KTM Riders Show Speed On Day 1 of Sepang Shakedown Test
Categories: MotoGP
Published: 1st January 2024
MotoGP has officially started in 2024 and it’s KTM that impresses us most on Day 1 of the Sepang Shakedown test.
Following a strong 2023 season with multiple podium finishes KTM starts their 2024 MotoGP agenda on the right foot as the Sepang Shakedown test gives us a first insight into the 2024 power rankings.
| Pos. | Rider | Gap | Team |
| 1 | Dani Pedrosa | 1'59.233 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing |
| 2 | Pedro Acosta | +0.152 | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 |
| 3 | Pol Espargaro | +0.182 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing |
| 4 | Stefan Bradl | +0.627 | Repsol Honda |
| 5 | Michele Pirro | +1.633 | Ducati Lenovo |
| 6 | Cal Crutchlow | +1.780 | Yamaha Racing |
| 7 | Lorenzo Savadori | +2.576 | Aprilia Racing |
Mainly giving the manufacturers time to check their machinery ahead of the first official test of the season on February 6th, lap times from the Shakedown test should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Honda's New Motto: Aero, Aero, Aero!
Given their horrible 2023 season, Honda looks keen to improve the performance of their RC213V as the European manufacturers outclassed the once-so-dominating Japanese by miles.
Trying to solve their main problem of an almost unpredictable front end, Honda has amassed a variety of new aero parts including a new rear wing as well as an almost exact copy of Ducati’s fork mounted side wings.
