Honda HRC Castrol target comeback after precarious Assen weekend

A hard-charging Joan Mir found himself devoid of luck again, unable to avoid the fallen bike of another rider. Aleix Espargaro completed the Dutch GP and leaves with valuable insight for the Test Team.

The weekend in the Netherlands continued to be a one of promise masked by complications and external factors for the Honda HRC Castrol team. Joan Mir was able to make another strong start from 13th on the grid, able to join the battle for the top ten by just the third lap. Lapping at a similar pace to the race leaders, the #36 closed down the gap to Quartararo and the group ahead. Unfortunately, a high side from Fermin Aldeguer just ahead would result in Mir being unable to avoid Aldegeur’s stricken Ducati, ending Mir’s race with a heavy fall. The 2020 World Champion will return home for further checks after being cleared of any major injuries at the circuit medical centre.

Aleix Espargaro’s 26-lap Dutch Grand Prix followed a similar schedule to his Dutch GP Sprint. Starting well, the Honda HRC Test Rider found himself quickly in the point scoring positions and worked to defend himself from several other riders. As in the Sprint, the #41 had to shift his attentions to riding around the vibrations from his machine and crossed the line in 16th place as a result, just shy of the points. Although the final results were not as he wished, more seat time will only benefit him and Honda HRC in the future.

After an intense pair of races, Honda HRC Castrol will now have a brief period of rest before another set of back-to-back races in Germany and at the returning Brno Circuit. Both Grands Prix will be key for Honda HRC to find their early season form and continue progressing.

Brno will host a test ahead of the German GP where Luca Marini will assess his physical condition after his heavy fall in Suzuka.