Winners: Ducati’s Competitors
The news that Ducati will continue with its 2024 engine and chassis, rather than introducing a radical 2025 upgrade, has sent ripples of excitement through the MotoGP paddock. While Ducati’s GP24 was a dominant force in 2024, winning 19 out of 20 grands prix, the lack of significant winter updates opens a window of opportunity for its rivals. Aprilia, KTM, and others now stand a better chance of securing podium finishes and, potentially, race wins. The absence of two Desmosedicis from the grid further tilts the balance, giving these manufacturers a stronger foothold in the championship.
GP24 Runners: Equitable Fight Ahead
This year, the Ducati sextet will be more evenly matched, as all six bikes will carry the same 2024 engine. This change is a stark contrast to 2022, when the factory team used a hybrid bike while other GP22 riders dealt with a seemingly inferior motor. Pre-season testing has already shown promising signs, with Franco Morbidelli and Alex Marquez posting impressive single-lap times. Morbidelli, who is familiar with the GP24 from his time at Pramac, and the younger Marquez, who has quickly adapted to the bike, are poised to be strong contenders. Fermin Aldeguer, the fastest rookie in testing, adds to this competitive mix, suggesting that Ducati’s year-old bike will still be a formidable opponent in 2025.
Marquez Brothers: Return to Glory
Marc Marquez stole the show during pre-season testing, clocking the fastest overall time at Buriram, just 0.15 seconds off the outright lap record. His 23-lap race simulation on Thursday sent shockwaves through the paddock, raising the bar for the competition. Despite lingering doubts from his 2020 injury, Marquez’s performance is a testament to his resilience and skill. Alex Marquez, often overshadowed by his brother, also surprised many with his consistency. Having finished eighth in the standings in 2024, he is now in a position to challenge for more regular podium finishes. If he can build on his current form, the younger Marquez might finally deliver on the high expectations set for him in his early years.
Yamaha: Steady Progress
While Yamaha may not have been as dominant as Ducati in 2024, the Japanese manufacturer has made significant strides this year. Fabio Quartararo, the factory’s lead rider, has shown promising pace, particularly in one-lap and long runs. Yamaha’s improvements in braking performance and top speed were evident during testing, and the new technical structure is expected to yield further gains as the season progresses. However, the M1 still struggles in low-grip conditions, a persistent weakness that will need addressing. On a brighter note, Jack Miller, who has joined Pramac as a new satellite rider, has quickly adapted to the M1 and could play a crucial role in Yamaha’s revival. His potential to challenge for top spots is a silver lining for the brand.
Honda: Positive Vibes
Honda faced criticism for not utilizing its race riders in the Sepang shakedown, but the team’s mood at Buriram was overwhelmingly positive. The RC213V showed promising improvements in both one-lap and long run pace, driven by upgrades that have finally won the approval of factory riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir. Mir, who had a difficult 2024 season, is now confident with the bike’s direction, and Marini, entering his second year with Honda, is no longer grappling with the transition from Ducati. The Yamaha vs. Honda rivalry is heating up, with Mir matching Quartararo’s pace during a sprint simulation. Despite some lingering issues, Honda’s progress is encouraging, and the team is optimistic about its prospects in 2025.
Losers: Challenges Abound
Jorge Martin’s high-side accident at Sepang has cast a shadow over Aprilia’s 2025 campaign. Martin, who managed just 13 laps before ending up in the hospital, now faces a tough recovery and adaptation period. This is especially challenging as it’s his first switch of manufacturers in MotoGP, and the RS-GP has a steep learning curve. Marco Bezzecchi, who has stepped up in Martin’s absence, has impressed with his fastest-ever lap at Buriram. However, his feedback on the need for brake improvements underscores the work still ahead for Aprilia.
KTM and its satellite team Tech3 also appear to be struggling. The financial crisis at KTM’s headquarters is beginning to impact its on-track performance. While Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder showed some promise, the two new Tech3 riders, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, have had a tough time adapting to the RC16. Vinales made progress on the final day, but Bastianini is still riding the KTM as if it were a Ducati, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the bike’s behavior.
Finally, Francesco Bagnaia, who views Marc Marquez’s arrival at Ducati as a new challenge, has had a rocky pre-season. Despite his title aspirations, Bagnaia encountered multiple issues at Buriram, forcing him to write off a full day and start anew. While he managed some long runs, he did not complete a full race simulation like Marquez. Bagnaia’s preparations have fallen short, and he will need to bring his best game to contend for the championship.
As MotoGP takes a brief hiatus before the season opener at Buriram, the stakes are higher than ever, with Ducati’s competitors poised to make a strong push and the champion marque under pressure to maintain its dominance.
