The MotoGP paddock was back in action on Monday for the traditional Misano post-race test. With new parts, aero updates and prototype machines. The headlines belonged to Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), setting the fastest time, and Yamaha’s much-anticipated V4 engine.KTM: Acosta back on top

KTM endured mixed fortunes on Sunday, but Acosta wasted no time reasserting himself on Monday. The rookie sensation led the timesheets throughout the afternoon and closed the day with a 0.340s cushion, despite still chasing improvements in Misano’s fast corners. Brad Binder completed a heavy workload and finished in 14th, while test rider Dani Pedrosa showcased a revised swingarm and new rear exhaust, ending 21st.Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) focused on setup refinements and closed the day 12th, with teammate Maverick Viñales concentrating on fitness as he continues shoulder recovery, placing 13th.

Ducati: Alex Marquez leads the charge

Alex Marquez was Ducati’s benchmark, finishing second overall after a productive day refining electronics and corner entry. Gresini teammate Fermin Aldeguer also impressed with time-attack runs on his way to tenth.VR46’s Franco Morbidelli secured fifth, narrowly ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio in seventh, while Francesco Bagnaia combined 2024 aero with a 2025 chassis before crashing late at Turn 1. Championship leader Marc Marquez tested multiple swingarms but stopped early due to grip, finishing sixth. Michele Pirro, meanwhile, trialled a radical new front aero package but placed 23rd.Aprilia: Bezzecchi and Martin positive

Fresh from Sunday’s celebrations, Marco Bezzecchi kept Aprilia near the sharp end, testing a revised chassis and taking third overall. Jorge Martin, working on ergonomics and electronics, was pleased with progress despite a late fall, ending the day ninth. Raul Fernandez impressed with a strong run to fourth, while Ai Ogura sat out following his Sunday crash.

Honda: steady progress

Joan Mir remained sidelined with injuries, but Honda continued development with Luca Marini, who tested a new chassis and rear aero package before closing in 11th. Johann Zarco logged a heavy lap count for 15th, while Somkiat Chantra wrapped up early in 22nd.Yamaha: the V4 era begins

The intrigue at Misano was Yamaha’s new V4 prototype, rolled out across the entire squad. Fabio Quartararo and Jack Miller sampled the engine for the first time, joining Miguel Oliveira and Alex Rins on development duties.

Lap times were secondary to feedback, but the consistency of rider impressions was encouraging. Quartararo’s 1’31.598 left him 18th, just behind Rins in 17th, while Oliveira was the best Yamaha in 16th. Miller completed the group in 19th. The consensus: the V4 has clear potential, and while still early in its development, it marks a bold new chapter for Yamaha.

Looking ahead-

With testing complete, the paddock turns its attention to Motegi. Marc Marquez holds a chance to seal the title in Japan, but Monday’s developments at Misano underline how hard every manufacturer is working for 2026.

From Acosta’s rapid pace to Yamaha’s long-awaited V4 debut, the future of MotoGP is accelerating fast.

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