn't reveal the truth” regarding the Ducati engine choice. Pecco Bagnaia discusses Ducati's significant engine decision.
Francesco Bagnaia expressed that he was "certain from the beginning" that Ducati's engine for 2024 outperformed the 2025 model during the MotoGP winter testing sessions.
The primary focus of the 2025 pre-season testing has been Ducati's selection of engine, a topic that gained additional significance due to the impending two-year development freeze starting with the Thai Grand Prix.
On Thursday, during the testing session in Buriram, Ducati announced that it would approve the engine it plans to use in 2024 for its factory riders in 2025. This decision came because the latest version of the engine did not show a significant improvement.
Francesco Bagnaia, who ranked fifth in the Buriram testing session dominated by his teammate Marc Marquez, mentioned on Wednesday that while the 2025 engine showed competitive performance, it did not perform as well as the 2024 model when it came to braking.
At the conclusion of the Buriram test, Bagnaia confessed to deceiving the press and revealed that he had been confident from the beginning of the pre-season that the 2024 engine was superior.
He expressed that surpassing the '24 model was challenging, and he believes others might be willing to pay to experience something similar.
"However, from where I stood, I was absolutely certain. I must admit that I've been somewhat deceitful lately, but I was unable to reveal the truth."
"However, I had a strong belief from the beginning that the ’24 version was superior."
"After putting in some effort and attempting to make improvements, Marc and I both agreed on the first day in Malaysia that the GP24 was still slightly superior."
"Our efforts to enhance the braking system didn't go as planned. However, during our work on the '24 model, we realized there is still room for improvement, which is promising news."
Pecco Bagnaia discusses Ducati's testing in Buriram
Ducati appears poised to kick off the year with its 2024 aerodynamics and chassis in place. However, Bagnaia mentions that the bike he will be using is a "’24.9," indicating that it is extremely similar to the latest model.
On Wednesday, Bagnaia faced challenges in Thailand, prompting him to go back to the basics on the last day of testing to enhance his motorcycle.
After a period of hard work, Bagnaia concludes the test feeling satisfied with the improvements his team achieved.
"This morning, to be truthful, I began experiencing the same feelings I had the previous day," he mentioned.
"However, from that point onward, we began making progress with each practice, and I'm quite pleased with the results."
"Today was challenging, but we successfully finished our work despite losing everything the day before."
"We had to start over, but I was making progress. This makes me happy. I'm particularly pleased with my performance on worn tires, as I remained very competitive towards the end of the day using them."
"The only aspect that didn't go as planned today was the time trial I attempted towards the end of the session, due to factors beyond our control.
"I believe the race weekend itself won't pose any issues for us. Beyond that, there's nothing else to add. I'm simply content."
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Moto GP
Ducati’s Strategic Engine Call: Opting for 2024 Power in MotoGP Amid Uncertainties with 2025 Model
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ducati-motogp-bike-roars-on-track-create-1024x1024-87095055.png)
Ducati reveals important engine choice affecting Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez
Ducati faced a dilemma regarding engine selection for 2024 or 2025
Davide Tardozzi, the head of the Ducati team, has announced that the factory riders of the Italian brand will compete using the 2024 engine for the upcoming two MotoGP seasons.
Throughout the pre-season, Ducati has consistently appeared formidable. However, uncertainty has surrounded their choice regarding which engine they will use for the 2025 races.
The GP24, which has already proven to be a highly successful model with victories in 16 out of 20 races last year, sets a solid foundation. With a two-year engine freeze starting this season, the GP25 engine needs to show significant improvement.
During the Buriram test on Wednesday, both Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia acknowledged that the 2025 engine shows strong competitiveness. However, Marquez conceded that there are some "notable weaknesses" with it.
Facing significant uncertainty, Ducati has decided not to approve an engine for a two-year period. Instead, the company has chosen Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Di Giannantonio from the VR46 team to compete using the 2024 engine.
"The decision has been made, and the engine used for the 2025 and 2026 seasons will be the one from 2024," stated Tardozzi.
"Like I mentioned the day before, Gigi Dall’Igna is not willing to take any chances."
"Our team back home will need to work hard to prepare engines for our three factory riders ahead of the first race. However, Gigi has made the call, and I believe we'll have those engines ready."
Will Ducati Revert to Previous Chassis and Aero Design?
Ducati might consider beginning the 2025 season using their chassis and aerodynamics setup from 2024. The brand plans to re-evaluate these components during the testing session following the Spanish Grand Prix.
Tardozzi mentioned that using the 2024 chassis and aerodynamics in races is indeed a potential option.
"I believe the ultimate choice regarding the fairing and chassis will be made this evening. As for the engine, which is already set, we plan to delay testing the other new components we have until the Jerez trials, as we'd like to evaluate them further."
