First foundations laid for 2025 MotoGP season after busy Malaysia test

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The clock is ticking louder towards the launch of 2025 MotoGP and both the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 teams completed three intense days of testing with KTM RC16 machinery at the Sepang International Circuit.

Sepang, home of the Malaysian Grand Prix in what will be a long 22-race campaign, was again the traditional stage for the first laps and new technical developments for a fresh MotoGP season. KTM brought their work and ideas from the short winter break to the long and demanding layout close to Kuala Lumpur international airport. The test team of Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro were active during the Shakedown days and then the track cleared for the full MotoGP grid and Brad Binder, Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales were able to cast their judgement.

While Brad and teammate Acosta were able to work through a range of modifications and components to best harness the grip potential of the Michelin tires – including aerodynamics, electronics, chassis tweaks and WP suspension – Bastianini and Viñales continued to adapt to the characteristics of the KTM RC16. The first day in Sepang was surprisingly cool before the temperatures climbed on a roasting day two and then the final session was complicated by light showers.

By the end of proceedings, Acosta’s best lap meant he was less than 0.7 from P1 and was followed by Brad (P13), Viñales (P16) and Bastianini (P18) as the factory completed their R&D tasks. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 will now take part in the first official MotoGP season launch presentation in Bangkok on Sunday (9 February) and then make the relatively short trip to the Buriram International Circuit for the final two-day test on 12-13 February.

Brad Binder

“We got through a ton of stuff these days but we have not made the perfect package yet. A busy time here in Sepang. We did a lot of jumping between settings and we have a lot more understanding. We have a couple more days next week, and everything is going according to plan. We have definitely found something for this year and step-by-step we’ll get there. I think we are doing OK and it’s time now to sit down and put everything together and then dial-it-in for next week.”