Franco Morbidelli on his VR46 debut: "There's something special here"

"We possess something extraordinary, and it's crucial we make the most of it"

Franco Morbidelli is enthusiastic about taking advantage of his special bond with VR46 as he joins Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team for the 2025 season.

The Italian rider, who became the VR46 Academy's first world champion in Moto2 in 2017 and later won a MotoGP race in 2020, is transitioning from the Pramac team.

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In addition to being in a known environment, Morbidelli is among the select riders who will retain the same model of motorcycle in 2025.

This year, Morbidelli rode a factory Desmosedici GP24 for Pramac, the same bike that his teammate Jorge Martin used to clinch the championship. However, Morbidelli missed the entire pre-season testing period because of head injuries.

The ex-Yamaha racer, who previously finished as a title runner-up, secured a podium finish in the Sprint race at Misano, claimed fourth place at the Indonesian Grand Prix, and ended up ninth in the overall rankings.

During the Barcelona test on Tuesday, he made his first appearance with Pertamina VR46, finishing in seventh place, just 0.762 seconds behind.

"Morbidelli mentioned that today was crucial for familiarizing himself with the colleagues he will collaborate with in the coming year."

This encompasses Matteo Flamigni, who once served as Marco Bezzecchi's crew chief and was previously Valentino Rossi's electronics engineer.

"I have been acquainted with numerous team members for several years, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to collaborate with them," stated Morbidelli.

"I've admired Matteo since I was young; he made a name for himself with Vale as his electronics engineer, and we got along well."

Morbidelli expressed his respect for everyone in the team, highlighting the strong bonds and mutual understanding they share. He believes this unique connection is something special that should be utilized effectively.

"It's essential to utilize it to quickly establish connections and relationships in order to accomplish our goals."

The debut on Tuesday went smoothly according to expectations.

Morbidelli described the first day as excellent. He mentioned making adjustments to the bike to gain insights and enhance the understanding between him and his team.

"That will be the key factor next year. As we deepen our understanding of one another during these challenging times, our performance and responses during race weekends will improve."

"I enjoy the environment here; it has all the necessary elements for success. We put in a lot of effort, and I decided against using the soft tire at the end because the temperature was too low to enhance our lap time. All in all, it was an excellent beginning."

What about the unique types of leather?

"Lovely. I'm eager to see additional pictures as they were quite enjoyable."

Fabio di Giannantonio, who is on the same team as Morbidelli, was unable to participate in the test because he recently underwent surgery on his shoulder.

For two decades, Peter has been a prominent figure in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. Currently, he is closely involved with the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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Honda's MotoGP Test Results: Why Zarco Isn't Worried Despite 'Not Very Positive' Steps

LCR Racer Shares Thoughts on Barcelona MotoGP Testing

Johann Zarco expressed that his experience with the 2025 Honda during the post-season MotoGP test in Barcelona was "not very positive." However, he remains calm and is "not getting stressed" over it.

Joan Mir, a rider for the Honda factory team, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Japanese brand for not introducing new components during Tuesday's test in Barcelona.

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The 2020 world champion mentioned that all the components he experimented with for 2025 were advancements he had already tested earlier this year. He anticipated having additional new parts.

After completing 65 laps, Zarco secured the 10th position overall in the test and emerged as the fastest HRC rider. However, he was also dissatisfied with the progress of the bike he tested.

"We tried out a different bike, but the results weren't very promising," he started by saying.

The information suggests that it might be wise to avoid pursuing this path in February. When I switched from my current race bike to the new model, I focused on refining my riding technique and aimed to make the most efficient use of the bike.

"I had a great time today as I focused on short, high-quality runs, which was really enjoyable. We experimented with various approaches that resulted in some positive experiences."

Overall, the day was favorable, but in terms of Honda's goals for the upcoming year, it's necessary to hold a meeting to evaluate the situation and decide whether to continue pursuing the direction taken today.

"I believe they won't take that step. Overall, when we compare it to the other motorcycles, we've noticed enhancements in our engine."

"This is crucial since our bike isn't the quickest. Having power is essential to compete effectively on straight sections and secure advantageous positions for overtaking during braking."

