Michelin reveals to Jorge Martin and Aprilia the reason behind the crash

Michelin provides new insights into Jorge Martin's accident

Michelin disclosed a temperature variation in Jorge Martin's back tire when he experienced a crash during the MotoGP Sepang trial on Wednesday.

The accident, which was Martin's second of the day, resulted in the current World Champion sustaining broken bones in his left hand and foot, sidelining him for the rest of the testing period.

At the moment of the accident, the Spanish rider was equipped with medium-compound tires, identical to those he was using during his initial crash of the day.

During the incident, Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, noted that the tyre's temperature was standard when the crash occurred. However, Piero Taramasso, the two-wheel motorsport manager at Michelin, clarified on Friday that although the tyre's surface temperature appeared normal, there was a noticeable difference in the internal temperature of the tyre compared to that of Martin's Aprilia teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, at the moment of the accident.

"Taramasso expressed gratitude towards Aprilia for providing them with all the necessary data."

"Within the past hour, we've managed to review all the information. Given the extensive amount of data, such processes naturally require some time."

Initially, Massimo Rivola indicated that the temperature of the tyres was satisfactory. However, he was referring to the surface temperature of the tyres, which can change significantly based on factors like the bike's sliding and spinning.

"The backside temperature, or the [value] that helps us determine whether the tyre is functioning properly, refers to the temperature of the inner layer. This information, for example, is derived from the sensor installed by McLaren."

Taramasso provided further information, clarifying that the teams typically measure what he calls the "cavity temperature" to assess a tyre's temperature in the pits, referring to the temperature of the air within the tyre.

He emphasized that the temperature within the cavity differs from that of the tyre's inner layer, which pertains to the internal rubber temperature. Furthermore, he mentioned that it is typical to observe a variance in temperature readings from a single tyre.

"Taramasso elaborated, explaining that upon examining the data, it became evident that just before the accident, when Jorge Martin exited the pit for his final attempt, his tyre temperature was 15 degrees lower."

"Thus, a change of 15 degrees is significant."

Moreover, when he had the accident, we analyzed his tire temperature against that of Marco Bezzecchi's rear tire. Given that both were using the same model of bike, identical medium compound rear tires, and at the same instance, we noticed his tire was 15 degrees cooler.

Taramasso clarified that the typical temperature range for the inner layer of a rear tire is from 90 to 100 degrees. Thus, the decrease of 15 degrees in Martin's tire temperature at the moment of his accident corresponds to a reduction of approximately 15 to 16.6 percent.

Taramasso added, “Certainly, a significant factor is that, alongside the track conditions which, it's important to note, were quite treacherous with slipperiness, cold and windy weather, and temperatures only reaching 30 degrees compared to the usual 50 degrees, plus the overnight rain – all these unfavorable conditions combined with the tyre not being prepared were the reasons behind the crash.”

Additionally, Taramasso explained that Martin's choice to use the medium tyre during that stage of the testing, despite it being largely overlooked throughout the week's sessions, was strategically aimed at conserving soft-compound tyres for future use.

"Currently, every team begins with the medium compound," mentioned Taramasso.

"During a race weekend, on Fridays, all teams initially opt for the medium compound tires, regardless of whether they're the ideal choice for the conditions, aiming to conserve their soft tires for later."

"In this instance, the approach likely mirrored previous tactics: initiating with the medium tires given their awareness of the superior performance of the soft ones, they opted to begin with the medium selection to effectively clear the track."

"However, everyone was experiencing the same situation. Likewise, the tool we frequently utilized throughout the exam, without encountering any issues – this was also the case during the Shakedown period."

In conclusion, Taramasso responded to remarks made by Aprilia on Wednesday, suggesting that a defective tyre was responsible for the accident.

"An inexplicable accident occurred, with no error from the motorcycle or the rider," Massimo Rivola stated on Wednesday.

"Taramasso mentioned on Friday that he had communicated with them and shared all the reports."

"Thus, they comprehend the information we present, and it's not merely my perspective, it's factual – these are statistics, and they trust in statistics."

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test Outcomes – Day 3 (Friday)

Recorded lap times up until 6pm, marking the conclusion of the third and last day of the 2025 Sepang MotoGP official testing on Friday.

