Shakedown Test 1

The first day of the 2026 Shakedown concluded with Aleix Espargaró putting the Honda HRC Test Team at the top of the timing sheets. Transitioning into his new role as a test rider, Espargaró posted a 1:58.091, a time that was significantly quicker than Honda's best qualifying effort at the same venue just a few months prior.

His speed suggests that the Japanese manufacturer has found a clear direction with their new engine and aero configuration over the winter break. It was a family affair at the front, as his brother Pol Espargaró finished the day in second for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, trailing by just 0.524 seconds.

KTM showcased their strength by placing two bikes in the top three, with the legendary Dani Pedrosa finishing third. In the battle of the newcomers, Toprak Razgatlioglu impressed the paddock by finishing the day as the top Yamaha in fourth place.

Despite experiencing some minor technical gremlins in the morning, the Turkish star adapted quickly to the Michelin tires and the YZR-M1's new V4 power unit. Michele Pirro rounded out the top six for Ducati, debuting a radical "ground-effect" sidepod design that drew significant attention from rival engineers in the pit lane.