Day 2 of the Qatar Test was a day for Ducati domination. At the top of the timing sheet was Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) who cut 2 seconds off of his fastest lap on day 1 of testing at Lusail. Ducati Lenovo set the tone with both riders Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini finishing 1-2 at the top of the table. Following a successful day 1 Aleix Espargaro again finished third fastest. Bagnaia put down a 1:50.952 lap time, marking him the first rider ever to reach first sub-1:51 lap times on two wheels at Lusail.
Jorge Martin Falls Behind
Last season’s championship contender Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) finished P7 on the day. He had the following words after the final testing session. “In these two days I felt very good with the bike. Today (Tuesday) we had a small problem, we will study the data to understand what happened and look for a solution. I’m very focused on the start of this season.”
Marc Marquez also had a strong day after a disappointing day 1 of testing. He had the following comments, “I felt more comfortable with the bike straight away here, I managed to start using the body more and that’s already an improvement. Instincts are still set on another type of motorcycle, but we’re working on that department and changing my riding style. We did well in the time attack, even though it’s still most difficult area for me. We’re improved our pace on the longer run, we tried many things and push towards the limit – while also finding the first crash (turn four). Are we happy? Yes, even though we’re still far from Bagnaia, Bastianini and Martin.”
The KTMs looked strong, but their day 2 was cut short briefly due to brad Binder having a technical issues and Jack Miller crashing. Despite the adversity Binder and Miller both ducked under the official competition lap record. Miller was able to rejoin the session before the day ended.
Honda Riders Fight Through Illness to Finish the Qatar Test
Joan Mir and Luca Marini both suffered from illness over the two day test in Qatar. It was obvious the rides were not at 100%. However both saw improvements over their day one times and they are optimistic they will climb the pecking order come round 1. The pair had the following words.
Joan Mir
“Today I woke up feeling very tired and in general not feeling great. After the first exit I was feeling really unwell and had to stop to try and recover some strength. I was able to rest and go back out on track but my condition was not 100% so we could only do a few things. Then on the last exit I had a fast crash which meant we couldn’t do the practice starts, so it was quite a complicated day. It would have been good to have this final day at our best, but we have been able to make good progress over the course of these tests. Now we turn our attention to the race and trying to take the maximum result from it.”
Luca Marini
“This test has allowed us to understand many things and we were able to try everything that was on the list for us and for HRC. We made a big change on the bike today which lost us some time in the first hour. Even like this, we have been able to get a lot of data and we can prepare well for the GP. Each day I have been able to improve my feeling with the bike but we still need to do a bit of work to improve our performance over one lap.”
The next opportunity for racing will be the season opener at Round 1 at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar March 8th.
It’s the beginning of the 2024 MotoGP season and todays test was the first opportunity to see all of the 2024 machines out in action . New livery designs were present everywhere in the paddock with each team’s recent releases. On day one it was reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) who showcased a 1:52.040 lap to lead. Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) had considerable pace but finished just over 2 tenths behind Bagnaia on Day 1. The battle between Martin and Bagnaia will be the fight to watch for 2024. In the closing rounds of the 2023 MotoGP season Jorge Martin struggled with machine failures and poor setup choices which ultimately cost him the run at the title. Martin is back and hungry as ever to show that he deserves a factory seat where ever that may be.
After the launch of their 2024 program yesterday Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro finished third fastest ton the day but it was clear the Aprilia left some pace on the table as the team appears to be testing a number of upgrades on the 2024 RS-GP. The team stated they have been working on aerodynamic developments that they hope will give them an edge over the Ducati dominated grid come round 1.
It was a successful day for the Red Bull KTM riders as well. Brad Binder and Jack Miller look to continue their end of season form staying close to the top 5 riders. Binder was on pace but Miller fell behind a bit. The session was a complete shock however as the top 16 were separates by less than one second. With day two just hours away the riders will look to improve on today’s lap times and find optimal harmonization with their 2024 upgrades.
Full Qatar Test Day 1 Results
Aprilia Racing released their 2024 livery design at the team launch today. The bike was noticeably sporting some interesting upgrades and additions that turn some heads on social media. Its no secret that Aprilia Racing has been in rebuild mode for the last two seasons. Its seems that the design of the 2024 Aprilia RS-GP is the culmination of that work by the team. The riders had the following comments during the launch.
