It was in the Sito Pons team and on a 250 Aprilia that Hector won the very last Grand Prix in the history of the 8 category on November 2009, 250 at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. He finished second in this final quarter-liter championship. Eight years later, here are the two Spaniards reunited again, this time in search of the Moto2 world title.
For Barbera, the 2017 season was not extraordinary, with his worst final result since his world debut in 2002. Only Catalonia succeeded him this year, with sixth place in qualifying and ninth in the race. It was his only presence in the top 10.
So, forced and forced, he changed his mind and discovered the Moto2 category, which no longer had anything to do with the 250 he knew. During recent Valencia tests, Hector pleasantly surprised by obtaining the fourth time for his debut in 600, facing experienced pilots like Francis Bagnaia, Miguel Oliveira et Alex Marquez. Barbera was only 0.4 off the best time.
According to Hector, “ I come to a team that has a lot of experience in the Moto2 category and I think we can do very well. They can give me the peace of mind I need on the track by thinking about giving my best in each race in order to achieve good results. »
The team he joins must also regain its former brilliance. For the team boss, Sito Pons, “ The year that is ending has not been positive, since we have not achieved the expected results. We haven't had the necessary luck when the drivers are young and have to work step by step to gain confidence. With the falls we suffered, we were not able to consolidate a base that would have allowed us to achieve the expected results. »
Hector Barbera is highly motivated: “ The goal for next season is to fight to be World Champion and I think we have the tools to get there. I want to be World Champion. I will not end my career in Moto2. »
For Sito Pons, “ Héctor Barberá comes from MotoGP with one goal, which is none other than to win. Together, we have already been second in the World Championship and our goal is clear: to fight for victories, podiums and the World Championship. The challenge for a team like ours is always to fight to try to win the World Championship, that's our goal. Obviously, it is very difficult to achieve, but the important thing is to work and fight to get there. »
Photo © Pons Racing Team
Source: marca.com
