Pol Espargaro back on track with Repsol Honda Team at Jerez Test
After his heavy fall in Valencia, Espargaro was reunited with his Honda RC213V for the final test of calendar 2021.
Still in some discomfort, Pol Espargaro was nevertheless back on track as preparations for the 2022 MotoGP World Championship season begin in Jerez. Thursday after the last Grand Prix of the year was the first of two days at the Andalusian circuit before the winter testing ban begins. Espargaro’s running was concentrated over two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Today’s program focused on getting Espargaro comfortable and confident again after his crash in Valencia. Friday will see Espargaro focus more on future developments that Honda HRC have been preparing for the 2022 season.
Completing a total of 45 laps, the #44 worked through a number of testing items alongside Alex Marquez and Takaaki Nakagami. A best time of 1’38.165 put Espargaro 13th overall, but lap times were not an area of focus.
Takaaki Nakagami ended the opening day of the test as the leading Honda and the fastest rider of Thursday. Nakagami set a 1’37.313 as he assessed options for the 2022 Honda RC213V.
Pol Espargaro
“I feel pretty well used today, there’s some pain in my ribs and in my wrist and I was struggling to ride a little bit today because of it. But it is really important for the team, and also me, to make some laps with the new bike and get as much information as possible. Today was spent getting comfortable after our huge crash. Tomorrow we have another day of testing which will hopefully be a bit better. The plan for tomorrow is to work more for the future and based on what we have seen today, that looks promising. New parts and bikes are like lollipops for kids to us, a lot of motivation!”
Jerez Test Day 1
| Pos. | Rider | Num | Nation | Team | Constructor | Time/Gap |
|---|
Location Information
Built in 1986 and hosting its first Grand Prix one year later, the circuit of Jerez is now one of the most popular MotoGP venues and the focal point for a city fanatical about sport. Set in a slight valley in the south of Spain, Jerez is blessed with consistently… read more.
| Length | 4.423 kilometres / 2.748 miles |
| Width | 11 metres |
| Left corners | 5 |
| Right corners | 8 |
| Longest straight | 0.607 kilometres / 0.377 miles |
| Constructed | 1986 |
| Modified | 2002 |
| Resurfacing | Complete resurfacing before 2018 round |
Circuito de Jerez, Jerez, Spain - View in Google Maps
Records
| Pole Position | 1m 36.170s (165.5km/h) Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati, 2022) |
| Race Lap | 1m 37.216s (163.7km/h) Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati, 2023) |
| Race Time | 41m 00.554s (161.7km/h) Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati, 2022) |
| 2023 Race Winner | Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) |
| 2023 Sprint Winner | Brad Binder (KTM) |
