This 40-plus-minute documentary, featuring exclusive footage and interviews from key figures inside WorldSBK, takes an in-depth look at the big story of the 2022 season
The meteoric rise. The inexplicable fall. And then, finally, The Return. Alvaro Bautista’s (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) path to the summit of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has made for a compelling tale, told over four scintillating seasons of racing and culminating in the #1 numberplate which he will bear this upcoming 2023 season. The final 12 months of that road mark the starting point for ‘Alvaro Bautista: The Return’, a 40-plus-minute, in-depth look at a landmark year for the 38-year-old and Ducati alike.
The Return tells a story of redemption. Bautista and Ducati, a partnership as fascinating as it was fragile three years earlier, set off together once again with a shared goal: to right the wrongs of the 2019 campaign and return to the top of the WorldSBK Championship.
This is, in Bautista’s own words, not only a return to Ducati, but also a return to being a competitive rider, of finding joy in the sport once again. Proof of this renewed fire can be found from lap one on the Panigale V4R (at a test in Jerez, explained eloquently by crew chief Giulio Nava), and remains evident across the documentary through the many battles with rivals Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
Exclusive interviews with all three championship contenders, as well as with several key members of the Ducati Corse and Aruba.it Racing – Ducati family, provide context and answer some of the key questions from the 2022 season. Who first brought up the idea of a reunion? When did Bautista feel the most pressure in 2022? And the question that has hung over their heads since 2019 – what happened?
These quotes and reactions are complemented by behind-the-scenes footage of the Spanish rider and his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, at the track and beyond, with much of it unreleased until now. See the different sides of the reigning World Champion: the preparation, the fears, the emotions.
We are BACK and there was plenty to see on Day 1 of the Sepang Test!
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 10 February 2023
Day 1 of the Official MotoGP™ Sepang Test is now in the history books! Mooney VR46 Racing Team’s Marco Bezzecchi ended the day on top as the Italian set a 1:58.470 to finish 0.130s ahead of second place Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). There’s more to pre-season than the timesheets though, and there was plenty to see on Friday up and down pitlane. Here’s a rundown of Day 1 at the office for the class of 2023!
Fabio Quartararo (20) and Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA
There was plenty of interest on Marc Marquez’s (Repsol Honda Team) side of the garage, where the eight-time World Champion had four bikes at his disposal – one that he finished 2022 on, two 2023 bikes that have been seen a few times now, and one with some new, relatively unseen parts on it.
Marc Marquez (93) on his “2023” Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy Dorna.
That bike features the new air intake but also sports the aero wings that seem to be the ones Marquez ran in the second half of 2021. In addition, this particular RC213V has the ground effect lower side fairing and an aluminium swingarm – but it’s not the Kalex one. The number 93 admitted that the bike in question had a bit of a “different character”, but the lap time and performance were similar. Marquez was top Honda by the end of play, ending the day in 12th.
Marc Marquez (93) on a different Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy Dorna.
New stablemate Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team), meanwhile, had two 2023 Honda machines on his side of the garage and ended the day in P17 – just under half a second from 12th place Marquez – with fellow new HRC rider Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) having a similar setup in his box. The 2022 Valencia GP winner ended the opening day in P18, with Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) in P22. The Japanese rider tested two different chassis and two new engines, with focus on getting a good feeling on the bike again having suffered with his hand injury for the latter months of 2022.
DUCATI
The Borgo Panigale factory topped the timesheets with Bezzecchi as the Italian took over late on, and that’s not a huge surprise given the high level of the GP22 that comes out the box and ready to roll for 2023. The laptime was impressive nevertheless.
The headlines in terms of development at Ducati are concentrated on the new machines and, of course, the Ducati Lenovo Team line-up as Enea Bastianini joins reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia. Bastianini was fastest of the two and third overall, with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) just five thousandths in arrears in fourth. Bagnaia was fifth, another tenth further back. But what did we see?
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bastianini was on 2022-looking machinery, and so was Bagnaia for much of the day – but the eagle-eyed spotted a small difference. One bike had the ride height device controls on top of the left handlebar and the other one had them on the triple clamp. Later in the day, Bagnaia also headed out on the new aero seen at the Shakedown test.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Pramac, Martin didn’t seem to be testing anything too new, but teammate Johann Zarco was spotted on the new aero. He was P7 at the end of Day 1. Amongst those on 2022 machinery for the season, Bezzecchi stole the headlines despite a crash at Turn 7, but there were some notable laps from Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) in eighth, with new teammate – and Ducati debutant – Alex Marquez only just behind in P9 as he adapts to a whole new machine. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was P13.
APRILIA
In the Noale camp, both Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia Racing stablemate Maverick Viñales had three bikes to test on Day 1. Both of the Spaniards had one 2022-spec RS-GP and two 2023-spec RS-GPs, and both were out on the new one from very early on.
As seen at the Shakedown with test rider Lorenzo Savadori, the new RS-GP has an updated aero package, a different tail unit and the exhausts have also had a small update. Moreover, the chassis and swingarm have been slightly updated too, with Team Manager Paolo Bonora admitting to pitlane reporter Simon Crafar that the whole bike is an “evolution”, with plenty of small tweaks from 2022.
After a late time attack, Viñales set a 1:58.600 to finish second on the timesheets having completed 67 laps – the most of anyone – and he was positive about his initial taste of the 2023 RS-GP. Espargaro ended Friday’s action in P6, 0.4s from top spot.
Miguel Oliveira’s (RNF MotoGP™ Team) first morning back on his new RS-GP didn’t go quite as planned after the Portuguese star suffered a small crash in the final sector. Oliveira was unhurt and posted 50 laps to finish P14, with teammate Raul Fernandez continuing his adaptation with 54 laps and a P15 placement.
Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales (12) was second on the time sheets. Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
It didn’t take long for Fabio Quartararo to start lapping with the 2023 aero package that we saw Cal Crutchlow testing at the Shakedown. Both the Frenchman and his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli had three bikes in their respective sides of the Iwata factory box as the duo got to work testing Yamaha’s promising new engine.
Both were towards the top of the speed trap charts, further indicating that a solid step has been made in that department. Quartararo was also seen testing a different chassis to his 2022 version, while Yamaha also brought some new downwash ducts to the table on Friday – the first time they’ve tested them.
The 2021 World Champion was upbeat about the top speed gains, but admitted that it still needs work. Understandable with it being the opening day of the test. The throttle connection “is still difficult to judge” and regarding the chassis Quartararo tried, it sounds like that won’t be an update that will be in line to be used in 2023.
Having worked tirelessly during the Shakedown, Crutchlow wasn’t lapping for the opening day and will save his energy for Day 2 and 3, but fellow test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga joined Quartararo and Morbidelli on track. The latter duo completed 117 laps between them, Morbidelli finishing P10 and Quartararo P11.
Fabio Quartararo (20) on his new YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM
At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, it was new arrival Jack Miller who was the lead rider for the Austrian factory on the timesheets and the Australian was also the very first out on track. He ended the day in 16th. Both Miller’s machines were sporting the new aero he tried in Valencia, but that’s not the even newer aero tested by Dani Pedrosa on the third day of the Shakedown.
For Brad Binder, there wasn’t much to see from the outside – suggesting the South African may have been working comparing engine specs – and he was on the aero run throughout 2022 and was 21st.
Jack Miller (43) on his KTM. Photo courtesy Dorna.
GASGAS
Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) was the top RC16 for a while, shaving half a second off his best lap from the Shakedown and then ending the day in P19. After using the Shakedown to settle in, Fernandez also had the new seat and tail unit. Teammate Pol Espargaro reportedly had one bike with the new chassis spotted in the hands of Binder in the Valencia Test, and he was just behind his new rookie teammate by the end of play.
Pol Espargaro (44) on his GASGAS. Photo courtesy Dorna.
That’s it from Day 1 but there’s more over the weekend! Check out live timing on Saturday and Sunday, and then tune in for our special After the Flag broadcasts from 17:30 local time (GMT +8) on both days. Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar is joined by Jack Gorst in Malaysia, with Louis Suddaby and Neil Morrison anchoring the show in Barcelona as the team run through a host of analysis and insights – as well as plenty of exclusive interviews from riders and key players. See you on Saturday!
More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:
TOP NINE RESULT ON OPENING DAY OF OFFICIAL TESTING AT SEPANG
Both Team Gresini MotoGP riders have shone today in the most typical humid heat at Sepang – with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez finishing the opening day of official testing eighth and ninth, respectively.
The two Gresini standard bearers in MotoGP set almost identical lap-times, with Diggia only 0.015secs faster than his new teammate in what was a positive day, despite a few hiccups. A technical problem in the morning took away some track-time from the #73, while the rider #49 was forced to take it easy due to some minor physical issue.
It was an encouraging effort for Team Gresini MotoGP with both their riders only five tenths of a second from the top but also ahead of a few big names of the series.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
8th – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (1’59.021s – 47 laps)
“It was an incredible feeling to be back on track after such a long winter break. You never really get used to that with MotoGP because the speed is so high. We worked well by focusing on one single area at a time and without overdoinge: it’s clear we have plenty of margin still, but we’re working well. We need to keep working and hoping for good weather in the next couple of days.”
Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
9th – ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (1’59.036s – 53 laps)
“It was a positive first day: you always have a little doubt on how it will be to return to action, but things went well. We need to keep working this way because the base is good. We tried very little setup-wise at Valencia, so we’ll start with that tomorrow. We need to improve our pace, but I guess it’s normal with a new bike. Good first day, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
More, from a press release issued by RNF MotoGP Team:
Oliveira and Fernandez start first day at school with a smile
The RNF MotoGP Team is starting their new Aprilia-adventure with Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez in Malaysia.
Testing is in full swing this week and RNF MotoGP Team’s Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez got the first laps aboard their Aprilia RS-GP machines under their belt at the scorching Sepang International Circuit today. Although a short rain shower interrupted proceedings around lunchtime at the first official day of testing in 2022, both, Oliveira and Fernandez could use track time at their best.
The Portuguese clocked a fastest lap of 1:59.730 after breaking the two minutes mark in the afternoon. In total, Oliveira did 50 laps around the Sepang International Circuit on day one and started to continue his adaption to his new bike and his new team after doing just one day of testing in Valencia last November. He concluded day one in P14.
Likewise, Fernandez got on board his Aprilia RS-GP again following some initial laps in Spain last year. He was working to learn the machine better and better and improved throughout the day. He ended up in P15, just 0.083 seconds behind his experienced new team mate after 54 laps on Friday.
Saturday and Sunday will see the premier class back out at the Sepang International Circuit to further prepare the 2023 season.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“I had good feelings. I think after three months, everyone started from zero and it was the same for me too, the first couple of runs I had to discover the bike again. It’s very different but the bike has a lot of potential, I just need to adapt it now to my style. We haven’t touched anything yet on the bike, we started with the base setup, and now we will discover and touch little things so I can feel more comfortable and of course, to go faster. We have two more days and plenty of kilometers to do with the Aprilia and I’m confident.”
