At the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, Aleix Espargaró, HRC test rider after a career with Aprilia, competed in his first wild-card race on the Honda RC213V, finishing 18th in the Sprint, just ahead of Somkiat Chantra and Lorenzo Savadori. A far cry from his past exploits, the Catalan, stuck in a group with the Yamahas of Alex Rins and Augusto Fernandez, provided valuable feedback, targeting the Honda's major problem: chattering.
Back on track this weekend at Jerez for his first wild card with Honda, Aleix Espargaro rediscovered the adrenaline of racing, but also the limits of an RC213V still under construction. Lined up to collect as much data as possible as part of the development of the Japanese motorcycle, the former rider Aprilia finished 18th, just ahead Somkiat Chantra et Lorenzo Savadori.
Despite this discreet result, Aleix remains positive: It was a good test to better understand the bike. » Stuck in a peloton with the Yamaha byAugusto Fernandez andAlex Rins, he explained : " I was stuck in a group and I couldn't get pastThe vibrations produced by the motorcycle are very significant. »
According to the Catalan, this problem is not related to the engine torque: " It is not the power output that is the cause, because it happens when entering corners. My opinion is that it comes from the inertia of the engineBut to confirm this, very different tests will have to be carried out. »
Aleix also praised the effort of Joan mir, first official pilot Honda, despite a less than spectacular result: " even though Mir's race was not exceptional today, he had a great race, because the loss per round is huge simply because of chattering »
Aleix Espargaró: “ We need to understand where this problem comes from, and quickly. »
He was keen to point out that *the basis of the RC213V is sound: " in all other respects the bike runs well. It runs and stops well. The engine needs improvement, but it's acceptable. However, the chattering is extremely limiting. »
As a test pilot, Aleix Espargaró knows that his role is crucial: " we, as a test team, can carry out more extreme tests than the official teamI spoke to Romano (Albesiano) about several ideas. We need to understand where this problem comes from, and quickly.. » He also confirmed that Takaaki Nakagami to participate in Monday's practice to continue moving in this direction.
Finally, Aleix insisted on the importance of morale: “ It is essential for Honda to continue to progress, even in small steps, to keep Joan's confidence and motivationOtherwise, we fall back into a negative spiral. »
To Aleix Espargaró, no doubt: " For me, after Ducati, Honda has the best bike on the grid. But as long as this chattering is not resolved, it will remain limited in its potential. »
Starting grid of the Spanish Grand Prix MotoGP in Jerez:
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MotoGP, Spain Sprint: ranking
