Hervé Poncharal and his Tech3 team have just closed the 2021 MotoGP financial year with a strong preview of what 2022 will be like. During the two days of testing in Jerez, they got to know their two new riders better, and Conversely, Remy Gardner, the recently crowned Moto2 World Champion, and his runner-up Raul Fernandez. A duo of rookies, and the pair have noticed, not only on the KTM RC16 but also in their bodies, that they are going to have to seriously strengthen their muscles between now and the start of the school year...
And this return to school will be at the beginning of February in the Malaysian cauldron of Sepang. You will have to be sharp and be as muscular as you are resistant. Because so much Raul fernandez that Remy Gardner, who also suffered from rib pain, did not fail to note that they had entered another world with demands other than their Moto2 original. The fact remains that, despite a controversy launched by the Spaniard, the two beginners made a good impression on the boss… “ These two days of testing were incredibly intense for the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team » begins Hervé. “ I would like to thank our two drivers for their commitment. I know they have a long season behind them and they must be a little tired, but they showed a lot of courage for this first real MotoGP test ».
« They brought a very light and positive atmosphere into the box and both delivered an impressive performance on the bike, along with some interesting comments » adds the Frenchman. “ As we all know they are rookies, it was interesting to listen to what they were saying and see the progression on each run they did ».
« Clearly the weather conditions weren't ideal with a really, really strong wind, which made it a bit difficult on the track. But nevertheless, they did a lot of tricks ". Then he comes to the point: “ I think they understand a little better now, what they need to do to ride this bike fast and what they need to do to be physically fit. They understood that the upper body must be much stronger with the speed and carbon brakes of MotoGP. So overall I think it was a very productive and interesting test for them to go into the winter break, knowing what to do and having a good idea of how to get to Sepang ».
Hervé Poncharal thanks Dani Pedrosa for his advice to his young people
Hervé Poncharal also reveals that the duo was lucky to benefit from a quality guide: “ I would also like to thank Dani Pedrosa for his role as test pilot, but also as advisor. He came to our pilots to observe them and every piece of advice he gave them was very important and very useful ».
The tricolor concludes: “ so, we are finally done. We can all go home feeling like we've accomplished our mission. Now it's up to the brains of the KTM Factory Racing department to sharpen our 2022 weapons, but I have every confidence in them ».
« Before finishing, I would like to thank the drivers, but also the whole team for their attitude of never giving up, for their hard work almost 20 hours a day, for the smiles, which they never lose on their faces. Some people don't understand how difficult it is to be a racing mechanic or engineer, but I do and I would like to thank every member of the team, including the organization and the media department for their commitment, for their support. I wish everyone a good winter break to enjoy their personal lives before we all head to Malaysia ».
