Two days after the end of the season, MotoGP was back on track in Valencia. The tests kicked off the development of the 2026 machines. Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco worked without chasing lap times. Yamaha is entering a crucial phase. Honda is advancing with small steps.
The official MotoGP tests were held on Tuesday at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. They began just two days after the Valencia Grand Prix, which closed the 2025 season. The session really only started in the early afternoon. The previous day’s storms had left the track too wet. The first laps awaited the return of the sun and a sufficient asphalt temperature.
When the bikes exited the garages, the teams began a series of runs. Most riders completed around fifty laps. The work took on a special dimension. The time gaps remained close. Less than a second separated the first from the 17th. In this context, Fabio Quartararo finished 15th. He was 0.554 seconds behind the best time set by Augusto Fernández. Johann Zarco concluded the test day just ahead of the Nice native in 13th, 0.521 seconds back.
Massimo Meregalli: « we had a lot of work »
All eyes were on Yamaha. The Japanese brand was testing its new V4 engine, though far from its final configuration. The manufacturer still lacked chassis parts. While the electronics were evolving, attention was on the new engine, which the team reportedly reduced in power intentionally to not reveal developments to other teams. The objective is to understand the reactions of the M1. Engineers want to chart a course before the Sepang tests, scheduled for early February.
Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha manager, reiterated the day’s strategy. « You can imagine we had a lot of work today because there wasn’t much time. We told the riders that, more than performance, we wanted to gather information. We know the bike’s level, it wasn’t about doing fast laps. » The situation sets a clear framework. Yamaha is not chasing lap times. The focus is on analysis.
Fabio Quartararo maintains a cautious stance. The rider has to deal with a machine in transition. He provided a detailed assessment. « First and foremost, we need to find the basic settings. The goal wasn’t to find something better than at Misano but we worked to establish a base, to find sensations at the front. Nothing really significant for now, I would say. »
The Frenchman multiplied the runs. « It’s too early to say if I’m happy or not. We managed to do a lot, a lot of laps. We spent a lot of time changing many settings because we’re clearly missing our strong point, the sensations at the front. »
His remarks describe an obvious need: to regain a stable front end. « In just a few words, we had a front that was very good. Today, we don’t have it. » The lack of grip and power management round out the points raised. Yamaha wants to define strong foundations before adjusting the rest. Fabio Quartararo also reminds that the V4 engine is smooth, different to ride, and still far from the desired level.
He does not rule out riding at Sepang with the inline-four, but only to establish some comparisons. « We’re not going to ride much [with it], we’ll only do a few laps. » The main goal remains the development of the V4.
Johann Zarco: « I didn’t try to ride faster »
On the Honda side, Johann Zarco experienced a productive day. He had a new version of his LCR Honda. His impressions are measured. « This new bike, I did a run on it in Barcelona in September, and indeed it works rather well. It has a slightly different balance. I think it can be properly adjusted to boost performance. »
The Cannes native focused on setting tests. « I didn’t try to ride faster today because it was a lot of runs to try things, changes which take a long time to make on the bike. » The work concentrates on data analysis. Honda aims for controlled progression. Johann Zarco confirms that grip seems better in some areas of the circuit.
He insists, however, on the brand’s technical continuity. « The DNA of Honda remains the same all the time. We make progress but there is never a revolution. » The rider wants to understand how to exploit this grip to improve his riding.
The test day in Valencia marks a classic but important stage. The teams are launching their 2026 program. Lap times are secondary. The essential is to prepare for winter advancements. Yamaha must build a strong base. Honda adjusts its chassis. Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo move forward cautiously. Answers will come in early February 2026 for the next tests before the opening of a new season!
