Misano Test: Martin More Confident After a Full Day Working on RS-GP Setup

The 2025 MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster for Jorge Martin, with flashes of brilliance often accompanied by frustrating setbacks. At Misano, however, the Pramac Aprilia rider found a renewed sense of optimism after completing a full day of testing aboard the RS-GP. For a rider who has been chasing Ducati dominance while also dealing with the growing strength of KTM and Yamaha’s new V4 project, the Misano test provided a critical reset.

A Vital Test After San Marino Grand Prix

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar. Its mix of fast corners, heavy braking zones, and flowing sections makes it an ideal testing ground for MotoGP machines. For Martin, who endured a tough San Marino Grand Prix weekend, Monday’s test was less about chasing lap times and more about fine-tuning the RS-GP to his aggressive riding style.

Aprilia’s RS-GP has often been praised for its balance, braking stability, and agility in the corners, but Martin has struggled at times to extract consistent speed over full race distances. The post-race test offered a chance to experiment with chassis setup, electronics, and aerodynamics without the pressure of a race weekend.

“We tried a lot of things today, and it was really productive,” Martin explained. “When you have a full day to focus only on setup, without thinking about strategy or tire management in a race, you can really understand what the bike is doing. I feel a lot more confident now compared to the weekend.”

Working on Balance and Grip

One of Martin’s primary issues this season has been rear grip, particularly in hot conditions where tire degradation becomes a major factor. At Misano, his team dedicated several long runs to understanding how the RS-GP behaves late in stints.

“Grip has been our weak point,” Martin admitted. “In the test, we tried different solutions with the rear to keep the bike consistent after 15 or 20 laps. I felt some improvements, and this is important for the next races where tire drop is always a problem.”

Aprilia engineers also focused on weight distribution and chassis stiffness, giving Martin multiple settings to evaluate. By the end of the day, he reported a better connection with the rear tire, something that could prove crucial as the season heads into a demanding triple-header stretch.

Electronics and Aerodynamics in Focus

Like all modern MotoGP machines, the RS-GP’s performance depends heavily on electronics. Anti-wheelie control, traction management, and throttle response were all areas of focus during the Misano test. Martin revealed that small adjustments to mapping made the bike “more predictable” when pushing hard out of the corners.

Aerodynamics also came into play. Aprilia brought updated winglets to Misano, part of its ongoing effort to improve acceleration without compromising agility. Martin tested multiple versions during the day, giving feedback on stability under braking and mid-corner handling. While the changes were subtle, Martin said they provided useful direction for future updates.

Comparing Against Rivals

For Martin, the Misano test wasn’t just about self-improvement. It was also a chance to measure Aprilia’s progress against rivals. Ducati remains the benchmark, with its Desmosedici consistently delivering top speed and acceleration. Yamaha’s new V4 project also grabbed headlines, but Martin believes Aprilia is in a strong position if it can refine its consistency.

“Ducati is still the reference, but we are closer,” he said. “The gap is not as big as before, and if we continue working like today, I think we can fight with them more often. The RS-GP has good potential — I just need to feel that confidence every weekend.”

A Rider Under Pressure

Martin’s Misano test came at a crucial moment in his career. After missing out on the factory Ducati seat in 2024, he made the bold move to Pramac Aprilia for 2025. It was a statement of intent — to prove himself outside of Ducati’s ecosystem and to help Aprilia challenge for championships.

So far, results have been mixed. Martin has shown his trademark speed in qualifying, but inconsistency in race pace has cost him podiums. The Misano test gave him a chance to reset, focus on long runs, and build the base he needs to deliver in the second half of the season.

“Sometimes in the race, I push, but I don’t have the feeling with the bike to sustain the pace,” Martin said. “Today we found some solutions, and I think the next races will show the difference.”

Confidence Boost Ahead of Key Races

With the MotoGP calendar heading into a critical phase that includes circuits like Aragon, Motegi, and Phillip Island, Martin’s renewed confidence couldn’t come at a better time. These tracks demand different strengths — top speed in Japan, cornering agility in Australia, and braking stability in Spain — and Aprilia will need to be competitive everywhere to maximize results.

Martin emphasized the importance of consistency:
“Every weekend is a new challenge. If we can start Friday with a better base, then everything becomes easier. That’s why this test was so important.”

Aprilia’s Wider Ambitions

For Aprilia, Martin’s progress is tied to its broader ambition of becoming a regular championship contender. The RS-GP project has come a long way since its early struggles, and with riders like Martin and Maverick Viñales, the team believes it has the talent to compete at the very top.

Technical director Romano Albesiano praised Martin’s feedback after the test, noting that his aggressive style pushes the RS-GP to its limits and highlights areas where the bike still needs work. “Jorge is very demanding, but that is good for development. His comments today were detailed, and this will help us prepare for the final part of the season.”

Looking Ahead

As the sun set on Misano after a busy test day, Martin walked away with a sense of clarity. The RS-GP may not yet be perfect, but progress is undeniable. With improved balance, better electronics understanding, and valuable aerodynamic data, Martin now feels more equipped to fight with the front runners.

The next races will reveal whether this renewed confidence translates into results. But one thing is certain: after a full day of work at Misano, Jorge Martin believes he and Aprilia are heading in the right direction.

“We are closer than people think,” Martin concluded. “If we keep working like this, the podiums and wins will come. I’m ready to fight.”