The 2026 MotoGP season kicked off with a bang at the Sepang circuit! On this first day of Shakedown Test, the riders hit the gas, but the sound of the start was especially marked by the notable absence of Fabio Quartararo. The Espargaró brothers, on the other hand, did not hold back, achieving a double that did not go unnoticed.
A Shakedown Like No Other
The Shakedown Test, this session reserved for test riders and rookies, started Thursday at Sepang. This unique format allows new recruits to acclimate to the machines while providing a taste of the performance of the bikes for the upcoming year. Only a few privileged riders had the chance to hit the Malaysian track, including Toprak Razgatlioglu with Pramac and Diogo Moreira with LCR, as well as the test riders from various brands.
Yamaha Makes Headlines
For now, Yamaha’s strategy seems to be to keep its star riders at bay. Indeed, Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins, and Jack Miller, not to mention Andrea Dovizioso who will only be on track on Friday, remain in the shadows. This has not prevented Yamaha from making waves thanks to a rumor launched by Motorsport.com: Quartararo could join Honda as early as 2027. One can already imagine the fans in an uproar, the idea of seeing the French champion on another machine already sparking heated debates.
Highlights of the First Day
The riders on track were able to test the 2026 bikes from the five manufacturers, and it was Aleix Espargaró who managed to stand out. With a blistering time of 1’58″091, the Honda test rider dominated the day, putting pressure on his competitors. His brother Pol Espargaró, also in good form, recorded the second-best time before causing a red flag due to a crash at the first corner. Fortunately, this little scare had no consequences for him.
The first red flag had been waved due to an oil leak on the track, leaving the riders waiting, like a spectator in front of a good movie who cannot skip the boring scenes. Dani Pedrosa, another test rider for KTM, managed to finish third, while Mika Kallio also had the opportunity to take to the track for the Austrian manufacturer, but without making a significant impact that day.
Dani Pedrosa is on track for KTM
A Fierce Battle for Positions
By taking fourth place, Toprak Razgatlioglu became the first full-time rider of the 2026 season to appear in the standings. However, he is over a second behind the Yamaha powered by the V4. Just behind him, Augusto Fernández, Yamaha’s test rider, also performed well, reinforcing the presence of the Japanese manufacturer in this first test.
Michele Pirro, in charge of testing for Ducati, finished sixth after trying out some new features. The Desmosedici sports a new fairing, wide and with visible winglets, continuing the work started during the Valencia test at the end of 2025. These visual evolutions do not go unnoticed and suggest a promising season for Ducati.
Young Talents in the Spotlight
On the rookie side, Lorenzo Savadori and Diogo Moreira recorded times above two minutes. Although these times may seem disappointing compared to those of more experienced riders, it is important to remember that every second on the track is an opportunity to learn and improve. For these young talents, every lap is a valuable lesson in their quest for performance.
Toward an Uncertain Future
While Yamaha seems to be playing it safe by keeping its assets hidden for now, the other brands are not resting on their laurels. The first days of testing are crucial for fine-tuning the machines and preparing for the upcoming season. The competition promises to be intense, and each manufacturer is looking to gain the upper hand before the season truly begins.
As we await the next days of testing and the revelations that are sure to emerge, one cannot help but wonder what the future holds for Quartararo and whether the Espargaró brothers will continue to shine under the sun of Sepang. One thing is certain: the 2026 season promises to be full of twists and turns.
