Aprilia Dominates Post-Season MotoGP Test in Valencia
The post-season Valencia test for MotoGP showcased an impressive performance from Aprilia, with riders Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi clinching the top two positions. This result continued the remarkable form displayed by the Noale-based manufacturer during the Valencia Grand Prix, where Bezzecchi triumphed and Fernandez finished closely behind. The official one-day test revealed a reversal of their previous race order, with Fernandez taking the lead this time around.
A Challenging Start to the Test
The day began with significant challenges due to an unexpected overnight rain that left the track in less than ideal conditions. Riders faced several damp patches, which affected grip levels and made it difficult to navigate the circuit. As a result, many competitors, including Jack Miller and Maverick Vinales, opted to complete only installation laps to assess the conditions. By noon, no riders had set any timed laps, prompting organizers to intervene.
To address the situation, red flags were waved, and a team of marshals was deployed to dry the track using an array of tools, including leaf blowers and trucks. The planned mid-day break was scrapped to maximize track time, and the session was extended until 5:30 PM local time, allowing teams and riders to make the most of the afternoon.
The Action Begins
With around four hours remaining in the session, the green flag was finally waved, signaling the start of competitive laps. Bezzecchi, fresh off his victory in the Grand Prix, was the first to take to the track aboard the factory Aprilia RS-GP, which featured a significantly revised aerodynamic package. Shortly thereafter, Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha set an early benchmark with a time of 1 minute 30.020 seconds, testing the capabilities of the new V4-powered M1.
Bezzecchi quickly responded by becoming the first rider to break the 90-second barrier, clocking a time of 1 minute 29.949 seconds. However, KTM’s Pedro Acosta soon surpassed that mark, setting the fastest time of the day early on. Trackhouse’s Fernandez then made his mark, reclaiming the top position for Aprilia with a remarkable lap of 1 minute 29.501 seconds.
As the session progressed into its penultimate hour, Fernandez and Bezzecchi continued to exchange the lead, showcasing the competitive spirit within the Aprilia team. Ultimately, Fernandez’s time of 1 minute 29.397 seconds secured him the top spot by a narrow margin of just 0.027 seconds over Bezzecchi.
Noteworthy Performances from Other Riders
While Aprilia dominated the session, Gresini’s Alex Marquez also impressed by securing third place with a time of 1 minute 29.457 seconds. This marked an important milestone as it was his first opportunity to test the factory-spec Ducati GP26. Marquez’s teammate, Fermin Aldeguer, also made significant strides, finishing in fourth place despite a close call at Turn 14 while adjusting to the GP25.
Acosta, who had briefly held the top position, finished the day in fifth place, marking him as the leading KTM rider with a best time of 1 minute 29.581 seconds. He was closely followed by Maverick Vinales, who was racing on the Tech3-run RC16, and Fabio di Giannantonio, who rounded out the top seven for VR46 after encountering a technical issue early in the session.
Nicolo Bulega, stepping in for the injured Marc Marquez, logged an impressive performance by completing 45 laps and finishing eighth for the factory Ducati team. Meanwhile, KTM’s Brad Binder secured ninth place, contributing to a strong showing from the brand.
The Final Rounds of Testing
The top ten was rounded out by two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia, who experienced the only crash of the day while navigating Turn 2 in the final hour aboard his GP26. Despite the incident, both factory Ducati riders turned heads with their special retro liveries, even as other teams opted for unpainted bikes for the test.
In terms of Honda’s performance, factory rider Joan Mir finished 12th overall, just behind Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura, with a time of 1 minute 29.872 seconds. Mir’s teammates Johann Zarco and Luca Marini followed closely in 13th and 14th positions, respectively. Quartararo, who had initially led the session, ended up in 15th place, trailing Fernandez by half a second.
New Faces in MotoGP
The Valencia test also served as a platform for MotoGP rookies Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira, who participated for the first time on MotoGP machinery. Razgatlioglu, a three-time World Superbike champion, finished 18th with a best time of 1 minute 30.667 seconds. In contrast, Moreira, who had just secured the Moto2 title, ended the day in 21st place on the timesheets.
Moreira donned the familiar corporate colors of HRC, following a recent shift in LCR’s partnership with Japanese oil giant Idemitsu, which concluded after separating from Thai rider Somkiat Chantra. Additionally, Celestino Vietti, mentored by Valentino Rossi, made his MotoGP debut during the Valencia test, stepping in for Franco Morbidelli, who suffered a left-hand fracture during the previous race. Vietti finished last among the participants, clocking a time that was three seconds off the leading pace.
Summary of the Test Results
The Valencia test was a significant event for many riders and teams, offering a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season. Aprilia’s performance, in particular, highlighted the brand’s potential as it continues to evolve and improve its machinery. The results from the test will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for teams as they prepare for future competitions.
As the MotoGP community reflects on this event, the anticipation builds for the next racing season, where these riders will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and the advancements made during the off-season. With the foundation laid in Valencia, fans can look forward to an exciting year ahead in the world of MotoGP.
