The February preseason test at Sepang is always critical, but in 2026 it carries even more weight. The three-day sessions at the Sepang International Circuit will offer the first insight into the new season and could shape rider and team decisions well into 2027.
Four key riders and their factories are under particular scrutiny. Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, KTM’s Pedro Acosta, and Aprilia’s Jorge Martin together hold eight world championships, four of them in the premier class. Their performances in Malaysia will reveal whether their teams have made the necessary progress over the winter.
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For Quartararo and Acosta, the test will confirm if their bikes have improved enough to match their talent. Quartararo has made it clear that his future at Yamaha depends on feeling confident in the new V4 M1. He wants a bike capable of fighting for the top five in every session, sprint, and Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Acosta reportedly struggles with trust in KTM’s ability to provide a consistently competitive machine.
Bagnaia and Martin face different challenges. Both enjoyed championship-winning seasons in the past but endured disappointing campaigns last year. Bagnaia must demonstrate consistency alongside his teammates, while Martin is eager for a clean, injury-free start after completing just five rounds in 2025.
Sepang will also provide the first chance to assess Marc Marquez’s recovery after a shoulder injury. The nine-time world champion has described his rehabilitation as straightforward, but he missed lifting the championship trophy last November due to injury and will be eager to reassure fans and rivals alike.
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The test will also feature Toprak Razgatlioglu, the new Pramac Yamaha rider and current World Superbike champion. His early runs at Aragon and Valencia impressed, and he will aim to close the gap to Quartararo, which was 0.7 seconds at Valencia.
Ducati enters the test keen to build on its winter development. General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna has acknowledged that some rivals showed more strength in the closing races of last season, and he plans to take more calculated risks this year to maintain competitiveness.
Yamaha faces a particular challenge. The factory must demonstrate that the new V4 M1 can meet Quartararo’s expectations after the inline-four M1 was retired last November. Early tests have shown a 0.5-second gap to the top, and engineers will aim to maintain or reduce that margin in Sepang.
With multiple riders and manufacturers needing proof of performance, the 2026 Sepang test promises to be a pivotal moment for MotoGP, setting the tone for a season that could shape careers and factory strategies for years to come.
