Repsol #Honda mechanics warming up bikes with 2 different frames for #MM93 Marc Marquez. One of them used at the #SepangTest, one new

#MotoGP #PortimaoTest

Honda have form for using highly visible parts on the bike to hide deeper changes they want to test. That "ground-effect" bike was not a look at the future, however. It was more of a throwback to the past. A 2017/18 era swingarm. 2017-era wings. 2017-era tank cover.

Coincidentally, that was the era when Marc Marquez was cleaning up in MotoGP...

#MM93 #SepangTest #MotoGP #Honda

More #SepangTest #MotoGP photo analysis.

We saw #Honda try a ground-effect fairing for the first time at Sepang. But as I looked at photos of that bike, I realised that there was much, much more going on. A deep dive into a fascinating mystery.

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2023/03/06/sepang_motogp_test_photo_analysis_honda.html

Spoke to Piero Taramasso of #Michelin at the #MotoGP #SepangTest about tyre restrictions, the new front Michelin, and tyre pressures.

I also asked a stupid question about why Michelin want 1.9 bar in the front tyre, and got a clear explanation

https://motomatters.com/interview/2023/02/19/piero_taramasso_on_test_tire_reductions.html

Sepang test edition of the Paddock Pass Podcast is out. Steve, Neil, Adam and myself go over what happened at the #MotoGP #SepangTest

https://m.soundcloud.com/the-paddock-pass-podcast/episode-318

The 3D printed sensor cable connection block on the KTM RC16 is a thing of beauty

#MotoGP #SepangTest #KTM #3DPrinting

@motomatters

There's a UI UX joke in there somewhere but not sufficient caffeine onboard to find it.

Any idea what is the silver device above the left grip?

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Ducati

#SepangTest 🇲🇾 Finish Test ✅

1️⃣ 🇮🇹 #LM10 @Luca_Marini_97
2️⃣ 🇮🇹 #FB63 @PeccoBagnaia
3️⃣ 🇪🇸 #MV12 #MavericViñales

#MotoGP

Els sis pilots catalans milloren els seus temps el darrer dia de proves #SepangTest @MotoGP https://www.lesportiudecatalunya.cat/motor/article/2253999-vinales-acaba-els-tests-de-motogp-de-sepang-amb-el-tercer-registre.html?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=xarxes&utm_campaign=xarxes

Ducati have moved the butterfly switch for the holeshot device

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Ducati

Aleix Espargaro believes the Ducatis are still a step ahead of the rest after following them around today. They can brake so much better than anyone else.

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Ducati #AE41

Honda's electronics are horrible. Everyone else is pretty smooth through T9, a nasty, tight uphill left hander. The rear of the Honda is catching and kicking and really hard to manage.

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Honda

Track has been open for nearly 2 hours with not much action. Was damp but is drying now. Asked Aleix Espargaro why they weren't going out. "At the level we are now, if the track is not perfect there's no point. We can't learn anything."

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Aprilia #AE41

#SepangTest 🇲🇾 day 2

1️⃣ 🇪🇸 #JM89 @88jorgemartin
2️⃣ 🇵🇹 #MO88 @_moliveira88
3️⃣ 🇪🇸 #PE44 @polespargaro

#MotoGP

Fabio Quartararo is once again 3rd fastest through the speed traps at the #MotoGP #SepangTest. He's happy with the speed of the Yamaha, a big step forward. He "won't be passing any Ducatis, but the Ducatis will struggle to overtake him".

Track is now fully wet, and a surprisingly large number of riders are out circulating. Getting some wet track time. Notably, most riders who switched brands.

#MotoGP #SepangTest

It started spitting with rain about an hour ago, then it briefly chucked it down, now the track is fully wet, and we are not going to get any more dry running. Much frustration in the pits. People have work to do, but can't do it.

#MotoGP #SepangTest

@motomatters

I've not read the rules in a minute but does it specifically state these have to be a 'tack it on the outside of a normal fairing' sort of thing?

It can get integrated into the bodywork and not show the tech to everyone, and likely work better too.

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Yamaha

Yamaha out with lower side ducts

#MotoGP #SepangTest #Yamaha

Track is starting to dry out at the #MotoGP #SepangTest. Not much happened the first couple of hours, but bikes on track now, times are down to a 2'00, which is not spectacular but closer to being useful.