Honda, Aprilia and KTM testing in Jerez

Honda, Aprilia and KTM, three of the five manufacturers involved in MotoGP, will be present this weekend at the Jerez – Ángel Nieto Circuit for three days of private testing in order to best prepare for the start of the season on March 24 in Portimao. The three brands will be on track from Friday to Sunday with the stated objective of closing the gap on the impressive Ducatis during Sepang pre-season testing.

Stefan Bradl on deck for Honda © MotoGP

With the reduction in official testing this season, these private days are proving to be of vital importance for the development of the machines. These tests can only be carried out by development drivers, not entered for the season, and on three Grand Prix circuits designated in advance by the manufacturers. There is no limit on the number of days of driving, however the number of tires available to brands has been reduced this season by Michelin from 240 to 200 for the year.

Here are the three circuits chosen by the manufacturers:

• Ducati: Jerez, Misano, Mugello
• Yamaha: Jerez, Mugello, Motegi
• Aprilia: Jerez, Misano, Valencia
• KTM: Jerez, Misano, Valencia
• Honda: Jerez, Misano, Motegi

Teams are still authorized to carry out tests on circuits which are not on the 2023 MotoGP calendar but the tire allocation remains applicable.

This weekend in Jerez, Honda rider Stefan Bradl will ride the RC213V while at Aprilia, Lorenzo Savadori will be on track with the RS-GP 2023. He should on this occasion experiment with a new engine.

Aprilia impresses © MotoGP

Among the oranges of KTM, the indestructible Dani Pedrosa will have to validate the new engine, the aerodynamic package and many other things during these three days of intensive testing. The Spanish driver will also be able to use this time on track to prepare for his participation in wild card at the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of April.

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