"The vulnerable aspect of our bicycle is the control of the rear grip."

"We have yet to discover anything that would allow us to make progress. This grip control could aid in speeding up, but it might also assist in improving the braking section, which is currently our main weakness."

Zarco experimented with a new chassis among other modifications, but he mentioned that it diminished the strengths of the RC213V and failed to address its traction issues.

However, he remains calm and is not panicking because he believes that experimenting with something unsuccessful can still benefit Honda.

"I believe it was about focusing on the good aspects," he mentioned.

"Our vulnerable area remained unchanged, which is significant. That's the reason I'm not overly concerned, as our pace wasn't substantially reduced."

"Since our speed is still not on par with a Ducati, our upcoming measures need to enhance our lap time."

"For me, it was a productive day because we completed numerous strong laps, and I felt good focusing on improving myself."

"We conducted tests in various parts of the bike, received positive feedback, and gathered crucial information that will be analyzed over the winter."

"It's not an entirely new initiative, but the changes they introduced were not very beneficial for the riders."

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The overlooked standout performer at the 2024 Barcelona MotoGP testing event

In the most recent episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, Crash.net provides an analysis of the post-season test held in Barcelona.

Earlier this week, the 2024 MotoGP post-season test in Barcelona saw several significant modifications on the grid.

As everyone focused on new world champion Jorge Martin taking his initial spin on the Aprilia and Marc Marquez making his debut in the factory Ducati garage, another rider made a notable impression during his first experience with the KTM, albeit with less fanfare.

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Maverick Vinales transitioned from Aprilia to join KTM's Tech3 team for the 2025 season. He delivered a noteworthy performance by finishing 12th, positioning himself between the official RS-GP bikes as he adapted to the RC16.

In the latest episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, the hosts talk about Vinales' first impressions of the bike and analyze what insights can be gathered from his debut test ride on the KTM.

"Vinales found the transition to Aprilia intriguing and quickly developed an appreciation for the engine's power," stated Peter McLaren, Editor at Crash MotoGP.

"He likely had the highest top speed during the test. He also really enjoyed the starts; the KTM's starting performance is arguably the best in MotoGP, possibly even faster than Ducati's."

He thoroughly enjoyed that experience. He expressed some uncertainty regarding the high-speed turns, areas where the Aprilia excelled, but he mentioned that it felt quite good overall.

"At the beginning stages, you need to tread carefully regarding grip levels during testing, particularly if you're a manufacturer struggling with grip issues. Most of these factories are on the hunt for improved grip or traction in some form."

"It's important to exercise caution when forming conclusions from a Tuesday test, especially when there's already been a full day of racing on the track. However, Vinales mentioned that his initial reaction was very favorable."

Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager at Crash, commented, "He seemed very self-assured and appeared to be a perfect match."

Maverick possesses a flair that allows him to appear impressive on any motorcycle he rides. Whether it was the Suzuki, Yamaha, or Aprilia, he consistently looked great.

"It seems he's a valuable asset due to his extensive experience. Despite being tagged as unreliable, with unpredictable weekly performance, he's still regarded as a good person to have around."

"I previously mentioned that there will be a weekend next year when he will be competing for a victory."

In the words of Crash's senior journalist, Lewis Duncan, during the debrief he described it as "natural."

"I haven't seen Maverick so joyful in quite a while. He was genuinely delighted with the motorcycle and appreciates everything about it. Maverick believes he is the top starter in MotoGP, at least from the data he's reviewed, and he was amazed by the capabilities of the KTM."

"He is evidently thrilled about the transition to KTM. He has always been eager to try out the bike, and now that he has, it seems he's quite enthusiastic about the future."

"Clearly, we have to be somewhat skeptical about Maverick's statements at times. Over the weekend, he admitted that he still can't quite grasp why the Americas GP and Portugal weekends were so exceptional, as these events were unusual compared to others."

"Is the success due to him or the bike? Considering Aprilia's performance after that moment, which later declined, it's challenging to determine. This is Maverick's main issue."

"He seems to be overly sensitive. When everything is ideal, his performance is outstanding. However, if conditions aren't perfect, his performance drastically declines. This issue has been noticeable with the KTMs this season."