Aleix Espargaro, Rider, No. 41. Aprilia Racing
“The growth we have demonstrated in recent seasons has been incredible. I am proud to be part of this project which I have always considered to be my second family. In 2024, we’ll make another step forward. Last year we were lacking the consistency to battle all the way to the end, but we still demonstrated that we are a tough rival for everyone. It won’t be simple because, even if it seemed impossible, the level in MotoGP has increased even more. I feel like I’m ready – physically and mentally – and I believe in the work that the Aprilia staff has carried out.”
Maverick Viñales, Rider, No. 12. Aprilia Racing
“Our 2023 season ended on an upward trend and we want to continue that now. The feeling with the team is outstanding. During the winter break I trained like mad and I have faith in Aprilia Racing’s work. If we continue to set the goal of squeezing the most out of our technical package every weekend, the results will follow naturally. The first tests confirmed the extremely high level of the championship. Practically every rider and every bike on the grid have the potential to battle for the podium. This makes the challenge even more intriguing.”
Massimo Rivola, Sporting Director Aprilia Racing
“Over the last few years, Aprilia Racing has undertaken a constant growth process. First becoming a factory team, and then putting four bikes on the track thanks to the satellite team. In 2024, we’ll raise the bar even higher, since Miguel Oliveira will be starting the season on an RS-GP with the same specs as the factory bikes and Raùl will receive it subsequently. This is a significant effort for the racing department, but it is also a sign of this project’s evolution on all fronts. It has not been simple and the season promises to be even more demanding, but at the same time, I believe in the potential of our team. And I am proud of what we have demonstrated thus far, both from a technical point of view and in terms of dedication and commitment. We want to be protagonists in MotoGP and we have everything we need to be able to make that happen. We have four highly qualified riders like Aleix, Maverick, Miguel, and Raùl, a racing department that is courageous and capable of innovation, not to mention that pinch of Italian pride that never hurts in racing.”
Repsol Honda revealed their 2024 livery designs on their RC213V workhorses this morning in Madrid. The new design features a deviation from they standard orange white and black combination. One thing the design team didn’t skimp out on is flair. This effort is to be expected given this year marks celebrating 30 years of collaboration and partnership between Honda HRC and Repsol. Its no doubt these machines will make a bold statement. Here’s what Joan Mir and Luca Marini had to say about the new design and the upcoming 2024 MotoGP season.
Joan Mir
“It’s amazing to be part of a team with such history and success in MotoGP, I am as excited to start this season with the Repsol Honda Team as I was the last one. These team launches are always really nice, especially to see what everyone thinks of the new design. I think the colors for this year are really different and very bold, certainly something unique from the team. We have had a positive first taste of the bike and five productive days in Sepang, now we have to look ahead to the Qatar Test and the race. Last year taught me a lot and I am looking to put everything into practice for this year to help the Repsol Honda Team return to where I know they can be. Let’s enjoy this moment and quickly prepare for the season that is to come.”
Luca Marini
“For me it is an honor to join the Repsol Honda Team, when I was a young child I already had some leathers in their colors for racing minibikes. Now to be here, at the launch, in the leathers and with the bike – it is a dream come true, something from destiny. This bike looks really beautiful, the colors are something very new and I am proud to represent them. We are just at the start of our journey together, but I already feel a part of the team and well supported by the engineers. I’ve ridden just six days on the bike so we are looking to make the most of the last test and begin the year in the best way possible.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata; HRC General Manager
“2024 is a special year as we celebrate 30 years collaborating with Repsol and enter a new era with renewable fuels. Inside Honda HRC we have been working very hard in order to deliver a package to both Joan Mir and Luca Marini that they can be competitive on. Both riders are young, hungry and are already providing clear feedback for further improvements. It will be another season of developments, of working together with our riders, partners, sponsors, engineers and team members as we strive to improve.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has released their 2024 livery designs for the upcoming campaign. Jack Miller and Brad Binder continue their tenure with the Red Bull factory squad after a fruitful 2023 season. The team released the following season preview video.
The KTM Factory Riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller Had the following comments regarding the launch.
