MotoGP Sepang shakedown test: Schedule, riders and how to follow
The 2026 MotoGP pre-season kicks off with the shakedown at Sepang, a preparatory test ahead of the official collective running. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the test, including how to follow along...
Michele Pirro, Ducati
After a two-month winter break, MotoGP bikes will return to the track this week for the first official test of the year. While the entire grid won't be in action until the main Sepang test, all five manufacturers will be present in some capacity for what is officially labelled the 'Sepang shakedown'.
Schedule for the Sepang Shakedown Test
The shakedown in Sepang will take place on 29-31 January (Thursday-Saturday). The track will remain open from 10:00 to 18:00 local time, giving riders up to eight hours per day to evaluate their new bikes. For those in Europe, the test will essentially begin in the middle of the night and end just before midday.
| Local (MYT) | GMT | CET | ET | PT | JST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 10:00 | 02:00 | 03:00 | 21:00 (prev day) | 18:00 (prev day) | 11:00 |
| Finish | 18:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 | 05:00 | 02:00 | 19:00 |
Which riders will take part in the Shakedown Test?
The Sepang shakedown has a key difference compared to the official test days that follow: not all full-time MotoGP riders are eligible to participate. Only the following may take part:
- Riders making their MotoGP debut in 2026
- Test riders for each manufacturer
- Official riders from manufacturers currently in Group D under the MotoGP concessions system, the category with the most technical advantages
Following Honda’s move to Group C at the end of the 2025 season, Yamaha is the only brand currently able to run all of its riders, including full-time racers, in the shakedown. Other manufacturers will instead field their test riders or any rookies they have on the entry list, as per the regulations.
| Team/manufacturer | Bike | Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | M1 2026 |
 Andrea Dovizioso |
| Pramac Racing | M1 2026 | |
| Ducati | Desmosedici GP26 |  Michele Pirro |
| Aprilia | RS-GP 2026 | Lorenzo Savadori |
| KTM | RC16 2026 | |
| Honda | RC213V 2026 | |
| Team LCR | RC213V 2026 |  Diogo Moreira |
How to follow the MotoGP Shakedown Test at Sepang
Like the ongoing Formula 1 shakedown in Barcelona, the MotoGP Sepang event is a largely private test session. That means there will be no live television broadcast or a live timing feed provided by MotoGP (unlike the full official Sepang test from 3-5 February).
However, teams and the championship will still release information throughout the test days, and Motorsport.com will bring you all the times and insights at the end of the test to keep you updated.
Share Or Save This Story
MotoGP Sepang test: Schedule, entry list and how to follow
Toprak Razgatlioglu hailed as ‘Casey Stoner 2.0’ ahead of MotoGP debut
Who crashed the most during the 2025 MotoGP season?
Tyler Courtney returns to Sprint Cars after back, concussion rehab
NASCAR Clash has one more weather bullet to dodge on Wednesday
James Vowles explains the gamble that caused Williams to miss the Barcelona test
Roval has been removed from 2026 NASCAR schedule, confirms Marcus Smith
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments