Reigning manufacturers’ champion Ducati has begun development of its 2025 machine, holding the first GP25 prototype test this week.
The day after the grand prix, the last season test of the year was completed in San Marina, with numerous manufacturers testing the initial prototype machines for 2025.
Noticeable was the absence of Ducati and test rider Mikel Pirro, while sporting director Davide Tardoci told the media in Misano that GP25 “doesn’t exist”.
However, a preview of the private test at Jerez on Piro’s personal website suggested that he will take to the track for the first time in GP25.
“The tests planned at the Heres circuit will focus on the development of the Desmosedici motorcycle”he said.
“Although in fact in the world championship our performance is at an absolute level, it is vital for us at Ducati to think about 2025.”
“Our strength lies precisely in this philosophy of never stopping, of continuing to evolve in order to be better and better.”
Ducati won all but one grand prix in the seasonwhile two went to a rider on a year-old Desmosedici bike – with Marco Marquez winning for Gresini in Aragon and San Marino.
The step between GP23 and GP24 proved to be greater than expected, with the latter improving the engine braking characteristics that bothered some of its riders last year.
It is unlikely that the GP25 will be a radical departure from its predecessor considering how strong the package was, and two-time world champion Francesco Banjaja recently admitted that GP24 has not evolved much since the beginning of the year.
In August, when commenting on the difference between the GP23 and GP24, the Italian noted that the GP22 “was the most balanced bike of all”.
It is likely, therefore, that development of the GP25 will focus on restoring this balance while improving the GP24’s powerful engine and braking characteristics.
Ensuring the GP25 powerplant is in tip-top shape will be even more important next year, with a proposed engine development freeze until the end of 2026 coming into effect ahead of the move to the 850cc formula in 2027.
Producers in band D under the current concession regulations will be exempted from this until their results improve.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that Ducati had tested the GP25 in Spain.
Ducati is currently dominating the championship and has a convincing lead in the manufacturers’ competition, with as many as 229 points more than the second-placed KTM.
Source: www.moto-berza.com
