This pre-start of MotoGP in Sepang before the big tests with the starting riders was disrupted by a downpour which caused hostilities to cease at 15:30 p.m. local time. Until then, from 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m., it was Cal Crutchlow who had shown himself the fastest on the handlebars of a Yamaha with revised aerodynamics. In this regard, Aprilia also made an impression while rookie Augusto Fernandez rode the red GASGAS RC16. All these beautiful people from the test pilots will meet tomorrow to continue the work which will stop on February 7.
Despite the embargo demanded by Yamaha for this Shakedown in Malaysia, and in a situation where the promoter Dorna however wishes to bring the public closer to its MotoGP material, the events were very little marked by the seal of secrecy, this Sunday, at Sepang. A first day in the time slot extending from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. local time, or from 03:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in our latitudes which was disrupted by rain.
She arrived at 15:30 p.m. and despite an air temperature of 32° and a track two degrees warmer, the humidity stains remained present. Only the brave Stefan Bradl, Michele Pirro et Lorenzo Savadori went to defy these conditions by not putting a biker out.
The Yamaha and Aprilia were a feast for the eyes this Sunday at Sepang
But it was also a shower of new products which permeated the stands, notably with aerodynamic work revealed by Aprilia which we will talk about again. At the house of Yamaha , we also showed that we had a busy winter. Cal Crutchlow, at the top of the timesheet, rode with a new rear fairing, very different from the version tested by Fabio Quartararo in Valencia after the World Championship final. It also had a new swingarm. Crutchlow has recorded a top speed of 330 km/h according to the circuit's live timing, just a few kilometers from the fastest speed. At the 2022 Sepang test, Yamaha's fastest top speed was 327 km/h, early indications that progress has been made.
One of the most diligent pilots was GASGAS newcomer, Augusto Fernandez, who completed no less than 28 laps on his MotoGP.
Sepang test results, February 5, 18:00 p.m. local time
- Crutchlow (Yamaha Test 2): 2:01.146 min
- Augusto Fernández (GASGAS), +0.185 sec
- Yamaha Test 1, +0.427
- Bradl (Honda Bike 2), +0.459 5
- Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia Bike D), +0.500
- Yamaha Test 3, +0.801
- Pirro, Ducati, +0.969
- Bradl (Honda Bike 1), +1.069 sec
- Augusto Fernández (GASGAS Bike 2), +1.331
- Savadori (Aprilia Bike C), +1.700
- Savadori (Aprilia Bike G), +1.793
- KTM, Bike 2, +2.540
- KTM Bike 1, +3.509
Without timing transponder: Dani Pedrosa (KTM)
