Marc Marquez tops Jerez test as Ducati rolls out key upgrades

Factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez tops Monday’s Jerez test sessions, showcasing promising updates and sparking momentum after Spanish GP crash.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team takes a corner during the MotoGP race at the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuito de Jerez on April 27, 2025, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez sent a clear signal that Ducati’s latest MotoGP updates may be a game-changer, setting the two fastest laps during the official post-race test at Jerez on Monday. The performance followed his disappointment at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he crashed out of contention.

The test provided Marquez the first real opportunity to ride the upgraded Ducati GP25 in a controlled environment under official conditions. He wasted no time capitalizing, registering a scorching lap of 1m35.876s during the afternoon session, more than three-tenths faster than the next-best rider, KTM’s Maverick Vinales.

That lap not only gave Marquez the top spot for the day but also served as a vital confidence boost following Sunday's crash. His form on the GP25 suggests Ducati may be heading in the right direction with its latest developments, which were introduced under strict testing rules that only permit in-season updates during official sessions.

Windy track, new data

Although Monday's conditions were somewhat similar to the race day in terms of temperature, strong winds and increased grip levels on the asphalt complicated direct comparisons to race or qualifying times. Nonetheless, Marquez’s time was only slightly slower than Fabio Quartararo’s pole lap of 1m35.610s on Saturday and just a couple of tenths behind his own qualifying pace.

His teammate Francesco Bagnaia, however, was less enthusiastic about the new parts. Despite logging 64 laps, he struggled for outright pace, placing 15th in the morning session and slipping to 17th in the afternoon. Bagnaia’s difficulty in finding the right “feeling” on the updated GP25 continues to raise questions, especially as his championship campaign seeks consistency.

VR46 and satellite efforts

The VR46 team had a split program, with Fabio Di Giannantonio testing the updated GP25 package and Franco Morbidelli sidelined due to a concussion sustained during Sunday’s crash. Di Giannantonio completed 48 laps and set the fifth-fastest time in the morning session, providing Ducati with another valuable data point on the GP25’s progress.

Morbidelli’s condition remains under evaluation, and he will require medical clearance before participating in the next round at Le Mans.

Alex Marquez, fresh off his podium finish on Sunday, took a more relaxed approach to the test as his GP24 machine had no major updates scheduled. He completed a shorter workload and finished 10th in the afternoon, seemingly content to recharge ahead of the next round.

Yamaha's bounce-back continues

Yamaha seized the Jerez test to evaluate its new in-line four engine, and early impressions were positive. Fabio Quartararo, who finished second in the Spanish GP, praised the added power delivered by the updated unit.

“The new engine is an improvement over the old one, with more power. I’m very happy,” said Quartararo. “The grand prix and the test were the best four days of the last three years.”

He and teammate Alex Rins ended their testing program early in the afternoon, satisfied with their progress. At the time they concluded, Quartararo was the fastest man on track. Although he was later edged out by Marquez and Vinales, his third-fastest overall time still reflects Yamaha’s steady progress.

KTM’s strong showing and Aprilia’s experimentation

While Marquez and Ducati stole the spotlight, KTM made their presence felt through Maverick Vinales, who took second overall in lap times. Test rider Dani Pedrosa was also in action, helping KTM refine its 2025 setup.

Youngster Pedro Acosta experienced an early setback with a crash at the Peluqui corner, limiting his testing mileage but not dampening his development trajectory.

Aprilia, meanwhile, continued evaluating aerodynamic improvements. Marco Bezzecchi ran with a rear wing that first appeared during the race weekend and also tested a new swing arm. His teammate Ai Ogura worked on improving his riding style and briefly tested the new aero package.

Aprilia's test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who has frequently substituted for the injured Jorge Martin, focused on improving braking stability. Aprilia clocked up solid mileage with Bezzecchi logging 98 laps total (48 in the morning, 50 in the afternoon) — among the highest of any rider.

Honda’s uncertain gains

Honda’s efforts centered on evaluating a new swing arm and other small updates, but clear signs of performance improvement remained elusive. Takaaki Nakagami joined as a test rider alongside the factory team, while Aleix Espargaro, who had wildcarded during the race weekend, was absent from the session.

Rookie Somkiat Chantra endured a frustrating day, missing the morning session due to arm pump problems before crashing in the afternoon — a further blow to his challenging start to the season with LCR Honda.

What lies ahead

The official Jerez test provided crucial insight into the mid-season development race across the MotoGP paddock. Marc Marquez’s fastest lap and feedback suggest Ducati’s latest GP25 upgrades are already bearing fruit, even if the changes have not yet resonated with all factory riders. Yamaha’s new engine appears to have finally addressed a longstanding weakness, while Aprilia’s aero experiments and KTM’s strong showing reinforce how competitive the field remains.

With the paddock now turning its focus to Le Mans, scheduled for May 10-12, attention will be on whether these test-day gains translate into competitive results on race weekend. For Ducati, all eyes will be on whether Bagnaia can unlock the potential of the GP25 to match Marquez’s form. Meanwhile, Quartararo and Yamaha aim to continue their resurgence, while KTM and Aprilia look to maintain pressure from the rear.

The test may not deliver championship points, but it could very well shape the trajectory of the MotoGP 2025 season in the rounds to come.