Pol Espargaró seems to be coming back to life since he managed to escape from a Repsol Honda box that looked like a larkspur. Before taking charge again for the Sepang tests which began last night, the one who returned to the fold of KTM proclaims to anyone who will listen that he is now “ where it should be ". During the winter break, he had plenty of time to turn this HRC page of two years which could have permanently ruined his career. Now representing GASGAS, he speaks freely about the RC213V and the fundamental reason why the graft did not take with his riding style. An explanation which also reveals the particular character of this Japanese machine that Joan Mir and Alex Rins should soon discover and perhaps just as regret…
In an interview read on speedweek, Pol Espargaro explains in detail how to ride a MotoGP with the rear brake. But also why it is totally impossible with a Honda, which gives an element of reflection on the causes of the current crisis within the HRC… On driving technique the Spaniard declares: “ one thing i need most when riding is the rear brake to stop the motorcycle ". He makes this important clarification for the following: “ we cannot ride these new generation motorcycles with just the front brake. In addition to the engine brake, the rider must also apply the rear wheel brake. I got used to it on the KTM. The problem for the last two years was that I couldn't use the rear brake at all ».
And do not use the rear brake when you are used to doing so, " it's like if a journalist who usually writes with his right hand suddenly has to take notes with his left hand “he assures. " With all the fenders and the whole aero package, the bikes sit a lot lower now. Because of these forces, it is much more grounded when accelerating and braking. If you look back, five or six years ago, the brakes were all on one wheel. NOW, if you look at Ducati, the masters of aerodynamics, the bike doesn't move at all. The rear works much more and especially when stopping, you can use engine brake and rear brake more ».
Pol Espargaro: “ this is also why Marc often loses control of the front and suffers so many falls«
When asked about the braking process, Pol Espargaro explained in detail: “ you should not fully grip the brake lever right away, otherwise the rear will lift up. You need to start gently and gradually increase the braking power at the front. In this phase the engine brake works, so you don't need to press the rear brake too hard, otherwise the engine and rear brakes will only fight each other ". Then he continues: “ but as soon as you lean into the corner, from the entry of the corner to the middle of the corner, the driver has to play with the rear brake. For example, you reduce braking force at the front by 20% and compensate for 20% at the rear ».
The consequences of the maneuver are as follows: “ this puts more pressure on the rear and allows the bike to steer. On the other hand, if you just press the front... This is also why Marc often loses control of the front and suffers so many falls ". And it’s not just that… “ There are now numerous Ducati engineers at GASGAS and KTM. They also confirmed to us that this was the way to go: put more pressure on the rear so that the front is a little freer to turn ". Did the message reach the box of Marc Marquez ?
