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MotoGP: Top 10 Photos From Sepang Test

A look back at the first MotoGP pre-season test of 2016

February 4, 2016

MotoGP stars got back to action earlier this week in the first test of the new year at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. It was a busy three days for all of the riders as they came to grips with the new era of MotoGP - spec ECUs and Michelin tires. There were some surprises: A normally dominant Repsol Honda squad played catch-up, Danilo Petrucci out performed his factory Ducati counterparts, and a massive front-straight crash caused by a rear tire for Loris Baz. And then there were some things that weren’t so surprising... The reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo reasserted his dominance, setting a strong pace even when not feeling well. It also marked a big return for two-time World Champion Casey Stoner, who got speed pretty quick for a semi-retired rider.

At the end of the three days the times were tight and many still have a lot of work to do before the series kicks off on March 17 in Qatar. Here's a look back at the first Sepang test in photos.

Valentino Rossi gave wings a go at the test, but was not a fan. "I tried the winglets, they are very interesting, they change the airflow, but I don’t feel a difference," Rossi said. "I prefer the bike without the wings, it’s more beautiful!"Photo Courtesy of Movistar Yamaha

It was a tough three days for the Repsol Honda squad. "It's been a hard test, because we had to do a lot of work and maybe this isn't reflected in the results," Dani Pedrosa explained. "They don't show the potential that is there."Photo Courtesy of Repsol Honda

Jorge Lorenzo made sure his title defense got off to a great start at Sepang. The Spaniard was relentless...Photo Courtesy of Movistar Yamaha

Marc Marquez made steady progress and eventually ended up fifth overall at Sepang. "We are still far from where we'd like to be, but I think we have taken a good step forward and slowly we're getting there," said the former champ.Photo Courtesy of Repsol Honda

Scott Redding got acquainted with his Octo Pramac Yakhnich Ducati at Sepang and ended the three-day test seventh overall. His teammate Danilo Petrucci impressed with second overall.Photo Courtesy of Pramac Racing

Not ready to pack it in yet... Rossi is hungrier than ever for that 10th World Championship.Photo Courtesy of Movistar Yamaha

Andrea Dovizioso also struggled in Sepang, but the Italian felt things would be better at the next test, saying: "I feel sure that in Australia we will be able to carry out our program better once we’ve solved the problems back home.”Photo Courtesy of Ducati

Andrea Iannone ran a special helmet for winter testing: "Dedicated to my friend, 'The Australian Seagull' Always in my heart!" Iannone said via Instagram.Photo Courtesy of Ducati

Maverick Vinales ended the test as the top Suzuki in 12th. The Suzuki squad were not only getting used to the new ECU and tires, but trying out an updated engine and a new seamless gearbox. At this point the gearbox is only seamless one way.Photo Courtesy of Suzuki

Casey Stoner was adamant about having no plans to race. There are many fans out there hoping he will change his mind.Photo Courtesy of Ducati