Raul Fernandez described the incident as "one of the most significant accidents I've ever experienced. All I can say is that I was fortunate."

Raul Fernandez is set to participate in the upcoming Buriram MotoGP trial tomorrow, merely seven days following injuries to his left hand and foot he incurred on the first day of the Sepang trial.

The racer representing Trackhouse Aprilia quickly went back to Barcelona to undergo an operation for his fractured metacarpal bone, then flew to Asia shortly after to participate in the last pre-season trial.

Fernandez expressed his gratitude in Buriram on Tuesday, stating, "I feel fortunate to be present." He explained, "Following the accident, I returned to Spain straight away. I’m truly thankful for the efforts of Dr. Xavier Mir; upon my arrival in Barcelona, he had already prepared everything necessary for the operation. That’s why I’m able to stand here today. He provided me with significant assistance."

"The accident occurred merely a week prior, necessitating swift action on my part. My journey included a trip to Europe for surgical treatment before returning. Despite the challenges, we've managed to make it through."

Defending champion and recent addition to Aprilia, Jorge Martin, sustained an injury on the first day at Sepang, sidelining him until the season's first race weekend. Consequently, Fernandez and Aprilia are now faced with the challenge of compensating for the missed time on the track with the RS-GP25.

"Fernandez emphasized, "This test is crucial for myself, for our team, and for Aprilia as well. We all need it."

"I require additional details since my initial experience with the motorcycle was quite positive. I was pleased with the progress Aprilia achieved over the winter. However, since it was only 25-30 laps, we lack sufficient data to establish a foundational setup."

"Therefore, my presence here is with a purpose. My attention won't be on the lap times or anything beyond dedicating myself to understanding the motorcycle, enhancing its performance, and setting up something impressive for the race."

Fernandez preferred not to linger on his unusual Turn 9 mishap, where the Spanish rider lost grip just after applying the brakes.

He remarked, "I'm not in a position to share much. I prefer not to dwell on the accident," adding, "It was among the most severe accidents I've ever experienced. All I can really say is that I was fortunate."

"I was cycling, and then suddenly, I found myself lying on the pavement. That's all I recall."

The extent to which his injuries will permit him to participate in the test is still uncertain, as Fernandez has shared that his foot, which did not need surgical intervention, is causing him more discomfort than his hand.

"He mentioned that his hand is fairly okay, but the real issue is with his foot. He also noted that he's experiencing significant pain in his leg muscles and his back."

"I was completely vertical when I suddenly crashed. Since I wasn't leaning at an angle, the collision was quite severe."

At Sepang, Marco Bezzecchi, the recent recruit for the factory team, emerged as the top Aprilia competitor, securing ninth place, in the absence of Martin and Fernandez.

The testing session in Buriram is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Statements given by Crash.net reporter Derry Munikartono in Buriram.

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Ducati Indicates Favored Engine Option – Yet "No Decision Made"

Ducati Faces Dilemma Between 2024 or 2025 Specifications

Davide Tardozzi, the head of the Ducati team, mentioned that the brand is inclined to approve the GP24 engine for its 2025 MotoGP motorcycle, although a conclusive decision has not been made yet.

The GP24 emerged as one of the most powerful motorcycles in the history of MotoGP, securing victories in 16 out of the 20 grand prix races held last year.

With the introduction of a two-year engine freeze beginning in early 2025, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia dedicated significant time at the Sepang test to evaluating the engines for the GP24 and GP25 models.

Given the impressive performance of the GP24 engine, both riders emphasized the need to ensure the GP25 represented a substantial advancement before committing to its approval for the next two years.

During the first day of this week's testing session in Buriram, Thailand, the factory Ducati riders seemed to be leaning towards using the GP24 engine. Tardozzi has indicated that this engine is now the probable choice moving forward.

"The choice hasn't been made yet, but it seems we're leaning towards 2024," Tardozzi mentioned to MotoGP's After the Flag.

"Ultimately, this evening, Gigi and the team of engineers are set to make the final call. I sense that we will opt for the GP24, though no decision has been reached yet."

Is Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia getting a Ducati engine?

Ducati has previously chosen to use an older engine model in its latest motorcycle. For example, the factory team switched at the last moment to a hybrid engine combining elements from 2021 and 2022 for their GP22 bike.

