2025 Misano MotoGP In-Season Test Highlights
The 2025 MotoGP in-season test at Misano was a pivotal moment for several teams, particularly as they fine-tuned their machines for the upcoming competitions. The test became a showcase of talent and innovation, featuring prominent riders and significant advancements in bike technology.
Pedro Acosta Takes the Lead
Pedro Acosta, the rising star and Factory KTM rider, opened the testing session with an impressive performance. He quickly established himself at the top of the time sheets, clocking a remarkable time of 1:32.297, surpassing Enea Bastianini on the Tech3-run RC16. Acosta’s early lead set the tone for an exhilarating day of testing, drawing attention from teams and fans alike.
As the hours progressed, the competition intensified. Notable riders like Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia took turns at the front, demonstrating their prowess and strategic riding skills. The atmosphere was electric as Marco Bezzecchi made headlines by achieving the day’s first sub-1:31 lap, setting a blistering time of 1:30.779. This achievement underscored the fierce competition present in the grid.
Alex Marquez and the Morning Session
As the morning session neared its conclusion, Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing managed to nudge Bezzecchi off the top with a stellar lap time of 1:30.714. This solidified his position as a serious contender for the day. However, the excitement didn’t end there; Acosta, determined to reclaim his top spot, made significant improvements in the second session, slicing off three-and-a-half tenths from his previous best to clock a time of 1:30.374.
When the checkered flag waved at 6 PM local time, Acosta’s time stood unchallenged, marking him as the fastest rider of the day. His lap, while slower than Bezzecchi’s pole position time from the San Marino Grand Prix, showcased his consistent growth and competitive edge.
Afternoon Surprises and Notable Performances
In the afternoon, several riders made notable jumps in the standings. Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse Racing climbed up the ranks with a time of 1:30.761, securing fourth place. Close behind him was Franco Morbidelli, who finished fifth aboard the VR46 Ducati. Marc Marquez, the Sunday winner, ended the day in sixth, half a second behind Acosta’s pace, while Fabio di Giannantonio on the other VR46 Ducati took seventh.
Francesco Bagnaia managed to turn around his fortunes following a challenging weekend, finishing eighth despite a crash at Turn 1 late in the session. Jorge Martin, the reigning champion, also had a productive day, completing a total of 60 laps and finishing in ninth place with a best time of 1:30.945. The top ten was rounded out by Fermin Aldeguer on the Gresini Ducati, showcasing a strong performance from the team.
Honda’s Luca Marini led the charge for the manufacturer, ending the day in 11th place and trailing Acosta by 0.609 seconds. The day’s events highlighted the competitive spirit that defines the MotoGP series.
Yamaha’s V4 Testing and Mixed Reactions
Yamaha’s participation in the test was particularly noteworthy as it brought two V4-powered M1 bikes that had been raced during the San Marino GP. Key riders including Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, and Jack Miller had the opportunity to assess the new engine configuration. However, Miguel Oliveira, who is set to leave Pramac, did not take part in the V4 testing.
Despite being the fastest Yamaha of the day, Oliveira secured a position in 16th, while his teammates, Rins, Quartararo, and Miller, filled the subsequent spots on the timesheets. Quartararo expressed his frustration regarding the new M1, stating it felt “worse” than the previous version. He cautioned that simply switching to a V4 engine would not resolve all of Yamaha’s ongoing challenges.
On the other hand, Jack Miller offered a more optimistic perspective, describing the new M1 as “doing all the right things” and emphasizing that it had “more strengths than weaknesses.” This contrast in feedback from the Yamaha riders highlights the ongoing evolution and challenges within the team.
Honda’s Updates and Testing Strategy
Honda utilized the test to introduce several improvements, particularly in aerodynamics. Factory rider Luca Marini also tested a new chassis, aiming to enhance the bike’s overall performance. The focus for Honda was not just on speed but also on refining the bike’s handling characteristics, which are crucial for competitive racing.
Aprilia took advantage of the testing opportunity to focus on aspects that would typically be difficult to address during a regular race weekend. The team concentrated on electronics, bike setup, and evaluating new components. Bezzecchi ran a chassis that had already undergone testing, allowing the team to compare its performance against newer iterations. Jorge Martin continued to adapt to the RS-GP, trying different handlebar positions, which he described as his first significant test with Aprilia following an injury-plagued preseason.
KTM also brought new components to test, including a revamped exhaust and swingarm. The team explored various aerodynamic configurations, even experimenting with a bike stripped of rear winglets to assess its impact on performance.
Ducati’s Low-Key Approach
Ducati’s testing strategy was more subdued compared to other manufacturers. Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s general manager, mentioned that they were not aiming for drastic changes in a single day of testing. However, Marc Marquez did reveal that he tested different swingarms and compared the aerodynamic package used earlier in the season with the one currently deployed in recent races. This kind of analysis is essential for continuous improvement and maintaining Ducati’s competitive edge.
Absentees and Testing Dynamics
The testing session was not without its challenges, as two riders sat out to recover from injuries sustained during the San Marino Grand Prix. Joan Mir, who had already missed qualifying and the sprint race due to neck pain, opted out of the test to focus on his recovery. Similarly, Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura was absent after a high-speed crash that left him with bruising and inflammation in his right hand.
In addition to the primary riders, several manufacturers brought their test riders to Misano. Dani Pedrosa represented KTM, Michele Pirro was on duty for Ducati, and Takaaki Nakagami provided valuable mileage for Honda. Notably, Augusto Fernandez, who had raced in the San Marino GP, did not participate in the test, allowing Yamaha’s factory riders maximum time to evaluate their new V4-powered bikes.
Conclusion
The 2025 Misano MotoGP in-season test showcased the competitive spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence among teams and riders. With significant advancements in bike technology, coupled with the intense competition among talented riders, the test served as a crucial platform for preparation ahead of the next races. The insights gained from this testing session will undoubtedly influence strategies and decisions as the championship season unfolds. As manufacturers and teams refine their machines and work through the challenges, the anticipation for the upcoming races continues to build.
