Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez is relying on mental visualisation techniques to help Ducati assess aerodynamic options during limited pre-season testing, with homologation rules restricting major updates. Manufacturers are facing pressure to make the right aerodynamic decisions early, as only one mid-season update will be permitted, making pre-season performance crucial.
Marquez, returning to action after shoulder surgery last October, is using Malaysia’s Sepang circuit to replicate corner sequences that resemble other tracks on the MotoGP calendar. He explained that the variety of turns at Sepang allows riders to imagine they are riding at venues like Qatar or Jerez, giving them a broader perspective on how each aerodynamic package might perform over the full season.
Source: Crash.net
The Ducati rider topped the timesheets on the opening day of the test and finished fourth overall, completing his best lap of 1 minute 56.789 seconds on the final morning. His strong pace across different sectors highlighted his ability to adapt despite limited testing time.
With only five days of testing split between Sepang and Buriram, teams are under significant constraints to decide which aero package to homologate for the start of the season. Marquez indicated a preference for retaining part of Ducati’s 2025 aero setup but said he still needs to gather more data at the Buriram test scheduled for February 21 and 22 before making a final choice.
The homologation deadline falls just days before the opening round of the season in Thailand, meaning riders must select their aero package well before racing begins. Marquez’s use of circuit visualisation reflects the growing importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in an era where limited testing and tight technical rules define the competitive landscape.
