It’s a Hervé Poncharal totally reassured about his choices who is experiencing this promising 2017 offseason. The gaps are reduced and MotoGP shows its great form, which has also been patiently built up in recent years. Six factories on the starting grid is indeed a sign of good health. Among them, three Europeans, including the latest arrival KTM, which the French boss watches with one eye. And for good reason, he knows his drivers perfectly.
A duo composed of Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro and which was none other than his in recent seasons. Knowledge that will allow him to better evaluate the progress of a currently discreet RC16. The Austrian ambition is to beat Aprilia and stick to Suzuki. Downright. But there is still more to do.
The proof with the first verdict rendered after three days spent in Sepang. First, the certainty that the Englishman and the Spaniard are exactly at the same level since they are credited with the same time: 2:01,338. Which places Pol and Bradley in twenty-first and twenty-second place. This is two seconds from the best time of Casa Particular in Viñales achieved in 1:59,368 min. But it is also further from the Aprilia target since Aleix Espargaró, the brother of the other, achieved a, 2:00,108 which puts him thirteenth.
But for the one who is also the boss of Irta, the association of teams, KTM will not remain at this modest level for very long: “ They're going to need time, but I'm sure Bradley and Pol will be closer to the top of the standings in the second half of the season. They will be quality opponents ».
He continues on speedweek : " I am also happy that KTM has decided to join us in this championship. I am satisfied to see this European brand with us which has already made a great contribution to our sport. They have won titles in Moto3 and won editions of the Dakar ". A tribute from a Yamaha representative.
