Moto GP is one of the most thrilling sports to watch, whether in person or on television. The 2023 season began this morning at Sepang, where test riders from all motor factories were present.

Moto GP motorcycles are back on the track. The 2023 campaign has resumed, with test riders and rookie, Augusto Fernandez, completing the Sepang Shakedown test on a rain-soaked first day.

Yamaha topped the timesheets on day one of the Sepang Shakedown tests. One of its three test machines set the pace by the time a mid-afternoon rainfall drenched the circuit.

Cal Crutchlow of Yamaha topped the Moto GP timesheets with an incredible time of 2:01.146. Crutchlow, a three-time Grand Prix winner, had three YZR-M1s at his leisure.

Augusto Fernandez finishes second just behind Cal Crutchlow

The main focus was on Yamaha’s new, more aggressive engine, which had been a hot topic of discussion in Valencia. However, based on the results, it appears that the problem from last year has been resolved.

Crutchlow’s top speed was 330km/h, just a few kilometers slower than the fastest speed. Furthermore, in the 2022 Sepang Test, Yamaha’s fastest top speed was 327km/h, indicating there has been progress.

Fernandez, the reigning Moto2 World Champion, was back on his GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 RC16. With a time of 2:01.331, the number 37 finished second, just 0.185s behind Crutchlow’s finish.

The test riders from the other four factories, like Yamaha, are using multiple bikes, with Stefan Bradl’s best placing fourth for Honda (+0.459s) and Michele Pirro seventh for Ducati (+0.969s) in Moto GP Shakedown.

The Moto GP Sepang Shakedown will run from Sunday, February 5 to Tuesday, February 7

In terms of top speeds, Savadori (Aprilia) set the Moto GP season record with 332.3km/h. Aavadori was followed by 330.3km/h for both Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) and Bradl (Honda).

The Shakedown test will take place from Sunday to Tuesday, with the track open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. From February 10 to 12, the Malaysian Grand Prix venue will host the Official Sepang Moto GP Test for all race riders.

Lorenzo Savadori was on hand to test the 2023 Aprilia RS-GPs, and the Italian had a busy day with six bikes to ride. Savadori encountered a technical problem near the end of the day.

Michele Pirro of Ducati was once again laying the groundwork for the reigning World Champions, who opened their 2023 account with a new fairing to show off. The Italian used two GP23s and set a best lap time of 2:02.115.

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