This first Grand Prix of the MotoGP season in Jerez revealed a very good performance from the KTMs which we did not expect at such a celebration on such a circuit. During the practice sessions, the RC16s were declared candidates for the top 10 and in the race, Pol Espargaró, sixth, had the podium in his sights. Of course, the Suzukis weren't there and neither was Cal Crutchlow. But the signs of a good bike are, so much so that for this weekend, and on the same track, we can't wait to see what the Austrian machines will do. Pol Espargaró already has one certainty…
The season is off to a good start KTM who is not only satisfied with an honorable result from his first pilot Pol Espargaro. Throughout the Spanish meeting, the young recruits showed their talent while the overall pace of the RC16 is more than encouraging.
An impression which is not false, and it is Pol Espargaro as the saying goes: “ now we are also in play » says the future teammate of Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda. “ Normally at Jerez we struggle a lot, but the four KTMs were really competitive. Now we are on the same level as the others » added the Spaniard.
Faster than Dovizioso and his Ducati
Better, the same youngest member of the family I will espargaro found that motorcycles that were inaccessible not so long ago were now usable: “ Dovizioso was slower than me in the race “he assures. " Not to brag, but that's how it was. When braking, when cornering, like the speed in the corners... The only point where we were lower was on the straights, we are still missing something like top speed. In fact, I tried to pass him several times, I felt faster than him, but he caught me without any problem on the straight. ».
Pol Espargaro and his colleagues from KTM now have experience of a Grand Prix at Jerez before tackling the second in the same place. Enough to throw yourself back into the fray and emerge at the forefront? This is all the bad we wish for the four RC16s which are of the same level.
MotoGP Jerez 2: program
Friday July 24
09:00 – 09:40 FP1 Moto3
09:55 – 10:40 FP1 MotoGP
10:55 – 11:35 FP1 Moto2
11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. FP1 MotoE
13:15 – 13:55 FP2 Moto3
14:10 – 14:55 FP2 MotoGP
15:10 – 15:55 FP2 Moto2
16:05 a.m. – 16:35 p.m. FP2 MotoE
Saturday, July 25
09:00 – 09:40 FP3 Moto3
09:55 – 10:40 FP3 MotoGP
10:55 – 11:35 FP3 Moto2
11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. FP3 MotoE
12:35 – 12:50 Q1 Moto3
13:00 – 13:15 Q2 Moto3
13:30 – 14:00 FP4 MotoGP
14:10 p.m. – 14:25 p.m. Q1 MotoGP
14:35 p.m. – 14:50 p.m. Q2 MotoGP
15:10 – 15:25 Q1 Moto2
15:35 – 15:50 Q2 Moto2
16:00 p.m. Epole MotoE
Sunday, July 25
08:20 p.m. – 08:40 a.m. Warm Up Moto3
08:50 p.m. – 09:10 a.m. Warm Up Moto2
09:20 – 09:40 Warm Up MotoGP
10:05 a.m. MotoE race
11:00 a.m. Moto3 race
12:20 a.m. Moto2 race
14:00 p.m. MotoGP race