This decision turned out to be wise, since Bagnaia ended up winning the championship, whereas the Pramac team, using the complete 2022-spec engine, only managed to achieve eight podium finishes combined.

Tardozzi stated that the choice to probably opt for the GP24 is influenced by the upcoming two-year freeze on engine development.

"Indeed, as previously mentioned, the decision to freeze the engine for two years is being made because we aim to avoid any risks during that period," he stated.

"The 2024 engine has previously provided us with positive responses and proven to be reliable. Therefore, I believe this will be the choice we go with."

On Wednesday in Thailand, Marquez surprised observers by choosing not to use Ducati's 2025 aerodynamic package.

Tardozzi clarified that the differences arose because each rider was following their own schedule. He also minimized the significance of their difficulties during the practice start session.

"They have various tasks and schedules to manage today," he clarified.

"Marc is exploring other options. He is also experimenting with various positions while riding the bike since he appears to be uneasy."

"He has experimented with various ergonomic setups, handlebars, and other adjustments to improve his seating position on the bike."

"I believe one issue was that they began the race using hard tires, although I noticed that other manufacturers faced similar challenges."

"It appears that the bike's clutch was not adjusted correctly. However, I believe that, as always, Marc and Pecco will have a strong start in the next race."

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2025 Buriram MotoGP Test: Marc Marquez Leads Day One

The eight-time world champion propels the factory Ducati to the leading position.

Marc Marquez topped the leaderboard on the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season test, achieving the fastest time with a late surge on his factory Ducati, finishing 0.465 seconds ahead of his competitors.

The last two-day test before the season starts holds significance for everyone, but it appears to be especially crucial for the official Ducati team. They are in the process of determining which engine they will choose to utilize over the upcoming two seasons.

David Tardozzi, the team manager, announced before the session concluded that they would probably compete with the GP24 engine this season.

It seems that Marquez dedicated most of his day to working on that engine, and it was with this engine that he recorded the quickest time on Wednesday.

After remaining in the top two positions until the last hour of the session, Marquez made a late push with a time of 1 minute and 29.184 seconds to take the lead.

During the third hour of the session, he surpassed his brother, Alex Marquez, who races for Gresini on the full GP24, to claim the leading position with a time of 1 minute and 29.649 seconds.

Marc Marquez set the timing screens ablaze in the final moments, surpassing the previous record lap.

Franco Morbidelli secured the third position for VR46, finishing just 0.034 seconds behind Alex Marquez, in an all-Ducati top three.

Marco Bezzecchi secured fourth place riding the top-performing Aprilia, clocking a time of 1 minute and 29.794 seconds. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta spearheaded the KTM effort, finishing in fifth position.

Luca Marini delivered another promising performance for Honda during this pre-season, securing sixth place with a time of 1 minute and 29.928 seconds. The Italian rider finished ahead of his fellow Honda Racing Corporation counterpart, Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

Francesco Bagnaia, riding for the sister factory Ducati team, finished in eighth place. Meanwhile, KTM's Brad Binder secured ninth position, despite experiencing a crash at Turn 5 towards the end of the race.

Jack Miller from Pramac secured the top spot for Yamaha, finishing in 10th place with a time of 1m30.047s. Meanwhile, Joan Mir on his Honda positioned himself between the M1s, ahead of both Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.

Fermin Aldeguer was the leading newcomer for Gresini Ducati, finishing in 14th place, while Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Racing secured the 15th spot.

On Wednesday in Thailand, Tech3 KTM racers Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales appeared to face challenges once more, finishing in 16th and 18th positions. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, returning from an injury, completed 33 laps for Trackhouse and ended up in 19th place.

Results from Day One of the Buriram Test

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Jorge Martin Skipping Buriram Trials Impacts Entire Aprilia Team

The current world champion to miss the Thailand testing session

Marco Bezzecchi has expressed that the absence of Jorge Martin from the pre-season MotoGP test in Thailand impacts the entire Aprilia team.

The current MotoGP world champion sustained numerous breaks in a severe accident at the beginning of the first day during last week's Sepang test, marking only his second outing with Aprilia.

He was transported to the hospital for examinations prior to his return flight to Spain for an operation scheduled for Friday, leading to Martin being sidelined from this week's Buriram testing.

