Tank Slappers Podcast: What we learned at MotoGP's Sepang test
The first three-day pre-season test of the 2020 MotoGP season from the Sepang International Circuit concluded last weekend, with Petronas SRT's Fabio Quartararo topping the timesheets
For the first time, all six manufacturers - Honda, Ducati, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM and Aprilia - ran their 2020 prototype bikes on track together, with 2019's rookie sensation Quartararo leading the way on the factory-spec Yamaha he'll race this year.
Yamaha unveiled its version of the 'holeshot device' Ducati has been using for over a year, while Aprilia's revolution RS-GP made a strong on-track debut at Sepang and Suzuki have left a few worried.
It appears Honda's RC213V is still a troubled beast as its turning problems remain, while two crashes for world champion Marc Marquez compounded a tough weekend for him as he put his recently-operated on right shoulder through under stress for the first time.
KTM took a step forward with its RC16, while Ducati - like Honda - also appear to be on the back foot after a low-key showing on its GP20 Desmosedici.
With many more questions than answers offered up after the three days of running at Sepang, Autosport's Motorcycle Racing Correspondent Lewis Duncan and Motorsport.com's Oriol Puigdemont try to decipher what we learned from the first MotoGP pre-season test on the latest edition of the Tank Slappers podcast.
The Tank Slappers podcast is Autosport and the Motorsport Network's podcast for all things two-wheeled, and can be found on Apple Podcasts via iTunes, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Simply search 'Tank Slappers'.
Share Or Save This Story
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
History repeats as 70th anniversary of Mallory Park is celebrated
How Sutton's BTCC steamroller overcame Snetterton challenges
Rossi faces key decision: Who will replace di Giannantonio at VR46?
Red Bull reacts to Verstappen’s criticism – why ‘I told you’ moments are needed
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments