MotoGP Test Valencia 18 November 2025: Full Results.

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MotoGP Test – Full Valencia Report from 18 November 2025

The first big MotoGP test after the 2025 Valencian Community Grand Prix took place on 18 November 2025 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia. Just one day after the season finale, riders and factories were back on track to start preparing for the 2026 MotoGP season – and this test already gave us huge clues about the new pecking order.

From Aprilia’s domination to Yamaha’s new V4 engine and a pack of hungry rookies trying MotoGP machinery for the first time, this Valencia MotoGP test was anything but a quiet day at the office.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the 18 November 2025 MotoGP test: results, lap times, tech updates and key talking points.

Key Facts from the 18 November 2025 MotoGP Test

Date: 18 November 2025
Event: Official MotoGP test (Valencia) for 2026 preparations
Track: Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Cheste (Valencia, Spain) – 4.005 km, 14 corners
Main headline: Aprilia on top, Yamaha debuts its all-new V4 engine
Fastest rider: Raúl Fernández (Aprilia)
Big tech story: Yamaha’s switch from inline-four to V4 MotoGP engine

MotoGP Test Results: Who Was Fast in Valencia?

The combined times from the Valencia MotoGP test show a clear picture: Aprilia started the 2026 project in style.

MotoGP Test Times – Valencia 18 November 2025

Based on the published Valencia test classification, here’s how the top of the timesheets looked:

Raúl Fernández – Trackhouse Racing (Aprilia) – 1’29.373
Marco Bezzecchi – Aprilia Racing – 1’29.400
Álex Márquez – Gresini Racing – 1’29.457
Fermín Aldeguer – Gresini Racing – 1’29.550
Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 1’29.581
Maverick Viñales – Red Bull KTM Tech3 – 1’29.620
Fabio Di Giannantonio – Pertamina Enduro VR46 – 1’29.641
Nicolo Bulega – Ducati Lenovo Team – 1’29.661
Brad Binder – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 1’29.711
Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – 1’29.731

Further down the order, we had:

Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) – 1’29.927 – P15
Jorge Martín (Aprilia) – 1’29.994 – P16
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (Pramac Yamaha) – 1’30.667 – P18
Álex Rins (Yamaha) – 1’30.720 – P19

Even though these are test times, not race results, the ranking already tells us a lot.

Aprilia Dominate: Fernández and Bezzecchi Set the Pace

The big story of this MotoGP test was Aprilia’s new aero package and overall performance. Both Raúl Fernández and Marco Bezzecchi put their Aprilias on top of the timesheets, confirming the Italian brand as an early favourite for 2026.

Key points about Aprilia’s test:

New radical aerodynamics: a heavily revised fairing and downforce package, focused on grip and stability under braking.
Trackhouse & factory synergy: the satellite Trackhouse Racing bike of Fernández matched the full factory Aprilia in speed.
Race-to-test continuity: Bezzecchi carried his strong race form into testing, backing up his Grand Prix pace at Valencia.

If this Valencia MotoGP test is any indication, Aprilia will go into 2026 with one of the strongest base packages on the grid.

Yamaha’s Big Gamble: First Day with the New V4

If Aprilia stole the headlines for speed, Yamaha grabbed attention for technology. After years with an inline-four engine, Yamaha officially rolled out its new V4 MotoGP engine at this Valencia test.

Here’s what happened in the Yamaha camp:

Fabio Quartararo finished the test in 15th (1’29.927, 46 laps).
Álex Rins ended the day 19th (1’30.720, 33 laps).
The goal was not outright lap time, but building a base setting and getting comfortable with the new V4 power delivery and chassis balance.

Quartararo admitted the riding style has to change with the V4, but also said he enjoys riding it and sees long-term potential. Team manager Massimo Meregalli also stressed that the focus was on data collection, especially after overnight rain limited the morning running.

So while the MotoGP test times don’t look spectacular for Yamaha, this was a foundational day for a completely new project.

