Marc Marquez Sets Very Fast Laps on New Panigale V2
Marc Marquez is proving that Ducati’s new Panigale V2 is just as potent as ever
It might have lost the stonking power provided by the previous 955cc Superquadro engine, but that hasn’t stopped Marc Marquez from setting some extremely quick lap times at the Aspar circuit in Spain.
Marquez was joined at the venue by a host of top-name talent from MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3, including a certain Jorge Martin, who was riding an RSV4 at the venue. All were looking to sharpen up on their bike feel after the Christmas break, although it is rumours of Marquez’ lap times at the circuit which are catching fans' attention.
According to reports, Marquez called Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali, once the trackday had ended, advising him that on a bone-stock Panigale V2 he managed a 1 minute 12.2 second lap time around the venue - apparently matching the lap record at the track for a full-fat supersport bike!
“It was just before Christmas when I was on the phone with Marc for the usual holiday wishes, and I found out he had planned a training session at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia for today.” Domenicali wrote on LinkedIn. “To my surprise, I got a call from Marc at the end of the day. He told me not only that he loved the bike’s quick handling, super comfortable riding position, and “electric” power delivery, but also that he managed to lap in 1’12.2 seconds! My team informed me that this matches the unofficial lap record for the Supersport class!”
Ducati’s claims that the new Panigale, with its softer, more road-focused delivery and lower weight, was going to be just as fast as the out-going Superquadro-powered bike seemed like lofty expectations. Should Domenicali’s claims be true, it proves that in the right hands at least, the new Panigale is every bit as track-ready as the more hardcore 955 edition of the sports bike.
“Marc also rode the 2024 [previous generation] Panigale V2 in full race trim, achieving the same lap time [as he did on the 2025]. However, the 2025 Panigale V2 was a fully road-going version, with [road] legal catalysed exhaust, headlight, taillight and side stand!”
Picture Credit: Manu Tormo
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
