Pre-season testing for the 2026 MotoGP season has been officially announced, with Alex Marquez representing Ducati at the Sepang circuit. As the final year of the 1000cc regulations, the competition is expected to intensify, particularly since engine developments, except for Yamaha—the only brand with concession status—will be frozen in 2026.
Although Aprilia had appeared to close the gap on Ducati towards the end of 2025, the main focus during the first test was whether Ducati could regain its dominance. After three days of testing, Ducati seemed to maintain an edge at Sepang, showing strong lap times coupled with promising results in sprint simulations. Aprilia’s performance was less clear due to a conservative running program, but the team left the paddock optimistic.
Meanwhile, KTM has lived up to its promise of adopting a more aggressive development strategy for its 2026 machine, and Honda has continued steady progress, earning praise for its RC213V. In contrast, Yamaha’s transition to a new V4 engine has faced significant setbacks, including engine issues that forced them to miss the second day of testing and raised concerns about potential impacts on the upcoming season. Yamaha managed to participate on the final day at reduced engine power but still appears further behind than expected.
Here are five key insights from the 2026 Sepang MotoGP test:
Gigi Dall’Igna’s Innovations Give Ducati an Advantage Over Rivals
Ducati dominated the 2025 season, winning 17 of 22 races and potentially securing the championship with Marc Marquez. Even absent Marc, Alex Marquez’s strong performances on the 2024 bike would likely have ensured the team’s success. Although the 2024 concession rules affected Ducati, the team has managed to refine the GP26 model, mainly with the introduction of a new ride height adjuster and enhancements that make the bike smoother and more rider-friendly. Jorge Lorenzo commented on the bike’s exceptional cornering smoothness and stability on throttle exit. Alex Marquez posted the fastest lap at 1:56.402, with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marc Marquez close behind. Both Pecco Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio praised improvements, particularly regarding front-end consistency, a notable issue in 2025. Ducati’s impressive long-run pace and the ongoing debate over aerodynamic setups highlight the team’s focus heading into future tests.Marc Marquez Not Yet Fully Fit, But His Strengths Endure
Marc Marquez returned to racing after a 121-day break caused by severe shoulder injuries sustained last October. While not at full fitness during the Sepang test, Marquez still demonstrated flashes of his former pace and resilience. Although slower than his teammate Alex Marquez and Bagnaia, he completed a solid sprint simulation and indicated he felt comfortable in the closing stages, reflecting his race management skills that yielded many victories last year.Aprilia Remains Competitive, Though Not Yet Matching Ducati’s Pace
Aprilia has chosen to evolve rather than overhaul its RS-GP for 2026, carrying forward many elements from the previous year with some new aerodynamic tweaks. Marco Bezzecchi led their testing ahead of Jorge Martin, who was recovering from surgery. Bezzecchi’s late-improvement lap time positioned Aprilia close to Ducati’s pace, though he used a worn rear tire compared to Ducati’s new rubber, suggesting there is still a small gap to close. While Aprilia is not quite at the level needed to consistently challenge for wins, the progress is encouraging.Yamaha’s V4 Project Starts with Major Difficulties
Yamaha’s new V4 engine project has encountered serious troubles early on. The team struggled with performance on day one and was forced to pull out on day two due to engine issues that remain undisclosed, though confirmed unrelated to rider Fabio Quartararo’s crash. Team principal Massimo Meregalli described the problem as unprecedented. Testing on the final day involved reduced engine power and conservative riding, highlighting Yamaha’s challenges in catching up. Fabio Quartararo’s uncertain future with the team adds to the brand’s worries heading into the season.Toprak Razgatlioglu Faces an Uphill Battle Adapting to MotoGP
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s debut season in MotoGP is proving to be a tough adjustment. Despite his Superbike success, the transition to the MotoGP bike and its unique tires has been difficult. Braking improved, but changes to the seat unit and riding style adaptation remain challenges. Finishing 19th in testing and visibly frustrated, Razgatlioglu acknowledges he has a steep learning curve ahead, likely struggling in the first several races.
Fan Take:
This testing update is crucial for racing fans as it highlights the intensified competition expected in 2026, with Ducati showing they intend to maintain dominance while strong challengers like Aprilia and KTM push hard. Yamaha’s troubles add an unpredictable element to the season, promising thrilling battles on the grid and demonstrating just how much innovation and adaptation matter in shaping MotoGP’s future.
