It is, to say the least, a strange season that Pol Espargaró is currently experiencing. When reading the general ranking of the championship, his situation is not bad. He is seventh in the provisional general standings and first among the unofficial drivers. Three times in six possible occasions, he finished first in the satellite clan. And yet, he disappoints Yamaha who gives him lip service while he is carried at arm's length by Tech3 who would like to see him sign a new contract with his own hands. But Pol's eyes are on KTM.
Incidentally, if Aleix's younger brother did his homework for Mattighofen, Yamaha would have achieved the feat of making its ally Tech3 the supplier of KTM while it is presented as the training center for the three tuning forks. That said, the overall results of the former Moto2 World Champion are not enough to impress Lin Jarvis. Bradley Smith had a better run last year, and with a Yamaha that is still said to be close to the official duo, he is not as often at the front as that. It is even up to a Hector Barbera with a Ducati GP14.2 to steal the show. Finally, the last Italian Grand Prix did not turn out in his favor. And all the less since he put his neighbor back in the saddle Smith.
This weekend, Catalonia awaits. A home event and a Montmelo route that he appreciates. But who has not yet returned this love to him in MotoGP. Tenth on the starting grid then seventh under the checkered flag in 2014, then starting eleventh before retiring from the race. Smith, meanwhile, took a top 5… Nothing to brag about!
So what about 2016? The will to good: “ I'm delighted to arrive home and I want to put on a show for my fans who I consider very much. I know this route very well, which is anything but boring. He is very selective. Its long straight line should please the Ducati but the Yamaha will enjoy the turns. It will be close and I think I can lead the private rankings. The last Grand Prix didn't go in my favor, but I'm determined to turn things around ».
