Marc Marquez sets the pace on Day 1 of MotoGP’s 2026 Sepang test as Fabio Quartararo crashes

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The first official MotoGP session of 2026 is now in the books following the conclusion of pre-season testing’s first day in Sepang, which saw Marc Marquez set the fastest lap for the factory Ducati outfit.

Some members of the grid were able to get their first taste of 2026 machinery last week, during a three-day shakedown event that took place in Sepang ahead of the first official week of testing.

However, headlines were dominated by the sensational moves that have been taking place in the MotoGP rider market regarding the 2027 term.

It emerged that Fabio Quartararo was departing Yamaha for Honda, with it then being announced that Jorge Martin would be leaving Aprilia to replace the Frenchman at Iwata.

Further reinforcement of Pedro Acosta’s expected Ducati switch was also revealed, while KTM may have pulled off a massive coup by signing Alex Marquez to replace the young Spaniard.

Despite the madness that took place in the lead-up to pre-season testing in Sepang, Marc Marquez still managed to outshine everybody else upon his return to prototype machinery.

• READ MORE: Franco Morbidelli explains why he doesn’t feel any ‘pressure’ from Marc Marquez at Ducati

Picking up where he left off, is this the start of MotoGP title #8 for Marc Marquez? 🧐

Let us know in the comments below!

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Marc Marquez sets the pace on day one of MotoGP’s pre-season test in Sepang

The session opened with Yamaha in the spotlight. While Alex Rins set the initial pace, teammate Quartararo suffered an early scare with a crash at turn five.

Thankfully, after a medical check confirmed no fractures, the Frenchman returned to the track later in the afternoon.

Adding to the drama in the Yamaha garage, Andrea Dovizioso had an issue with the new V4-powered M1 that forced him to make a stop at turn one, while Jack Miller had an off at turn nine just before lunch.

As the track reached peak temperatures around midday, the lap times plummeted. Marco Bezzecchi became the first to break into the 1:57s.

However, he was soon eclipsed by Alex Marquez, who posted a 1:57.487, a time that would remain the benchmark for most of the day.

Meanwhile, Marquez also made his long-awaited return to the factory Ducati bike after an injury-ridden end to his 2025 title-winning campaign, ending the day with the fastest time, which was set after the lunch break.

Teammate Francesco Bagnaia also turned up the intensity as he propelled himself into the top three after occupying P17 for the majority of the day. By the time the checkered flag fell, he closed the session out in P7.

Day one results for MotoGP’s 2026 Sepang test