The first day of Barcelona MotoGP post-season test at the Catalunya saw Gresini’s Alex Marquez emerge as the fastest rider clocking an impressive lap time of 1:38.803.
The test, held on November 19, 2024, marked a significant moment for many riders as they adapted to new machinery and prepared for the upcoming season. The atmosphere was electric as teams and riders gathered to evaluate their performances and make strategic decisions ahead of the 2025 season.
The Barcelona MotoGP post-season test began with a buzz of anticipation as teams set up their garages and riders prepared for a full day of testing.
The session was particularly notable for Alex Marquez, who had already made headlines throughout the season and continued to build on his momentum. His lap time not only topped the charts but also indicated a promising synergy with the Ducati GP24, suggesting that he had found a solid footing with the bike.
Following closely behind Marquez was Monster Energy Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, who finished second with a time of 1:39.199. The Frenchman completed an impressive 75 laps, demonstrating his commitment to refining his skills and optimizing his machine.
Quartararo’s performance was commendable as he worked diligently on three different bike setups throughout the day, including a new chassis that could potentially enhance his performance in the upcoming races.
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia secured third place with a time of 1:39.398. Bagnaia’s feedback on the new Ducati GP25 was particularly insightful; he noted improvements in handling during fast corners and overall engine performance. This development is crucial as he aims to defend his title in the coming season.
Notably, Bagnaia’s new teammate, Marc Marquez, made headlines at the Barcelona MotoGP post-season test with his debut on the factory Ducati team, finishing fourth with a time of 1:39.454. His transition to Ducati was met with enthusiasm, and he expressed satisfaction with how quickly he adapted to the new bike.
Marc Marquez’s presence at the test added an extra layer of intrigue; he sported an all-red racing suit that matched his Ducati GP25. His performance was highlighted by a late surge in lap times, showcasing his competitive spirit even in testing conditions.
The camaraderie between the six time world champion and Bagnaia was evident as they shared feedback about their bikes, indicating a strong partnership that could yield significant results for Ducati in 2025.
Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez rounded out the top five with a time of 1:39.471. His performance marked a promising start as he acclimated to his new team and machinery.
Following closely behind were KTM’s Brad Binder and VR46 Ducati debutant Franco Morbidelli who finished sixth and seventh respectively, both showing strong potential going into next season.
Yamaha’s Alex Rins also had a noteworthy day, placing eighth with a time of 1:39.568. Rins’ efforts were focused on refining his setup and ensuring that he could compete effectively against his rivals in the upcoming season.
2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin made headlines during the test as well; he sampled both the 2024 Aprilia and its 2025 prototype during the session. Despite suffering an early crash at Turn 5, Martin managed to recover and finish respectably in P11 after switching bikes mid-session.
The Barcelona MotoGP post-season test session also featured several rookies who were eager to make their mark in MotoGP. Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini Ducati stood out as the fastest rookie, finishing in P20 but only 1.7 seconds off Marquez’s leading time.
His performance indicates a bright future ahead as he becomes more accustomed to the demands of MotoGP racing.
The testing conditions at the Barcelona MotoGP post-season test were favorable for most riders, allowing them to push their limits without the pressure of competition.
Teams utilized this opportunity not just for speed but also for gathering data on various setups and components that could be crucial for their strategies moving forward into pre-season testing.
