MotoGP Test Sepang J1: mid-day update of the long-awaited return to Malaysia with falls and incidents

After the preamble to the Malaysian Shakedown last week, the MotoGP starting grid is now ready to attack the Sepang circuit from this Tuesday February 6, marking the start of the three official days of IRTA training, bringing together for the first time all the drivers entered in the championship as well as most of the test drivers. So, what does this first confrontation have in store for us? Before finding out, let’s take stock of the forces involved…

All eyes will be on Pecco Bagnaia and the winner of the 2023 Malaysian GP, Enea Bastianini in Ducati Lenovo, while a new campaign MotoGP begins. The aerodynamic update of Ducati, tested by the test pilot Michele Pirro during the Shakedown, will now be refined by the team for the 2024 season. Prima Pramac, George Martin will look to challenge for the title again, while Franco Morbidelli recovers from a fall during a private track day in Portugal.

At the Pertamina Enduro VR46, Marco Bezzecchi and the newcomer Fabio Di Giannantonio will strive to adapt to the slightly different machine of 2023. Alex Marquez, at Gresini Racing MotoGP, will also take charge of the bike that fought for the title the previous year, alongside his new teammate…

Marc Marquez was already fourth fastest at Valencia after his switch from Honda to Ducati, and he will now have three days to settle in and discover the limits of his new mount. On the 2023 machine for this season, the eight-time champion faces the biggest sporting challenge of his career in a decade.

The first explanation in MotoGP takes place this Tuesday at Sepang

At Red Bull KTM, the RC16 dominated the three days of Shakedown, with Dani Pedrosa, Pol Espargaro and the pilot Tech3 as a rookie Peter Acosta successively to the orders. The new aerodynamics and the use of the carbon chassis by Acosta are clues to the direction the Austrian brand will take. Brad Binder, Jack Miller et Augusto Fernandez will now join the battle to close the gap with Ducati.

At Aprilia, new aerodynamics were tested during the Shakedown, with Lorenzo Savadori the controls. Factory drivers Aleix Espargaro et Maverick Vinales will begin to define their machine for 2024, alongside Miguel Oliveira et Raul fernandez within the new team TrackHouse. Aprilia will look to capitalize on its 2023 progress and overcome the obstacles that have at times hindered their upward trajectory. At the house of TrackHouse, the new very American livery will also be in the spotlight during testing at Sepang.

Important updates have been made to Yamaha during the Shakedown, with new aerodynamics, an updated rear unit and a longer exhaust. fabio quartararo et alex rins will join Cal Crutchlow to refine these developments. After a difficult year 2023, Yamaha will try to take advantage of these concessions to close the gap with its competitors.

As Yamaha , Honda lined up its drivers during the Shakedown. Joan mir confirmed that they had opted for a new direction, with a particular focus on development. Mir et Takaaki Nakagami will be joined by Johann zarco et Luca marini, each with their own challenges to overcome. The team will continue to aim for the top and regain its leadership position. It remains to be seen where the Japanese giants will be at the end of the first official test.

Official MotoGP 2024 testing has kicked off at Sepang after a three-day shakedown involving test riders, racing drivers Honda et Yamaha , as well as the rookie KTM Pedro Acosta. Sadly, Pramac's Franco Morbidelli is out due to a recent accident at Superbike training in Portimao, and he is replaced by Ducati test rider Michele Pirro.

The tests were marked by a rapid start to Raul Fernandez, but the TrackHouse driver suffered a highside and fell heavily on his back, resulting in red flags. Although visibly sore, he was examined at the Medical Center and was able to return to the stand. Pecco Bagnaia also fell violently but escaped unscathed. Miguel Oliveira, Augusto Fernandez et Taka Nakagami also fell.

Maverick Vinales then took the lead in the timesheet, while Marc Marquez encountered a technical problem at turn 4. At Yamaha, we are testing two rear wings, one of which is quite large.

At Malaysian midday, it is George Martin who leads the dance in front of Pedro Acosta who confirms his good Shakedown of last week. Di Giannantonio et bastianini follow.

These tests take place from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with start tests at the end of each day. Despite the falls and incidents, the teams and drivers continue to work to best prepare for the coming season.

MotoGP Test Sepang J1: mid-day times

Credit classification motogp.com