The first major pre-season test of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship concluded at the Sepang International Circuit this week, offering a crucial first look at the competitive landscape as teams prepare for the season opener. While Wednesday’s running was hampered by rain, the preceding days provided ample opportunity for riders to gather data and assess their machines on a track offering high grip levels. The test wasn’t about outright lap times, but rather about building a foundation for the year ahead, with sprint race simulations proving particularly valuable.
One rider dominating early conversation is Pedro Acosta, the young Spaniard embarking on his rookie MotoGP season with Red Bull GASGAS Tech3. Acosta’s performance at Sepang has already turned heads, earning him considerable praise from established stars in the paddock. He secured a commendable P9 on the timesheets, but perhaps more impressively, posted a faster Sprint simulation than reigning two-time World Champion Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team. This early display of speed has generated significant buzz around the potential of the two-time World Champion – a Moto3™ champion in 2021 and a Moto2™ champion in 2023 – to make an immediate impact in the premier class.
Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, now riding for Gresini Racing Ducati, was quick to acknowledge Acosta’s talent. “He was fast, it doesn’t surprise me,” Marquez said. He elaborated on the typical transition from Moto2 to MotoGP, noting that riders often possess a strong cornering speed and a subconscious ability to push the limits. Marquez pointed to the experiences of riders like Fabio Quartararo, Johann Zarco, and even himself, who all demonstrated similar initial speed upon entering MotoGP from Moto2. “Acosta is very good, this year if it’s not every race he’ll stick his head out in many races,” Marquez predicted.
Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia Racing echoed Marquez’s sentiments, praising Acosta’s “amazing” talent and highlighting his consistent performance since entering the World Championship. Espargaro noted the limited track time Acosta has had at Sepang – his second time ever on a MotoGP bike – making his achievements even more remarkable.
The Valencia test in late November provided a precursor to the Sepang outing. At Valencia, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) set the fastest time, but the focus was largely on Marquez’s debut with Ducati. He finished fourth, just 0.171 seconds off Viñales’ pace and a mere 0.078 seconds behind the fastest Ducati rider, Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). That test also saw Pedro Acosta make his initial foray into MotoGP competition.
Aprilia arrived at the Valencia test with a new swingarm, and Raul Fernandez was able to test the 2023 RS-GP for the first time. Fernandez showed promising pace, consistently placing within the top five during the test.
The Sepang test also provided insights into the preparations of other manufacturers. Yamaha, through the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team and the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team with Cal Crutchlow, collected valuable data and insights. The test served as the first pre-season step for the team as they continue to refine their package for the upcoming season.
While the Sepang test offered a glimpse into the potential of each team, it’s important to remember that it’s just the beginning. The next official test is scheduled for February 6-8, 2024, at Sepang, providing another opportunity for riders and teams to fine-tune their machines before the season kicks off. The early indications, however, suggest that the 2024 MotoGP season promises to be highly competitive, with a new generation of talent, like Acosta, poised to challenge the established order.
The focus now shifts to analyzing the data collected at Sepang and implementing necessary changes before the next test. Teams will be looking to address any weaknesses identified and further optimize their performance in preparation for the first race of the season. The emergence of Acosta as a potential frontrunner adds an exciting dynamic to the championship battle, and all eyes will be on the young Spaniard to see if he can maintain his impressive form throughout the year.
Further analysis of the Sepang test, including insights from riders and teams, continues to emerge. Diogo Moreira recently shared that the best advice he received during the test was to stay calm and focused, a sentiment likely shared by many of the riders as they navigate the challenges of adapting to new machinery and track conditions. The pre-season period is crucial for building confidence and establishing a strong foundation for the long and demanding MotoGP season.
