Reigning world champion Marc Marquez set the early benchmark at the 2026 MotoGP Sepang Test, finishing fastest on the opening day of running on Tuesday.
The Ducati rider posted a best lap of 1:57.018 at the Sepang International Circuit, ending the day 0.256s clear of nearest challenger Fabio Di Giannantonio.
With that performance, the Spaniard fully banished any concerns over the shoulder injury he sustained at the Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika last season.
Speaking to SPOTV at the end of the session, Marquez likened his recovery to finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
“It was so super dark and now the light is there,” he said.
“It is true that I still need to work on [the shoulder recovery] but this [Sepang] Test will help a lot because the best way to keep improving is riding a bike.”
Day 1 done with the returning @marcmarquez93 already marking his spot in P1 🏁
After The Flag is LIVE NOW on https://t.co/04MSCyuoC7 for the Day 1 recap of the #SepangTest ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/X0XKupPJ4N
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) February 3, 2026
As the rest of the grid continued their acclimatisation to the 2026 bikes, it was a tougher day for Fabio Quartararo, who suffered an accident that resulted in a broken finger.
The injury forced the Frenchman to withdraw from the remainder of the Sepang Test.
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