This indicates that Martin is set to have his first race on the Aprilia, after only completing 90 laps on the RS-GP since the previous November.

The accident has created a division between Aprilia and Michelin, with Michelin asserting that their data indicates the tyre Martin was utilizing had no problems, contrary to what has been suggested. However, the team still disputes this claim.

Looking forward to the upcoming two-day trial at Buriram this week, Bezzecchi acknowledges that Martin not being there is an issue, but it's something beyond his control.

"The Italian mentioned, "I must give another shot at something related to electronics."

"We need to make adjustments in every aspect of our approach, including adapting my way of riding to better suit the motorcycle."

"Certainly, the absence of Jorge impacts the entire team, including myself. However, this is our current situation, and I must fulfill my responsibilities without grievances."

Bezzecchi noted, "There are still a few things we haven't tested in Sepang. They were on the agenda.

"Thankfully, in Sepang, we managed to stick to our strategy, leaving a few tasks to be addressed here, particularly tomorrow."

"Then, naturally, we'll need to make some preparations for the race weekend."

"Thus, tomorrow holds significance as it marks the initial day for us to experiment with everything that requires testing, followed by concentrating on the arrangement and the approach to riding."

Bezzecchi is set to kick off his season in Thailand after having spent six days riding the RS-GP starting from November.

He mentions he "would appreciate additional time," yet acknowledges that increased testing can sometimes be counterproductive, leading to challenges in determining the right path for development.

“When asked whether five days of preseason testing in 2025 was sufficient to get accustomed to a new bike, he responded, 'It must be, since that's all I'm given: three days in Sepang, two days in this location, totaling five,'” he explained.

"I need to ensure I'm performing at my peak for the opening race, given the resources at my disposal. Ideally, I'd prefer additional time to prepare, but that's simply not feasible."

While it's crucial, there are times when excessive testing can make it challenging to avoid complications.

"In conclusion, once you discover a foundation and experiment with all the necessary items during the testing phase, that suffices."

"In that case, racing is the preferable option. Ideally, I'd enjoy spending three days at Sepang and another three days at this location. That setup would be ideal for me. However, we have three days at one and two at the other, which is fine."

Savadori to Assist Martin with Aprilia

In an effort to bridge the absence of Martin, Aprilia is bringing in test rider Lorenzo Savadori. The Italian has detailed his plan to support the world champion during the Thailand event.

"I'm here on a mission to assist Jorge, collaborating with the team to establish a solid foundation for him upon his arrival for the race," he stated.

"Therefore, I persist in refining the bicycle. Additionally, we have a few novel components to evaluate, including those related to aerodynamics and electronics."

"Our objective is to establish a solid foundation for Jorge to begin his work."

Savadori mentioned that his role doesn't involve configuration tasks but will instead focus on major aspects that are also beneficial and appropriate for Jorge.

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Fermin Aldeguer describes the "wild" practice session that resulted in a hectic spin. "I've never slipped like that before…"

During the midday practice session for start procedures at the Buriram MotoGP test, several riders experienced some difficulties while taking off from the grid. Fermin Aldeguer, however, had the most noticeable issues.

The novice from Spain lost control at the start of one of his races and nearly collided with his Gresini Racing teammate, Alex Marquez. Luckily, he managed to steer clear and prevent any contact.

Aldeguer clarified that the excessive spin he experienced at the start was due to the track conditions in Buriram.

"After his initial day riding the Desmosedici GP24 in Buriram, Aldeguer described the experience as 'crazy.'"

"For the first time, I experienced a slip like this. It's typical when the track is in such a state, and other riders also face similar issues. While theirs may not be as severe, it's still a common occurrence."

The newcomer happened to be beside his teammate on the grid during that practice start purely by chance, not to seek any insights from Marquez or for any specific purpose.

"In the end, I don't require Alex [Marquez] to evaluate whether my practice start is effective," he stated.

"With the information available, we have a comprehensive view of everything."

"We need to make some improvements, as the track was somewhat slippery today and we didn't perform at our best. However, we'll assess the situation."

In addition to the inconsistent beginnings in practice, Aldeguer acknowledged facing challenges in adjusting his riding style on the Ducati for the Buriram track, where he had claimed victory in Moto2 during 2023.

