MotoGP returns to Hungary – Ducati was already there – Marquez, Bagnaia, and their colleagues gather first impressions with the Panigale at Lake Balaton
The summer break ended early for the Ducati team. Although the Italian brand comfortably leads all World Championship standings in the 2025 MotoGP season, nothing is being left to chance. Ducati rented the new Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary for a private test to give the six riders the opportunity to get to know the new track on the calendar.
In addition to Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli and test rider Michele Pirro were also present. Each rider had a Ducati Panigale V4 S at their disposal.
On Tuesday, the six riders were able to ride extensively on the new track. The Superbikes may be modified in some areas, such as brakes, shock absorbers, handlebars, and footrests for individual seating positions.
Such private testing with production bikes is permitted as long as it does not take place within 14 days of a Grand Prix weekend. The MotoGP weekend is scheduled for August 22-24.
Bagnaia posted his best time of 1:41.468 minutes on Instagram. Marc Marquez was close behind with 1:41.5 minutes. Aldeguer took third place, followed by Morbidelli and Alex Marquez. Fabio Di Giannantonio was around half a second slower than Bagnaia.
By way of comparison, Toprak Razgatlioglu clocked 1:38.357 minutes in Superpole on his BMW during the Superbike weekend in July. Razgatlioglu set the fastest lap of the Sunday race with a time of 1:39.384 minutes.
“A great day on the track,” said Marc Marquez, adding about Balaton Park: “I’m satisfied. The layout of the track is unique and unusual. It will require a slightly different riding style—it’s a stop-and-go track, you have to adapt.”
“The faster you get into the rhythm, the better it gets, and you can really enjoy the speed. The asphalt is good – they’ve done an excellent job. I can’t wait to ride here with the MotoGP bike.“
The track knowledge gained should give the six Ducati riders an advantage, especially on the practice day. ”My first impression of the track at Balaton is positive,” said Bagnaia. “The track is small, you have to be careful in the chicanes, but I’m happy.”
“The layout is unique, and we’re having fun. It will be different with the Desmosedici GP, but at the moment I’m enjoying it with the Panigale V4 – even trying to make it slide a little. It’s always nice to get back on the bike after the summer break.”
