Development for the 2024 MotoGP season is already in full flow as several big names make their first appearances in 2024.
After sitting out the first day, Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Johann Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami all entered the Sepang circuit for the first time, and were joined by rookie Pedro Acosta and each manufacturer’s test teams.
Pol Espargaro was fastest for KTM ahead of Quartararo, while Acosta was just +0.007 seconds behind the 2021 world champion.
But as we wait for the first official test, new innovations are again attracting many people’s attention, starting with KTM and their new front fender.
Here’s Danny Pedrosa testing the Austrian brand’s new aero piece.
Pedro Acosta, Sepang MotoGP test, 2 February
One of the manufacturers taking development to a new level ahead of 2024 is Aprilia, whose bikes have new aero front and rear.
Test rider Lorenzo Savadori tested his new front winglet, the sides of which are joined to the front of the bike, while he also continued work on his ‘Batmobile’ rear wing.
Lorenzo Savadori, Sepang MotoGP test, 2 February
Here’s another close-up of the rear of the bike.
Aprilia Sepang
Like Aprilia, Honda is also busy testing a new aero device at the rear of the bike.
Here Stefan Brald is testing the advanced Stegasaurus-type rear winglet for the Japanese brand.
Stefan Bradl, Sepang MotoGP test, 1 February
Honda’s first two had a Stegasaurus look due to the kite-shaped straight plates that were famously introduced by Ducati, but here you can see the added section in the tail.
Ducati’s biggest highlight when it came to aero was the side fairing.
Michele Pirro, Sepang MotoGP test, 1 February
Michele Pirro is the only Ducati rider present for the shakedown test before being joined by their eight full-time riders next week.
Yamaha has made minimal changes when it comes to its aero package.
Some black fairings were seen on the M1 but they remained similar to those used in Valencia.
Source: www.crash.net
