In the lead-up to the crucial final flyaway races, MotoGP teams converged on the Misano circuit for their ultimate in-season test session. This pivotal event offered manufacturers a prime opportunity to evaluate new components and refine their machinery. The day concluded with Pedro Acosta of KTM Factory Racing setting the fastest time, while Yamaha generated considerable discussion with the extensive evaluation of its new V4-powered motorcycle.
MotoGP Teams Refine Setups at Misano Test
The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli hosted a significant MotoGP in-season test on September 15, 2025. This session was critical for teams to fine-tune their bikes and test new developments before the series heads into its final, decisive rounds. Pedro Acosta, representing KTM Factory Racing, emerged as the fastest rider of the day, demonstrating exceptional pace. He recorded a best lap time of 1m30.374s, a performance that, while slightly slower than Bezzecchi's pole position from the preceding San Marino Grand Prix, still surpassed his own qualifying time from Saturday.
The test day saw intense competition right from the start, with Acosta quickly establishing his presence by overtaking Enea Bastianini's Tech3 RC16. The morning session featured a dynamic leaderboard, as riders like Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia briefly held the top spot. Marco Bezzecchi eventually set a new benchmark with a 1m30.779s lap, which he later marginally improved. However, it was Alex Marquez of Gresini who edged him out with a 1m30.714s lap just before the morning break. Acosta then dramatically improved on this in the afternoon session, securing his leading time.
Beyond the top positions, several riders showcased strong performances. Alex Marquez maintained a commendable second place, with Bezzecchi rounding out the top three. Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse Racing made a significant leap in the afternoon, securing fourth place, closely followed by Franco Morbidelli of VR46 Ducati. Marc Marquez, fresh off a victory on Sunday, finished sixth, half a second behind Acosta. Fabio di Giannantonio (V46 Ducati) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Team), despite a late crash, secured seventh and eighth respectively. Reigning champion Jorge Martin adapted well to his Aprilia, completing 60 laps and finishing ninth, while Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati) completed the top ten.
Yamaha's testing efforts were a major talking point, as the manufacturer brought two V4-powered M1 bikes for evaluation. Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, and Jack Miller all had the opportunity to test the new machinery. Opinions were divided, with Quartararo expressing frustration and stating the new M1 felt "worse" than its predecessor, questioning whether a V4 engine alone could resolve Yamaha's issues. In contrast, Miller was more optimistic, noting that the new M1 was "doing all the right things" and exhibited "more strengths than weaknesses."
Other manufacturers also introduced various upgrades. Honda focused on improved aerodynamics and a new chassis for Luca Marini. Aprilia used the test to work on electronics and setup, with Bezzecchi re-evaluating an older chassis to assess its behavior with the current bike's evolution. Martin, still adapting to his RS-GP after a pre-season injury, experimented with different handlebar positions. KTM tested a new exhaust, swingarm, and explored new aerodynamic configurations, including designs without rear winglets. Ducati remained discreet about its specific plans, with General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna stating they weren't expecting miraculous breakthroughs in a single day, though Marc Marquez confirmed testing different swingarms and aero packages.
Not all riders participated in the test; Joan Mir and Ai Ogura were absent due to injuries sustained in the San Marino Grand Prix, focusing on recovery. Test riders Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Michele Pirro (Ducati), and Takaaki Nakagami (Honda) also contributed to their respective teams' development work. Augusto Fernandez sat out to allow factory Yamaha riders maximum time with the new V4 bikes.
This final in-season test highlighted the ongoing pursuit of performance and innovation in MotoGP. While some manufacturers like KTM appear to be making significant strides, others like Yamaha face challenges in optimizing their new designs. The diverse feedback from riders underscores the complexity of developing competitive motorcycles in a sport where marginal gains can make all the difference. The insights gained from Misano will undoubtedly influence strategies and further development as teams prepare for the demanding flyaway races, where every detail will count in the battle for the championship.