Here are the concluding lap times from Friday, marking the last day of the official 2025 Sepang MotoGP trials.

The final morning at Sepang was marked by an intense first hour of time trials, culminating with Ducati Lenovo's record pole sitter, Francesco Bagnaia, leading by 0.224 seconds ahead of Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.

However, Alex Marquez from Gresini took the lead with the GP24, surpassing the GP25 by a mere 0.007 seconds, a position he held onto until the testing concluded at 6pm.

In the afternoon, approximately 50% of the participants engaged in practice runs for the Sprint race, during which Alex Marquez once more achieved the quickest time aboard the Gresini GP24. Below are the top average times recorded during the Sprint practice sessions (It's worth noting that Fabio Quartararo's most extensive session today was limited to just six laps):

As a guide:

I'm sorry

X Rider has moved up X spots since the last hour.

Rider remains in the same spot as the last hour.

X Rider has dropped X places since the last hour.

Quickest Time on the Second Day:

Franco Morbidelli on a Ducati clocked 1 minute and 57.210 seconds.

Quickest opening day record:

Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha clocked at 1 minute and 57.

Quickest Trial Run Duration:

Fabio Quartararo, riding for Yamaha, clocked a time of 1 minute and 57.794 seconds on

Verified records from the Sepang MotoGP:

Fastest Circuit Time: Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati clocks in at 1 minute and 56.337 seconds (2024)

Quickest lap time in the race: Alex Marquez on a Ducati clocked at 1 minute 58.979 seconds (2023)

Following the Sepang trials, just a single official practice session in Buriram, scheduled for February 12-13, stands between competitors and the kickoff of the Thai season beginning February 28.

The technical details for Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia motorcycles will remain unchanged from the Thai Grand Prix through to the close of 2026, in an effort to decrease expenses related to development before the introduction of the 850cc generation in 2027.

Honda and Yamaha currently have the liberty to proceed with engine improvements, thanks to their D-level concession status.

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2025 Sepang MotoGP Official Test: Alex Marquez Leads on Last Day

Gresini Team's Rider Tops in Friday's Speed Trials

Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez emerged as the leader on the last day of the Sepang MotoGP pre-season trials, slightly outperforming his team peer Francesco Bagnaia.

The beginning segment of the final day was reserved for time trial attempts, witnessing an intense qualifying simulation phase where the lead position switched multiple times.

On Friday, Gresini's Alex Marquez topped the charts by clocking a time of 1 minute and 56.493 seconds on his GP24, securing the fastest time by the conclusion of the second hour.

Marquez's performance remained unbeaten up to the finish line, as he completed 50 laps on his GP24, concluding a successful test session for the Spanish rider.

Two-time world champion Bagnaia was at the forefront during the first hour with a lap time of 1 minute and 56.5 seconds. This remained his fastest lap, yet it placed him just 0.007 seconds away from the leading position.

Fabio Quartararo secured a third-place finish for Yamaha, clocking in an impressive time of 1 minute and 56.724 seconds. This time set a new record for the Japanese manufacturer at the Sepang circuit, surpassing their previous best by a substantial margin of eight-tenths of a second.

On Thursday, Franco Morbidelli, leading the pack, secured the fourth position riding for VR46 Ducati, whereas Marc Marquez, representing the official Ducati team, grabbed attention with his swift pace during a sprint simulation on Friday.

On Friday, he managed to finish 70 laps as Ducati aims to decide on its engine choice for the 2025 season.

Pedro Acosta led the KTM pack, finishing sixth and 0.682 seconds behind the leader, while the highest-placed Honda, ridden by LCR's Johann Zarco, secured seventh place.

Joan Mir secured the eighth position riding his official Honda, following a last-minute boost that brought his time down to 1 minute and 57.279 seconds. Meanwhile, Alex Rins ensured that two Yamahas were among the top 10, clocking in at 1 minute and 57.351 seconds to take the 10th spot.

Marco Bezzecchi led the Aprilia riders by finishing ninth with a time of 1m57.328s, clocking in 61 laps on his RS-GP to optimize data collection for the manufacturer, especially since Jorge Martin and Trackhouse's Raul Fernandez were not present.

