At a recent Gseries event in Andorra, two-wheeled legend and 5-time Dakar Rally winner Marc Coma is excited as the season approaches.

“For me this year will be very interesting for everybody with all the moves and so many new riders in different teams." Said Coma

"It looks like Maverick Vinales is in good shape, and Jorge Lorenzo still has something to fix on the Ducati."

"But the season is long. I hope there are interesting races and it’s not decided until the last Grand Prix.”

KTM Factory Racing Bradley Smith completed a full workload during the first test of 2017 at Sepang International Circuit, with the Brit putting in 143 laps over the three days despite some time lost to the weather.

Taking over duties from KTM test rider Mika Kallio, who took part in a private test at the track just ahead of the first Official outing for race riders in 2017, Smith ended the sessions 1.970 seconds off the P1 time set by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales – with both KTM riders Smith and teammate Pol Espargaro unbelievably setting the same laptime.

With so much testing to get through and a change to the bike for every exit of pitlane, Smith is happy with the information gathered and the obvious progress made; ready for the next test at Phillip Island in two weeks time.

“I think during these three days we did what we had to do." Said Smith "When I felt comfortable we went faster and we didn’t rush anything. We worked through our program step-by-step and we tried not to make any mistakes."

"That’s important at this point in time because development is crucial. Let’s say we tried 12 new things and 11 were positive and that’s nice for it to happen here in Sepang."

"I think we certainly have a clear indication. The team has worked fantastically." He added "Everybody has made really good progress during these three days, on tyres, suspension, electronics and chassis."

I think everyone can be proud. For us to be just 1.9 seconds from the front at Sepang, one of the longest racetracks on the calendar, and for our first test for 2017, I think it’s a great place to start.”

Carlos Checa had a long and successful career on two wheels, taking two victories and more than 20 podiums in the premier class before moving to the World Superbike Championship and winning the title in 2011 – with Ducati.

At a recent GSeries event in Andorra, the Spaniard gives a few thoughts on the new Spanish arrival at Borgo Panigale – Jorge Lorenzo.

Former MotoGP and Ducati rider says that Lorenzo will fit in at Borgo Panigale

“I think with a rider like Lorenzo and a team like Ducati – a very professional and clever team – I think he’ll be ready for Race 1." Said Checa

"I think if he calls me it will be to get a coffee or go cycling or skiing! He’s very clever and he knows very well where he wants to go."

Given an impressive tally of 44 wins so far in MotoGP for the Mallorcan – including in only his third ever premier class race in 2008 – as well as three MotoGP World Championships, Checa believes Lorenzo will soon get down to business with the Ducati Team.

“For sure in the team he will find good support – enough support – to find his way and get victories." He added.

"I believe that this year he will win races. It’s difficult to talk about the Championship – but I believe he will be very competitive.”

Marc VDS rider Tito Rabat suffered a tough crash in the first test of 2017 at Sepang International Circuit, with the Spaniard falling at Turn 11 and suffering multiple injuries in the incident.

“Tito crashed during the Malaysia test. After the being transferred to Kuala Lumpur for a check," Said Dr Xavier Mir, at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona.

"it was deemed safe for him to return here for surgery if he chose to do so, which he did. After a check up, he was found to have five fractures. He has two broken wrists, has broken fifth metacarpals in both hands, and a fracture in his foot. As well as that, he has lost skin and soft tissue from his knee, which is the injury that concerns us more. An MRI scan revealed that the injury to his knee is only to the skin and tissue below the skin."

"Yesterday we repaired the fracture to his right hand, plated and put screws in the radius fracture and the fifth metacarpal, and cleaned the wound on his knee – which permitted us to close it; something we had been worried would prove difficult."

The worry for the 2014 Moto2 World Champion moving forward is infection – with recuperation time as yet an unknown.

Dr Mir added: “What worries us more, and the reason why he will be kept admitted, is that the injury to his knee was very dirty – with some remains of asphalt and leather in the wound – and it could become infected. So he will remain under observation for four days and we shall see."

"We will try to cut his recovery time short as much as possible, but first he has to get through the first four days and check he has no fever – so we can rule out infection. After that, we’ll start the recovery process proper to get him back to full health as soon as possible – when that will be, I don’t know."

Rabat’s return to the department to which MotoGP traumatology director Mir belongs – at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona – is understandable; having been voted the best in Spain according to the Index of Hospital Excellence. The EG0,0 Marc VDS rider will remain under observation and have another check up in 48 hours, with a clearer picture of recovery time then expected.