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
RAUL FERNANDEZ
“To be honest, it’s my first time on the RS-GP in Malaysia and it was really difficult especially in the first lap. But I am happy, I felt like at home and with Aprilia’s support, I am really happy to be able to build back confidence with the bike. It’s my job now to train my mindset and build more confidence, to enjoy and believe in myself and my team. Anyway, we have two more days, and I’m happy to continue training on this track and try different settings and work more on myself.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP START 2023 SEPANG TEST
Sepang (Malaysia), 10th February 2023
SEPANG MOTOGP OFFICIAL TEST
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team got back into action after the long winter break. Today, Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo rode 59 and 58 laps respectively, ending the first day of the Sepang MotoGP Official Test in 10th and 11th place.
10th FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1’59.118 / 59 LAPS
11th FABIO QUARTARARO 1’59.422 / 58 LAPS
Today, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team‘s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo were back aboard their YZR-M1s for the first time in 2023 for the official IRTA MotoGP test in Malaysia. The riders got straight to work, assessing updated items. They ended in 10th and 11th place respectively in the Day-1 timesheets.
Morbidelli is greatly motivated for the 2023 season and was keen to go over various updates today. The Italian made the most of the dry conditions. He used the morning session to get back into a solid rhythm after three months of no MotoGP riding. He successfully completed his Day-1 testing plans in the afternoon and gave an extra push in the final hour. He ran 59 laps in total, securing 10th place with a 1‘59.118s, 0.648s from first.
Eager to be back aboard his YZR-M1 again after the winter break, Quartararo went straight to work to start his 2023 campaign. He spent the morning stint getting back into the swing of things trying various tyre options. He moved on to cross off the items on his programme in the afternoon, evaluating the new updates. He rode 58 laps over the course of eight hours of high-temperature testing and set a best lap of 1‘59.422s to take 11th place, 0.952s from the top.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
It was a busy day. Yamaha brought a lot of things to try, and this is positive. The team has begun the year with a great attitude: quite aggressive. They really are giving their maximum to step up our package, and I’m really pleased to see that. We have a lot of work to do and ahead of us, but if we keep going with this mindset, we can make it happen.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
It was a tough day, especially in the morning, because we used a few tyres that I didn‘t really like, especially the soft front. But we tried a lot of things today. Some were positive: especially the top speed improved. There are still many things to test, and we have two more days. Tomorrow we will use the tyres in a better way, and let‘s see what we can do. For the first day, it wasn‘t too bad. Tomorrow we will work more on aerodynamics, and I think it will be intense.
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3:
Espargaro Kicks Off 2023 Campaign in Sepang Test, Fernandez Continues MotoGP™ Adaptation
The 2023 MotoGP™ campaign was officially launched in Malaysia on Friday as rookie Augusto Fernandez was joined by his teammate Pol Espargaro and the rest of the class for the first official test of the season, held in Sepang. Whilst Moto2™ World Champion was back on track for another three days after his Sepang Shakedown programme, it was the first school day for new GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider Pol Espargaro. The alarm for 2023 rang over the paddock at 10:00 local time (GMT+8), and both Spanish riders did not take long to set off for the day.
After riding on his own during the three days of Sepang Shakedown, rookie Augusto Fernandez enjoyed sharing the track with experienced riders today, admitting that he was already able to learn a lot from them through observation. He quickly improved his lap time to 2’00.027, 0.455 seconds faster than his best lap of the Sepang Shakedown. Starting to feel confident enough to give an extra push, the awaited first crash happened, without any damage on both the rider and the bike. The work continued thoroughly, and after fifty-eight laps, the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider finished the day in nineteenth, his lap in 2’00.027 being his fastest of day 1.
Within the first hour, Pol Espargaro had already completed eleven laps with a fastest lap in 2’00.874. The aim of the day was to re-adapt to his new GASGAS RC16 after almost three months without riding it. Besides that, he had different settings to test in the afternoon. As track temperature was getting hotter, he gained a few seconds to make it to 2’00.154 at lap 14. Later on, a crash without gravity saw him lose the front, calling it out for lunch break. The action resumed later on after the heat peak had gone, and Pol Espargaro completed the first day of the Sepang Test in twentieth with a fastest lap in 2’00.078 reached just before the end of the day. Adaptation and learnings will continue tomorrow for both Espargaro and Fernandez, as day 2 of the Sepang Test awaits them both on Saturday, at 10:00 local time (GMT+8).
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Augusto Fernandez Position: 19th Time: 2’00.027 Laps: 58
“Riding on my own at the Sepang Shakedown was very useful to get used to the MotoGP bike and build a base, but I have to admit that it is nice to be joined by the rest of the MotoGP class. I was able to observe them, their trajectories, follow them, and I made interesting discoveries. It was a very positive day, and I look forward to tomorrow.”
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Pol Espargaro Position: 20th Time: 2’00.078 Laps: 58
“It was a busy day today because we have a lot planned for the Sepang Test. In addition, I have to adapt to the way of working of the Pierer Mobility Group because it is very different from the past. A lot of new engineers relying much more on analytics and numbers have come along, and I will need to get used to these changes. Regarding the bike itself, in Valencia, we had one new bike and an old one, mainly because I wanted the old one to just ride without thinking too much. Here, we have two new and completely different bikes. The engine character and the chassis have changed, and additionally we tested some aero parts, but we have not completely figured out which ones we will use. We have two more crucial days of testing to do, so let’s focus on that.”
More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing:
MARCO BEZZECCHI THE FASTEST AT SEPANG TEST
The rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team opens 2023 with the best lap time of the day at the test in Malaysia. In the slip stream of the fastest guys also Luca Marini, 13th
Sepang (Malaysia), February 10th 2023 – Marco Bezzecchi opens the 2023 season in the best possible way at the MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit: a busy day to take the measurements of the Ducati Desmosedici GP and the absolute best lap time at the end of the sessions for the rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Good sensations also for Luca Marini, 13th in the combined of the Day1.
Extremely fast from the first out in the morning, Marco makes another step forward in the afternoon with an impressive 1’58.470, a time recorded just before the checkered flag (lap 54 of 55) and which is means the provisional P1.
Fifty laps and various tests also for Luca to get back on track after the long winter. He closes with a best of 1’59.469 and with still two days of work at disposal in front of him.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Luca Marini 10
A good first day of testing: I immediately found the feeling of Valencia and I was fast. We don’t have much to try here and we preferred to concentrate all of the work on today. Tomorrow and Sunday there will be a way to take care of race simulations and sprint races. Last year I was practically unable to race here, I retired immediately after the start and I have to make the most of this test to understand the drop of the rear tire. I also did some tests on the electronics and a new throttle control that I’m very happy with. Since I’ve been in MotoGP, I still haven’t found a device that’s comfortable for me, while I really like this one. The level is very high, today we have already run below 1.59 and there are over 15 riders, all competitive.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi 72
I like the bike a lot, but it’s nothing new: the sensations were already good in Valencia. I’m happy, we started well, but it’s only the first day. The bike has many strong points, like the old one after all, but there are some steps in the details such as entering into the corners and braking. On the flying lap, I immediately felt at ease while we have to work hard on the race pace. We have not enough tires, I’ve always ridden whit the M, which isn’t the best choice here, and when I put on the soft, everything went right.
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
2023 begins in Sepang for the Repsol Honda Team
Marc Marquez and Joan Mir were reunited with their respective Repsol Honda Team RC213Vs as the first of three days of testing at the Sepang International Circuit commenced a new year of competition.
A busy day of testing started the 2023 season in earnest for the Repsol Honda Team, entering their 29th year of competition in the premier class. Classic Sepang conditions were waiting for the Repsol Honda Team as the long break over Winter officially ended. Temperatures in the high 20s persisted throughout the day despite brief spots of rain around lunchtime.
Marc Marquez continued the work started in Valencia as he spent his day riding a number of different configurations for the Honda RC213V. The day started aboard the 2022 Honda RC213V for a handful of laps as Marquez set himself a benchmark as he got back up to MotoGP speed after a winter of training. Feeling physically fit, the Repsol Honda Team rider worked from track open to track close to assess various options for Honda HRC. Completing a total of 58 laps, the #93 set the 12th fastest time of the opening day. The situation at the end of the Portimao Test remains Marquez’s main focus.
Riding the factory Honda machine for just the first time since the brief Valencia Test, Joan Mir’s primary objective was to confirm the feelings he had in Spain before beginning to work on his testing plan. Improving his speed throughout the day, Mir completed 53 laps of the 5.5-kilometre-long Sepang International Circuit before ending the day with a handful of practice starts. A 1’59.832 saw the #36 under the 2’00 barrier on his first day riding the Honda RC213V at Sepang, a solid foundation to build off over the coming days.
Action continues for the second day of testing in Malaysia, both Marquez and Mir aiming to continue preparations for the start of the respective 2023 campaigns.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez
12TH 1’59.424
“It was a really busy day, trying a lot of different things like you normally do in the pre-season. We started first on the 2022 bike just to confirm the feeling and then we jumped straight to the new bikes. We tried a few bikes and some different setups for them, getting a lot of interesting information and data from it which now the engineers and technicians need to analyse. We will see what the situation is at the end of the pre-season, it has just been a single day so it is very early to understand anything. We’re trying different things right now and working hard, it is what testing is for.”
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Joan Mir
17TH 1’59.832
“For sure it was a demanding day, we did a lot of laps and we tried many things. We haven’t made a huge step compared to Valencia, but we are taking some steps. The goal is to improve each day and close the gap to the top riders. I am still adapting to the bike, but I think it is going well so far. There’s a lot of information to process at the moment, from the technical side and in regards to my riding. Everything is moving and developing on all sides, we have to be satisfied with this first step but we need to keep going.”
Barnett Clutches and Cables, manufacturers of top-quality American-made motorcycle and ATV clutches and cables since 1948, is pleased to announce the launch of an all-new website. On the site you will find product information and applications for virtually the entire line of Barnett products. Clutch kits, baskets, pressure plates, covers, cables and more- they’re all there. Whether you need a clutch or cable for a classic vintage machine of the past or for modern machinery- street or off-road, you can find the information and applications you are looking for on the Barnett website. Check it out at www.barnettclutches.com.
A screen shot from the all-new Barnett Clutches and Cables website. Image courtesy Barnett Clutches and Cables.
We saw a sneak peek at the Shakedown. Now get ready for our first full event of the season as our 2023 grid gets back on track in Malaysia
Thursday, 09 February 2023
We’ve seen some team presentations and liveries, we’ve seen three days of Shakedown action and we’ve seen our 2023 rookie, Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), start to settle in. Now it’s time to get a look at the whole grid, and maybe a few test riders too, as the Official Sepang Test gets in gear.
WHEN + WHERE?
