Gresini's Alex Marquez Offers a Glimpse into Ducati's Future with 2025 Aero Testing at Valencia Finale

Valencia, Spain – Alex Marquez, riding for the Gresini Racing MotoGP team, provided a sneak peek into Ducati’s future aerodynamic developments during Friday practice sessions at the Valencia Grand Prix. The younger Marquez brother, currently piloting a year-old GP24, took to the track with a prototype 2025-spec Ducati aero package, marking a significant departure from his familiar setup. This early test comes ahead of the official post-season test scheduled for Tuesday at the same Ricardo Tormo Circuit, where Marquez is expected to get his first taste of the new GP26 machine.

Strategic Shift Due to Weather Concerns

The decision to expedite the aero package testing was influenced by anticipated cold temperatures during Tuesday’s post-season outing. "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," Marquez explained. The team’s foresight aims to maximize valuable track time and gather crucial data before the winter testing ban kicks in. "We need to anticipate some things, so we can focus more on the important things during the test on Tuesday."

Friday’s Testing Regimen

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Marquez dedicated a significant portion of Friday’s sessions to evaluating the new aerodynamic configuration. The package he tested is reportedly the same one utilized by the factory Ducati riders – Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Jorge Martin – throughout the 2024 season. After initial runs with the upgraded aero, Marquez reverted to his standard GP24 setup for time attack simulations in the afternoon, providing a direct comparison between the two specifications.

Aero Package Comparison and Decision-Making Process

The 29-year-old rider will continue to assess the two aero specifications in the remaining practice sessions to determine which version offers the optimal performance balance for the sprint race and Sunday’s main event. The team’s data analysis and Marquez’s feedback will be crucial in making this decision.

Friday’s Performance

Despite the focus on testing, Marquez demonstrated competitive pace, finishing the day fourth fastest, just 0.226 seconds behind Pedro Acosta, who topped the timesheets on the factory Red Bull KTM.

Marquez’s Perspective

Marquez acknowledged that the aero testing diverted attention from typical setup refinements. "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," he said. However, with his second-place position in the championship standings secured, Marquez expressed a sense of freedom to experiment. "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]."

Confidence in Proven Technology

While Marquez refrained from offering a detailed assessment of the aero package, he highlighted the advantage of testing components already validated by the factory Ducati riders. "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 explained. "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."

Ducati’s Aero Development Strategy

Ducati’s decision to involve satellite teams like Gresini in aero testing reflects a comprehensive approach to development. By gathering data from a broader range of riders and riding styles, Ducati aims to refine its aerodynamic designs and optimize performance across its entire MotoGP lineup. This collaborative effort underscores Ducati’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology and maintaining its competitive edge.

Background: Alex Marquez and Gresini Racing

Alex Marquez joined Gresini Racing in 2023 after a challenging stint with the factory Honda team. The move to Ducati machinery revitalized his career, with Marquez securing a sprint race victory at Silverstone and several podium finishes. Gresini Racing, a satellite team, has a history of punching above its weight, often challenging the factory teams for top honors. The team’s close relationship with Ducati provides access to competitive machinery and technical support, enabling riders like Marquez to showcase their talent.

The Significance of Aerodynamic Development in MotoGP

Aerodynamic development has become increasingly crucial in modern MotoGP. Aerodynamic elements such as wings, fairings, and spoilers play a significant role in generating downforce, improving stability, and reducing wheelieing. These advancements allow riders to carry more speed through corners and accelerate harder out of them, ultimately leading to faster lap times. Ducati has been at the forefront of aerodynamic innovation in recent years, consistently introducing new designs that have set the benchmark for other manufacturers.

Ducati’s Dominance in MotoGP

Ducati’s success in MotoGP is not solely attributable to aerodynamics, but it is a significant contributing factor. The Italian manufacturer has invested heavily in research and development, producing a motorcycle that excels in power, handling, and aerodynamics. Ducati’s Desmosedici GP has become the bike to beat, with Francesco Bagnaia winning the world championship in 2022 and 2023.

The Valencia Grand Prix: A Crucial Season Finale

The Valencia Grand Prix marks the end of the 2024 MotoGP season. While the championship title has already been decided, the race remains significant for several reasons. Teams and riders are eager to end the season on a high note, and the race provides a final opportunity to test new components and gather data for the upcoming winter break. The Valencia test is also a time of transition, with several riders switching teams for the 2025 season.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2025 MotoGP season promises to be another exciting year, with several changes in rider lineups and technical regulations. The aerodynamic developments being tested by Alex Marquez and other riders in Valencia offer a glimpse into the future of the sport. As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of motorcycle technology, the competition is sure to intensify, leading to even closer racing and more thrilling battles on the track.

Championship Standings

Francesco Bagnaia has already secured the 2024 MotoGP World Championship with a commanding lead in the points standings. Alex Marquez currently sits in second place, ahead of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. The final race in Valencia will determine the final standings for the season.

Key Competitors at Valencia

Aside from the Ducati riders, several other competitors are expected to be in contention for the win at Valencia. Pedro Acosta, who topped the timesheets on Friday, is looking to continue his impressive rookie season. Maverick Vinales, riding for Aprilia Racing, has shown strong pace in recent races. Fabio Quartararo, despite Yamaha’s struggles, is always a threat for a podium finish.

The Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for the remainder of the Valencia Grand Prix weekend is uncertain, with a possibility of rain on Sunday. This could add another layer of complexity to the race, as riders will need to adapt their strategies and setups to the changing conditions.

Impact on the Remainder of the Weekend

Alex Marquez’s early testing of the 2025 aero package is likely to influence his approach to the remainder of the Valencia Grand Prix weekend. He will need to carefully balance his focus between gathering data for future development and optimizing his performance for the sprint race and main event. His decision on which aero specification to use will be crucial in determining his chances of success.