It is on his bed of pain that Pol Espargaro observed the tests of his troops KTM on the Buriram route, in Thailand. Having undergone back surgery following his violent fall during the Sepang tests, the brother of an Aleix who is an Aprilia official was able to see how much he was missing from an RC16 which was anonymous during these three days. Which inspired him to think about the profile that his next teammate should be…
Pol Espargaro continues his convalescence after his back operation which forced him to stay away from his KTM. A recovery which is still painful, which leaves a hint of concern about what his level of form will be when the hostilities of the season open in Qatar: “ I don't know what conditions I will be in, but I will be testing in Qatar. I started my training again. That being said, my back continues to hurt ».
Still, given Buriram's modest results, the former Moto2 World Champion has ants in his legs: “ I followed it closely and had the mechanics on the phone. They tested two chassis and two types of fairing. I know some factories ruined their tires before they even completed 20 laps. We kept this distance. But we know that the racing conditions will be different ».
The 26-year-old driver recalls his 2018 objectives: “ the second season is generally the hardest. It will be difficult and long. Our main goal will be the top 10. If we are in the top six, it will be a great result and it will mean that we did a very good job during the off-season ».
A job where he seems to feel very alone. His failure in Buriram showed the difference between him and his current teammates Smith et Rock : " firstly I hope to stay at KTM, we have good relations and the method is different from that of the Japanese. Every time I ask them something about the bike, I get it. Afterwards, KTM wants to win and it would be great to have a Marc Márquez, a Pedrosa or a rider of this caliber by my side! But our bike is not yet ready for them who have machines they can win with. But sooner or later, we will win too! »
If the sponsor Red Bull inevitably brings to mind the two HRC drivers, while Mike leitner, the team manager was chief mechanic of Pedrosa, we also think of a certain Johann zarco...
