Seventh meeting of the 2016 MotoGP calendar and new press conference. Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Aleix Espargaro, Pol Espargaro and Andrea Iannone were invited to this event at the Circuit de Barcelona.
Before going into detail about everyone's remarks, this press conference was marked by two official announcements: Pol Espargaro will join the KTM team in MotoGP, “It is with pleasure that I announce that I have signed with KTM for two seasons,” he declares. “This is an exciting new opportunity for me. I would like to thank Ducati and Avintia who showed great interest in me. First, I have to finish the season in good conditions, compete in the Suzuka 8H again and then think about this new challenge. »
After the announcement of the end of the partnership between him and Yamaha this morning, we only had to wait a few hours before learning (officially) that Pol Espargaro's future will pass through KTM, even if Hervé Poncharal does not did not fail to announce it indirectly during a press conference he held this afternoon.
More Hervé Poncharal above all expressed his concern about the future of independent teams during a press conference held independently in his hospitality; “All young riders want factory motorcycles,” He explains. “How to attract them? Today, there are only two profiles available: Johann Zarco and Alex Rins. » Concerning Alex Rins, Poncharal declares, “The wind is moving more towards Suzuki for Rins, but we are talking with him. I am 'shocked' by the words of Alex's father who thinks it is better to do one more season in Moto2 rather than join a satellite team. It’s a vicious circle for us, for the team and our sponsors…”
On the Honda side, Marc Marquez announced to stay two more seasons,
“I am very happy to announce this renewal with HRC, especially because it coincides with the Catalunya Grand Prix, my home GP, where I have really good memories,” explains Marquez. “My heart is with Honda and it has always been the best option for me. »
Regarding the details of his contract, Marquez explains,
“The technical aspect of the contract is the most important. Also money and team was another point we discussed. If we want to have any chance of winning the championship, we need what happens outside the box to be calm. »
To Alex Espargaro, the future is still uncertain, “The weekend at Mugello was difficult for me,” says the Spaniard. “I thought I mattered a little more to them and I realized that wasn’t the case. Now I'm looking at the other opportunities that present themselves to me for 2017. Suzuki's decision is not up to me. I'm more disappointed than angry. » The current Suzuki rider, on pole here last season, specifies that he is in discussions with Aprilia in MotoGP, but also in WorldSBK, “Aprilia is a possibility. We started talking at Mugello and we also have two good options in WorldSBK. I will go where I feel that I am very important and that they want to work with me. It is the most important. »
Before the opening of this Catalan Grand Prix, it is Jorge Lorenzo who leads the provisional classification ahead of Marc Marquez, “Leading the Championship by 10 points is not a huge gap,” confides the reigning MotoGP Champion. “Before competing in this Grand Prix at home, we have a good feeling, especially after our two victories. It's an exciting track, I've been fast there in the past and won there several times. The championship is close and very competitive this season, and many drivers are in great shape at the moment. » However, Lorenzo believes that after these six Grands Prix, only three drivers are above the rest, “We will have to be careful, there are twelve races left and others may join the fight. »
Valentino Rossi occupies third place in the provisional classification after being forced to retire at Mugello due to engine failure, “In motorsport, when an engine breaks, it’s always the story of a part that costs nothing. The breaker is not as precise as last year,” Rossi explains. " It's a shame. I think and hope that this will not happen in the future. I'm delighted because we were competitive all weekend. The grip in Barcelona is quite low, but it is still an excellent track. I hope to be fast on Sunday. »
For its part, Marquez missed the wire-to-the-wire victory at Mugello, “I felt ready to attack for the victory. I'm not happy with this second place, but I'm happy to have been close to Jorge. The tests in Montmelo on Monday are always important. What you're testing here are things you'll use for the rest of the season. »
To Andrea Iannone, the priority will be to concentrate on his season “I love Barcelona and I have won here in 125cc and Moto2. My priority remains to finish the season for my team and the bike. We have the opportunity to fight at the forefront. »
