The Sepang Shakedown Test, the true kickoff of the 2026 season, saw Yamaha riders take the lead in the timesheets. With the arrival of the new Yamaha V4, Jack Miller managed to stand out, placing his machine on the top step of the testing podium. A first day full of twists and revelations that prepares us for an electrifying season!
A New Era for Yamaha
This Friday, the Sepang circuit resonated with the sound of engines as Yamaha’s official riders took to the track. This is the first time the Iwata brand has lined up its new V4 engine configuration, and the result lives up to expectations. Thanks to Jack Miller, who clocked a time of 1’57″908 in the final hours of testing, Yamaha took the lead. This time puts him ahead of Aleix Espargaró, whose best time was 1’58″091 on Thursday. Miller not only achieved a personal feat but also made an impression by being 41 milliseconds faster than his qualifying time during last year’s Malaysian GP.
Promising Tests
During this first day, Miller dominated the track, ahead of Pol Espargaró, who led for a good part of the afternoon. The KTM test rider took advantage of these tests to try out notable evolutions, including a more curved windscreen, which could improve the aerodynamics of his machine. Meanwhile, Aleix Espargaró focused on aerodynamic elements on his Honda, in preparation for a season where every detail counts.
Aleix Espargaró tests aerodynamic elements on the Honda.
Quartararo: Silence Before the Storm
The official Yamaha riders performed well, with Fabio Quartararo taking fourth place ahead of Álex Rins. However, the French champion remains tight-lipped about his performances, as persistent rumors suggest he may join Honda for the next season. The anticipation is palpable regarding his official statements, but it is clear that Quartararo is looking to focus on his current performances before facing a potential transfer.
Fabio Quartararo was on track for the first time this year with the Yamaha V4.
The Other Riders in the Mix
Dani Pedrosa, the veteran, managed to secure sixth place, while young Turkish prodigy Toprak Razgatlioglu improved by nearly a second compared to his Thursday performances. Playing on his #7 number, he added a touch of humor to his tests by embellishing it with the legendary #007, in the style of a James Bond in search of victory.
Michele Pirro, the sole representative of Ducati, took eighth place after a minor crash. He tested an improved fairing that could make waves in the coming weeks. The competition is fierce, and every brand is looking to gain an advantage from these early tests.
Michele Pirro evaluated a fairing on the Ducati.
Preparations for the 2026 Season
At Aprilia, Lorenzo Savadori is busy in anticipation of the upcoming tests, navigating between different machines, including that of Raúl Fernández at Trackhouse. He ranks tenth, closely followed by rookies Diogo Moreira and Mika Kallio. According to Italian sources, the latter is testing a 2027 model with notable modifications, including a reduction in engine displacement and revised aerodynamics. Teams are doing everything they can to shine from the start of the season.
Sepang Shakedown Test – Day 1
In summary, this first day of the Sepang Shakedown Test allowed teams to lay the groundwork for the 2026 season. The revelations surrounding the new machines and the riders’ performances offer a promising glimpse of a season that looks set to be thrilling. With Yamaha and its V4 at the forefront, other brands will not sit idly by and will do everything to catch up. Stay tuned for the coming days to see how this competition evolves!
