Enea Bastianini improved his lap time by one second through the Sepang take a look at in comparison with his Malaysian MotoGP qualifying session final October.
Qualifying for Tech3 KTM riders has been their Achilles heel all through most of 2025, with their highest grid end being 4th, their lowest grid twenty first, and a median of simply sixteenth.
The a number of Ducati race winner managed to take the stage as soon as every within the Dash and Grand Prix, however the deficit on Saturday morning was typically an excessive amount of to beat.
Workforce supervisor Nicolas Goyon subsequently thought of Bastianini’s eleventh place on the mixed timesheets (0.8 seconds behind chief Alex Marquez, however lower than 0.2 seconds behind the KTM of main Pedro Acosta) as a promising consequence.
It is also a strong begin for Bastianini’s new partnership with crew chief Andres Madrid, who beforehand shared the manufacturing facility crew with Brad Binder.
“For Enea, one in all our fundamental objectives was to construct a trusting relationship with our new crew chief, Andreas, and this was very clearly achieved,” mentioned Tech3 crew supervisor Nicolas Goyon.
“They labored exhausting over the previous three days, finishing over 120 laps and getting by way of the whole program.
“We made some changes to his place on the bike and he feels actually comfy and in management now, which was one other key aim for us this week.”
“I am glad to finish the week with another merchandise crossed off my checklist. He completed the take a look at in eleventh place, which is already a giant step up in comparison with final 12 months.”
Enea Bastianini, 2026 Sepang MotoGP Check (Gold & Goose).
Bastianini, who recorded a finest lap time of 1 minute 57.290 seconds, mentioned of the take a look at: “I am glad as a result of it was a constructive consequence for me. We began with numerous work on the ergonomics of the bike, yesterday we did a little bit set-up and at this time we continued some work on the aerodynamics.”
“We managed to maintain numerous positives and I am glad to be sincere. However we nonetheless have to shut the hole to the riders in entrance of us, as a result of we’re quick, however at this time we noticed some 56s and that was too troublesome for us.”
Enea Bastianini dash simulation and quickest 2026 Sepang MotoGP take a look at.
Nonetheless, through the dash simulation, an enormous hole emerged between each Acosta and the main Ducati.
“I feel we missed the change of route,” Bastianini revealed. “Turning is among the keys to getting a superb lap time.
“Additionally, through the dash simulation there was a small drawback with the rear tire, but it surely was not the rear tire’s fault, so from my facet the scenario was difficult.
“There was numerous vibration…The issue has been solved a little bit bit, however entrance chatter can be one of many issues. As we speak it occurred for the primary time and after three or 4 laps it bought a little bit difficult. However in comparison with final 12 months it was nonetheless a lot better.”
The ultimate pre-season take a look at shall be held in Buriram on February 21-22.
