The first day of MotoGP testing in Sepang is officially over, with Jorge Martín being the fastest on track, ahead of a rookie who showed to be highly competitive, Pedro Acosta.
The Pramac Racing rider, who competed in the MotoGP championship until the last race, once again showed signs that he could be a serious contender to consider. Proof of this is the time he set on this day in Sepang, with a lap time of 1:57.951s, which meant a difference of 0.269s to Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) was the third fastest of the day, 0.277s behind the leader.
In fourth place is Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who ended the year 2023 on an upward trend, even achieving a victory. This fourth time opens up good prospects for what may come next, as the Italian finished ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), who is also considered one of the outsiders in this year’s championship, after a year marked by injuries.
Maverick Viñales was the best rider on an Aprilia, finishing sixth, ahead of Álex Márquez (Gresini Racing), with Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in eighth place, who was the third-place finisher in the 2023 MotoGP.
The main favorite for the world championship victory, according to the bookmakers, Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing), finished ninth, ahead of Johann Zarco (LCR Honda), who was in turn the best Honda on track.
Note the debuts of Álex Rins (Yamaha), who moved to the Japanese team this year, finishing 11th, ahead of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Aleix Espargaró finished 13th, 0.787s behind Martín, with Joan Mir recording the 14th fastest time, ahead of Miguel Oliveira, who closed the top 15.
Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), world champion, finished 16th.
Here is the complete time table:
