MotoGP Qatar: new to Honda Pol Espargaró just wants to do his best

Pol Espargaró will appear in Qatar this weekend for the first time wearing a Repsol Honda suit. The Spaniard never stopped affirming that wearing these colors was like a waking dream, thus giving full dimension to the challenge he decided to take on. During the off-season tests, on the same Losail track, the younger Espargaró was convincing for his first laps on the reluctant RC213V. With the absence of Marc Marquez for the first two Grands Prix of the year promised to take place near Doha, the former KTM knows that he has a great opportunity to make an impression on his debut at Honda. Even if he plays it modest before jumping into the fray...

Pol Espargaro will be, whether he likes it or not, the star of the box Repsol Honda, while waiting for the return of Marc Marquez to the competition which we can envisage in mid-April at Portugal. A pressure that he is hiding for the moment by focusing on generalities before the start of hostilities this Friday: “ the first race is finally coming, I'm really looking forward to getting back on the Honda. We had a good test and I'm looking forward to the first race weekend ", asserted Pol Espargaro as a foreplay.

« There are things we still need to learn and understand about the bike, it will be an intense opening weekend, but I'm happy. Most people dream of racing with Repsol Honda. I can not wait anymore » he adds. And when we remind him of his good offseason testing, he replies: “ I don't set a goal for the race, I just want to do my best. Let's put on a good show for all the fans watching at home! ».

Pol Espargaró will have to keep Bradl at homeeye

Pol Espargaro will share the Repsol Honda box with Stefan bradl. Officially a simple test rider, he should not be underestimated given the level reached during his numerous occasions spent riding the RC213V, of which almost the entire 2020 season is a part.

The Bavarian last took part in a race at the Losail international circuit in 2016, but he recently showed his potential during pre-season testing, despite a crash: “ first of all I would like to thank HRC and wish Marc Márquez the best for the rest of the rehabilitation process ", said Bradl. " It's going to be great to race in Qatar again, it's been a long time. However, after the two tests, I don't think it will be a disadvantage for us ».

« We had some good tests. Hopefully we will have another strong weekend and can gather some good information for Honda “, said the replacement and HRC test pilot with barely hidden ambitions.