Espargaro Shows Promise in Honda Debut

HRC test rider matches factory Honda pace before post-race penalty, proving progress with new RC213V package.

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Aleix Espargaro completed his first competitive weekend as a Honda rider with a fighting performance at Jerez, ultimately classified 17th after a tire pressure penalty. The Spanish veteran made consistent progress throughout the event, matching factory Honda lap times by mid-race in Sunday’s Grand Prix.

The HRC test rider demonstrated his value to Honda’s development program, providing crucial technical feedback after finishing:

• 18th in Saturday’s Sprint (first race outing on RC213V)
• 14th at Sunday’s checkered flag (before penalty)
• Within 0.3s/lap of factory Honda riders by race end

“Today I am satisfied with what we have done. Honestly, I went to bed a little bit angry because I thought we left some things on track. But today everyone was able to make and step and improve, we just need a bit more time and we can be there closer with the other Honda riders,” noted Espargaro.

“I felt better with every lap in the race and at the middle of the race I was able to mirror the times of the other Honda riders. A solid weekend and importantly our comments align with the other riders, and we have more information for our work. A pleasure to wear these colours,” he added.

While the post-race penalty (for 1.8 psi under minimum front pressure) cost three positions, Espargaro’s pace in clean air matched teammate Johann Zarco’s mid-race stint. The test team now heads to Monday’s official test session armed with race-proven insights before Motogp heads to France. 

With three factory Hondas finishing ahead of Espargaro (Zarco 10th, Nakagami 11th, Mir DNF), the Japanese manufacturer showed signs of progress after their difficult start to 2025.