Moto2 World Champion in 2013 and winner of the Suzuka 8 Hours in 2015 with Bradley Smith and Katsuyuki Nakasuga, then in 2016 with Nakasuga and alex lowes, Pol Espargaró delighted his employer KTM by putting an Austrian machine on the MotoGP podium for the first time in 2018 in Valencia. After three seasons on Yamaha, then three on KTM, the native of Granollers (June 10, 1991) is preparing as best he can, depending on the circumstances, to start his seventh season in MotoGP.
“Despite Covid-19, the objectives are still the same. The problem is that we still don't know when we should start our pre-season training program, and it's mentally difficult. The other thing is that sportingly we still don't know where we really stand, we have to check it on site. The winter tests were good, but we still don't know to what level... We'll need a few races to figure it out » explained the youngest of the Espargaró brothers to Gonçalo Viegas and Fabio Fialho of Motorcyclesports.net.
Has having to stay at home had any impact on your type of training?
“With my coach, we made a home training plan to try to gain on certain aspects while waiting to prepare a different plan for when we have certainty of the schedule. Luckily, I live in a new house that I built and prepared a gym, so I'm luckier than others. »
“Once we know the calendar, we will make a plan, also taking into account that the season will be short, with many races in a row and many long trips. This will make for a different season, an unknown situation which will certainly change the way of training a little. »
Since you arrived in MotoGP, you have raced with Yamaha and KTM. Given your experience, what are the strengths of the RC16 compared to the M1?
“You could say they are completely different bikes, considering I never rode the last M1 and mine was a bit limited. From the outside, the M1 is much larger, and the RC16 is much more compact. The Yamaha's strong point is cornering speed and how you have to prepare the bike for that moment, braking earlier and keeping that speed, and lifting the bike up when you need to accelerate. »
“On the other hand, the RC16 is really strong from the start at the braking point, you can do it very late and then take the bike and accelerate, because we have a very good engine as well. At this point we are also focusing a lot on improving our electronics. We think we have to win a little more compared to more experienced competitors. This is something that we must assume because of the point of development that we have reached. »
“We are really young in MotoGP and the rest of the factories have a lot of experience in all areas. We are developing more, but it is difficult to do enough in this short period. This is the most impressive thing in KTM's project, to be able to reach the level we have now by fighting against other factories that have been working in the category for a long time. »
What is the biggest difference you have felt since joining KTM?
“It's easy to understand: my natural driving style pushes me to be hard on the brakes, and the RC16 adapts better to this style, I feel more natural riding it. The other point is that it's a completely different story to work in a factory where they listen to you and try to help you, than in another where you're just another pilot, depending on what the official drivers need and being, if you can put it that way, in second place. »
Do you think it would have been better to put Miguel Oliveira in the factory team because he is more experienced, and Brad Binder alongside Iker Lecuona?
“Well, these are decisions made by KTM management, so I don't have any information to give an opinion. What is certain, and this is really interesting at KTM, is that the Tech3 riders have the same hardware as us, also in terms of development, and also the technical support of the engineers, which is better for all four, because that way we can grow faster when we have four different types of data from four different riders on the same bike. We don't have drivers number 1, 2, 3 and 4."
Do you think that the fact that KTM has two rookies could delay the ideal development of the RC16?
" I do not think so. Miguel and I have more experience, that's clear, but Brad and Iker also give fresh information, coming from a very good school which is Moto2. And then we have the incredible experience of Dani Pedrosa, and also by Mika Kallio. »
Since your arrival at KTM, you have always progressed in the final ranking. Do you think you can finish this year in the top ten?
“I have to believe in this goal. Last year I finished 11th, our bike is better, so I have to think of something better for 2020. By how much? I don't know, that's something we still have to find out down the track. »
You have won the Suzuka 8 Hours twice. If KTM decided to enter the race, would you like to be called up?
“The Suzuka 8 Hours is one of the best experiences I have had as a driver. The problem is that KTM doesn't have a production bike at the moment to seriously consider this option... But if in the future they have one, who knows! »
Your brother [Aleix Espargaró], Valentino Rossi, Cal Crutchlow, Andrea Dovizioso are drivers who are already in their thirties. Do you think MotoGP can benefit from the presence of young riders who are both experienced and irreverent?
" Of course. I think the Championship is currently at its best level, of bikes and riders. The factories have developed some amazing prototypes, and I hope KTM can fight with the big four soon. And then we have this combination of young talents, experienced guys, and then drivers like me, not “old”, but not young. »
“What is important is that we have reached a point where all the drivers are very focused on their preparation, from the oldest, Vale, to the youngest. I think we are more professional than ever in all areas and this shows this incredible level. »
Photos © Sebas Romero, Polarity Photo and Markus Berger for KTM
