- Alex Marquez sets the fastest lap of the entire test
- Ducati places five riders in the top six on the final day of testing
- Yamaha resumes testing after technical problem
After three days of intensive testing at the Sepang International Circuit, the first major benchmark for the 2026 MotoGP season has been set. The timesheets, sprint simulations, and rider comments show clear trends, but still leave room for interpretation. Ducati in particular presented a strong overall performance, while Yamaha made a cautious return after a temporary withdrawal.
Alex Marquez sets best time on final day
Alex Marquez was the man to beat on the third and final day of testing. With a lap time of 1:56.402 minutes, the Gresini rider not only set the fastest time of the day, but also the fastest time of the entire test. The time was just under a tenth of a second off the pole record set in 2024.
Behind him was Marco Bezzecchi on the Aprilia RS GP, who was the only non-Ducati rider to break the Italian brand’s dominance at the top. Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marc Marquez, and Francesco Bagnaia followed in the next positions.
Ducati also ahead in sprint simulation
Alex Marquez proved competitive not only on a fast lap. He also set the benchmark in the sprint simulations, averaging ahead of the two Ducati factory riders. Bagnaia and Marc Marquez followed at a consistent pace, but were beaten in a direct comparison.
Bagnaia was nevertheless satisfied with his work. After a difficult second half of the 2025 season, the two-time world champion spoke of a significantly improved feeling on the bike. Ducati is currently relying on a combination of proven aero elements and further developed components to give the Italian more confidence.
Marc Marquez still sees room for improvement
Marc Marquez finished the test in fourth place overall in the combined times. After a long break due to injury, the reigning world champion was generally satisfied, but urged caution. He openly stated that two or three riders were currently capable of setting a faster pace.
He attributed a crash on the third day of testing to a modified aerodynamic package that had noticeably affected the balance of the Ducati. Overall, he still considered the test days to be helpful, but emphasized the importance of the upcoming test in Thailand.
Yamaha back on track after technical problems
Yamaha raised a few questions in Sepang. After a defect in the new V4 engine of the YZR M1, the manufacturer initially withdrew its motorcycles for safety reasons. Only after overnight investigations between Japan and the European operations center was the test work allowed to continue.
Alex Rins was the fastest Yamaha rider on the final day, finishing twelfth. The comparatively lower top speed values were striking, which at times triggered speculation about a possible speed limit. This assumption was later relativized. Yamaha confirmed that it had found the cause of the problem without disclosing any technical details.
One positive for Yamaha remains its special status in the regulations. As the only manufacturer in Class D, it is allowed to work on engine development without restriction during the season, which should enable further progress over the course of the 22 races.
Chasing pack close together
Behind the leading group, Aprilia, KTM, and Honda also put in solid performances. Raul Fernandez finished seventh as the second-best Aprilia rider, followed by KTM hopeful Pedro Acosta. Joan Mir was the fastest Honda rider, albeit slower than on previous days.
The two rookies also attracted attention. Toprak Razgatlioglu narrowly beat Diogo Moreira and gained more valuable kilometers in the premier class.
Buriram will decide on final adjustments
The next and final pre-season test will take place on February 21 and 22 in Buriram, just a few days before the season opener in Thailand. Many teams expect to get a clearer picture there, as the track conditions and schedule are closer to those of a race weekend.
The Buriram test is likely to be decisive, especially for Ducati with Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, as well as for Yamaha with its new V4 engine, in order to clarify any open questions before the first Grand Prix.
What does this mean for me as a MotoGP fan?
The results from Sepang point to a 2026 season in which clear favorites are emerging, without everything already seeming decided. Ducati is starting with a broad performance base and several riders capable of winning, while Aprilia is applying constant pressure and Yamaha still has room for development despite difficulties. For MotoGP fans, this means a high probability of close duels, shifting power balances over the course of the season, and a championship that is likely to be characterized less by individual stars than by consistency, technology, and teamwork. Sepang thus does not provide a definitive benchmark, but rather an initial framework for expectations of a potentially balanced season.
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