Machine testing for the 2023 MotoGP season starts today at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) with team test riders using the brand new racing machine. Currently, Honda test team, Ducati Lenovo racing team, Yamaha test team and Aprilia Racing racing team are all on track.
Attending also included GASGAS Factory Racing Tech 3 with rookie driver Augusto Fernandez, who was specially selected by the Dorna race organizers to participate in the test and timekeeping. Fernandez, who was crowned Moto 2 World Champion in 2022, is the only rookie on the track and is driving the rebranded KTM RC16.
Typically, MotoGP test runs are performed by test racers at the factory to collect data and test new components and improvements for racing motorcycles. Among the factory test racers taking part in the wet track at SIC were 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 spoke to Datuk Razlan Razali, team leader of CryptoDATA Aprilia RNF MotoGP Racing Teamrace as Aprilia’s satellite team after leaving Yamaha in 2022. “In 2023, we will race the final version of the Aprilia RS-GP, from the final race of the 2022 season, the one driven by Alex Espargaro at the wheel,” Razlan said.
Official MotoGP 2023 Winter Test at SIC from Friday, February 10 to Sunday, February 12, when all teams and drivers take part in the first race of the season. The entrance to the main stand is free with parking from RM10 to RM5 for cars and RM5 and RM2 for motorbikes.