"When they're performing well, they're leading the pack. However, when they're not at their best, like during last weekend's qualifying, Acosta made it to Q2, but the following KTM rider only placed 18th."

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Ducati aims for a 2025 test run of its MotoGP prototype planned for 2027

Gigi Dall'Igna provides insights into the potential debut timing of Ducati's 2027 model

Gigi Dall’Igna anticipates that the first version of Ducati's 2027 MotoGP prototype will make its track debut "next year".

In the 2027 season, MotoGP motorcycles will experience their most significant transformation in design since the 1000cc engines were introduced in 2012.

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MotoGP is set to transition to an 850cc four-stroke engine format, eliminating aerodynamics and completely banning ride height systems.

Although all manufacturers are being secretive about their development plans for 2027, Ducati's general manager has provided a hint regarding when he anticipates the brand's first prototypes will be tested on the track.

"We are addressing it," Dall’Igna mentioned before the Barcelona test concerning the rules for 2027.

"We're exploring some fresh concepts and are actively engaged in the process. It's challenging to determine a specific timeline at the moment. Currently, we have just the concepts. However, I'm confident that something will materialize by next year."

Beginning with the 2025 season, manufacturers without concessions will be required to halt engine development due to new regulations set to take effect in 2027.

This will place additional focus on Ducati's off-season progress for 2025, as the company aims to maintain its leading status in the championship standings.

In 2024, Ducati showcased their supremacy by winning 19 out of 20 grand prix races and securing the first four positions in the riders' championship standings.

When questioned about whether the upcoming halt on engine development might affect Ducati's dominance before 2027, Dall’Igna responded: "I'm not sure. The new season is like starting a brand-new chapter."

"The producers facing difficulties at the moment might be able to leap ahead. It's unpredictable."

"You need to concentrate on addressing the issues at hand and work on improving the bike to the fullest extent. This is our responsibility and what we must accomplish."

According to the existing concession regulations, Ducati faces the most stringent limitations because of its position in the competitive hierarchy.

In addition to the engine development freeze that will take effect next year, which KTM and Aprilia are also set to follow, Ducati faces restrictions on fielding wildcard entries and will have a reduced number of tires available for testing.

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2024 Official Barcelona MotoGP Test – Final Standings

Conclusive lap results from the official MotoGP test on Tuesday, held post-race in Barcelona, Spain.

X Rider has climbed X spots since the last hour.

Rider maintains the same position as the last hour.

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X Rider has dropped X places since the last hour.

* Newcom

Documented Achievements of Barcelona's MotoGP

Fastest lap: Aleix Espargaro clocked at 1 minute and 38.190 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time in the race: Pedro Acosta clocked at 1 minute and 39.664 seconds (2024)

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday for an official day of testing with their teams for the 2025 season.

The trial marked the first appearance of freshly crowned world champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, alongside Marc Marquez who joined Ducati Lenovo. Pedro Acosta made his debut with Red Bull KTM, while Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales were seen with Tech3 KTM. Franco Morbidelli took to the track with VR46, and the newly unveiled Pramac Yamaha team featured Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Additionally, it was the inaugural MotoGP run for Ai Ogura (Trackhouse), Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini), and Somkiat Chantra (LCR).

During his first outing on the GP24, Gresini's Alex Marquez topped the charts for the majority of the day, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the later part of the afternoon.

Former Ducati title-holder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, and Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo momentarily eclipsed Marquez in speed, until the #73 made a comeback.

Champion Martin managed to lower his shoulder, followed by a thumbs-up gesture and a beaming smile, following his initial laps with Aprilia. Subsequently, Martin experienced his first tumble on the RS-GP, during an attempt to keep up with his close pal Aleix Espargaro, at the fifth turn.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while decelerating for the same turn shortly after 3pm, resulting in significant damage to his RC16. Martin indicated that red flags were necessary to remove debris from the circuit, leading to a halt in the session shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to sixth place in his initial attempts wearing the factory red colors, but later fell out of the top ten.

The eight-time world champion increased his speed to end just slightly behind Bagnaia in fourth position during his last lap, humorously gesturing with a middle finger to his old Gresini team as he made his way back to the factory pits.

