EARLY SIGNS

As the riders and teams wrap up the first preseason test at Sepang, we look back at the top 5 things from the shakedown.

- SHIVANK BHATT

DUCATI: THE HOT FAVOURITE

After the three-day pre-season test at Sepang, Malaysia, one thing was clear – Ducati is still the team to beat, and none of the other teams have yet found an answer to their searing pace. On the final day of the test, 7 out of the 8 Ducati riders made it to the top 10 in combined times. Luca Marini from VR46 Racing Team led the charge by topping the tests with the second-ever fastest lap (1:57.889) at the Sepang circuit. Reigning world champion and factory Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia was just 0.080 seconds behind, taking the second spot. Even the Ducati newcomer Alex Marquez, who’s moved from LCR Honda to Ducati’s satellite team Gresini Racing this season, posted his fastest-ever lap time at Sepang during the tests and finished ahead of his brother Marc Marquez. This goes on to show how good and effortless the Ducati is to adapt to!

HONDA: MARQUEZ WANTS MORE!