Repsol Honda Team look to Monday test after disastrous Sunday2022-06-09 12:57Zero points after promising starts for both Pol Espargaro and Stefan Bradl, a grueling weekend over as attention turns to the test. Unrelenting and oppressive conditions continued to hammer the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from early in the day. As the MotoGP World Championship lined up on the grid for the 24-lap race, it was clear it would be a race of survival. In front of his home fans, Pol Espargaro shot off the line as he worked to stay with the leading group and ran as high as fourth. But after these early laps Espargaro’s race would become a nightmare as he steadily dropped back through the field. Crossing the line in 17th, Espargaro suffered throughout the race from a lack of grip compared to the previous day, which is being investigated by Michelin and Honda. Stefan Bradl’s race came to a premature end after a strong start. The German fell at Turn 10 on the first lap after fighting his way into the points. Sustaining no major injuries, the HRC Test Rider is looking forward to a night of rest and recovery before Monday’s test. Both riders will be out on Monday to continue working on the evolution of the Honda RC213V. Pol Espargaro 17th “Today we had a lack of grip compared to the previous sessions unfortunately. It’s really disappointing because I made a great start and was up there with the leading group. Tomorrow we have an important test and I think it will be very busy for me. Let’s prepare properly for the second part of the season. I hope Taka is OK, it was a big crash right in front of me.” Pol Espargaro Stefan Bradl DNF "An unfortunate end to the weekend. I made a really good start and was riding well, making up positions. We were battling near the points when the rear started to slide at Turn 10 and I fell. It was quite a big impact, I am a bit sore but it is nothing major. It’s really a shame because we could have been fighting for points today. Now I get ready for the test on Monday." Stefan Bradl Gran Premi de Catalunya Race Results Pos. Rider Num Nation Points Team Time/Gap 1 Quartararo Fabio 20 FRA 25 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP 40'29.360 2 Martin Jorge 89 SPA 20 Pramac Racing 6.473 3 Zarco Johann 5 FRA 16 Pramac Racing 8.385 4 Mir Joan 36 SPA 13 Team Suzuki Ecstar 11.481 5 Espargaro Aleix 41 SPA 11 Aprilia Racing 14.395 6 Marini Luca 10 ITA 10 Mooney VR46 Racing Team 15.430 Source: Honda Racing Corporation Click here to visit our forums to discuss this story |
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