The test runs from the 10th to the 12th of February and takes place at Sepang International Circuit. Normal track action starts at 10:00 local time (GMT +8) every day and lasts until 18:00. Then, from 18:00 until 18:15, there’s a Practice Start session in which riders can do just that, and only that. Check the time zone here.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
There’s Live Timing on motogp.com throughout the sessions so you can stay on top of who’s where, as well as plenty of other information about their lap times and different runs. There’ll also be videos and report coverage making sure you don’t miss any key happenings, and timesheets will be sent out!
Then, from 17:30 local time every day until 19:00, After the Flag will be live to provide a host of updates and reports from on the ground. Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar will be joined by eagle-eyed tech reporter Jack Gorst in Malaysia, and the show in Barcelona will be anchored by commentators and presenters Louis Suddaby and Neil Morrison. After the Flag will analyse all the action and bring you exclusive interviews with riders and key personnel throughout!
We’re on the verge of an action-packed, blockbuster season. More race weekends than ever, two new destinations, and the debut of the MotoGP™ Sprint across the calendar mean we’re in for quite a ride in 2023, but that’s not all! We also welcome GASGAS as a new brand on the premier class grid, and there are, of course, some rider switches and swaps that already have us chomping at the bit to get a glimpse of the class of 2023.
BAGNAIA AND THE BEAST
The biggest headline in the rider changes is the arrival of Enea Bastianini to partner the reigning Champion, Francesco Bagnaia, at Ducati Lenovo Team. The two have already staged some incredible duels, and now they share a garage… setting the scene for the best kind of fireworks.
Then, at Prima Pramac Racing, Jorge Martin has a point to prove having missed out vs Bastianini for that very seat, and the others in the Ducati armada will want to share the spoils. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez arrives on Ducati machinery with Gresini and will be an interesting watch. Trophies don’t grow on trees and AM73 has a few.
THE BALANCE OF POWER
A big talking point heading into 2023 is Yamaha’s engine. Can they find that balance between a little more top speed and retain the manoeuvrability of the inline-four? On the timesheets at the Shakedown the signs looked good in terms of top speed gains.
Quartararo, for one, was vocal about needing to find that power, so we await his comments. His Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli will also have plenty of eyes on him, needing to take a few steps forward in 2023.
WET WINS ARE NOT ENOUGH
In 2022, KTM’s victories were both in the wet. Glorious performances and points, but the Austrian factory are here to win whatever the weather and if they can take a step forward with the machine, we already know Brad Binder will pull every drop of potential from the bike. And now, he has a new teammate.
Jack Miller has won on two other machines in the premier class, and he’s won with KTM in Moto3™. It’s an exciting prospect to see him begin a new adventure at Red Bull KTM and he already had a fair grin after his first taste of the RC16 in Valencia. Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro was also grinning at the Valencia test and his experience should be an asset to the RC16 project as he saddles up with GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 too.
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Glorious as it was, that single 2022 Grand Prix win is not enough for Aprilia. After a title campaign that was on course until late in the season, Aleix Espargaro wants to fight for even more in 2023 and teammate Maverick Viñales wants to beat him to it.
Now, we have four Aprilias as RNF field two piloted by Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. Oliveira’s class has been clear throughout the Grand Prix classes and now he’s at the start of a whole new adventure – having already featured high up the timesheets in the Valencia Test. Raul Fernandez, meanwhile, also has a fresh start after the promise of a record-breaking rookie season in Moto2™ turned into a tougher debut season in MotoGP™. Now it’s time to show what he’s got.
THE QUEST FOR (MORE) SUCCESS
Marc Marquez wants to win. And so do Honda. The two biggest mountains of the past few seasons are arguably shared between the two: Marquez with his injury struggles, surgery and comebacks; and Honda with their search for steps back towards the top. Winning is what it means to be Honda. They are the last factory to win the triple crown before Ducati’s 2022 success, after all, and their long history in the sport sparkles with trophies. Can they add more?
They’ve certainly added a few interesting pieces to the puzzle already. 2020 World Champion Joan Mir partners Marquez at Repsol Honda, and Alex Rins arrives at LCR. Both offer some serious firepower. They also retain the experience of Takaaki Nakagami, and of test rider Stefan Bradl, in their quest for more success… whilst adding the know-how of new Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi, too. DUCATI
Michele Pirro was on track for all three days for Ducati, ahead of the return of reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and new teammate Enea Bastianini. The Borgo Panigale factory debuted updated aero at the Shakedown, and Pirro’s had two machines on Tuesday with different versions of the tail exhaust – a large one and a short one.
On the final day of the Shakedown, the Italian spent most of his time working with the updated aero package. The biggest thing of note was an update to the “ground-effect” side fairings from the Valencia Test, which were much larger and more detailed. The actual side pod and the main set of wings were the same as what we saw at the Valencia Test.
Ducati will now have Bagnaia and Bastianini out at the Sepang Test, and of course there’s a whole armada of Borgo Panigale machinery throughout the grid. What more will we see at the Sepang Test proper?
YAMAHA
A main topic of conversation heading into the Sepang Test will be Yamaha’s 2023 engine, and promising steps seem to have been made during the Shakedown. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was trackside on the final day of the Shakedown Test too, and the Frenchman will have seen the speed trap numbers Yamaha were posting, which at one point displayed Cal Crutchlow clocking 335 km/h – five more than Quartararo managed in last year’s Grand Prix, and eight more than Yamaha managed in the 2022 Sepang Test.
Both Quartararo and teammate Franco Morbidelli will be putting Yamaha’s new front fairing through its paces – as they did in the Valencia Test. Both Crutchlow and Japanese test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga were running with the fairing on the final day, handing Quartararo, Morbidelli and Yamaha some valuable information ahead of the three-day Sepang Test.
APRILIA
Aprilia Racing Team Manager Paolo Bonora confirmed that the Noale camp have something “innovative” on the front fairing. We saw from photos of Lorenzo Savadori that this innovation sits at the top of the front fairing, as seen below.
Aprilia have taken advantage of time in the wind tunnel, so the newly designed aero package has been used a lot in testing so far – including updates on the side fairing, where side pods are becoming a big topic of discussion. As with every factory, the 2023-spec engine is high on the priority list for Aprilia, as Aprilia Racing Team riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales get set to pick up where Savadori has left off.
RNF Aprilia MotoGP™ Team’s Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez are expected to get some parts to try in the three-day test, but their main focus to start with will be to build on what they learnt from their first taste of the RS-GP back in Valencia… where Oliveira was pretty high up the timesheets.
KTM
MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa was back in action for the Austrian manufacturer, working with new Red Bull KTM Factory Racing recruit Jack Miller’s side of the garage on Day 1 and then moving over to Brad Binder’s side on Monday. The main focal point was reportedly comparing different engine specs, with aero updates nearer the end of the Shakedown if there was time after Monday’s track time was cut short due to the weather.
There seemingly was time, unless there’s even more to come, and Pedrosa did a fair few laps on the new aero package on the final day. The front fairing shape has changed slightly, the “shark tooth” serrations on the edges are no more, and the top set of the wings have been slightly updated. The side pod wings have received the same treatment. The biggest change was larger “ground-effect” side fairings.
The other headline saw new KTM testing recruit, Jonas Folger, join Pedrosa on track as the German got to grips with the RC16 for the first time. Now the marque will also get feedback from Brad Binder and Miller at the Sepang test, and at GASGAS, Pol Espargaro – who has considerable experience on previous iterations of the RC16 – will also be on hand.
GASGAS
Speaking of GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, reigning Moto2™ World Champion and 2023 MotoGP™ rookie Augusto Fernandez was also back on his RC16 at the Shakedown and started to focus on making the machine his own. The rain on day 2 also allowed the Spaniard to try wets on a wet track, wets on a drying track, slicks on a drying track and slicks in the fully dry conditions. His best laptime was a 2:00.482 on the final day of the Shakedown to slot into fourth.
HONDA
After a Valencia Test that seemed underwhelming from the outside, Stefan Bradl had a busy Shakedown Test for HRC as the Japanese giant put their heads down to get back to the top. On the first day, the German was out on a new-look Honda machine that was dressed in redesigned aero, a new exhaust, two different chassis and the 2023 engine.
A big change in the Honda camp for the 2023 season is the arrival of new Technical Director Ken Kawauchi, fresh from the helm of Suzuki’s recent successes, and the Japanese guru was in the Honda box for all three days of the Shakedown.
On Tuesday, Bradl was doing back-to-back comparisons between different aero packages, the latest one also having been spotted at the private Jerez Test. The trusted test rider also spent some time comparing bikes with and without the ‘stegosaurus’ wings on the tail unit. Now, it’s time for Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda Team teammate Joan Mir to take up the testing duties, with LCR Honda duo Takaaki Nakagami and Alex Rins also gearing up for a huge three days in Malaysia.
Attack Performance Yamaha will field Cameron Petersen on a YZF-R6 in the 2023 Daytona 200 March 11 at Daytona International Speedway, but Petersen’s teammate two-time and defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne says he will sit the classic race out.
“It was kind of up to me, and I just want to focus on the Superbike,” said Gagne, who was entered in the 2022 Daytona 200 but withdrew from the event after suffering a crash and injuries during practice. “I haven’t ridden 600s for a few years. I’m not really a fan of riding 600s after riding Superbikes for so many years. And I’m not a fan of Daytona and the 200, in general. So if it’s up to me, I want to focus on the Superbike series.”
After finishing second, just 0.007 second behind winner Brandon Paasch in the 2022 Daytona 200, Petersen is eager for another shot at the iconic event.
“I had so much fun last year, and getting beaten by that margin had me itching to go back this year,” said Petersen. “I think the [team] guys were in Portugal for the World Superbike round and [Team Owner] Richard [Stanboli] sent me a message: ‘Hey, do you want to do the 200?’ I said, ‘Absolutely! Let’s make it happen.’
“For me, it’s such a new experience, and I enjoyed every second of it last year. So I was like, I need to go and redeem myself and have the experience at least one more time.”
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 9, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is proud to present the broadcast schedule for the upcoming Progressive AFT season. All 18 rounds will once again premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots that are expected to deliver further viewership increases in 2023.
The 2023 campaign marks the second year of the blockbuster multi-year agreement that has already served to expand the visibility of the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series. In 2022, FOX Sports provided a radically increased 150 hours of linear television coverage for the sport, which attracted nearly three million viewers across FS1 and FS2. That total was the highest linear television viewership for the series to date and represented a year-over-year increase of more than a million viewers.
“FOX Sports helped us reach millions of fans and delivered incredible coverage of the racing action last season,” said Gene Crouch, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “With a condensed schedule, the return of fan favorite venues, new teams and the rekindling of some great rivalries, the 2023 Progressive AFT season is shaping up to be one for the record books.”
FOX Sports coverage will first air on FS1 the weekend following each round (two weekends later for the Sacramento Mile), followed by re-airings on FS2. The schedule also again strategically leverages FOX Sports’ powerhouse motorsports lineup to maximize viewership and introduce the sport to all-new audiences by regularly leading in and/or out of other highly rated motorsports programming.