Fermin Aldeguer led the newcomers, securing the 11th spot for Gresini, while Jack Miller finished in 12th place for Pramac Yamaha, wrapping up his last day ahead of schedule after completing an extensive test schedule.

On Friday, Andrea Dovizioso was seen riding for Yamaha, completing a total of 58 laps. He recorded his fastest lap time at 1 minute and 59.929 seconds, placing him in 22nd position, just behind Aprilia's test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

The final phase of testing is scheduled to take place over the course of two days next week, on February 12th and 13th, in Thailand. This will precede the season's kickoff at the end of the month in Bur

Complete Results from the Third Day of MotoGP Testing in Sepang

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Valentino Rossi discusses financial aspects of his contentious departure from Honda, expressing regret: "I deserved a higher earnings."

Valentino Rossi has explained the circumstances that resulted in his departure from Honda.

At the conclusion of 2003, despite having secured five world championship titles, Rossi made the unexpected decision to leave Honda and signed on with the less favored Yamaha team.

The outcome is well-known, yet Rossi has expressed his resentment towards Honda, which ultimately resulted in his leaving the team.

In an interview on Andrea Migno’s podcast, he mentioned that by the time he extended his contract with Honda in 2002, he had already established himself as 'Valentino Rossi.'

"My supervisor was assertive, and we demanded a significant amount of money. Honda engaged in tough negotiations with us."

Honda responded with an "okay," and then proceeded to wait for a considerable amount of time…

In January, they contacted me and offered the money, saying, "It's the end of January, what else could you possibly do?"

"They took financial advantage of us. I deserved to make more money."

Rossi compared Honda of the past to the current Ducati, saying, "Back then, Honda was similar to how Ducati is today."

Initially, all the bikes were manufactured by Honda.

Imagine if Pecco Bagnaia chose to switch to Yamaha; that would be utterly insane!

"Honda was not particularly kind. They claimed that Valentino Rossi's victories were solely due to the Honda bike."

"In each interview, they mentioned that the top five motorcycles are all Hondas, implying that if Rossi is among them, it's acceptable."

"Honda is resilient and robust. We made the decision to switch to Yamaha…"

Honda famously prevented Rossi from trying out his new Yamaha during the test sessions that followed the end of the 2003 season.

This situation prevented Rossi from testing his new setup until the beginning of 2004, putting him at a significant disadvantage as the season approached.

He achieved a remarkable victory in the opening race in South Africa, which he still considers his most memorable achievement, before going on to secure his sixth world championship title that year.

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Fabio Quartararo details Yamaha's advancements following his fastest lap at Sepang

"Between 2019 and 2024, we made a 0.6-second gain, and from 2024 to 2025, we improved by another 0.8 seconds…"

Fabio Quartararo concluded this week's MotoGP trials at Sepang in third place, marking his fastest lap ever at the Sepang International Circuit.

Before this occasion, the rider from France had not surpassed the 1:57 mark at the track in Malaysia. However, on the last day of the week's testing session, he managed to achieve times in the 1:56 range, making him the sole competitor not on a Ducati to accomplish this feat.

"Extremely pleased," expressed Quartararo as Friday's sessions in Sepang concluded.

"During last year's qualifying round, my quickest circuit time was clocked at 1:57.5, indicating that the difference is actually greater than 0.8 seconds."

"I mentioned that between 2019 and 2024, we saw an enhancement of 0.6 seconds, and then from 2024 to 2025, an improvement of 0.8 seconds. Certainly, this is something to be pleased about

"Let's remain composed, it's merely an examination, but in my opinion, it's rather satisfactory."

"During last year's test, Francesco Bagnaia, also known as Pecco, clocked a lap time around 1:56.6 or 1:56.5. This year, the times were quite similar, so I believe there's good reason for us to feel satisfied."

Quartararo's excitement over his single-lap pace was heightened given that in 2024, Yamaha found qualifying to be the toughest aspect of the race weekend.

Quartararo clarified, "The biggest issue last year wasn't the entire race itself. The main challenge was actually a single lap where we consistently began from way behind, making it extremely hard to pass others."

