MotoGP Sepang Shakedown: Fernandez heads day one

A quieter than expected Shakedown test kicked off in Sepang on Monday with Tech3 KTM rookie Raul Fernandez leading the way.

Five fresh talents, matched the factory test riders taking to the Malaysian track for a three day shakedown as 2022 preseason testing fired up at the Sepang International Circuit, with Honda’s Stefan Bradl opting to sit out of the opening day’s action. The German had however, been present at the Jerez Superbike test last week for initial assessment.

Fernandez completed day one a tenth ahead of Ducati stalwart Michele Pirro, with his teammate Remy Gardner running fourth just under a second behind, despite his recently fractured wrist. Mooney VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi and WithU Yamaha’s Darryn Binder followed in fifth and sixth respectively with Fabio di Giannantonio getting to grips with the Gresini Ducati 1.6s adrift.

Despite concessions allowing Aprilia to field all three riders, Lorenzo Savadori was the sole representative for the Noale factory on Monday, with the RS-GP hosting an upgraded front fairing, new exhaust and aluminium swingarm. Sylvain Guintoli continued his work with the Suzuki GSX-RR while Pirro showcased a taster of the new Ducati livery as he concentrated his efforts on areo evaluations.

Dani Pedrosa was alongside Mika Kallio for KTM, however the Spaniard failed to register on the timing screens while Yamaha fielded two YZR-M1’s for Cal Crutchlow - who has just committed for a further two years with the factory test team.

MotoGP Sepang Shakedown Test: Monday’s final times

Raul Fernandez KTM Tech3 2’00.898 Michele Pirro Ducati Test Rider 2’01.042 Mika Kallio KTM Test Rider 2’01.250 Lorenzo Savadori Aprilia Test Rider 2’01.676 Remy Gardner KTM Tech3 2’01.852 Marco Bezzecchi Mooney VR46