Stefan Bradl leads the first day of MotoGP tests in Jerez in 1’38 “968. Second time for Aleix Espargarò, 7 thousandths slower with the Aprilia RS-GP.
The first day of MotoGP tests in Jerez de la Frontera for Aprilia, KTM and Honda ended. After Ducati and some Superbikes last week, the Andalusian circuit hosted another private test today. There was Stefan Bradl on the RC213V, Dani Pedrosa on the RC16, Aleix Espargaro and Lorenzo Savadori with the 2020 and 2021 RS-GPs. Bradley Smith was absent, confirming that he packed his bags and left the Noale house.
An almost spring weather made it possible to use the whole day to test the new prototypes. The best time was scored by German test rider Stefan Bradl in 1’38 ″ 968, followed by Aleix Espargarò with the second bike at just seven thousandths. Dani Pedrosa and Lorenzo Savadori follow. All the riders continued to lap in the afternoon but only Dani Pedrosa and Lorenzo Savadori managed to improve their best lap times.
At Honda, the German test driver has already carried out more than one test this season at Jerez. Although the weather was not mild in the previous tests, Bradl continues his work on the development of the 2021 MotoGP bike, bringing the HRC evolutions to the track. In the KTM ranks it is Dani Pedrosa who carries on the evolution work of the RC16, even though Mika Kallio was present in the pits. The Austrian house has lost concessions this season, following three wins and five podiums achieved last year.
The only manufacturer to benefit from the concessions will be Aprilia. Aleix Espargarò’s second time bodes well for the potential of the RS-GP. “Back to work! First laps on the 2021 prototype, positive feeling but still a lot of work to do!”. On Tuesday there will be the second day of testing, before being able to land in Losail, where the shakedown will begin on March 5th.