Quartararo Dominates Sepang Shakedown as Yamaha Makes a Statement

As the 2025 MotoGP season approaches, the Sepang Shakedown provided some early insights into what we can expect from the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship. Held in Malaysia, the shakedown test brought together top riders and teams, giving them a chance to fine-tune their machines and get a feel for the track conditions ahead of the new season. And it was Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo who made a statement by setting the fastest time of the test.

The Shakedown Test: A Vital Start to the Season

The Sepang test is an important part of the preseason preparations, giving teams the opportunity to make adjustments to their bikes, test new parts, and evaluate their overall setup in real-world conditions. It’s also a chance for the riders to get back into the rhythm and find the perfect balance between bike and rider. While the shakedown is not a race, the times posted during these tests are crucial for teams and fans alike, offering a glimpse of what’s to come in the season ahead.

In 2025, the Sepang Shakedown took on extra significance, with teams eager to get a head start after a season full of surprises in 2024. Yamaha, in particular, had a point to prove after struggling for much of last season, and they wasted no time showcasing their capabilities.

"A Fast Start for Quartararo"

Fabio Quartararo, who claimed the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, has always been known for his consistency and ability to extract the best from his bike, particularly in challenging conditions. The Frenchman made his intentions clear during the Sepang Shakedown, topping the timesheets with a lap of 1m57.794s. His time was a significant 0.4 seconds faster than the best time set by Moto2 champion Pedro Acosta during the same test in 2024, signaling that Yamaha’s improvements have paid off.

Quartararo’s performance was impressive, especially considering the shakedown’s mixed weather conditions. While other riders struggled to adapt to the varying track conditions, Quartararo was able to maintain his focus and keep his Yamaha YZR-M1 in top form. His lap times were fast and consistent, with little to no signs of hesitation. The French rider’s strong performance at Sepang solidifies him as a contender for the 2025 MotoGP crown, especially if Yamaha can maintain their momentum.

"Jack Miller Shows His Potential with Yamaha"

Joining Quartararo at the top of the timesheets was Jack Miller, who made his debut with Yamaha as part of the Pramac Racing Team. Miller’s switch from KTM to Yamaha was one of the most anticipated moves of the offseason, and his performance in the Sepang Shakedown only adds to the excitement.

The Australian posted a lap time of 1m58.103s, just a fraction behind Quartararo. While he didn’t manage to beat the Frenchman’s time, Miller’s performance was noteworthy for several reasons. First, his adaptation to the Yamaha bike seemed to be coming along quickly, with Miller praising the bike’s balance and power delivery throughout the test. Second, his ability to match Quartararo’s pace despite being relatively new to the Yamaha setup is a sign of his talent and experience.

Miller’s results at Sepang suggest that he will be a strong ally for Yamaha throughout the season. His feedback will be valuable for the engineers at Yamaha as they continue to refine their bike, and his performances on the track will only add more firepower to the team’s title hopes.

"Aleix Espargaro’s Impressive Test for Honda"

A surprise at the Sepang Shakedown came from Aleix Espargaro, who was testing for Honda as part of their preparations for the 2025 season. The Spaniard, who has been with Aprilia for several years, made the move to Honda’s test rider role for this year. Many expected him to be a little behind the full-time riders, but Espargaro proved everyone wrong by posting a lap time of 1m58.103s, which put him right alongside Miller in second place.

Espargaro’s impressive performance on the Honda RC213V raised eyebrows, as it showed that he has quickly adapted to the bike’s characteristics. His feedback will be vital for Honda’s engineers, especially as the Japanese manufacturer looks to improve its performance after a difficult 2024 season. Espargaro’s ability to match the top riders despite being a test rider shows that Honda has made significant strides since last season.

"Ai Ogura and Pol Espargaro Make Their Mark"

While Quartararo and Miller dominated the headlines, there were other riders who caught the eye during the Sepang Shakedown. Ai Ogura, competing for Aprilia’s RS-GP25, impressed with a time of 1m58.208s, while Pol Espargaro, who has moved to KTM, posted a time of 1m58.291s. Both riders showed great promise, demonstrating their potential to be in the mix at the front of the grid.

Ogura’s rise in MotoGP has been steady, and he continues to prove that he belongs in the top flight of racing. With the support of Aprilia’s strong technical package, Ogura could be one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season.

Pol Espargaro, now at KTM after a few years at Honda, is aiming to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. His time at the shakedown was solid, and it’s clear that KTM’s evolution is progressing, with the Spanish rider eager to help the team reach new heights in the coming season.

Dani Pedrosa: Still a Threat

One of the most beloved riders in MotoGP, Dani Pedrosa, made an appearance at the Sepang Shakedown. Although Pedrosa has retired from full-time racing, the Spanish legend continues to participate in testing for KTM, providing invaluable feedback to the team. Pedrosa, who is known for his precise riding style, finished the shakedown with lap times that were a bit off the pace of the leaders, but his presence on the track was a reminder of his unparalleled skill and experience.

Pedrosa’s involvement in KTM’s development is key for the team, as they look to take the next step in their pursuit of victory. Even if he’s no longer racing full-time, Pedrosa remains one of the most influential figures in the paddock.

Looking Ahead to 2025: What to Expect

The 2025 MotoGP season promises to be another thrilling chapter in the sport’s history. The Sepang Shakedown has given us an early look at the form of the riders and teams, and while there’s still plenty of work to be done before the season opener, one thing is clear: Yamaha is ready to fight for the title, and Fabio Quartararo is a serious contender for his second championship.

With new riders, bikes, and technical developments on the horizon, the 2025 MotoGP season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Fans will have to wait a little longer for the first race, but based on what we saw at Sepang, it’s sure to be a season worth watching.

Final Results of the Sepang MotoGP Shakedown:

1. Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha YZR-M1) – 1m57.794s
2. Jack Miller (Yamaha YZR-M1) – 1m58.103s
3. Aleix Espargaro (Honda RC213V) – 1m58.103s
4. Ai Ogura (Aprilia RS-GP25) – 1m58.208s
5. Pol Espargaro (KTM RC16) – 1m58.291s
6. Dani Pedrosa (KTM RC16) – 1m58.493s