Over three days in Malaysia, we saw the MotoGP™ grid get an early taste of track action in 2024 at the Official Sepang Test. As ever, there was plenty of work done by each of the five manufacturers in the premier class, with plenty of innovations on display. We've had a look and recapped all the info below!
Ducati
The centrepiece of Ducati's new bike is undoubtedly the revamped engine. Not only does it boast increased power, but it also addresses a crucial aspect of rider feedback - the engine braking. Riders Enea Bastianini and Francesco Bagnaia have lauded the improvements, noting a significant enhancement in the bike's responsiveness and stability. This development will be welcomed by Bastianini, who had previously expressed discomfort with the 2023 engine's braking characteristics. Similarly, Bagnaia's struggles with braking confidence in the latter part of 2023 are expected to be alleviated with this update.
Ducati have also implemented tweaks to the aerodynamics of their new bike. The primary focus of attention has been the refinement of the main set of wings on the front fairing, resulting in a more angular and streamlined design. A notable addition to the Ducati is the introduction of a new side fairing, seamlessly integrating their downwash ducts with the ground effect side fairings from the previous season. This hybrid fairing configuration represents a blend of aerodynamic setups, combining the benefits of downwash ducts for versatility with the high-performance capabilities of ground-effect side fairings. Initial feedback from Bastianini and Bagnaia indicates immediate improvements with the new side fairings.
While Bastianini and Bagnaia embraced the new side fairings from the outset, teammate Jorge Martin initially expressed reservations. However, a breakthrough on the third day of testing saw Martin make significant strides with the new configuration, ultimately acknowledging its superiority. The Bologna bullets also updated both exhausts in an extensive programme, leaving them with little to improve upon come Qatar.
Aprilia
Aprilia have raised the stakes as the 2024 RS-GP features a brand-new chassis, aero package, and engine, marking a notable departure from its predecessors. A complete overhaul of the aerodynamics has reshaped the bike's balance, necessitating adjustments in setup to optimize performance.
The revamped aero package introduces updated wings, with the addition of sidepod wings for the first time. Notably, the rear tail unit has undergone a thorough redesign, now incorporating a diffuser under the tail for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
Initial feedback from riders has been mixed, reflecting different experiences with the new bike. Aleix Espargaro has expressed optimism, citing the bike as a significant improvement. In contrast, Maverick Viñales voiced his concern, citing a lack of feeling with the new setup. Miguel Oliveira has also echoed concerns about rear grip on corner entry, highlighting areas for improvement.
Viñales’ dissatisfaction led him to revert to the old 2023 tail unit during testing, indicating a search for a preferred bike balance. Despite complaints, both Viñales and Oliveira demonstrated respectable speed during testing, with Viñales showcasing strength in long runs. Espargaro emerged as the standout performer among the trio, managing to keep pace with some of Ducati’s fastest riders in both one lap and longer runs.
Honda
Honda took a bold step forward at Sepang by foregoing the 23 bike and instead focusing on refining their Valencia Test bike. This decision proved fruitful as they unveiled an updated engine that garnered praise from riders Takaaki Nakagami and Joan Mir. The smoother throttle connection and improved rear grip were notable improvements, although rear grip, particularly excessive spinning, remains a primary concern.
The Japanese brand also brought a new aluminium swingarm into play, which was seemingly constructed by Honda themselves after some previous experimentation in this department.
In terms of aerodynamics, Honda experimented with two different packages, combining elements from both for optimal performance. Rider Luca Marini emphasized the need for increased rear stability, prompting Honda to explore solutions such as a larger rear aero package including a large rear wing paired with the stegosaurus wings. Marini also expressed the desire for more downforce, hinting at potential future updates at the Qatar Test.
Yamaha
Yamaha unveiled a new aerodynamic package featuring a front wing reminiscent of Aprilia's 2023 design. This aero configuration, which features a set of sidepod wings initially but it appears that they won't be included, coupled with Yamaha's new engine, delivers increased downforce and smoother power delivery, facilitating improved corner exit and reduced wheelspin.
Though smoother, the new engine perhaps is not where it needs to be just yet as challenges persist in achieving optimal one-lap qualifying pace. Suggestions are the engine is too aggressive and they cannot take advantage of the grip offered by a new tyre, highlighting areas for continued development.
The Iwata factory also tried a new shape tail unit for the first time in a long time. The riders told us it was just an updated ride-height device but it might also have to do with some weight distribution.
KTM
KTM continued to innovate as they mainly used their carbon fibre chassis, signalling a departure from the steel chassis of the past, with the Red Bull GAGSAGS Tech3 squad also on the carbon fibre chassis.
Addressing issues with wheelspin, KTM focused on refining electronics and exhaust setups to fine-tune the power curve for smoother performance. At the end of last season, we saw KTM try an updated top and lower exhaust. What's happened now is they're still using that updated lower exhaust, but they've gone back to the top exhaust that they were already using. They now have an exhaust arrangement that is a mix of old and new.
Binder and Miller said they're quite close to having the 2024 bike in order and all together. At the Qatar Test, it's thought we won't see too many things change on the KTM and instead, we'll start to see them really ramp up their pace with the new bike.