McPhee kicks off 2022 with Portimao Moto3 test

John McPhee begins his 2022 campaign with Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max Racing at Portimao this weekend.

McPhee got his first taste of the 22-spec Husqvarna FR 250 GP thanks to two days of private testing at Jerez Circuit - Angel Nieto earlier this month. Recording a fastest lap of 1’47.200, he completed the session narrowly ahead of teammate Ayumu Sasaki with the pair set for a further three days on track for the official Moto3 test this weekend. The team will also showcase its 2022 livery at the Portuguese outing.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back on my Husqvarna in Portimao,” McPhee said of his factory machine. “The circuit is very unique and it has a bit of everything so will be a great place to test at. This will be our last days on the bike before heading to Qatar so our target will be to leave this test as happy as possible with our overall setup.”

“The Portimao tests mark the official start of the 2022 Championship,” Team owner Max Biaggi confirmed. “We are once again the Husqvarna Motorcycles Factory Team and this requires us to strive for great results from the very first races. This year we have a team with two very strong riders and I expect that they can express themselves at high levels since these tests.”