Hervé Poncharal went through all the colors in this Austrian meeting on a route whose name is not foreign to that displayed on the fairings of his motorcycles. It is also located near a KTM factory with which it is a partner. The boss of Tech3 first saw a good race from his riders in Moto3, poorly rewarded. A scenario with a practically identical epilogue took place in MotoGP, but with all the same satisfaction Iker Lecuona who finally sees the finish following Fabio Quartararo…
The French boss of the paddock Hervé Poncharal is shared between two feelings. That of disappointment, because before the racing incidents, the possible result for his troops Tech3 was more than promising. But he is also satisfied, because the potential of the RC16 is proven whileIker Lecuona finally saw the checkered flag, in the top 10.
« It could have been a very good day for KTM in general and for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team” comments Hervé. “After the first interrupted race we spoke to Miguel, who had a really great feeling. He obtained a better position on the starting grid for the restart and a good start. We were in the lead group and just waiting to see how the race would go, but in a very good position. Unfortunately, we didn't see it very well on television, but when we saw that the two, Pol and Miguel, were missing on the screen, we understood that there was a problem between these two.
I would say it was an unfortunate racing incident. Unfortunately, this is the second time two KTMs have collided after what happened at Jerez and in both of those incidents, both times Miguel was involved and both times it was a DNF for him, which is a shame. Because when you see the championship standings, I think we could be really at the top. It's just a disappointing situation.
Lecuona warmly congratulated
But anyway, let's take the positives; we are here for another weekend, we were fast, no one is hurt and we will try again next week. On Iker's side, I would like to congratulate him and his team. The first three races of the championship were very difficult, it wasn't easy for him and when you do three races in a row without finishing them, without points, the pressure is high.
Iker is the youngest driver on the grid, he is a rookie and it was difficult for him to cope with all these things, but he did it very well this weekend. In all sessions he was fast, not a single mistake. The whole race he was behind Fabio Quartararo, who is the championship leader, don't forget that. Finishing in ninth position for your very first MotoGP finish, I think, shows the level of Iker. I am very proud of him.
Today, I would say that KTM obtained the best results with its two rookies. Good job for Iker, good job for Miguel. Unfortunately we couldn't finish the race, but there are only a few days left before the restart, so let's just keep the positives and forget the negatives! »
MotoGP Red Bull Ring 1 J3: standings
