Several MotoGP riders shared their impressions following the Buriram preseason test, focusing on the development of their bikes and preparations for the upcoming season. The MotoGP Buriram Test Reflections highlighted how riders experienced a productive evaluation of technical improvements and race strategies across the new circuit ahead of the first Grand Prix event. Riders commented on the nuances between Buriram’s track and previous venues, emphasizing the importance of the test for refining setups and race pace.
Assessment of MotoGP Bikes and Conditions at Buriram
The Buriram circuit offered unique challenges and opportunities to the teams, with track conditions described as exceptionally grippy due to the rubber laid down during testing. Riders noted the favorable grip helped improve lap times, but acknowledged the importance of further adaptation to the track’s flow and corners. The comparisons between this test and the earlier one in Sepang surfaced repeatedly, with some riders describing Buriram as less demanding but still requiring detailed work on bike handling, tire management, and aerodynamic packages.
Key Rider Feedback on Testing Progress and Areas to Improve
Many riders indicated satisfaction with the progress made during the test, while recognizing ongoing challenges. One highlighted the significance of data gathered to optimize their machines:
“Jorge was fast in a couple of days as well, which means the bike is working quite well, but as I said it’s always a bit early after testing, we have a lot of data to analyse, we need to understand what can help us even more. Hopefully it can be good for the race weekend. My first target is to start better than 2025, because the first half of the season was too up and down, I would like to be more consistent, and I’m hoping to change my target during the season.”
?Jorge, MotoGP rider
Another rider reflected on the physical and mental demands experienced during the long testing days:
“Long testing days! And this one in Buriram was the hardest of my life because I tried so many things. But I am very happy about that, because we worked very well with the team, we could do everything we had in mind and in our work plan. In terms of speed, it wasn’t our best test because we tried so many things and it was difficult to find the perfect lap and rhythm. But I am happy with the base setup for the first race, it seems that the final one is the same as Sepang, and it’s a huge step. We arrive to the first race with a lot of clear ideas, feeling confident and great with the team. I’m fully confident that we can do a good job with the package we have. We are ready for the season!”
?Anonymous MotoGP rider
One rider recounted an unfortunate crash incident during the test, underscoring the importance of focus and recovery in testing conditions:
“I finished riding a little earlier than expected due to the crash, but the feeling is still positive. I was doing the long run, the last scheduled effort of the day, but on the seventh lap I crashed at Turn 3. Yesterday I had a stomach illness, today I recovered a bit, but I’m very tired and wasn’t fully focused. I entered the corner too fast and lost the front. It’s a shame, it was my mistake, but I’m relaxed. We’ve chosen the right aerodynamic package, we’re competitive in time attacks and also in race pace. Now we’ll make the most of these three days to recover energy for next week’s race.”
?Anonymous MotoGP rider
Technical Developments and Team Strategies Confirmed
The test also played a crucial role in verifying various technical upgrades and setting the baseline for the teams’ strategies moving forward. Ducati riders reportedly aligned on a unified technical package, enhancing consistency across their efforts, described by one rider as a positive foundation for upcoming races:
“We worked really well, we managed to complete the entire program, testing the new parts, and I’m satisfied with the base of the bike for the season. In terms of decisions, all the Ducati riders went in the same direction on the technical package, and that’s a good thing. We did a race simulation; it wasn’t perfect; I had a small problem, but it was better today than during the weekend. This Thai test was a crucial one, at least for me, and I’m very positive.”
?Anonymous Ducati rider
Aprilia’s riders also showed promise with their pace and bike handling, maintaining top-five results during critical time attack sessions and race simulations:
“Quite happy with the time attacks that I made this morning, quite happy with the position because we stayed in the top five which normally is our target, and not far from 1st. In the afternoon I was working to make my race simulation, it was quite OK. I tested everything I have. Now it’s time to work on things for the race, on long distance, but I’m quite happy. Looks promising.”
