KTM and Aprilia in private tests at Misano

With the Qatar Grand Prix fast approaching, KTM and Aprilia took advantage of a private test at the Misano circuit to work on their machines. Both C-tier manufacturers, these European factories are taking advantage of the concessions granted to them to try to close the gap with Ducati, which still largely dominates the championship in 2025.

These two days of testing, held on April 7 and 8, come after the first three intense rounds of the season (Thailand, Argentina and the United States) and precede the race in Qatar as well as the long European tour of the MotoGP, a crucial moment of the season.

At the Marco Simoncelli circuit, KTM has fielded its test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró, while Aprilia has entrusted its RS-GP to Lorenzo Savadori. The latter has already been particularly active this season, replacing Jorge Martin, who was injured in the first three races. For Pedrosa and Espargaró, this is a return to the RC16 after their last outing at the Shakedown Test in Sepang in February.

As a reminder, manufacturer dealerships allow these factories to use 220 tires per season for private testing. But unlike Yamaha and Honda, these factories are not allowed to field their regular riders.

Japanese manufacturers did not participate in these private tests. Classified as Category D in the concession system, they benefit from increased flexibility, allowing them to test freely on any circuit throughout the season. However, they chose to follow their own development plans before the official tests at Jerez on April 28.

With Ducati still well ahead after the first three races, KTM and Aprilia must make up the ground.

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