Efren Vazquez presents the originality of having started the Grands Prix directly in 250cc, during the 2007 season at Donington.
Then, for 8 years, he fought in 125cc and Moto3 before competing in 2 Moto2 Grands Prix in 2016 and then ending his career.
Today, he is KTM's official test rider in Moto3, and it is this long journey in the entry category of the World Cup that allows him to know all the current riders well, including those officiating in MotoGP.
This is why the site Motosan.es asked the Basque rider, not only about his current job, but also about those who are currently in the premier category, starting with the KTM factory riders who are Espargaro Pol et Johann zarco, two former teammates.
Efren Vazquez :
“Zarco is an extremely special person, and I say that on a personal level. But above all he is a born worker. And the only doubt I have with him is that after the breakup with his lifelong manager, who is the person who practically raised him, we have to see if his head still works the same way and if the people he will work with now give him enough peace of mind to give 100%. He is very talented and hardworking.
As for Pol, he has a beastly talent for riding a motorcycle. Technically speaking, of course, it's not the best, but it takes the bike by the horns. We often see that he is the one who steers the bike how and when he wants, wherever he wants. He’s a beast on the bike and I can’t wait for KTM to take further steps in MotoGP.”
And when asked if this progression will happen, the KTM official does not doubt it for a second…
" Of course. If there's one brand that can make it to the top, it's KTM. First, because of the economic resources at its disposal. Then, by having the support of another brand like Red Bull. In addition, KTM is a company that does things very well and hires very professional people.”
Working on a daily basis with the Austrian firm, the man is able to judge. His current job, although far from competition, brings him little frustration...
“The truth is that it’s very good. In 2016, I collaborated with them enough in the second half to help get the title of Brad Binder, and already at the end of 2017 we had a meeting where we talked about the future current project. I am very satisfied and I hope that the 2019 bike pleases the riders as much as I do.
On the one hand, I miss racing, yes, because I'm a person who has raced a motorcycle all my life, but on the other hand, being a test rider, being able to to ride fast and come home with the certainty of knowing that I could be competing with the best Moto3 riders in the world, that makes me feel good.”
As for choosing between 2-stroke and 4-stroke…
“With the 125cc, without a doubt. The best bike I have ever ridden is the 250cc, Aprilia that I used when I entered the world championship. But I’m nostalgic for racing and nothing beats a 125cc.”