First-time MotoGP riders Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced falls in their debut but managed to escape unharmed, while Luca Marini was visibly upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

During a practice start, following the completion of a testing session, Aldeguer shattered his Ducati's screen by hitting it with his helmet!

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

Several cyclists were once more experimenting with the use of radio communication systems integrated into their helmets.

Trials were conducted between 10 am and 5 pm in the local time zone. The following sanctioned MotoGP trials are scheduled for February in Sepang.

After the MotoGP season came to a close on Sunday, participants reconvened at the Barcelona track on Tuesday to engage in a day of formal trials with their 2025 squads.

The trial run showcases the inaugural appearances of world champion Jorge Martin alongside Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia, Marc Marquez joining Ducati Lenovo, Pedro Acosta stepping into Red Bull KTM, with Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales teaming up at Tech3 KTM. Additionally, Franco Morbidelli will be seen at VR46, alongside the fresh Pramac Yamaha initiative featuring Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. Moreover, this event marks the first MotoGP rounds for Ai Ogura with Trackhouse, Fermin Aldeguer at Gresini, and Somkiat Chantra joining LCR.

Throughout the day, Alex Marquez of Gresini topped the charts during his first outing on the GP24, even though he experienced a tumble at Turn 7 in the middle of the afternoon.

Ducati's departing titleholder Francesco Bagnaia, donned in white, alongside Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo, were momentarily faster than Marquez, until he made a comeback with the #73.

After completing his initial laps on the Aprilia, world champion Martin expressed his satisfaction with a thumbs up and a beaming smile. However, Martin experienced his first fall on the RS-GP while pursuing his close pal, Aleix Espargaro, at Turn 5.

Enea Bastianini experienced a more severe crash while braking for the same turn just after 3pm, resulting in his RC16 being completely wrecked. Martin alerted that red flags should be deployed to remove debris from the circuit, leading to the session being halted shortly thereafter.

Marc Marquez climbed to the sixth position early on while riding in factory red colors, but then dropped out of the top ten. Later in the day, he increased his speed in the afternoon sessions.

Newcomers Ogura, Chantra, and Aldeguer each experienced their initial crashes in MotoGP unscathed, while Luca Marini was notably upset after a severe crash that significantly damaged his Repsol Honda.

Following his retirement from professional racing on Sunday, Aleix Espargaro has embarked on a new journey as a test rider for HRC.

The testing session is scheduled from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, based on the local time zone. Following this session, there won't be any sanctioned MotoGP tests until the upcoming February in

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing circuit, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's also leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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F1-inspired two-way radios trialed in MotoGP during Barcelona's Tuesday session

Ducati observed evaluating novel communication setup with Pirro, though a broad rollout not anticipated by 2025

On Tuesday in Barcelona, Ducati MotoGP leaders Davide Tardozzi and Michele Pirro conducted trials of a dual-channel radio setup, but it's understood from Crash that this technology won't be broadly implemented until 2025.

MotoGP has been contemplating the implementation of radio communication for a while, experimenting with rudimentary systems that have garnered mixed reactions during various trials.

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In a recent trial conducted at the Misano circuit, a communication setup was evaluated, allowing pre-set messages to be transmitted from the race officials directly to the competitors.

On Tuesday during the testing session in Barcelona, Ducati appeared to advance their experimentation by testing a dual-direction system with Pirro.

This morning, the technology crafted by Dorna Sports was utilized by Tardozzi and Pirro, with Tardozzi successfully transmitting real-time messages to his racer.

The effectiveness of this trial remains uncertain. When contacted by Crash.net, Ducati chose not to provide any comments.

Francesco Bagnaia gave it a go as well, yet he believes the system he experimented with isn't quite there yet.

He confirmed his actions when questioned by Crash, responding with, "Yes, I'm responsible."

"I completed the task, yet the outcome remains incomplete. Upon evaluation, the system failed to operate as expected. There was no response due to its malfunction, which also caused me minor discomfort. Moreover, the connecting cable is excessively large, posing potential risks. Therefore, the project is still in progress, and further testing will be conducted once it's prepared."

