Why Does MotoGP Test In Malaysia, Australia, and Qatar?

Former champ Loris Capirossi explains the value of Sepang, Phillip Island, and Losail

VIDEO: Repsol Honda Riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa Complete First Day of Second 2017 Preseason Test

Former 125 and 250cc World Champion Loris Capirossi recently described preseason testing as one of the “most eagerly awaited times of the year. After two months of hard work, I was always very happy to get back on the bike.”

Capirossi has worked for Dorna since he retired from the sport in 2011. Now, the 43-year-old Italian represents the Spanish series rights-holder in Race Direction, alongside Race Director Mike Webb (IRTA) and Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini (FIM).

MotoGP travels each year to Sepang (Malaysia), Phillip Island (Australia), and Losail (Qatar) for preseason testing, Capirossi explained, for “theoretically” good weather and the opportunity to “complete different tests with the bikes.

Sepang, Phillip Island, and Losail infographicCourtesy of Repsol Honda

“Sepang is a varied layout, with a technical part but also long straights and strong braking.” Capirossi characterized Phillip Island, which was completely resurfaced at the end of 2012, as “very demanding on tires.”

In fact, the 2013 Australian GP was shortened from 27 to 19 laps with a mandatory pit stop. And Losail? “Unlike Malaysia and Australia,” he said, “riders can test in conditions similar to those they will experience in the race”—at night, under the floodlights.

Three-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez won pole at Phillip Island last year with a time of 1 minute, 30.189 seconds. On Wednesday, the first of three days of testing, the Repsol Honda rider lapped the 12-turn, 2.76-mile circuit in 1:29.497.

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