World runner-up Pecco Bagnaia had to muzzle his desire to conquer the Sepang track, relegated to a mission of testing rather than glory. Like a conductor forced to play a development score rather than a flamboyant solo, he rode the new Ducati GP25, focusing on progress rather than records. He also pointed to Yamaha’s performance. The Italian highlighted the progress made by Fabio Quartararo and predicted a highly competitive 2025 season…
Pecco Bagnaia concluded the Sepang 2025 tests in second position, behind his teammate Alex Marquez, with a time of 1'56.500, just short of his own lap record. However, unlike some of his competitors, bagnaia did not seek to break any speed records during these three days of testing, but concentrated on development work with the new Ducati GP25.
The double world champion admitted that the team's restrictions had not allowed him to "explode" the times as he is used to: " If it had been up to me, things might have turned out differently. " he explained. He added that his work had mainly consisted of testing development elements and moving the project forward. Ducati in the right direction, stressing that he had not had the opportunity to concentrate on a pure fast lap.
He details: “ Marc Marquez also tried a lot and worked very well. He tried parts I didn't have, but I tested a new frame that Marc didn't have available »
Although limited in its attacks, bagnaia revealed that the team had learned a lot during these tests and that he expected that tests in Thailand, with different grip conditions, allow us to confirm the progress made. The conditions here were excellent and it will be very important to confirm our findings in Thailand" , said bagnaia.
Pecco Bagnaia: “ Yamaha is on track to become the new leading pursuer »
On the competition, bagnaia highlighted the impressive progress of Yamaha , especially with fabio quartararo, who maintained a very high pace throughout the test. He added that Yamaha looked to be on track to become a serious contender for victory this season, particularly after their improvements from last year, where qualifying was a weak point for them.
He comments: “ When I look at the times, everything indicates that we are going to see a change. Yamaha is on track to become the new leading pursuer in the new season. Yamaha did a very good job. Fabio had a super high pace every day »
Finally, in response to media pressure, bagnaia found one of the most complex challenges of these tests: " The most complicated thing was to talk to the press, to tell them everything and not reveal anything! "Despite the restrictions, bagnaia remains confident about the potential of the GP25 and the competitiveness of Ducati for the 2025 season.
MotoGP, Sepang J3 Test, Final: times
