Trial testing for the 2023 MotoGP season kicks off today at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), with the team’s test riders taking to the all-new race machinery. Currently on the track are the Honda Test Team, Ducati Lenovo Team, Yamaha Test Team and Aprilia Racing Team.
Also in attendance was GASGAS Factory Racing Tech 3, where rookie driver Augusto Fernandez received special permission from race organizer Dorna to test and time the track. Crowned Moto 2 world champion in 2022, Fernandes is the lone rookie on the grid, driving a rebranded KTM RC16.
Typically, MotoGP trials are performed by factory test riders to gather data and test new components and improvements to the racing motorcycle. The factory test riders at SIC for the wet track included Honda’s Stefan Bradl, Ducati’s Michele Pirro, Aprilia Racing’s Lorenzo Salvadori, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jonas Folger and Yamaha’s Cal Crutchlow.
paultan.org A chat with CryptoDATA Aprilia RNF MotoGP Team Principal Datuk Razlan Razali, who will race as Aprilia’s satellite team after leaving Yamaha in 2022. “In 2023 we will be racing the last version of the Aprilia RS-GP, the one that Alex Espargaro rode from the 2022 season,” Razlan said.
SIC’s official 2023 MotoGP winter tests will begin from Friday 10 February to Sunday 12 February, with all teams and riders taking part in the first round of the season. The public entrance to the main stand is free and parking fees range from RM10 to RM5 for cars and RM5 to RM2 for motorcycles.