The world of MotoGP is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 pre-season testing kicks off, featuring some dramatic developments both on and off the track. Riders have been pushing the limits of both their machines and their techniques during extensive winter testing sessions at Sepang and Buriram. Amongst the changing weather conditions and varying grip levels, competitors are trying to master the art of perfecting their starts—an increasingly complex task due to the advanced technology now available.
Practice starts have been particularly eye-catching, with riders lighting up their rear tires after dropping the clutch, something typically observed during the opening days of testing. Quick adjustments to electronic launch control settings have often countered such ‘bad’ starts, but the introduction of enhanced ride-height devices has added to the intricacies involved. Jack Miller of KTM shared insight about this, stating, “It’s to do with the front end, obviously with the front start device. So we are just playing with different stroke lengths.”
The testing at Buriram revealed how the combination of ambient temperature, track vibes, and dust impacts performance. Manufacturers, including KTM, have developed multiple settings to address wheel spin; Miller elaborated on how adjustments during practice starts facilitate performance across varying grip conditions. “Obviously, in high-grip conditions, you jam the thing down like a drag racer,” he said. “But in lower grip conditions, you want to play with more weight on the rear.”
Yamaha's technical director, Max Bartolini, emphasized the trial and error approach adopted by teams. “We looked at the others and we've tried to go super low like everybody else!” Bartolini reflected, indicating the collaborative yet competitive atmosphere. He noted, “The only way to find the limit is to go over it during testing and practice sessions.” This commitment to fine-tuning is evident, not only with the design of holeshot devices but also with manual and automatic ride-height systems, enabling riders to maximize their bike's performance based on individual preferences.
Meanwhile, the upcoming 2025 MotoGP season is being shadowed by significant changes off the track as well, with notable adjustments to rider rosters. Notably, Augusto Fernandez is set to make his debut in the World Superbike Championship, stepping up to replace six-time champion Jonathan Rea at Pata Yamaha for round two of the season at Portimao. Rea faced unfortunate circumstances right before the start of the 2025 series, being sidelined with multiple fractures sustained during practice.
Fernandez, who recently transitioned to Yamaha as part of its test team after losing his ride with GasGas KTM, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete with the R1. “First of all, I would like to send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Jonathan Rea and to thank Yamaha for this opportunity,” he mentioned. This debut not only signifies Fernandez's rise within the ranks of motorcycle racing but also reflects Yamaha's confidence in his abilities as he joins teammate Andrea Locatelli.
With Rea recovering from surgery, which took place shortly after his accident, the team is left reacting swiftly to new circumstances. “Jonathan has been sorely missed here,” stated Niccolo Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe’s road racing sporting manager. This replacement echoes the unpredictable nature of racing, where injury and opportunity often collide, pushing spinning wheels onto new paths.
Tests leading to the Thai Grand Prix sprint this Saturday will serve as the first opportunity for riders to demonstrate their adjustments on the world stage, building excitement among fans and teams alike. With the technological arms race ramping up and new riding talents making dramatic debuts, the 2025 MotoGP season promises to deliver thrilling prospects.
Overall, as teams and riders calibrate their strategies and tools, anticipation mounts over how these developments will influence the forthcoming season. Riders like Miller, Fernandez, and Bartolini are at the forefront, blending technology with skill to find the sweet spot where human talent meets machine precision—all set against the vibrant backdrop of competitive racing.