"Certain components related to electronics and suspension are already part of the bike, and these are the elements intended for the 2025 model."
With all six of Ducati's motorcycles now competing with engines for the 2024 season, the manufacturer will need to put in significant effort in the next few weeks to produce all of these engines. However, Tardozzi remains unconcerned about this challenge.
He mentioned that constructing those engines would require a significant amount of work from the team.
"However, should we choose to pursue this, it can be achieved. In my opinion, making enhancements to the 2024 bike presents a significant challenge."
"We made a strong effort, but ultimately, we couldn't locate what we anticipated. As a result, we've opted for the safest choice for the riders."
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Moto GP
Quartararo Faces Unusual Challenge at Buriram MotoGP Test: Struggles with Front Tyre Preference
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/quartararo-puzzled-testing-tyres-on-trac-1024x1024-43589977.png)
Fabio Quartararo discusses unusual experience during MotoGP testing in Buriram
"For the first time in my career, I found myself not favoring any of the front tires…"
Following an impressive performance at the Sepang test last week, Fabio Quartararo kicked off this week's Buriram MotoGP test with a day he characterized as "unusual".
The distinctiveness of the day stemmed from the sensation Quartararo experienced at the front end of his Yamaha, which he attributed to the tyres.
"Today felt quite unusual for us," commented the rider from Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP after the first day of testing in Buriram, "mainly because it's one of the rare occasions in my career when I found no front tyres to my liking.
"Today, I faced significant challenges in both riding and maintaining speed."
"Thus, we'll find out tomorrow whether the track conditions get better and allow me to ride as I desire; since today, despite our numerous attempts, my riding was not up to par."
"Hopefully, by tomorrow we'll be able to discover a tire, or a tire configuration, that suits our needs."
The rider from France mentioned that he and Yamaha were still unsure about the reason behind his diminishing confidence with the front end. However, he emphasized his conviction that the issue stemmed from the tyres rather than the YZR-M1 motorcycle.
"Whenever there are two tyres involved, you often find yourself favoring one over the other," he stated.
"However, disliking both is a new experience for me. I'm unsure of the reason, but I'm hopeful that my feelings will shift by tomorrow."
Quartararo Finishes 13th in Buriram Trial
Quartararo described that his lack of comfort with the front end contributed to an improved sense of stability during braking.
"The bicycle feels somewhat steadier, primarily due to my inability to apply a lot of force to the front brake," he explained.
Naturally, the motorcycle is steadier now. Last season, I was able to really push its boundaries, so I anticipate that tomorrow, as I attempt to extend those limits again, we might see the bike become unstable once more, especially if we encounter similar issues with the tyres during the race.
"Thus, come tomorrow morning, we aim to really test the bike's limits."
Quartararo could verify that Yamaha has improved its performance in straight-line speed after trailing Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez.
"I was trailing Alex Marquez for a lap, but it's challenging to make a direct comparison when he's on a tyre that's been used for 18 laps and mine has only seen five laps, so it's tough to gauge accurately. However, I believe we've made significant advancements on the straightaways," he mentioned.
In conclusion, the 2021 World Champion mentioned that Yamaha's aerodynamic and engine setup is now "essentially established," and that he dedicated most of his day to experimenting with new electronic approaches.
On the last day of the 2025 MotoGP preseason trials happening Thursday, Quartararo concentrated on refining his starting techniques, believing that there was potential for enhancement following the practice launch session that took place in the interval between Wednesday's morning and afternoon sessions.
"Tomorrow, we aim to experiment with some new strategies for the electronics at the start, with the hope of achieving some improvements," he stated.
"Today, I believe we tried various approaches that might have been effective, but unfortunately, they didn't yield the desired results for us."
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Alex became part of the Crash.net crew in August 2024 after spending two years at Visordown, where he reported on both consumer and racing motorcycle news.
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Moto GP
Marc Marquez Dominates Final Day of 2025 Buriram MotoGP Testing with Factory Ducati
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/marquezs-ducati-speeds-through-buriram-s-1024x1024-17467644.png)
2025 Official Buriram MotoGP Test: Marc Marquez Concludes Pre-Season in the Lead
Ducati's Factory Rider Grabs Attention on the Last Day of Trials
Marc Marquez achieved the fastest time with his factory Ducati on the last day of MotoGP pre-season testing in Thailand, maintaining his lead over Alex Marquez.
The standout news from the last day of winter testing was Ducati's choice to use the 2024 engine model for the upcoming two racing seasons.
Marc Marquez still managed to capture attention when he completed a full race simulation on Thursday, clocking a time that was seven-tenths of a second faster than Alex Marquez's time on the complete GP24.
