The real 2025 Ducati MotoGP machine will be unveiled at the upcoming Sepang tests, according to VR46 team manager Alessio 'Uccio' Salucci. The team, which receives official Ducati status this year, will test the factory-spec Desmosedici GP25. While prototypes were shown at the Barcelona test, the Sepang tests will mark the debut of the final 2025 bike. Salucci explains that the Barcelona test was primarily focused on evaluating parts from both the 2024 and 2025 bikes, and the team is eager to understand the full differences between the two.
Manufacturers debuted '2025' machines during last November's Barcelona test, they were still very much in prototype form. But the upcoming Sepang tests, just a month before the Buriram season opener, are where the 'real' 2025 machines will be seen - at least in the case of defending champion Ducati. That's according to Alessio 'Uccio' Salucci, whose VR46 team receives official Ducati status this year and will benefit from a factory-spec Desmosedici GP25.
Diggia missed the Barcelona test due to shoulder surgery and was replaced by Ducati test rider Michele Pirro. But as Uccio made clear, the 'GP25' seen on track last year was a long way from the final version. 'Diggia was injured so we tried the bike in Barcelona with Pirro. But we didn't try the real 2025 bike. We tried some parts from 2024, some parts from 2025.' So for us, it's difficult to understand now the difference between the '24 and '25 – also because Mr Gigi Dall'Igna don't say nothing about the 2025 bike! When we arrive in Sepang, me and Pablo will have a meeting with him and it will be the first time that we understand the differences. 'For sure will be better, but I think more-or-less the bike will not change a lot like the 24. But the problem about the 23 bike was not that changed a lot the '24 bike, it was that the tyres changed a lot. Michelin arrived with a new tyre construction last year, and this rear tyre had more support, more grip. So I don't know the difference from 24 to 25 yet, but I think they will be very similar. Also, because in '27 the rules change in MotoGP and now all the factories don't push and invest a lot, a lot, a lot. Because already they are starting to think about '27. Engine design for the current 1000cc machines will be frozen from the Thai season opener until the end of 2026, to allow manufacturers to divert resources towards the next generation 850cc bikes. A GP24 was fastest at the Barcelona test in the hands of Gresini’s Alex Marquez with factory Ducati Lenovo riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez third and fourth on the GP25. VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto echoed Salucci’s comments, adding that, with di Giannantonio’s team-mate Franco Morbidelli on a GP24 this year, 'we can almost say' we have two factory bikes. 'We start from zero because as Uccio said in Barcelona we could not test with him,' Nieto said. 'And it’s also true also that the bike we tested with Pirro wasn’t the bike that we will test next week in Malaysia. From the ‘24 to ‘25 bike, we don’t know yet, but it looks like the gap won’t be so big. This is important for us because we can almost say we have two factory bikes.' The VR46 riders will be training on Superbikes at Mandalika before heading to the official Sepang test, which takes place from February 5-7
DUCATI Motogp 2025 Sepang Tests VR46 Desmosedici GP25
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Marquez Joins Ducati Factory Team for 2025 MotoGP SeasonMarc Marquez will partner with Pecco Bagnaia on a factory Ducati in the 2025 MotoGP season. Marco Melandri analyzes the potential impact on the championship and the futures of both Marquez and Martin.
Read more »
Can KTM and Aprilia Topple Ducati's MotoGP Reign in 2025?Ducati's 2024 MotoGP dominance is undeniable. But can KTM and Aprilia challenge their supremacy in 2025?
Read more »
Alex Marquez Eyes 2025 MotoGP Victory with Gresini DucatiAlex Marquez, entering his third year with Gresini Ducati, aims for his first MotoGP victory in the 2025 season. Having secured sprint race wins and podium finishes in previous seasons, Marquez believes the improved GP24 bike will enable him to challenge for the top step. He emphasizes the importance of continued teamwork and a positive approach, drawing inspiration from the team's strong performance in the latter part of the 2024 season. Marquez also welcomes rookie Fermin Aldeguer to the team, expecting his fresh perspective and Moto2 experience to contribute to Gresini's success.
Read more »
Gresini Ducati Unveils New Livery for 2025 MotoGP SeasonThe Gresini Ducati team has officially kicked off the 2025 MotoGP season with the unveiling of their new livery at the historic Imola circuit. The team will feature a refreshed color scheme and a potent lineup of Alex Marquez and rookie Fermin Aldeguer.
Read more »
Ducati Unveils 2025 MotoGP Bikes for Bagnaia and MarquezDucati has officially revealed the bikes that reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia and six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez will race in the 2025 season. The unveiling took place at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, showcasing the Ducati GP25 in its striking red livery. This marks a new chapter for Marquez, who joins Ducati from Honda after a period of struggles for the Japanese manufacturer.
Read more »
Marquez and Bagnaia Set for Ducati Showdown in 2025 MotoGP SeasonDucati unveils its 2025 MotoGP livery with a formidable lineup featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia. While tensions are expected to rise between the two champions, Marquez has expressed a clear intention to fight for the title from the first race.
Read more »