MotoGP: Alex Marquez Tops 2026 Sepang Test in Factory-Spec Ducati GP26

Alex Marquez closed the 2026 MotoGP Sepang test on top of the timesheets after firing his Ducati GP26 to the fastest lap on the final day in Malaysia. That late push meant Ducati ended pre-season testing with momentum, with several of its bikes sitting near the front across the three days. Sepang served as the final chance for teams to run time attacks, long stints and race simulations before the opening round of the season. Honda, Aprilia, Yamaha and KTM all worked through upgrades and set-up work while chasing consistency over race distance. Yamaha also returned to the track after checks on its new V4 engine.

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With the test wrapped up, the paddock now moves from data gathering to race mode, and the pace shown at Sepang has already started to shape expectations for the first race.

Ducati

Ducati looked strong throughout the test, with the GP26 showing pace across both short runs and longer simulations. Alex Marquez’s final-day benchmark kept the brand at the top, while Marc Marquez had already set the pace on day one with a 1m57.018s lap. Other Ducati riders stayed close in the combined order across the week. Teams focused on evaluating new parts and locking in race-run performance, and Ducati’s regular presence near the top positions leaves it as the reference heading into the season opener.

Aprilia

Aprilia continued its development programme with steady mileage and performance runs across the Sepang sessions. Its riders remained inside the leading group in the combined standings and worked through updates to the current package. The team gathered data on engine and chassis settings while also running longer simulations. Competitive laps earlier in the test confirmed its pace, and the Sepang outing helped the squad refine its direction before racing begins.

Honda

Honda logged heavy mileage and showed progress across the three days, highlighted by Joan Mir’s 1m56.874s lap that topped day two. The manufacturer used the sessions to work through updates and build data from longer runs and performance laps. Earlier shakedown running in Malaysia had already shown improvement, and the official test backed that up with stronger pace and consistency. Honda now heads to the first round with more track time and clearer feedback from its riders.

Yamaha

Yamaha’s test included a pause after a technical issue linked to its new V4 engine, but the team returned on the final day to resume running. Riders focused on reliability checks and longer stints after missing track time. Earlier in the week, Yamaha had shown competitive pace before the stoppage. The final day allowed the squad to gather more data and complete evaluation work ahead of the opening race.

KTM

KTM completed a full programme across the Sepang test and stayed near the front in several sessions. Its riders logged consistent laps during both the opening and middle days while working through updates and race simulations. Strong runs in the shakedown and early sessions showed pace, while later stints focused on long-run consistency and tyre data. With Sepang done, KTM heads into the new season with a full set of test laps and a clearer picture of where it stands before lights out at the first round.