The world champion, who has won the title eight times, set the fastest lap with a time of 1 minute and 28.855 seconds. He claimed the top position during the second hour of the session and maintained his lead for the remainder of the day without any competition.
Alex Marquez followed closely behind his sibling on the Gresini-managed GP24, finishing 0.179 seconds behind the fastest time. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi delivered an impressive performance on the factory Aprilia, securing third place and setting the fastest lap ever recorded by the Italian manufacturer at Buriram.
Pedro Acosta was at the forefront during the first hour on the official KTM and concluded the day in fourth place overall on the factory RC16.
On the last day, Francesco Bagnaia seemed less at ease compared to his factory Ducati teammate Marc Marquez, finishing in fifth place with a gap of 0.523 seconds from the fastest time.
Joan Mir showed impressive performance on the factory Honda, securing sixth place with a time of 1 minute and 29.399 seconds, while Franco Morbidelli from VR46 Ducati finished in seventh.
Fabio Quartararo secured the eighth position on the overall leaderboard for the factory Yamaha team, while Maverick Vinales managed to climb to ninth place with a late surge on the Tech3 KTM.
Jack Miller secured the tenth position riding the Pramac Yamaha, trailing the leader by 0.762 seconds.
Ai Ogura spearheaded the newcomers' efforts by securing the 11th position for the Trackhouse Aprilia team with a time of 1 minute and 29.636 seconds. Meanwhile, Brad Binder placed 12th representing the main factory team KTM.
Despite his recent injuries, Raul Fernandez persevered, managing to secure the 13th position for Trackhouse Aprilia after completing 31 laps on Thursday.
Italian rider Enea Bastianini appeared to face ongoing challenges with the KTM during the final day of testing, finishing in 15th place.
Fermin Aldeguer secured the 18th position riding for Gresini Ducati, whereas his fellow newcomer, Somkiat Chantra, finished in 20th place on the LCR Honda.
The 2025 MotoGP season is set to commence in Buriram, with events scheduled from February 28 to March
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Jack Miller Highlights Yamaha’s Edge Over KTM in Preseason MotoGP Test: A New Frontier in Front-End Confidence
![](https://automobilnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/jack-miller-leans-sharply-yamaha-outpace-1024x1024-11631082.png)
Jack Miller identifies Yamaha's superior aspect over KTM
"It leaves you craving additional advantages…"
Jack Miller secured a spot within the first 10 positions during the initial day of MotoGP preseason testing in Buriram.
The ex-rider for Honda, Ducati, and KTM is adapting smoothly to his new Yamaha, a brand that's turning heads as it gears up for the 2025 racing season.
Miller highlighted a section where his latest device offers improvements over the capabilities of last year's KTM model.
"Miller expressed his satisfaction in Buriram, noting, "It's a pleasure to ride the bike, and having confidence in the front end is a huge advantage."
"It keeps you craving for more. Each time you fit a new tire, you find yourself thinking, 'I could have taken those corners faster'."
"It instills a significant amount of trust in the front end, something that has been lacking in the recent years.
"That has taken me by a delightful surprise."
"Regarding the back? Our focus was on refining the acceleration and braking around corners. I was pleased with the adjustments we implemented."
Jack Miller Achieves 10th Place in Buriram Speeds
Miller, teaming up with Miguel Oliveira at Pramac, which recently transitioned from Ducati to Yamaha, characterized his new motorcycle as a "rocket ship" right off the starting line.
He mentioned regarding the tests in Buriram: "We immediately found our pace with the initial setup we brought from Sepang."
"I felt satisfied with the experience. The course was in decent condition, albeit a bit dusty. Fortunately, due to the high number of bikes present, it became clean swiftly."
The bicycle performs efficiently. However, maintaining grip at the back remains a problem. Yet, in this location, where grip levels are generally low, it's not as perceptible. At Sepang, the issue was more evident.
"Today, I consistently clocked laps in the .30s range, though I really wished I could have hit a .29s."
"I'm pleased with the speed. Riding the bike in warm weather is enjoyable."
The group made a few tweaks, yet overall, the configuration remained as it was when we concluded in Sepang.
"I was satisfied with its performance under somewhat questionable circumstances."
"Each time you set out on a fresh bike, it's crucial to be receptive and learn. Grasp the feedback the bike provides you."
Yamaha has faced challenging times over the last few years.
However, Miller believes there's no obstacle preventing the manufacturer from capitalizing on their encouraging preseason performance.
"Miller was adamant, stating, 'I ignore everyone's opinions.'"
"Yamaha once performed well on many circuits, but that's no longer the case. Conversely, Ducati, which previously struggled, now excels on every track."
"The era is evolving. Our attention is on our capabilities."
"Yamaha has historically performed well at this location."
Statements made by Derry Munikartono in Buriram
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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.
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