Sepang MotoGP test: Crutchlow and Yamaha dominate day 2

The Sepang circuit has hosted day 2 of the Malaysian MotoGP tests. This shakedown session is useful to manufacturers, in that once the work schedule is complete, they can send out their official riders. And today, just like yesterday, the fastest man around the South East Asian was Cal Crutchlow. The Brit set a best of 2'02"079, with the bizarre weather conditions ruling out any risk-taking.

Two out of three: the MotoGP shakedown gets serious

Lorenzo Savadori’s Aprilia was sporting air vents already admired on the Ferrari F1 back in 2008, when Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa were behind the wheel. From four to two wheels, for an increasingly sophisticated and high-performance RS-GP. Consider that the Italian used six bikes yesterday, thanks to the arrival of the Cryptodata RNF team.

Michele Pirro was hard at work aboard a Ducati that was flaunting new side fairings. The Italian and the Desmosedici make for a strong unit, and it’s more about evolution than revolution. The winning project by Gigi Dall'Igna & Co continues to develop step by step.

Honda and KTM are relying largely on Stefan Bradl and Dani Pedrosa, trusting in their respective development skills and ability to complete a flying lap. The German HRC rider works hard in his testing role but dreams of racing once more. We hear that the Spaniard’s RC16 has no transponder, but is this true and, if so, how come? Jonas Folger, on the other hand, has no secrets.

Augusto Fernandez, the 'best prepared' rider

The fact he’s the only rookie in 2023 may help him, at least during the Sepang tests. Augusto Fernandez is clocking up the miles aboard the GASGAS, or KTM RC16 as we call it. The current Moto2 world champion is showing real style in the saddle, but he still has a lot to learn.

In conclusion, we’re little surprised that Cal Crutchlow finishes top of the pile. The Yamaha rider competed for a good part of the 2022 season, amassing data and miles aboard the M1. The highly-anticipated engine developed by Luca Marmorini’s team will be tested by the official riders’ right wrists but also by their comments. We can’t wait to listen.

MotoGP day two times