FOX Sports coverage of the 2023 Progressive AFT season will deliver captivating coverage from all 18 events, starting with the season opening doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway on March 9 and 10 and wrapping up with the Springfield Mile doubleheader on Labor Day weekend. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
2023 Television Schedule for Progressive American Flat Track (all premieres on FS1):
Saturday, March 18 – DAYTONA Short Track I – 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, March 19 – DAYTONA Short Track II – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
Saturday, April 1 – Yamaha Senoia Short Track – 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, April 9 – Arizona Super TT – 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, April 30 – Mission Dallas Half-Mile – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
Saturday, May 13 – Ventura Short Track – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)
Saturday, May 27 – Mission Sacramento Mile presented by Law Tigers – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, June 4 – Red Mile – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, June 25 – DuQuoin Mile – 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, July 2 – Lima Half-Mile – 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)
Saturday, July 8 – West Virginia Half-Mile – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, July 16 – Orange County Half-Mile – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, July 30 – Bridgeport Half-Mile – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, August 6 – SC2 Peoria TT presented by Country Saloon – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, August 13 – Buffalo Chip TT – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, August 20 – CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers– 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, September 10 – Springfield Mile I – 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, September 10 – Springfield Mile II – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
How to Watch:
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are home to Progressive American Flat Track programming. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Bagnaia and Bastianini ready for the first 2023 pre-season test at Sepang (Malaysia)
Pirro concludes with positive feelings the three-day ‘Shakedown’ Test at Sepang International Circuit.
Just over two weeks after the team’s presentation in Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), the Ducati Lenovo Team is now ready to make its return to the track at the Sepang International Circuit, where this weekend, Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianiani will finally have the opportunity to test their Desmosedici GP bikes in 2023 configuration, in a three-day pre-season test scheduled from 10th-12th February.
For the reigning World Champion and his new teammate, it will be the first time out on track this year after the long winter break that began last November. Therefore, it will be important to get reacquainted with their Desmosedici GP in preparation for the opening race of the season, scheduled in just over a month in Portugal.
From 5th-7th February, at Sepang, which will also be the stage of the Malaysian GP next November, Ducati test rider Michele Pirro took part in the “Shakedown” Test, reserved for test riders and rookies in the premier class. During the three days, affected by unstable weather, especially during the first two days, Pirro could test the latest innovations introduced on the bike and developed by Ducati Corse during the winter. The rider from San Giovanni Rotondo completed over 170 laps and was the only one to go under the two-minute mark, ending the final day on top with the fastest time of 1:59.803.
Michele Pirro (#51, Ducati MotoGP Test Team)
“I’m satisfied with our work in these first three days of testing. We put in many kilometres in dry and wet conditions, completing about 170 laps in three days. Given the unstable weather and the ever-changing track conditions, we had to concentrate most of our work on the last day, which was the only one that was entirely dry. We still managed to do several tests and gather important information about the new components, and the times were also good. Now we are ready for the next three days of testing, where it will be up to the factory riders to continue the development.”
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“I am happy to be back on track on my Desmosedici GP finally. I have prepared a lot this winter, constantly training for this season. Now we have three very demanding and important days of testing ahead of us. We’ll have a lot of work to do, and it will be important to tick some points off immediately to avoid making mistakes. Hopefully, the weather will be on our side, allowing us to make the most of the time available”.
Enea Bastianini (#23, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“Finally, we’re back on track for the first test of 2023, and I’m excited about it. It will be three crucial days, which will also allow me to get to know better my new team, with whom I already broke the ice in the first test at Valencia last year. Pecco and I will be working together to try and get as far as possible with our test programme and immediately identify the way forward to be as ready as possible for the next test in Portugal, which will precede the opening Grand Prix of the year at Portimão”.
The Ducati Lenovo Team riders will take to the track for the first day of testing at Sepang on Friday, 10th February, and will have eight hours of free practice starting at 10:00AM local time.
James Rispoli and Corey Alexander Launch “Pipe Dreams” Podcast
Sharing The Trials and Tribulations of Racers and Moto Industry Professionals
February 2023 – Desert Center, California
MotoAmerica racers and longtime buddies James Rispoli and Corey Alexander have paired up to host an all new motorsports podcast dubbed “Pipe Dreams.” The duo introduces listeners to the trials and tribulations many racers and industry professionals face whilst chasing their dream.
As national champions both in MotoAmerica and American Flat Track in their own right, James and Corey offer unique and fresh insight of their own throughout each episode. Corey commented, “James and I hope to peel back the layers of guests like Joe and offer the world a more raw look at what makes these men and women so special, on and off the track. In today’s world of polished public images, it’s time to bring some personality back to motorsport.”
Episode 1 features American Moto2 star Joe Roberts as he talks through his journey to stardom, from a young child all the way through to his current dating life across the globe and everything in between.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the first full episode with Joe launches today. Video of each episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube. Listeners can expect two episodes per month throughout the year hosted from their California based RideHVMC Garage Ocho studio or on the road across the US. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman.
About Pipe Dreams Podcast:
Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 to share the stories of racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast is available for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.
Fastrack Racing is proud to announce its all-new Mission SuperTwins effort featuring Bronson Bauman aboard KTM 890 Duke-based racebikes for the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Owned by Arney and Amy Wick, Fastrack Racing has worked in tight collaboration with Latus Motors Racing in recent seasons, contributing to both James Rispoli’s 2020 Mission Production Twins championship and Kody Kopp’s 2021 Rookie of the Year campaign.
Fastrack Racing now steps up to front its own premier-class squad in ‘23 with one of the category’s leading stars in Bauman.
During his career, Bronson has twice ranked inside the Mission SuperTwins championship top five, including a breakout third-place campaign in 2019, in which he scored his maiden victory at the Laconia Short Track. In all, the native Californian and Illinois resident has tallied up nine premier-class podiums, the most recent of which coming last season with Latus Motors Racing and Fastrack Racing.
The team will field KTMs in ‘23 after the Duke platform flashed immense promise in limited action during the 2022 campaign. Matt Krsul will serve as Crew Chief while Dave Bush will work as Technical Support.
Bronson Bauman #37:
“To be honest, this is one of the most exciting seasons in years. I am surrounded by people who truly believe in me and my capabilities and only want success for me and the team. I got to work with Arney, Amy and Matt during the ’22 season so we all are very familiar with one another and know how each other operates. Everyone involved is aware it will be a bit of a learning curve with these bikes, but we are up for the challenge. We have seen the great success of this motorcycle and plan to add to that success during the 2023 season.”
Team Owner Arney Wick:
“We are looking forward to the opportunity and challenges that lie ahead,” said Arney Wick. “We have tremendous support from many industry-leading companies and first-class key individuals like Matt Krsul and Dave Bush who continue to spend countless hours in the shop during the preparation and testing phase of the season. As a team, we also want to acknowledge the fact that none of this would be possible if not for the opportunities and equipment provided to us by George Latus of Latus Motors Racing.”
Team Owner Amy Wick:
“We are incredibly excited to support such a talented rider such as Bronson Bauman and are looking forward to a great season. The KTM 890 provides us a new opportunity to build on the success that multiple teams have seen in the past year.”
Crew Chief Matt Krsul:
“What an honor it is to be able to work with Bronson and Fastrack Racing. The opportunity to be involved with setting up the new KTM race bikes and to work with a top shelf rider like Bronson is exciting. I have been fortunate to be involved in the motorcycle world my entire life. and the flat track community is one of the best parts of the motorcycle world. Challenges are many but with the dedication of the team and support staff we have assembled that seems to grow daily, we will achieve great results.”
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP KEEN TO KICK OFF 2023 TESTING PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA
Sepang (Malaysia), 9th February 2023
After a long winter break, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are more than eager to get back into action during the Official Sepang IRTA Test that runs from 10-12 February.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli have been itching to get back to MotoGP riding. They couldn‘t be more thrilled that tomorrow they will be back aboard their YZR-M1s for the first official IRTA MotoGP testing day of 2023. They will work tirelessly during the Official MotoGP Sepang Test, held from 10-12 February, to start the new season off in the best way possible.
Quartararo hasn‘t been idling about during the off season. Before travelling to the Sepang International Circuit he has been keeping busy with promotional activities as well as around-the-clock training sessions. The Frenchman is feeling top fit and is determined to make 2023 his year. The positive Sepang Shakedown Test results and the feedback from Cal Crutchlow, the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider, have put El Diablo in a competitive mindset straight away.
Morbidelli arrives in Malaysia happy to be reunited with his crew and his bike. He kept busy training during the winter break, both on and off track, to make sure he would be able to hit the ground running in the first test of 2023. Fully aware of the importance of the upcoming three track days and the high quantity of testing items on his list, Morbido is keen to get to work. Besides working on his feeling with the new YZR-M1 bike, he will be putting in a high number of laps to collect as much data as possible for the Yamaha engineers.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
It’s been a longer winter break than usual. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re very happy to be back at the track. We have a good atmosphere in the garage after the Shakedown Test. It was a shame that rain cost us some time, so we hope for fully dry days during the upcoming test to get through all the testing items, even though the weather forecasts for this weekend are not great. I’m impressed with the proactive work done by the Yamaha engineers over the winter: we have many things to evaluate here. The number of items they prepared for this test is really huge! We have an updated chassis, aerodynamics, rear arm, and engine. I expect Friday morning to be used for the riders to get back up to speed after three months of no riding. After that, they have an intense working plan. It will be difficult to finish it all, considering the amount of time and tyres available to us as well as the weather conditions playing a key part. But we will try to get as much done as possible to start 2023 off in the right way.
FABIO QUARTARARO
The wait is over! This winter break was very long, but in a way that was good for me because it gave me time to train and prepare for the upcoming season. It will be a long one – we know this. We need to put in good work during this test to make sure we are ready for it. I‘m excited to try the 2023 spec and to see what progress we made. I arrived in Sepang a bit earlier and spent some time at the track during the Shakedown Test. I heard and saw positive things, so I can‘t wait to try it for myself.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
We are finally back together as a crew. This test is a fresh start, and you can feel the excitement. The Shakedown Test went well, so there is a positive atmosphere in our team. During the upcoming test I aim to show a good performance level. We improved towards the end of 2022, and now it‘s time to build onto that and make further steps. We have a lot of things to test in the next three days. We will work hard, as always, to make a good start to the 2023 pre-season.
This 40-plus-minute documentary, featuring exclusive footage and interviews from key figures inside WorldSBK, takes an in-depth look at the big story of the 2022 season
The meteoric rise. The inexplicable fall. And then, finally, The Return. Alvaro Bautista’s (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) path to the summit of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has made for a compelling tale, told over four scintillating seasons of racing and culminating in the #1 numberplate which he will bear this upcoming 2023 season. The final 12 months of that road mark the starting point for ‘Alvaro Bautista: The Return’, a 40-plus-minute, in-depth look at a landmark year for the 38-year-old and Ducati alike.
