The 2025 rookies took their first laps in Barcelona

In 2025, three rookies will make their debut in MotoGPThe Official Test in Barcelona was therefore the opportunity for them to take their first turns in the premier category, with their respective future teams.

During this session, which lasted from 10:00 to 17:00 on the Circuit de Catalunya, each of the three ex-Moto2 riders experienced their first fall. Pedro Acosta had also done 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 Ducati GP24 of the Gresini team, this result may however be surprising when we know that the latter is still recovering from a serious operation on his left hand undergone at the end of the season. After 58 laps, the Spaniard was turning in 1:40.564.

"This day was very good because the sensations on the bike were incredible, from the first lap, Aldeguer confided after this experience. It's very good that it's starting now. Everything is incredible, the speed, the acceleration. The most important thing was the braking. The moment and the place 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 that the three drivers had to face was also that of the change of manufacturer between the two categories. Accustomed to Pirelli tires, used in the intermediate class, the rookies took part in the Test on Michelin tires. The adaptation was not perfect, as illustrated by his crash at turn 5 halfway through the session.

« Michelin has asymmetric tires and with that you feel 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. First of all, there was not 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 are all good people so slowly, I am discovering people. Overall it was a good day.

ALSO READ > Zarco "much happier and more motivated" than expected at Honda

Fermín Aldeguer with Gresini in Barcelona ©Michelin

Confidence reigns in Ai Ogura

The same observation is made by Ai Ogura, the second rookie announced this year, who will drive for Trackhouse Racing, alongside Raul Fernandez.

"I didn't feel anything strange, the brakes weren't not really different, comments the Japanese on his side. It was okay. I expected more surprises. After two or three laps, I already had a good speed."

The reigning Moto2 world champion already knows what he will have to work on before the next official testing, in Sepang, next February. First, I have to improve the braking, all the input phases, from braking to re-acceleration. I have to understand much better what is happening, that is what I want to improve the most.

For his part, Ai Ogura put the Aprilia RS-GP to a 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 that ultimately went well.

“It was my first day in MotoGP, and I was trying to understand everything with the carbon brakes,confides the future pilot Honda LCR Tuesday evening. I was also learning about the tyres which are different from Moto2. We use Michelin tyres here (and not Pirelli. Ed.). My team always tells me to be careful on the left side, because the tyre cools down very quickly in a straight line. I was also trying to learn how to manage the rubber.

“I was quite nervous before getting on the bike, He continues. I almost had a heart attack. And when I was on it, I thought, 'Okay, now we're trying to learn how it behaves.' On the opening lap, I thought, 'Be a little easy on the brakes and the throttle,'" he added. "In the last corner, I tried to put them all the way. It was okay, but under braking, the bike was super fast. Lap after lap, it got better."

Like his peers, he will have to work on his fitness during the winter. At least he now knows what to expect on a MotoGP bike. "Now it's the winter break. I'll have to train physically, to be ready for what's next."

Somkiat Chantra was the slowest of the three rookies on Tuesday, with a lap of 1:41.295 on his 49th lap.

As a reminder, in 2024 the only one to debut 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.

ALSO READ > Jorge Martin, a look back at the rise of the new MotoGP world champion