Pol Espargaró was the fastest on the first day of the MotoGP shakedown in Sepang. Information and images remain limited, as these test days are held almost behind closed doors.
The KTM test rider set his best lap at 1m59.691s, beating the surprising rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP/Aprilia) by 0.171s. Takaaki Nakagami (Honda) followed in third, 0.197s behind.
The shakedown is intended for rookies, test riders, and manufacturers with concessions. Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM), who led at one point during the day, finished fourth, ahead of rookie Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini/Ducati).
Yamaha took to the track with test riders not identified on the timing sheets, but it is known that Andrea Dovizioso was sixth (considering only each rider’s best absolute lap).