The three-day test at the Malaysian venue provided valuable insights into the performance of the MotoGP riders ahead of the new season. The scorching heat and humidity posed significant challenges, but the riders showcased their capabilities on the Sepang circuit. Reigning champion Franco Bagnaia emerged as the fastest rider, setting a blistering time of 1m56.682s, closely followed by his 2023 title rival Jorge Martin with a time of 1m56.854s. Enea Bastianini, Bagnaia’s factory Ducati teammate, sealed third place, only 61 thousandths of a second adrift. Notably, all three top performers were equipped with identical machinery, the latest-spec GP24, featuring a new engine and aerodynamic package. Pramac recruit Franco Morbidelli, who also had access to this bike, unfortunately suffered an injury and won’t return to action until the opening race in Qatar next month. Despite this setback, the performances of Bagnaia, Martin, and Bastianini demonstrate their strength going into the new season.
Apart from the top three, Gresini’s Alex Marquez showcased his prowess by breaking the 1m56s barrier in the test, even while using a year-old Desmosedici. Marquez’s achievement highlights the significance of one-lap pace in determining the outcome of a race weekend. However, long-run speed remains the ultimate determinant of success. During the final day of the test, several riders engaged in a 10-lap sprint simulation, providing valuable insights into their performance and the potential pecking order for the upcoming season. While Marc Marquez initially appeared lower down in the timesheets, he impressed during the long runs. When able to establish a rhythm with the GP23, he demonstrated his skill by posting the third-quickest time, behind Martin and Bezzechi but ahead of Bagnaia and his brother Alex. Martin particularly excelled during the long run, becoming the fastest rider and the only one to break into the 1m57s range. He consistently recorded laps in the low-1m58s, underlining his endurance and capability for a competitive season.
Enea Bastianini also demonstrated strong potential during the long runs, although he faced some difficulties. His fastest lap time was 1m58.019s, and he struggled in the ninth lap, recording a time of 1m59.380s. However, he found consistency in the low-58s range, with two laps in the mid-58s and one in the high-58s, followed by a remarkable low-59s lap. Other riders also showcased their abilities during the long runs. Fabio Di Giannantonio, Aleix Espargaro, and Pedro Acosta displayed impressive pace and could contend for podium positions based on their current performances in these challenging conditions.
Despite his impressive long-run performance, Marc Marquez cautiously downplayed his chances following the Sepang test. He acknowledged that he is still adapting to the Ducati after his switch over the winter and believes he is not yet at the same level as the top riders. However, his long-run speed serves as a warning to his rivals. Marquez completed the sprint with a remarkable consistency, recording three low-58s, five medium-58s, and two high-58s laps. This feat is particularly notable considering that he had only completed four days of running on the Ducati machinery. His potential for improvement is substantial, and competitors should be wary of the threat he poses.
Marc Marquez will have further opportunities to fine-tune his skills on the Ducati before the new season commences. He will have two more days of track running at the Losail International Circuit on 19-20 February. These additional sessions will enable him to adapt further to the bike and enhance his performance. The MotoGP community eagerly awaits the start of the new season and the intense competition that lies ahead.
The Malaysian MotoGP test provided a glimpse into the riders’ performances ahead of the new season. Bagnaia, Martin, and Bastianini demonstrated their strength in the top three positions, all benefiting from the latest-spec GP24 machinery. Alex Marquez impressed with his performance on a year-old bike, showing the importance of one-lap pace. However, long-run speed remains the ultimate determinant of success, with Martin dominating the field in this aspect. Despite his caution, Marc Marquez’s impressive long-run performance serves as a warning to his competitors. As the riders prepare for the upcoming season, they will have further opportunities to refine their skills and showcase their capabilities on the track. The anticipation for the new MotoGP season is at its peak, and fans eagerly await the fierce competition that awaits at the Losail circuit next month.
Leave a Reply