KTM, through the sporting director of its MotoGP team Mike Leitner, recognized it: the risk of losing leader Pol Espargaró, who would be leaving for the Repsol Honda team, is great. Now, the Austrian firm is thinking about what comes next so as not to verify the adage that says that you are missing only one being and everything is depopulated. Mattighofen's sports boss Pit Beirer assesses his remaining strength and insists that with Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder there is nothing to worry about.
KTM prides itself on being, above all, a family and the Austrian manufacturer is known for taking good care of its drivers and their training as well as their environment. The price of this supervision is the requirement, but the reward had to be loyalty. At least, that's what the Austrians thought, who fell from a height when they discovered that Pol Espargaro was preparing to head towards Repsol Honda and that George Martin was very close to being surrounded by Ducati...
But that's how it is. And before the void falls, Pete Beirer, at the forefront of these issues, takes stock of the forces that will undoubtedly remain attached to the RC16 project. And he is not deprived, with a Miguel Oliveira who can reach maturity and authentic hope Brad Binder on which he relies a lot…
Public chat Speedweek. com, to Günther Wiesinger, he comments: “ everyone expects something from Brad because he was simply one of the strongest riders in Moto3 and Moto2. But now we first have to see how he can find his way as a newcomer to MotoGP and where he can fit in. But we don't have to beat around the bush. Brad is a great talent. Otherwise he wouldn't be in our factory team. He drives with a lot of energy. It's awesome. He is only 24 years old. With him we have another strong young MotoGP rider »Assures Pete Beirer on the one who had achieved the ninth time during the tests in Qatar in February of the world before.
“Everyone expects something from Brad Binder”
Miguel Oliveira, still a pilot Tech3, will make his second season in MotoGP: “ Miguel is fit again after his shoulder surgery in November », rejoices the team manager Leitner. " We expect a lot from him. When he had the same equipment as Pol Espargaró for the first time at Spielberg last August, he had a giant race and finished in 8th place. But unfortunately his season ended the following race due to a shoulder injury at Silverstone. » The promising Portuguese had been hit by Johann zarco in the battle for a place in the top ten. He had suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery.
Note that in addition to this duo who could wear the official colors if Pol Espargaro confirmed his desire to join Marc Marquez in his lair, KTM also has in his clan the very young Iker Lecuona, with equally certain potential. It is also for the moment established that Dani Pedrosa, the test driver, will not return to competition as a starter.
