MotoGP has partially replaced the Sepang tests which it cancelled with extra running at Losail. The Shakedown Test and the Official Test (all-in) which were to be held at the Malaysian Grand prix venue next month were this week called off due to a coronavirus-related local state of emergency.
With MotoGP due to head to Qatar for a second all-in test on March 10-12, more days have been added to the schedule at Losail, earlier that month.
After two days of set-up, a Shakedown Test for test riders and rookies will be held on March 5, before a full, Official Test on March 6-7.
The second Official Test will proceed as originally planned.
MotoGP rookies were first allowed to participate in the Shakedown Test last year, which is a boon this time around for Esponsorama Racing team-mates Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini, plus Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin.
With Gresini Aprilia thus far having provisionally named Lorenzo Savadori as a race rider and therefore Bradley Smith as a test rider, both can also participate given the former’s total premier class grand prix experience amounts to three rounds at the end of last year.