"Currently, before launching into my initial time trial, I was confident of hitting a 1:56. This confidence stemmed from a humorous prediction I shared with Maio [Massimo Meregalli, Monster Energy Yamaha team manager] upon our arrival here, where we humorously anticipated achieving a 1:56. As each day passed, this joke seemed more like a premonition, and today, it became true."

"However, the issue from the previous year stemmed from replacing the tire without having a clear expectation of the lap time it would yield."

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

Quartararo credits the enhancement in Yamaha's performance to both changes in his riding technique and technical advancements made to the YZR-M1.

"Quartararo noted that the 2025 M1 appears alike but differs significantly."

"Essentially, numerous electronic advancements have transformed my riding experience – there are new features on the bike now."

"Indeed, identifying new elements can be challenging, yet when we look at the lap times, it's clear that we achieved significantly faster speeds compared to the previous year."

While the adjustments have enhanced Quartararo's experience in certain aspects of his performance, the primary problem from the past few years still persists.

"The 2021 World Champion mentioned that there was a significant enhancement in their sensation when entering corners and also in the change of direction."

"Our vulnerability lies in our hold."

"Today, the circuit had a lot of traction; it's darkened with rubber. I wouldn't claim our lap time is inflated. Last year, the situation was similar, and we were a second behind the leader – now it's down to 0.3 seconds."

"I'm eager to find out when the track conditions will be extremely low on grip; these are the most challenging conditions for us."

Overall, Quartararo strongly believes that this has been the most successful pre-season for Yamaha since he became part of the factory team in 2021.

"He expressed that annually, particularly between 2022 and 2024, while they progress by a single step, Ducati and their competitors advance by two or three steps," he mentioned.

"I believe that this year, we've made significant progress. It's a shift in how we ride compared to 2019 or 2021, yet I sense the bike is swift, leading to a somewhat altered approach from before. However, this year marks the first time we've successfully narrowed the distance."

"Previously, we made progress, yet so did our competitors; at times, even outpacing us. Currently, I believe the disparity has narrowed."

Quartararo's excitement about the latest Yamaha setup extended beyond just its capability for a single lap.

The rider from France managed to complete several consecutive laps while displaying speed just slightly behind the fastest Ducatis by a margin of only a few tenths.

"The French competitor clarified, “It wasn't exactly a Sprint simulation; I had to complete six rounds using one configuration and another six rounds with a different setup, all while on fresh tires.”

"The performance has improved significantly. Reflecting on the previous year when we were positioned at 11th and 12th place in this location, it's clear that currently, we're competing closely with the speed of Marc Marquez, Francesco 'Pecco' Bagnaia, and Alex Marquez, who are the quickest here."

"In my opinion, the difference is significant, yet I'm quite pleased with the lap time we achieved, particularly because it wasn't just a one-off."

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Lorenzo Savadori pledges to provide Jorge Martin with a significantly upgraded motorcycle

Savadori details Aprilia's testing efforts in the absence of Jorge Martin

Aprilia's test rider is adamant that he will return Jorge Martin's bike significantly improved.

MotoGP titleholder Martin was sidelined for two and a half days during the official Sepang trials following a severe accident on Wednesday morning.

With Martin unavailable, the task of advancing Aprilia's progress falls to his colleague Marco Bezzecchi and the test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

Savadori commented on his Friday testing efforts, stating, "We're focusing on advancing our aerodynamic capabilities. Our strategy involves pursuing dual paths – the key is to continually test, test, test…

"Creating the optimal bicycle for Jorge upon his comeback is challenging, yet it's crucial to accomplish."

Savadori remarked on the slimmer fairing observed on his Aprilia, stating, "It represents a progression. Additionally, there's a device on the fairing designed to analyze the wind more effectively.

"Let's give it another go. We've only attempted it for a couple of rounds."

Savadori was experimenting with fresh electronic components but mentioned the necessity of evaluating them using different types of tires.

"He explained that it's essential to grasp the nature of the TC when it's both pre-owned and brand new."

"At the start of the race, you're equipped with a fresh tire."

"Obviously, when you switch to a new tire, it offers increased traction, which is advantageous. However, this benefit applies to everyone."

