Sepang Winter Test: MotoGP Live Test Report
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Sepang Winter Test: MotoGP Live Test Report

By FORMULAMotoGPMag - 06 February 2017
© Deborah Wedes

The MotoGP paddock made their way to Malaysia this week for the first winter test of 2017. It was a very successful test by the end of the third day even though the weather was chaos on Monday and Tuesday. Casey Stoner had tongues wagging in the paddock after topping the time sheets on day one with a superb lap time. He told the media that he has no interest in returning to full time racing and rather enjoys the testing schedule and then returning home to his family. Casey is doing a wonderful job in educating the other fellow Ducati riders and pumping in the laps to ensure that Ducati has some important data to learn from.

© Deborah Wedes

On the other hand, Maverick Vinales has hit two out two with him finishing on top of the time sheets and really showcasing the speed of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP bike on day three. His confidence within his own riding style and adjusting to the Yamaha machinery has been stellar. He is definitely a title contender for 2017. Overall, the final day of testing was very productive for everyone as they made use of the track from the start of the day right until the testing clock ran out. Jorge Lorenzo was happy at the end of testing after setting a strong lap time considering his first day on board the Ducati was rough. The other riders that were impressive during the testing over the three days were Johann Zarco, Jonas Folger, Dani Pedrosa, Marc Marquez, Alvaro Bautista, Valentino Rossi and Andrea Iannone.


© Patrick Wedes

LCR Honda MotoGP Team rider Cal Crutchlow assessed different engine configurations whilst Jack Miller focused on his new chassis, which he feels, is going to be competitive. Alternatively, Alex Rins and Sam Lowes have a lot of catching up to do in order to be ready for round one. Rins is trying to follow and catch his teammate whilst Lowes adapts to the Aprilia Gresini alongside experienced rider Aleix Espargaro. Whilst other riders learn how to ride again after some time away from the bikes, Tito Rabat is suffering from a nasty injury. The Spanish rider hit the Sepang track hard, which has put him in to hospital and now recovery. Tito suffered five fractures: two broken wrists, a broken fifth metacarpal in both hands and a soft tissue injury to his knee. These are the times when riders are really tested and unfortunately Rabat has a long road to recovery. The knee is the primary concern as leather and gravel were removed from the wound after the accident. We wish him a speedy recovery.

© Deborah Wedes

Next up is Phillip Island where the weather is aiming to be nice and allow the riders to hit the circuit for all three days from start to finish! As we edge closer and closer, the battles are starting to emerge already both between teammates and manufacturers. The more time the riders spend on their bikes, the stronger the competition. You can already feel the fire emerging between Ducati, Yamaha and Honda!