Joan Mir Tops Day 2 at Sepang MotoGP Test as Yamaha Sits Out Amid Investigation

Sepang, Malaysia — Joan Mir delivered a standout performance on Day 2 of the Sepang MotoGP Test, topping the timesheets for Honda HRC Castrol and becoming the fastest Honda rider ever around the Sepang International Circuit. Mir’s benchmark lap dipped into the 1:56s, comfortably surpassing the previous Honda best set by test rider Aleix Espargaro during last week’s Shakedown.

Franco Morbidelli finished the day second quickest for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, just 0.109s off Mir’s pace, with teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio completing the top three. Rain curtailed running earlier than planned, but the morning session produced several notable lap times across the field.

Yamaha Withdraws from Day 2 Running

One of the biggest talking points on Wednesday unfolded off track, as Yamaha opted to keep its all-new YZR-M1 in the garage throughout the day. The decision followed Fabio Quartararo’s crash on Day 1, which forced the 2021 World Champion to withdraw from the remainder of the test.

Yamaha confirmed the move was a precautionary measure, stating that while the issue has been identified, the root cause is still under investigation. As a result, both Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP teams did not take to the track on Day 2.

Honda Shows Encouraging Progress

Mir’s headline time marked Honda’s first-ever entry into the 1:56 bracket at Sepang, underlining the continued progress of the 2026 RC213V. Despite the strong showing, both Mir and teammate Luca Marini downplayed the importance of the timesheets, stressing a long-term development focus. Marini ended the day sixth fastest, with limited afternoon running due to worsening weather conditions.

In the LCR Honda garage, Johann Zarco reported a productive second day and is targeting a long-run evaluation on the final day of testing. Rookie Diogo Moreira also made solid gains, gaining his first experience of the Honda in wet conditions and expressing confidence heading into the final session.

Ducati Quietly Delivers

Ducati’s test programme continued smoothly, with Morbidelli the only rider besides Mir to break into the 1:56s. Giannantonio maintained his strong form in third, highlighting improved front-end confidence.

Francesco Bagnaia finished eighth for Ducati Lenovo Team after completing multiple short runs, while reigning World Champion Marc Marquez took a lighter approach after leading Day 1, ending Wednesday in 15th. Alex Marquez suffered a low-speed crash at Turn 5 while testing a 2024 aero package but returned to the track later to finish 12th.

KTM, Aprilia Gather Valuable Data

Pedro Acosta led KTM’s charge in fourth, setting laps in the low 1:57s—faster than KTM’s previous Sepang best—while trialling an updated front fairing. Brad Binder endured a tougher day, finishing 13th. At Red Bull KTM Tech3, Maverick Viñales capitalised on wet conditions, while Enea Bastianini rounded out the top ten.

Aprilia continued to draw attention with new aero developments, including revised tail-unit fins and a new swingarm. Marco Bezzecchi was the fastest Aprilia in sixth, narrowly ahead of Trackhouse MotoGP Team’s Raul Fernandez. Ai Ogura impressed in ninth, as Aprilia riders clustered strongly inside the top ten.