He stated that the Buriram circuit is entirely distinct from the Sepang track.

"In conclusion, it's just a different style. With Michelin, we utilize a distinct casing here, which is another element to adjust to."

"Adjusting my approach to this track was challenging at first this morning. However, we remained composed, and after the break, we made significant progress."

"We're not at the pinnacle yet, but progress is moving in the right direction."

Statements shared by Derry Munikartono in Buriram.

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Official Buriram MotoGP Test 2025: Marc Marquez Climbs to the Lead on Day One

The eight-time world champion propels the factory Ducati to the leading position.

Marc Marquez concluded the first day of the Buriram MotoGP pre-season testing as the quickest rider. He achieved this with a late surge on his official Ducati, which placed him 0.465 seconds ahead of his competitors.

The last two-day test before the season starts holds significance for everyone, but it appears to be particularly crucial for the factory Ducati team as they work to choose an engine for the upcoming two seasons.

Before the session concluded, team manager David Tardozzi announced that the team would probably compete using the GP24 engine this season.

It seems that Marquez dedicated most of his day to working on that particular engine, which is also the one he used to achieve the quickest time on Wednesday.

After consistently being among the top two for most of the final hour, Marquez made a late push and clocked a time of 1 minute 29.184 seconds to secure the fastest position.

In the third hour of the session, he surpassed his brother Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini on the full GP24, claiming the leading position with a time of 1 minute and 29.649 seconds.

The lap remained the standard to beat until the final moments, when Marc Marquez made a significant impact on the timing screens.

Franco Morbidelli secured third place for VR46, making it an all-Ducati lineup, trailing Alex Marquez by 0.034 seconds.

Marco Bezzecchi secured the fourth spot riding the top Aprilia, clocking a time of 1 minute 29.794 seconds. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta spearheaded the KTM effort, finishing in fifth place.

During the pre-season testing, Luca Marini delivered another promising performance for Honda, securing the sixth position with a time of 1 minute 29.928 seconds. The Italian rider outpaced his fellow HRC competitor, Johann Zarco from the LCR team.

Francesco Bagnaia secured the eighth position riding for the sister factory Ducati team, while Brad Binder from KTM finished in ninth place, even though he experienced a late incident at Turn 5.

Jack Miller from Pramac led the Yamaha contingent by securing the 10th position with a time of 1 minute and 30.047 seconds. Meanwhile, Joan Mir from Honda positioned himself between the M1 riders, placing ahead of Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo.

Fermin Aldeguer, representing Gresini Ducati, emerged as the leading newcomer by securing the 14th position, 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 challenges, finishing in 16th and 18th positions, respectively. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez, representing Trackhouse, secured the 19th spot after completing 33 laps as he returned from an injury.

Results from the first day of testing in Buriram

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Johann Zarco Evaluates Honda's Improved Engine Performance

"The difference is now smaller than it used to be"

Despite facing stiff competition from Joan Mir, Johann Zarco maintained his position as the quickest rider for Honda in the Sepang MotoGP trials.

The racer from France, who notably achieved a coveted position in Q2 for Honda during the previous year's Malaysia Grand Prix in November and secured the eleventh spot in the primary race, concluded the trial with a time that was 0.711 seconds slower than the front-runner, Alex Marquez, from Gresini Ducati.

Team member Mir from the factory was a mere 0.075 seconds slower, followed by Luca Marini in 15th place and Zarco’s newcomer colleague from LCR, Somkiat Chantra, in 19th position, yet all were within a 1.64-second gap of Marquez on the almost two-minute circuit.

"Zarco started off by saying, “This test turned out to be even better than I had anticipated, which is a positive sign. The performance on the final day was particularly impressive. It’s a boost for my confidence to see that we’re narrowing the gap with the leading riders, which isn’t as wide as it used to be.”

Honda introduced fresh engine, aerodynamics, and chassis components for testing in Malaysia. Both Zarco and Mir appeared to prefer the latest engine paired with the previous aerodynamic setup.

"The French individual mentioned, "Over the course of three days, we experimented with various approaches. Today, we were able to integrate all those elements effectively, and the results were significantly improved. I'm pleased with this outcome."

"No single element significantly impacts my cycling, but when I combine them, I notice an improved handling of the bike."

