The Pons HP40 team made its 2018 presentation with two new drivers with very different profiles: Héctor Barberá and Lorenzo Baldassarri.
Pons HP40 is one of the “top teams” in Moto2. Crowned world champion with Pol Espargaró in 2013, she never stopped fighting for the title with excellent riders like Esteve Rabat, Maverick Viñales and Álex Rins, all of whom have since moved up to MotoGP.
Unfortunately, 2017 was more complicated for the team, which therefore decided to get a facelift for 2018 by renewing its two drivers.
The team manager Sito Pons explained that he was very satisfied with his partner who, according to him, “combines experience with youth, the cocktail to win. »
It must be said that the team hired two men with completely different profiles and backgrounds, but who both have the blessing of Pons: “There is Barberá who returns to the intermediate category and who already knows our team. Together we were vice-champions of the 250cc world in 2009. He is surely at the best moment of his career, with the necessary maturity which allows him to fight for a world title and if we are consistent I am sure that we will repeat the successes of the pass. As for Baldassarri, he is young, fast, with talent and the desire to do well. His adaptation to the team is going very well and I am sure that he will also fight for the top places and bring us great moments. »
Former teammate of Loris Baz in MotoGP, Hector Barberá made the choice to come down to Moto2 in order to fight at the forefront again. A daring choice which nevertheless does not seem to make the Spaniard doubt: “I trained a lot this winter so I imagine myself regularly being in the top five in each race. I'm adapting well to the category, which is not easy, I like the bike and I get on very well with the team. I'm happy and sure we're going to have fun this year. »
However, the 31-year-old driver has the experience and wisdom not to get carried away: “I’m starting 2018 very motivated with a really ambitious sporting project. We know that the season is long and with a risky sport you never know how the year will end. » His objective nonetheless remains the same as many other pilots: “With the team our mentality and our objective are clear: we want to win. »
For its part, Lorenzo Baldassarri is ten years younger than his teammate, and therefore has all the enthusiasm and youth to find his place at his side. It has, just like its elder, a very specific goal: “I think it's going to be a good year, where we're going to be competitive and fight for the top spots. The objective is to give the maximum in each race and obtain the best possible result in each situation. »
The Italian also did not fail to thank those who have supported him for several years now in Grand Prix: “Thank you to the VR46 Academy for their work, support and help so that I can benefit from everything necessary to progress in training. I am very motivated and very happy to be in the Pons HP 40 team. I intend to take advantage of this opportunity as well as the confidence that has been given to me. »
