Yesterday, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya transformed into an open-air laboratory for MotoGP test riders. In this mechanical ballet, Aleix Espargaró, now riding a Honda, stole the show by setting the fastest time. A new recruit in the testing role, the Spaniard impressed, and Honda progressed, reflecting Johann Zarco's victory at Le Mans.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted a private test session on Wednesday, exclusively for MotoGP manufacturers' test riders. To everyone's surprise, it was Aleix Espargaró, just retired from Grand Prix and now a development driver for Honda, who set the best time of the day. A performance which demonstrates both its intact competitiveness and the recent progress of the RC213V, already victorious with Johann zarco at Le Mans.
Among active pilots, only Jack Miller et Miguel Oliveira — both under contract with Yamaha via the team Pramac — were able to participate in the day thanks to the concessions granted to the Japanese brand. Miller finished 0,077 seconds behindI will espargaro, andOlive tree completed the top 3. Yamaha also had an anonymous test pilot, presumably Andrea Dovizioso ou Augusto Fernandez, whose time has not been officially recorded.
KTM and Ducati also involved in development in Barcelona
On the side of KTM, Dani Pedrosa et Pol Espargaro have joined forces to work on the development of the RC16The two experienced drivers rode together, confirming the Austrian brand's desire to accelerate its technical developments, even as Peter Acosta et Maverick Vinales showed solid potential at the last Grand Prix.
Michele Pirro represented Ducati, but did not seek to shine on the clock. The Italian devoted his day to comparative work between two versions of the GP25, with the aim of refining the technical choices for the official and satellite drivers. A shadow mission, but essential to maintain Ducati at the top.
MotoGP, Private tests in Barcelona D1: times
