Misano MotoGP test: all the developments seen on track

“2024 starts now” as they say, though it comes a little earlier than usual, in that the recent test session at Misano saw many manufacturers already on track with a first version of their 2024 bikes. The Japanese constructors in particular were tasked with delivering on the many promises they have made in recent months, not least to their riders.

Honda: no guts no glory

For the first time, Honda brought a RC213V that is more ‘European’ in design, with the lower and longer frame retracing a path that Ducati and Aprilia embarked upon already a few years ago. The first version of the 2024 RC213V was ridden by Stefan Bradl during the San Marino GP, but the subsequent test day allowed the Repsol Honda riders, as well as Takaaki Nakagami in the afternoon, to test it for the first time. Marc Marquez started the day with the bike he used in the race before switching to the 2024 version, his sensations and feedback fundamental following this first day aboard the bike that anticipates the 2024 RC213V.

Despite some different components, including a longer frame and swing-arm in an attempt to boost rear grip, Marc Marquez stated that there isn’t much difference between the 2023 bike and the new prototype.  But this isn’t an outright rejection on the part of the eight-time world champion. Marc admits that he can see HRC is fully committed, bringing new engineers to the track to follow the new project with the expectation of additional updates after the Valencia race and a new RC213V in time for the start of the 2024 season.

Yamaha: new engine and aerodynamics

The work continues at Yamaha too, with Fabio Quartararo expecting to see some concrete progress to back up the many promises made in recent years. The Japanese manufacturer was at the track with a new engine and new aerodynamics, which should be useful particularly next season, Like Marc, Fabio is not overly happy with the first prototype of the 2024 M1, particularly the engine. The 2021 world champion does not believe that the new engine is much of a step forward, in fact he finds it very similar to the one he’s using now. The only thing that will be implemented from the very next race will be the new spoon under the swingarm.

The aerodynamics are also undergoing work, with the 2024 M1 featuring a solution that was first introduced by Ducati, before being copied by Honda and KTM, or rather the duct that generates aerodynamic loads in the lower part of the fairing. This is the first time Yamaha has used this, with the manufacturer also debuting a new front fairing with much more generous wings as well as a new design for the wing in the upper part of the fairing. As for other new features, we’ll have to wait and see what the Japanese engineers have in store. As is the case for Honda, the work Yamaha has carried out at Misano will be fundamental in order to have at more competitive M1 by Valencia.

KTM: ongoing work to move closer to Ducati

Following the very positive debut of the carbon frame, used in the race by Dani Pedrosa, the Austrian manufacturer got back to work, bringing Jack Miller and Brad Binder three new frames. Each of these has its strengths, but also a few weak points on which the KTM technicians can work. The Australian in particular, having struggled over recent race weekends, looks to have to have new confidence in the RC16, which will be key in order to finish a season that started so well on a high. “Jackass” set the fifth fastest time of the afternoon (1'31"175), going six tenths quicker than he did in Q1 over the weekend. Brad Binder also did very well, testing the new Michelins towards the end of the day and setting the third fastest time to close just 0.021 of a second ahead of his team-mate.

Aprilia: no carbon frame for the factory riders

As Maverick Vinales revealed at the end of the race, the Aprilia camp is focused on finding a solution to the problems affecting the RS-GP. They worked on the balance of the bike, so as to exploit the vehicle in situations where there is a lot of grip, like last weekend at Misano. Up until now, the Aprilia has often appeared unbeatable at tracks with little grip, like Silverstone or Barcelona, while Vinales and particularly Aleix Espargaro struggled at Misano. No carbon frame for the factory riders for now. Lorenzo Savadori tested it in early August, with Aprilia deciding to develop this solution for its test rider, who will be at Valencia in a few days’ time to test a second version of the frame he debuted at Misano a few weeks ago. Note that Aleix Esparagaro also suffered a crash, running long out of the "Curvone”. The Spaniard was unhurt, although his bike ran into the fencing at the end of the run-off area.

Ducati: no riders, work postponed

The Ducati factory squad was entirely absent, with Enea Bastianini also forced to miss his home race as well as the two upcoming rounds in India and Japan. Francesco Bagnaia, who gritted his teeth to finish third in both the sprint and Sunday’s race, was given a day off. Ducati MotoGP test rider Michele Pirro did not ride either, deemed unfit by the medical centre after his crash on Sunday that also involved Jack Miller through the “Rio” turn. With Johann Zarco headed for LCR Honda, the only ducatista capable of testing material would have been Jorge Martin. But both he and the Mooney VR46 and Gresini Racing riders worked on their own bikes without testing any new parts.