The MotoGP tests in Sepang have come to an end, with truly impressive laps. Francesco Bagnaia was the fastest over the three days, and several riders clocked times below the circuit’s official record – indicating another season of highly competitive racing, especially as this was the first true collective test of the year.
With much still to test, the riders wasted no time hitting the track and began the day immediately attacking the clock. The best laps of all came in the first 30 minutes, and several riders set their personal best times within the first ten to 15 laps they completed.
Bagnaia (Ducati) was faster than anyone else, setting a blistering 1m56.682s lap time, which remained unbeaten. Jorge Martín (Pramac/Ducati) finished second, 0.172s behind, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati) in third. In a show of strength from Ducati, Álex Márquez (Gresini) posted the fourth-fastest time, ahead of Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia).
In sixth place was Marc Márquez (Gresini/Ducati), marking his best day in Sepang based solely on lap times. The strongest rider from Repsol Honda was Joan Mir in ninth, two positions ahead of Fabio Quartararo, who led among the Monster Energy Yamaha riders. Between them was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM), but the best RC16 was ridden by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GasGas Tech3) in eighth – another indication that the rookie is one to watch for top positions from the start.