Lorenzo Savadori Evaluates Marco Bezzecchi's Technique

Observers pointed out a distinct difference in how Savadori approached turns compared to Bezzecchi. It was mentioned that Savadori's technique involved more rounded movements through the corners, whereas Bezzecchi opted for a sharper, V-shaped trajectory.

He clarified, saying, "At the first turn, you have the option to stick to the inside or take a V-shaped path. The variation isn't significant; it's a matter of choice."

Our priority isn't on improving performance as it is for Marco; instead, our attention is on preparing the motorcycle for Jorge.

"Since there's no specific return time, he must choose the highest-quality bicycle available."

Unsurprisingly, Savadori ranked 22nd among 23 riders in the standings, with test riders from each manufacturer filling the last positions.

However, he demonstrated his ability to improve his speed by nine-tenths of a second by switching to a softer tyre.

"Truly, we're not racing against the clock! Our focus isn't on speed, but on getting the motorcycle ready for Jorge," he explained.

"Upon taking over from Raul Fernandez last year, my time was 58.8 seconds, yet the task at hand was entirely different."

"Switching to a soft tyre gives me greater leeway to speed up. However, this isn't the right location for it."

Bezzecchi finished ninth in speed on Friday, concluding a test session for Aprilia that was significantly disrupted due to injuries sustained by Martin and Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez.

Savadori commented on Bezzecchi's transition from the Ducati, noting, "It's positive. He improves on the bike every day. Bez and I are aiming towards the same goal.

"Bez experimented with something I had previously attempted during the trial, and our observations are identical."

"His appearance on the track is impressive. He's on the right path to enhancing his performance."

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Marco Bezzecchi struggles to push the bike to its maximum during initial Aprilia speed trial

"I'm pleased with how we did…"

In his debut with Aprilia, Marco Bezzecchi managed to complete his inaugural performance trial on the RS-GP during the concluding day of the MotoGP testing session in Sepang this week.

On the third day of the testing session, the Italian rider secured the ninth-fastest time, achieving a 1:57.328 during a morning time attack.

"Bezzecchi expressed, 'That was my initial assault.'"

Today, I genuinely carried out a live time trial. I'm pleased with the outcome.

"I believe I didn't push the bike to its maximum potential, but that wasn't due to the bike itself, rather it was because of my own limitations. I still have to gain a deeper comprehension and figure out where the bike's maximum capabilities lie."

"However, conducting a timed trial was crucial to assess the outcomes of the efforts made so far."

"There are still a few things left to test, meaning the task isn't complete yet."

Adjusting to the RS-GP

In the initial stages of his tenure with Aprilia, Bezzecchi has faced a significant workload in testing, largely due to the absence of Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse Racing. This has resulted in limited opportunities for him to spend extended time on the bike in a consistent configuration. The Italian rider acknowledges that he has yet to master riding the RS-GP in the most effective manner.

"Bezzecchi mentioned, 'I believe Sava [Lorenzo Savadori, the test rider for Aprilia] actually has a superior riding style when it comes to the Aprilia.'"

"His technique originated from his time with Aprilia, so he definitely has a deeper understanding of how to maneuver it. I believe I'm still in the process of getting used to it; my strength lies in braking, so I'm focusing on leveraging this advantage in my approach to riding."

"Yet occasionally, while riding the Aprilia, I find myself attempting to replicate my previous actions."

"Clearly, there are adjustments I still have to make, but I'm focused on improving. In certain sections, I managed to navigate in the style that suits me best."

He stated, "Ultimately, I'm fairly content. However, it's honestly challenging to find the flow when experimenting with various approaches."

"For me, this is my initial experience testing as a factory rider, and on the whole, I'm pleased because I managed to provide valuable feedback."

"However, the work remains incomplete, yet so far, it has been a positive experience for me."

"I believe that once we have the opportunity to concentrate on the environment and place greater emphasis on the riding aspect, I will endeavor to advance further."

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Pedro Acosta addresses the media: "You all created confusion, but now it's clear everything is okay" at KTM

“Following the turmoil you [the press] caused, it's apparent now that all is well…”

Pedro Acosta states that the significant number of prototype components he tested at the Sepang MotoGP session confirms that the KTM initiative is on solid footing, despite doubts about its continuity.