Brad Binder: “The trajectory is on its way up. 11th, 6th, 6th and 4th so, yeah, I have no doubt we are going to do better than 4th. Last season was great at times and difficult at other moments. I felt like we had more in the pocket. We were much more competitive each weekend and always around the podium battle. This season is where we can make the difference. It’s awesome to be starting 2024 for real. It’s going to be my tenth season racing for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and it’s been an amazing journey. we have always stuck together and always had the same goal in mind. I think that we have always fit really well together, and I am really happy where I am. The only thing left is to try and finish off the job in MotoGP.”
Jack Miller: “2023 was a year of learning and of growth for me as a person and as a rider. Towards the back half of the season we really got comfortable with the bike and were able to start challenging for positions where we needed to be. In KTM, and my dealings especially in the racing department, when they find something or find a pathway – new ideas, better ideas and strategies – then they go all -in on to have them on the track as soon as possible. Having that power and that motivation and that backing from the company is awesome as a rider. I didn’t get to achieve all the wishes I wanted in 2023. I have a whole new list of wishes for 2024.”
“2023 was a good year. Very satisfying and where we grew quite a lot. We are pretty happy with how the riders and the bike improved. The approach for 2024 is easy: we have to move ahead with the growth we started last season. There will be areas where we still have plenty of room to increase our performance but in general the project is very balanced, so we just need to push when we know it is time to do it. I can’t wait to start the season and get to the first race because that is where we deliver. It’s when the speaking stops and the real action starts. No excuses. No matter what we have said or done during the winter, it is time to race.”
The final day of the Official MotoGP Sepang Test is now complete! It was an optimal condition day which ultimately helped 2023 reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia bounce back from the two earlier sessions this week to top the table in the final test day. Bagnaia did so in top form fashion after setting the first lap time to dip into the 1m56s on two wheels. Jorge Martin was just 0.172s behind and also hit the sub 1:57 mark. As the day progressed Enea Bastianini and Alex Marquez also joined the club. 6 of the top 10 lap times on the day were aboard Ducatis.
Sepang Test Day Three
| Pos. | Rider | Team | Lead Gap | Fastest Lap |
|---|
| 1 | 1 F. Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team | 0.000 | 1:56.682 |
| 2 | 89 J. Martin | Prima Pramac Racing | 0.172 | 1:56.854 |
| 3 | 23 E. Bastianini | Ducati Lenovo Team | 0.233 | 1:56.915 |
| 4 | 73 A. Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP™ | 0.256 | 1:56.938 |
| 5 | 41 A. Espargaro | Aprilia Racing | 0.409 | 1:57.091 |
| 6 | 93 M. Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP™ | 0.588 | 1:57.270 |
| 7 | 49 F. Di Giannantonio | Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | 0.661 | 1:57.343 |
| 8 | 31 P. Acosta | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 | 0.683 | 1:57.365 |
| 9 | 36 J. Mir | Repsol Honda Team | 0.692 | 1:57.374 |
| 10 | 33 B. Binder | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 0.780 | 1:57.462 |
| 11 | 20 F. Quartararo | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ | 0.843 | 1:57.525 |
| 12 | 12 M. Viñales | Aprilia Racing | 0.846 | 1:57.528 |
| 13 | 30 T. Nakagami | LCR Honda | 1.083 | 1:57.765 |
| 14 | 43 J. Miller | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 1.169 | 1:57.851 |
| 15 | 42 A. Rins | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ | 1.197 | 1:57.879 |
| 16 | 5 J. Zarco | LCR Honda | 1.260 | 1:57.942 |
| 17 | 88 M. Oliveira | Trackhouse Racing | 1.318 | 1:58.000 |
| 18 | 10 L. Marini | Repsol Honda Team | 1.344 | 1:58.026 |
| 19 | 35 C. Crutchlow | Yamaha Factory Racing | 1.991 | 1:58.673 |
| 20 | 72 M. Bezzecchi | Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | 2.003 | 1:58.685 |
| 21 | 37 A. Fernandez | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 | 2.058 | 1:58.740 |
| 22 | 32 L. Savadori | Trackhouse Racing | 2.132 | 1:58.814 |
| 23 | 51 M. Pirro | Prima Pramac Racing | 2.183 | 1:58.865 |
Next up is the final Official MotoGP Test in Qatar starting on February 19th, 2024 at Lusail international Circuit.
