Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) proved unstoppable at the Buriram Test, topping the timesheets on both days and setting a blistering lap of 1:28.855, the only rider to dip into the 1:28s. The Spaniard’s performance sent a clear message to the rest of the field, as he looks to reassert his dominance in the 2025 MotoGP season.
Reflecting on the test, Marquez said, “The most important thing is to have completed the very long to do list we had at the beginning of these five days of testing. I’m happy, I have the confidence I wanted on the bike and we worked hard and well with the whole Team. We still need to sort out a couple of things, but I’m satisfied and can’t wait to get back here for the race. The goal was to have a balanced bike, we succeeded and this is the reason that pushed us to make some conservative technical decisions. I did a long run simulation and we are competitive even after 23 laps done at 3pm in the afternoon heat”.
Ducati’s Technical Director, Davide Tardozzi, confirmed that the only 2025 parts to be on the bike for Round 1 are electronics and suspension updates, meaning they have decided to stay with the engine, chassis, and aero from 2024, at least for now. This decision locks in their engine choice until the end of 2026, underlining the confidence they have in their current package.
Ducati Corse Technical Director, Davide Barana, added, “We are satisfied with the performance both on the time attack and the race simulations seen at Sepang and here at Buriram. A very challenging 5 days of testing: we had a lot of material to test, but starting from an extremely competitive base, we preferred to adopt a prudent approach. I have to say that both riders gave very precise feedbacks, this helped us a lot in setting the bikes for the first race and decide which upgrades to postpone instead”.
Reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who finished fifth at the test, remains confident despite a challenging start. “I’m happy, we were able to change direction after a complicated day,” he said. “We have worked hard and only made progresses. The balance is positive, we are sure of our decisions on the technical side I mean and we are ready for the race. At the end I tried the time attack again, it wasn’t perfect, but that’s okay. I did several laps at 1.30 with used tires and, despite the drop, the times were competitive. I have perfected the set-up for the GP, I can’t wait, we are confident and the Team has worked really well”.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) secured second place at the test, proving his strong form extends beyond his favored Sepang circuit. The Spaniard reflected on the test, saying, “It was a positive test; we were fast and consistent with our lap times. Overall, the entire pre-season has been like this, and without a doubt, we can call it the best pre-season since I started racing in MotoGP. I have to admit that the race simulation wasn’t up to par; we had some issues with the bike, but I decided not to stop so I could train even in difficult conditions. Now we’ll take a little rest, and then I believe we’ll be ready for the start of the season.”
Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi impressed many in the paddock, taking third overall with a time of 1:29.060, the fastest Aprilia has ever been at Buriram. The Italian’s Sprint simulation was also noteworthy, suggesting he is settling in well at his new team.
KTM’s Pedro Acosta led the charge for the Austrian manufacturer, setting a 1:29.133 to finish just behind Bezzecchi. The young Spaniard seems to have the early edge on teammate Brad Binder, who ended the test in P12. Maverick Viñales, now riding for Red Bull KTM Tech3, made progress and moved into the top ten, while teammate Enea Bastianini continues to search for more from his new machine.
Honda made headlines in Buriram, with Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) setting the sixth-fastest time, the quickest lap ever by a Honda at the Thai circuit. Mir’s Sprint simulation was equally impressive, rivaling the pace of Aprilia and KTM.
Although Yamaha stole the show in Sepang, they found the going a bit tougher in Buriram. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) finished eighth, while Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was the next best Yamaha rider in P10. However, with no prior testing at the venue, the Iwata-based squad will likely have more to show come race weekend.
In the battle of the rookies, Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) topped Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP) with a 1:29.6 compared to the Spaniard’s 1:30. Home hero Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) continued to make progress, steadily chipping away at his lap times.
As the Buriram Test concludes and teams prepare for the season opener at the same venue, the stage is set for a thrilling championship battle. With Marc Marquez in dominant form and Ducati locking in their technical package for the next two years, the 2025 MotoGP season promises to be a captivating spectacle from the very first race.