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

MotoGP continues to experiment with various technologies, including both the two-way channel and the single-direction communication approach.

Currently, a communication system will only be broadly implemented after undergoing extensive testing and ensuring its safety for use.

Definitely, Thailand won't be rolling out a new communication system for riders by the beginning of the 2025 season.

Crash recognizes that enthusiasm for the concept varies among riders, and as such, the adoption of a radio system in an official race would initially be optional.

The approach of sending pre-recorded messages from race control to participants is expected to be the initial system widely adopted. Crash has learned that all such messages have already been captured.

MotoGP is considering incorporating team-sent messages, like strategic directions, into the one-directional pre-recorded system through the dashboard display.

During this year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Jorge Martin attributed his loss of the lead in the sprint race to being sidetracked by a dashboard notification about a warning for exceeding track limits.

Martin potentially gained an advantage through the use of team radio during the flag-to-flag race at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Currently, this project is in its early phases of creation, with its main goal centered on enhancing the safety features within MotoGP.

Cyclists have previously mentioned that radios would be beneficial for immediate alerts regarding dangers on the course, or to communicate with race officials about the necessity of a red flag.

Currently, as Liberty Media takes ownership, numerous parallels are being made between MotoGP and Formula 1. However, Crash has learned that there is no effort to promote team radio as a feature for broadcasting.

If the systems reach a stage where they are secure and all users are satisfied, then they may be implemented in a widespread application.

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Fabio Quartararo expressed satisfaction, saying, "It's rewarding to see your name leading the board."

He then added, "It's just a test, but it slipped my mind!"

After Alex Marquez secured the leading position in the MotoGP test times on Tuesday in Barcelona, merely two competitors managed to challenge the dominance of the Gresini team's rider.

The initial rider was Ducati's own and the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia. However, the greater shock came from Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.

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Despite Marquez's quick reaction, Quartararo maintained the second position until the end of the 2024 season, equipped with updated aerodynamics, alongside a newly designed chassis, swingarm, and engine for evaluation.

"Quartararo expressed surprise at leading, stating, 'I just forgot it was merely a test! We usually need to move on quickly.'"

Seeing your name at the top brings a sense of satisfaction. Even when it's merely a test, you return home feeling positive.

"We're still quite a distance from the leading competitors, but at least for today, I was able to have fun, maintain a strong pace, and execute several impressive laps."

Back at the track where he secured an eleventh-place finish in Sunday’s final grand prix of the season, Quartararo recorded a top lap time of 1 minute and 39.199 seconds, ending up 0.396 seconds slower than Marquez.

The Frenchman stated that the updated chassis provided the most noticeable enhancement, particularly in facilitating the entry into corners.

"He mentioned that they saw some improvements in certain aspects thanks to the new chassis. However, he noted that traction hadn't seen enhancements yet, but there are plans to introduce a significantly different and more substantial upgrade in Malaysia."

"We made advancements in transitioning from straight-line speed to maximum lean. This marked our most significant progress. Our next focus is on enhancing the process from being at full lean to straightening up.

"However, we've already identified how to enhance the entrance. Now, our task is to figure out how to better the departure."

Quartararo mentioned, "We also experimented with a new engine and tested a top fairing. Essentially, the goal wasn't necessarily improvement, but rather to maintain the same performance level. Similarly, with the new swingarm, our objective was the same."

"The goal wasn't enhancement, but rather to explore possibilities of slightly decreasing the weight."

On Tuesday, Yamaha witnessed four of its MotoGP racers hit the track together for the first time since 2022, as Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira made their first appearances riding for the newly formed Pramac Yamaha squad.

"Having four riders and four factory bikes is fantastic," remarked Quartararo.

"Moreover, riders hailing from two distinct manufacturers and engineers originating from various manufacturers have contributed, and I believe we've made progress during today's practice session."

When queried about his conversation with Miller, Quartararo responded, “I only chatted briefly regarding his sensations, and also, he hasn't yet switched to the hard front tire.

"Understanding our bike fully requires more than a single day. However, it's crucial to take into account and listen to their feedback. I believe the bike shines in certain areas, particularly in how it handles at the front, but it also has several shortcomings that need addressing."

