The 2025 MotoGP season officially got underway with the first day of testing at the Sepang International Circuit. With all manufacturers present, teams used the session to gather crucial data, evaluate their new machinery, and begin the adaptation process for riders switching teams or manufacturers. While some teams made positive strides, others faced challenges, including crashes that sidelined key riders for the remainder of the test.
Quartararo Leads the Timesheets for Yamaha
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo was the fastest rider of the day, setting a best lap time of 1’57.555s on his 50th lap. The Frenchman made a strong start, quickly dropping under the 1’58s mark after just 20 laps. He continued improving throughout the day, topping the timesheets by 0.051s over Ducati’s Marc Márquez. His performance suggests promising early signs for Yamaha in 2025.
Quartararo reflected on his first day:
“I think it was good to have ridden here for two days already and then have two days of rest, it was quite useful for us. We didn’t really focus on doing a time attack, so being slightly faster today than in qualifying in Sepang last year is positive. I was feeling quite good. We were trying many things and put a new tyre in at the end just to do a good lap time. I think we did a good job!”
Teammate Álex Rins finished 14th with a best time of 1’58.652s, 1.097s off Quartararo. His focus was primarily on testing Michelin’s new front tire options rather than pushing for a fast lap.
“The strong wind today changed our plans a bit. In the Shakedown we were able to test many things: some set-ups and new items. Today we were planning to try the new chassis again, which was modified a little bit, but because of this wind we couldn’t. We need to be precise trying important items, and that’s not easy in these conditions. So, instead, we tried the three new front tyres that Michelin brought here for us. I didn’t put in a qualifying tyre to do a good lap time because this was not the right moment. Over the next two days we will test the chassis, and let’s see what data we get from that.”
Major Incidents and Injuries
While some riders enjoyed a productive day, three crashes resulted in injuries, forcing withdrawals from the remainder of the test.
- Jorge Martín (Aprilia Racing): Highside crash resulted in fractures to his right hand and left foot, requiring surgery.
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team): Suffered a left collarbone fracture.
- Raúl Fernández (Trackhouse MotoGP Team): A heavy crash at Turn 9 led to a fractured metacarpal bone in his left hand and a broken toe on his right foot. He has returned to Spain for further assessment.
Trackhouse’s team statement read:
“Unfortunately, he sustained a fractured metacarpal bone in his left hand and a fracture to the little toe on his left foot and departed the track early to return to Barcelona, Spain, for further medical assessment. We hope Raul is fit to return soon and in the meantime, all at Trackhouse wish him a speedy recovery.”
Honda Shows Early Progress
For Honda HRC Castrol, Joan Mir ended the day in sixth place with a best lap of 1’58.115s, signaling positive steps forward for the manufacturer. He tested two different bikes to compare the new package against last year’s version.
“Today we have been trying two different bikes, not fully one old and one new, and we got through a lot of work already in the morning. In the afternoon we focused more on short-term gains and every exit I was able to improve and go faster, ending the day fast on new and used tyres. I am happy because we understood the direction we want to continue for this test, a setting and geometry that allowed me to ride how I want to ride and smile while doing it. Honda has brought a package that allows me to do what I want on the bike; that’s the key point. I was happy and smiling on every exit because I was enjoying riding it.”
Teammate Luca Marini finished 15th with a 1’58.704s lap and was primarily focused on comparing Honda’s revised chassis.
“Overall it was a positive first day of the test, like always there is a lot of work to do. We mostly compared the new bike and the old bike to see where the positives of each are to try and find the best possible situation. Honda HRC has done a huge amount of work over the winter and Romano Albesiano’s presence is already being felt in the garage and I think everything will continue in this positive direction the more time we have together.”
Red Bull KTM Tech3 Debut for Viñales and Bastianini
The newly formed Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad debuted its 2025 RC16 machines with Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini. The duo completed a combined 110 laps.
Viñales had a strong first day, finishing 13th with a 1’58.552s time.
“It feels nice to be back on the bike after such a long time! In Montmelo, I felt great on the bike, and I am really happy because the feeling was the same today, we really enjoyed the day. Our mentality for these next few days is to keep learning, make many laps without testing too many things, and trying to understand how far we can push.”
Bastianini finished 19th, nearly two seconds off Quartararo’s time. His day was disrupted by a crash at Turn 4, though he was uninjured.
“The start was a bit difficult this morning because it was first necessary for me to get more comfortable on the bike since it’s quite different to what I’ve been used to. I suffered a crash in the afternoon when I tried pushing a bit more because the brakes were too cold, and I was down. Anyway, we returned on track, and I think that we made positive improvements.”
Trackhouse’s MotoGP Debut with Ogura
MotoGP newcomer Ai Ogura had his first official test session as a premier class rider. Following a successful Shakedown Test, the Moto2 champion continued his adaptation to the Aprilia RS-GP25. He crashed in the morning but completed the rest of the day without issues.
“Despite a morning crash in the morning, Ai ran a solid program through the day, without going for a quick lap.”
Looking Ahead
With two more days of testing remaining, teams will continue refining their setups, testing new components, and improving lap times. The injuries to Martín, Di Giannantonio, and Fernández will be a key focus, with teams needing to adapt their plans without them. Meanwhile, Yamaha will look to maintain its early advantage, Honda will aim to confirm its progress, and KTM’s new lineup will work towards a stronger pace.
Testing resumes on Thursday, February 6, with a session running from 10:00 AM to 18:15 PM (GMT+8) at Sepang International Circuit.
