MotoGP teams will gather at the Sepang International Circuit from January 29 to 31 for the 2026 shakedown test, a semi-official event that provides limited track time prior to the full-season launch at the Malaysian Grand Prix. This test allows riders and teams to continue preparations and fine-tune their machines, although access for media and spectators will be restricted compared to main events.
Details of the Upcoming Sepang Test Session
The shakedown test at Sepang is organized by the MotoGP teams rather than the official governing body, resulting in controlled media presence and more private track conditions. Unlike Formula 1’s recent testing at Barcelona, journalists will have some access to the paddock and service road, but overall coverage will remain limited. This controlled environment helps teams focus on technical development before the full preseason begins.
This year’s session will feature a further reduced entry list due to Honda’s change in status within MotoGP’s concession system, moving from band D to band C. This shift means Honda’s regular race riders, Luca Marini and Joan Mir, are not eligible to take part in the shakedown test. The grid will therefore primarily consist of Yamaha’s four full-time riders—Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller, and Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Rider Lineup and Team Participation
Toprak Razgatlioglu qualifies to ride at Sepang both as a Yamaha rider under the concession system and as a MotoGP rookie, granting him valuable track time alongside fellow newcomer Diogo Moreira, who rides for LCR Honda. These test sessions will support their transition into the premier class, following limited running at the Valencia post-season test where weather conditions affected track time.
Yamaha is expected to have a particularly busy test, unveiling a significantly updated version of its V4 bike. The new iteration includes a completely redesigned aerodynamic package and chassis adjustments based on feedback from all four of its riders. Augusto Fernandez, who raced the previous bike late in 2025, will also take part in the testing, supporting Yamaha’s development efforts.
Efforts by Other Manufacturers at the Test
Honda will field Aleix Espargaro, who leads the ongoing development of the current 2026 model during this test, while test rider Taka Nakagami focuses on the 2027-spec 850cc prototype. Honda aims to build upon its strong finish to the previous season by refining its current package at Sepang. Meanwhile, KTM will return to more extensive preseason testing after limiting its development last year due to financial challenges. Pol Espargaro will lead KTM’s efforts, likely joined by Dani Pedrosa.
The two Italian factories, Ducati and Aprilia, plan a quieter presence at the shakedown. Only Michele Pirro is expected to represent Ducati, while Lorenzo Savadori will ride for Aprilia. Both teams will focus on minor updates after strong competitive showings in 2025. Savadori, who will replace injured Jorge Martin at the preseason test proper, anticipates a demanding schedule as he evaluates multiple Aprilia bikes to prepare them for the regular riders.
“At Sepang, I’ll have a lot of work scheduled on all eight bikes, including those of the Trackhouse MotoGP team, and there will be many new solutions to try, even during the following three days of official testing,”
said Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia rider.
Confirmed Riders Expected to Take Part in the Shakedown Test
The following riders are anticipated at the Sepang shakedown:
- Ducati: Michele Pirro
- Aprilia: Lorenzo Savadori
- KTM: Pol Espargaro, Dani Pedrosa
- Honda: Aleix Espargaro, Diogo Moreira
- Yamaha: Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Augusto Fernandez
Importance of the Sepang Shakedown for the 2026 Season
The Sepang shakedown test plays a vital role in allowing riders and manufacturers to finalize setup ideas and experiment with new components ahead of the season opener. For rookies like Razgatlioglu and Moreira, the extra laps provide an essential step in their adaptation to MotoGP machinery. Established riders and factory teams will use the opportunity to validate aerodynamic and chassis developments, which could affect competitiveness throughout the 2026 season.
With Yamaha introducing a transformed V4 machine and Honda driving development on both their current and next-generation bikes, the developments seen at Sepang could signal shifting dynamics within the field. KTM’s return to fuller preseason testing after financial constraints may also influence the early season performance of its riders. The presence of experienced riders such as Pirro and Savadori underscores the importance of precise feedback in polishing the Italian factories’ race-ready bikes.
As the teams wrap up preparations at Sepang, attention will shift to the official three-day preseason test at the Malaysian Grand Prix circuit, where more extensive riding and data gathering will take place. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how performance trends from the shakedown translate into the full testing and the opening rounds of MotoGP 2026.
