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The Valencia MotoGP test marked the conclusion of an exhilarating season, offering insights into the upcoming challenges for 2026. This annual event, held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, served as a platform for teams to unveil new technologies and assess rider performance after the longest season in MotoGP history.
Among the noteworthy highlights were the four Yamaha riders testing the newly developed V4 M1. Rookies such as Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira made their first appearances in the premier class. Additionally, Celestino Vietti filled in for the injured Franco Morbidelli, further adding to the day’s excitement.
Conditions and performance insights
Following overnight rain, track conditions were less than ideal, with a wet surface delaying the start of the seven-hour testing session. After a brief pause to allow the track to dry, teams resumed their efforts around 1 PM, albeit with a condensed schedule.
Despite the challenging conditions, performance during the test closely aligned with results from the preceding race weekend. Raul Fernandez clinched the top spot, leading an impressive showing for Aprilia alongside Marco Bezzecchi, who finished just behind him. Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer followed closely, with the top four separated by a mere fraction of a second.
Key developments across teams
While many teams had little in the way of groundbreaking updates, Bezzecchi notably tested a new seat unit designed to enhance performance. Despite struggling to achieve better lap times with the new component, this experimentation reflects an ongoing quest for optimization in bike setups.
Pedro Acosta showcased his abilities by testing a new aerodynamic package for KTM, securing a respectable fifth position. Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales, still recovering from shoulder injuries, managed a commendable sixth place, expressing optimism about the bike’s development.
World Superbike runner-up Nicolo Bulega, stepping in for the injured Marc Marquez, made a strong impression by finishing eighth. Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning World Champion, found joy in his first experience with the GP26, reporting improved braking sensations despite a minor crash.
Yamaha and rookie highlights
Yamaha’s new V4 gained attention, especially with Fabio Quartararo’s performance. After only a couple of laps on the previous model, he quickly adapted, ultimately logging a best time of 1m 29.927, placing him just over half a second behind the fastest time of the day.
Although Quartararo was cautious about the new V4, he displayed promising speed, indicating a positive trajectory for Yamaha’s development. His performance, combined with Razgatlioglu’s debut, which saw him finish 18th, showed that Yamaha’s new project is gaining momentum despite not yet being at full throttle.
Feedback and future directions
While the team’s performance was encouraging, feedback from various riders highlighted areas needing improvement. Alex Rins and Jack Miller expressed cautious optimism, noting slight improvements in their machines but acknowledging ongoing challenges with electronics and engine performance. Miller emphasized the need to refine settings and enhance overall bike responsiveness.
Among the noteworthy highlights were the four Yamaha riders testing the newly developed V4 M1. Rookies such as Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira made their first appearances in the premier class. Additionally, Celestino Vietti filled in for the injured Franco Morbidelli, further adding to the day’s excitement.0
Among the noteworthy highlights were the four Yamaha riders testing the newly developed V4 M1. Rookies such as Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira made their first appearances in the premier class. Additionally, Celestino Vietti filled in for the injured Franco Morbidelli, further adding to the day’s excitement.1