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.