Team member from the factory, Alex Rins, secured the eighth fastest time.

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. Currently, he's spearheading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Marc Marquez shares initial impressions on testing Ducati's latest model

"I experienced the complete 2025 setup: Chassis, motor, and various aspects"

In a repeat of his performance from his Gresini debut a year earlier, Marc Marquez concluded his inaugural MotoGP test as a Ducati Lenovo team rider in fourth position on the leaderboard.

Last year, he made his first appearance on a Desmosedici riding a satellite bike at Valencia. This year, his attention shifted to testing a prototype of the upcoming factory GP25 at Barcelona.

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Sporting an eye-catching bright red paint job, the eight-time world champion found himself primarily within the bottom half of the top ten throughout the day.

A final push elevated him to fourth place, trailing behind the session's top performer, his younger sibling and ex-teammate Alex Marquez, by 0.651 seconds.

However, Marquez, who rode for Honda from 2013 to 2023, trailed closely by just 0.056 seconds behind his new teammate, the reigning two-time world champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

Marquez disclosed that he bypassed the GP24 model, moving directly from the year-old GP23 to the upcoming 2025 model for the next season.

"Marquez acknowledged spending the majority of the day, approximately 90% of it, utilizing the GP25. He mentioned, "Most of my time was dedicated to assisting the engineers with their work."

"Joining the official team signifies adherence to a stringent strategy, outlining all the necessary experiments and tasks, where the rider becomes a vital asset under the engineers' guidance, essentially serving the engineering team's objectives."

Indeed, the bicycle possesses certain advantages that perform slightly better. However, ultimately, it remains a bicycle, and your riding skills are crucial. To achieve speed, you must exert effort.

"The sensation was incredibly positive, especially when interacting with the team. This is the most crucial aspect when forming an initial impression, and we collaborate effectively."

When asked which experience is more satisfying, Marquez responded:

"The performance of the engine has improved on straight paths, which is a significant advancement over last year's model. Additionally, it appears that the bike behaves differently when entering corners. I still need to figure out the maximum capabilities in that aspect."

"He explained that he experimented with the entire set, including the frame, engine, and various other components. As a result, it's unclear which specific parts contributed to the distinct feel."

"Pecco then took a slightly different approach in his work. However, what mattered most was that our observations were very much alike. We identified the same issues and benefits, which simplifies things significantly for the engineers."

Ducati's test pilot Michele Pirro indicated that the GP25 is particularly favorable for riders who excel in braking, like Marquez and Bagnaia.

At this moment, Marquez is holding off on forming an opinion.

"We still require additional time to fully comprehend because, in Pecco's case, we expressed similar observations. Indeed, it performs exceptionally well in certain areas, yet it presents more challenges in others," he remarked.

"Thus, it's time for assessment, as it's essential to maintain a 'steady' motorcycle throughout all 22 races. Not just quick on one type of circuit."

Was it odd to switch to riding in red, having spent years competing against the Ducati team while riding for Repsol Honda and later for Gresini?

"Actually, it was delightful," Marquez remarked. "Particularly joining a team that has shown superior performance in the recent years.

"Being part of the top team on the track comes with the obligation to perform quickly. Thus, it was delightful to be a part of that team in the garage."

Indeed, it was odd to find Tardozzi in my garage, especially considering my numerous clashes with Dovizioso!

"However, our relationship has always been strong and courteous. This is beneficial, especially since we are already acquainted."

Marquez's next opportunity to ride the GP25 will come in February at Sepang.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and Marc Marquez's health complications.

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Francesco Bagnaia Expresses Relief at Skipping Post-Title MotoGP Test in Barcelona

Bagnaia Shares Thoughts on Forgoing Barcelona Test After Race

Francesco Bagnaia mentioned that not participating in testing following the season's last race, as the MotoGP world champion, was advantageous for him because it allowed him to concentrate more on refining the GP25.

The two-time world champion relinquished the top spot to Jorge Martin in the final race of the Solidarity GP in Barcelona last weekend.

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This signifies that for the first time since 2021, Bagnaia started the subsequent year's testing without being the reigning champion.

