Between Yamaha and Pol Espargaró, it’s a story that will end in jubilation. Certainly, the 2 Moto2013 World Champion will not have had the desired career in Grand Prix under the awning of the three tuning forks, since his training at Tech3 will not have led to an arrival in the factory team. But with his now two victories at the Suzuka 8 Hours, Aleix's younger brother has entered the legend of the Iwata brand.
Because for Japanese manufacturers, this classic of the Endurance Championship is a prestigious, unmissable national event. The Japanese manufacturers compete openly so much so that a victory in front of one's compatriots and rivals counts at least as much as a world title in a track category.
Since 1996, Yamaha has failed to achieve success on a track that belongs to Honda. The world's leading manufacturer claims 27 successes in 39 editions of these 8 Hours of Suzuka. But for two years, it is the new R1 which has ruled the roost. With, in particular, a Pol Espargaro who, in addition to building racing success with his teammates, ensures pole position for the whole. At the top of the starting grid last year, the man who is currently sixth in the MotoGP championship as the best satellite rider also achieved the top position in Japan for the second time in a row.
With Smith et It lit up last year, it was with the same It lit up but this time with Alex Lowes which Pol Espargaro came to fruition, while his colleagues from the Grands Prix were relaxing and enjoying the summer break. Pol Espargaro, he’s also a hard worker! “ I am very happy and fulfilled by this victory, both for me and for my teammates Alex and Nakasuga-san, because we really deserve it » assures the one who will serve the interests of KTM next year. “ We worked hard from the very first attempts to give the best of ourselves. This is my second victory at Suzuka, the second in a row with Nakasuga and the first with Alex. I am convinced that the latter will continue the series in 2017! ».
A conviction in the form of a farewell to Suzuka from a driver who will join an Austrian manufacturer who is not involved in the Endurance championship. And who will therefore not be on the entry list next year at Suzuka: “ I want to thank everyone on this fantastic team most sincerely. We are three riders, but there are also all the mechanics and all the people who work within the Yamaha Factory Team. I can never thank all of these people enough. ". This is the first time since his Moto3 period in 2013 that Pol Espargaró tasted the joys of victory. His last career intoxication?
Meanwhile, Yamaha is already preparing the next edition at Suzuka by making a call to a certain Valentino Rossi.
