This year’s MotoGP World Championship preparations hit fever-pitch this week as the best of the best hit the circuit at Sepang in Malaysia for three days of official on-track activity. CycleOnline.com.au breaks down some of the specifics from Monday-Wednesday.

Source: Supplied.

1. Baz’s blowout:
The spectacular crash of Frenchman Loris Baz on the front straight forced day two of testing to be stopped and Michelin to withdraw its soft tyre option while an investigation was carried out. At 290km/k it’s understood Baz’s Michelin control rubber failed, sending him down the track at great speed. Thankfully he was relatively unscathed and rode again later that day.

2. A ‘comeback’ for Casey:
Motorcycle fans worldwide were buzzing over the sight of Casey Stoner back at Ducati and he was supremely impressive. A fifth fastest lap time on day three saw him as fastest Desmosedici, despite spending over a year away from a grand prix machine. He was P9 overall, which we’re hoping will entice him to suit up for a race or two during the season.

3. Lorenzo’s pace:
It was clear reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo was the strongest on track during all three days. As the only rider inside the 1m59s bracket, he’s swiftly adapted to the Michelins and will be tough to beat if he maintains this type of form.

4. Ducati presence:
There were no less than 10 Ducatis that recorded lap times in Malaysia. In a bid to fast-forward development, the Italian manufacturer is going ‘all-in’ to regain the crown it won in 2007, featuring broad strength between its factory, test team and satellite entries.

5. Satellite form:
Take a look at the timesheets and yep, Jorge Lorenzo on top means all systems as normal. Next, Danilo Petrucci and Hector Barbera in positions two and three? Nobody would have predicted that, but the Ducati supports are seemingly very competitive early on in the pre-season. Petrucci was even quickest overall on day two using the soft tyre!

Source: Supplied.

6. Miller’s absence:
A broken leg put Jack Miller on the sidelines in the lead-up to this Sepang test, but he’s hoping to be fit for Phillip Island later this month. Will it affect him? To an extent, but these guys can quickly adapt and he won’t be lacking too much – if at all – come Qatar’s opener.

7. Contender question marks:
While Lorenzo dominated the timesheets, the likes of Movistar Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi or Repsol Honda duo Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa never really mounted a serious challenge. They’ll no doubt be on pace come time to race, but it was a commanding showing from the current champ.

8. 2015 bikes:
With so many regulation revisions implemented this year including the introduction of Michelin tyres and specification electronics, teams have their previous year bikes close by for direct comparisons as they iron out any kinks in the 2016 packages. This is always an interesting point to follow. As for Aprilia, its 2015 bikes weren’t yet ready, reverting to the RS-GP.

9. Michelin makes progress:
Confidence in the new Michelin front tyres was raised at Sepang, with less front-end crashes a result of further development. Bridgestone was known for its front tyre capabilities, so it’s a learning experience for the majority, but Michelin will quickly establish its strengths in the field.

10. Laverty injured:
It’s been a rough old pre-season for newly Ducati-mounted Eugene Laverty, who suffered an injured left hand on day one but avoided any fractures (apparently there were signs of breaks from 10 years ago though!). He was back on track come Wednesday, but almost four seconds off the pace.