It is a Pol Espargaró knowing his future for 2024 within the Pierer Mobility Group who arrives this weekend in Mandalika, to compete in what will in fact be his last Indonesian Grand Prix as a starting rider in MotoGP. But it will also be his very first on an RC16, a machine that won the inaugural edition on this brand new track on the island of Lombok, with Miguel Oliveira and the rain. And this year? For the one who sacrificed himself so that Pedro Acosta had his first handlebars in MotoGP, this will be the great discovery.
Pol Espargaro will indeed attempt the Indonesian Grand Prix MotoGP for the first time with the RC16, and so he will have a pretty big task, as he continues to readjust to the 2023 package. The latest Grand Prix in Japan was a little disappointing for the Spaniard who had higher hopes at the Mobility Resort Motegi, a track he really likes. He still brought home some points in the box, but he will certainly look to do better this weekend in Indonesia.
Pol Espargaro: “ I'm still figuring out the bike. »
« I honestly don't know what to expect this weekend » admits Aleix's younger brother. “ The first time I rode at Mandalika I was super fast and felt really good on the track. Then everything changed in the Grand Prix, so it'll be interesting to find out how I'll feel there ».
« We also have some ideas to continue working on the bike that we were unable to test in Japan due to the conditions on Sunday. » he adds. “ I'm still understanding the bike because it's changed a lot since I rode it in preseason, and that's not so easy to do during race weekends. because of the format. We will see if we find a good starting point to enjoy the weekend in Indonesia ».
His team manager at Tech3 Nicolas Goyon concludes on his case: “ Pol Espargaró struggled a bit in the wet conditions of Japan, but that was always one of his strengths. So we have no doubt that it will bounce back this weekend. It's gradually picking up speed, so I'm confident our team can have a good weekend in Mandalika ».