Explore further: The lasting legacy of Bagnaia as an exceptional MotoGP champion

On Tuesday, Bagnaia clocked the third quickest time after 58 laps aboard his Ducati, mainly focusing on testing the capabilities of the GP25.

In response to a question from Crash.net about whether starting his testing on Tuesday held any extra meaning as he aims to reclaim the championship, Bagnaia stated, "I must admit, not being the reigning world champion made me concentrate more on the motorcycle.

"Being a world champion certainly brings happiness and a sense of improvement, but it also makes me focus less on getting better."

The progression from the GP23 to the GP24 model this year has been significant, with Bagnaia commenting on Tuesday that the foundation of the 2025 motorcycle is more robust than at any comparable stage in past years.

"Does the GP25 stand out? It's worth mentioning that after conducting various tests today, the GP25 has shown to be a solid foundation for further development and enhancement," he remarked.

"I believe our team, along with our engineers, will be putting in significant effort this winter, as there's a need to enhance the foundation we've experimented with."

Fortunately, Marc and I shared the same sentiment regarding the motorcycle, which is crucial for aligning our efforts in its development, and that's fantastic.

Regarding control, the GP24 remains superior when it comes to braking.

"This year, I made significant progress with the GP24, especially in the braking department. Thus, I believe we should continue to pursue this path."

"The GP25 exhibits excellent handling around sharp turns, and its performance remains commendable even on worn tires. This is a positive aspect. Additionally, the upgraded engine possesses significant power."

"Typically, we don't begin from this stage with a new bike; some adjustments are usually necessary. However, the foundation is solid, and I'm pleased about that."

He mentions, "I believe the gap between 24 and 25 is significant, and I don't foresee a major advancement for Malaysia since I feel we've already made that leap."

"We must organize it, and in terms of configuration, we have to adjust it for the new bicycle."

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Aprilia Praises Jorge Martin's Initial Test: Describes Him as a Blend of a Champion and a Leader

Aprilia's New Technical Director Showers Martin with Compliments Following His First Test Session

Aprilia's MotoGP technical chief, Fabiano Sterlacchini, describes Jorge Martin as an incredible blend of a champion and a leader after his initial trial run on the RS-GP, calling his performance "astonishing."

Merely two days following his victory in the 2024 MotoGP championship, Martin transitioned from Pramac Ducati to join the official Aprilia team during the post-season test in Barcelona on Tuesday.

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The Spanish rider put both the 2024 and 2025 models of the RS-GP bikes through their paces, covering a total of 77 laps and finishing 11th in the timings. However, he experienced a minor mishap towards the end of the session, resulting in a crash.

Because of obligations in his contract, Martin couldn't communicate with the press after his initial trial of the RS-GP.

Sterlacchini, stepping in for Romano Albesiano as the new technical director at Aprilia, had the opportunity to assess Martin's initial test session with the company.

"Having Jorge join us, coming straight from winning the world title and being a champion rider, presents a significant chance for us. It gives us a clear benchmark and helps us identify the key areas we need to focus on,” he shared with the press, including Crash.net, on Tuesday.

"In the brief period we've collaborated, essentially half of yesterday and today, I've perceived him as a blend of both a winner and a guide."

"Frankly, it's quite impressive how he's tackling his responsibilities. Truly commendable."

Sterlacchini has joined Aprilia after two years at KTM in 2022 and 2023, following a lengthy 17-year tenure in Ducati's engineering team.

Despite having limited time to familiarize himself with the project and the motorcycle, he declined to engage in discussions about where the RS-GP requires enhancements.

"He expressed his view, saying, 'In my opinion, it's unachievable. It's not about having a good person; it's about needing divine intervention to grasp everything so quickly.'"

"Truthfully, certain elements began to emerge with more clarity, making the situation less ambiguous, yet it's decidedly too early to make any definitive judgments at this point."

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"Speed is to be expected": Alex Marquez shines in GP24 debut at Barcelona MotoGP Test

“With each attempt, there was continuous improvement”

Alex Marquez highlighted that the frontrunners of the MotoGP World Championship, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia, had an exceptional season and displayed incredible speed under every circumstance.