The Return tells a story of redemption. Bautista and Ducati, a partnership as fascinating as it was fragile three years earlier, set off together once again with a shared goal: to right the wrongs of the 2019 campaign and return to the top of the WorldSBK Championship.
This is, in Bautista’s own words, not only a return to Ducati, but also a return to being a competitive rider, of finding joy in the sport once again. Proof of this renewed fire can be found from lap one on the Panigale V4R (at a test in Jerez, explained eloquently by crew chief Giulio Nava), and remains evident across the documentary through the many battles with rivals Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
Exclusive interviews with all three championship contenders, as well as with several key members of the Ducati Corse and Aruba.it Racing – Ducati family, provide context and answer some of the key questions from the 2022 season. Who first brought up the idea of a reunion? When did Bautista feel the most pressure in 2022? And the question that has hung over their heads since 2019 – what happened?
These quotes and reactions are complemented by behind-the-scenes footage of the Spanish rider and his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, at the track and beyond, with much of it unreleased until now. See the different sides of the reigning World Champion: the preparation, the fears, the emotions.
We are BACK and there was plenty to see on Day 1 of the Sepang Test!
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 10 February 2023
Day 1 of the Official MotoGP™ Sepang Test is now in the history books! Mooney VR46 Racing Team’s Marco Bezzecchi ended the day on top as the Italian set a 1:58.470 to finish 0.130s ahead of second place Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). There’s more to pre-season than the timesheets though, and there was plenty to see on Friday up and down pitlane. Here’s a rundown of Day 1 at the office for the class of 2023!
Fabio Quartararo (20) and Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA
There was plenty of interest on Marc Marquez’s (Repsol Honda Team) side of the garage, where the eight-time World Champion had four bikes at his disposal – one that he finished 2022 on, two 2023 bikes that have been seen a few times now, and one with some new, relatively unseen parts on it.
Marc Marquez (93) on his “2023” Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy Dorna.
That bike features the new air intake but also sports the aero wings that seem to be the ones Marquez ran in the second half of 2021. In addition, this particular RC213V has the ground effect lower side fairing and an aluminium swingarm – but it’s not the Kalex one. The number 93 admitted that the bike in question had a bit of a “different character”, but the lap time and performance were similar. Marquez was top Honda by the end of play, ending the day in 12th.
Marc Marquez (93) on a different Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy Dorna.
New stablemate Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team), meanwhile, had two 2023 Honda machines on his side of the garage and ended the day in P17 – just under half a second from 12th place Marquez – with fellow new HRC rider Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) having a similar setup in his box. The 2022 Valencia GP winner ended the opening day in P18, with Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) in P22. The Japanese rider tested two different chassis and two new engines, with focus on getting a good feeling on the bike again having suffered with his hand injury for the latter months of 2022.
DUCATI
The Borgo Panigale factory topped the timesheets with Bezzecchi as the Italian took over late on, and that’s not a huge surprise given the high level of the GP22 that comes out the box and ready to roll for 2023. The laptime was impressive nevertheless.
The headlines in terms of development at Ducati are concentrated on the new machines and, of course, the Ducati Lenovo Team line-up as Enea Bastianini joins reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia. Bastianini was fastest of the two and third overall, with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) just five thousandths in arrears in fourth. Bagnaia was fifth, another tenth further back. But what did we see?
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bastianini was on 2022-looking machinery, and so was Bagnaia for much of the day – but the eagle-eyed spotted a small difference. One bike had the ride height device controls on top of the left handlebar and the other one had them on the triple clamp. Later in the day, Bagnaia also headed out on the new aero seen at the Shakedown test.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Pramac, Martin didn’t seem to be testing anything too new, but teammate Johann Zarco was spotted on the new aero. He was P7 at the end of Day 1. Amongst those on 2022 machinery for the season, Bezzecchi stole the headlines despite a crash at Turn 7, but there were some notable laps from Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) in eighth, with new teammate – and Ducati debutant – Alex Marquez only just behind in P9 as he adapts to a whole new machine. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was P13.
APRILIA
In the Noale camp, both Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia Racing stablemate Maverick Viñales had three bikes to test on Day 1. Both of the Spaniards had one 2022-spec RS-GP and two 2023-spec RS-GPs, and both were out on the new one from very early on.
As seen at the Shakedown with test rider Lorenzo Savadori, the new RS-GP has an updated aero package, a different tail unit and the exhausts have also had a small update. Moreover, the chassis and swingarm have been slightly updated too, with Team Manager Paolo Bonora admitting to pitlane reporter Simon Crafar that the whole bike is an “evolution”, with plenty of small tweaks from 2022.
After a late time attack, Viñales set a 1:58.600 to finish second on the timesheets having completed 67 laps – the most of anyone – and he was positive about his initial taste of the 2023 RS-GP. Espargaro ended Friday’s action in P6, 0.4s from top spot.
Miguel Oliveira’s (RNF MotoGP™ Team) first morning back on his new RS-GP didn’t go quite as planned after the Portuguese star suffered a small crash in the final sector. Oliveira was unhurt and posted 50 laps to finish P14, with teammate Raul Fernandez continuing his adaptation with 54 laps and a P15 placement.
Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales (12) was second on the time sheets. Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
It didn’t take long for Fabio Quartararo to start lapping with the 2023 aero package that we saw Cal Crutchlow testing at the Shakedown. Both the Frenchman and his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli had three bikes in their respective sides of the Iwata factory box as the duo got to work testing Yamaha’s promising new engine.
Both were towards the top of the speed trap charts, further indicating that a solid step has been made in that department. Quartararo was also seen testing a different chassis to his 2022 version, while Yamaha also brought some new downwash ducts to the table on Friday – the first time they’ve tested them.
The 2021 World Champion was upbeat about the top speed gains, but admitted that it still needs work. Understandable with it being the opening day of the test. The throttle connection “is still difficult to judge” and regarding the chassis Quartararo tried, it sounds like that won’t be an update that will be in line to be used in 2023.
Having worked tirelessly during the Shakedown, Crutchlow wasn’t lapping for the opening day and will save his energy for Day 2 and 3, but fellow test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga joined Quartararo and Morbidelli on track. The latter duo completed 117 laps between them, Morbidelli finishing P10 and Quartararo P11.
Fabio Quartararo (20) on his new YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM
At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, it was new arrival Jack Miller who was the lead rider for the Austrian factory on the timesheets and the Australian was also the very first out on track. He ended the day in 16th. Both Miller’s machines were sporting the new aero he tried in Valencia, but that’s not the even newer aero tested by Dani Pedrosa on the third day of the Shakedown.
For Brad Binder, there wasn’t much to see from the outside – suggesting the South African may have been working comparing engine specs – and he was on the aero run throughout 2022 and was 21st.
Jack Miller (43) on his KTM. Photo courtesy Dorna.
GASGAS
Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) was the top RC16 for a while, shaving half a second off his best lap from the Shakedown and then ending the day in P19. After using the Shakedown to settle in, Fernandez also had the new seat and tail unit. Teammate Pol Espargaro reportedly had one bike with the new chassis spotted in the hands of Binder in the Valencia Test, and he was just behind his new rookie teammate by the end of play.
Pol Espargaro (44) on his GASGAS. Photo courtesy Dorna.
That’s it from Day 1 but there’s more over the weekend! Check out live timing on Saturday and Sunday, and then tune in for our special After the Flag broadcasts from 17:30 local time (GMT +8) on both days. Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar is joined by Jack Gorst in Malaysia, with Louis Suddaby and Neil Morrison anchoring the show in Barcelona as the team run through a host of analysis and insights – as well as plenty of exclusive interviews from riders and key players. See you on Saturday!
More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:
TOP NINE RESULT ON OPENING DAY OF OFFICIAL TESTING AT SEPANG
Both Team Gresini MotoGP riders have shone today in the most typical humid heat at Sepang – with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez finishing the opening day of official testing eighth and ninth, respectively.
The two Gresini standard bearers in MotoGP set almost identical lap-times, with Diggia only 0.015secs faster than his new teammate in what was a positive day, despite a few hiccups. A technical problem in the morning took away some track-time from the #73, while the rider #49 was forced to take it easy due to some minor physical issue.
It was an encouraging effort for Team Gresini MotoGP with both their riders only five tenths of a second from the top but also ahead of a few big names of the series.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
8th – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (1’59.021s – 47 laps)
“It was an incredible feeling to be back on track after such a long winter break. You never really get used to that with MotoGP because the speed is so high. We worked well by focusing on one single area at a time and without overdoinge: it’s clear we have plenty of margin still, but we’re working well. We need to keep working and hoping for good weather in the next couple of days.”
Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
9th – ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (1’59.036s – 53 laps)
“It was a positive first day: you always have a little doubt on how it will be to return to action, but things went well. We need to keep working this way because the base is good. We tried very little setup-wise at Valencia, so we’ll start with that tomorrow. We need to improve our pace, but I guess it’s normal with a new bike. Good first day, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
More, from a press release issued by RNF MotoGP Team:
Oliveira and Fernandez start first day at school with a smile
The RNF MotoGP Team is starting their new Aprilia-adventure with Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez in Malaysia.
Testing is in full swing this week and RNF MotoGP Team’s Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez got the first laps aboard their Aprilia RS-GP machines under their belt at the scorching Sepang International Circuit today. Although a short rain shower interrupted proceedings around lunchtime at the first official day of testing in 2022, both, Oliveira and Fernandez could use track time at their best.
The Portuguese clocked a fastest lap of 1:59.730 after breaking the two minutes mark in the afternoon. In total, Oliveira did 50 laps around the Sepang International Circuit on day one and started to continue his adaption to his new bike and his new team after doing just one day of testing in Valencia last November. He concluded day one in P14.
Likewise, Fernandez got on board his Aprilia RS-GP again following some initial laps in Spain last year. He was working to learn the machine better and better and improved throughout the day. He ended up in P15, just 0.083 seconds behind his experienced new team mate after 54 laps on Friday.
Saturday and Sunday will see the premier class back out at the Sepang International Circuit to further prepare the 2023 season.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“I had good feelings. I think after three months, everyone started from zero and it was the same for me too, the first couple of runs I had to discover the bike again. It’s very different but the bike has a lot of potential, I just need to adapt it now to my style. We haven’t touched anything yet on the bike, we started with the base setup, and now we will discover and touch little things so I can feel more comfortable and of course, to go faster. We have two more days and plenty of kilometers to do with the Aprilia and I’m confident.”
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
RAUL FERNANDEZ
“To be honest, it’s my first time on the RS-GP in Malaysia and it was really difficult especially in the first lap. But I am happy, I felt like at home and with Aprilia’s support, I am really happy to be able to build back confidence with the bike. It’s my job now to train my mindset and build more confidence, to enjoy and believe in myself and my team. Anyway, we have two more days, and I’m happy to continue training on this track and try different settings and work more on myself.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP START 2023 SEPANG TEST
Sepang (Malaysia), 10th February 2023
SEPANG MOTOGP OFFICIAL TEST
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team got back into action after the long winter break. Today, Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo rode 59 and 58 laps respectively, ending the first day of the Sepang MotoGP Official Test in 10th and 11th place.
