Positives for the future – Repsol Honda Team conclude Jerez Test
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, Espargaro a fighting fourth.
The Repsol Honda Team continued to follow their testing regime on the second day in Jerez, Pol Espargaro leading the way with Takaaki Nakagami and Alex Marquez forging ahead with 2022 work. Understanding the direction to follow for 2022 remained the primary focus of the two-day test.
Espargaro’s day started confirming the final few items left on the current Honda machine before shifting his attention to future. Working through a number of chassis and engine options, Pol Espargaro also assessed several aero options for the RC213V. Despite heavy winds, findings on all fronts were positive. 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.
Although somewhat limited by his physical condition, Espargaro and Honda HRC were able to complete a number of important items. 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 Espargaro
“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 brought are continuing to help this. The bike is faster and safer, it feels easier to make the lap time.”
Jerez Test Day Two
| 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) |
