Pol Espargaro Quickest on Rain Disrupted Shakedown Test Day 2
Categories: MotoGP
Published: 2nd February 2024
Marking the first full-time testing day for Honda and Yamaha riders, Day 2 of the shakedown test gave a first insight into the power balances of the 2024 season. Espargaro leads the way.
Eyes were on Pedro Acosta as he headed into his third day on machinery debut. The Spaniard once again proved that he is more than ready for the premier class finishing the day with an impressive third place on the timesheets, just 0.290 seconds behind leader Pol Espargaro.
In a departure from the norm, the full-time riders of Honda and Yamaha teams were granted the opportunity to test their bikes during the shakedown, thanks to MotoGP’s new concession system.
Following their horrific performance in 2023, the Japanese outfits currently make up concession group D, allowing them the use of more test days, tires, engines and the use of their full-time riders during private tests.
Abrupt End to the Day
The day’s testng action came to an abrupt halt when a red flag was raised due to a typical Sepang storm.
Heavy rain and winds hit the track with approximately 1.5 hours remaining, forcing riders to retreat to the pits and conclude their testing sessions prematurely.
Following roughly 6.5 hours of testing, KTM topped the timesheets:
| Pos. | Rider | Gap | Team |
| 1 | Pol Espargaro | 1'58.241 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing |
| 2 | Fabio Quartararo | +0.283 | Monster Energy Yamaha |
| 3 | Pedro Acosta | +0.290 | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 |
| 4 | Alex Rins | +0.409 | Monster Energy Yamaha |
| 5 | Dani Pedrosa | +0.431 | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing |
| 6 | Joan Mir | +0.846 | Repsol Honda |
| 7 | Johann Zarco | +0.850 | LCR Honda |
| 8 | Luca Marini | +0.971 | Repsol Honda |
| 9 | Takaaki Nakagami | +1.028 | LCR Honda |
| 10 | Stefan Bradl | +1.529 | Repsol Honda |
| 11 | Cal Crutchlow | +1.633 | Monster Energy Yamaha |
| 12 | Michele Pirro | +1.915 | Ducati Lenovo |
| 13 | Lorenzo Savadori | +2.579 | Aprilia Racing |