During the winter, KTM underwent a process of self-administration due to significant financial difficulties, and it now approaches a pivotal decision from its creditors regarding its plan for restructuring in the coming weeks.

The ambiguity has overshadowed the MotoGP initiative, yet the brand has consistently maintained that all operations will proceed according to the original schedule for 2025.

An intense trial period at Sepang concluded with Acosta at the forefront among the four KTM factory competitors, securing the sixth position with a lap time of 1m57.175s on the last day.

He is of the opinion that he possesses "60% of a complete race bike" at the moment, given that KTM is in the process of selecting components to establish its foundational package for 2025. However, he interprets this as an indication that everything is in good order with the brand.

He responded by saying the race package was about "60% of a race bike" when inquired about its completion status.

Currently, I'm really pleased with the efforts we've made.

"However, the issue at hand is that we now need to employ a filter and determine which elements to assemble."

"Yet, we must remain joyful, as following the chaos you folks [the press] stirred up regarding [the KTM incident], now it's evident that all is well.

"To achieve this, it's essential that we maintain a sense of joy and tranquility."

Pedro Acosta discusses KTM's Sepang trial

Acosta mentioned that KTM's efforts on Friday at Sepang were crucial in salvaging the test session, after facing numerous challenges that hindered their scheduled plans on the second day.

"In the end, we experimented with various approaches," he mentioned.

"Additionally, yesterday presented numerous challenges in the morning, and determining a definitive outcome from the afternoon's efforts proved to be quite complex."

"In any case, we essentially rescued the test. I'm quite pleased since we maintained speed across various conditions and at all points during the day, demonstrating good pace. Given this, we have reasons to be content."

The Spanish rider mentioned that KTM aims to develop a motorcycle that's somewhat more stable than last year's model, yet at the moment, "I'm fairly comfortable with the speed and the performance during time trials."

Acosta also mentioned that KTM is yet to unveil several components and has a range of intriguing elements to experiment with during the Buriram test.

In addition to an impressive time trial performance, Acosta successfully executed a comprehensive sprint drill on Friday, although he acknowledged struggling with tire problems.

"There was an issue during my sprint simulation due to the tyre having no grip as soon as I exited the pitlane," he explained.

"For me, it was an unusual experience as well. By the third lap, I was struggling just to keep going. It definitely felt odd."

"Afterward, I installed a tyre that had been used for 10 laps earlier in the day, and it worked perfectly fine.

"I improved my time by 0.4 seconds, which is quite unusual. Nonetheless, we're pleased as it seems we've made more progress compared to last year."

"Additionally, arriving here without a pre-event trial run was a novel experience for me, and everything unfolded rapidly. However, we are quite pleased with the outcome of the sprint race."

Comments supplied by Peter McLaren, the Crash MotoGP Editor

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Marc Marquez discusses Ducati's advantageous dilemma with 2025 MotoGP motorcycle

"Our foundation is built on a vehicle that secured 19 victories…"

Marc Marquez states that Ducati must approach its 2025 MotoGP engine choice with a high degree of certainty, attributing this to the advantageous issue of the GP24 being an exceptionally solid foundation.

The Ducati team has rigorously evaluated the new GP25 against the previous year's GP24 throughout the three-day testing period in Sepang, making a pivotal decision before a two-year moratorium on engine development takes effect.

Marquez finished the trial in fifth place overall, while top accolades on Friday were claimed by his brother, Alex Marquez, who was riding the GP24.

While Marc Marquez caught attention with his impressive sprint simulation on Friday, he kept the details about which engine he utilized under wraps.

"It was a combination," he explained. "It involved the 2024 aerodynamics, but the rest remains unseen… Hence, I can only reference the aerodynamics."

With only two days remaining for testing before the season kicks off and the implementation of a two-year ban on engine development, Alex Marquez's leading performance in Sepang, including a sprint simulation that surpassed his brother's, presents a challenge for Ducati.

"Marc Marquez mentioned, 'The fortunate challenge for Ducati lies in beginning from a position where they secured victories in 19 out of 20 races.'"

"Thus, enhancing this aspect is challenging, which is why ensuring its improvement is crucial, especially since with the 2024 model, you stand a solid chance of contending for the championship without a doubt."

