The pre-season MotoGP shakedown test at Sepang has suggested that Honda’s strong finish in the 2025 season could extend into 2026 as it works to reclaim competitiveness with the RC213V. During the three-day trial, test rider Aleix Espargaro posted times close to last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix pole position, indicating promising pace for Honda in the upcoming season.
Strong lap times highlight promising progress for Honda and rivals
On the final day, Espargaro clocked a fastest lap of 1m57.173s, barely short of Pecco Bagnaia’s 1m57.001s pole lap from the 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix. Espargaro’s efforts have focused primarily on fine-tuning Honda’s 2026 bike development, while fellow Honda test rider Taka Nakagami has been working on the manufacturer’s 2027 prototype, testing separately over the Christmas period at Sepang.
Pol Espargaro, Aleix’s brother, closely followed on KTM’s 2026 prototype, finishing just 0.126 seconds behind after a rigorous test for the Austrian team, which also featured Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio on track. Yamaha’s new V4 machine saw Fabio Quartararo in third, a position that might influence his potential 2027 transfer to Honda, should recent rumors prove accurate. Espargaro’s quick lap times would reinforce Honda’s prospects if Quartararo joins the team.
Yamaha teammates Alex Rins and Jack Miller also showcased competitive speeds, suggesting positive developments for the brand’s new project. Among newcomers, Toprak Razgatlioglu was roughly half a second behind Miller, slightly slower than fellow debutant and reigning Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira, who was riding for Honda.
Following the three days of initial track activity, the teams will take a two-day break to prepare for the official start of testing on Tuesday, marking the first comprehensive outing for the 2026 season machines.
Overview of top lap times from Sepang shakedown
1. Aleix Espargaro (Honda) – 1m57.173s
2. Pol Espargaro (KTM) – +0.126s
3. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) – +0.517s
4. Alex Rins (Yamaha) – +0.719s
5. Jack Miller (Yamaha) – +0.921s
6. Diogo Moreira (Honda) – +1.165s
7. Dani Pedrosa (KTM) – +1.291s
8. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) – +1.292s
9. Michele Pirro (Ducati) – +1.726s
10. Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia) – +1.775s
11. Mika Kallio (KTM) – +2.634s
12. Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha) – +2.989s
Implications for the 2026 MotoGP season
The encouraging times posted by Aleix Espargaro and Honda at the Sepang shakedown suggest a continuation of their improving form, which could mark a resurgence for the manufacturer in the 2026 championship. Meanwhile, other teams like KTM and Yamaha are showing strong progress with their prototypes and new rider lineups, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
With the official testing phase about to begin, the forthcoming sessions will provide a clearer indication of each team’s readiness and may confirm or reshape expectations around rider movements, such as the speculated switch of Fabio Quartararo to Honda. The results from this quieter shakedown already hint at a more balanced and exciting championship battle in 2026.
