The rumor had surprised and then paralyzed the sources close to the matter by gaining momentum. A thunderclap on the transfer market which discovered that between Pol Espargaró and Honda Repsol the understanding was more than cordial. A career plan was defined alongside Marc Marquez who thus saw his former Moto2 rival make a place to the detriment of his brother Alex, just starting out... At first as if stunned, KTM seems since to come to its senses and counter attack…
In his MotoGP adventure, KTM is generally expressed through its sports director Pete Beirer even the team manager Mike leitner. But this time, he's definitely the big boss Stefan pierer which comes out of the woodwork, on the sensitive subject of the future of Pol Espargaro.
Pol Espargaro is the spearhead of the RC16 project and his departure would undoubtedly leave a big void. It seems a given, but the CEO of KTM and Pierer Mobility AG, which also includes Husqvarna Motorcycles, GasGas and Husqvarna e-mountain bike manufacturer PEXCO, doesn't see it that way.
Public chat Speedweek. com and to Günther Wiesinger, he declared in fact: “ From our point of view, the question of whether Pol stays with KTM is still open. The decision will be made on September 15 at the latest. ". He adds : “We always try to retain drivers who suit us in the long term. Preferably also for life after your career. This is our philosophy.”
This position would indicate that a “right of first refusal” was included in the contract of Pol Espargaro. This means that if an opposing team makes an offer, KTM must have the opportunity to improve the offer by a certain date. To be continued…
