The most exciting sport on Earth will break cover in hot and humid Malaysia at Petronas Sepang International Circuit for the all-important Shakedown from the 29th to the 31st of January, the first time bikes will roar back into life since Valencia\u2019s post-season test in 2025. Shaking off the shackles of winter, the Shakedown Test offers a chance for crucial groundwork to be done by test riders and gives rookies a run out \u2013 as well as riders with manufacturers who have full concessions. As it stands, that\u2019s Yamaha.<\/p>\n
WHAT IS THE SHAKEDOWN TEST?<\/p>\n
Unfamiliar with the Shakedown Test and new to MotoGP? Firstly, welcome! You\u2019re now part of one of the greatest spectacles and you won\u2019t regret it. The Shakedown Test is the first roll of the dice in 2026 for the factory test riders, with testing otherwise prohibited throughout January. Giving all the equipment a run out makes sure that any problems or issues can be resolved before the main bulk of testing.<\/p>\n
As well as literally being a Shakedown Test, it\u2019s also vital opportunity for the MotoGP\u2122 Rookies to continue finding their feet. This year, reigning Moto2\u2122 World Champion Diogo Moreira (LCR Honda) and reigning WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) are in action. As well as the rookies and the factory test riders, Yamaha can also have all of their full-time riders on-track as they remain in concession Rank D \u2013 which could be vital as they move into their V4 era.<\/p>\n
MEET THE ROOKIES<\/p>\n
Becoming Brazil\u2019s first-ever World Champion in the MotoGP paddock, Diogo Moreira graduates to MotoGP after a history-making 2025. Holding his nerve and taking the crown in the final Grand Prix of the season, the 21-year-old from Sao Paulo is set to ruffle feathers \u2013 and we, along with him, can\u2019t wait to head back to Brazil for Round 2 this year at Goiania either!<\/p>\n
Brazil\u2019s presence may return to MotoGP for the first time since Alex Barros in 2007 but for Turkey, they get their first representation with Razgatlioglu. A triple WorldSBK Champion (2021, 2024 and 2025), \u2018El Turco\u2019 has very much been a fan-favourite with his riding style, stunts and charismatic character and whilst 2026 gives every motorcycle racing fan the chance to see him in MotoGP\u2122, it\u2019s very much a different challenge \u2013 but one that Toprak grabs head-on.<\/p>\n
THE RIDERS<\/p>\n
As we said, all factories will have their test riders there, whilst Yamaha will be full strength with all of their official riders, including Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), teammate Alex Rins, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and his new teammate, Razgatlioglu. Ducati will have their veteran test rider Michele Pirro whilst Aprilia bring Lorenzo Savadori. KTM will have Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro at their disposal whilst Honda, now in Rank C of the concessions ladder thanks to their 2025 successes, with have Aleix Espargaro. Yamaha, along with their full complement of full-time riders, will also have MotoGP\u2122 Legend Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez.<\/p>\n