The Sepang motorcycle circus has returned to its quarters for the second day of its triduum of tests. After a first day where the time was set by Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo with a dazzling 1'57.555s, yesterday's wind, compared by some to a disruptive dragon, gave way to an Olympian calm this morning. The sun, like a celestial spotlight, now illuminates the track with its burning rays, contrasting with the veiled sky and the mild temperatures of the day before.
The start of the second day of pre-season testing at Sepang was marked by a new hierarchy. If Yamaha had dominated the first day with fabio quartararo, it is now Franco Morbidelli with its GP24 which set the best time. On the side ofAprilia, still marked by the wounds of George Martin et Raul fernandez, the Italian team is looking for solutions to improve the performance of its RS-GP.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Ducati) and his teammate Fermin Aldeguer also confirmed their competitiveness, ranking third and fourth respectively. Miguel Oliveira (TraqckHouse Aprilia) and Johann zarco (LCR Honda) complete the top six, showing that several teams are able to compete for the top spots.
With Quarterly in the lead and Augusto Fernandez, test pilot Yamaha , also in the top 10, the M1s seem to be showing encouraging signs. However, it remains to be seen whether this performance will be confirmed at the Buriram tests, where Yamaha will not have the advantage of Shakedown to fine-tune its settings. The next few days will be crucial to determine whether Yamaha can actually return to the top in 2025.
At the Sepang J2 Test Massimo Rivola clarified: " Jorge Martin to be kept under observation for head injury »
In the absence of George Martin, hurt, Aprilia adjusted its schedule for the second day. Lorenzo Savadori, the team’s test driver, took over to test the new developments of the RS-GP. The day’s objectives included exploring electronic updates and several aerodynamic configurations.
Massimo rivola, the CEO ofAprilia Racing, stressed the importance of maximizing track time with Bezzecchi, while hoping that Martin will be able to benefit from these developments upon his return. Jorge needs to be kept under observation for his head injury. He will do his best to come back as soon as possible.. This is the worst moment When you have such a radical change, you have to focus everything on Bezzecchi, and you hope that Jorge will benefit from his work as soon as possible. »
Johann zarco, who finished 9th on the first day, continues to show signs of progression with the RC213V. The French rider has tested new rear wings and seems increasingly comfortable with his bike. Luca marini, his teammate at Honda, also explores different aerodynamic configurations, seeking to optimize the performance of the Japanese machine. As for Pecco Bagnaia he fell without gravity of its Ducati official.
The second day of testing at Sepang promises to be crucial for several teams. While Yamaha et Ducati confirm their competitiveness, Aprilia et Honda are working hard to catch up. The next few days will allow them to fine-tune the settings and prepare the bikes for the tests of Buriram, where the true hierarchy of the 2025 season will begin to take shape.
MotoGP, Sepang Test D2: Mid-day times
Source crash.net
