Ducati’s Winter of Humility
MotoGP’s five days of pre-season testing in Malaysia and Thailand in February provided a poignant reminder of the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead for the premier class. For Ducati, the winter break has been a time of sober reflection. Despite entering the new season with a bike that is nearly identical to last year’s, the Borgo Panigale marque has openly acknowledged its lack of significant progress. Last year, Ducati’s GP24 proved to be the perfect bike, with multiple victories and a championship win under Jorge Martin. However, this apparent stagnation has created an opening for the competition to catch up, a scenario that Ducati’s management is acutely aware of. Instead of shying away from criticism, they have embraced the challenge, recognizing that staying ahead will require continuous effort and innovation.
Marquez’s Promising Form
Marc Marquez’s return to form has been one of the most notable aspects of the pre-season testing. After years of struggle at Honda, Marquez secured a factory Ducati contract, and the results have been impressive. He not only set the fastest lap at Buriram, which was just a tenth slower than the all-time lap record, but also completed a 23-lap race simulation that spoke volumes about his readiness for the upcoming season. Despite this, Marquez remains humble, stating that he is more relaxed at Sepang, where his team has stronger performance metrics. His team-mate, Francesco Bagnaia, had a less spectacular winter, hindered by mechanical issues. However, Bagnaia’s recent form, having won more than half the races last year, still makes him a formidable contender. "I left Sepang more relaxed than here [Buriram]," Marquez noted. "You have to be strong where your weak points are [Sepang], and not where you know you will be good. The favourite to win here is still Pecco."
Bezzecchi’s Development Milestone
Aprilia’s pre-season journey has been marked by both adversity and triumph. The Noale brand faced a significant setback when Jorge Martin suffered an injury on the first day of testing. However, Marco Bezzecchi, one of its new recruits for 2025, has emerged as a bright spot. Bezzecchi’s performance was nothing short of impressive, especially considering it was his first time taking on a development role for a manufacturer. His maturity, resilience, and speed were evident, particularly in Thailand, where he was just two tenths off the best time. Bezzecchi’s comments reflect his satisfaction: "I am happy with how we have worked and how I have adapted, although I still don’t have everything completely under control. I am very happy with the bike and the engine." This performance suggests that the new version of the RS-GP is a marked improvement over its predecessor, and Bezzecchi’s contributions are crucial to its development.
Honda’s Revival
Honda’s pre-season testing in Thailand was a stark contrast to the jubilant mood at Yamaha in Sepang. Lead rider Joan Mir, who has shown signs of renewed confidence, led the charge. Mir’s testing went smoothly, and his fastest lap, placing him eighth, was a significant improvement despite being almost nine tenths off Marquez. However, his sprint simulation pace demonstrated that the RC213V is beginning to offer more than just mechanical fixes. Mir’s statement, "I’m starting to get back the feeling I haven’t had for a long time with a bike that lets me ride the way I like," indicates a positive shift in Honda’s fortunes. This improvement is crucial, especially as Honda aims to challenge the top teams and reclaim its former glory.
Yamaha’s Test of Character
Yamaha’s initial performance at Sepang was promising, but the transition to Thailand brought new challenges. The M1 showed its speed, but the optimism within the team was tempered by the difficulties faced at tracks with less grip. Fabio Quartararo, a key Yamaha rider, struggled with front-end feelings, an issue that had not plagued him before. While the team has made small improvements, the need to close the gap to Ducati remains paramount. Quartararo’s sprint simulation pace, placing him around the desired top five, underscores the team’s potential. However, achieving this goal will require addressing the front-end issues, especially given the unfavorable conditions at the Thai Grand Prix. Quartararo acknowledged, "We have made a small step forward, but these tests were a little more complicated, especially because of those bad sensations in the front end."
KTM’s Uncertain Future
KTM’s pre-season testing has been clouded by uncertainty, with the company awaiting an administrative ruling on its restructuring, scheduled for 25 February. The racing division, particularly the MotoGP team, has tried to downplay the situation, but the absence of Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder from media interactions in Buriram spoke volumes. Acosta’s performance was a mixed bag, with fast single-lap times but inconsistent long-run results due to tyre issues. Binder attempted to match Acosta’s pace, but other KTM riders, including Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini, continued to struggle. Acosta’s frustration was palpable: "It is difficult to understand why some tyres go well and others go badly. It becomes a lottery. It is no longer that the tyre goes badly, but that someone gets hurt." The outcome of the court proceedings will be crucial in determining KTM’s future direction and its ability to compete at the highest level.
