The MotoGP is back in the spotlight, and what better way to celebrate than with a Shakedown test that shakes the asphalt of Sepang! This Saturday, the riders showcased their skills, but it was Aleix Espargaró who stole the show, improving his time and setting a high standard ahead of the season start. Hold on tight, because the show is just beginning.
The thrills of the Shakedown test
The five manufacturers present in MotoGP gathered once again at the Sepang circuit for this third and final day of testing. This Shakedown test, reserved for test riders, rookies, and Yamaha, the only brand still in Category D concessions, provided a delightful preview of the full grid ready to light up the track next week. It was in this context that the Espargaró brothers faced off, each looking to get the best out of their machines.
Aleix Espargaró shines in style
Aleix Espargaró emerged as the king of the day, clocking an impressive time of 1’57″173. This performance represents a significant improvement compared to the first two days of testing, where he had already shown his potential. His time, nearly a second faster than the one that had allowed him to finish on top on Thursday, would have been enough to secure him a spot on the grid for the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2025. An achievement that speaks volumes about his preparation and that of his team.
But Aleix was not the only one shining. His brother Pol Espargaró also recorded a good time, continuing with the KTM test featuring a new fairing that was almost completely black. A visual strategy that could hide interesting developments for the RC16 model. The family duo demonstrated that the competition was not only on the track but also in their blood!
Yamaha and the discovery of the V4
On Yamaha’s side, it was a day of exploration. The factory riders took advantage of this day to refine their knowledge of the new V4 engine that replaces the traditional inline four-cylinder. Fabio Quartararo finished third, just half a second behind Aleix Espargaró’s time. The Frenchman managed to showcase his speed at the end of the session, setting his best time just before the chequered flag.
Fabio Quartararo continues his discovery of the V4 on his Yamaha.
The surprises of the day
The surprise of the day came from Diogo Moreira, an LCR rider who stood out as the best rookie. Not only did he increase his pace, but he also gained over a second and a half compared to Friday. An impressive leap that places him among the riders to watch closely. On the other hand, Toprak Razgatlioglu, often mentioned for a bright future, had to settle for eighth place.
Among these two performances, Dani Pedrosa, one of KTM’s three test riders, slipped into seventh place. As for Michele Pirro, alone on the track with the Ducati, he took ninth place while testing a new fairing since Thursday. Like on Friday, he suffered a minor crash, but still managed to set his best time at the end of the day.
Michele Pirro tests a new fairing on the Ducati this week.
A preview of future battles
Beyond the individual performances, teams are preparing for a return to the track from Tuesday to Thursday, with almost all factory riders in action. However, Jorge Martín and Fermín Aldeguer will be absent. The former is recovering from two surgeries performed in December, while the latter is injured. Before these crucial tests, the presentation parade will resume this Saturday with Gresini, followed by LCR on Sunday and Honda on Monday. The excitement is palpable, and fans are eager to see the new machines.
A promising season ahead
The Sepang Shakedown test not only allowed riders to fine-tune their machines but also offered a fascinating glimpse into the rivalries to come. With Aleix Espargaró at the forefront and rookies like Diogo Moreira showing their teeth, the season promises to be thrilling. Stay tuned for all the MotoGP news and see how these riders turn their promises into performances on the track.
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