After a flying day one of testing Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac) has made it clear he plans to bring the battle to Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia in 2024. After narrowly losing out in the closing rounds of the 2023 Martin has now led both days of 2024’s first official test session. 2023 champion Bagnaia ran 4th fastest on day 2 behind Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) finishing second and third respectively.
Martin set the unofficial lap record with a 1m57.273s on Day 1 of testing. Martin was the fastest on track all day. Day three of testing begins tomorrow.
Day 2 Testing Results
| Pos. | Rider | Team | Lead Gap | Prev Gap | Laps | Fastest Lap |
|---|
| 1 | 89 J. Martin | Prima Pramac Racing | 0.000 | 0.000 | 9 / 41 | 1:57.273 |
| 2 | 33 B. Binder | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 0.054 | 0.054 | 11 / 31 | 1:57.327 |
| 3 | 41 A. Espargaro | Aprilia Racing | 0.173 | 0.119 | 15 / 41 | 1:57.446 |
| 4 | 1 F. Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team | 0.196 | 0.023 | 14 / 44 | 1:57.469 |
| 5 | 49 F. Di Giannantonio | Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | 0.346 | 0.150 | 9 / 39 | 1:57.619 |
| 6 | 73 A. Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP™ | 0.399 | 0.053 | 10 / 52 | 1:57.672 |
| 7 | 23 E. Bastianini | Ducati Lenovo Team | 0.407 | 0.008 | 31 / 39 | 1:57.680 |
| 8 | 31 P. Acosta | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 | 0.453 | 0.046 | 16 / 37 | 1:57.726 |
| 9 | 72 M. Bezzecchi | Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | 0.594 | 0.141 | 10 / 39 | 1:57.867 |
| 10 | 36 J. Mir | Repsol Honda Team | 0.599 | 0.005 | 8 / 26 | 1:57.872 |
| 11 | 20 F. Quartararo | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ | 0.615 | 0.016 | 7 / 39 | 1:57.888 |
| 12 | 5 J. Zarco | LCR Honda | 0.738 | 0.123 | 15 / 31 | 1:58.011 |
| 13 | 93 M. Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP™ | 0.845 | 0.107 | 27 / 49 | 1:58.118 |
| 14 | 42 A. Rins | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ | 0.899 | 0.054 | 11 / 35 | 1:58.172 |
| 15 | 43 J. Miller | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 1.027 | 0.128 | 13 / 42 | 1:58.300 |
| 16 | 30 T. Nakagami | LCR Honda | 1.099 | 0.072 | 21 / 37 | 1:58.372 |
| 17 | 10 L. Marini | Repsol Honda Team | 1.121 | 0.022 | 12 / 39 | 1:58.394 |
| 18 | 12 M. Viñales | Aprilia Racing | 1.183 | 0.062 | 17 / 48 | 1:58.456 |
| 19 | 88 M. Oliveira | Trackhouse Racing | 1.276 | 0.093 | 18 / 45 | 1:58.549 |
| 20 | 37 A. Fernandez | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 | 1.642 | 0.366 | 8 / 41 | 1:58.915 |
| 21 | 35 C. Crutchlow | Yamaha Factory Racing | 1.717 | 0.075 | 11 / 39 | 1:58.990 |
| 22 | 32 L. Savadori | | 2.403 | 0.686 | 26 / 35 | 1:59.676 |
| 23 | 51 M. Pirro | Prima Pramac Racing | 2.429 | 0.026 | 17 / 36 | 1:59.702 |
Prim Pramac Rider Jorge Martin came out of the paddock blazing on day one of the Official MotoGP Sepang Test. The 2023 runner up set a best 1m57.951s lap time, clearing Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) by just under 3 tenths in the session. Fabio Quartararo (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) finished third fastest as the Yamaha rider looks to bounce back after a disappoint year in 2023.
Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) both had crashes in the session. Fernandez’s bike caught on fire and the Spanish rider was taken to the medical center for examination. He was able to rejoin the session later on after complaining about pain.
