With the 2026 MotoGP season just weeks away from the opening Grand Prix, teams and riders have begun serious preparations with the first Official Test of the year at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. The three-day test runs from Tuesday to Thursday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm local time, following the earlier Shakedown Test.
Almost the entire MotoGP grid is taking part, except for two notable absentees due to injury. Fermin Aldeguer is sidelined with a broken leg, while 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin is still recovering from surgeries. Martin is present at the circuit but not riding, with test rider Lorenzo Savadori filling in for Aprilia. Yamaha is also continuing development of its new V4 engine with help from experienced riders Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez.
The recent Shakedown Test delivered several highlights. Aleix Espargaro impressed by setting Honda’s fastest-ever MotoGP lap at Sepang, raising expectations for the manufacturer’s future progress. Yamaha also showed improvement, with Fabio Quartararo finishing close to his 2025 qualifying pace despite riding the brand’s first-ever MotoGP V4 bike. Honda rookie Diogo Moreira stood out as the best newcomer overall.
One of the biggest talking points is the return of reigning champion Marc Marquez, who is back on a MotoGP bike for the first time since October following injury. While he may ease into the test, fans are eager to see his pace. His Ducati teammate Pecco Bagnaia will also be closely watched as he looks to bounce back after a difficult season.
Fans can follow all the action through MotoGP’s TimingPass, social media updates, live paddock reports, and daily analysis shows. With testing underway and early rider market news already breaking, the 2026 MotoGP season is officially up and running.