Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) delivered a commanding performance at the Buriram Test, topping the timesheets on both days. His fastest lap of 1:28.855 was the only time in that bracket, though it fell just short of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia’s 1:28.700 set during last year’s Thai Grand Prix. Bagnaia finished the test in fifth, while Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) impressed with a strong second-place result.
Ducati’s 2025 Plan Confirmed
Ducati Sporting Director Davide Tardozzi confirmed that for the 2025 season, only updates to electronics and suspension will be introduced for the opening round, while the engine, chassis, and aerodynamics will remain unchanged from 2024. With the engine now locked in until the end of 2026, Ducati seems confident in its current package, which has proven dominant.
Aprilia Steps Up
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) continued to impress, setting the fastest lap an Aprilia has ever recorded at Buriram with a 1:29.060. His performance marked the biggest improvement among all manufacturers, alongside KTM and Honda. Bezzecchi also showcased a strong Sprint simulation, proving he’s adapting well to the Noale-based squad. Meanwhile, test rider Lorenzo Savadori and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) put in valuable laps, with Fernandez recovering from his Sepang crash to finish P13.
KTM Shows Promise
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) continued to turn heads, setting a 1:29.133—the fastest KTM time ever at Buriram. The rookie outpaced his experienced teammate Brad Binder, who finished P12 but admitted he left time on the table. Maverick Viñales, now with Red Bull KTM Tech3, showed progress by breaking into the top ten, while teammate Enea Bastianini is still searching for improvements. KTM’s pre-season form remains somewhat unpredictable, but past surprises from the Austrian manufacturer suggest they could be a threat.
Honda Hits Back After Yamaha’s Sepang Headlines
If Yamaha stole the spotlight in Sepang, Honda answered back in Buriram. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) finished P6 with the fastest lap ever recorded by a Honda at the track. More importantly, his Sprint simulation proved competitive against Aprilia and KTM. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) focused less on time attacks, finishing P14 and P16, respectively.
Yamaha Searching for More
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) anticipated a tougher test in Buriram after Yamaha’s strong showing in Sepang, and his prediction proved accurate. He finished P8, though Yamaha hadn’t tested at the circuit beforehand like Honda. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) followed in P10, while teammate Miguel Oliveira struggled in P19, just behind Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in P17. Yamaha still has work to do but could reveal more potential when the race weekend arrives.
Rookies in Action
Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) emerged as the fastest rookie with a 1:29.6, edging out Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who posted a 1:30. Meanwhile, home favorite Somkiat Chantra continued his steady progression on the IDEMITSU Honda LCR machine.
With Ducati solidifying its direction, Aprilia and KTM making strides, and Honda answering Yamaha’s challenge, the stage is set for an exciting season opener. The Buriram Test has wrapped up—now, all eyes turn to the first race of 2025.