"There, we experimented with various aspects, not just focusing on the engine or aerodynamics alone."

"Today, we focused on numerous minor aspects, aiming to discern the superior elements from the inferior ones through a detailed examination."

Inquired on whether Alex Marquez stands a chance in the championship race this year, his older sibling commented: “It's too soon for him. I wouldn't want to burden my brother with that expectation. He's currently having a good time and is in a great place mentally.

"Thus, the expectation is on the designated riders. Within the official team, battling for the championship is a must."

"He's having a good time, so continue. However, I was heavily focused on my garage since we were working on a tight schedule, and it was crucial for all the engineers to grasp everything clearly as we had to make the right decision."

"Ducati's fortunate dilemma is that its starting point is already excellent, meaning any enhancements must be undoubtedly superior. Hence, we've rigorously tested and retested to ensure this."

Marquez pointed out that the exceptional track conditions obscure the areas where Ducati needs to enhance their motorcycle, as the high levels of grip mask any problems.

"He emphasized that there's always room for improvement."

The issue stemmed from the state of the track, which was extraordinary due to an excessive amount of rubber on it. This made it difficult to pinpoint any issues with the bike, as the track's grip was exceptionally high – to the point where, upon inspection by foot, the track appeared completely black.

Numerous issues arise from the absorption of all that rubber.

"At that instant, when I select the top option available, I experience satisfaction. It's difficult for me to pinpoint areas for enhancement."

Statements given by Peter McLaren, Editor at Crash MotoGP

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Alex Rins discusses Yamaha's strategy to bring in a V4 engine. "As riders, we definitely request…"

Ever since Yamaha revealed midway through the last season that they were working on a V4 engine for their MotoGP initiative, the prototype engine has become one of the most talked-about topics in the sport.

Since the start of the four-stroke era in the premier class in 2002, the Japanese company has consistently used inline-four-cylinder engines. If they switch, it would align all MotoGP manufacturers with the trend of using ‘big bang’ or unevenly firing V4 engines, leaving Yamaha as the last to adopt this engine type.

It's been approximately five months since Yamaha revealed the V4, yet there is still no confirmed schedule for when it will make its debut on the track, where its sound will be anticipated.

Factory Yamaha rider Alex Rins mentioned after the first day of the official MotoGP test in Sepang on Wednesday that they were not provided with any specific date.

"Certainly, as cyclists, we do inquire, but they choose to keep it separate so the rider doesn't get distracted by wondering when the testing will happen."

"Absolutely, conducting tests would be beneficial."

"I believe that they have told us they will introduce it once it surpasses the performance of the current bike."

Having a V4 engine isn’t essential. After all, Honda uses a V4 engine, and we are still encountering issues.

On Thursday, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team manager Massimo Meregalli supported Rins' statements from Wednesday. He shared his thoughts during the After the Flag show on MotoGP.com, as the second day of activities was coming to a close.

"When questioned about the potential debut of Yamaha's V4 engine on the track, he responded by saying, 'When it will be ready.'"

"Certainly, it's not feasible to express anything."

"Certainly, we aim to test the V4 on the track at the earliest opportunity, but we'll proceed only when we're fully prepared."

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In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news, both for consumers and in racing, at Visordown.

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KTM's Brad Binder points out a common issue with the bike

"In a few turns, it's a problem that everyone faces…"

Brad Binder acknowledges the major problem with his KTM, yet he emphasizes that everyone faced similar challenges in Sepang.

Binder and KTM struggled to resolve the persistent vibration problem that affected them throughout the previous year.

However, he insists that his competitors encountered the same conditions during the official MotoGP Sepang test.

"Absolutely, there's a significant amount, indeed," Binder conceded regarding the vibration of his motorcycle.

"In my opinion, everyone experiences internal dialogue, if we're being truthful."

"Several turns exist where it's a common issue for everyone, not just us."

Brad Binder expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, having secured the 11th spot in Friday's Sepang race, lagging behind his team member Pedro Acosta who achieved sixth place.

"Binder remarked, 'Though these three days were lengthy, they weren't unpleasant.'"

"We've experienced numerous changes and various setups."

"Now, our comprehension of each aspect of the bicycle has expanded."

