logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
52m 14s

Why Ducati's dropped its 2025 MotoGP bik...

THE RACE MEDIA LTD
About this episode

Ducati ended the 2025 MotoGP pre-season by going back to its 2024 engine and chassis - permanently in one case, probably temporarily in the other.

But it still looks like it’ll dominate the season even after that change of plan, as Simon Patterson, Val Khorounzhiy and Matt Beer explain on a slightly delirious end of pre-season testing episode of The Race MotoGP Podcast.

We assess where the Marc Marquez vs Pecco Bagnaia power balance stands, and how the works team’s switch back to largely 2024 kit affects those who thought they might have an early advantage from running older Ducatis - particularly Marc’s brother Alex.

Our star of pre-season isn’t actually a Ducati rider: it’s Aprilia signing Marco Bezzecchi. We explain why, and give our take on what Bezzecchi’s strong test in injured champion Jorge Martin’s absence means for Aprilia’s season.

Plus what to make of Yamaha, Honda and KTM’s test form.

Want more MotoGP podcast content? Sign up to our motorbike-only Riders tier on Patreon for our 2015 revisited series, ad-free listening and more. Head to Patreon.com/therace


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Jul 9
Yamaha and Honda’s slumps and 2026 rider changes
Off-track, Honda and Yamaha are the key protagonists in the 2026 MotoGP rider market. On-track, they’ve both gone backwards again after their breakthrough results in May.Why has that happened, and is a champion rider like Jorge Martin right to put his faith in investment and long ... Show More
1h 10m
Jun 30
Aprilia’s near-win and its Jorge Martin stand-off
Use code 'THERACE' on this link to get the new Insta360 X5 action camera with a free Replacement Lens Kit: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_term=THERACE&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=TheRACE&utm_content=date20250419A3LaunchThe Jorge Martin/Aprilia contract ... Show More
1h 10m
Jun 23
Bagnaia's final hope extinguished? Mugello reviewed
Use code 'THERACE' on this link to get the new Insta360 X5 action camera with a free Replacement Lens Kit: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_term=THERACE&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=TheRACE&utm_content=date20250419A3LaunchAfter the big hints of a breakthr ... Show More
59m 34s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 16
Canadian GP: Will Norris blunder prove pivotal in Piastri title fight?
From Montreal, Edd Straw is joined by Jon Noble and Mark Hughes to review a dramatic and eventful Canadian Grand Prix.A somewhat pedestrian race was enlivened just before the flag when Lando Norris crashed into the back of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri - but how much has th ... Show More
51m 50s