Following his impressive performance in Tuesday's Barcelona test, where he led the timesheets on his first outing with the previous GP24 Ducati model, the Gresini team member experienced a noticeable improvement compared to the year-old motorcycle he raced with throughout this season.

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It came as no surprise that the GP24 was built to accommodate the updated Michelin rear tyre introduced this year, a change that, while increasing grip, led to front-end problems on the GP23.

"Marquez explained, “In the morning, I took the 23 bike out for a spin to get a sense of the traction and the state of the track, before switching over to the 24. Initially, it felt odd, quite a departure from what I'm used to, yet despite the worn tires, our lap times remained consistent.”

"Subsequently, it became a bicycle that improved progressively with each attempt I made to enhance its performance further and further."

The primary distinction I experienced was during the entry into corners, where we encountered significant difficulties with the 23 model. Additionally, Pirro mentioned that he had adapted to the 24 model, and when he returned to using the 23 model here, it felt somewhat unstable.

"The entrance is notably a strong move… This bicycle is designed specifically for that back tire."

"The day went well. Truly, consistently strong throughout with the lap times."

Instead of focusing on a singular, attention-getting performance on soft tyres, Marquez topped the leaderboard five separate times.

The Spanish rider crossed the finish line with a lead of 0.396 seconds ahead of Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo and 0.595 seconds in front of Bagnaia. Bagnaia's latest team partner, Marc, who is also Alex's sibling, secured the fourth spot while the team focused on developing the GP25 for the upcoming season.

"Alex remarked, 'It was only a single day at a circuit that I'm quite fond of, so I wouldn't attribute their victory to the [GP24 bike] alone! Pecco and Jorge had an incredible season too. They showed remarkable speed under every condition.'"

"It's premature to say much at this point, but it marks progress from the [GP23]. My goal is to test it on a circuit that doesn't particularly suit my riding technique. However, our next stop is Malaysia, a place where I excel. Following that, we'll head to Thailand, where I'm also quick."

"Therefore, it's essential for us to hold off, especially to observe the extent of enhancements from other makers, as well as the progress made by the 25 Ducati. Following that, we'll have a clearer understanding of our precise position."

Alex further commented, “It's expected [to be quick] given that you're handed a bike that's already ‘complete.’ This means there's no need to gather data for the manufacturer; your attention can solely be on fine-tuning.

"It's understandable that we were quicker since we didn't have much work on our plate."

Fermin Aldeguer, the new addition to Alex's rookie team, ranked 20th in the timing charts.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing field, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and departure. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to injuries.

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Pramac aims to maintain its approach during the transition from Ducati to Yamaha

"Our goal is to preserve our current framework and mindset as we transition from Ducati."

Pramac is potentially trading their championship-winning Desmosedicis for Yamahas that haven't seen a podium, yet the team is keen on maintaining the same approach and mindset that propelled Jorge Martin to victory in this year's MotoGP championship.

As Martin transitions to a role with Aprilia at their factory location, Pramac embarks on a fresh journey by teaming up with Yamaha as their satellite ally starting in 2025.

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On Tuesday in Barcelona, Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller marked their first appearances on the Pramac-operated M1s.

The beginning was humble, with Oliveira ranking 17th and Miller finishing 22nd in what essentially served as an initial test.

However, Yamaha's factory competitor, Fabio Quartararo, delivered an impressive performance by securing the second position in the rankings.

"Pramac's team manager, Gino Borsoi, expressed to MotoGP.com their intention to maintain their current approach and mindset, similar to when they were with Ducati."

"I believe this mindset will benefit Yamaha."

"Furthermore, receiving insights from the riders is greatly beneficial for quickly grasping our responsibilities and what actions they need to take on the motorcycle."

"Certainly, time is essential for us. It's clear that we require time. There are numerous concepts we wish to implement. We possess extensive expertise to share with Yamaha."

"Winter presents the perfect opportunity to get everything set up. Let's find out if we can kick things off successfully in Malaysia [next year]."

"However, as is widely recognized, a mere handful of months won't suffice."

For two decades, Peter has been a fixture in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal and the ongoing concerns regarding Marc Marquez's injuries.

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