Misano MotoGP Test Dominated by Ducati

After failing to win either the sprint or Grand Prix at his home round in Misano last weekend, Francesco Bagnaia bounced back with a strong showing in the one-day test, as he finished fastest ahead of Franco Morbidelli and team-mate Enea Bastianini.

At the head of an all-Ducati 1-2-3, Bagnaia set a stonking time of 1:30.619s which was enough to beat Morbidelli by over a tenth of a second. Bastianini was over three tenths back showing just how good a lap time it was from the two-time reigning MotoGP champion.

With the Indian Grand Prix cancelled, the next round on 20-22 September is again at Misano where Marc Marquez will be looking to continue his resurgence in the 2024 title fight following his victory last Sunday. Fourth in the test was budding star Pedro Acosta, while Yamaha showed big improvements with Fabio Quartararo in fifth. Jorge Martin, who lost a big chunk of his title lead due to a poor strategic decision, was sixth and Marc Marquez seventh.

"It was a positive day that allowed us to focus on different aspects,” said Bagnaia. “We mainly worked on some electronics in preparation for next year and then focused on areas where we still need to improve the GP24, which was our base for the day.

“We also tried the new Michelin tyre, and I really liked it. Overall, I am satisfied. We definitely made a step forward, so I believe we’re on the right path."

The Japanese brands have struggled in 2024, most notably Honda, but Yamaha made a good impression in the test as Quartararo was less than a tenth off third spot. The French rider had a new chassis to try aboard his M1 and admitted it was a step forward.

“We tried a few things.” Quartararo said. “We had the chassis to try, and it was a small step in the right direction. Today, we also tried a few set-ups that we never tried before as well as a prototype new engine for 2025 – just the first step – and some electronics.

“It was quite good. I think we have found a good way to proceed with this new chassis. Hopefully we can make another step in terms of grip and the engine before the end of the season so we can always fight for better positions.”

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