"The outcome didn't meet my expectations; I struggled to string laps together. It was challenging."

"Overall, everything else seems to be fine. We're beginning to identify a suitable path."

"Continuing on this path, I believe we'll be well-prepared when the race day arrives."

He also mentioned, "Usually, strategies that are effective at one circuit tend to be successful across the board."

"Combining everything, the outcome is bound to be intriguing."

"I'm excited to assemble our racing motorcycles and discover what the future holds."

Binder and KTM are set to participate in the upcoming MotoGP test in Buriram next week, aiming to finalize the race setup he plans to employ for the season's first race.

"Absolutely. Right now, our main focus is to review all our tests, identify the positive aspects, combine them, and then search for a competitive racing setup," he mentioned.

"In a perfect scenario, my preference would be to engage on the first day. However, on the second day, selecting everything carefully is crucial before moving forward…"

Statements given by Peter McLaren in Sepang

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, covering a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Tech Snapshots: Sepang MotoGP 2025 Trials

Aprilia

Regrettably, it made a brief appearance on the circuit, but showcased is a detailed view of the front wing on the RS-GP25 ridden by world champ Jorge Martin.

Due to Martin being sidelined due to an injury after completing only 13 laps, his teammate Marco Bezzecchi carried on with the evaluation of the RS-GP components, which involved experimenting with vertical rear wings (refer to test rider Lorenzo Savadori for comparison without the wings).

The most recent nose cone update on Bezzecchi's RS-GP25.

Martin wasn't the sole Aprilia competitor sidelined due to injury on the first day, as Trackhouse's Raul Fernandez was ruled out for the remainder of the testing period following a high-speed crash while decelerating for Turn 9.

Honda's RC213V features a two-tiered rear wing and lateral stabilizers.

A detailed view of the 'ground effect' shelf on newcomer Somkiat Chantra's RC213V.

Honda garnered attention by experimenting with a big, sleek back seat devoid of aerodynamics. Similar to KTM's approach, the manufacturer could be exploring adjustments in weight balance, such as relocating the bike's electronic components to the far end, instead of adopting a mass damper system akin to Ducati's.

Luca Marini showed a preference for Honda's updated aerodynamics (illustrated below, in contrast to the 'conventional' model ridden by Chantra above). This updated model features an expanded lower air channel, yet Joan Mir and Johann Zarco appeared to favor the previous iteration.

Yamaha

Alex Rins is testing a modified front fairing featuring just two 'wings' compared to the three found on Jack Miller's Pramac motorcycle beneath.

Rins appeared to favor the traditional Yamaha frame (colored in black) rather than the latest version without paint.

In addition to its quartet of competing racers, Yamaha's test team has featured Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez on the circuit.

At KTM, the most noticeable change is the significantly enlarged salad box and the updated placement of the exhaust (seen below). Bastianini is shown equipped with the conventional rear setup and exhaust system above.

Additional views of the RC16 at Sepang are available in the images below:

Ducati

Following an injury to VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio on the first day, due to a wheelie mishap after the session, Michele Pirro was brought in to assist Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia in developing the GP25.

Bagnaia and Marquez have placed the highest importance on the latest Ducati motor, which, similar to Aprilia and KTM, will not undergo any changes until the close of 2026.

Both competitors noted that the updated engine offers a smoother ride, yet presents more of a challenge to slow down when braking, possibly because of modifications to the internal components. This is highlighted in the photos of Bagnaia and Marquez.

They also introduced a new chassis (previously tested by Diggia before he fell on the first day) and aerodynamics. Here's Pirro testing the most recent aerodynamic enhancements:

Despite this, it was Alex Marquez from Gresini, piloting the previous model GP24, who not only topped the leaderboard but also recorded the quickest time in the Sprint race simulation:

Franco Morbidelli, alongside Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, demonstrated that the Ducati GP24 continues to be an exceptionally speedy motorcycle.

Francesco Bagnaia examines Maverick Vinales' KTM during a trial launch.

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For two decades, Peter has witnessed the ebbs and flows of the racing world, including Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's currently leading coverage on Suzuki's withdrawal from racing and the challenges Marc Marquez faces due to his injuries.

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