WHY POL CAN TAKE NEXT STEP
KTM head into 2020 full of confidence but will it be enough for them to make the step up that they so desperately crave?
● ‘2020 may be the pay-off for three years perseverence’
The man at the forefront of the entire KTM MotoGP project is Pol Espargaro. Year by year the RC16 has been improving, with Espargaro scoring a bestyet 100 points and bagging 10th in the final standings. He also put the bike on the front row at Misano and scored seven top-10 finishes with a best result of sixth.
As every winter, KTM’s development has been relentless and has this year seen them experiment with no less than four different frames in a bid to not only push towards the top five, but also ensure they’re not caught by the rapidlyimproving Aprilia.
A key factor in their continuing improvement has been KTM’s inspired decision to secure the unquestionable talents of Dani Pedrosa as test rider. His knowledge has been invaluable for Espargaro, and the pair can take a lot of the plaudits for KTM’s progress. Just days away from the opening round of the season the signs are positive, with Espargaro praising the bike throughout testing and expressing surprise at the rate of progress made. At Sepang in particular he was happy with the chassis improvements citing improved stability on corner exit. The 28-year-old ended the test seventh overall, only ★0.261 off the pace. The belief heading into the season is that 2020 may be the pay-off for Espargaro’s three years of perseverance. He joined the Austrian firm’s new project from Yamaha and has retained a positive attitude throughout. In Espargaro, KTM have one of the most underrated riders on the grid and, given his aggressive riding style, could become a target for other manufacturers including Ducati and Honda for 2021. His aim, especially when the paddock heads to Jerez for the first European round, will be to challenge the top six. He’s already admitted that the first three races may not show the full potential of the bike. Success for both will be to make it onto the podium and be in the top 10 in the final standings. Both of which are possible, despite the strength of the competition.