The first big test of the 2023 vintage for MotoGP took place in Sepang, lasting three days with the titular riders, without forgetting the Shakedown reserved for those whose job it is to do tests, and which took place shortly before, also over three days. The Malaysian verdict seemed clear given the time sheets revealing Ducati almost untouchable, except perhaps for Aprilia. The sensation was to see Fabio Quartararo in great pain once it was necessary to get the time with a new tire. A " disaster » according to the Frenchman's own analysis, while at Yamaha we are still looking for the reason for this stoppage. This is the situation before the last test gallop scheduled for March 11 to 12 at Portimao, the track which will launch the season. What to pull on the comet? Ducati test rider Michele Pirro warns that would be a mistake...
With no fewer than seven of its eight machines in the top nine on the latest timesheet for the three-day Sepang test, Ducati has every reason to approach the 2023 MotoGP season with optimism. During the three days spent in Malaysia, never has a Ducati left the top of the hierarchy, Bezzecchi à Martin ending with Marini. The World Champion Pecco Bagnaia is already delighted with his new GP23 and insists on the fact that his troops are much calmer and better organized than a year ago at the same time. In short, the Borgo Panigale factory should begin its campaign at the Portuguese Grand Prix on March 26 on the track of Portimao on the wheel hats.
A euphoria which seems to disturb the test pilot of the Italian brand that is Michele Pirro. The latter indeed stands out by showing caution in his reading of the same Malaysian timesheets. In an interview given to the site GPone.com, the Italian claimed that the pace of the race did not correspond to what the rankings fixed.
Michele Pirro thinks Portimao will reveal more than Sepang
A difference that he presents as blatant when we look at the case of fabio quartararo on his Yamaha : " it has become difficult in MotoGP, because the situation in terms of attacks on the clock is a little different from the pace of the race and the pace possible. There is therefore a certain balance to be found: Quartararo's position is not real, because in the race, I don't think he will be 18th or 19th ».
According to Pirro, only the Portimao tests will allow us to draw more solid conclusions on the state of the forces present in MotoGP: “ I think Sepang testing needs to be approached with some caution in terms of race pace. So I think we will see the real situation in Portimao, on a European circuit, where Ducati is strong, but where, unlike in previous years, we will start with a solid base. I'm sure we can have a great year » finishes the Italian.
Ranking of MotoGP Test results at Sepang J3:
Combined ranking of the MotoGP Test at Sepang J1/J2/J3:
Credit rankings: MotoGP.com