"Currently, it's essential for our trials in Thailand to continue experimenting with various options and select the optimal package to begin the season with, since we must choose which components to officially approve."

Johann Zarco highlights Honda's advantages

Honda must finalize its engine and aerodynamics by the first race, but thanks to its D concession ranking, similar to Yamaha, it has the flexibility to refine these elements throughout the season.

Currently positioned 15th in the top speed rankings, the RC213V is facing a deficit in sheer power, and issues with rear traction continue to be a problem.

Nonetheless, the updated engine design seems to assist in maneuverability.

"Certain bikes appear to have significant power in terms of acceleration, and it's noticeable, especially when trailing behind someone, that you seem to be falling behind," he added.

"However, upon examining every aspect, occasionally the escape isn't the main point of emphasis. Thus, we had additional elements to improve to enhance the rider's experience. I was able to identify these, which genuinely satisfies me."

Regarding the engine aspect, Honda is striving to maximize the power output while ensuring it's practically usable.

"I'm optimistic that as the season progresses, we'll see improvements, but I'm confident that right from the start, we'll be contenders for the top ten positions, which is currently a primary goal of mine."

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Fabio Quartararo discusses the reasons behind an unusual day at the MotoGP test in Buriram. He mentions, "It's among the rare occasions in my career where I found no front tire to my liking…"

Following an impressive performance at the Sepang test last week, Fabio Quartararo kicked off the Buriram MotoGP test this week with what he referred to as a "strange" day.

The day's peculiarity stemmed from Quartararo's experience with the front of his Yamaha, which he attributed to the tires.

"Today turned out to be quite unusual for us," remarked the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP racer after the initial day of testing in Buriram. "This is particularly notable as it's one of the rare instances in my career where I found none of the front tires to my liking."

"I had a tough time today trying to ride quickly."

"Let's find out tomorrow if the track conditions get better, allowing me to ride the way I prefer. Today, we experimented with various approaches, but my performance wasn't up to par."

"Hopefully, we can discover a tire or an adjustment with this tire by tomorrow that suits our needs."

The French motorcyclist mentioned that neither he nor Yamaha had pinpointed the source of his uncertainty with the bike's front end. However, he emphasized that he believes the issue lies with the tires rather than the YZR-M1 itself.

"Whenever there are two tires to choose from, it's common to find that you prefer one over the other," he stated.

"This is the first time I've found myself disliking both of them. I'm not sure why, but I hope my feelings will be different tomorrow."

Fabio Quartararo placed 13th during the test session in Buriram. Quartararo mentioned that his discomfort with the front end resulted in what seemed like improved stability when braking.

"The bicycle feels slightly steadier, largely due to my inability to apply strong pressure on the front brake," he mentioned.

"Naturally, the bike feels more stable now. Last year, I was able to push the bike to its limits. I anticipate that tomorrow it will start to wobble again as I attempt to reach those limits once more, especially if the same issue with the tires arises during the race."

"We will aim to test the bike's limits tomorrow morning."

After following Alex Marquez from the Gresini Ducati team, Quartararo acknowledged that Yamaha has improved its straight-line speed.

He mentioned that he followed Alex Marquez for one lap, but it was challenging to determine tire wear differences, as Marquez’s tire had already been used for 18 laps compared to his own, which had only been used for five laps. Nevertheless, he noted significant improvements in their performance on the straight sections.

In conclusion, the 2021 World Champion noted that Yamaha's setup for both aerodynamics and the engine is now "pretty much set." He added that he dedicated most of his day to experimenting with new electronic strategies.

On Thursday, which marked the last day of the 2025 MotoGP preseason testing, Quartararo concentrated on perfecting launch modes. He believed there was potential for enhancement following the practice start session held between the morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesday.

"He's hopeful that by tomorrow they can implement some varied electronic strategies for the start, which might lead to improvements," he stated.

"Today, we tried some new approaches that might have been successful, but unfortunately, they didn’t work out for us."

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A MotoGP competitor shares a surprising hypothesis on advancing through the ranks

Ai Ogura discusses the transition from Moto2 to MotoGP

MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura feels that moving up from Moto3 to Moto2 presents a tougher challenge than advancing from Moto2 to the top tier.

The current Moto2 titleholder has teamed up with the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team for the 2025 and 2026 racing seasons, following an unexpected recruitment by the team last summer.

