Overview
- MotoGP returns to Jerez this weekend after an unusual April break, with Aprilia on top as Marco Bezzecchi rides a five‑Sunday win streak and Jorge Martin sits four points behind.
- Fabio Di Giannantonio said Ducati spent the pause working on GP26 braking and turning at the front end, with many in the paddock flagging Monday’s post‑race test as vital to closing the gap.
- Reigning champion Marc Marquez said he used the layoff to rehab a lingering shoulder injury and now targets a first Sunday podium of 2026 at his home track, where his last Grand Prix win came in 2019.
- Jerez has been a Ducati stronghold in recent seasons while Aprilia has rarely reached the podium there, making this venue a sharper gauge of whether Aprilia’s Sunday pace holds in Europe.
- With both Aprilia riders leading the standings, ex‑rider Marco Melandri warned of delicate team management, as Bezzecchi joked about a garage “wall” and boss Massimo Rivola ruled out team orders unless a rider falls out of contention.