alina mayaAlex Marquez, rider for the Gresini Racing team, tested a prototype 2025-specification Ducati aerodynamic package during practice sessions for the Valencia Grand Prix, the final race of the MotoGP season. This trial precedes Marquez’s scheduled debut on the new GP26 bike at the post-season test held on Tuesday at the same Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
Marquez, who has campaigned on the year-old GP24 machine throughout the 2024 season, took to the track on Friday with a motorcycle featuring visibly revised aerodynamic elements. He dedicated a significant portion of the day to evaluating these upgrades, which mirror the aero package utilized by factory Ducati riders throughout the current season. Following the aero evaluation, Marquez reverted to a more familiar setup for time attack simulations later in the afternoon.
The 29-year-old rider intends to continue comparing the two aerodynamic configurations during the remaining practice sessions to determine which version will be used for the weekend’s sprint race and Sunday’s main grand prix.
Marquez explained that the team opted to accelerate the aero package testing due to anticipated cold weather conditions during Tuesday’s post-season Valencia test. "I tried the aero. The plan was to try [it] on Tuesday. But already we have started trying a few things over the weekend because Tuesday will be quite a cold day, and we won’t have a lot of hours on track with a good temperature," he stated. "We need to anticipate some things, so we can focus more on the important things during the test on Tuesday."
Related News :
- Bezzecchi Secures Dominant Victory at the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix
- Bagnaia Finds Renewed Optimism After Valencia MotoGP Test Debut of Ducati’s New Prototype
- Statistical Analysis Suggests Aprilia’s Ascendancy Unlikely to Unseat Ducati’s MotoGP Dominance
- Portimão Gears Up to Host Penultimate Round of the 2025 MotoGP Season
- Mir’s Sepang Success Fuels Heightened Expectations for Honda at Portuguese Grand Prix
Performance and Implications
Marquez concluded Friday’s practice sessions with a fourth-place position on the overall timesheets, clocking in just over two-tenths of a second behind the pace-setting time established by Pedro Acosta on the factory KTM.
The Spaniard acknowledged that the aero testing diverted attention from typical setup refinements on Friday, but emphasized his willingness to experiment with new components, given that he has already secured second place in the riders’ standings.
"We focused more on trying different packages and not extracting the potential from the bike [or] improving our set-up, so tomorrow we’ll have double work," Marquez noted. "I’m trying a few things because I’m more relaxed, I don’t fight for nothing now in the championship, so I can try the things and I’m enjoying it. Trying [new] things is something that I like, so tomorrow we’ll focus again on some packages – I will decide which one and then we’ll try to extract [the most from it]."
While Marquez refrained from offering a detailed assessment of the aerodynamic package raced by his brother, Marc Marquez, as well as Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio di Giannantonio this season, he suggested that the knowledge of its proven performance by the factory Ducati trio instilled greater confidence.
"It’s different. It’s one aero that already the three official guys tried during the season, but they [Ducati] wanted more information, they also wanted other common riders [to try them]," he said. "Since these are things that have already been tested by other riders, you’re not as cautious because you know those parts work and that they’re not going to do anything unexpected. You’re a bit more confident."
Background: Alex Marquez’s Season and Team Dynamics
Alex Marquez joined the Gresini Racing team in 2023, marking a significant step in his MotoGP career after previous stints with Repsol Honda and LCR Honda. His move to Gresini, a satellite Ducati team, provided him with access to competitive machinery and a supportive team environment. In his first season with Gresini, Marquez secured multiple podium finishes and a victory in the sprint race at Silverstone, demonstrating his potential on the Ducati Desmosedici.
This season, racing on the GP24, Marquez has continued to show strong performances, consistently challenging for top positions. His secured second place in the riders’ standings reflects his consistent point-scoring finishes and ability to extract maximum performance from his equipment. The opportunity to test the 2025 aero package underscores Ducati’s commitment to involving its satellite teams in the development process, ensuring that valuable feedback is gathered from a wider range of riders and riding styles.
