Jerez Test: Aprilia sets the record straight

In the wake of Ducati's first victory of the season, Aprilia set the record straight. During Monday's Jerez test, held at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit, the Noale-based manufacturer locked out the top three positions. While the day unfolded without any earth-shattering lap times – the riders were two-tenths of a second slower than in Friday's practice sessions – Trackhouse Racing finished comfortably in first place.

Led by Ai Ogura (1:35.944) ahead of Raúl Fernández (+0.005), the American team secured a one-two finish in the combined standings of the two sessions. During tests focused on numerous technical developments, the Noale-based manufacturer saw Marco Bezzecchi (+0.328) take third place, while Jorge Martín (+0.739) posted the 11th fastest time.

But more than the lap times on the Andalusian circuit, it was the brand's innovations that impressed. The most surprising of these was undoubtedly the data collection device spotted on Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori's machine earlier in the day. This tool measures wind to aid in the development of a motorcycle's rear aerodynamics. Noale also tested new openings on its fairing.

 

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What about other European brands?

At Ducati, Marc Márquez set the fourth fastest time of the day. The Spaniard also used the GP25's side fairings. Meanwhile, the GP26s were equipped with a seat cowl, the same one first tested in Austin at the last United States Grand Prix (March 29). Borgo Panigale also tested new front aerodynamics and a new swingarm.

Three other Desmosedici GPs finished in the top 10 of the day: those of Álex Márquez (6th), Fabio Di Giannantonio (8th), and Pecco Bagnaia (10th).

 

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At KTM, Pedro Acosta finished the test with the 5th fastest time after trying out different aerodynamic solutions. Enea Bastianini (12th) also received new parts. The Austrian manufacturer also ran its test rider Dani Pedrosa (20th) with a new fairing.

And what about Honda and Yamaha?

Honda had a relatively quiet day on the scoreboard, with the Japanese factory primarily focused on developing its current package. Johann Zarco finished ninth, ahead of his teammate Diogo Moreira in thirteenth. Luca Marini took 14th place, just ahead of Joan Mir, who was a mere 0,081 seconds behind.

It should be noted that Diogo Moreira suffered a spectacular crash at turn 4 earlier in the day. The LCR rider escaped uninjured, although his Honda was damaged. Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha) also crashed at turn 2 after sliding out in the afternoon.

On Yamaha's side, a new seat backrest was tested. fabio quartararo, the best representative of Iwata, recorded the 7th fastest time on Monday, while he was spotted with a new fairing.

 

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Many new aerodynamic elements were spotted on Monday from each manufacturer. As a reminder, they will still be able to homologate developments during the season, whereas the engine freeze prevents all teams except Yamaha (a Tier D manufacturer) from working on this aspect of the motorcycle.

Further tests, this time private, are expected to take place this week in Jerez. Aprilia could put its 850cc prototype through its paces there, being the only factory not yet to have reached this milestone in its development for the 2027 season. MotoGP.

MotoGP 2026 – Official Jerez Test 

The combined session rankings:

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