Acosta Dominates Misano MotoGP Test as Yamaha Trials New V4 Engine
In the concluding in-season MotoGP test held at Misano, KTM Factory Racing's Pedro Acosta showcased exceptional pace, securing the top position. This vital testing session allowed various teams to fine-tune their machinery and experiment with novel parts as they prepare for the upcoming races. Yamaha, in particular, dedicated significant effort to evaluating its new V4-powered M1 motorcycle, indicating a strategic shift in their development. The test highlighted strong performances across the grid, with several riders pushing their limits to gather crucial data.
The Misano test served as a critical benchmark for teams to assess their progress and implement improvements. Acosta's commanding performance underscored KTM's competitive edge, providing valuable insights into their bike's potential. Meanwhile, Yamaha's extensive evaluation of its V4 engine signals a concerted effort to enhance their bike's performance and address previous challenges. Other manufacturers, including Honda, Aprilia, and Ducati, also utilized the session to refine their setups, introduce aerodynamic enhancements, and test new chassis components, all aiming for a stronger showing in the remainder of the season.
Acosta's Dominance and Top Performances
Pedro Acosta of KTM Factory Racing set the fastest lap during the Misano in-season MotoGP test, demonstrating impressive speed and control. His best lap of 1m30.374s solidified his position at the top of the leaderboard, proving the effectiveness of KTM's development efforts. Throughout the day, several riders, including Marco Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez, also showed strong performances, holding provisional leading times before Acosta's final surge. Bezzecchi's morning lap remained competitive enough for a top-three finish, showcasing the tight competition among the leading contenders. Acosta's performance was particularly noteworthy as it surpassed his own qualifying time from the previous San Marino Grand Prix, indicating significant progress and adaptation during the test.
The Misano test saw early leadership changes, with Pedro Acosta quickly establishing dominance. Initially, Acosta seized the top spot from Enea Bastianini, setting a strong benchmark. Subsequently, established riders like Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia briefly took turns at the front, demonstrating the competitive nature of the field. However, it was Marco Bezzecchi who made a significant impact by recording the first sub-1m31s lap, showcasing his prowess. Alex Marquez then slightly improved upon Bezzecchi's time, maintaining a narrow lead until Acosta's decisive late-session push. Acosta's ultimate time, although slightly slower than Bezzecchi's pole position in the San Marino Grand Prix, was a full tenth faster than his own qualifying effort, highlighting the progress made during the test. This consistent top-tier performance from Acosta and other strong showings from Alex Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi underscored the intensive development work being undertaken by various teams.
Manufacturer Developments and Rider Feedback
The Misano test was a crucial opportunity for various manufacturers to introduce and evaluate new components, with Yamaha's V4-powered M1 bike being a focal point. While Miguel Oliveira emerged as the fastest Yamaha rider, the performance of the V4-equipped bikes sparked mixed reactions from riders like Fabio Quartararo, who expressed dissatisfaction, contrasting with Jack Miller's more positive assessment. Honda focused on aerodynamic updates and chassis trials, while Aprilia refined electronics and setup. KTM experimented with new exhaust systems, swingarms, and aerodynamic configurations, including variations without rear winglets. Ducati remained discreet about its specific changes, though testing involved different swingarms and aero packages, highlighting a cautious yet continuous development approach across the grid.
Yamaha's testing of its V4-powered M1 was a major highlight, with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, alongside test rider Jack Miller, getting hands-on experience. Despite Miguel Oliveira topping the Yamaha contingent, Quartararo voiced considerable frustration, stating the new V4 felt "worse" than its predecessor and cautioned that an engine change alone wouldn't solve Yamaha's underlying issues. In contrast, Miller offered a more optimistic outlook, praising the new M1's overall balance and potential. Honda introduced several updates, particularly in aerodynamics, and its factory rider Luca Marini also tested a new chassis. Aprilia used the test to work on electronics and setup, as well as re-evaluating a chassis that Marco Bezzecchi tested. Jorge Martin also continued his adaptation to the RS-GP, even experimenting with handlebar positions, following a pre-season hampered by injury. KTM's test program included evaluating new exhaust and swingarm designs, alongside exploring new aerodynamic configurations, such as running without rear winglets. Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall'Igna, maintained a low profile regarding their testing objectives, emphasizing incremental improvements rather than radical changes. However, factory rider Marc Marquez confirmed testing different swingarms and comparing various aerodynamic packages. Notably, two riders, Joan Mir and Ai Ogura, sat out the test due to injuries sustained in the preceding San Marino Grand Prix, while test riders Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Michele Pirro (Ducati), and Takaaki Nakagami (Honda) played crucial roles in collecting data for their respective teams.