Ducati’s Development Strategy
Ducati’s approach to aerodynamic development in MotoGP is characterized by continuous refinement and a willingness to experiment. The factory team, along with its satellite partners like Gresini Racing, plays a crucial role in evaluating new aerodynamic concepts and providing feedback to engineers. This collaborative approach has enabled Ducati to consistently push the boundaries of aerodynamic performance, resulting in significant gains in areas such as stability, cornering speed, and acceleration.
The aerodynamic package tested by Marquez in Valencia incorporates elements that have been developed and refined throughout the 2024 season. These include modifications to the front fairing, sidepods, and rear wing, all aimed at optimizing airflow around the motorcycle and improving its overall aerodynamic efficiency. The data gathered from Marquez’s testing will be invaluable in further refining the 2025 aero package and ensuring that Ducati remains at the forefront of aerodynamic innovation in MotoGP.
Valencia Grand Prix Context
The Valencia Grand Prix is the final round of the MotoGP season, held annually at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. The circuit is known for its tight and twisty layout, which places a premium on cornering performance and braking stability. Aerodynamic performance is particularly important at Valencia, as riders rely on aerodynamic downforce to maintain stability and minimize wheelies under acceleration.
The race weekend in Valencia is often characterized by unpredictable weather conditions, with cold temperatures and rain frequently affecting track conditions. This makes tire selection and bike setup particularly challenging, as riders must adapt to changing grip levels and ensure that their machines are optimized for a wide range of conditions.
Looking Ahead: Post-Season Testing
Following the Valencia Grand Prix, MotoGP teams will remain at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit for a post-season test. This test provides teams with an opportunity to evaluate new components, experiment with different setups, and begin preparations for the upcoming 2025 season. Alex Marquez’s participation in the test will be particularly significant, as he will have his first opportunity to ride the new GP26 bike.
The GP26 represents a significant evolution of the Ducati Desmosedici, incorporating advancements in engine performance, chassis design, and electronics. Marquez’s feedback from the test will be crucial in guiding Ducati’s development efforts and ensuring that the GP26 is a competitive package from the outset of the 2025 season.
The Valencia test will also provide an opportunity for other riders to sample new machinery and components, as teams begin to finalize their rider lineups and technical specifications for the upcoming season. The test is closely watched by fans and media alike, as it offers a glimpse into the future of MotoGP and the technological innovations that will shape the sport in the years to come.
Impact on the Championship
While Alex Marquez is no longer in contention for the championship title, his performance in Valencia could have a significant impact on the outcome of the race. As a satellite rider with access to competitive machinery, Marquez has the potential to challenge for podium positions and disrupt the strategies of the factory riders.
His testing of the 2025 aero package also provides valuable insights for Ducati, which could influence the development direction of the team’s future machines. The feedback gathered from Marquez’s testing will be carefully analyzed by Ducati engineers, and any performance advantages identified could be incorporated into future aerodynamic updates for the factory team.
The Valencia Grand Prix is always a highly anticipated event, and this year’s race promises to be particularly exciting, with championship battles still to be decided and teams eager to begin preparations for the upcoming season. Alex Marquez’s participation in the event adds another layer of intrigue, as he seeks to end the season on a high note and provide valuable feedback for Ducati’s future development efforts.
Conclusion
Alex Marquez’s testing of the 2025 Ducati aerodynamic package at the Valencia Grand Prix underscores Ducati’s commitment to continuous development and its collaborative approach to involving satellite teams in the development process. The feedback gathered from Marquez’s testing will be invaluable in further refining the 2025 aero package and ensuring that Ducati remains at the forefront of aerodynamic innovation in MotoGP. With championship battles still to be decided and teams eager to begin preparations for the upcoming season, the Valencia Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 MotoGP season.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
Moto GPNovember 29, 2025Alex Marquez Trials 2025 Ducati Aero Package at Valencia MotoGP- Moto GPNovember 29, 2025Bezzecchi Triumphs in Portugal as Bagnaia’s Struggles Continue: MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix Review
Moto GPNovember 28, 2025Honda Sees Positive Signs in Limited Valencia MotoGP Testing
Moto GPNovember 28, 2025Statistical Analysis Suggests Aprilia’s Ascendancy Unlikely to Unseat Ducati’s MotoGP Dominance
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo
Ahmad Zein Salamo