Day One Sepang Testing Results
| Pos. | Rider | Team | Lead Gap | Laps | Fastest Lap |
|---|
| 1 | 89 J. Martin | Prima Pramac Racing | 0.000 | 22 / 59 | 1:57.951 |
| 2 | 31 P. Acosta | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 | 0.269 | 33 / 60 | 1:58.220 |
| 3 | 20 F. Quartararo | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ | 0.277 | 36 / 46 | 1:58.228 |
| 4 | 49 F. Di Giannantonio | Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | 0.374 | 27 / 49 | 1:58.325 |
| 5 | 23 E. Bastianini | Ducati Lenovo Team | 0.406 | 41 / 48 | 1:58.357 |
| 6 | 12 M. Viñales | Aprilia Racing | 0.519 | 59 / 60 | 1:58.470 |
| 7 | 73 A. Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP™ | 0.591 | 44 / 50 | 1:58.542 |
| 8 | 72 M. Bezzecchi | Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | 0.654 | 42 / 54 | 1:58.605 |
| 9 | 93 M. Marquez | Gresini Racing MotoGP™ | 0.670 | 45 / 47 | 1:58.621 |
| 10 | 5 J. Zarco | LCR Honda | 0.719 | 37 / 56 | 1:58.670 |
| 11 | 42 A. Rin | Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ | 0.765 | 18 / 46 | 1:58.716 |
| 12 | 33 B. Binder | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 0.773 | 52 / 60 | 1:58.724 |
| 13 | 41 A. Espargaro | Aprilia Racing | 0.787 | 45 / 54 | 1:58.738 |
| 14 | 36 J. Mir | Repsol Honda Team | 0.790 | 42 / 43 | 1:58.741 |
| 15 | 88 M. Oliveira | Trackhouse Racing | 0.799 | 23 / 54 | 1:58.750 |
| 16 | 1 F. Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team | 0.862 | 45 / 52 | 1:58.813 |
| 17 | 10 L. Marini | Repsol Honda Team | 1.018 | 21 / 38 | 1:58.969 |
| 18 | 43 J. Miller | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 1.097 | 21 / 69 | 1:59.048 |
| 19 | 35 C. Crutchlow | Yamaha Factory Racing | 1.186 | 52 / 61 | 1:59.137 |
| 20 | 30 T. Nakagami | LCR Honda | 1.261 | 26 / 37 | 1:59.212 |
| 21 | 37 A. Fernandez | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 | 1.592 | 63 / 64 | 1:59.543 |
| 22 | 25 R. Fernandez | Trackhouse Racing | 2.169 | 6 / 21 | 2:00.120 |
| 23 | 51 M. Pirro | Prima Pramac Racing | 2.451 | 15 / 59 | 2:00.402 |
Due to the circumstances in the country the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix will be cancelled for the 2024 calendar. The Argentina Grand Prix was scheduled to be the third round on the schedule. The race promoter released the following statement, “Due to the current circumstances in Argentina, the promoter of the event has communicated that it is currently unable to guarantee the services required for the Grand Prix to take place in 2024 at MotoGP standards.”
Argentina has recently faced many economic hardships including hyperinflation, a rapidly depreciating currency, and almost 50% of the citizen population living in poverty. Given these challenges the promoter felt that now is not an ideal time to hold a race. Given these challenges MotoGP has stated that they would not be able to provide the services required for the safe conduct of the event. The race will not be replaced on the calendar given the late announcement.
Factory team, Ducati Lenovo has unveiled their livery designs for the 2024 MotoGP season. The announce arrive as the gears start moving on the 2024 MotoGP campaign. Francesco Bagnaia returns to the factory team to defend his world championship title. Teammate Enea Bastinanini returns for his second season with the team eager to get back to form. An early season injury in 2023 took Bastianini out of title contention. In 2024 Bastianini will be looking for redemption as he never really seemed 100% after returning to the grid in 2023. The start of the 2024 season is set for Feb 6th-8th in Malaysia for the first official test of 2024 at Sepang.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team):
“I’m thrilled to kick off my fourth season with the Ducati Lenovo Team. The last test in Valencia provided positive feedback, giving us a solid foundation for the upcoming season’s development work. I’m eager to hit the track and pick up where we left off. It’s bound to be a challenging season, but we’re ready to face it with our usual determination. As a close-knit team, we’ll give our best to aim for the Championship once again.”
Enea Bastianini (#23, Ducati Lenovo Team):
“2023 was a challenging year, and I look forward to redeeming myself in the upcoming season. We have an exciting 2024 ahead of us. Despite participating in only a few Grands Prix last year, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’ll carry into the new season. I have great confidence in my Team, and I know we have all the potential to do well. I can’t wait to hit the track and start the new season.”