Fermín Aldeguer will not race in the Thailand MotoGP round as he continues recovering from a broken femur suffered in a training crash. The injury requires more rehabilitation, so he has also missed pre-season testing. His team will use a replacement rider for the event while Aldeguer focuses on returning fit for the following races.
Honda says its MotoGP project has improved after winter testing. Riders reported better feeling with the bike and the team now has a clearer development direction than last year. The manufacturer is not calling itself a title contender yet, but believes the recent work has created a stronger base for the upcoming 2026 season.
Jorge Lorenzo is working with Maverick Viñales to help him return to his strongest level in MotoGP. Lorenzo believes Viñales still has the speed to fight at the front but needs confidence and a more aggressive mindset again. The focus is on improving consistency and getting comfortable with the bike so he can perform regularly across a race weekend.
Aprilia says its 2027 MotoGP machine will not simply copy the current bike. The team wants to use experience from recent seasons but build a fresh project for the new rules era. Engineers believe knowledge transfer is important, yet the upcoming regulations require a different concept, meaning the next RS-GP will be designed with a new approach rather than a carry over design.
Ducati will continue racing with its 2024 MotoGP engine until the end of the current 1000cc regulations in 2026. With engine development frozen before the 2027 rules, the team believes the motor already offers strong power and reliability. Instead of building a new engine, Ducati will focus on improving aerodynamics, chassis setup and overall performance.
Ducati Corse boss Davide Tardozzi says Francesco Bagnaia returns “completely different” for 2026 after a tough 2025 season. Bagnaia won just two races and finished fifth while teammate Marc Marquez dominated. Strong winter testing on Ducati’s new bike restored his confidence, with Tardozzi expecting the former champion to fight back at the front.
Jack Miller says Toprak Razgatlioglu faces a crucial adaptation to MotoGP’s Michelin rear tyre after struggling with wheelspin at Sepang. Unlike WorldSBK’s Pirelli tyres, the Michelin continues spinning once it loses grip. Miller advised smoother throttle control, with Razgatlioglu set to refine his approach ahead of the Buriram test.