Sepang Test 2026: Marc Marquez Tops Sepang Test Day 1

Ducati led the way on Day 1 in Malaysia while Yamaha lost a key rider to finger injury. 

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Day one of the 2026 MotoGP Official Test at the Sepang International Circuit delivered drama, speed and an early shake-up, with Marc Marquez returning to the top of the timesheets while Fabio Quartararo was forced to withdraw after a crash.

Any doubts about Marquez’s fitness were quickly silenced. The reigning champion, riding for the Ducati Lenovo Team, steadily built pace throughout the day before a late charge saw him set a 1’57.018 to claim P1. It was an impressive return considering the Spaniard had not ridden at Sepang since last year’s test.

Teammate Francesco Bagnaia ended the day eighth, 0.702s adrift, but remained upbeat and is targeting a race simulation on Day 2.

Ducati strength continued elsewhere. Fabio Di Giannantonio put the VR46 Racing Team machine second overall, just 0.256s behind Marquez, while Maverick Viñales made it three manufacturers in the top three for Red Bull KTM Tech3.

Quartararo Injury Blow for Yamaha

It was a much tougher story for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP. Quartararo crashed at Turn 5 and initially returned to the track after checks showed no fractures. However, continued pain in his arm and hand later revealed a broken finger, and the Frenchman has opted to head home to focus on recovery.

That leaves teammate Alex Rins and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) to shoulder development duties as Yamaha continues pushing its V4 project. Miller ended the day 14th, while rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu focused on adaptation work rather than time attacks.

KTM, Honda and Aprilia Show Pace

KTM’s new parts package drew attention, with Viñales third overall and positive about major chassis and aero updates. Brad Binder, Pedro Acosta and Enea Bastianini focused more on testing programs than outright pace.

Honda’s progress was another standout. Luca Marini and Joan Mir both featured in the top seven for Honda HRC Castrol, underlining gains made since the Shakedown.

Aprilia also had reason to smile. Marco Bezzecchi led their charge in fifth as the team tested new aero and swingarm components, while Lorenzo Savadori continued development work in place of injured Jorge Martin.

Early Form Taking Shape

With Ducati immediately on top, KTM and Honda closing in, and Yamaha hit by injury setbacks, the first day of 2026 testing already hints at an intense season ahead. More representative pace is expected over the remaining two days as race simulations and performance runs begin in earnest.