The 2021 MotoGP World Championship season officially comes to an end as the winter testing ban comes into place after two busy days in Jerez, Espargaró a fighting fourth.
The Repsol Honda Team continued to follow their testing regime on the second day in Jerez, Pol Espargaró leading the way ahead with 2022 work. Understanding the direction to follow for 2022 remains the primary focus of the two-day test.
Working through a number of chassis and engine options, Pol Espargaró also assessed several aero options for the RC213V. Espargaró’s day started confirming the final few items left on the current Honda machine before shifting his attention to future. Over the course of 46 laps, the #44 set a best time of 1’37.496 to end the day in fourth. His best lap time came on his final lap on track.
Honda HRC leave Jerez pleased with the work carried out and now prepare for a busy winter before the 2022 MotoGP World Championship resumes in Sepang on February 5 for the first test of the new year.
POL ESPARGARÓ 4th – 1’37.496
“Today is why we were here, even if physically I am suffering a bit, to try what could be the new bike. We have a long pre-season ahead, there are many different options to choose for next year and we are going to need many laps still but this first stage feels good. We are fast even in the heavy wind today and it’s good to try things in these conditions. We have made good steps, but we can’t slow down and need to keep on working. We have been working a lot to get more grip, especially on the rear, and the new options Honda have brough are continuing to help this. The bike is faster and safer, it feels easier to make the lap time.”
