SEPANG MOTOGP TEST DAY 1: QUARTARARO SHINES, JORGE MARTÍN SUFFERS MULTIPLE FRACTURES IN HEAVY CRASHES

MotoGP 2025 Kicks Off with Thrilling Sepang Test – Day 1 Recap

Sepang International Circuit roared back to life as the 2025 MotoGP season officially got underway with the first day of pre-season testing. With new bikes, new liveries, and riders eager to push their limits, all eyes were on the 5.5km circuit as teams began gathering crucial data for the season ahead.

The first day of the 2025 MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit on February 5th was marked by promising performances by Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who showcased impressive speed, leading the timesheets and indicating a strong start for Yamaha’s quest for the championships, indicates Yamaha’s potential resurgence for the upcoming season.

Weather and Track Conditions

The day started with overcast skies, and while the morning session saw cooler track temperatures, the afternoon heat ramped up, testing both man and machine. Despite a few damp patches from overnight rain, the track dried quickly, allowing riders to make the most of the first official test session.

Top Performers:

Fabio Quartararo of Monster Energy Yamaha set the fastest lap time, leading the timesheets and showcasing the team’s potential for the season. Marc Márquez, in his debut with the factory Ducati Lenovo Team, closely followed, finishing just 51 milliseconds behind Quartararo. Márquez expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting the ease with which he achieved his lap times and his positive rapport with the new team.

Notable Incidents:

However, the day was overshadowed by a severe accident involving defending world champion Jorge Martín, now riding for Aprilia, faced a challenging start. He suffered two crashes within an hour, the second being a severe highside that resulted in multiple fractures to his right hand and left foot. These injuries necessitated his return to Europe for surgery, casting doubt on his preparation for the upcoming season. He is scheduled for surgery, additionally, riders Aprilia’s Raúl Fernández and Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio both experienced significant crashes, both requiring surgical interventions. These incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with pre-season testing as riders push the limits to fine-tune their machines.

These incidents highlight the inherent risks of pre-season testing as teams and riders push the limits to fine-tune their machines.

Team Developments:

Joan Mir demonstrated promising progress with the new Honda RC213V, securing a commendable seventh position. His performance indicates potential improvements for Honda as they continue to develop their 2025 contender.

Franco Morbidelli showcased impressive form, leading the combined timesheets over the first two days of testing. His performance has been a highlight, suggesting a strong start for his team.

Looking Ahead

Despite these setbacks, the day’s results provided valuable insights into the competitive landscape for the upcoming season. The testing continues, offering teams further opportunities to optimize their setups and address any challenges encountered during this initial session. As testing progresses, teams will continue to fine-tune their setups and gather essential data. The initial performances set a competitive tone for the season, with established riders and newcomers alike eager to make their mark.

Rookie Debuts

The 2025 season welcomes new talents, with riders like Ai Ogura and Fermín Aldeguer making their MotoGP test debuts. Both showcased promising performances, indicating a bright future ahead.