Pol Espargaró left the KTM shadows hypnotized by the Repsol Honda light two years ago, convinced that he would finally achieve fame on the RC213V. He burned his wings there, only bringing back two podiums and a pole position from his HRC period. But also very few top 10s and a painful series of falls. In 2023, it's back to Mattighofen's hut, but the Spaniard does not return there sheepishly. From this childhood dream lived like a nightmare, he woke up stronger and says that he will show it under the GASGAS in a Tech3 team which is also like a return to his roots...
Pol Espargaró returns from Honda hell to settle back under a KTM awning, so far without any hard feelings after his departure two seasons ago. But both the driver and the Austrian manufacturer remained on good terms and the circumstances came together again to write together a new chapter in a common history.
However, things have changed since then. And as for the pilot, Pol Espargaró says it’s better: “ from bad times you also learn » assures the Spaniard motogp.com. “It’s a process and you keep getting better as a man and as a pilot, just as in your private life. I grew up a lot at Honda. Even though we had difficult times, I met a lot of nice people and good engineers and thanks to that I will bring better information » he comments.
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Pol Espargaro: “la moto est assez similaire à quand j’ai quitté KTM"
And he is convinced of it: “ I'm a better guy than I was two years ago when I left KTM. Every stage of your career is important enough to understand where you can improve. And and if you're able to do it and improve, then that's a win ». Pol Espargaro so at least gained a few things from Honda. And it's KTM via GASGAS who should benefit from it: “ everything is in my comfort zone with the GASGAS brand. With some good faces I know from my past. Everything looks good to start the season but it's only the beginning. We have a long journey to take together » said Aleix's younger brother.
« When you jump on the bike you always have those doubts that maybe it's changed a lot since last time, but ultimately it's quite similar to when I left KTM. Some details and new devices have been put in place since I left, but everything seems pretty comfortable at the moment » rejoices the thirty-year-old Spaniard.
Now all that remains is to set goals. An operation that Pol Espargaro approaches with caution: we will have to be patient at first. The season is going to be long. We don't want to make a stupid mistake at first. It is also true that the test days are very few. We only have five days of testing in 2023 before we start the season at Portimao. It's pretty close to the first race. You have to be careful not to make mistakes, only do a small number of laps but you also have to be as fast as possible. There will be a lot of shopping to do, they will come quickly, so we have to be competitive from the start » he finishes.
