{"id":1247,"date":"2025-11-19T04:13:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T04:13:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spotvnow.com\/read\/?p=1247"},"modified":"2025-11-20T04:12:43","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T04:12:43","slug":"valencia-motogp-test-aprilia-dominates-yamaha-struggles-with-v4-ducati-shows-depth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spotvnow.com\/read\/valencia-motogp-test-aprilia-dominates-yamaha-struggles-with-v4-ducati-shows-depth\/","title":{"rendered":"Valencia MotoGP Test: Aprilia Dominates, Yamaha Struggles with V4, Ducati Shows Depth"},"content":{"rendered":"

The curtain fell on the post-season MotoGP test at Valencia with plenty of intrigue as teams unveiled new packages and riders adapted to fresh challenges. Here\u2019s what stood out from a day that could shape the 2026 season.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aprilia Sets the Benchmark<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aprilia stole the spotlight at the Valencia MotoGP test. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) topped the timesheets with a blistering 1\u201929.373, achieved during his 52-lap run. His pace signals strong intent from the Noale factory heading into 2026.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fernandez\u2019s teammate Ai Ogura was the busiest rider on track, completing 64 laps, the highest of any rider. Across the garage, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) impressed with the second-fastest time, just 0.027 seconds behind Fernandez. Bezzecchi\u2019s bike featured a new aerodynamic package, which appears to be paying dividends.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin returned to action after a season spent recovering from injury. Logging 52 laps, Martin\u2019s performance gave Aprilia confidence that he\u2019s ready to fight at the front again.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yamaha\u2019s V4 Gamble Faces Early Hurdles<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yamaha\u2019s test was more subdued. Across four riders from Monster Energy Yamaha and Prima Pramac Yamaha, the team managed only 183 laps combined\u2014an average of 45 laps per rider, compared to Aprilia\u2019s 57-lap average.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yamaha debuted its new V4-powered M1, a radical departure from its traditional inline-four. The bike needs data, but so far, it\u2019s struggling for speed. Three Yamaha riders ranked among the five slowest overall.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) offered cautious feedback:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too early to say whether I\u2019m happy or not,\u201d he said.<\/span>
\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t make many laps. We spent a lot of time changing many things on the setting because we clearly miss our strongest point, which is the front feeling. So, this is why we spent a lot of time in the garage.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Among Yamaha\u2019s riders, Toprak Razgatlioglu\u2014the three-time World Superbike Champion\u2014was adapting to MotoGP machinery, completing 53 laps. Despite being among the slowest, optimism remains. Pramac team boss Gino Borsoi told <\/span>Crash<\/span><\/i>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRegarding Toprak: I\u2019m quite surprised and impressed with his mindset and riding style. We all know he is incredible in the braking points. But he showed today he is able to change his riding style in a really short time. We gave him some tips and he is able to learn really fast.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ducati Shows Strength Despite Absences<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ducati delivered a solid performance despite missing Marc Marquez, who is still recovering from injury. Francesco Bagnaia finished 10th with 50 laps, even after a late crash with 45 minutes remaining.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Replacing Marquez, Nicolo Bulega impressed by finishing 8th overall, ahead of Bagnaia, with 45 laps completed. The standout Ducati rider was Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who clocked 1\u201929.457, making him the third fastest overall.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n