Rookies and New Faces: First Taste of MotoGP Power

The 18 November 2025 Valencia MotoGP test was also a big day for rookies and riders changing bikes:

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu finally got more laps on the Pramac Yamaha V4 – his aggressive Superbikes style will be one of the big stories of 2026.
Diogo Moreira tried the LCR Honda MotoGP bike, focusing more on adaptation than one-lap speed.
Celestino Vietti continued his adaptation to Ducati machinery with VR46.

This test isn’t just about lap times for rookies – it’s about:

Understanding carbon brakes
Learning Michelin tyres
Managing the power and electronics of a MotoGP machine

If they can already run within 1.5–2.0 seconds of the top guys on day one, that’s a very promising sign.

KTM, Ducati and Honda: What We Learned

Ducati: Still There or Hiding?

Even though Aprilia topped the MotoGP test timesheets, Ducati riders like Francesco Bagnaia, Nicolo Bulega and Fermín Aldeguer stayed close to the front.

Ducati often uses these post-season tests to:

Evaluate new engine specs
Compare updated chassis options
Gather data rather than chase outright P1 on the timesheets

So don’t be fooled if a factory Ducati isn’t at the very top during a test – historically, they’re very strong when the real racing starts.

KTM: Acosta & Binder Show Strong Base Pace

Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder both ended the Valencia test inside the top ten, confirming that KTM’s 2025 bike carries solid performance into the early 2026 package.

KTM’s focus areas during the test:

Corner exit grip
Holeshot and ride-height device refinements
Electronics mapping for smoother drive out of slow corners

Honda: Step Forward, Still Work to Do

Honda riders Joan Mir, Johann Zarco and Luca Marini all logged solid mileage as HRC continues its rebuild project. They were mid-pack in the classification but, similar to Yamaha, Honda’s priority is to close the gap step by step rather than chase a glory lap in November.

Conditions at the Valencia MotoGP Test

Weather played its part in how this motogp test unfolded:

Overnight rain left the track damp in the morning, which delayed meaningful running.
The morning session was effectively limited, with most of the serious timed laps coming in the afternoon when the line dried.

This is important for understanding the times:

Less track time = fewer chances to test long runs.
Some teams prioritized short stints and aero comparisons over endurance runs.

Why the 18 November 2025 MotoGP Test Matters for 2026

Even though it’s “just a test,” this Valencia MotoGP test lays the foundation for the 2026 MotoGP season:

Base bike direction – The feedback riders give now defines which engine, chassis and aero specs factories develop further over the winter.
Rookie adaptation – New riders get an essential first reference before the major winter tests at Sepang and other circuits.
Early pecking order – While not definitive, early speed from Aprilia, KTM and Ducati suggests who might start 2026 strong.
Yamaha’s V4 revolution – This could reshape the manufacturer balance in MotoGP if it delivers on its promise.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MotoGP Test in Valencia

What is a MotoGP test?

A MotoGP test is an official or private track session where teams can try new parts, engines, electronics and riders outside of race weekends. Lap times are recorded, but no points are awarded. These tests are crucial for development and for collecting data before the season starts.

Is the Valencia MotoGP test open to the public?

Yes, typically the Valencia post-season test is partially open to fans in certain grandstands, and it’s often covered via live timing, live text updates and highlight videos on official MotoGP platforms.

How important are test lap times?

Lap times in a motogp test are indicative but not definitive. Fuel loads, tyre choice, test programs and new parts all influence the times. However, when multiple riders from the same manufacturer are consistently fast, it usually points to a strong base package.

Final Takeaways from the 18 November 2025 MotoGP Test

To wrap up, here are the main conclusions from the Valencia MotoGP test on 18 November 2025:

Aprilia leave Valencia as the benchmark, thanks to Fernández and Bezzecchi.
Yamaha’s V4 project is the biggest long-term storyline, even if the first day was more about feeling than flying laps.
KTM and Ducati look solid and close to the front, confirming a very tight top group for 2026.
Rookies and new signings used this motogp test to start adapting – and some of them are already closer than expected.

If this one-day MotoGP test is anything to go by, the 2026 MotoGP season is going to be intense, political and incredibly close on track.

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