The MotoGP tests in Sepang have come to an end, with truly impressive lap times. Francesco Bagnaia was the fastest over the course of the three days, and several riders set lap times below the official circuit record – indicating another highly competitive season, especially since this was the first true collective test of the year. Miguel Oliveira finished the day in 18th place.
With still much to test, the riders wasted no time in hitting the track and started the day attacking the clock. The best laps of all came in the first 30 minutes, and several riders set their personal best times in the first ten to fifteen laps they completed.
Bagnaia (Ducati) was faster than anyone else, with a lap time of 1m56.682s. A stunning lap that was never surpassed. Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac/Ducati) finished second, 0.172s behind, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati) in third. In a show of strength from Ducati, Álex Márquez (Gresini) set the fourth fastest time, ahead of Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia).
In sixth place was Marc Márquez (Gresini/Ducati), in what was his best day in Sepang considering only the lap times. The strongest rider from Repsol Honda was Joan Mir in ninth, two positions ahead of Fabio Quartararo who led for Monster Energy Yamaha. Between them was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM), but the best RC16 was Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull GasGas Tech3) in eighth – another sign that the rookie will be fighting for top positions from the beginning.
As for Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing/Aprilia), he continued to get to know his new bike and set the 18th fastest time. It was roughly halfway through his running plan that he set his personal best time of 1m58.000s, finishing 1.318s off the top.
