The main news coming out of the first official MotoGP test in Sepang was that there are few signs of any significant change compared with 2025.

The 2026 Ducati appears to have taken back some characteristics of the ’24 edition and, in doing so, remains the best bike on the grid by a decent amount.

The Aprilia looks like it will be very competitive yet again in the hands of Marco Bezzecchi, whilst Jorge Martin’s absence whilst he recovers from his latest round of surgeries doesn’t bode well for him finally being able to get comfortable with the bike. His talent suggests that he’ll get there, just not quickly enough to be a true championship contender.

Meanwhile any hope that Yamaha’s V4 engine would pay immediate dividends has been largely dashed in a problematic test that included the manufacturer keeping the bikes in the garage on Day Two whilst they got to the bottom of an issue.

In truth, expectations should have been modest anyway and we have to see Yamaha’s 1000cc V4 engine programme as part of the development process for the new 850cc engine, rather than an end in itself.

Everything suggests that Fabio Quartararo had already made up his mind about leaving Yamaha, but the Sepang test confirmed that it looks like being another season of little reward for the Frenchman.

Whilst Quartararo has given up on hiding his frustrations, it looks like Pedro Acosta is taking a more balanced view of things in 2026 in respect of the competitiveness of his KTM.

Although he will still be desperate to get his first win in the class, the signs are that he’s learned from the crashes of last season where he was trying to force the bike into doing something it couldn’t. Acosta will focus on getting the best out of the bike, hoping for some races where a bit of luck falls his way, and showing consistency with a 2027 factory Ducati contract reportedly already in his pocket.

MotoGP season launch

Whilst we’re writing about Acosta, he made a typically colourful impression at the MotoGP Season Launch event in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.

He revealed on the main stage that he almost ran out of brakes during the parade ride, gleefully stating “I have to say, I shit my pants a bit!”.

Never change, Pedro!

More 2027 rider market rumours

Everyone was being very coy at the Sepang test, with the general line being that riders and teams were talking but there’s nothing to announce until something is signed.

The week has produced a couple of strong rumours about the factory team seats at KTM.

It looks like Alex Marquez is leaning towards taking a factory seat with them. Although leaving Ducati would appear to be a clear backward step, there’s a logic to the younger Marquez feeling like he’s earned the right to be in a factory team and the added responsibility, kudos and money that this brings.

As for Viñales, reportedly he has impressed the higher-ups at KTM with his work with the Tech 3 team and that they are looking at promoting him to the factory team.

The other rumour that is starting to do the rounds within the Italian media is that Pecco Bagnaia may be strongly considering Yamaha as his next move, with the writing being on the wall for his time at Ducati coming to an end.

Here’s the factory seat 2027 list for now:

• Aprilia: Marco Bezzecchi (confirmed).
• Ducati: Marc Marquez (rumoured), Pedro Acosta (R).
• Honda: Fabio Quartararo (R).
• KTM: Alex Marquez (R), Maverick Viñales (R).
• Yamaha: Jorge Martin (R), Francesco Bagnaia (R).

Is it a ZYN?

You can take that heading in two ways. Firstly, I’m not 100% sure how we’re supposed to pronounce the new title sponsor of British Superbikes, but I’m assuming “zin” is the way to go.

Secondly, is it a sin for BSB to have a nicotine pouch company as their title sponsor?

I’m not really bothered by it, as noted in my previous post, but it’s curious that they changed all the branding on Friday and still haven’t issued a press release. They issued separate press releases about their new partnership with Carole Nash Insurance and the Daily Star on 21 January, so a brand new title sponsor would surely be a big announcement.

Perhaps that will appear in the coming days; however it does seem a bit strange, almost as if they don’t want to make a big song and dance about it in case there’s a negative backlash?