MotoGP: Aprilia Tops Valencia Test as Yamaha shifts to V4 Engine for 2026 Season

Aprilia closed the 2025 MotoGP season with steady progress and carried that form into the post-race Valencia test, where the team recorded a 1-2 finish. Raul Fernandez led the session with a 1:29.373 lap, followed by Marco Bezzecchi. The test marked the start of preparations for the 2026 season and allowed the team to continue refining their work from the previous year. Riders completed long runs, performance checks and setup changes through the day. Fernandez and Bezzecchi stayed at the top of the timesheets from the early stages, giving Aprilia a clear view of their next steps. The strong start at Valencia also helped the team gather early insights into areas for improvement in the coming months.

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Marco Bezzecchi also used the test to try Aprilia’s updated aerodynamic package on the RS-GP. The new setup featured redesigned front wings and fresh air ducts aimed at improving airflow and downforce. Both Fernandez and Bezzecchi shared feedback on how the bike responded under braking and acceleration, giving engineers useful data for the 2026 project. Their pace put Aprilia ahead of factory Ducati riders Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, showing progress compared to the 2025 season. The stable lap times offered a reliable foundation as the team entered the next phase of development, while rivals worked on their own updates and checks.

The Valencia test also marked a major moment for Yamaha, who confirmed their shift to a V4 engine for the 2026 season. This move brings an end to the long-running inline-four layout of the YZR-M1. Yamaha expects the new V4 architecture to offer gains in acceleration and handling, aligning with current tyre and aerodynamic demands in MotoGP. The engine completed its first public laps during the test, putting Yamaha on a new development path for the next year.

Fabio Quartararo completed his first laps on the V4 prototype and made steady progress through the day. All Yamaha riders provided early feedback on balance, power delivery and handling as engineers began collecting data for future updates. The early impressions suggested clear potential for further gains as Yamaha worked on adapting to the new engine layout.

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The test also introduced new rider-team combinations. Toprak Razgatlioglu made his debut with Pramac Yamaha, Diogo Moreira joined LCR Honda and Celestino Vietti stepped into the premier class as a substitute rider. These new pairings added interest to the session as teams began shaping their plans for the 2026 MotoGP season.