MotoGP Misano-2 J2 Pol Espargaró (Honda/4): “the conditions in the rain were extremely dangerous”

Pol Espargaró went through the pitfalls of a day in Misano where he had to keep his nerves. The track was certainly no longer watered by the rain, however, it took more than its time before starting to dry, and even then, not everywhere. We therefore had to keep our eyes peeled and master ourselves behind the handlebars of a Honda known to be complicated. But the result is there for the Spaniard who fails just in front of the first row and relegates his illustrious teammate Marc Marquez to third…

Pol Espargaro can be satisfied with his hard day in Misano. A Saturday which ended with the fourth fastest time at the end of qualifying which had to be approached with confidence and determination. The official Honda found a good strategy. To finish, the Catalan secured fourth place on the grid, only missing the front row by 0,18 seconds.

« Conditions in the rain were extremely dangerous. I took a lot of risks to enter Q2 straight away » remembers Aleix's brother. “ I was super relieved, half the day was over for me “, he says. Then he adds: “ even in Q2, the track was still extremely delicate. It was so easy to make a mistake. If you go just a little offshore, you'll immediately catch a wet spot somewhere. The first two lines are good here. The first sector is very delicate after the start ».

Pol Espargaró explains how the Honda's flaw became a quality

« The fact that we generally have a little less rear grip with the Honda makes it a little easier here at Misano " revealed Pol Espargaro. " The first three bikes were Ducatis. We are getting used to this type of motorcycle. I have more problems with this than others. I train a lot to improve. It's clear that it's now a little more balanced here ».

Pol Espargaro finished : " it's difficult in such qualifications. For example, I started quickly, but I caught up with other riders like Miguel Oliveira. I had to close the throttle and the tire got cold again. In return, the others drive fast. The problem is that you quickly lose your rhythm. I saw Petrucci fall, so of course you think about that. It's a mixture of feelings. Sunday's warm-up will be very important ". Conditions for the race are expected to be dry. What is the pilot's ambition Honda ? " A podium would be great, but fighting for the top 5 would already be great. If my current position on the grid had been acquired with a few more laps in the dry, I would have found it doable. But I don't think anyone knows how things are going to go on Sunday"