Sepang Shakedown, Day 3: Espargaro takes Honda to the next MotoGP level – MotoGP

Here’s a summary of the Sepang test, Day 3, as reported in the text:

Key highlights:

* Espargaro Brothers Lead: Aleix and Pol Espargaro set the fastest times, with Aleix leading with a 1:57.173 min.
* Yamaha Progress: Fabio Quartararo focused on bike setup and achieved a 1:57.7 min. Jack Miller also posted fast times in the 1:58 range while testing different bikes.
* Rookie Improvements: Diogo Moreira (Moto2 champ) considerably improved to a 1:58.338 min, faster than Toprak Razgatlioglu.
* Aprilia Pace: lorenzo Savadori also clocked a 1:58 lap, showing the course is fast, and being 1.5 seconds faster than in the previous Sepang test.
* KTM Endurance: KTM is testing with three riders – pol Espargaro, Dani Pedrosa (working on the 2026 racer), and Mika Kallio.
* Ducati Testing: michele Pirro, the sole Ducati tester, crashed but was unharmed. He was testing the GP26. More Ducati riders (Marquez brothers, Bagnaia, Di Giannantonio, and Morbidelli) will join the testing on February 3rd.

Times (as of 2 p.m. on Day 3):

1. Aleix Espargaro (Honda) – 1:57.173 min
2. Pol Espargaro (KTM) – +0.126 sec
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How did Pol Espargaro’s fastest lap during Day 3 of the Sepang Shakedown influence honda’s RC213V development for the 2026 season?

Sepang Shakedown, Day 3: Espargaro takes Honda to the Next MotoGP Level

Pol Espargaro concluded the final day of the 2026 Sepang Shakedown test with the fastest lap time, signaling a potential turning point for Honda’s MotoGP program. the veteran rider, now fully integrated into Honda’s testing role, consistently delivered strong performances throughout the three days, culminating in a 1:58.123 – a significant improvement over previous sessions adn a clear indication of progress with the 2026 RC213V.

espargaro’s Performance: A Deep Dive

Espargaro wasn’t just quick; his feedback was instrumental. Honda has been grappling with significant challenges regarding rider confidence and machine stability, notably with rear grip and cornering performance. Reports from the paddock suggest Espargaro has been particularly vocal about these issues, providing detailed insights that have allowed honda engineers to make targeted adjustments.

* Consistent Laps: Unlike some riders focusing on single-lap pace, Espargaro demonstrated the ability to maintain competitive times over extended runs, crucial for race simulations.

* Chassis Evaluation: A core focus for Espargaro was evaluating different chassis configurations. Honda brought several iterations to Sepang, and his input helped narrow down the most promising direction for development.

* Engine Mapping Refinement: Espargaro also worked closely with HRC on refining the engine mapping, aiming to improve throttle response and overall power delivery. This is particularly important for managing the aggressive nature of the current MotoGP bikes.

key Technical Developments Observed

The Sepang Shakedown wasn’t just about lap times; it was about tangible improvements to the Honda RC213V. Several key areas of development were evident:

1. Aerodynamic Updates: Honda debuted a revised aerodynamic package, featuring a new front wing and modified fairing. These changes aim to improve downforce and reduce drag, enhancing stability at high speeds.
2. Swingarm evolution: A redesigned swingarm was tested, focusing on increasing rigidity and improving rear-end traction. This is a critical area for Honda, as previous iterations struggled to provide consistent grip.
3. Suspension Adjustments: Showas suspension received significant attention, with Espargaro testing various damping settings and spring rates to optimize performance across different track conditions.

impact on Honda’s Rider Lineup

The positive results from the Sepang Shakedown have implications for Honda’s entire rider lineup.Joan Mir and Luca Marini, Honda’s official race riders for 2026, were present at the test, observing Espargaro’s progress and providing their own feedback.

* mir’s recovery: Joan Mir, still recovering from a significant injury sustained in 2024, used the test to build his fitness and familiarize himself with the latest developments on the RC213V. His input, combined with Espargaro’s, will be vital in shaping the bike’s final specification.

* Marini’s Adaptation: Luca marini, new to the Honda family, spent the three days learning the nuances of the RC213V and working with the HRC engineers to adapt the bike to his riding style.

* synergy and Data Correlation: The ability to correlate data between Espargaro, Mir, and Marini is a significant step forward for Honda. This collaborative approach should accelerate the development process and lead to more effective solutions.

The Competition’s Response

While Honda made significant strides,other manufacturers weren’t idle. Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM all showcased competitive pace and introduced their own updates.

* Ducati’s continued dominance: Ducati riders consistently topped the time sheets, demonstrating the strength of their established package. However, they also faced challenges with tire wear, particularly in the hot afternoon conditions.

* Aprilia’s Stability: Aprilia continued to refine their RS-GP,focusing on improving consistency and reliability. Aleix Espargaro, a consistent frontrunner, provided valuable feedback on the bike’s handling characteristics.

* KTM’s Progress: KTM showed promising signs of progress, with their riders reporting improved stability and cornering performance. They are actively working on closing the gap to the leading manufacturers.

Looking Ahead to the Official Test

The Sepang Shakedown provided a valuable foundation for the official MotoGP test, scheduled to take place at the same circuit in February. Honda will analyze the data collected over the three days and continue to refine the RC213V based on Espargaro, Mir, and Marini’s feedback. The official test will be a crucial opportunity to validate these improvements and prepare for the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season in Qatar. The focus will shift towards longer race simulations and fine-tuning the bike’s setup for optimal performance.