Monster Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo Dominates Windy Day 1 of Official Sepang MotoGP Test 2025.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!
The Official Sepang MotoGP Test kicked off in challenging conditions on Wednesday, with Monster Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo setting the pace on a windy Day 1.
The Frenchman, who had already topped the timesheets during the recent Shakedown test, continued his strong form by clocking a benchmark time of 1m 57.794s, the fastest lap of the day.
New factory Ducati recruit Marc Marquez made an impressive debut with the Italian team, securing second place in the closing moments of the session. The eight-time world champion edged out his brother Alex Marquez rookie Fermin Aldeguer, and Franco Morbidelli, all of whom were aboard the latest GP24 machines.
Joan Mir, representing Honda, claimed sixth place, while Pedro Acosta led the KTM charge in 11th. Ai Ogura, the top Aprilia rider, endured a difficult day, finishing 16th in what proved to be a challenging session for the Italian manufacturer.
The day was not without drama, as several riders suffered crashes. Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez sustained a broken bone in his hand and will return to Spain for treatment. Reigning world champion Jorge Martin, who also fell, is undergoing medical checks.
Other riders involved in incidents included Fabio di Giannantonio, Ai Ogura, Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini, and Franco Morbidelli. Di Giannantonio’s day ended on a particularly sour note, as he suffered a second crash during the practice start period, resulting in a fractured left collarbone. The Italian rider is set to fly home for further treatment.
The Sepang test marks the first official outing for all 2025 MotoGP riders and teams, following a three-day Shakedown session reserved for rookies, test riders, and selected Yamaha and Honda race riders.
With the action set to continue on Thursday and Friday, teams will focus on refining their setups and evaluating new components ahead of the upcoming season. Practice starts will follow each day’s testing, providing riders with additional opportunities to fine-tune their race-day procedures.
This week’s test is a critical step in the preparations for the 2025 MotoGP season, with only one more official test remaining at Buriram, Thailand, from February 12-13. The season opener is scheduled for February 28 in Thailand.
Notably, engine specifications for Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia will be frozen from the Thai Grand Prix until the end of 2026, as part of cost-saving measures ahead of the introduction of the new 850cc era in 2027. Honda and Yamaha, however, retain the flexibility to continue engine development due to their D concession status.
As the teams and riders navigate the challenges of the Sepang circuit, all eyes will remain on Quartararo to see if he can maintain his early dominance, while Marquez and the Ducati squad aim to close the gap in the days ahead.
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS