Catalunya MotoGP Test roundup – Quotes ̵...

MotoGP Catalunya Take a look at

November 19, 2024

As anticipated, the riders most accustomed to their machines made up the highest ten on the Catalunya Take a look at in a single day.

Alex Marquez topped the time-sheets for a lot of the day as he loved the GP24 Ducati.

Alex Marquez – P1

“I felt higher in every outing with the brand new bike. I did a run with the 23 this morning earlier than driving with the brand new one. I actually favored the latter; I had enjoyable and it confirmed. I crashed whereas looking for the restrict, however I might have simply prevented that. Now we’ll chill out a little bit, however I admit I’m trying ahead to 2025!”

Whereas Pedro Acosta was the one rookie in 2024, we’ve three debutantes for 2025, Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu LCR Honda), Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia) and Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati). The Spaniard was the quickest of the trio in the course of the check, 1.761-seconds from the 1m38.803s benchmark set on the day by Alex Marquez.

Fermin Aldeguer – P20

“I’m very, very proud of this primary day. I felt snug on the bike right away and felt quick. Braking is the realm that impressed me essentially the most, and usually talking it was an unbelievable day. There’s a lot to do, after all, however the ambiance throughout the workforce is unbelievable and, crash apart, I believe we did a superb job. I nonetheless must get used to every thing, however I’m very pleased. With out the crash, I absolutely would have accomplished a little bit higher lap-time clever.”

Ai Ogura – P21

“I’m feeling good and am actually pleased after this primary day in MotoGP. Total, it was a superb day. I had a small crash within the morning, however after that I might get again the boldness and slowly I get on top of things. I understood and discovered many issues so, it was good. I used to be actually nervous earlier than I obtained on the bike however as soon as I used to be driving, I simply loved it. Within the first two or three laps the acceleration stunned me so much. It was a pleasant expertise and now will probably be good to work extra.”

Somkiat Chantra – P23

“I’ve had loads of enjoyable; the bike’s energy is unbelievable. It’s been a superb day. I’ve many issues to study, however I’m actually pleased, the velocity of the MotoGP bike is one other factor! I wish to thank the workforce for the welcome they’ve given me; I can really feel everyone’s heat. Subsequent yr, I’ll give my greatest at each race!”.

All three rookies had tumbles however essentially the most spectacular crash got here from seasoned campaigner Enea Bastianini. The 26-year-old Italian added to KTM’s monetary woes by utterly destroying a Pink Bull KTM Tech3 machine.

Maybe Bastianini had been dazzled by the retina-burning pink leathers and paintwork of the Lenovo Ducati he had vacated, now ridden by Marc Marquez. The color scheme was speculated to symbolize a casino-style allegory that Marc was going all-in on pink. Simply, cease it…

Fabio Quartararo examined up to date aero, chassis, swing-arm, and engine on the YZR-M1, which the Frenchman reviewed positively after ending second quickest.

Fabio Quartararo – P2

“We examined many gadgets that have been fairly optimistic. I believe that the path Yamaha took was the proper one. The up to date chassis and engine have been the larger steps we made right here. The following large steps will arrive in Sepang, however I believe this was already fairly a optimistic day, and I loved driving the brand new bike. We have been capable of check it in a correct manner. Even with out actually pushing in a time assault, we might nonetheless push and set a fairly good lap time.”

Subsequent greatest was the Lenovo Ducati pairing of Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. Each riders have been stored to a busy testing schedule focussed on main GP25 improvement.

Marc solely briefly rode a GP24 for comparative functions, however the newcomer was additionally tasked predominantly with evaluating the GP25.

Attributable to their domination of the game in latest occasions Ducati is below essentially the most stringent testing restrictions of all, thus in the present day was crucial as their riders is not going to trip the bike once more till February at Sepang.

Whereas Marc was redder than a really pink factor in his ‘Todo al rojo’ livery, Pecco went distinctly ‘bianco’ with the #1 changed by #63.

