Since his arrival in MotoGP, Hector Barbera has gradually built up a reputation as a follower. On a less efficient bike, the Valencian rider always knew how to be opportunistic and grab a “good wheel” to set a time, which was certainly interesting, but which was very rarely confirmed in the race.
Little by little, the #8 was labeled "best wheel sucker" and some teams even went so far as to provide a tricycle symbol to warn their drivers that they were sucking up the Barbera remora.
Yes, but there you have it, by dint of going quickly while following the others, the Avintia driver has visibly learned to go quickly at all. And today, he made a splendid demonstration of it by placing his old Ducati GP 14.2 right in the middle of all the factory motorcycles, and far in front of the official riders of the Bologna brand.
An isolated shot? Not sure, because the native of Dos Aguas was in the forefront all day, and without necessarily following anyone…
Hector Barbera: “The Spanish Grand Prix started very well, it couldn't have started better. This morning, second, this afternoon fourth... I always say that it is very complicated to arrive in the five because we are fighting against a lot of factory bikes, but today we made it in both sessions and for us, it is a reward for the work we do. I'm also happy because before we got here it seemed like we were going a little bit off course in the right direction, but we've confirmed that we're starting to be here again. It's the first Grand Prix in Spain and the first of the European tour, and thanks to that I believe that it made us arrive pumped up, and with unfailing motivation; and I think that showed today on the track. Tomorrow, the objective will be to stay in Q2 and immediately try to give everything to place ourselves in a good position, because in MotoGP, the start is very important. »
