MotoGP Testing: Who Is Testing Where And When

MotoGP's long winter break is drawing to a close, and the testing season is about to kick off once again. For the last couple of years that's been very easy to follow, as everyone headed to the official MotoGP tests organized by IRTA. With the introduction of the Claiming Rule Teams, however, MotoGP's testing schedule has become a lot more complex, as some of the CRT teams will be joining the test in Sepang, while others will be remaining in Europe.

Below is the schedule as we know it so far. Everyone on a factory prototype (that is, all of the factory and satellite teams) will be heading to the two Sepang tests (Jan 31st - Feb 2nd, and Feb 28th-March 1st), with Colin Edwards on the NGM Forward Suter BMW and the BQR CRT team consisting of Ivan Silva and test rider Robertino Pietri aboard the FTR Kawasakis at the first Sepang test at least. The Aprilia-powered CRT bikes will be firing up their engines in Europe, starting at Valencia on January 30th. PBM's James Ellison will join the Aspar bikes at Jerez on February 20th, while a fuller compliment of CRT bikes is expected at Aragon on March 8th. Testing then culminates at Jerez in late March, as everyone gathers for the final CRT test.

With the relaxation of testing restrictions, however, there could be more testing still. Both the CRT teams and factory teams are likely to organize private test sessions to get more miles on the bikes. Ducati especially are expected to have a full test schedule ahead of them, after the complete redesign of the 2012 Desmosedici GP12 which was undertaken during the winter. Those dates will be reported on as and when they become known.

Here is the testing schedule as we know it 

Circuit/Date	Participants
Valencia, January 30th-31st	Aspar Aprilia CRT: Randy de Puniet, Aleix Espargaro Speed Master CRT: Mattia Pasini
Sepang I, January 31st , February 1st & 2nd	Factories: Repsol Honda, Yamaha Factory, Ducati Marlboro Satellites: Gresini Honda, LCR Honda, Cardion AB Ducati, Pramac Ducati, Monster Tech 3 Yamaha CRTs: NGM Forward (Colin Edwards), BQR (Ivan Silva, Robertino Pietri)
Jerez CRT, February 20th - 22nd	Aspar Aprilia CRT: Randy de Puniet, Aleix Espargaro Speed Master CRT: Mattia Pasini Paul Bird Racing CRT: James Ellison
Sepang II, February 28th & 29th, March 1st	Factories: Repsol Honda, Yamaha Factory, Ducati Marlboro Satellites: Gresini Honda, LCR Honda, Cardion AB Ducati, Pramac Ducati, Monster Tech 3 Yamaha BQR and NGM Forward uncertain
Aragon, March 8th-9th	Aspar Aprilia CRT: Randy de Puniet, Aleix Espargaro Speed Master CRT: Mattia Pasini Paul Bird Racing CRT: James Ellison BQR and NGM Forward uncertain Gresini Honda CRT: Michele Pirro, though not yet confirmed
Jerez Full March 23rd, 24th & 25th	All teams likely to attend.