?Anonymous Aprilia rider
Physical Readiness and Mental Adaptation Among Riders
Beyond technical matters, riders highlighted the importance of physical condition and mental adaptation to the new bikes and tires. One rider spoke about the learning curve with tire behavior and the necessity of trusting their capabilities:
“Today my focus was on race simulation work and also on riding behind Jack. I think I understood much more about the bike and I‘m starting to understand these tyres better as well. The more I ride, the more comfortable I feel. I know I still have a lot to improve, also mentally. When I was riding behind Jack and saw how much he leaned on the front tyre, I was sure he was going to crash. But then I saw how smoothly he carried the corner, and I realised it‘s my mind that needs to adapt and trust these tyres more. I was able to do six or seven laps on the same set of tyres with consistent lap times, which is positive. I‘m looking forward to continuing this learning process.”
?Anonymous MotoGP rider
Physical preparedness was also emphasized as a key factor for the season’s demands:
“The test and the preseason have been completed. We need to keep working. I tried to give my best feedback to the engineers to improve the bike. Physically, I’m feeling super strong. I did a really good preseason in terms of the gym, so I’m ready for the season.”
?Anonymous MotoGP rider
Team Collaboration and Data Analysis as Pillars for Improvement
Behind the scenes, teams focused heavily on collecting and analysing extensive data to refine the bike’s performance before race conditions. Engineers, riders, and technical staff worked closely to interpret feedback and identify areas for development in aerodynamics, chassis stability, braking, and tire preservation. As one team member explained,
“The bike has improved a lot with the engine, the aero and the braking phase and we have to be pleased with this. Everyone has worked hard over the winter and these two tests and I know they will keep working hard throughout the year. We need to stay focused on the things we are missing to go faster, just a little more time to improve these parts. I am looking forward to the race to see where everyone really is, Qualifying will be very important in this first race so we need to prepare well for it. I think our potential is easily in the top seven, maybe even more if we can find a few things with the bike in these next few days.”
?Team engineer
Another technician reflected on the significance of aligning rider feedback and discovering the optimal setup:
“These last two days have been a bit tougher than the previous test days in Sepang, but we got some good information. We are still at the beginning of this new project, and ups and downs are a part of the process. Up to this test, we had spent all our time on evaluating components. Here, we started working on the set-ups for the first time. We discovered some limits, but also some opportunities. The riders all have their own way of describing things, but they are all giving the same feedback – this is very important for us. This gives us a clear direction to work towards, and we believe we will be able to gradually improve the performance throughout the season.”
?Technical team member
Looking Ahead: What the Buriram Test Means for the Season Opener
Buriram marked the final test before the season’s first Grand Prix, making it critical for teams and riders to consolidate their findings and prepare competitively. Despite some challenges, the test boosted confidence across the board. One rider expressed optimism about starting the year on a stronger note:
“I’m really happy with how the test went. We’ve made significant progress since yesterday and are almost ready to kick off the season! There’s still work to be done, but we’re much closer now. The team and I have done a great job together, and I want to thank them for their support, they give me a lot of confidence, and we have great communication. In terms of pace, we still have room to improve, and I’m excited to get started at the Grand Prix next week.”
?Anonymous MotoGP rider
Team Gresini’s replacement rider spoke about being eager to contribute despite limited track time:
“Obviously, I’m sorry to be here as a replacement for an injured rider. That said, we worked hard over these two days; the track is new to me and I didn’t have the chance to push in a time attack. In any case, I’m very happy to be back with Team Gresini after so many years. We’ll work throughout the weekend to help Ducati and Team Gresini.”
?Replacement rider, Team Gresini
Overall, the comprehensive testing at Buriram provided a pivotal moment for teams to fine-tune their equipment and strategy, with the upcoming race set to demonstrate which developments translate to competitive advantage. The coming weeks will be crucial to monitor if teams can build on their Buriram findings and grapple with the season’s intense competition.
