What to watch for as MotoGP pre-season testing begins

Pre-season testing for the 2022 MotoGP world championship gets underway this weekend in Malaysia. As development rules are opened up again, following a freeze during the height of the COVID pandemic, it promises to be one of the most exciting pre-season phases for some time

When the MotoGP circus rocked up to the Sepang International Circuit this time two years ago, little did we know that the return visit would have to wait two years and come on the backdrop of such chaotic times. While we commented on the apparent ‘overreaction’ of mask-wearers in Kuala Lumpur airport and thought the pictures emerging from China wouldn’t possibly happen anywhere else back in 2020, mask-wearing and strict rules now hang over the MotoGP paddock this time around. The new normal.

But whatever the circumstances, they hardly matter to a MotoGP rider. Pre-season testing is as it always was; a crucial handful of days where engine and aero specifications must be determined before pre-round one homologation beckons a development freeze for all marques, barring concession-enjoying Aprilia.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.