In 2025, three rookies will make their MotoGP debut. The Barcelona Official Test was therefore an opportunity for them to take their first spin in the premier category, with their respective future teams.
During this driving session, which lasted from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Catalunya circuit, each of the three ex-Moto2 riders experienced their first fall. Pedro Acosta also did it last year in turn 2 of the Valencia circuit, when he was in the same situation as them.
Fermín Aldeguer, was the fastest of the three newcomers. Equipped with the Gresini team's Ducati GP24, this result may however be surprising when we know that the latter is still recovering from a serious operation on his left hand suffered at the end of the season. After 58 laps, the Spaniard was running in 1:40.564.
“This day was very good because the sensations on the bike were incredible, from the first lapconfides Aldeguer after this experience. It's very good that it starts now. Everything is incredible, the speed, the acceleration. The most important thing was braking. When and where you can brake is incredible. The braking point is very late and you feel that the bike can stop. It was difficult to understand that in the first laps. »
From Pirelli to Michelin
The challenge faced by the three drivers was also that represented by the change of manufacturer between the two categories. Accustomed to Pirelli rubber, used in the intermediate class, the rookies took part in the Test on Michelin tires. The adaptation was not perfect, like his crash at turn 5 mid-session.
« Michelin has asymmetrical tires and with that you feel like you can attack on the left side, maybe it's a little fresh and that's what happened to me. I need to do more laps to understand. Above all, there wasn't a single problem all day, adds n°54 again. Between the mechanics, the staff and me, there was no problem, apart from my fall. They're all good people so slowly I'm getting to know people. Overall it was a good day. »
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Fermín Aldeguer with Gresini in Barcelona ©Michelin
Confidence reigns at Ai Ogura
Same observation for Ai Ogura, second rookie announced this year, who will drive for Trackhouse Racing, alongside Raul Fernandez.
“I didn't feel anything strange, the brakes were not not really different, comments the Japanese for his part. It was okay. I expected more surprises. After two or three laps I already had good speed. »
The reigning Moto2 world champion already knows what he will have to work on before the next official runs, at Sepang, next February. “ First, I need to improve the braking, all the entry phases, from braking to re-acceleration. I need to understand a lot better what's going on, that's what I want to improve the most. »
For his part, Ai Ogura lapped the Aprilia RS-GP in 1:40.946, to take the 21st time of the day.
Somkiat Chantra debuts with LCR ©Michelin
Chantra “on the verge of a heart attack”
Confidence was less present on the side of Somkiat Chantra. The Thai, and future teammate of Johann Zarco in the LCR team, was very apprehensive about a day which ultimately went well.
“It was my first day in MotoGP, and I was trying to figure out everything with the carbon brakes,confided the future LCR Honda driver on Tuesday evening. I was also learning things about tires which are different from Moto2. We use Michelin tires here (and not Pirelli. Editor’s note). My team always tells me to be careful on the left side, because the tire cools down very quickly in a straight line. I was also trying to learn how to deal with erasers. »
“I was quite nervous before getting on the bike, he continues. I almost had a heart attack. And when I was on it, I was like, 'Okay, now we're trying to learn how she behaves.' On the launch lap, I said to myself, 'Be a little calm on the brakes and the gas,'” he added. At the last turn, I tried to push them hard. It was okay but when braking, the bike was super fast. Lap after lap, it got better. »
As with his peers, however, he will have to work on his physical condition during the winter. At least now he knows what to expect when riding a MotoGP. “Now it’s winter break. I will have to train physically, to be ready for what comes next. »
Somkiat Chantra was the slowest of the three rookies on Tuesday, with a lap of 1:41.295 achieved on the 49th lap.
As a reminder, in 2024 the only one to start in MotoGP was Pedro Acosta, within the Tech3 team. Next year, we will therefore have to keep an eye on each of the three rookies. The latter will have the advantage of evolving alongside experienced teammates.
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