Moto3: John McPhee settles in at Max Racing, Husqvarna

After three seasons on a Honda at SRT, John McPhee made his debut with Max Biaggi's racing team and Husqvarna machinery during a two-day test at Jerez.

While team-mate Ayumu Sasaki, already familiar with the Austrian machinery from two seasons at Tech3 KTM, began some development work for 2022, McPhee stuck with the 2021 spec as he focussed on adapting his riding style.

“I had a really enjoyable two days here in Jerez. It is been fantastic to get to know all of my crew and also my new bike. The first impression could not be better!" McPhee said.

"The Husqvarna bike is working really well and it didn't seem like it took me long to adapt. I have some ideas to think over the winter to keep improving. Overall, they have been two successful days, for which we can go into the winter break happy.”

Sasaki tried both the 2021 Husqvarna, as used by former Max Racing Team rider Romano Fenati, and the 2022-spec.

“First of all I am happy to start already the 2022 season and to have the chance to know each other," Sasaki said. "In the first day the track condition was not amazing, but in the second day have improved and we managed to understand the bike a lot, trying everything that we needed to.

"For this reason I am very satisfied with the second day of test. I solved many problems that I had this year during the races. Together with the team I worked very well, not only on the bike but also on myself.

"Thanks to these tests I know what I have to improve and consequently what I have to focus on during the winter break. Now I can finish my 2021 season with a smile on my face and looking forward to starting the upcoming one."

Team owner Max Biaggi added: “Our two riders took confidence both with the team and with the bike and I have to say that I am satisfied with the work done by Ayumu and John.

"With this [new] line-up we have two strong riders with a lot of experience, [we will] work hard, to have the chance to reach the leading positions with both of them.”

The next test for the Sterilgarda Max Racing Team will be back at Jerez in the middle of February, on the new 2022 Husqvarna.