When the rider responsible for developing Moto3 at KTM admitted, on his social network, that Dani Pedrosa, on the RC16, was fast on the track, some took it lightly. But after the two days of tests spent in Misano, with the elite of MotoGP, it is indeed the same Pedrosa who claims to be first in line for the Mattighofen firm on the time sheet. The work of the three-time World Champion, whom the Austrian leaders would like to bring out of his retirement as a regular driver, is therefore bearing fruit. And Pol Espargaró is not the last to point this out…
Pol Espargaro did not finish in the leading group his two days of tests spent at Misano, but the official KTM left the site of the future San Marino Grand Prix in two weeks with a smile on his face. This thanks to Dani Pedrosa, ranked ahead of him, but whose contribution to the development of the RC16 was more than appreciated: “ we tested the bike that Dani Pedrosa has been developing all season » declared one Pol Espargaro who draws a positive result.
« We are working on a lot of things, Dani is also testing. We are testing the bike for next year, new chassis variants, new philosophies for the bike… In addition, we will use new parts in the next races » summed up the 28-year-old Spaniard. “ After the many races it was difficult, in this heat it is not so easy. We didn't have much time. At the same time, I'm quite tired because we've done several laps. »
According to the Red Bull KTM factory rider, the test result is positive: “ ultimately, I think the results were good. The lap time wasn't bad, even though we weren't using the new Michelin tires that all the other drivers were setting fast times on. For us the fast lap is not that important, we are focusing on the next Grand Prix weekend here in Misano. We're just trying to grow as fast as possible. »
He adds : " on Thursday, the times were to be studied, but on Friday, certainly not. As I said, Michelin brought a very soft compound, like a qualifying tire. I do not know why. Drivers can only operate it for two quick laps. Normally, we improve by 1,5 seconds, that's a lot. »
« It doesn't matter for us, we have to focus on the tires for the race here in two weeks. We try that too. We were in the top 10 both days until all those soft tires were used. I am convinced that we can be good at the San Marino Grand Prix » reassures the teammate Johann zarco which only ran on Thursday.
In Misano, the team Red Bull KTM not only worked for 2020, but also for the other seven Grand Prix of the current season. New parts have been tested and will be used soon. “ It all depends on the chassis " confirmed I will espargaro. " Our engine doesn't work badly, but we found something to improve on the chassis. We are missing something in direction changes and acceleration. But we are progressing well, I am happy. Dani helps us a lot. Besides, next year's bike is pretty good. We tested the bike that Dani has been developing all season. »
« Dani has a very specific style because he comes from Honda. His driving is very clean » explained Pol. “ The 2020 version helps a lot with changes of direction and turns. You can activate the throttle with a little more security and grip, even if the bike starts to slide. It's working a little better, that's why I'm happy because we're doing a good job. Dani did a good job. It was a successful test for us. »
I will espargaro has followed : " we have improved the electronics, but we are mainly working on the chassis. I don't know if we can use anything from the bike for 2020 this season because it's a bit related to elements that we can't change. In my opinion, we can progress. We will see if we can improve in the race. Because we are fast in practice, but we lose in the race».
MotoGP Tests Misano: D2 times