10th FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1’59.118 / 59 LAPS
11th FABIO QUARTARARO 1’59.422 / 58 LAPS
Today, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team‘s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo were back aboard their YZR-M1s for the first time in 2023 for the official IRTA MotoGP test in Malaysia. The riders got straight to work, assessing updated items. They ended in 10th and 11th place respectively in the Day-1 timesheets.
Morbidelli is greatly motivated for the 2023 season and was keen to go over various updates today. The Italian made the most of the dry conditions. He used the morning session to get back into a solid rhythm after three months of no MotoGP riding. He successfully completed his Day-1 testing plans in the afternoon and gave an extra push in the final hour. He ran 59 laps in total, securing 10th place with a 1‘59.118s, 0.648s from first.
Eager to be back aboard his YZR-M1 again after the winter break, Quartararo went straight to work to start his 2023 campaign. He spent the morning stint getting back into the swing of things trying various tyre options. He moved on to cross off the items on his programme in the afternoon, evaluating the new updates. He rode 58 laps over the course of eight hours of high-temperature testing and set a best lap of 1‘59.422s to take 11th place, 0.952s from the top.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
It was a busy day. Yamaha brought a lot of things to try, and this is positive. The team has begun the year with a great attitude: quite aggressive. They really are giving their maximum to step up our package, and I’m really pleased to see that. We have a lot of work to do and ahead of us, but if we keep going with this mindset, we can make it happen.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
It was a tough day, especially in the morning, because we used a few tyres that I didn‘t really like, especially the soft front. But we tried a lot of things today. Some were positive: especially the top speed improved. There are still many things to test, and we have two more days. Tomorrow we will use the tyres in a better way, and let‘s see what we can do. For the first day, it wasn‘t too bad. Tomorrow we will work more on aerodynamics, and I think it will be intense.
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3:
Espargaro Kicks Off 2023 Campaign in Sepang Test, Fernandez Continues MotoGP™ Adaptation
The 2023 MotoGP™ campaign was officially launched in Malaysia on Friday as rookie Augusto Fernandez was joined by his teammate Pol Espargaro and the rest of the class for the first official test of the season, held in Sepang. Whilst Moto2™ World Champion was back on track for another three days after his Sepang Shakedown programme, it was the first school day for new GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider Pol Espargaro. The alarm for 2023 rang over the paddock at 10:00 local time (GMT+8), and both Spanish riders did not take long to set off for the day.
After riding on his own during the three days of Sepang Shakedown, rookie Augusto Fernandez enjoyed sharing the track with experienced riders today, admitting that he was already able to learn a lot from them through observation. He quickly improved his lap time to 2’00.027, 0.455 seconds faster than his best lap of the Sepang Shakedown. Starting to feel confident enough to give an extra push, the awaited first crash happened, without any damage on both the rider and the bike. The work continued thoroughly, and after fifty-eight laps, the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider finished the day in nineteenth, his lap in 2’00.027 being his fastest of day 1.
Within the first hour, Pol Espargaro had already completed eleven laps with a fastest lap in 2’00.874. The aim of the day was to re-adapt to his new GASGAS RC16 after almost three months without riding it. Besides that, he had different settings to test in the afternoon. As track temperature was getting hotter, he gained a few seconds to make it to 2’00.154 at lap 14. Later on, a crash without gravity saw him lose the front, calling it out for lunch break. The action resumed later on after the heat peak had gone, and Pol Espargaro completed the first day of the Sepang Test in twentieth with a fastest lap in 2’00.078 reached just before the end of the day. Adaptation and learnings will continue tomorrow for both Espargaro and Fernandez, as day 2 of the Sepang Test awaits them both on Saturday, at 10:00 local time (GMT+8).
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Augusto Fernandez Position: 19th Time: 2’00.027 Laps: 58
“Riding on my own at the Sepang Shakedown was very useful to get used to the MotoGP bike and build a base, but I have to admit that it is nice to be joined by the rest of the MotoGP class. I was able to observe them, their trajectories, follow them, and I made interesting discoveries. It was a very positive day, and I look forward to tomorrow.”
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Pol Espargaro Position: 20th Time: 2’00.078 Laps: 58
“It was a busy day today because we have a lot planned for the Sepang Test. In addition, I have to adapt to the way of working of the Pierer Mobility Group because it is very different from the past. A lot of new engineers relying much more on analytics and numbers have come along, and I will need to get used to these changes. Regarding the bike itself, in Valencia, we had one new bike and an old one, mainly because I wanted the old one to just ride without thinking too much. Here, we have two new and completely different bikes. The engine character and the chassis have changed, and additionally we tested some aero parts, but we have not completely figured out which ones we will use. We have two more crucial days of testing to do, so let’s focus on that.”
More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing:
MARCO BEZZECCHI THE FASTEST AT SEPANG TEST
The rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team opens 2023 with the best lap time of the day at the test in Malaysia. In the slip stream of the fastest guys also Luca Marini, 13th
Sepang (Malaysia), February 10th 2023 – Marco Bezzecchi opens the 2023 season in the best possible way at the MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit: a busy day to take the measurements of the Ducati Desmosedici GP and the absolute best lap time at the end of the sessions for the rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Good sensations also for Luca Marini, 13th in the combined of the Day1.
Extremely fast from the first out in the morning, Marco makes another step forward in the afternoon with an impressive 1’58.470, a time recorded just before the checkered flag (lap 54 of 55) and which is means the provisional P1.
Fifty laps and various tests also for Luca to get back on track after the long winter. He closes with a best of 1’59.469 and with still two days of work at disposal in front of him.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Luca Marini 10
A good first day of testing: I immediately found the feeling of Valencia and I was fast. We don’t have much to try here and we preferred to concentrate all of the work on today. Tomorrow and Sunday there will be a way to take care of race simulations and sprint races. Last year I was practically unable to race here, I retired immediately after the start and I have to make the most of this test to understand the drop of the rear tire. I also did some tests on the electronics and a new throttle control that I’m very happy with. Since I’ve been in MotoGP, I still haven’t found a device that’s comfortable for me, while I really like this one. The level is very high, today we have already run below 1.59 and there are over 15 riders, all competitive.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi 72
I like the bike a lot, but it’s nothing new: the sensations were already good in Valencia. I’m happy, we started well, but it’s only the first day. The bike has many strong points, like the old one after all, but there are some steps in the details such as entering into the corners and braking. On the flying lap, I immediately felt at ease while we have to work hard on the race pace. We have not enough tires, I’ve always ridden whit the M, which isn’t the best choice here, and when I put on the soft, everything went right.
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
2023 begins in Sepang for the Repsol Honda Team
Marc Marquez and Joan Mir were reunited with their respective Repsol Honda Team RC213Vs as the first of three days of testing at the Sepang International Circuit commenced a new year of competition.
A busy day of testing started the 2023 season in earnest for the Repsol Honda Team, entering their 29th year of competition in the premier class. Classic Sepang conditions were waiting for the Repsol Honda Team as the long break over Winter officially ended. Temperatures in the high 20s persisted throughout the day despite brief spots of rain around lunchtime.
Marc Marquez continued the work started in Valencia as he spent his day riding a number of different configurations for the Honda RC213V. The day started aboard the 2022 Honda RC213V for a handful of laps as Marquez set himself a benchmark as he got back up to MotoGP speed after a winter of training. Feeling physically fit, the Repsol Honda Team rider worked from track open to track close to assess various options for Honda HRC. Completing a total of 58 laps, the #93 set the 12th fastest time of the opening day. The situation at the end of the Portimao Test remains Marquez’s main focus.
Riding the factory Honda machine for just the first time since the brief Valencia Test, Joan Mir’s primary objective was to confirm the feelings he had in Spain before beginning to work on his testing plan. Improving his speed throughout the day, Mir completed 53 laps of the 5.5-kilometre-long Sepang International Circuit before ending the day with a handful of practice starts. A 1’59.832 saw the #36 under the 2’00 barrier on his first day riding the Honda RC213V at Sepang, a solid foundation to build off over the coming days.
Action continues for the second day of testing in Malaysia, both Marquez and Mir aiming to continue preparations for the start of the respective 2023 campaigns.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez
12TH 1’59.424
“It was a really busy day, trying a lot of different things like you normally do in the pre-season. We started first on the 2022 bike just to confirm the feeling and then we jumped straight to the new bikes. We tried a few bikes and some different setups for them, getting a lot of interesting information and data from it which now the engineers and technicians need to analyse. We will see what the situation is at the end of the pre-season, it has just been a single day so it is very early to understand anything. We’re trying different things right now and working hard, it is what testing is for.”
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Joan Mir
17TH 1’59.832
“For sure it was a demanding day, we did a lot of laps and we tried many things. We haven’t made a huge step compared to Valencia, but we are taking some steps. The goal is to improve each day and close the gap to the top riders. I am still adapting to the bike, but I think it is going well so far. There’s a lot of information to process at the moment, from the technical side and in regards to my riding. Everything is moving and developing on all sides, we have to be satisfied with this first step but we need to keep going.”
Barnett Tool & Engineering's 43,000-square-foot headquarters in Ventura, California. Photo by David Swarts.
The All New BarnettClutches.com
Barnett Clutches and Cables, manufacturers of top-quality American-made motorcycle and ATV clutches and cables since 1948, is pleased to announce the launch of an all-new website. On the site you will find product information and applications for virtually the entire line of Barnett products. Clutch kits, baskets, pressure plates, covers, cables and more- they’re all there. Whether you need a clutch or cable for a classic vintage machine of the past or for modern machinery- street or off-road, you can find the information and applications you are looking for on the Barnett website. Check it out at www.barnettclutches.com.
A screen shot from the all-new Barnett Clutches and Cables website. Image courtesy Barnett Clutches and Cables.
Sepang International Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.
#SepangTest: the class of 2023 saddle up!
We saw a sneak peek at the Shakedown. Now get ready for our first full event of the season as our 2023 grid gets back on track in Malaysia
Thursday, 09 February 2023
We’ve seen some team presentations and liveries, we’ve seen three days of Shakedown action and we’ve seen our 2023 rookie, Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), start to settle in. Now it’s time to get a look at the whole grid, and maybe a few test riders too, as the Official Sepang Test gets in gear.
WHEN + WHERE?
The test runs from the 10th to the 12th of February and takes place at Sepang International Circuit. Normal track action starts at 10:00 local time (GMT +8) every day and lasts until 18:00. Then, from 18:00 until 18:15, there’s a Practice Start session in which riders can do just that, and only that. Check the time zone here.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
There’s Live Timing on motogp.com throughout the sessions so you can stay on top of who’s where, as well as plenty of other information about their lap times and different runs. There’ll also be videos and report coverage making sure you don’t miss any key happenings, and timesheets will be sent out!
