More than a week after the official MotoGP test, the development team around the Honda RC213V continues its work in Jerez. Newcomer Aleix Espargaro and regular driver Luca Marini are testing with three models.
Honda was also part of the official MotoGP test on Tuesday after the end of the season in Barcelona. In addition to factory drivers Luca Marini and Joan Mir, two LCR drivers with veteran Johann Zarco and Somkiat Chantra, hopeful Aleix Espargaro also sat on the Honda RC213V for the first time as a new tester.
The one-day test caused dissatisfaction, especially among the factory pilots, previously under the Repsol flag, despite the good conditions. Marini and Mir were sad because Honda felt it was not necessary to strengthen the test with more creativity. Neither the long-announced new model, which should combine all the good features of the test and the results of the last few months, nor any updates were put on the ten racing machines.
It is obvious that Honda is focusing more development work away from the public. But that is only partially successful. So the MotoGP Hondas were easy prey for the photographers who circled the Jerez track during the official test of the Superbike and Supersport pilots. Aleix Espargaro and Luca Marini joined the group of drivers on near-production machines. Both are still testing the HRC development team’s RC213V as of this evening.
With average lap times of 1:38, the timesheet was also added to the MotoGP Honda. However, the speed is not exciting. In comparison, during the first class qualifying last April, a minimum time of 1:36 was needed to make it into Q2.
Unsurprisingly, Honda is not releasing any information about the test. Since a total of three motorcycles are in use, it can be assumed that at least one new variant of the RC213V will be tested alongside the last reference bike.
A modified arch upgrade can also be seen in the photo. Most of the aerodynamics used correspond to elements that were recently used in racing and were found to be good by Johann Zarco.
Honda, which is still in the last place of the four concession D and therefore without test restrictions, is planning another test before the end of the year, probably again in Sepang, to work hard with the 2025 version. Day test two at Jerez is likely to be heralded as the first performance test for Honda’s future MotoGP.
