It is in pain that KTM started a 2018 season which brought the Austrians back to dry land. The end of the last financial year was exciting with a level displayed for the top 10 and the scalp of Aprilia, present for three seasons, taken in the general classification of the championship. A fanfare debut. But to Qatar, three weeks ago, there were hiccups. Bradley Smith had tire and pace problems. As for Pol Espargaro, he was physically still recovering while the electronics proved erratic. This weekend is theArgentina and Aleix's younger brother, hardly any more polished on his RS-GP, wants to boost the morale of the Mattighofen firm with a positive speech.
The first thing the orange tunics will do when they arrive at Termas de Rio Honda is to look again at the electronics of the RC16 which has caused many problems. This is to forget the dark night of Qatar. But to see life in rosy colors, they can count on their spearhead, Pol Espargaro : " I learned with KTM in one year much more than my last three seasons in MotoGP » declares the Spaniard on speedweek. " It's crazy. In 2017 we sometimes used a new chassis with a new engine, it was crazy because we kept getting new parts ».
« But the 2017 results speak for themselves. This year, the development will undoubtedly be less intense, but it will continue because we must advance twice as fast as our opponents to reach their level. It's harder for us, but it's what we have to do if we want to reach the top 6 ».
An objective displayed by the boss on the track Pit Beirer. And that we should be able to assume from the second part of this season. “ It's probably incredible considering that, but last year he told us that we would be in the top 10 at the start of our first campaign. It was also hard to believe, and yet! » Thereupon, he burst into flames: “ my faith in this program is immense, my motivation is higher than ever. My dream is to win the championship with KTM ».
This is what is said. “ The biggest developments will arrive for races in Europe. We always talk about the bike, but the riders will also have to work on themselves. Mentally, I am stronger than ever because I have a strong team around me who always puts a smile on my face ».
And this good mood and this optimism will further increase in 2019, with the arrival of an ally of choice… “ The arrival of Tech3 will allow KTM to make big progress. Because it’s a great team. She works very well with young riders and they are not just looking to have a motorcycle. They want to be fully involved in the project ". A tribute paid by the one who worked with them for three seasons.
In Qatar, Pol Espargaro had to retire after fifteen laps while Bradley Smith finished eighteenth…