Ogura captured attention with a standout race simulation at the Sepang shakedown a fortnight ago and concluded the official Malaysia test ranking 14th on the last day.

Inquired about the transition from Moto3 to Moto2 and then from Moto2 to MotoGP, Ogura revealed an unexpected insight.

He mentioned, "The initial day on the Moto2 bike stands out for me. I'm not sure of the reason, but possibly the transition from Moto3 to Moto2 feels like a more significant jump."

"I'm simply expressing my emotions. The incident occurred the very next day after my Moto3 season concluded, when, in Portimao, I found myself unable to navigate a turn, particularly the initial one.

"Thus, reaching speeds close to 300km/h and with a larger tire, I found it challenging to even tilt the bike. Personally, it was quite difficult. Transitioning from Moto2 to MotoGP was somewhat smoother for me."

Ogura is scheduled for an additional two days of trials on his RS-GP at Buriram, ahead of his first MotoGP race appearance at the Thai Grand Prix, slated for the month's close.

When questioned about his anticipations for the trial, he responded, "Primarily to nail down the precise timing on the track since the initial race will take place here. Hence, it’s beneficial for me to have two days of testing on this circuit."

The straightforward young Japanese rider was quite reserved in response to questions about what he believes should be enhanced regarding the bike and his own performance, merely asserting, "Everything".

Ogura identifies that the principal challenge he's facing with the MotoGP bike is braking in a straight line.

Regarding his physical readiness, Ogura feels confident that he possesses sufficient strength to complete a race without experiencing any issues with arm pump.

He mentioned, "I'm uncertain about my strength, but I can manage for 20 laps."

"That's my current understanding. Perhaps my strength will continue to increase, but it's uncertain. However, as it stands, I'm not experiencing any arm pump or similar issues over race distances."

Ogura will be joined by his teammate Raul Fernandez on the track at Buriram, following Fernandez's absence from the Sepang test due to a crash on the first day.

Fernandez underwent a surgical procedure to repair a fractured left hand but plans to compete in this week's event, just before the season's first round begins.

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Jack Miller identifies where Yamaha outshines KTM

"It makes you crave more…"

During the first day of the MotoGP preseason test in Buriram, Jack Miller secured a position within the top 10.

The ex-rider for Honda, Ducati, and KTM is adapting smoothly to his new Yamaha bike, which has become a standout as teams gear up for the 2025 racing season.

Miller highlighted a feature in which his new machine surpasses the capabilities of last year's KTM.

Miller expressed his satisfaction in Buriram, stating that he finds the bike enjoyable to ride and appreciates the reliability of the front end, which he considers a significant advantage.

The experience makes you crave additional excitement. Whenever you install a new tire, you find yourself pondering, ‘I could have taken those corners faster.’

"It gives you a strong sense of trust in the front part, which had been lacking over the last few years."

"I didn't expect that, but it's a nice surprise."

"We focused on the back end of the vehicle, particularly on the corners where we needed to stop and start. I was pleased with the adjustments we implemented."

Jack Miller finishes in 10th place at Buriram

Miller, now riding for the Pramac team with Miguel Oliveira after their switch from Ducati to Yamaha, referred to his new motorcycle as a "rocket ship" due to its impressive launch capabilities.

He mentioned that during the testing in Buriram, they immediately started off strong by using the foundational setup they had established in Sepang.

"I was pleased with the conditions. The track was fine, just a bit dusty. Fortunately, the presence of multiple bikes helped clear it up swiftly."

"The motorcycle is functioning properly overall, but there is still a problem with the rear traction. However, in conditions where the grip isn't particularly strong, such as here, it's less noticeable. I felt the issue more prominently during my time in Sepang."

"I completed many laps in the 30-second range today, and I wish I could have achieved some in the 29-second bracket."

"I'm pleased with the speed. The motorcycle handles well in the warm weather."

"The team made a few changes, but overall, the configuration remained consistent with how we ended in Sepang."

"I was pleased with its performance even in somewhat challenging conditions."

"Whenever you ride a new bicycle, it's important to be receptive and take in everything. Pay attention to the feedback the bike is giving you."

Yamaha has faced challenging times over the last few years.

However, Miller believes the company has every opportunity to expand on their successful preseason.

