P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lap times on Thursday’s opening day of the 2026 Sepang MotoGP Shakedown test – red flag after the opening hour.
The 2026 MotoGP track action kicks off with the traditional three-day Sepang Shakedown test, scheduled from Thursday to Saturday (January 29-31). Factory test riders from all manufacturers, rookies Diogo Moreira and Toprak Razgatlioglu, as well as Yamaha race riders Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, and Jack Miller are set to participate. This Shakedown will showcase the latest versions of each factory’s MotoGP machines, featuring the highly anticipated new Yamaha V4, ahead of the Official Sepang test starting from February 3rd. While the Official test will have all teams and riders, Jorge Martin (Aprilia) and Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati) will be absent due to injuries. Shakedown testing will run from 10am to 6pm daily, offering limited live timing info. The session saw a red flag at 11 am, possibly due to oil checks and track conditions, with Aleix Espargaro expressing concerns prior to testing. Leading times early on include Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, with KTM showing strength with three test riders on track. Toprak Razgatlioglu is the sole Yamaha race rider on track, alongside other notable participants such as Michele Pirro, Lorenzo Savadori, and Aleix Espargaro. Official Sepang MotoGP records include Francesco Bagnaia’s best lap in 2024, setting the benchmark for the upcoming season. As the event progresses, fans await exciting battles and impressive performances from the line-up of talented riders.”