Francesco Bagnaia – P3

“It was a optimistic day. The brand new bike is already performing nicely and exhibits nice potential. In fact, the workforce and engineers will proceed refining it over the winter, as there are nonetheless areas that want enchancment. As an illustration, by way of braking, the GP24 stays the benchmark. The engine may be very highly effective, and I’m proud of it, in addition to the chassis—we’re undoubtedly on course. Marc and I had loads of discussions to match our suggestions, and though we’ve totally different driving types, we have been lucky to share a really related really feel for the bike. Total, I’m happy with how the check went.”

Marc Márquez – P4

“It was good to get again to work as a manufacturing unit rider. In manufacturing unit groups, testing is all the time a little bit totally different—you must attempt loads of issues and be as exact as attainable together with your suggestions. As we speak, we primarily centered on the event of the GP25, making an attempt to find out what was higher and what was worse in comparison with the bike I rode this yr. On the finish, we additionally made a comparability with the GP24. Some elements nonetheless want enchancment, because it’s not simple to indicate up on the observe with a brand new bike and already be on the degree of the one which raced final yr. The nice factor is that each my suggestions and Pecco’s have been very related, which is able to assist simplify the engineers’ work from home over the winter. Total, the stability is optimistic, and I’m pleased.”

Raul Fernandez led the Aprilia cost, placing in 82 laps whereas additionally spending a while evaluating a brand new entrance Michelin tyre.

Raul Fernandez – P5

“It was a very optimistic day general. We didn’t have the 2025 spec within the storage, however we have been focusing so much on the 2023 and 2024 bike to know loads of issues. For me, principally the 2024 was higher however in the present day we labored on various things with the bike. Now we have been engaged on the electronics in the course of the day, which was certainly one of my difficult factors in these final two years and by the top of in the present day, I felt one thing totally different on the bike – I felt that I can use my very own fashion extra with these sorts of settings and it is a good consequence in the present day. We noticed one setup that we could be utilizing for roughly all tracks as a place to begin. It was a vital day, additionally to work with a few of our new workers and it was all optimistic. We improved so much and I’m positive we are going to enhance extra sooner or later.”

Davide Brivio – Trackhouse Crew Principal

“A optimistic day. Excellent to work with Ai – he displayed a peaceful, step-by-step, method. You’ll be able to see he’s absorbing every thing. These days, I really feel the bounce from Moto2 to MotoGP is larger and greater yearly – we’ve so many gadgets; aerodynamics, electronics, ride-height and naturally, totally different tyres for him, so he’s doing nicely. I believe in the present day’s in the future check is essential to permit him to know a MotoGP bike, to know what he must do from a bodily point-of-view. It provides loads of data to consider within the subsequent couple of months whereas we’re making ready for the following check in Sepang. Up to now, so good! Raul didn’t obtain a 2025 configuration bike as Aprilia solely had two and they’re within the manufacturing unit workforce storage – not obtainable for us, so we took the chance to work with Raul on electronics as he wished to attempt some various things and in addition get his suggestions on the final full, 2024 package deal as he had been utilizing a hybrid package deal within the final races, not the complete 2024 bike. We deliberate this to start out him on the complete ’24 package deal as a preparation forward of the Sepang check after we will obtain our 2025 bikes and that’s after we will actually begin to work.”

Newly topped Jorge Martin ended the day eleventh quickest but additionally had a tumble via the gravel.

Additionally familiarising himself with the RS-GP for the primary time was fellow Ducati exile and Aprilia Racing recruit Marco Bezzecchi.

Brad Binder was the quickest KTM rider forward of latest Pink Bull KTM team-mate Pedro Acosta. The pair accomplished 134 laps between them as they examined new aero parts and digital options.

Brad Binder – P6

“We had a productive check plan and obtained via all of it. No mishaps and every thing labored nicely. The primary aim was to get as a lot data as we might and I believe we obtained the mission completed. I believe loads of what we tried in the present day is just the start to attempt to push the undertaking ahead for subsequent season.”

Pedro Acosta – P9

“Completely happy as a result of we had a stable day with none points. We tried loads of issues and that didn’t depart me a lot time for a time-attack. I had new fairings with some good enhancements and a brand new seat part for extra consolation and stability. A change of workforce for me and so much to look ahead to after we go once more in Malaysia.”

