Aprilia appears to have made an encouraging start to MotoGP’s upcoming 850cc era after unofficial lap times from Monday’s private Brno test suggested its riders were among the fastest on track.
The closed-door session marked the first opportunity for selected MotoGP riders to test prototype 850cc machinery fitted with Pirelli tyres ahead of the sport’s major 2027 regulation changes.
According to paddock reports, championship leader Marco Bezzecchi and Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez set the benchmark pace for Aprilia during the test.
Bezzecchi returned to action after serving his suspension from the Czech Grand Prix, while Fernandez joined him in gathering crucial development data for the Noale manufacturer.
Ducati’s representatives were reigning world champion Marc Marquez and Gresini rookie Fermin Aldeguer, while Honda relied on Joan Mir and Luca Marini.
KTM fielded Pedro Acosta, while Yamaha’s testing duties fell to Toprak Razgatlioglu as the Turkish star continued his adaptation to MotoGP machinery.
With no media access and no official timing released, comparisons remain speculative. Teams were forced to rely on their own data and stopwatch readings, making it impossible to establish a definitive pecking order.
Adding further complexity, Pirelli supplied multiple front and rear tyre compounds for evaluation, meaning riders were often completing runs on different specifications and test programmes.
As a result, any lap times from Brno should be viewed cautiously. Manufacturers were primarily focused on understanding the characteristics of the new 850cc bikes and Pirelli tyres rather than chasing outright performance.
Nevertheless, the reported pace of Bezzecchi and Fernandez will provide encouragement for Aprilia as MotoGP moves closer to its new technical era, with further testing expected to reveal a clearer picture of the competitive order.
