Fabio Quartararo, the French rider for Factory Yamaha, showed his dominance in this week’s MotoGP shakedown test at the Sepang circuit with an impressive last-minute lap time. Despite light drizzle and race control warnings, Quartararo managed to break the 1m57s barrier with just 10 minutes remaining on Saturday evening, setting a time of 1m57.794s. This effort from the 2021 champion was four tenths faster than last year’s best time, set by Pedro Acosta of Tech3 KTM.
Yamaha Takes the Lead
Quartararo was not the only Yamaha rider to shine during the test. New Pramac signing Jack Miller secured the second position with a time of 1m58.103s, solidifying Yamaha’s strong performance overall. The Japanese manufacturer took full advantage of the concession systems that allowed them to run their race riders during the test, showcasing their competitive edge in the preseason preparations.
Standout Performances and Absentees
Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro made an impressive appearance in only his second test on the RC213V, matching Miller’s time in the final minute to secure third place. Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura showed promise, finishing fourth ahead of seasoned riders like Lorenzo Savadori. KTM tester Pol Espargaro, who topped the times on the opening day, maintained a strong performance throughout the test, finishing fifth overall.
While the shakedown test witnessed notable performances from various riders, some key names were missing from the lineup. Honda’s Joan Mir and Luca Marini were absent as they attended the launch of the new RC213V in Jakarta, leaving Honda with a limited presence at the Sepang circuit. Johann Zarco, a top points-scorer in 2024, also chose to skip the test, with rookie Somkiat Chantra representing the satellite LCR team and setting a respectable time of 2m00.550s.
The MotoGP shakedown test at Sepang provided a glimpse into the competitive landscape ahead of the upcoming season. With riders showcasing their skills and teams fine-tuning their strategies, the stage is set for an exciting year of racing. Keep an eye on these standout performers as they gear up for the challenges that lie ahead in the world of MotoGP.
