Why a difficult 2021 hasn't broken one Honda MotoGP ace's resolve

Pol Espargaro’s switch to Honda for 2021 was one of MotoGP’s biggest rider market shocks. But a difficult bike coupled with various external factors led to a difficult first campaign. As a critical 2022 campaign for both Espargaro and Honda looms, his 2021 experience hasn’t dented his long-held resolve

Lewis Duncan Jan 17, 2022, 3:43 PM

Upd: Jan 17, 2022, 4:03 PM

“I mean Honda has been up and down throughout history, but always it's been there. Maybe this first year is not going to be good, but second year for sure the bike is going to be there.”

Pol Espargaro doesn’t likely remember exactly what he told Autosport at the end of the 2020 season ahead of his big Honda switch, but judgement day on those comments is looming as preparations for MotoGP’s 2022 campaign get set to resume in high gear at the beginning of February.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.