Pol Espargaró knows it, this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix will launch a European campaign in this MotoGP season which will be sensitive both sportingly and politically. As far as he is concerned, the moment is all the more important to consider as he is not necessarily the favorite for the renewal of his contract with Honda. On the transfer market, he is placed on unfavorable waiver by rumor at the mention of certain names, among which the reigning World Champion is mentioned. But the Spaniard defends himself, for example by raising the specter of letting go of the prey for the shadows...
In a racing career, this is an option that is inevitably debated at some point. It is about changing manufacturers, to integrate a new project and once again show its value. Eddie lawson switched from Yamaha to Honda in 1989 as a three-time winner and immediately became world champion again. Valentino Rossi achieved the same feat in 2004 when he went from Honda à Yamaha .
But contemporary times have shown that brand changes are much more difficult to cope with than in the past. So, it took more than a year to Jorge Lorenzo to win races after moving from Yamaha to Ducati. The same Lorenzo was never competitive with the Honda. As for Johann zarco, his move from Yamaha to KTM was not successful, to say the least. We could also add to this non-exhaustive list the graft between Maverick Vinales and Aprilia which takes time.
Pol Espargaro also decided for this challenge, moving from KTM to Honda with a record so mixed for the moment that nothing is less certain than seeing him returned to his role as teammate of Marc Marquez for 2023 and beyond. It must be said that between the current leader of the championship bastianini, the swift and fiery Jorge Martin, the title of 2020 Joan mir and the reigning World Champion fabio quartararo, HRC has what it takes to study excellent recruitment files.
Pol Espargaro: “ I am currently faster than the names mentioned«
Sure, but Pol Espargaro will defend its position, on the track, but also in the area of reflection. He thus warns about Motorsport-total : " we have reached a point in this category where each motorcycle must be ridden specifically », declares the Spaniard. “ It has to suit your riding style. Changing brands is risky because the level is too high. Changing bikes can end a career. You have to think carefully about what you want to do ».
From there, the younger brother of Aleix, now a winner in MotoGP and who has entered his own phase of talks to continue with Aprilia, is convinced of one thing: “ I don't think there will be many changes ". And as far as he is concerned, is he already in advanced negotiations with Honda? “ Not yet. It's too early for that ». Most Pol Espargaro don’t think he can lose his place: “ I've read all kinds of rumors and names. I am currently very happy where I am. Honda is happy with me. I am currently faster than the names mentioned ". And he ends: “ I'm not worried ».
