Pol’s time to shine
■ Paired with the perfect bike for his aggressive style, he’s a race winner waiting to happen...
Espargaro gets MotoGP’s golden ticket with a deal to race for the most successful manufacturer in Grand Prix history
HRC have long struggled to find a solid, competitive teammate to Marc Marquez. Dani Pedrosa’s threat lessened in the final years of his career, Jorge Lorenzo failed to adapt and consequently retired, whilst Alex Marquez was a rookie who actually over-achieved in his brother’s absence.
Enter Pol Espargaro. Even before he debuted on the Honda at the Qatar tests the hype surrounding his move was high. It’s easy to see why. Espargaro’s work led KTM from MotoGP newcomers to race winners, podium finishers and pole position challengers. His riding style was made for the unstable beast that is the RC213V, while he’d shown previously that he isn’t afraid to go head-to-head with MM93.
The expectations became reality at those pre-season tests, as Espargaro quickly adjusted to the Honda. The Spaniard improved significantly each day, both on the time attack and on race runs. He was quicker than the LCR Honda duo of Takaaki Nakagami and Alex Marquez, as well as Repsol’s test rider – and replacement to Marc Marquez last season – Stefan Bradl. The 29-year-old was seen with a huge smile on his face every time he took his helmet off, gradually overcoming the stress of trying to find the limit with the RC213V. “If someone came to me before the test and told us how we would finish, with the feelings we have to start the season after just four days of testing, I would sign up for it super-fast,” Espargaro told MCN at the test’s conclusion. “Honda, Ramon my chief mechanic, all the guys, they all felt the same, happy and surprised at how the adaptation went. So, I’m feeling great, but saying that, I still have plenty to learn. Four days was not enough.” Acknowledging that he still has plenty to do shows another positive characteristic for HRC and for Pol himself, he’s not going to get carried away and rush things. However, it’s clear to see that sooner, rather than later, Espargaro will be fighting for podiums and victories at Honda. “I think this bike is the one that fits my style the most. I’m enjoying it; the timing is coming, and the rhythm is as well. I cannot say I’m ready to fight for something great in the first race, but I’m close to it!”
‘I’m feeling great but have plenty to learn’