It's become something of a tradition for GPOne to interview Loris Capirossi during the Sepang tests. This year, the tradition was, once again upheld as our Matteo Aglio had a nice chat with Capirex, discussing a wide range of topics: from aerodynamic innovations to Yamaha's difficulties, and also Marc Marquez who, despite a four-month break, immediately proved to be the same as ever. Here's everything Loris told us about a 2026 season that's beginning to take shape.
As per tradition, we ended the tests by speaking with the only true rider in the paddock: Loris Capirossi. You have an amazing view of the track. Did you go to the sidelines?
"Yes, I went because Sepang is a track that offers a high-level spectacle. There are some great corners to see. It's interesting to watch the new bikes and the developments. Aaerodynamics never stops. They're always moving forward. This is the last year that they can have fun like this. Next year will be a little different. But it's nice. It's the last year of the current 1000s with this aerodynamics and, in my opinion, they're beautiful to see."
Looking at them live, which one surprised you the most in terms of shape?
"I have to say that the one that has changed the most is Aprilia. It changed a lot both on the front and the rear. Ducati... the latest fairing they're using has gotten bigger. The others... Yamaha is working on the V4, and I saw fairings that are a little different than last year. KTM is quite similar, with minor changes. Honda is described as different but, in my opinion, it's very similar to last year's. They've probably found and fixed things that weren't working well. All in all, that's normal."
There has been a lot of talk about the Yamaha V4. I justify them. Maybe they're doing work that's usually done in private tests and, if you "lose" four days before everyone, it's a huge risk. What do you think?
"I think the the same thing as you do. I justify them. They were brave. Last year, they worked on developing the V4. They went from an straight-four to building a totally new bike. And, this year, which is the last year of the 1000s, they're starting with a new project. It's difficult to build a bike and get it working right away. They're using these winter tests to develop it. I went to the track to take a look at it and, in general, I still see them struggling a bit."
Especially with the engine, right?
"Yes, the engine isn't yet at its best. But that's normal. In my opinion, it's going to be an uphill season for them. It won't be easy. But it seems like the foundation of the engine is the evolution towards 850."
The riders always seem happy during the tests. Were you like that, too?
"I was always happy, even during the races! Anyhow, these tests weren't too severe, because this track had a lot of rubber on it. First, there was the shakedown and, the week before, there was a GT race, so the grip was very high. And, when you have a lot of grip, things work better. Then, when you go to more complicated tracks, with less grip or more bumps, problems arise. But I have to say that the level has gotten close. They're all competitive."
Today there wasn't a "hard and pure" time attack session like there used to be. Will there be one?
"They wait until around four or four-thirty, just before the end of the day. You'll see that they'll do a bit of time attack at the end. They usually do it either early in the morning or in the evening. But Márquez was also fast at noon. And Alex did a super time. He's just a few thousandths off the record Pecco set last year. They've gotten very close."
So, are the rankings the same as last year?
"More or less. We're seeing the same forces as last year... Ducati, Aprilia always super competitive. Bezzecchi is going really fast. Fernández is also recovering well, like he finished last year. That's very positive. KTM is there fighting. Honda struggled a bit more today, but it was stronger yesterday. They are all very close. And then there's one thing: when you have a lot of time and a lot of hours of testing, you can fix and tweak things. When you only have an hour... it's just an hour."
Is this test enough to see a rediscovered Bagnaia?
"It's already positive that he's happy. I've read the interviews and comments. I can see he's satisfied. He's managed to rediscover feelings that he hasn't had for a while. Even from one day to the next. He rediscovered a positive feeling with the bike, and that's very important. To be fast, a rider has to feel good and be happy. I saw he was relaxed. That's already part of the job done."
Márquez always amazes me. Four months without riding a MotoGP bike, an injury, and, on the first day, he sets the fastest time. Is it in his DNA as a rider?
"There's no question about his talent. We know who Marc is. Then the combination with Ducati is a winning one. The bike is perfect, and he's a great champion. So he was immediately fast, even though he hadn't ridden a MotoGP bike for four months. After so many years of riding a MotoGP bike, you immediately rediscover the feeling. It's too good to ride, especially at Sepang. I really like it. I've won a few races here too. It's a smooth and fast track. It's a pleasure."
And Toprak? Looking at his position on the bike, he still seems a bit "Superbike-like": high handlebars, low seat... and he's not a kid anymore.
"I think he can go far. He has character and works hard on himself. It's clear that the MotoGP isn't the Superbike. I talked to him about it recently, and he told me that he still has a very Superbike style, more 'stop and go'. In the MotoGP, on the other hand, these bikes and tires have a lot of traction even in curve travel. You go fast 'sliding'. Plus, it was his first time at Sepang, which isn't an easy track. And Yamaha isn't in great shape right now. Put it all together and you struggle. But I think he'll entertain us."
One last thing. This riders market exploded very early, even before the "engines were started". How's that possible?
"The problem is that you all talk about it a lot! No one really knows if anyone has already signed. It's clear that everyone is talking to various manufacturers. That always happens. But I don't know if what they say is true. However, it's unpleasant. You haven't even gotten on a bike yet, and it already seems like they know he's leaving. It's part of the game. If you race for a team and give it your all, but then you're no longer performing well, they kick you out. So, when you have the opportunity to choose, you'd better choose wisely."
Blunt question. Your favorite for 2026?
"I'd say always him... and I'd also include Bezzecchi and Pecco. Let's hope there's a good group up front."