Sepang Test 2026: Joan Mir Smashes Sepang Benchmark as Yamaha Halt Running on Day 2

Honda hit the 1:56s for the first time while VR46 Ducatis stayed close and Yamaha on halt, investigating the YZR-M1 issue. 

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Day 2 of MotoGP pre-season testing at the Sepang International Circuit belonged to Joan Mir, as the Honda HRC Castrol rider topped the timesheets and became the fastest Honda rider ever at the Malaysian venue.

Mir’s benchmark lap dropped into the 1:56s, the first time Honda achieved that at Sepang, underlining the clear progress made with the 2026 RC213V. His effort also bettered the Shakedown reference set by test rider Aleix Espargaro last week. Teammate Luca Marini backed it up with sixth, though both riders insisted they are focusing on development rather than chasing times.

Yamaha Grounded by Technical Precaution

While Honda celebrated, Yamaha endured a frustrating day. Following Fabio Quartararo’s Day 1 crash and withdrawal, the new YZR-M1 machines from both Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP stayed in the garage.

The Iwata factory confirmed a technical issue is understood but its root cause is still under investigation, prompting a precautionary halt to track action. It leaves Yamaha on the back foot as rivals continue to log mileage. 

VR46 Ducatis Closest to Honda

Ducati’s quiet but efficient approach continued. Franco Morbidelli led the charge for the VR46 Racing Team, going second fastest with a 1 ‘56.983 (Just 0.109s off Mir). Teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio slotted into third, highlighting improvements in front-end feel.

At the Ducati Lenovo Team, Francesco Bagnaia remained eighth while working through shorter runs, and reigning champion Marc Marquez took a lighter workload after topping Day 1, finishing 15th. 

KTM and Aprilia in the Mix

Pedro Acosta impressed for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, clocking low 1:57s with an updated front fairing to go fourth. Brad Binder focused on starts and setup, ending 13th. 

Aprilia also continued productive testing. Marco Bezzecchi was the fastest RS-GP in sixth for Aprilia Racing, with attention drawn to new vertical tail aero and a revised swingarm. At Trackhouse MotoGP Team, Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura both remained competitive inside the top ten.

Weather Cuts Day Short

Afternoon hot sunny day and unexpected rain limited running, but the morning session delivered meaningful pace indicators. With Honda breaking new ground, Ducati consistent, KTM close and Yamaha sidelined, Day 3 promises a final push before teams head to Thailand for the next stage of preparations.