MotoGP Sepang Test 2026: Schedule, Riders & How to Follow Live

The 2026 MotoGP season is gearing up for its first major test session at the Sepang International Circuit this week, following a preliminary “Shakedown” event for test riders, rookies and Yamaha. While preparations are well underway, the test, scheduled from Tuesday, February 3rd to Thursday, February 5th, will proceed with two key riders sidelined due to injury.

Testing Schedule at Sepang

The Sepang test will mirror the schedule used during last week’s Shakedown. Each day will feature two sessions: a morning run from 10:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m. Local Malaysian time, followed by an afternoon session from 1:20 p.m. To 6:00 p.m. A 20-minute break will separate the two sessions.

	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

Rider Absences and Replacements

The Sepang test is open to all riders scheduled to compete in the 2026 MotoGP season. However, Jorge Martín of Aprilia will be absent, recovering from surgery following injuries sustained in 2025. Fermín Aldeguer, riding for Gresini, will also miss the test due to a fractured tibia suffered during training at the Jorge Martinez ‘Aspar’ circuit.

Aprilia’s test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, will replace Martín during the Sepang test and will also focus on development work for the Noale-based manufacturer.

Did You Know? The Sepang test schedule mirrors that of the preceding Shakedown event, with sessions running from 10:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. Local time each day.

Following the Action

Fans can follow the Sepang MotoGP test through the official MotoGP Live Timing service, accessible with a Timing Pass subscription priced at €17.99 for the full season. While live television broadcasts are limited to late-season Valencia tests, daily summaries will be available through MotoGP VideoPass, featuring approximately 90 minutes of coverage each day. Motorsport.com will also provide live updates, news, and daily reports from the event.

Expert Insight: The absence of key riders like Martín and Aldeguer introduces an element of uncertainty as teams begin their crucial pre-season testing programme. The performance of test riders like Savadori will be particularly important in providing valuable data and feedback during this phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which riders will be at the Sepang test?

All riders on the 2026 grid are expected to participate, with the exception of Jorge Martín and Fermín Aldeguer due to injury.

How can I watch the Sepang test?

The test is not broadcast live on television, but daily summaries will be available through MotoGP VideoPass. Live timing data is available via a Timing Pass subscription.

Who will replace Jorge Martín at the test?

Aprilia’s test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, will replace Jorge Martín during the Sepang test.

As teams prepare for the 2026 season, how important do you think pre-season testing is in shaping the competitive landscape of MotoGP?