Franco Morbidelli was welcomed into the Pertamina Enduro VR46 storage to check alongside Michele Pirro as Fabio Di Giannantonio continues to recuperate from surgical procedure. Morbidelli on the GP24 and Pirro testing developments on the GP25.

Franco Morbidelli – P7

“I’m very pleased, it was a greater than optimistic first method. I do know many members of the Crew since years and it’s a terrific honor to have the ability to work collectively. I’ve been following Matteo since I used to be a toddler, he made historical past with Vale when he was his electronics engineer and we had a superb feeling. I just like the ambiance, there’s every thing it’s essential to do nicely. We labored exhausting, I most well-liked to not put the mushy on the finish, it was too chilly to enhance our lap time. Total a terrific begin.”

Michele Pirro – P19

“It was a terrific alternative, thanks once more to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Crew, I actually loved driving within the group. As we speak I instantly felt extra snug, in my function let’s say. I did a primary verify of the bike, I can say that with the GP25 we’ve taken one other step ahead. We’re at the start, nevertheless it is a superb base. It was good to see Fabio on the observe and in addition into the storage, a pleasant shock for everybody. As a rider I understand how exhausting it’s to have to attend till Sepang to get again on the bike, however I’m positive he may have enjoyable with this new bike.”

Fabio Di Giannantonio

“I’m nice, solely two weeks from the surgical procedure and I’m nonetheless immobilised, however every thing goes in keeping with plan. Day-after-day I take steps ahead and I really feel higher. I actually wished to shock the Crew and see my bike. I couldn’t resist, once I noticed it into the storage with the fairings it was pure magic. In a couple of days I’ll be capable of begin rehabilitation after which return to coaching in January.”

Monster Yamaha’s Alex Rins was eighth quickest whereas new Prima Pramac Yamaha riders Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller have been seventeenth and twenty second respectively. Rins examined a brand new chassis and engine.

Alex Rins – P8

“Regarding the set-up, we made a small step. After the Race, the engineers and I talked and mentioned what we examined in the present day. We tried one thing I didn’t attempt in the course of the GP weekend for the set-up that makes my life a bit simpler when driving the bike. Other than that, Yamaha introduced some updates: a chassis and an engine. I felt particularly good with the chassis. Total, I’m fairly glad with the check we did. Now Yamaha may have loads of knowledge, plus the information from two extra riders. So, now it’s as much as Yamaha to place all of it collectively. Let’s see what they’ll do for Sepang.”

Massimo Meregalli – Monster Yamaha Crew Director

“We‘ve solely simply wrapped up the 2024 season, however we already obtained again to motion. The workforce was extremely motivated to get to work in the present day as a result of this was an essential check. We had 7 hours, although possibly much less contemplating the solar set early, however we obtained loads of work accomplished. Fabio and Álex evaluated the up to date gadgets: aero, chassis, swingarm, and engine. Each riders appeared happy with the progress, so all in all it was a optimistic check and a superb stepping stone for issues to return after the winter break. We‘re going into the low season with a optimistic feeling, however we are going to proceed to work as exhausting as ever off observe. All of in the present day‘s knowledge, additionally Jack Miller’s and Miguel Oliveira’s, will now be despatched to the Yamaha engineers, who will put together the following steps for the Sepang checks. It is going to be crucial to guage all of the up to date gadgets we examined in the present day there as soon as extra to substantiate in the present day’s findings.”

Johann Zarco once more led the best way for Honda simply forward of Aleix Espargaro, the Spaniard getting straight right down to to work in his new function as HRC Take a look at rider.  Repsol Honda’s Joan Mir and Luca Marini have been fifteenth and nineteenth on the time-sheets.  Honda will check once more later this week at Jerez.

Johann Zarco – P10

“It’s been a useful and thrilling check. We’ve obtained the possibility to match and analyze totally different elements, which is all the time crucial to find out the trail to comply with in February. I end the season with many optimistic conclusions, and I imagine we’ll take a step ahead subsequent yr. Many due to the workforce, HRC, sponsors, and everyone supporting us unconditionally”.

