Dani Pedrosa set the pace last time out at Sepang testing.

On Tuesday MotoGP will again descend on Sepang for the third of four pre-season tests ahead of the 2013 campaign.

A fortnight ago, the first assembly in Malaysia was source of much excitement. Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Cal Crutchlow believes that as many as eight riders could find themselves in a race-winning position this year.

Crutchlow is joined for the first time by English compatriot and MotoGP rookie Bradley Smith this year.

Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa topped all three days of the previous test, maintaining the ultra-strong form he displayed across the second half of 2012.

However he could be forgiven for looking over his shoulder, as Moto2 champion Marc Márquez now aims for a top three test finish following an impressive first outing at Sepang.

Reigning title holder Jorge Lorenzo remains very much in touch, as returning Yamaha Factory Racing teammate Valentino Rossi now strives to match the former’s race pace.

In the expected midfield group, Go&Fun Honda Gresini’s Álvaro Bautista will trial a new front fork as he remains with Showa suspension.

At Ducati Team, their ‘evolution, not revolution’ concept continues.

Further back but closer than ever, the CRT bikes continue to home in on front-runners as many resume their adaptation to the new Magnetti Marelli ECU. Last time out, reigning class champion Aleix Espargaró was just over two and half seconds off the top.

Australian Bryan Staring will continue his rookie MotoGP campaign, Sepang marking his second test aboard the Gresini-built Honda CRT entry.