Gresini Racing MotoGP’s Alex Marquez stole the spotlight at the Sepang Test of MotoGP 2025 by setting the fastest lap of 1:56.493, edging out reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by a razor-thin margin of 0.007 seconds.
This stellar performance led a Ducati 1-2 at the top, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) making history by placing Yamaha in the elite 1:56 club for the first time.
Ducati riders showed formidable form throughout the test. Alongside Bagnaia, both Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez displayed strong pace over single laps and extended runs. However, the Bologna-based squad continues to face engine testing dilemmas that may persist into Buriram. Rookie Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP) also impressed by finishing in P11.
Fabio Quartararo demonstrated Yamaha’s resurgence with impressive consistency on both fast laps and longer runs. His P3 position marks Yamaha’s fastest-ever showing at Sepang, signaling a possible strong challenge to Ducati’s dominance this season. Yamaha Team Manager Davide Tardozzi even hinted that Quartararo could be Ducati’s fiercest rival.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) secured P6, posting a lap time quicker than KTM has ever achieved at Sepang. Teammate Brad Binder experienced a technical issue but still finished P13. Meanwhile, Honda saw significant improvements with Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) both achieving faster times than Honda has ever recorded at this circuit.
Marco Bezzecchi delivered a remarkable half-second improvement, ending the test in P9 for Aprilia. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) closed the day in P14, continuing his steady adaptation to MotoGP.
The Sepang Test wraps up with plenty of storylines as riders and teams head to Bangkok for the season launch event. The action resumes at Buriram on Wednesday and Thursday for more testing, where teams will seek further refinements ahead of the highly anticipated 2024/25 MotoGP season.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
