Italian Rider Marco Bezzecchi Tops the Charts on First Day of Official MotoGP™ Sepang Test; Marquez Impresses with New 2023 RC213V
The first day of the Official MotoGP™ Sepang Test saw Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team come out on top, setting a fastest time of 1:58.470, edging out second place Maverick Viñales of Aprilia Racing by 0.130s. However, the pre-season tests are much more about testing and development for teams and riders, and the first day saw plenty of exciting developments in the Honda camp.
Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda Team had four bikes at his disposal, including one of the new 2023 spec RC213Vs. This particular bike featured a new air intake, aero wings from the second half of 2021, a ground effect lower side fairing, and an aluminum swingarm. Marquez admitted that the bike had a “different character,” but the lap time and performance were similar to his previous machines.
Joan Mir and Alex Rins of the Repsol Honda Team and LCR Honda Castrol respectively, both had two 2023 Honda machines in their garages and finished the day in 17th and 18th place respectively. Takaaki Nakagami of LCR Honda Idemitsu tested two different chassis and two new engines and ended the day in 22nd place, focusing on getting a good feeling on the bike after suffering a hand injury in the latter months of 2022.
Yamaha made a big splash at the Official MotoGP™ Sepang Test as they unveiled their new engine and a host of innovative new features. The test was an opportunity for Yamaha to showcase their latest technology and for the riders to get a feel for the new machine. Fans were thrilled to see Yamaha’s latest offerings and are excited about what the future holds.
On the first day of testing, Yamaha riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli impressed onlookers with their impressive speed and handling. Quartararo’s fast lap time was a testament to the power of the new engine, while Morbidelli’s smooth ride showed off the improved handling and stability. The Yamaha riders were both pleased with the performance of the new machine and are eager to see what the rest of the season holds.
The new engine and innovations from Yamaha are a clear indication of their commitment to staying at the forefront of motorcycle technology. Yamaha is always pushing the boundaries and seeking new ways to improve their machines, and the latest developments are sure to raise the bar for the entire MotoGP™ community. Fans can’t wait to see what Yamaha will bring to the track in the coming races.
