The Catalan Grand Prix was another disappointing meeting for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto2 team. No points have yet been scored, like the last six meetings this year, and, worse, the injuries are starting to arrive. Stunned by a heavy fall, Öttl had to forfeit. So the boss Hervé Poncharal took a radical measure to stop this infernal spiral: He put everyone to rest!
KTM needs to run his machines Moto2 to find the thread lost since the arrival of the Triumph engine. The situation of the Austrian manufacturer in this category is dramatic in view of its legitimate ambitions. His bike is a failure and doing tests is essential to get his head back on track. This will be the case this Tuesday in Barcelona. Except that the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team will not be there. Among the French, there is even more serious matter to deal with: The moral and physical wounds of a season which is turning into a nightmare. So the boss Hervé Poncharal, noting that its drivers are in the red, has decided to put them in green by skipping the tests with the orange firm.
He explains : " another difficult weekend here in Catalonia for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto2 team. Unfortunately, after his crash on Friday, Philipp was still dizzy and decided, with all the support of the team, not to start the race because he wasn't feeling well and I think that would have been a not very dangerous.
“So Philipp had to watch the race from the garage. Therefore we only had Marco in the race, but he still struggled all weekend and was slow, plus a few crashes, which doesn't help to regain your confidence. Of course, the grip on the track was not ideal. Overall, it’s a difficult situation we’re all living in.”
Bezzecchi, Catalunya Moto2 race 2019
“We know Marco's level, but for many reasons we don't control and we don't always understand. At the moment he has no feel, no speed, no confidence and, as he has said a few times, when he pushes, he falls.”
“The only positive thing, if I can say so, is that he finished the race and I hope that will help him understand some things. At this time we have decided not to participate in the test scheduled for Tuesday, as I believe both of our drivers – more than anything – need to rest, reset and clear their minds and we hope to see them at Assen with a more positive feeling. We can start on a more competitive basis from there.”
“So I wish their team and the Moto2 team a little rest and more than anything I say to the riders: think of something different and try to understand that you are living a good life. You are young men doing what they love. Be positive and come back with a smile on your face and the desire to attack! ».