Joan Mir – P15

“As a rider, all the time you wish to attempt extra issues and go sooner. We did what we needed to do in the present day and confirmed a couple of issues that we had tried earlier than, I hope it clears up the path for Honda HRC engineers over the winter. There’s nonetheless extra velocity to seek out and I hope that we will work nicely over the winter to have the ability to begin subsequent yr very nicely. The essential factor is to work as a lot as attainable as early as attainable to proceed the progress we made throughout this yr.”

Luca Marini – P18

“We had a superb check in the present day with fairly a couple of issues to attempt, a busy day. Some optimistic issues, however nonetheless some weaknesses to maintain on enhancing in the course of the winter. There are nonetheless loads of settings we’ve to attempt on the bike as a result of a number of the adjustments are actually large that we’ve been making. Future checks will assist us to substantiate precisely what we’ve tried right here. Now we should work exhausting to be ready for the beginning of the brand new season.”

Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini sampled the KTM RC16 for the primary time as they took up their new roles within the Tech3 storage. They appear to have tailored fairly nicely.

Maverick Viñales – P12

“I began the day with an open thoughts however actually from the primary lap every thing felt very optimistic and got here naturally. There are issues I would like to know and combine for the my driving fashion however a superb feeling. We didn’t check an excessive amount of, I simply wished a set-up that will enable me to trip and perceive the bike. It’s quick! I’ve not arrived to the restrict of the bike but and to see what’s lacking however I didn’t see any ‘wall’. I used to be sooner and sooner each time I went out. I like the best way I might exit the corners; that is improbable for my fashion. The KTM RC16 can also be steady below braking and it feels lighter, much less bodily. Nonetheless a lot to know however a optimistic first step.”

Aki Ajo – Pink Bull KTM Manufacturing unit Racing Crew Supervisor

“It was a vital day for us in Barcelona and to start out the 2025 season. Now we have some adjustments within the workforce with manpower and a brand new rider however, in any case, the workforce is already a ‘household’ for a few years and there’s no dramatic change. It’s a actually skilled group round right here, the manufacturing unit, the check workforce and all areas and days like this are crucial as a result of checks are restricted and we have to run issues in. As we speak was productive. We double checked some factors and continued improvement from the final months but additionally some new gadgets. With Brad and Pedro I really feel we’ve the most effective duos within the paddock. It was essential to gather the recent knowledge from Maverick and Enea and this helps the entire undertaking.”

Sebastian Risse – Pink Bull KTM Technical Supervisor MotoGP

“We restructured a bit for this check however we’d already been working intently with Pedro and we’re pleased to have the brand new group. We did loads of work by way of understanding items of the puzzle for subsequent yr and based mostly on this we are going to put collectively the bike for subsequent season. I believe we made some steps ahead and it’s all the time the case of working exhausting within the winter and seeing what we’ve for the races however based mostly on what we see and know we’re optimistic. The primary Tech3 workforce check was thrilling with two new riders and a few new folks and it was fascinating to study their notion of our bike and the best way we work. It was actually profitable as a result of each riders have been fairly pleased and impressed with the place they’re. It appears just like the areas they wish to work on we will enhance due to tuning, settings and issues we take note of. So, we go into the winter break with a robust plan.”

Nicolas Goyon – Tech3 Crew Supervisor

“Barcelona check was the opening day of the 2025 season, and we have been extraordinarily happy to welcome our two new riders in our new Pink Bull KTM Tech3 workforce. If we seek advice from their smiles all day lengthy, I believe that it was a very optimistic day for them, they loved driving our RC16 for the primary time. They each did many laps, as the concept was to get the primary feeling, the primary sensation on the bike. Additionally they wanted to give attention to the ergonomy to attempt to be as a lot prepared as attainable for Sepang in February. That’s job accomplished, with a optimistic first feeling, so let’s maintain this in thoughts to prepare for the preseason. For now, I want everybody a nicely deserved winter break, after an eventful, however fairly profitable season! That’s MotoGP now! See you subsequent in February in Malaysia!”

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