What we learned from MotoGP’s first Qatar test

Mar 08, 2021, 06:29 PM

The 2021 MotoGP season is drawing closer, with the first of two pre-season tests in Qatar taking place last weekend.

New factory Yamaha signing Fabio Quartararo topped the test outright as he got work evaluating the M1’s new chassis, though wasn’t totally sold on it just yet.

Ducati debuted a new aero concept, with Jack Miller going second fastest overall, while Aprilia made encouraging steps forward with its all-new RS-GP after Aleix Espargaro ended the test third quickest.

KTM remained under the radar as none of its race riders tested its new engine, while Suzuki even cast its eye towards 2022 with the debut of a prototype engine for next season.

And at Honda, Pol Espargaro got to grips with his new machine - though found it “stressful” not knowing the limits of the bike just yet.

In the latest Tank Slappers podcast, Autosport’s Lewis Duncan and Motorsport.com’s Oriol Puigdemont discuss what we learned from the first pre-season test of 2021.