The first day of the 2026 MotoGP preseason got off to a strong start at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, bringing an extra dose of excitement for Brazilian fans. The highlight was Diogo Moreira’s debut in MotoGP, a moment that had been eagerly anticipated since his triumph in Moto2. Amidst aerodynamic changes, new engines, and crucial tests, the Brazilian finally accelerated in the top class and opened a new chapter in his career. For SEO purposes, it’s essential to emphasize that Moreira’s debut took place during the official MotoGP test in Valencia, where the top teams began developing their 2026 bikes.
The day’s work began with an impressive dominance by Aprilia. Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse MotoGP led the time sheet with a 1:29.373, while Marco Bezzecchi secured the second position, completing the Noale double. Alex Márquez from Gresini closed out the top three, with less than a tenth of a second separating the leaders. Nevertheless, the main topic in the paddock was Diogo Moreira’s first contact with the Honda RC213V, the bike used by the HRC factory team at the end of the 2025 season.
Moreira finished the day in 22nd, 1.824 seconds off the fastest lap. However, for a debut, the numbers were considered positive. He completed a solid number of laps and took his first steps in adapting to the aggressive style and physical demands of MotoGP. The Brazilian used the same version of the RC213V used by Joan Mir and Luca Marini in the final stages of the year, allowing for a realistic reference of his initial performance. Honda, which tested a new engine, redesigned aerodynamic parts, and an updated swingarm, forecasts a more consistent evolution curve in 2026, something that also directly benefits the rookie.
The day was eventful for the other teams as well. Aprilia drew attention not only with their times but also with a completely new aerodynamic package. Bezzecchi rode a bike with visible differences in the front, side, and rear, while Jorge Martín used the chassis that Bezzecchi had adopted in the final stages of the season. Martín, still recovering physically after a difficult year, finished 16th but with a positive feeling about his first impressions of the 2026 bike.
For Trackhouse, in addition to Fernandez’s fastest lap, Ai Ogura completed 64 laps, the highest number of the day. He finished 11th, showing evolution and promising pace. The American team leaves Valencia with a solid foundation before the Sepang tests, when they will receive new parts from the factory.
Ducati also began building its 2026 project. Francesco Bagnaia completed 32 laps and was consistently in the top 10 for most of the day. The two-time MotoGP champion highlighted a clear improvement in the feeling of the front end when entering corners. Nicolo Bulega, who replaced Enea Bastianini in the final races, shone by figuring in the top 4 at one point and closing the day in eighth. Meanwhile, Alex Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer placed Gresini in the top positions, third and fourth, respectively, totaling 93 laps and showing strength in development for next year.
KTM focused on aerodynamic work with a new design for the side fairings. Pedro Acosta, once again the fastest among the Austrian bikes, finished fifth with 53 laps completed, while Brad Binder appeared in ninth. At Tech3, Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini tested new seat configurations, essential for correcting ergonomic issues that affected 2025.
Yamaha had perhaps the most emblematic day. The new V4 engine, still not operating at 100% power, was the star of the Iwata boxes. Fabio Quartararo finished 15th with a 1:29.927, while Alex Rins and Jack Miller were right behind. The big surprise was Toprak Razgatlioglu, the three-time WorldSBK champion, who made his first public appearance with the M1 and was only about seven tenths of a second off Quartararo’s time. Even without competitive top speed on the main straight, the package showed potential, and Yamaha will continue testing in Valencia the following day.
Honda, on the other hand, bets that the new package can put them back in the fight for the top 5. Joan Mir finished 12th, Johann Zarco 13th, and Marini 14th. The evolution seems real, but there’s still much work to be done.
For Brazil, however, the story of the day has a name and surname: Diogo Moreira. The debut in MotoGP, in an environment full of expectations, marks the beginning of a journey that promises to attract the attention of the national public in the February tests and throughout the 2026 season. The rider left Valencia with important data, a positive feeling about the bike, and the awareness that this is just the first step.
The Valencia test officially closes the 2025 on-track activities. Now, the teams go on vacation before resuming work in February, when MotoGP meets at the Shakedown and official Sepang tests. Diogo Moreira will be there, more prepared and more integrated into the category, ready to continue his adaptation towards the most important season of his career.
