2 day test wrapped up at Sepang with already insane times and very little gaps covering the top 10 riders:
Time standings for both days: https://www.motogp.com/en/TestResult...+Official+Test
Honda: It seems like their new set up is going the right direction although MM confirms the 2022 bike is much different than what he's used to and it's trying to adjust to it along with fitness and such, Pol has been rather quiet and haven't seen anything from him as far as feedback yet although he finished 10th in combined standings.
KTM: Guidotti going to KTM bit way more than he could chew, by the tone in his interview they're in serious trouble for 2022 as they don't even have a base set up yet even after 2 days of testing, their best rider was 15th and the rookies with Tech3 finished near their factory riders which is embarrassing honestly.
Yamaha: Yamaha just doesn't deliver anything new or ground breaking to bring the fight to Ducati and the insane gap they have to the other manufacturers in that regard, you can tell the riders are holding their disappointment back when interviewed and asked about it as they all really had nothing outstanding to say but the same ol' "yeah it was good BUT", if it wasn't for Fabio's riding style, they'd be seriously screwed as all the other 3 riders were way outside the top 10, hell Crutchlow as a test rider finished better than Dovi and Franco who are both on 2022 (well a dressed up 2021) factory spec bikes and I fear if Yamaha doesn't deliver they'll lose FB and quick. Meregalli did confirm Toprak for a test on the M1 this season given they need a plan B in case FB jumps ship which is looking very likely right now.
Ducati: Strong all across the board, they even brought a redesigned engine for 2022, if Pecco finds form early unlike last year, Yamaha can kiss that title goodbye from now, mainly with 8 bikes on the grid, they have insane amounts of information to keep development going and man if it's paid off for them! Have to mention Enea Bastiannini as well man, lap record and he had never been there before but also very consistent in a very complex race track plus the heat and humidity added to it, if he can also find good pace and consistency early in the season and the brilliance he showed late last season, he could be top 5 or even top 3 without a doubt.
Suzuki: Alex Rins up to a flyer on both days, also very consistent but hopefully he worked mentally and training wise in the off season to not lose the front end during races if he wants to stay in the paddock, it is literally do or die for him this year. Mir is supposedly going into contract renewal talks with Suzuki at the moment but with rumors of HRC snagging him for 2023, who knows what is going to happen with that kid and also depending if Yamaha lose out on FB for 2023, he may not have the HRC option at all given I'm sure HRC will jump at FB and pay him. I honestly don't think Mir would do all that well and he'd crumble on a Honda being a much more physically demanding bike to ride unlike the smoothness of the Suzuki, hell Pol found that out real quick as well.
Aprilia: Both riders had a very strong test and also helped that they had a private test a few days prior to the official test but as usual we all know that MV is always a one lap wonder but come race day, he's nowhere to be found and Aleix just keeps hanging in there hoping for these guys to deliver that last step they need to contend. They're much closer without a doubt but obviously lacking those extra few set up and parts steps to bring the fight at the front.
We'll see what happens in Mandalika next weekend since it's a new track for pretty much everyone and what other steps teams make towards bettering their set ups and such, month away from Losail and man I cannot wait!!!
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