Then, from 17:30 local time every day until 19:00, After the Flag will be live to provide a host of updates and reports from on the ground. Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar will be joined by eagle-eyed tech reporter Jack Gorst in Malaysia, and the show in Barcelona will be anchored by commentators and presenters Louis Suddaby and Neil Morrison. After the Flag will analyse all the action and bring you exclusive interviews with riders and key personnel throughout!
We’re on the verge of an action-packed, blockbuster season. More race weekends than ever, two new destinations, and the debut of the MotoGP™ Sprint across the calendar mean we’re in for quite a ride in 2023, but that’s not all! We also welcome GASGAS as a new brand on the premier class grid, and there are, of course, some rider switches and swaps that already have us chomping at the bit to get a glimpse of the class of 2023.
BAGNAIA AND THE BEAST
The biggest headline in the rider changes is the arrival of Enea Bastianini to partner the reigning Champion, Francesco Bagnaia, at Ducati Lenovo Team. The two have already staged some incredible duels, and now they share a garage… setting the scene for the best kind of fireworks.
Then, at Prima Pramac Racing, Jorge Martin has a point to prove having missed out vs Bastianini for that very seat, and the others in the Ducati armada will want to share the spoils. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez arrives on Ducati machinery with Gresini and will be an interesting watch. Trophies don’t grow on trees and AM73 has a few.
THE BALANCE OF POWER
A big talking point heading into 2023 is Yamaha’s engine. Can they find that balance between a little more top speed and retain the manoeuvrability of the inline-four? On the timesheets at the Shakedown the signs looked good in terms of top speed gains.
Quartararo, for one, was vocal about needing to find that power, so we await his comments. His Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli will also have plenty of eyes on him, needing to take a few steps forward in 2023.
WET WINS ARE NOT ENOUGH
In 2022, KTM’s victories were both in the wet. Glorious performances and points, but the Austrian factory are here to win whatever the weather and if they can take a step forward with the machine, we already know Brad Binder will pull every drop of potential from the bike. And now, he has a new teammate.
Jack Miller has won on two other machines in the premier class, and he’s won with KTM in Moto3™. It’s an exciting prospect to see him begin a new adventure at Red Bull KTM and he already had a fair grin after his first taste of the RC16 in Valencia. Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro was also grinning at the Valencia test and his experience should be an asset to the RC16 project as he saddles up with GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 too.
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Glorious as it was, that single 2022 Grand Prix win is not enough for Aprilia. After a title campaign that was on course until late in the season, Aleix Espargaro wants to fight for even more in 2023 and teammate Maverick Viñales wants to beat him to it.
Now, we have four Aprilias as RNF field two piloted by Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. Oliveira’s class has been clear throughout the Grand Prix classes and now he’s at the start of a whole new adventure – having already featured high up the timesheets in the Valencia Test. Raul Fernandez, meanwhile, also has a fresh start after the promise of a record-breaking rookie season in Moto2™ turned into a tougher debut season in MotoGP™. Now it’s time to show what he’s got.
THE QUEST FOR (MORE) SUCCESS
Marc Marquez wants to win. And so do Honda. The two biggest mountains of the past few seasons are arguably shared between the two: Marquez with his injury struggles, surgery and comebacks; and Honda with their search for steps back towards the top. Winning is what it means to be Honda. They are the last factory to win the triple crown before Ducati’s 2022 success, after all, and their long history in the sport sparkles with trophies. Can they add more?
They’ve certainly added a few interesting pieces to the puzzle already. 2020 World Champion Joan Mir partners Marquez at Repsol Honda, and Alex Rins arrives at LCR. Both offer some serious firepower. They also retain the experience of Takaaki Nakagami, and of test rider Stefan Bradl, in their quest for more success… whilst adding the know-how of new Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi, too. DUCATI
Michele Pirro was on track for all three days for Ducati, ahead of the return of reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and new teammate Enea Bastianini. The Borgo Panigale factory debuted updated aero at the Shakedown, and Pirro’s had two machines on Tuesday with different versions of the tail exhaust – a large one and a short one.
On the final day of the Shakedown, the Italian spent most of his time working with the updated aero package. The biggest thing of note was an update to the “ground-effect” side fairings from the Valencia Test, which were much larger and more detailed. The actual side pod and the main set of wings were the same as what we saw at the Valencia Test.
Ducati will now have Bagnaia and Bastianini out at the Sepang Test, and of course there’s a whole armada of Borgo Panigale machinery throughout the grid. What more will we see at the Sepang Test proper?
YAMAHA
A main topic of conversation heading into the Sepang Test will be Yamaha’s 2023 engine, and promising steps seem to have been made during the Shakedown. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was trackside on the final day of the Shakedown Test too, and the Frenchman will have seen the speed trap numbers Yamaha were posting, which at one point displayed Cal Crutchlow clocking 335 km/h – five more than Quartararo managed in last year’s Grand Prix, and eight more than Yamaha managed in the 2022 Sepang Test.
Both Quartararo and teammate Franco Morbidelli will be putting Yamaha’s new front fairing through its paces – as they did in the Valencia Test. Both Crutchlow and Japanese test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga were running with the fairing on the final day, handing Quartararo, Morbidelli and Yamaha some valuable information ahead of the three-day Sepang Test.
APRILIA
Aprilia Racing Team Manager Paolo Bonora confirmed that the Noale camp have something “innovative” on the front fairing. We saw from photos of Lorenzo Savadori that this innovation sits at the top of the front fairing, as seen below.
Aprilia have taken advantage of time in the wind tunnel, so the newly designed aero package has been used a lot in testing so far – including updates on the side fairing, where side pods are becoming a big topic of discussion. As with every factory, the 2023-spec engine is high on the priority list for Aprilia, as Aprilia Racing Team riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales get set to pick up where Savadori has left off.
RNF Aprilia MotoGP™ Team’s Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez are expected to get some parts to try in the three-day test, but their main focus to start with will be to build on what they learnt from their first taste of the RS-GP back in Valencia… where Oliveira was pretty high up the timesheets.
KTM
MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa was back in action for the Austrian manufacturer, working with new Red Bull KTM Factory Racing recruit Jack Miller’s side of the garage on Day 1 and then moving over to Brad Binder’s side on Monday. The main focal point was reportedly comparing different engine specs, with aero updates nearer the end of the Shakedown if there was time after Monday’s track time was cut short due to the weather.
There seemingly was time, unless there’s even more to come, and Pedrosa did a fair few laps on the new aero package on the final day. The front fairing shape has changed slightly, the “shark tooth” serrations on the edges are no more, and the top set of the wings have been slightly updated. The side pod wings have received the same treatment. The biggest change was larger “ground-effect” side fairings.
The other headline saw new KTM testing recruit, Jonas Folger, join Pedrosa on track as the German got to grips with the RC16 for the first time. Now the marque will also get feedback from Brad Binder and Miller at the Sepang test, and at GASGAS, Pol Espargaro – who has considerable experience on previous iterations of the RC16 – will also be on hand.
GASGAS
Speaking of GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, reigning Moto2™ World Champion and 2023 MotoGP™ rookie Augusto Fernandez was also back on his RC16 at the Shakedown and started to focus on making the machine his own. The rain on day 2 also allowed the Spaniard to try wets on a wet track, wets on a drying track, slicks on a drying track and slicks in the fully dry conditions. His best laptime was a 2:00.482 on the final day of the Shakedown to slot into fourth.
HONDA
After a Valencia Test that seemed underwhelming from the outside, Stefan Bradl had a busy Shakedown Test for HRC as the Japanese giant put their heads down to get back to the top. On the first day, the German was out on a new-look Honda machine that was dressed in redesigned aero, a new exhaust, two different chassis and the 2023 engine.
A big change in the Honda camp for the 2023 season is the arrival of new Technical Director Ken Kawauchi, fresh from the helm of Suzuki’s recent successes, and the Japanese guru was in the Honda box for all three days of the Shakedown.
On Tuesday, Bradl was doing back-to-back comparisons between different aero packages, the latest one also having been spotted at the private Jerez Test. The trusted test rider also spent some time comparing bikes with and without the ‘stegosaurus’ wings on the tail unit. Now, it’s time for Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda Team teammate Joan Mir to take up the testing duties, with LCR Honda duo Takaaki Nakagami and Alex Rins also gearing up for a huge three days in Malaysia.
Cameron Petersen (45) at the Daytona 200 in 2022. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Attack Performance Yamaha will field Cameron Petersen on a YZF-R6 in the 2023 Daytona 200 March 11 at Daytona International Speedway, but Petersen’s teammate two-time and defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne says he will sit the classic race out.
“It was kind of up to me, and I just want to focus on the Superbike,” said Gagne, who was entered in the 2022 Daytona 200 but withdrew from the event after suffering a crash and injuries during practice. “I haven’t ridden 600s for a few years. I’m not really a fan of riding 600s after riding Superbikes for so many years. And I’m not a fan of Daytona and the 200, in general. So if it’s up to me, I want to focus on the Superbike series.”
After finishing second, just 0.007 second behind winner Brandon Paasch in the 2022 Daytona 200, Petersen is eager for another shot at the iconic event.
“I had so much fun last year, and getting beaten by that margin had me itching to go back this year,” said Petersen. “I think the [team] guys were in Portugal for the World Superbike round and [Team Owner] Richard [Stanboli] sent me a message: ‘Hey, do you want to do the 200?’ I said, ‘Absolutely! Let’s make it happen.’
“For me, it’s such a new experience, and I enjoyed every second of it last year. So I was like, I need to go and redeem myself and have the experience at least one more time.”
The start of the AFT SuperTwins main event at the I-70 Half-Mile in 2022 with Briar Bauman (3), Jared Mees (1), Brandon Robinson (44), and JD Beach (95) leading the charge from the front row. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Progressive AFT Announces 2023 Broadcast Schedule
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 9, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is proud to present the broadcast schedule for the upcoming Progressive AFT season. All 18 rounds will once again premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots that are expected to deliver further viewership increases in 2023.
The 2023 campaign marks the second year of the blockbuster multi-year agreement that has already served to expand the visibility of the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series. In 2022, FOX Sports provided a radically increased 150 hours of linear television coverage for the sport, which attracted nearly three million viewers across FS1 and FS2. That total was the highest linear television viewership for the series to date and represented a year-over-year increase of more than a million viewers.
“FOX Sports helped us reach millions of fans and delivered incredible coverage of the racing action last season,” said Gene Crouch, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “With a condensed schedule, the return of fan favorite venues, new teams and the rekindling of some great rivalries, the 2023 Progressive AFT season is shaping up to be one for the record books.”
