Starting a new adventure with a manufacturer in an environment where competition has become particularly fierce means exposing yourself to having to deal with the problems and paying the price before finding your feet and your rank. Hervé Poncharal is therefore not mortified by the performance of his troops in Moto2, even if not having won anything in three Grands Prix tickles him somewhat. But it is not now or on this basis that the first progress report will be made.
The season is not easy at the moment for the men of Tech3 in Moto2. Added to their difficulties in becoming familiar with their new equipment is a small form of the latter which affects all those who are equipped with it. Including the flagship team, Ajo. The fact remains that in Austin, a ray of light was seen during qualifying marked by the 12e time to Marco Bezzecchi. The rest was less exciting, certainly, the first thrill was validated.
On the waves of speedweek the tricolor boss explains: “ we have two rookies in Moto2, Philipp and Marco Bezzecchi. And we have a brand new machine, a KTM with WP suspension, new engines, new electronics. We have very little experience of this package and the two drivers. We are in the middle of a learning phase ».
« Of course, we were all hoping to be closer to the summit. But I still trust Marco. We hired him for two years. Marco is very honest, very decent. He keeps saying: “Don't talk about the bike, or the team, talk about me. I’m not driving like I should.” He works, he has many colleagues from the VR46 Academy in Moto2. Baldassarri, Marini, Bulega, they always train together. I am convinced that he will improve. He has already progressed a lot from Qatar to Argentina. In Texas, he already occupied the twelfth starting position. We mustn't forget how incredibly tight everything is in Moto2 ».
« Baldassarri is leader of the world championship. He is in his sixth Moto2 season. Schrötter, Lüthi, Álex Márquez, Xavi Virgo, how many years have they been there? All between five and ten years old! » recalls Hervé. “ I have total confidence. The bike has a lot more potential than our results show. So far our bike has not been pushed to the limit by our riders. We will continue our efforts ».
« We have a good atmosphere in the box. Of course, we are disappointed at the moment. But I tell my drivers and the guys every day: “We are behind you. We know we need time. We are determined to improve from race to race. Pit Beirer knows it well: we chose the riders together, between Tech3 and KTM ».
He finishes : " that's why I don't say a negative word after three races. I have confidence in Marco and Philipp Öttl. See you in June in Mugello or Barcelona. I think we will be in a better situation ».
