We have often found two brothers on a starting grid, the most recent in the MotoGP category being Pol and Aleix Espargaró. They are joined this year by Marc and Alex Marquez, teammates within the official Honda Repsol team.
Here's the younger Espargaró brother's take, starting with what he thinks of "El Diablo."
Quartararo, after a first year without expectations, is now an official driver. Will he change his attitude? And will he be the next World Champion?
“It's possible, he's a very strong driver, he's young, he's hungry, he's not afraid of anything and he's in a great team. But his task will now be difficult, because it is not easy to select the new equipment to mount on the motorcycle and to go quickly. He will probably make mistakes and he will now have to put his mind to work for development, to manage pressure, to obtain results. Now there is all this and you have to compare it with two top drivers like Casa Particular in Viñales et Red, it won't be easy.
You have been racing with your brother in MotoGP for a few years, but Marc and Álex are in a different situation, they are in the same team. Isn't it risky, also because the Honda is not an easy bike?
“It will be difficult for both of them, and not just for Álex. Álex is in his first year, on a difficult bike, on top of all that, he will be riding alongside his brother, who of course he knows very well, but there is a particular rivalry with his brother. »
“I don't like riding with my brother in MotoGP, imagine in the same team, I wouldn't like that at all. And then his teammate is the best driver in the championship, it's a very difficult situation for Álex, but also for Marc, who would like to see his brother succeed on the official Honda. In my opinion it will be difficult to cope, but they have a good boss like Alberto puig who knows what to do. They'll probably do well, I'm curious. »
How does the rivalry between two brothers work?
“It's risky, because they are very close as brothers, it's a very good thing, they are always together at home, they train together. This makes things even more complicated, because if Álex comes seventh or eighth, that would be a good result, but if Marc comes first, that's no longer the case. »
“They must fight as equals in all races, with the same bike, which will increase the rivalry. They will have to be good, as we are, the Espargaró brothers, to forget the rivalry in order to continue having a normal relationship outside. It's not easy because you have to make an effort. »
What do you mean by that ?
“There are times when I'm with my brother and there are emotions that you can't undo, you're not completely comfortable. It takes time, we have to talk to each other, even if we are lucky enough to have children, it's an excuse to see each other when things aren't very happy. But it will be difficult, because people don't know how big the rivalry is in MotoGP, and if you have a brother in the same category or in the same team it will be difficult, I would never have wanted that. »
Who do you think will be the revelation of the World Championship?
“In my opinion, the revelation will be Suzuki, never seen so competitive. They went fast in all conditions, I really like them as a team and the bike works well, especially when there is less grip. »
“The nights in Qatar, when the humidity increased, they went very fast. The runs always took place at a brisk pace. Quartararo hasn't been as competitive as last year, partly because he is now an official driver and as such he is starting to try a lot of new parts, which complicates things. Viñales was very strong, we always have to consider Rossi and then Dovizioso, who is still hiding but fighting for victory in the race. »
Were you surprised when Yamaha made the contracts with Viñales and Quartararo and not Rossi?
“Yamaha needs to look to the future, focus on what they will do in the years to come. The present is Valentino, he is still going strong, he is a marketing force, he has enormous popularity. »
“But Yamaha wants to win by focusing on young people like all the teams have done, Ducati with Bagnaia, Honda with Alex Marquez, Yamaha with Quartararo, Suzuki with Mir, KTM with Binder. Everyone wants young talent for the future, Yamaha did well to close the entire market in three days. »
What do you think of Zarco? Was it a mistake to leave mid-season, even in light of the improvements you're making?
“In my opinion, yes, Zarco had set his expectations too high with KTM. Probably seeing the results Smith and I were getting, he thought he was much stronger than us and better than us. »
What is happening now? Do you have any ideas on work programs?
“We started the season two months ago in Qatar, but at the moment there is no race, so there is no point in preparing intensively. We have to be calm, think about the fact that it's a vacation, but we have to stay in shape. I train in the morning, not too hard, but it is important not to lose the work done in winter to prepare for the first race. »
It's a shame because KTM and Aprilia seem to have taken a step forward this winter, but you can't show it on the track.
“It’s a shame because we have improved a lot, we have taken a big step forward. I was sure that when we got to Europe we would be really strong. »
“Now we are all still here, us, the Aprilia, the Yamaha, the Honda, the Ducati and the Suzuki, we are all going to start from scratch. The KTM racing department is closed. We'll pick up where we left off. »
You are a bit like the captain of KTM, you have been there for several years, progress has come thanks to your work. Do you intend to continue this project? What goals have you set for yourself with this motorcycle?
“It's a complicated situation for people like me who don't have a contract for next year, we're going to finish the season very late and we'll have to wait for the contract. »
“I'm happy to be at KTM, this year the engineers have worked a lot, especially on aerodynamics because we were a little late, the engine is more powerful, the electronics have been improved like the new chassis. We have a good set. We have to start being in front, because at the beginning of this adventure we were always behind, but we have improved. This year we need to perform well to see if my place is here or in another team. »
Have you had contact with other teams?
“We are talking to all the teams, to understand what everyone's intentions are for next year. I have to say that my priority is to stay at KTM and see what results we will have, to see if they are as good as I hope, to understand what to do with my career. »
“I am 28 years old and it is a crucial moment in my career because young people like Quartararo arrive quickly. It's not easy to be at the front with a bike that's not at the top. »
Source: Sport.sky.it
Photos © Motogp.com / Dorna, Sebas Romero for KTM
