Argomenti trattati
The 2026 MotoGP season has begun at the Valencia circuit with a post-season test following a record-breaking schedule of 22 races. Despite the excitement, heavy rainfall and cool temperatures marred the initial day, significantly limiting track activity during the first few hours. With temperatures barely reaching 13°C, teams hesitated to push their bikes on the wet surface.
Despite the challenging conditions, the day concluded with an extension of half an hour, allowing for some valuable test runs as the sun began to set. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways from this first collective outing of the year.
Developments and modifications
For a post-season test, the Valencia outing was relatively subdued in terms of unveiling new prototype components. This was partly due to many manufacturers already introducing significant upgrades during the season. Additionally, an engine development freeze is in place between 2025 and 2026, limiting the scope for major changes.
However, Aprilia stood out with several noteworthy updates, primarily in the aerodynamic department. Following a spectacular finish to the 2025 season, where they achieved a 1-2 finish at Valencia, Aprilia introduced a revamped aerodynamic package. This included modifications to the front and side structures, as well as a unique seat design resembling a spoiler. To keep these changes under wraps, the team applied a camouflage livery at the last minute.
Team insights
Marco Bezzecchi, who finished the 2025 season strongly, tested the modified Aprilia but was cautious in his analysis. He stated, “While the bike feels different, we lacked sufficient time to fully comprehend the impact of these changes.” His sentiments reflected common mixed feelings in testing scenarios, highlighting both positive aspects and uncertainties about the new setup.
Fabiano Sterlacchini, Aprilia’s tech director, emphasized that the goal was to achieve the right aerodynamic balance during various riding phases, optimizing both speed in straight lines and downforce during cornering.
Returning from injury, Jorge Martin focused on assessing an upgraded chassis that promised improved rider comfort. He noted, however, that the new aerodynamic elements did not yield a significant advantage, stating, “There wasn’t a huge difference on the front, but the rear setup showed some benefits.”
New faces and performance highlights
Notably, Toprak Razgatlioglu showcased his potential during this test, building on his previous experience with the Yamaha M1 and Ducati V4. His performance placed him 18th overall, just seven tenths off the leading pace set by Fabio Quartararo. Quartararo remarked on Razgatlioglu’s speed, indicating that he could exceed expectations in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Nicolo Bulega, substituting for Marc Marquez, made a remarkable impression during his time on the track. Bulega achieved a commendable lap time, finishing eighth overall. He expressed satisfaction with the test, emphasizing that the lack of pressure allowed him to work on his performance effectively. “I feel much more confident on the bike now,” he commented.
Debut experiences
Both Diogo Moreira and Celestino Vietti also made their debuts in the MotoGP category during this test. Moreira, who transitioned from Moto2, noted that adapting to the carbon brakes was particularly challenging. He described his initial ride as exhilarating yet overwhelming, expressing that while he felt nervous at first, he ultimately enjoyed the experience. By the end of the day, he managed to finish a reasonable 1.8 seconds off the pace.
Similarly, Vietti’s debut was characterized by cautious exploration of the bike’s capabilities. He completed 24 laps and highlighted the impressive acceleration and braking power of the MotoGP machine, indicating the physical demands of racing at this level. “The bike is incredibly fast; I’ll need more time to adapt fully,” he stated.
Looking ahead
Despite the challenging conditions, the day concluded with an extension of half an hour, allowing for some valuable test runs as the sun began to set. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways from this first collective outing of the year.0