The Sepang Shakedown concluded with young prodigy Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in the lead, posting a remarkable 1'58.189 on the final day, putting him ahead of test rider Pol Espargaró (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) of 0.066s. Johann Zarco, recently arrived at CASTROL Honda LCR, completed the leading trio. This was the first hierarchy of the 2024 vintage in MotoGP. But now, from tomorrow, the tenors enter the fray in Malaysia, for tests which will continue until the 8th.
Despite a few small falls on the last day – one in dry conditions at turn 11 and one in wet conditions at turn 15 – Peter Acosta impressed for his MotoGP debut in the new year. His time would have placed him 5th overall in last year's Sepang testing, and there are still three days left in this event which will start tomorrow…
During the final day of Shakedown, Acosta performed laps with the carbon chassis of KTM on his two GASGAS motorcycles, suggesting that this may be the direction they will take for the season. It will be interesting to see what new elements Acosta will test Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Malaysia, with his teammate Augusto Fernandez and the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders, Brad Binder et Jack Miller.
Speaking about the orange team, Pol Espargaró of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing shared in a video on social media that he feels “ very well » on the bike after a winter of training, putting him in much better physical condition for 2024. Espargaró also commented on how Acosta fits the bike well.
As observed over the last two days of the Shakedown, factories have stepped up the aero game in 2024. Front wing updates KTM, 'Batmobile' style rear spoilerAprilia and the additional ground effect fairing side panel of Ducati were visible, with the respective test drivers using them all on the final day. The improved rear wing of Honda was also seen.
These three days of testing at Sepang will already give great indications on the forces present for this 2024 season
The third day, Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) was seen testing a different swingarm, and Joan mir (Repsol Honda Team) has confirmed that the 2023 motorcycle of Honda was not present at Sepang. Honda focuses on the package they had in Valencia testing and a new prototype they have. Johann zarco was the fastest at Honda last Saturday, in front Mirthen Luca marini (Repsol Honda Team) and Nakagami, scattered throughout the top ten.
Meanwhile, fabio quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) finished the Shakedown in P4, while the new teammate alex rins was a tenth behind in P7. In terms of what's new, the Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow tested a new, longer exhaust and updated aerodynamic fairing.
To Ducati et Aprilia, represented at Shakedown by Michele Pirro et Lorenzo Savadori, respectively, the previously mentioned aerodynamic updates were evident, and the event was a preparation for the rest of their drivers ahead of the Sepang test.
This will mobilize the defending champion Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) who will meet his new mount before a new title defense campaign, as well as George Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) of 2023. This is also another opportunity to see Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) take to the track, although not on a 2024 spec bike…
At the same time, alongside Maverick Vinales et Aleix Espargaró in Aprilia, a complete novelty of the genre is emerging in the Noale camp, while Trackhouse Racing is preparing to make his debut in MotoGP, with Miguel Oliveira et Raul fernandez about to appear in their new colors on the track for the first time. This official Sepang Test of 6 at 8 February will see everyone MotoGP come back and get back to business before their assault on 2024. And it will also be to follow on our airwaves!
