Stefan Bradl completes Honda's first MotoGP laps of 2021
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Get MotoGP news in your inbox! By signing up to the newsletter you agree to receive emails from that may occasionally include promotional content Leave this field blank Stefan Bradl and Honda have completed the first MotoGP laps of 2021, at a wet Jerez.Despite the bad weather, the German test rider took to the Andalusian circuit on Wednesday and Thursday.Since it was a private test, scheduled alongside World Superbike teams, Honda declined to provide any information on Bradl’s work but images show several RCVs in all-black livery.With engine design modifications forbidden under the Covid technical freeze, HRC will be forced to focus its efforts on chassis, electronics and aerodynamics changes, plus peripheral engine parts such as the intake and exhaust.Bradl, who replaced injured world champion Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda for most of last season, with a best race finish of seventh place, will also ‘probably’ return to Jerez again next week (and hope for better weather).Related ArticlesaccImages.createImage(); Ducati Team confirms 2021 MotoGP online launch dateaccImages.createImage(); Marc VDS Racing withdraws from 2021 MotoE World CupSuch a comprehensive early testing effort suggests that, engine freeze or not, HRC has made significant changes as it seeks a return to winning ways in 2021.Bradl’s Jerez efforts should help compensate for the loss of the Sepang tests and lay the groundwork for the delayed start to Official MotoGP testing at Qatar in early March, when Marquez’s new Repsol Honda team-mate Pol Espargaro will make his debut.The race riders will have just five days to decide their technical package before the opening race (rookies and concession team Aprilia will have six days).Related ArticlesaccImages.createImage(); Fausto Gresini ‘still serious, overlapping infection’accImages.createImage(); Ducati extends MotoGP contract with Dorna until 2026It is still unclear when Marquez will be fit to return, but since Bradl is also likely to be present at the Qatar tests as part of the RCV development programme, the #6 would again be the obvious choice if a replacement is needed for the opening race weekend.Full-time MotoGP riders Johann Zarco and Maverick Vinales were also due to ride at Jerez this week, albeit doing some training on road bikes, but the bad weather prompted Vinales to cancel while Zarco only completed a handful of laps.
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