© 2021, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a Repsol Honda press release:
Pol Espargaro, who is rarely available in the colors of the Repsol Honda team
The MotoGP World Championship 2021 is just around the corner. Pol Espargaro is looking forward to his first race on the RC213V after a strong test when Stefan Bradl is at his side.
On Sunday March 28th, the lights will go out at the Qatar Grand Prix and another exciting MotoGP World Championship season will begin. After a difficult 2020, the Repsol Honda Team starts the new season with rejuvenated determination and a desire to get back to the top. This is the first of two races on the 5.4 kilometer Losail International Circuit. The second round will take place the following week.
In limited pre-season testing, the newest addition to the Repsol Honda team, Pol Espargaro, has so far completed all of his races on the RC213V at the Qatar circuit. On a productive test, Espargaro and his side of the garage feel positive ahead of the first race but have no expectations for the weekend and want to focus on further deepening their understanding of the Honda. In the MotoGP class, Espargaro previously achieved two top ten finishes in Qatar.
While Marc Marquez continues to focus on recovering from his broken humerus, Stefan Bradl will once again mount the Repsol Honda Team RC213V for the inaugural race of the year. Bradl ended 2020 with a series of solid results and again showed his pace in testing in Qatar. The HRC test driver was able to consistently question the established sequence during the test. After the last race in Qatar in 2016, the Qatar tests were helpful for Bradl to relearn the Doha circuit.
The action begins on Friday, March 26th at 3:40 p.m. local time after the traditional pre-season photo shoot on Thursday.
Pol Espargaro
“The first race is finally here. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the Honda. We had a good test and I’m looking forward to the first race weekend. There are still a few things we have yet to learn and understand about the bike and it’s going to be an intense opening weekend, but I’m excited. Racing the Repsol Honda is something most people dream of and I can’t wait to do it. I don’t set myself any other goal for the race than the best we can. Let’s put on a good show for all of the fans at home. It’s time to race! “
Stefan Bradl
“First of all, I would like to thank HRC and wish Marc all the best for his further recovery. We had a good test and I have done well after a busy 2020 and a good start to 2021. Hopefully we can have another strong weekend and gather good information for Honda. It will be great to drive in Qatar again. It’s been a while since I’ve raced there, but the two tests kept me updated with the track so I don’t think that’s going to be a disadvantage for us. Let’s start the season. “