FOX Sports coverage will first air on FS1 the weekend following each round (two weekends later for the Sacramento Mile), followed by re-airings on FS2. The schedule also again strategically leverages FOX Sports’ powerhouse motorsports lineup to maximize viewership and introduce the sport to all-new audiences by regularly leading in and/or out of other highly rated motorsports programming.
FOX Sports coverage of the 2023 Progressive AFT season will deliver captivating coverage from all 18 events, starting with the season opening doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway on March 9 and 10 and wrapping up with the Springfield Mile doubleheader on Labor Day weekend. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
2023 Television Schedule for Progressive American Flat Track (all premieres on FS1):
Saturday, March 18 – DAYTONA Short Track I – 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, March 19 – DAYTONA Short Track II – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
Saturday, April 1 – Yamaha Senoia Short Track – 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, April 9 – Arizona Super TT – 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, April 30 – Mission Dallas Half-Mile – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
Saturday, May 13 – Ventura Short Track – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)
Saturday, May 27 – Mission Sacramento Mile presented by Law Tigers – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, June 4 – Red Mile – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, June 25 – DuQuoin Mile – 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, July 2 – Lima Half-Mile – 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)
Saturday, July 8 – West Virginia Half-Mile – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, July 16 – Orange County Half-Mile – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, July 30 – Bridgeport Half-Mile – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, August 6 – SC2 Peoria TT presented by Country Saloon – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
Sunday, August 13 – Buffalo Chip TT – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, August 20 – CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers– 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, September 10 – Springfield Mile I – 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
Sunday, September 10 – Springfield Mile II – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
How to Watch:
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are home to Progressive American Flat Track programming. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Francesco Bagnaia, as seen during testing at Valencia in November 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bagnaia and Bastianini ready for the first 2023 pre-season test at Sepang (Malaysia)
Pirro concludes with positive feelings the three-day ‘Shakedown’ Test at Sepang International Circuit.
Just over two weeks after the team’s presentation in Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), the Ducati Lenovo Team is now ready to make its return to the track at the Sepang International Circuit, where this weekend, Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianiani will finally have the opportunity to test their Desmosedici GP bikes in 2023 configuration, in a three-day pre-season test scheduled from 10th-12th February.
For the reigning World Champion and his new teammate, it will be the first time out on track this year after the long winter break that began last November. Therefore, it will be important to get reacquainted with their Desmosedici GP in preparation for the opening race of the season, scheduled in just over a month in Portugal.
From 5th-7th February, at Sepang, which will also be the stage of the Malaysian GP next November, Ducati test rider Michele Pirro took part in the “Shakedown” Test, reserved for test riders and rookies in the premier class. During the three days, affected by unstable weather, especially during the first two days, Pirro could test the latest innovations introduced on the bike and developed by Ducati Corse during the winter. The rider from San Giovanni Rotondo completed over 170 laps and was the only one to go under the two-minute mark, ending the final day on top with the fastest time of 1:59.803.
Michele Pirro (#51, Ducati MotoGP Test Team)
“I’m satisfied with our work in these first three days of testing. We put in many kilometres in dry and wet conditions, completing about 170 laps in three days. Given the unstable weather and the ever-changing track conditions, we had to concentrate most of our work on the last day, which was the only one that was entirely dry. We still managed to do several tests and gather important information about the new components, and the times were also good. Now we are ready for the next three days of testing, where it will be up to the factory riders to continue the development.”
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“I am happy to be back on track on my Desmosedici GP finally. I have prepared a lot this winter, constantly training for this season. Now we have three very demanding and important days of testing ahead of us. We’ll have a lot of work to do, and it will be important to tick some points off immediately to avoid making mistakes. Hopefully, the weather will be on our side, allowing us to make the most of the time available”.
Enea Bastianini (#23, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“Finally, we’re back on track for the first test of 2023, and I’m excited about it. It will be three crucial days, which will also allow me to get to know better my new team, with whom I already broke the ice in the first test at Valencia last year. Pecco and I will be working together to try and get as far as possible with our test programme and immediately identify the way forward to be as ready as possible for the next test in Portugal, which will precede the opening Grand Prix of the year at Portimão”.
The Ducati Lenovo Team riders will take to the track for the first day of testing at Sepang on Friday, 10th February, and will have eight hours of free practice starting at 10:00AM local time.
Pipe Dreams Podcast hosts James Rispoli (center) and Corey Alexander (right) with guest Joe Roberts (left). Photo courtesy Pipe Dreams Podcast.
James Rispoli and Corey Alexander Launch “Pipe Dreams” Podcast
Sharing The Trials and Tribulations of Racers and Moto Industry Professionals
February 2023 – Desert Center, California
MotoAmerica racers and longtime buddies James Rispoli and Corey Alexander have paired up to host an all new motorsports podcast dubbed “Pipe Dreams.” The duo introduces listeners to the trials and tribulations many racers and industry professionals face whilst chasing their dream.
As national champions both in MotoAmerica and American Flat Track in their own right, James and Corey offer unique and fresh insight of their own throughout each episode. Corey commented, “James and I hope to peel back the layers of guests like Joe and offer the world a more raw look at what makes these men and women so special, on and off the track. In today’s world of polished public images, it’s time to bring some personality back to motorsport.”
Episode 1 features American Moto2 star Joe Roberts as he talks through his journey to stardom, from a young child all the way through to his current dating life across the globe and everything in between.
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the first full episode with Joe launches today. Video of each episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube. Listeners can expect two episodes per month throughout the year hosted from their California based RideHVMC Garage Ocho studio or on the road across the US. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman.
About Pipe Dreams Podcast:
Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 to share the stories of racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast is available for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.
Bronson Bauman (37) as seen during practice for the Castle Rock TT in 2022. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Fastrack Racing is proud to announce its all-new Mission SuperTwins effort featuring Bronson Bauman aboard KTM 890 Duke-based racebikes for the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Owned by Arney and Amy Wick, Fastrack Racing has worked in tight collaboration with Latus Motors Racing in recent seasons, contributing to both James Rispoli’s 2020 Mission Production Twins championship and Kody Kopp’s 2021 Rookie of the Year campaign.
Fastrack Racing now steps up to front its own premier-class squad in ‘23 with one of the category’s leading stars in Bauman.
During his career, Bronson has twice ranked inside the Mission SuperTwins championship top five, including a breakout third-place campaign in 2019, in which he scored his maiden victory at the Laconia Short Track. In all, the native Californian and Illinois resident has tallied up nine premier-class podiums, the most recent of which coming last season with Latus Motors Racing and Fastrack Racing.
The team will field KTMs in ‘23 after the Duke platform flashed immense promise in limited action during the 2022 campaign. Matt Krsul will serve as Crew Chief while Dave Bush will work as Technical Support.
Bronson Bauman #37:
“To be honest, this is one of the most exciting seasons in years. I am surrounded by people who truly believe in me and my capabilities and only want success for me and the team. I got to work with Arney, Amy and Matt during the ’22 season so we all are very familiar with one another and know how each other operates. Everyone involved is aware it will be a bit of a learning curve with these bikes, but we are up for the challenge. We have seen the great success of this motorcycle and plan to add to that success during the 2023 season.”
Team Owner Arney Wick:
“We are looking forward to the opportunity and challenges that lie ahead,” said Arney Wick. “We have tremendous support from many industry-leading companies and first-class key individuals like Matt Krsul and Dave Bush who continue to spend countless hours in the shop during the preparation and testing phase of the season. As a team, we also want to acknowledge the fact that none of this would be possible if not for the opportunities and equipment provided to us by George Latus of Latus Motors Racing.”
Team Owner Amy Wick:
“We are incredibly excited to support such a talented rider such as Bronson Bauman and are looking forward to a great season. The KTM 890 provides us a new opportunity to build on the success that multiple teams have seen in the past year.”
Crew Chief Matt Krsul:
“What an honor it is to be able to work with Bronson and Fastrack Racing. The opportunity to be involved with setting up the new KTM race bikes and to work with a top shelf rider like Bronson is exciting. I have been fortunate to be involved in the motorcycle world my entire life. and the flat track community is one of the best parts of the motorcycle world. Challenges are many but with the dedication of the team and support staff we have assembled that seems to grow daily, we will achieve great results.”
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Monster Energy Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo (left) and Franco Morbidelli (right). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP KEEN TO KICK OFF 2023 TESTING PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA
Sepang (Malaysia), 9th February 2023
After a long winter break, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are more than eager to get back into action during the Official Sepang IRTA Test that runs from 10-12 February.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli have been itching to get back to MotoGP riding. They couldn‘t be more thrilled that tomorrow they will be back aboard their YZR-M1s for the first official IRTA MotoGP testing day of 2023. They will work tirelessly during the Official MotoGP Sepang Test, held from 10-12 February, to start the new season off in the best way possible.
Quartararo hasn‘t been idling about during the off season. Before travelling to the Sepang International Circuit he has been keeping busy with promotional activities as well as around-the-clock training sessions. The Frenchman is feeling top fit and is determined to make 2023 his year. The positive Sepang Shakedown Test results and the feedback from Cal Crutchlow, the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider, have put El Diablo in a competitive mindset straight away.
Morbidelli arrives in Malaysia happy to be reunited with his crew and his bike. He kept busy training during the winter break, both on and off track, to make sure he would be able to hit the ground running in the first test of 2023. Fully aware of the importance of the upcoming three track days and the high quantity of testing items on his list, Morbido is keen to get to work. Besides working on his feeling with the new YZR-M1 bike, he will be putting in a high number of laps to collect as much data as possible for the Yamaha engineers.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
It’s been a longer winter break than usual. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re very happy to be back at the track. We have a good atmosphere in the garage after the Shakedown Test. It was a shame that rain cost us some time, so we hope for fully dry days during the upcoming test to get through all the testing items, even though the weather forecasts for this weekend are not great. I’m impressed with the proactive work done by the Yamaha engineers over the winter: we have many things to evaluate here. The number of items they prepared for this test is really huge! We have an updated chassis, aerodynamics, rear arm, and engine. I expect Friday morning to be used for the riders to get back up to speed after three months of no riding. After that, they have an intense working plan. It will be difficult to finish it all, considering the amount of time and tyres available to us as well as the weather conditions playing a key part. But we will try to get as much done as possible to start 2023 off in the right way.
FABIO QUARTARARO
The wait is over! This winter break was very long, but in a way that was good for me because it gave me time to train and prepare for the upcoming season. It will be a long one – we know this. We need to put in good work during this test to make sure we are ready for it. I‘m excited to try the 2023 spec and to see what progress we made. I arrived in Sepang a bit earlier and spent some time at the track during the Shakedown Test. I heard and saw positive things, so I can‘t wait to try it for myself.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
We are finally back together as a crew. This test is a fresh start, and you can feel the excitement. The Shakedown Test went well, so there is a positive atmosphere in our team. During the upcoming test I aim to show a good performance level. We improved towards the end of 2022, and now it‘s time to build onto that and make further steps. We have a lot of things to test in the next three days. We will work hard, as always, to make a good start to the 2023 pre-season.
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