ROSSI CLOSE TO BEZZECCHI IN MISANO DAINese TEST AS VIETTI SET THE PACE

Valentino Rossi returned to two wheels at Misano for a Dainese event focused on testing prototype riding gear, including gloves and racing suits. The session was not run as a race, so riders were not necessarily expected to push at full intensity, but the teams still needed enough effort to properly evaluate the equipment.

Rossi, who has worn Dainese products since the start of his Grand Prix career 30 years ago, was back aboard a Yamaha. Several MotoGP riders joined the programme, with Academy riders Celestino Vietti, Franco Morbidelli and Marco Bezzecchi all taking part. The day also featured 2027 VR46 signing Fermin Aldeguer, while Pol Espargaro rode a Ducati as he continues deputising for the injured Maverick Vinales at Tech3 this weekend.

Lap-time comparisons shared by Sky Sports Italy journalist Rosario Triolo on X placed Rossi within two seconds of Bezzecchi. Triolo’s update showed Vietti setting the pace on his Ducati Panigale ahead of Morbidelli, with Bezzecchi third on an Aprilia. Moto3 rider Guido Pini impressed in fourth, one place ahead of Aldeguer. Stefano Manzi led the Yamaha contingent in sixth, beating Andrea Iannone and Espargaro on Ducatis.

Rossi’s best effort came in 11th, about 2.8 seconds off the overall pace, but still close to the MotoGP title contender Bezzecchi—just within two seconds. Rossi was also reported to be only three-tenths behind fellow Yamaha rider Daniel Holgado, who rode an unmarked Yamaha R1 en route to ninth. Mattia Pasini was the lone Kalex representative in 10th.

Luca Vitali and Loris Capirossi, both on Aprilias, completed the order. The broader track activity included Legends Valentino Rossi and Loris Capirossi, and the overall testing results were described as Celestino Vietti fastest overall on the Ducati Panigale, with Bezzecchi the only non-Ducati rider inside the top five.

Rossi, who retired from MotoGP at the end of 2021 before moving into four-wheel racing, is currently competing for BMW in the GT World Challenge. The report also noted that at another recent Misano outing, Rossi had been around four seconds behind Yamaha’s WSBK riders.