If last year, Bradley Smith had gained the upper hand over Pol Espargaro, it is quite different in this first third of the season.
Coinciding with the arrival of the Michelins or not, since they learned that they would no longer be part of the Monster Tech3 team in 2017, the two Yamaha riders seem to have opted for opposite attitudes; Bradley Smith acted as if he had given up and was patiently waiting to wear orange, while his teammate did everything to try to recover Jorge Lorenzo's bike.
Without success, but the #44 nevertheless continues its momentum and has just achieved the best performance of a satellite motorcycle during this Catalan Grand Prix, 5th, and this for the 4th time of the season.
Overall, the 2013 Moto world champion finds himself 6th in the championship, ahead of his brother's factory Suzuki and a whole host of Ducatis, official or not!
Espargaro Pol: “Although I am really happy with my performance today, I have to say that it was a tough weekend and the race was particularly demanding, but my main goal was to finish the race for Luis and I I gave 200% and did it.
When I was on the grid, I had a doubt about which rear tire to use. I had used the Medium all weekend while the majority of the grid had made another choice, with the exception of Bradley, Dani and I who used the Medium.
Now I think it was definitely the right choice, especially because we were able to be strong in the first few laps after a good start. Then I kept my distance from Cal and attacked until the checkered flag.
Looking back on this weekend, I must say that I believe that continuing the demonstration was the right choice. In our sport we show that we are one big family, and even though some of us didn't know Luis, we show him our respect with the three best drivers testifying by wearing the commemorative t-shirts, just as with the many pilots who wore Luis's number.
We had to make important decisions at the Security Commission to show the world that we care and are united, but he will always be in our thoughts and the best way to remember him is to continue to show him our attachment as a family.
We have a test coming up tomorrow, then it will be round 8, in the Netherlands. »