Miller firmly stated that they pay no attention to the opinions of others.

"Yamaha was once well-suited for many tracks, but that's no longer the case. In contrast, Ducati, which previously struggled, now performs well on all tracks."

"The situation is evolving, and we concentrate on what is within our capabilities."

"In previous years, Yamaha has shown significant strength at this location."

Statements given by Derry Munikartono in Buriram

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For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Honda's MotoGP motorcycle shows improvement over previous models, yet there's a caveat…

"Our enhancements have targeted areas that previously posed challenges for us…"

Honda's recent downturn in MotoGP performance has placed it at the lowest rank among manufacturers, yet Alberto Puig, the team manager for Honda HRC Castrol, is confident that improvements are underway.

Factory Honda team racers, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, shared optimistic viewpoints regarding the enhancements applied during the offseason, observing that the 2025 RC213V exhibits superior cornering capabilities at the onset compared to the previous model, based on the initial season tests conducted last week at Sepang. However, Marini mentioned feeling that Honda's progress had plateaued over the winter when compared to the championship's leading motorcycles.

Alberto Puig Puig confirmed in a discussion with MotoGP.com that the RC213V has seen improvements this year, marking progress from its performance in 2024.

"He mentioned that the foundation has improved compared to the previous year."

"We've made progress in certain challenging aspects previously, yet there remain critical areas requiring attention, as highlighted by rider feedback, which we acknowledge.

"Undoubtedly, the start of the season will present challenges."

"In Japan, a significant endeavor was undertaken to enhance all of their activities, and we also managed to enlist numerous individuals who are now assisting us."

Discover more: Ducati faces a significant challenge, which proves to be an even larger issue for their competitors.

Honda MotoGP's primary goal pinpointed

The most notable new addition to Honda's 2025 lineup is undoubtedly Romano Albesiano, formerly at the helm of Aprilia's RS-GP initiative.

At this point, Puig emphasized, the Italian is currently going through the educational stage of his tenure at Honda.

"He expressed satisfaction with [Romano] Albesiano coming on board."

"Undoubtedly, this marks a starting point for him, and he'll require some time to adapt to Honda's methodologies, which are likely quite distinct from the Italian approach to work."

"Ultimately, Honda represents a collective rather than a single person – our goal is to harness our collective power. The drive and ambition are clear; the sole objective is to elevate Honda to leading standings."

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In August 2024, Alex became a part of the Crash.net crew after spending two years at Visordown, where he reported on both consumer and racing motorcycle news.

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Primary rationale for Marc Marquez's edge over Pecco Bagnaia

Explanation for selecting Marc Marquez

A compelling explanation has been offered to support the idea that Marc Marquez holds a benefit against Francesco Bagnaia in this year's competition.

Marquez will team up with Bagnaia in Ducati's premier team, ensuring they both have access to the top-tier equipment and the most competitive motorcycle available.

However, a legend from MotoGP has directed blame towards Marquez as the battle for the championship begins.

"Giacomo Agostini has declared to La Gazzetta dello Sport that a friendship between them is impossible."

The producer is required to provide identical materials to both parties, and they need to ensure they stay within the boundaries without deviation.

Whether you have Davide Tardozzi or Agostini overseeing from the pit wall, when a rider is embroiled in competition, their sole focus is on outmaneuvering the rival, executing the pass, and then pulling ahead by five meters soon after.

"Different from what he was informed down in the trenches…"

Marc Marquez preferred over Pecco Bagnaia

"Both are exceptional athletes," Agostini commented. "One is more systematic and integrated with his team, while the other adopts a more aggressive approach.

"I foresee them envying one another, anticipating a direct confrontation."

"Marc definitely has a greater appetite for victory than Bagnaia, which might just give him the edge…"

Discover more: Ducati faces a significant challenge, which turns out to be an even larger concern for the rest of the competition.

Bagnaia benefits significantly from having piloted a Ducati, specifically the factory model, over the last four years.

He clinched the titles in both 2022 and 2023, only to narrowly lose in the final round of 2024 to Jorge Martin.

However, the brilliance of Marquez, an eight-time world champion, should always be recognized.

Following a season of transition from a Honda to a Ducati from the previous year, he will be advancing to utilize equipment directly from the factory in 2025.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American leagues, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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